Studying Martial Arts Under a Master

"Grandfather, I mean every word. I'm borrowing five taels of silver because I truly want to learn martial arts!"

Cheng Heng frowned tightly. After a moment of silence, he spoke again.

The courtyard fell silent once more.

His second uncle, Cheng Fugui, was first taken aback, then scoffed.

"Cheng Heng, martial arts aren't something just anyone can practice. You're already too old, and your bones have long since set. Don't waste the silver."

His second aunt added, "With that scrawny body of yours, you'd be better off learning your grandfather's carpentry while you still can. Settle down and earn an honest living for your family!"

Cheng Songtai's expression darkened as he rebuked him, "Cheng Heng, the path of martial arts is not for you. Stop making a scene here."

Cheng Heng had never expected things to turn out like this. He had thought that, at the very least, for his father's sake, they would lend him a few taels of silver.

He still remembered the sight of his second uncle clutching his father's leg and begging bitterly, while his father had remained silent before taking his second uncle's place in labor service.

Cheng Heng no longer held out any hope. From here on, he could only rely on himself!

No matter what lay ahead, even if it was a mountain of blades and a sea of fire, he could not let a single chance to learn martial arts slip away.

This was his only hope of turning his life around!

As Cheng Heng walked along the street, his heart felt somewhat heavy, but it did not affect him. Instead, it only strengthened his resolve to learn martial arts.

"Ah Heng! Ah Heng! Slow down!"

Cheng Heng turned around and saw that it was his neighbor, Zhang Xiaohu.

Zhang Xiaohu was fifteen this year, only two years younger than Cheng Heng. Since their families lived nearby, they often visited one another.

"Brother Heng, I heard just now that you want to learn martial arts?"

Seeing Cheng Heng stop, Zhang Xiaohu hurried over, panting as he asked.

"That's right. What is it, Xiaohu? Do you know of a way?"

Cheng Heng asked doubtfully.

"That's right. My cousin is learning martial arts at a martial academy. Their fees are cheap—only half what the other martial academies charge."

There were five major martial academies in Gaoyang County: Prosperity Martial Academy, Tiger Crane Martial Academy, Penetrating Arm Martial Academy, Rushing Thunder Martial Academy, and Startling Wind Martial Academy.

These five major martial academies had strict requirements for accepting disciples, and their tuition fees were exorbitant. Usually, only wealthy families with substantial means in the Inner City could afford them.

No wonder Cheng Qi's entry into Thunderclap Martial Academy had been enough for his second uncle to boast so extravagantly!

"Brother Heng, you don't know this, but very few of us from the Outer City can enter those five major martial academies. Even if we do get in, few can keep going."

"The martial academy my cousin joined only charges three taels of silver for the first three months. It's on the eastern side of the Outer City. Its owner was originally a Martial Examination graduate, but he returned from the prefectural city after suffering some injuries a few years ago."

"If you're willing, Brother Heng, come with me and take a look. We can see whether he'll accept you."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Heng was instantly overjoyed. Just when the willow trees had cast their darkest shade, another village had appeared among the blossoms—at last, he had some hope of learning martial arts.

"Xiaohu, I truly have to thank you this time. If this works out, I'll definitely treat you to a drink!"

Seeing Cheng Heng's delight, Zhang Xiaohu could not help smiling as well.

"Brother Heng, you're treating me like an outsider. When Uncle was still around, he helped our family plenty. What does this little favor amount to?"

As they chatted, they soon arrived in the eastern Outer City, where a courtyard came into view.

A plaque hung above the courtyard, bearing the name: "Tiger-Subduing Martial Hall"!

Cheng Heng and Zhang Xiaohu entered the yard. The small courtyard was divided into two sections. The outer courtyard held all kinds of weapons—sabers, spears, swords, halberds, axes, polearms, hooks, and forks.

In the open space beside them, more than a dozen youths were practicing Stance Training. Their clothes were rather shabby, making it obvious that they were all children from poor families. Yet every one of them was full of vigor, practicing their stances with exceptional effort.

Just as the two were absorbed in watching, a tall, upright man of around fifty came before them.

"What are you two doing here? If you have no business here, leave at once!"

This man was Wu Zhong, the master of Tiger-Subduing Martial Hall.

