boyutpedia Chapter 5 What is Martial Arts?
Chapter 5 What is Martial Arts?
"You lot, come with me."
After the bone reading, someone led Jiang Qi and the others to a large courtyard, where Tan Ming and Luo Yue also came along.
The houses are clustered together, and the training ground is spacious; dozens of newcomers have already gathered here.
"Newcomers, line up over there to get your clothes," a stern-faced man said, pointing ahead.
This man is named Zhou Yong. He is an instructor at the martial arts school, responsible for teaching new disciples.
Zhou Yong stood at the front, his gaze sweeping over the crowd: "The fact that you can stand here shows that you have decent potential and are qualified to practice martial arts."
But innate talent is only the starting point. How far one can go in martial arts depends on perseverance, comprehension, and resources.
"You newcomers must cultivate your first wisp of Qi and blood within three months and enter the Blood Refining Realm. Those who fail to do so will not be allowed to remain in the martial arts school."
Everyone held their breath and listened intently.
They had all heard about the rules of the martial arts school to some extent.
The first hurdle they face after entering the martial arts school is developing their qi and blood over three months.
Many people say that practicing martial arts is difficult, and even if they enter a martial arts school, their money is wasted. This is because they are blocked by this hurdle.
"Today, I will teach you the basic martial art of your martial arts school, the Zhenyuan Body Strengthening Technique," Zhou Yong said in a deep voice. "This martial art consists of nine forms. If you practice diligently every day and supplement it with medicinal diet, you can gradually refine your qi and blood."
He walked to the center of the arena and slowly assumed a fighting stance: "Watch closely. First move, Embrace the Yuan and Guard the One..."
Jiang Qi was completely focused, not missing a single movement.
Others also stared intently.
The nine forms were quickly completed, and Zhou Yong finished his practice, his breathing returning to normal.
"The Blood Refining Realm is the first realm of martial arts, which focuses on refining one's own blood and qi. In the beginning, the blood and qi are as thin as a hair, but when it is fully developed, the blood and qi can reach the thickness of a thumb."
"The Blood Refining Realm is divided into ten levels. Each time you cultivate a strand of blood qi the thickness of a thumb, you complete one level. Ten strands of blood qi signify the completion of the Blood Refining Realm."
"Once you cultivate even a wisp of qi and blood, you'll be considered to have entered the gate. The timeframe is three months."
After finishing his explanation, Zhou Yong added, "Practicing martial arts requires a proper diet. The kitchen will provide regular meals, but if you want to speed up your progress, it's best to use medicinal cuisine. The kitchen also sells medicinal cuisine; a set of qi-boosting and blood-tonifying dishes only costs half a tael of silver."
After saying this, Zhou Yong turned and left, leaving the group of newcomers looking at each other in bewilderment.
"One serving of medicinal cuisine costs half an ounce of silver. If you eat it three times a day, that'll cost more than an ounce..." someone muttered under their breath, "We can't afford it..."
"This isn't martial arts training, it's clearly swallowing gold."
"..."
Jiang Qi recalled the moves Zhou Yong had just made while calculating.
Practicing martial arts is indeed not something ordinary people can afford.
The initial fee of ten taels of silver is already a huge burden for many ordinary people, and the subsequent medicinal diets and tonics are a bottomless pit.
He originally thought of bringing Xiao Qi along to practice martial arts, but after careful consideration, he gave up the idea.
Learning martial arts involves more than just the initial ten taels of silver; the subsequent expenses are even greater, which Xiao Qi's family simply cannot afford.
Now, dragging Xiaoqi into martial arts training is actually harming her.
"First, establish yourself firmly..."
He has [Moonlight Water], so his need for medicinal cuisine isn't that great in the short term.
......
The news that Jiang Qi had entered the Zhenyuan Martial Arts School to train in martial arts reached Shuifang that very afternoon.
Whether it was Luo Yue or Tan Ming who spread the word, by evening, almost all the plumbers knew about it.
"Jiang Qi went to the martial arts gym? Really?"
"What Brother Tan and Luo Yue said, could it be false?"
"Where did he get the money?"
"Who knows...maybe it was saved up, maybe it was borrowed."
"Did Brother Tan and Luo Yue go to practice martial arts too?"
"Practicing martial arts is not that easy. I heard that if you can't develop your qi and blood in three months, you will be kicked out of the martial arts school and your ten taels of silver will be wasted."
