Chapter 2

### Chapter 2: Jin Tang's Visit, Wudang Soft Palm! Gong Yutian's Ambition, the Establishment of the Chinese Martial Arts Association!

Wang Zhong had been in this world for more than half a year. *The Dragon and the Snake* had become a sensation, and Wang Zhong had not only gained fame but also a substantial manuscript fee.

The physical book of *The Dragon and the Snake* was about to be released, and it was expected to be as popular as Jin Tang's and Gu Long's famous works. The Hong Kong people called him a new popular writer, and *The Dragon and the Snake* was hailed as the pioneering work of the martial arts series.

Wang Zhong, who should have been basking in his success, now looked at the small porcelain bowl in front of him with a pained expression.

The delicate glaze and smooth surface were not the main points; the main point was the black, thick medicinal liquid inside!

Made from saffron, yak bones, black ancient vines, cassia, angelica, ginseng, deer antlers, and more than a dozen other precious Chinese herbs, it was carefully simmered to nourish the blood and strengthen the bones.

Just this small bowl cost a full ten thousand Hong Kong dollars in herbs.

As the old saying goes, "Poverty for scholars, wealth for martial artists!"

Furrowing his brows, he endured the bitterness and drank the herbal medicine, even licking the bowl clean.

Wang Zhong stood in the courtyard, feet apart.

He clasped his hands together and slowly raised them to the sky.

*Vajra Holding the Staff!*

*Embracing the Moon and Plucking the Stars!*

*Pulling the Tail of Nine Oxen!*

*...*

*Iron Ox Plowing the Field!*

*Bow and Arrow Stance!*

Wang Zhong's movements were slow and smooth, with his muscles and tendons trembling with each move.

The essence of the herbs was gradually absorbed with the exercise.

That's right! Wang Zhong had just practiced the *Yi Jin Jing* from Shaolin Temple. This was thanks to the information explosion era; otherwise, Wang Zhong wouldn't have learned such a divine skill.

The *Yi Jin Jing* strengthens the tendons and bones, and is highly effective in increasing strength and improving physical condition. Most uniquely, it has no side effects due to its balanced nature.

An hour later, Wang Zhong regulated his breathing and slowly finished his practice. A piercing light shone from the depths of his eyes, *Exercising Qi to Transform Essence!*

*Pah, pah!*

The sound of knocking came from the door.

"Is Mr. Wang at home?"

"It's Mr. Cha! I apologize for the rudeness!"

Wang Zhong looked apologetic. Standing outside the door was Jin Tang, the owner of Ming Pao and a talented man of Hong Kong.

"Coming unannounced is my rudeness!"

Jin Tang clasped his hands and said, with a look of apology.

"Is Mr. Wang a martial artist?"

Looking at the training ground in the courtyard and the weapons, Jin Tang asked in surprise.

"My ancestor was a disciple of Wudang, and the Wang family has passed down martial arts through generations!"

Wang Zhong said with a proud smile. Wang Zhong's current body was a genuine martial artist, with deep expertise in Wudang martial arts. If not for the intense training, he wouldn't have died of a sudden heart attack. But this also benefited Wang Zhong.

"Wudang is a leader in the martial arts world, and its skills are unique. Although I have described Wudang skills many times, I have never met a Wudang descendant in real life. Can you show me something?"

Jin Tang asked with curiosity and anticipation.

"I have read your novels many times, and your descriptions of Wudang are quite objective. The founder of Wudang is the Ming Dynasty Taoist Zhang Sanfeng, who emphasized using softness to overcome hardness. Since Mr. Jin is interested, I will demonstrate the Wudang Soft Palm!"

Wang Zhong didn't hesitate and turned to the kitchen.

A short while later, he came out carrying a green-skinned watermelon.

Seeing Jin Tang's puzzled expression, Wang Zhong smiled and said:

"The Wudang Soft Palm is a unique skill that focuses on external strikes affecting the internal. This watermelon can provide a more intuitive demonstration."

Wang Zhong stood with his feet slightly apart, his waist straight, and his palms facing each other, moving rhythmically.

"Hey!" Wang Zhong quickly slapped the green-skinned watermelon and stood up casually.

"This is!"

Jin Tang carefully examined the watermelon, finding the skin intact. He touched it thoroughly and found no abnormalities. If it were anyone else, Jin Tang would have left in a huff.

"Mr. Ming, shake the watermelon!" Wang Zhong said with a smile, seeing Jin Tang's slightly unhappy expression.

Jin Tang shook the watermelon, his face showing shock.

"Why is there a sound of water flowing?"

"Did the inside of the watermelon turn into pieces with that one slap?"

Jin Tang asked uncertainly.

Wang Zhong didn't keep Jin Tang in suspense and handed him a fruit knife he had prepared.

The blade sliced through, and the green-skinned watermelon split in two.

Red watermelon juice and small pieces of pulp spilled onto the table.

"This? This!"

Although he had expected it, Jin Tang was still shocked by the scene.