Cheng Heng quickly stepped forward. "This junior is Cheng Heng. I heard that Tiger-Subduing Martial Hall is accepting disciples, so I came hoping to learn some skills from you."

Wu Zhong gave Cheng Heng a once-over, then asked, "How old are you?"

Cheng Heng quickly replied, "I'll be seventeen in two months."

Wu Zhong then felt Cheng Heng's bones from head to toe. A martial artist truly possessed great strength; Cheng Heng grimaced in pain, yet he stubbornly did not cry out once.

"You are somewhat old, and your bones are already rather stiff. You only have a Low-Grade Root Bone. Even if you practice martial arts, I'm afraid you won't pass the first three-month threshold."

Wu Zhong pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.

There was no shortage of youths like Cheng Heng, who came to learn martial arts on a sudden impulse.

Those in the Outer City were already poor and had meager family savings, and most lacked any talent for martial arts. Thus, whenever Wu Zhong could persuade someone to give up, he would offer a reminder so they would not waste their money.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Heng hurriedly said, "Hall Master, please give me a chance. This junior sincerely wishes to learn martial arts."

Wu Zhong nodded lightly, then said sternly,

"I've already laid the ugly words before you. Studying martial arts under a master requires tuition. Though my fees are low, the first three months still cost three taels of silver."

"If you fail to pay on time later, or fail to cross the first three-month threshold, I will still expel you from the martial hall. Have you thought this through?"

At fifty, Wu Zhong understood the mandate of Heaven. It was because he still harbored some kindness in his heart that he had opened a martial hall in the Outer City of Gaoyang County.

Though he had some goodwill, he still had to make the rules clear to avoid trouble later.

He then carefully questioned Cheng Heng about his family circumstances before finally stopping.

Cheng Heng thought to himself that becoming a disciple had finally worked out. He quickly took the three taels of silver from his clothes, cupped his hands in salute, and said,

"I ask that Hall Master accept me into the hall and teach me martial arts."

Wu Zhong took the silver and tucked it away. "I have already explained the rules for entering the hall. Since you sincerely wish to learn, then start from today."

"As for how much skill you can develop, that depends entirely on your own effort. If you can learn some real kung fu, making a living will never be difficult."

Only after seeing Wu Zhong put away the silver did Cheng Heng finally let out a breath of relief. He then clasped his fists and said,

"This disciple will certainly practice earnestly and not disappoint Master's painstaking intentions!"

Wu Zhong waved a hand. "Fourth, take Cheng Heng around our martial hall and explain the rules to him clearly."

"Yes, Master!"

At Wu Zhong's call, a tall and burly young man with an honest face came over.

"My name is Zhao Wei. From now on, I'm your Fourth Senior Brother. Come with me and familiarize yourself with our martial hall."

Zhao Wei then led Cheng Heng around the not-so-large courtyard.

The outer courtyard was where disciples who had only recently joined the martial hall stayed, and it also served as the training ground. The Inner Courtyard was where the martial hall's official disciples and Master lived; outsiders were not permitted to enter.

The outer courtyard had everything needed—bathing facilities, a kitchen, living quarters, and more.

"This is our martial hall's training uniform. Let me also explain the rules of our martial hall."

As he spoke, Zhao Wei handed a set of training clothes to Cheng Heng, then continued,

"We don't have many rules. Just remember a few iron laws."

"First, you are not allowed to stir up trouble or commit wicked deeds."

"Second, respect your master and honor the Way. Fellow disciples must not harm one another."

"Third, so long as we were not the ones who started the trouble, if anyone bullies us, you may announce our martial hall's name. Master will naturally stand up for us!"

Cheng Heng silently committed these rules to heart, then nodded firmly.

Afterward, as it was already late, Cheng Heng returned home with Zhang Xiaohu. Starting tomorrow, he would formally begin learning martial arts.

Under the lingering rays of the setting sun, Cheng Heng's heart could not calm for a long while. He had truly come to the right place in Tiger-Subduing Martial Hall. From these few hall rules alone, he could tell that Wu Zhong was a martial master who fiercely protected his own and possessed a kind heart.

With the golden finger of [Heaven Rewards Diligence], he would surely make a name for himself in this world!