The people at the water shop were discussing it, and most of them thought that Jiang Qi was being delusional.
Occasionally, a word or two of envy would be expressed, but it was quickly overshadowed by comments that it was "unrealistic."
Of course, besides Jiang Qi, Tan Ming and Luo Yue are also included in the discussion.
......
After a long day of running around, Zhao Xiaoqi's face showed a mixture of joy and worry.
Cui Yuan from Shuitou was still waiting for a reply from the Ironclad Gang's servants, which made him uneasy, so he decided to find another way to prepare.
He used to deliver water to Zuixianlou Restaurant and became acquainted with a master chef in the kitchen, so he went there.
After much persuasion, the old worker finally relented and said that the building was indeed short of a temporary handyman, with low wages and two meals provided.
"But only one person." Zhao Xiaoqi's words echoed in her ears as she absentmindedly walked into the water workshop.
Is this job for myself or for Qi Ge'er?
"If it weren't for Qi-ge bringing me water that day, I wouldn't have had my head smashed..."
He will always remember this kindness.
He entered the water workshop with his head down and saw Jiang Qi drawing water from the well.
"Qi-ge'er!" Zhao Xiaoqi ran over.
Jiang Qi put down the bucket and laughed, "Where have you been? I haven't seen you all day."
"Qi-ge'er, I have something to tell you." Zhao Xiaoqi took a breath, "Zui Xian Lou is hiring kitchen helpers, should we give it a try?"
When it came time to enter the water store, he finally made a decision to give the opportunity to Jiang Qi.
But to prevent Jiang Qi from refusing if he knew that Zuixianlou only needed one person, he deliberately said that they should go and try together.
A servant at Zuixianglou?
Jiang Qi paused for a moment, then said, "I'm not going."
"Huh? Why?" Zhao Xiaoqi asked anxiously.
"I'm going to Zhenyuan Martial Arts School to practice martial arts."
Zhao Xiaoqi was taken aback at first, then exclaimed in surprise, "A martial arts school? Really?"
"Really." Jiang Qi nodded seriously.
Having known Jiang Qi for many years, Zhao Xiaoqi knew that Jiang Qi was simply telling the truth. Shock flashed in his eyes...envy, which ultimately turned into joy: "That's wonderful! Brother Qi, you're going to practice martial arts!"
Qi-ge'er is better off practicing martial arts than working as a servant at Zuixianglou.
He was genuinely happy for Jiang Qi.
Jiang Qi looked at Xiao Qi, paused, and asked, "Xiao Qi, do you want to learn martial arts?"
Just like the previous days, Zhao Xiaoqi's smile froze for a moment, then she laughed and said, "Martial arts training requires talent, and I definitely don't have that talent. I prefer making money."
"Qi-ge'er, you better train hard. Once you've made a name for yourself, I'll follow you."
Jiang Qi smiled and nodded, without saying anything more.
"By the way, my mother is feeling much better these past few days and keeps saying she hasn't seen Qi-ge'er in a long time," Zhao Xiaoqi said. "Is Qi-ge'er free tonight?"
"It's been a while since I last visited your aunt. Let's go."
Jiang Qi didn't have many relatives in Licheng. Before Zhao's mother got sick, she often invited him to dinner.
Because of the head injury and the awakening of my latent wisdom, I haven't had time to visit the elderly lately.
"Okay."
......
In the evening, Jiang Qi followed Zhao Xiaoqi to his home.
The Zhao family lived deep in Tianshui Lane. The house consisted of two low rooms with simple furnishings, but it was kept clean and tidy.
Zhao's mother looked haggard, but her spirits were still high. When she saw Jiang Qi arrive, she quickly greeted him with a smile, "Little Qi is here, please sit down."
The old man had already prepared the meal. As soon as Jiang Qi sat down, Xiao Qi brought the dishes up.
Five dishes and a soup, plus two meat dishes—this is a feast that even ordinary families might not have during holidays.
"You're too kind, ma'am."
Jiang Qi knew Xiao Qi's family situation well, and this meal had cost a lot of money.
"I just heard from Xiao Qi that you're going to start practicing martial arts soon. It's good to practice martial arts; it can help you get ahead in life," Zhao's mother said as she used her chopsticks to put meat on Jiang Qi's plate.