Chapter 18

The Hong Kong Youth Martial Arts Competition was held at the Kowloon Stadium, one of the few large sports venues in Hong Kong that can accommodate up to 50,000 spectators at once.

Today, the Kowloon Stadium was adorned with colorful flags, and the stands were packed to the brim.

The audience included not only martial arts enthusiasts from Hong Kong and Taiwan but also spectators from Singapore, Malaysia, Europe, and America. Of course, a large portion of them were family and friends.

"Go! Go!"

"Son, you're the best!"

"We are the champions!"

Even before the competition began, the atmosphere was already incredibly intense!

The entire venue seemed to be ignited by their enthusiasm!

Wang Zhong, as a special guest commentator, arrived early at the backstage. The makeup artist applied a light makeup on him, accentuating his straight nose and long, arched eyebrows, which made him look exceptionally dashing. The female makeup artist's heart raced uncontrollably.

Rulan gave a somewhat jealous glance, feeling as if a jar of vinegar had been overturned in her heart, filling her with sourness. She couldn't help but huff.

The female makeup artist also realized her inappropriate behavior, her face turning red like a burning cloud, and she hurried away as if fleeing.

"Why do you need such good makeup? You're not a celebrity!"

Wang Zhong, listening to Rulan's nagging, felt a faint sense of happiness in his heart.

As Gong Yitian had said, one council member was enough for the Hong Kong Youth Martial Arts Competition!

The judges invited by the organizing committee were all official members of the Chinese Martial Arts Association, but Wang Zhong was the only council member.

Amidst the envious gazes of the other judges, the youngest Wang Zhong took his seat in the center of the judges' panel!

"Ladies and gentlemen, the annual Hong Kong Youth Martial Arts Competition is about to begin. We see that the judges have taken their seats. Let's give a warm round of applause to welcome the martial arts veterans!"

The host turned out to be the future variety show king, Zeng Xinwei. At this time, Zeng Xinwei was not as fat or famous as he would later become. He was a well-known director, and because of his short and plump build, he was nicknamed "Lo Han Guo" (Loquat) in the industry!

This hosting was purely a favor!

"The judges for this competition include Li Zheng, a direct disciple of the Eagle Claw School and the champion of the 1980 Hong Kong Youth Martial Arts Competition, and the runner-up of the WWT Hong Kong Station!"

A young man with a proud look and thick fingers stood up and waved to the audience as Zeng Xinwei finished speaking.

"Mr. Zhu Houde, the president of the Hong Kong Plum Blossom Praying Mantis Boxing Association and an official member of the Chinese Martial Arts Association!"

An old man in a training uniform with gray hair stood up and bowed to the audience.

"Mr. Sun Chuanfa, the head of the Hong Kong White Crane Martial Arts Club, the current master of the White Crane School, a registered member of the Combat Alliance, and an official member of the Chinese Martial Arts Association!"

A middle-aged man in a white cloak stood up and nodded arrogantly to the audience.

"Mr. Chen Tingen, a descendant of the Chen-style Tai Chi from the mainland and one of the Eight Great Kings of Chenjiagou!"

A middle-aged man in simple clothing slowly stood up and bowed to the audience under everyone's gaze.

Because he was from the mainland, Wang Zhong couldn't help but take a closer look. Chen Tingen had a soft and long breath, his eyes hidden, indicating a deep mastery of Tai Chi.

"Next, we introduce the chief referee, who has many titles and a wide range of expertise. He is not only a best-selling author and a talent of Xiangjiang but also a controversial feng shui master and predictor! He is also the youngest council member of the Chinese Martial Arts Association, a descendant of the most mysterious Wudang Nine Palace Sword School, and the direct descendant of the martial god Sun Lutang. He is the god-like man—Wang Zhong!"

With Zeng Xinwei's passionate introduction, the atmosphere in the venue reached its peak.

Each judge received a close-up shot, but Wang Zhong's close-up was particularly long.

Not only did the young people scream their lungs out, but many middle-aged and elderly people were also infected by the atmosphere.

Li Zheng of the Eagle Claw School, Zhu Houde of the Plum Blossom Praying Mantis School, and Sun Chuanfa of the White Crane School looked at Wang Zhong with envy, and some even showed naked hostility.

Even Chen Tingen, who had been meditating, showed a hint of surprise.

Coming from the mainland, he understood what those two schools represented!

