Four Seas Martial Arts Hall, Second Floor.
"I understand, Master," Ao Jiu said quietly, looking unconvinced. Clearly, this was not the first time Huang Sihai had lectured him.
Huang Sihai said, "Forget fish balls for now. At the very least, you ought to eat more nourishing meats like beef, lamb, and venison, right? How the hell do you expect to train on eggs every day?"
Ao Jiu said, "I believe in Buddha... Buddha forbids me from eating meat. Didn't those great monks in ancient times practice martial arts too?"
"Wine and meat pass through the gut, while Buddha remains in the heart... Your understanding of the Buddhist Way is lacking. You're too naive." Huang Sihai sighed and stopped wasting his breath.
It was true that the eminent Buddhist monks of ancient times did not eat meat.
But resources had been abundant back then. Centennial herbs and mountain spirits had been everywhere in the remote forests. Those bastards ate miraculous elixirs!
"A freak of nature!" That was Li Xiuwen's assessment of Ao Jiu.
He ate nothing but grains, greens, and eggs every day, yet had still reached the peak of the second gate. Now that was true genius.
Li Xiuwen made casual conversation with Chen Jia beside him to ease the awkward atmosphere. "I heard Big Silly Qiang say you practice Hard Qigong, Brother Chen. Do you work for Lion-Head Buddha too?"
Chen Jia smiled. "What, interested in Hard Qigong? I could ask Sister Buddha whether she's recruiting."
Li Xiuwen gave a bitter smile. "My talent's nothing special. Sister Buddha probably wouldn't think much of me. Forget it."
Chen Jia smiled. "Black membrane in four months is pretty good, even with pills... It took me several months longer than you, though I didn't take any."
The last two Second-Floor Disciples were