"The skin is undamaged, but the inside is shattered! Is the Wudang Soft Palm a skill that strikes externally but affects internally?"

"Exactly! The Wudang Soft Palm relies on soft and hidden force, causing damage without a trace!"

Wang Zhong nodded and said.

"Chinese martial arts are divided into three realms: Ming Jin (manifest force), An Jin (hidden force), and Hua Jin (transformative force). Some also call them *Exercising Qi to Transform Essence*, *Exercising Essence to Transform Spirit*, and *Exercising Spirit to Return to Emptiness*."

"Heroes use martial arts to break the law, scholars use literature to disrupt the law!"

Although Jin Tang was a master of martial arts novels, he thought more about the country and the people.

"Can modern forensic techniques handle this? If someone uses this skill for evil, what should be done? It might be better not to practice this skill!"

"Mr. Ming's concerns are valid. According to my knowledge, the Iron Sand Palm, when practiced to its peak, can transform hardness into softness and achieve the same effect. In the Qing Dynasty, the Iron Sand Palm master Gu Ruzhang had hands as smooth as a woman's. Once, while drinking, he encountered a group of rich young men racing horses in the market. Gu Ruzhang slapped the horse's belly, and the horse died at home later. The coroner found that the horse's exterior was undamaged, but its internal organs were shattered. However, Mr. Ming, don't worry too much. Martial artists are as numerous as fish crossing a river, but those with such skills are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns."

Wang Zhong thought for a moment and spoke honestly. However, he had no solution for Jin Tang's concerns. He could only comfort him with a few lines from *The Great Learning*: "Fortune and misfortune have no door, they are summoned by oneself!"

Jin Tang's visit ended quickly.

The next day, the editorial in *Ming Pao* was written by Jin Tang himself, describing his visit and focusing on the Wudang Soft Palm. It was written very vividly and highly praised Wang Zhong's martial arts.

Jin Tang also expressed his concerns about whether such a skill that causes invisible damage should be passed down.

The martial arts community must strengthen their moral education!

Jin Tang's writing was sharp, and many issues were explained clearly and incisively.

This made countless martial artists reflect deeply. Should they be irresponsible to society by not passing on their skills?

*Ming Pao* sold like crazy, with constant reprints. In just one day, it sold over 200,000 copies, while in 1988, its daily sales were only 110,000.

There was a lot of discussion in Hong Kong, with various opinions and views expressed by representatives of different schools.

Some even called for a ban on martial arts!

"Enough!"

Gong Yutian put down the newspaper and muttered:

"I never thought I would see the revival of Chinese martial arts in my lifetime. I can die without regrets!"

"Master, have you really decided?"

Ma San asked with excitement.

"Fifty years ago, my senior brother Li Cunyi founded the Chinese Martial Arts Association in Beijing, dedicated to spreading northern martial arts to the south. Unfortunately, it coincided with the Japanese invasion, and the spread of northern martial arts was hindered."

"Ten years ago, the head of the Sun Tai Chi School, Sun Jianyun, came from Beijing to Hong Kong and asked me to establish the Chinese Martial Arts Association to organize the spread of southern martial arts to the north. I didn't agree because the country was in turmoil, and many schools suffered heavy losses, with many classics destroyed and many old friends in trouble."

"Another ten years have passed. The mainland has opened up and reformed, and the political situation is stable. Due to Wang Zhong, many Hong Kong people practice martial arts. Martial artists from various schools have taken root and flourished in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. This is the best time to spread southern martial arts to the north."

Gong Yutian said excitedly.

"Go and talk to the representatives of the various schools. Make sure they all participate in this grand event!"

After his excitement, Gong Yutian said calmly.

"Master, rest assured. I will talk to them properly. If anyone is uncooperative, I will teach them what respect means with my fists!"

Ma San licked his lips, looking fierce.

### Tai Chi Hall

Tai Chi originated from the Chen family and flourished with the Yang family.

Yang Luchan and his son made Tai Chi famous and made significant contributions to its spread.

Yang-style Tai Chi is the most widely practiced style.

"Is it Master Ma? What brings you here?"

Yang Delu clasped his hands and said calmly. He had the right to be proud. As a direct descendant of the Yang family, he was already recognized as a Tai Chi master. In terms of background and fame, Ma San was far behind Yang Delu.

"My master wants to re-establish the Chinese Martial Arts Association and invites you to participate in this grand event!"

Ma San handed over the invitation according to the rules.

"Chinese Martial Arts Association, inviting me to be a council member to spread southern martial arts to the north! What a grand event!"

Yang Delu read the invitation and nodded.

"Are you agreeing?"

Ma San saw that Yang Delu didn't object and clasped his hands.

"I agree, but I want to be the president!"

Yang Delu said with a smile.

"You have a lot of nerve!"

Ma San's eyes widened, and his eyebrows stood up.

"I wonder if your skills are as solid as your words!"

"Master Yang, let's have a go!"

