As evening fell, the setting sun cast its last rays across the wide sea, where the shimmering waves glittered like a scattering of golden shards. Master Roshi returned to the island.
After packing away the Turtle Hermit's House and turning it into a Capsule, he took Zhou Zilong to a wide island connected to the mainland.
They arrived at an open area. Master Roshi took a Capsule from his pocket and pressed it gently. 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, the 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 road of training was filled with 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. When he saw Master Roshi, he immediately handed him two cases of six bottles each, along with a delivery list.
"Master Mutian, sorry for the trouble. All this fresh milk needs to be delivered to every stop on the list before seven," the ram-headed shopkeeper said, his voice tinged with respect.
Master Roshi took the list, glanced at the addresses, and nodded. "All right, got it!"
Seeing Master Roshi preparing to make the deliveries on foot, the ram-headed shopkeeper couldn't help feeling puzzled. He asked, "Master Mutian, aren't you taking a helicopter to make the deliveries? If you run all the way, will you have enough time?"
Master Roshi replied, "No need. I'm training my disciple. Don't worry, everything will be delivered 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 jumping at others. Zhou Zilong struggled, but watching Master Roshi move with such ease stirred his own stubborn determination not to give up.
Soon, they came to a forest. Two rows of trees stood parallel to each other, forming a narrow passage. After demonstrating how to run around the trees, Master Roshi said to Zhou Zilong, "Zilong, carry the milk cases 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 milk cases. He knew this training task would be even harder than running and jumping across the plains, but he didn't back down. Following Master Roshi's example, he began running 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 keep an eye on the trees around him to avoid colliding with them 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 to cope. But as time passed, his strength gradually ran out. His steps grew heavy, and his breathing became ragged. He felt as if a mountain were pressing down on him, leaving him unable to catch his breath.
However, Zhou Zilong knew martial arts training wasn't just about building strength; it was also about tempering the will. He gritted his teeth and kept running.
And so Zhou Zilong kept pushing through the forest, his clothes soaked with sweat, but he never stopped. His eyes were full of resolve and perseverance, as if nothing could stop 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, panting heavily. His face beamed with satisfaction and pride, because he knew he had completed a difficult task.
Master Roshi walked over to Zhou Zilong and saw how drenched in sweat he was. He nodded approvingly and said, "Zilong, you did well. Today's training was tough, but you overcame the challenge. Remember this feeling. It'll be a valuable asset in your future martial arts training."
After delivering the milk, 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 securely nailed it to the trunk.
"Martial arts aren't just about testing your fists and feet; they're also about testing your mind," Master Roshi said solemnly, stroking his beard. "If you train your body but not your brain, you can't call yourself a true martial artist. Starting today, every day from this time until lunch, we'll spend the time reading and studying!"
Zhou Zilong nodded. He knew that in this world, facing powerful enemies and unknown challenges alike would take wisdom and courage. So he sat down and listened carefully as Master Roshi explained the spirit and philosophy of martial arts.
"Martial arts are a journey of self-improvement," Master Roshi began. "They're not just about defeating your enemies; they're also about overcoming the fear and desires within yourself. A true martial artist should have firm convictions, an unyielding will, and a generous heart!"
Zhou Zilong listened closely and engraved these words in his heart. He knew that to make his way in this world, he had to keep improving his strength and wisdom.
Soon it was 11:30, and time for lunch. After lunch, at half past twelve, the sun shone over the shade of the trees, casting patches of cool shadow. Master Roshi and Zhou Zilong lounged in their hammocks, ready for a nap.
"Until half past one, it's nap time. Train hard, study well, eat your fill, then take an afternoon nap. That's our martial arts training," Master Roshi said lazily from his hammock, eyes closed.
Zhou Zilong lay beside Master Roshi. His voice drifted into Zhou Zilong's ears with a distinctive rhythm, and Zhou Zilong closed his eyes and settled into his nap.
At half past one in the afternoon, the construction site was at its busiest. Workers moved building materials and hammered at bricks and stone. The roar of machinery mingled with their conversations, forming a symphony of labor.
Master Roshi took 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 danced in the sunlight above it, making the slab look even heavier.
"Zilong, look," Master Roshi said, pointing at the workers. "This is our training for today. Not with your fists and feet, but with your shoulders and hands. You'll shoulder weights you think you can't bear. That'll make you sweat and build up your bones and muscles!"
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