As evening fell, the setting sun bathed the wide expanse of sea in its afterglow. The waves shimmered like golden fragments scattered across the water as Master Roshi returned to the island.
He packed away his Turtle Hermit's House, turning it into a Capsule, then took Zhou Zilong to a broad island connected to the mainland.
When they reached an open area, he took a Capsule from his pocket and pressed it lightly. The Turtle Hermit's House appeared before them once more. Then Master Roshi said, "Zilong, today's training was just to give you a taste of what's to come. Starting tomorrow, your real training begins. You'll need to get up at four every morning and be ready!"
Zhou Zilong nodded to show he understood. He knew the path of training was full of hardship and struggle, but he was ready to face any challenge.
At four in the morning, before the sky had fully brightened, the two of them arrived at the island's milk delivery shop. Inside, an Earthling with a ram's head and a human body was busy sorting milk. As soon as he saw Master Roshi, he handed him two cases of six bottles each, along with a delivery list.
"Master Roshi, sorry for the trouble. These fresh bottles of milk need to be delivered to all the listed addresses by seven this morning," the ram-headed clerk said, his voice tinged with respect.
Master Roshi took the list, glanced at the addresses, and nodded. "All right, I understand!"
Seeing Master Roshi preparing to make the deliveries on foot, the ram-headed clerk couldn't help feeling puzzled. He asked, "Master Roshi, aren't you taking a helicopter to make the deliveries? If you run there, will you have enough time?"
"No need," Master Roshi replied. "I'm training my disciple. Don't worry, we'll deliver everything on time!"
With that, Master Roshi and Zhou Zilong left the shop and began their delivery route. Along the way, Master Roshi led Zhou Zilong across the open plains, running at times and leaping at others. Zhou Zilong struggled a little, but seeing how effortlessly Master Roshi moved filled him with a determination not to give up.
Before long, they reached a forest. Two rows of trees stood side by side, forming a narrow path. After demonstrating how to run around the trees, Master Roshi said to Zhou Zilong, "Zilong, carry the cases of milk and run through this forest, circling the trees the way I just showed you. Remember, no slacking off—give it everything you've got!"
Zhou Zilong took a deep breath and picked up the cases of milk. He knew this training task would be even more difficult than running and jumping across the plains, but he didn't back down. Following Master Roshi's example, he began weaving around the trees.
The forest was dim, and the gaps between the trees were narrow, making it difficult for Zhou Zilong to run. He had to watch the ground and the trees around him at all times to avoid crashing into something or falling. At the same time, he had to keep the milk cases steady so the milk inside wouldn't spill.
For the first few laps, Zhou Zilong managed well enough. But as time passed, his strength began to run out. His steps grew heavy, and his breathing grew ragged. He felt as if a mountain were pressing down on him, leaving him unable to catch his breath.
Still, Zhou Zilong knew that training in the Martial Way wasn't just about building strength; it was also about tempering one's will. He gritted his teeth and kept running.
And so Zhou Zilong persevered, running through the forest. Sweat soaked his clothes, but he didn't stop. His eyes were full of determination and resolve, as if nothing could keep him from moving forward.
At last, after a long run, Zhou Zilong finally made it out of the forest. He set down the milk cases and sat on the ground, gasping for breath. A satisfied, proud smile spread across his face because he knew he had completed a difficult task.
Master Roshi walked over and looked at Zhou Zilong, drenched in sweat. He nodded approvingly and said, "Zilong, you did very well. Today's training was tough, but you overcame the difficulty. Remember how this feels. It'll be a valuable asset in your future training in the Martial Way."
After finishing the deliveries, Zhou Zilong and Master Roshi returned to the Turtle Hermit's House and enjoyed a simple but delicious breakfast.
After the meal, Master Roshi took Zhou Zilong to a large tree. He pulled a blackboard from his backpack and firmly nailed it to the trunk.
"Training in the Martial Way isn't just a matter of testing your fists and feet. It's also a test of your mind," Master Roshi said solemnly, stroking his beard. "If you train your body but not your mind, you can't be a true martial artist. Starting today, we'll study every day from now until lunchtime!"
Zhou Zilong nodded. He knew that in this world, facing powerful enemies and unknown challenges alike would require wisdom and courage. So he sat down and listened attentively as Master Roshi explained the spirit and philosophy of the Martial Way.
"The Martial Way is a process of striving to perfect yourself," Master Roshi began. "It's not just about defeating your enemies; it's also about overcoming the fears and desires within yourself. A true martial artist should have firm convictions, an unyielding will, and a broad mind!"
Zhou Zilong listened closely and engraved those words deep in his heart. He knew that if he wanted to make his way in this world, he had to keep improving his strength and wisdom.
Before long, it was 11:30, time for lunch. After they ate, it was half past twelve. The midday sun shone through the trees, casting patches of shade beneath them. Master Roshi and Zhou Zilong lounged in hammocks, preparing to take an afternoon nap.
"Until half past one, it's time for a nap. Train hard, study well, eat your fill, and then take an afternoon nap. That's our martial arts training," Master Roshi said lazily, lying in his hammock with his eyes closed.
Zhou Zilong lay beside Master Roshi. The old man's voice reached his ears with a distinctive rhythm, and Zhou Zilong closed his eyes and began to drift off.
At half past one in the afternoon, the construction site was at its busiest. The workers bustled about, carrying building materials and hammering bricks and stones. The roar of machinery and the workers' chatter blended into a symphony of labor.
Master Roshi brought Zhou Zilong to the busy construction site. His gaze swept over every worker there before settling on a building site in the distance. Several workers were working together to carry a huge stone slab. Dust swirled above it in the sunlight, and the slab looked incredibly heavy.
"Zilong, look," Master Roshi said, pointing at the workers. "This is today's training. You won't be using your fists and feet, but your shoulders and hands. You'll carry weights you think you can't bear. That'll make you sweat and strengthen your bones and muscles!"
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