Turtle Hermit School Training (Part 2)

At dusk, the afterglow of the setting sun spilled across the vast sea, the shimmering waves looking as if they were scattered with golden fragments as Master Roshi returned to the small island.

After stowing his Turtle Hermit's House into a capsule, he brought Zhou Zilong to a wide island connected to the mainland.

Arriving at an open space, he took a capsule from his pocket and pressed it gently; the Turtle Hermit's House appeared before their eyes once more. Master Roshi then said, "Zilong, today's training was just to let you get a feel for things. Formal training begins tomorrow. You need to be up by 4:00 AM every morning, so be prepared!"

Zhou Zilong nodded to show he understood. He knew the path of the Martial Way was filled with hardship and toil, but he was already prepared to face every challenge.

At four in the morning, before the sky had fully brightened, the two arrived at the milk delivery shop on the island. Inside, an Earthling with the head of a sheep and a human body was busy organizing milk. Upon seeing Master Roshi, he immediately handed over two six-pack cartons of milk along with a list.

"Master Mutian, sorry to trouble you. This fresh milk needs to be delivered to all the locations on the list before seven o'clock," the sheep-headed clerk said, his tone carrying a hint of respect.

Master Roshi took the list, glanced at the addresses, and nodded. "Alright, I've got it!"

Seeing Master Roshi preparing to make the deliveries on foot, the sheep-headed clerk couldn't help but feel a bit puzzled. He couldn't resist asking, "Master Mutian, aren't you going to use the helicopter for the deliveries? If you run there, won't you run out of time?"

Hearing this, Master Roshi replied, "No need. I'm training my disciple. Don't worry, we'll deliver them on time!"

With that, Master Roshi and Zhou Zilong walked out of the shop and began their delivery journey. Along the way, Master Roshi led Zhou Zilong across vast, empty plains, sometimes running and sometimes leaping. Although Zhou Zilong found it somewhat strenuous, seeing Master Roshi's relaxed and effortless figure stirred a sense of unyielding determination within him.

Soon, the two arrived in front of a forest. Two rows of trees stood side by side, forming a narrow passage. After Master Roshi demonstrated how to run around the trees, he said to Zhou Zilong, "Zilong, carry the milk crate and follow the movements I just showed you to run through this forest. Remember, no slacking off; you must give it your all!"

Zhou Zilong took a deep breath and picked up the milk crate. He knew this training task was even more difficult than the running and jumping on the plains, but he did not shrink back. Following Master Roshi's demonstration, he began to run around the trees.

The light in the forest was dim, and the gaps between the trees were narrow, which posed a great obstacle to Zhou Zilong's movement. He had to constantly watch the ground beneath his feet and the surrounding trees to avoid colliding or falling. At the same time, he had to keep the milk crate steady so the milk inside wouldn't spill.

For the first few laps, Zhou Zilong could barely manage. But as time passed, his stamina gradually depleted. His footsteps began to grow heavy, his breathing became ragged, and he felt as if he were being crushed by a mountain, unable to catch his breath.

However, Zhou Zilong knew that Martial Way training was not just about physical exercise, but also the tempering of one's will. He gritted his teeth and continued to run forward.

And so, Zhou Zilong persisted in his run through the forest. His sweat soaked his clothes, but he did not stop. His eyes were filled with determination and perseverance, as if nothing could block his path forward.

Finally, after a long run, Zhou Zilong emerged from the forest. He set down the milk crate and sat on the ground, gasping for air. A smile of satisfaction and pride bloomed on his face, for he knew he had completed a difficult task.

Master Roshi walked over to Zhou Zilong, looked at his sweat-drenched state, and nodded with satisfaction. He said, "Zilong, you did very well. Although today's training was tough, you have successfully overcome the difficulty. Remember this feeling; it will become a precious asset in your future Martial Way training."

After finishing the deliveries, Zhou Zilong and Master Roshi returned to the Turtle Hermit's House to enjoy a simple and delicious breakfast.

After the meal, Master Roshi brought Zhou Zilong under a large tree, where he took a blackboard from his backpack and nailed it firmly to the trunk.

"The Martial Way is not just a contest of fists and feet, but a contest of the mind," Master Mutian said, stroking his beard earnestly. "If you only train your body and not your brain, you cannot be considered a true martial artist. From today on, this time until lunch will be reading time. We will use it to study!"

Zhou Zilong nodded. He knew deeply that in this world, whether facing powerful enemies or unknown challenges, one needed sufficient wisdom and courage. Thus, he sat down and listened attentively as Master Roshi spoke of the spirit and philosophy of the Martial Way.

"The Martial Way is a process of pursuing self-perfection," Master Roshi began to explain. "It is not just about defeating enemies, but about overcoming the fear and desires within your own heart. A true martial artist should possess firm conviction, an unyielding will, and a broad mind!"

Zhou Zilong listened carefully, engraving these words deep in his heart. He knew that to gain a foothold in this world, he had to constantly improve his strength and wisdom.

Soon, the time reached 11:30, and it was time for lunch. After lunch, it was 12:30. At this midday hour, the sun shone through the canopy, creating patches of shade. Master Roshi brought Zhou Zilong to lie leisurely on the hammocks, preparing for a nap.

"Until 1:30 in the afternoon is nap time. Train diligently, study well, eat your fill, and then take an afternoon nap—this is our martial arts training," Master Mutian said, lying lazily on the hammock with his eyes closed.

Zhou Zilong lay next to Master Roshi. The voice resonated in his ears with a unique rhythm. Zhou Zilong began to close his eyes, entering a state of rest.

At 1:30 in the afternoon, the construction site was at its busiest. Workers were bustling about, moving building materials and hammering bricks and stones. The roar of machinery and the chatter of people wove together into a symphony of labor.

Master Roshi brought Zhou Zilong to this busy site. His gaze swept over every worker present before finally landing on a construction area in the distance. There, several workers were working together to carry a massive stone slab. The dust on the slab danced in the sunlight, appearing exceptionally heavy.

"Zilong, look," Master Roshi said, pointing at the workers. "This is the training we will conduct today. Not with fists and feet, but with your shoulders and hands to carry the weight you think you cannot bear. This will allow you to sweat and temper your bones!"