At dawn, sunlight filtered through the scattered clouds and dappled the beach. The clock had just struck five, and Zhou Zilong was already standing on the sand, beginning his daily training. His figure looked resolute and upright in the morning light, every move full of strength and rhythm.
"Not bad. You're up early," Master Roshi said as he emerged from the house, holding a freshly brewed cup of tea. Seeing Zhou Zilong practicing, he smiled with satisfaction.
"Before becoming your disciple, Master, I learned a little from a martial artist. I've kept up the habit of getting up early to train ever since." Zhou Zilong stopped, turned, and bowed to Master Roshi. His voice was firm and strong, with an unmistakable air of determination.
"That's a good habit. Keep it up." Master Roshi nodded, then walked over to Zhou Zilong and began explaining the true meaning of the Martial Way.
"Learning martial arts isn't about winning fights, or getting girls to say, 'You're so strong, hero!' and blow you kisses. Those are all unhealthy ideas," Master Roshi said earnestly. "The true purpose of martial arts is to keep your body and mind healthy, then use that healthy body and mind to live a meaningful life. That's the Martial Way!"
Zhou Zilong listened attentively. He couldn't help feeling a deep connection with Master Roshi's philosophy. He had always thought martial arts were about getting stronger and winning battles, but now he was beginning to understand that their true meaning went far beyond that.
"Master, I understand." Zhou Zilong bowed deeply.
Master Roshi smiled and nodded, then added, "There's one thing you should remember, though. If you ever see someone who's learned martial arts bullying decent, ordinary people, that person is your enemy. Make sure you teach him a good lesson!"
Zhou Zilong nodded firmly, silently vowing that wherever he went in the future, he would uphold the righteous spirit of the Martial Way and protect whatever he could.
After breakfast, Zhou Zilong followed Master Roshi's instructions and rested for half an hour to recover his strength and energy.
He knew the training ahead would be strict and grueling, but he was ready. He stood up and looked in the direction Master Roshi had pointed. A large, solitary island stood out on the blue sea.
"Zilong, your first lesson is to swim to that island." Master Roshi pointed at it with his cane. His voice was calm, but carried an unquestionable authority.
Zhou Zilong nodded and took a deep breath before setting off with determination. He took off his shoes and walked barefoot across the beach, feeling the sand's softness and warmth beneath his feet. Step by step, he made his way into the water until it reached his knees. He glanced back at Master Roshi, then leaped into the sea.
The water was cool and deep. Zhou Zilong felt it envelop his body, as if he'd entered another world. He took a deep breath and began the long swim, powering forward as his arms swept through the water and his legs kicked hard to propel him onward.
At times, the sea was calm as a mirror; at others, it surged and roared. Zhou Zilong constantly adjusted his breathing and rhythm to meet the changing conditions. He could feel his energy draining, but he had no intention of giving up.
As time passed, Zhou Zilong felt his strength steadily ebbing away. His arms began to ache, his legs grew unbearably heavy, and his breathing turned ragged as his heart raced. But he gritted his teeth and kept swimming forward.
Just when Zhou Zilong felt he could hardly go on, he spotted land ahead. The island was right before him. It was as if he could see the light of hope, and he summoned every last bit of strength to swim toward it. At last, he reached its shore.
Zhou Zilong lay exhausted on the sand, gasping for breath. His body felt utterly spent, yet he was filled with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment unlike anything he had ever felt.
"Congratulations, Zilong. You've completed your first lesson. You'll have to work even harder from now on." Master Roshi's voice sounded beside him. Zhou Zilong looked up and saw him standing on the shore, smiling at him.
"Yes, Master!" Zhou Zilong struggled to his feet, bowed to Master Roshi, and answered excitedly.
Master Roshi then led Zhou Zilong along a winding path into the depths of the island. Along the way, they met many of the island's residents. Every one of them greeted Master Roshi warmly, as if he were the most welcome guest there.
"Master Mutian, you're here!" A somewhat plump woman came toward them, carrying a basket filled with fresh vegetables. "Sorry for the trouble. The company that buys the vegetables will come to pick them up this evening." Her face beamed with a simple, honest smile, and she clearly trusted Master Roshi.
Master Roshi nodded, then turned to Zhou Zilong. "Zilong, see? This is the kind of thing we do. Farm work may seem simple, but it can build your strength and endurance. Remember, the path of the Martial Way isn't completed in a day. You have to keep your feet on the ground and take it one step at a time!"
Zhou Zilong nodded, filled with anticipation. He knew Master Roshi was a legendary martial artist and must have his own unique training methods. He couldn't wait to begin his training.
When they reached the fields, Zhou Zilong looked out over the rows of lush green vegetables swaying in the breeze. He took a deep breath, breathing in the fresh air, then loosened up and warmed up. After that, he walked over to a patch of cabbage and began his new training: hoeing the cabbages.
He bent down into a horse stance, gripped the hoe with both hands, and dug up the cabbages one by one. At first, his movements were clumsy, but as time went on, he got the hang of it. His motions grew smoother, and he worked faster and faster.
With every cabbage he dug up, Zhou Zilong could feel the muscles in his core, legs, and arms working hard. His muscles tightened and contracted, as if they were being forged over and over. The feeling excited him and made him nervous, but he knew it was exactly what he wanted.
As time passed, Zhou Zilong felt his strength draining away. Sweat trickled down his forehead and soaked his clothes, but he had no intention of stopping to rest. He knew this was a test of his willpower. Gritting his teeth, he pressed on.
After who knew how long, Zhou Zilong finally finished hoeing all the cabbages in the field. He sat down, panting, but his face was lit with a satisfied smile. It felt as if his body had been cleansed, leaving him lighter and stronger.
"Not bad, Zilong. You did well!" Master Roshi walked over and nodded with approval.
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