Ma San invited with a gesture. Martial artists settle things with their fists; standing there is the truth.

Yang Delu was not afraid and sent his disciples away. Ma San knew this was a closed-door sparring session. On one hand, the results wouldn't affect their reputation. On the other hand, some secret techniques wouldn't be stolen by outsiders.

Ma San stood in a T-step, palms facing forward, in the starting posture of Xingyi Quan.

The key to Xingyi Quan lies in the San Ti posture. A good Xingyi practitioner can be identified by their San Ti posture!

Yang Delu held his hands in a ball, clearly not wanting to take the initiative.

Ma San, young and full of energy, didn't want to waste time with Yang Delu. He took a small step forward and punched Yang Delu's chest.

Half-step Cannon Punch!

A technique invented by Gu Yunshen in prison, known for its fierce and powerful nature.

Yang Delu was no ordinary person. He used a left-hand Wild Horse Parting the Mane, pushing, catching, and guiding, using the technique of neutralizing force to the extreme.

If a Tai Chi master were present, they would have called it beautiful.

His right hand formed a hammer and struck Ma San's chest and abdomen with a Single Whip Punch!

He took a surprisingly fierce approach!

Left hand soft, right hand hard!

He used every opportunity to deliver a deadly blow, worthy of a renowned master.

Ma San, trained by Gong Yutian for over twenty years, was no slouch.

Ma San took a step with his right foot and kicked Yang Delu's abdomen with his left foot.

This is a technique in Xingyi Quan called Horse Form Stomp, inspired by the actions of a wild horse.

As everyone knows, legs are slightly longer than arms. Ma San planned to use this length advantage to exchange injuries with Yang Delu, causing himself a minor injury and Yang Delu a severe one.

Yang Delu, in his forties, with declining energy, dared not compete with the young and strong Ma San.

He retreated, his arm sweeping down!

A variation of the Sea Needle technique!

Ma San's arms closed and embraced.

Bear Hug!

At that moment, Ma San transformed into a Siberian brown bear, using his body's impact and immense force to try to subdue Yang Delu.

Sea Needle!

Single Whip Punch!

Wild Horse Parting the Mane!

Yang Delu used several techniques to escape Ma San's bear hug!

But one wrong step leads to more wrong steps!

Yang Delu was completely suppressed by Ma San!

Around the fiftieth move, Ma San hit Yang Delu's abdomen with a乱箭打击 (Rapid Arrow Strikes)!

"Rapid punches can kill a master!"

Yang Delu looked at Ma San with a hint of sadness but had to admit, "A new generation replaces the old!"

### Great Sage Pihua Hall

Pihua Quan, first seen in Qi Jiguang's *Essentials of Boxing*, is a battlefield martial art that emphasizes practical combat. It focuses on long-range strikes, and as the saying goes, "Eight Extremes plus Pihua, even gods and ghosts worry!"

The power of Pihua Quan is evident.

Great Sage Pihua Quan is a unique style that combines the Great Sage Quan and Pihua Quan. It is very popular in Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. A famous practitioner of Great Sage Pihua Quan in later generations is the actor Anthony Wong.

"Master Ma, please!"

"Master Wu, please!"

The results of the closed-door sparring were unknown, but the next day, Yang Delu, Wu Ting, and others all joined the Chinese Martial Arts Association as council members.

Ma San did not hold a position in the association, but everyone knew that as Gong Yutian's last disciple, he would naturally become the new president of the association in the future.

The next day, Gong Yutian, the master of Xingyi Quan, called for the establishment of the Chinese Martial Arts Association in Hong Kong and served as its president, managing and regulating the various schools. The association's motto: "People have north and south, but martial arts have no north and south! There is the spread of northern martial arts to the south, and there is the spread of southern martial arts to the north!"

Many schools in Hong Kong responded.

Gong Yutian explicitly invited Wang Zhong to join the Chinese Martial Arts Association and strongly recommended him as a council member.

*The Dragon and the Snake* influenced an era, and Wang Zhong led the trend!

The Chinese Martial Arts Association had a star-studded lineup, including Xingyi Quan master Gong Yutian, Great Sage Pihua master Wu Ting, Tai Chi master Yang Delu, and Taiwan Xingyi master Hou Zan.

The new talent of Hong Kong, Wang Zhong, turned out to be a hidden martial arts expert!

The spread of southern martial arts to the north, a source of pride for Hong Kong!

...

Numerous newspapers reported on this grand event, not only in Hong Kong and Taiwan but also in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia has a large Chinese population, and due to local anti-Chinese policies, many Chinese practice martial arts. The establishment of the Chinese Martial Arts Association naturally attracted the attention of many Chinese martial artists.

Southeast Asian Chinese boxing champion Tang Ren responded to the Chinese Martial Arts Association, calling it a rare achievement in the Chinese martial arts world in a hundred years!

Thai boxing champion Phongsri responded, claiming that Muay Thai is the most powerful combat style in the world!

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