Martial god Sun Lutang, sword immortal Li Jinglin, the first and second-ranked masters among the ten great masters of the Republic of China!

The fact that both of their legacies were passed down to one person couldn't help but shock and awe him!

After introducing the judges, the Hong Kong Youth Martial Arts Competition officially began. As the chief judge, Wang Zhong had to oversee both the youth and junior groups.

Fortunately, the judges were all experienced, and the entire competition went smoothly without any major issues.

During the competition, Wang Zhong noticed two familiar figures.

American-Chinese Danny Chan!

Northern leg fighting enthusiast Liang Dalong!

The two were the most outstanding performers in the youth group!

Danny Chan's Tai Chi clearly showed the influence of a master, and every move was a true representation of the art. Chen Tingen nodded continuously at the brilliant moments.

Wang Zhong knew that Danny Chan's mother, Mai Chancai, was a true martial arts master. Danny Chan, by nature, was energetic and passionate about free fighting, karate, and other combat techniques, so his Tai Chi skills were limited.

If Danny Chan had a strong family background and systematic training, then Liang Dalong was a true wild talent. His Northern Tan Tui (Tan Leg) style was mixed with some karate and taekwondo techniques.

However, Liang Dalong's movements were clean and crisp, and his explosive power indicated that he was a seasoned combat fighter.

This was the reason why Wang Zhong, despite the objections, did not eliminate Liang Dalong from the competition.

Being able to reach the finals, Liang Dalong was secretly surprised. He had started martial arts at the age of 15, learning Northern leg techniques from his uncle and later karate and taekwondo, achieving black belts in both. Although he was a skilled fighter, his martial arts routine skills were weak.

"Go, Dalong!"

His uncle stood by the side, cheering him on.

"I must become the champion!"

Liang Dalong silently encouraged himself.

When Liang Dalong took the stage again, the audience erupted.

"Chen Zhen!"

"Chen Zhen!"

"Chen Zhen!"

The family and fans in the stands shouted in unison.

Zeng Xinwei also provided commentary for the audience:

"Liang Dalong's father is the head of a theater troupe, and Dalong has been trained in solid fundamentals since childhood. As a young man, he came to Hong Kong with his uncle and started in the martial arts industry. By the 1970s, he was already a well-known action star. He played Chen Zhen, the senior disciple of Huo Yuanjia, in the film 'The Great Hero Huo Yuanjia.' Liang Dalong has been practicing martial arts for nearly twenty years, and his skills are not to be underestimated!"

Actually, Zeng Xinwei had one more thing to say: inviting Liang Dalong to the competition was mainly to boost ratings!

"Chen Zhen!"

"Chen Zhen!"

"Chen Zhen!"

Liang Dalong performed a high-difficulty aerial three-hit combo, and the audience responded with even more enthusiastic cheers.

Wang Zhong carefully read through the information provided by the organizing committee about Liang Dalong. Although he was prepared, he still felt a deep sense of admiration, seeing the perseverance and determination of a martial artist.

"Liang Dalong, although you are a well-known action star, I must say that your routine skills are quite weak, with many flaws and traces of karate and taekwondo. However, I still decided to keep you in the competition because your persistence and effort moved me. Not meeting a master and not receiving true teachings are not your faults. As a martial artist, you must have the spirit of never giving up. For this, I support you. If you are willing, I am willing to provide you with systematic training."

Wang Zhong, who had not spoken during the competition, stood up and looked at Liang Dalong sincerely.

Zeng Xinwei looked at Wang Zhong awkwardly, having just praised Liang Dalong's solid fundamentals. However, he quickly realized this was a hot topic.

"Wow! Is Master Wang Zhong going to take on a disciple? As far as I know, Master Wang Zhong has no disciples yet!"

After Wang Zhong confirmed, the entire stadium erupted.

"Bro, what did I just see? Wang Zhong wants to take on a disciple?"

"Liang Dalong is so lucky!"

"Wang Zhong, Wang Zhong, I love you!"

"So that's what it is!"

The audience in the stands looked at Liang Dalong with sympathy. As martial arts enthusiasts, they understood the pain of not meeting a master.

In martial arts, besides diligence and talent, a master is even more important!

Liang Dalong, who had achieved his current level through self-exploration, was indeed admirable.

"Go, Dalong!"

Liang's uncle whispered from the side.

"Agree to it!"

"Agree to it!"

"Agree to it!"

The audience in the stands chanted in unison.