The Cultivation of the Turtle School (Part 2)

At dusk, the setting sun cast its glow 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 tucking his Kame House away into a capsule, he brought Zhou Zilong to a large island connected to the mainland.

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

Zhou Zilong nodded to show he understood. He knew the path of martial arts was filled with hardship and toil, but he was ready to face every challenge.

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

"Master Roshi, sorry to trouble you. This fresh milk needs to be delivered to all the locations on the list before seven o'clock," the goat-headed clerk said, his tone filled with a measure of respect.

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

Seeing Master Roshi prepare to run the deliveries, the goat-headed clerk felt a bit puzzled. He couldn't help but ask, "Master Roshi, aren't you going to use the helicopter for the deliveries? If you run, 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 the open plains, sometimes running, sometimes leaping. Although Zhou Zilong found it strenuous, seeing Master Roshi's relaxed and effortless figure stirred a sense of defiance within him.

Soon, the two arrived before a forest. Two rows of trees stood side by side, forming a long, narrow path. After Master Roshi demonstrated how to weave through 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—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, weaving through the trees.

The light in the forest was dim, and the gaps between the trees were narrow, which created a great obstacle for Zhou Zilong's movement. He had to constantly watch the ground beneath his feet and the trees around him to avoid colliding or tripping. At the same time, he had to keep the milk crate steady so that none of the milk would spill.

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

However, Zhou Zilong knew that martial arts training was not just about physical strength, but also the tempering of the will. He gritted his teeth and kept running forward.

And so, Zhou Zilong persisted in his run through the forest. His sweat soaked through 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 well. Today's training was tough, but you successfully overcame the difficulties. Remember this feeling; it will become a precious asset in your future martial arts journey."

After finishing the deliveries, Zhou Zilong and Master Roshi returned to the Kame House to enjoy a simple yet 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 way of martial arts is not just a contest of fists and feet, but a contest of the mind," Master Roshi 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 study time. We will use it to read and learn!"

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

"Martial arts is a process of pursuing self-improvement," 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 must 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 they had eaten, the time reached 12:30. It was midday, and the sun shone through the trees, 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 hard, study well, eat your fill, and then take an afternoon nap—this is our martial arts training," Master Roshi 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, and Zhou Zilong began to close his eyes, entering a state of rest.

At 1:30 in the afternoon, it was the busiest time at the construction site. Workers were bustling about, moving building materials and hammering bricks, the roar of machinery and the chatter of people weaving 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, where several workers were working together to carry a massive stone slab. The dust on the slab danced in the sunlight, making it appear 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 your hands, to carry the weight you think you cannot bear. This will let you sweat and temper your bones!"