Tai Chi Against Tai Chi: Qin Fen Learned Another Set

"Explain? What is there to explain!" Old Chen's expression changed. The rules had been settled decades ago, when martial artists from every school, large and small, had gathered in Beijing-Tianjin. Everyone showed off their skills, hoping to make a name for themselves. With the times in turmoil, everyone wanted to get ahead, and challenges to martial arts schools had become commonplace.

Nothing could function without rules, and martial arts circles were no exception. With so many challenges, conflicts and disputes were inevitable, so a rule had been established: settle martial affairs within the martial world.

The loser had to accept the consequences. If you took the gamble, you had to honor the outcome. The major styles could weather it; they had plenty of disciples, schools, and branches. Many smaller styles, however, met a miserable end and vanished entirely. They could no longer open their doors to take disciples. That was the price of losing: disappearing into the relentless tide of history.

The Sun Clan School practiced Tai Chi, a major style, but it still had to abide by the rules. Certain things could not be passed on to outsiders. The basics were fine. Wasn't everyone promoting martial arts now? Fitness for all, greater public recognition—teaching a few superficial techniques was no problem. But what Qin Fen was practicing was another matter entirely.

He was clearly ready to graduate as a fully trained disciple, having inherited all of Old Sun's true teachings.

"No, listen to me. I really didn't teach him." Old Sun felt embarrassed himself. He couldn't teach him! Having a disciple like that would have been impressive, but he felt rather uneasy about taking the credit.

"You didn't teach him?" Old Chen froze. A breeze swept past, carrying a hint of coolness from the lake. "Do you think I'm