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墨書 Inktalez
After getting into the carriage, Shi Jin asked, "May I ask what business Master Wang has?"
Wang Jin smiled and shook his head, saying, "We'll discuss that later. I actually want to ask if there's something you need me to do, young brother."
Shi Jin was momentarily taken aback, his mind racing. He clasped his hands and replied, "Master Wang has keen insight; I indeed have a request."
Wang Jin nodded and said, "Please go ahead. Ah, if it's about becoming my disciple, let's not mention that."
Upon hearing this, Shi Jin felt a bit stunned. He did want to make that request again, but seeing that Wang Jin was much more polite yet still resolute in his refusal, he couldn't help but feel disappointed.
Now that Gao Qiu was dead, it seemed Wang Jin wouldn't be fleeing from home either. Had their master-disciple bond also been altered? It truly required meeting the right person at the right time; had he approached earlier, the outcome might have been different.
He sighed and said, "I have loved martial arts since childhood, but unfortunately have not encountered a wise master. After years of wasted time, I admired Master Wang's prowess yesterday and wished to join your school. However, since Master Wang has reservations, I cannot press the matter."
Wang Jin replied, "My skills are rather shallow; I wouldn't dare take you as my disciple."
His words were half true and half false. Although he had a good impression of Shi Jin, if Shi Jin's skills were mediocre it would be fine, but with abilities that even his own master admired, how could he dare to take him as a disciple?
Shi Jin was unaware of this reasoning and didn't want to press further. He forced a smile and asked, "Did Master Wang have something to inquire about just now?"
Wang Jin looked at him intently. Although the young man appeared greatly disappointed after being rejected, he still maintained his composure, which made Wang Jin feel even more favorably towards him.
With a slight smile, he asked, "Do you know Duke Duan?"
Shi Jin shook his head and replied, "I do not know him."
Seeing his decisive answer left Wang Jin somewhat puzzled. He had suspected Shi Jin might be a relative of King Duan seeking to learn martial arts and asking King Duan for assistance; however, it seemed that wasn't the case after all.
Feeling uneasy but realizing Shi Jin didn't know King Duan meant this matter had nothing to do with him, he decided not to pursue it further and shifted to another topic.
"Young brother, yesterday in front of Xiangguo Temple when you executed that move with the gong—what style of boxing was that?"
Shi Jin hadn't expected Wang Jin to ask about that moment instead of continuing with his previous inquiry. He casually replied, "That's Praying Mantis Fist."
Wang Jin's eyes lit up as he said, "Indeed! Does that move have a name?"
Shi Jin answered, "It's called 'The Praying Mantis Catches the Cicada.'"
Wang Jin nodded in approval and said, "That's quite vivid! Where did you learn this set of boxing?"
Shi Jin was about to answer the family tradition, but he felt a chill in his heart; this Shi family was not the same as the one in later generations.
His mind raced, and he said, "In my childhood, I learned from a wandering monk."
"Does that monk have a name?"
"He calls himself Empty," Shi Jin replied without blinking.
Wang Jin frowned in thought. Empty? Is there such a person in the martial world?
At that moment, Shi Jin recalled something and felt another chill. He realized where the problem lay. The Praying Mantis Fist first appeared during the Late Ming Dynasty and was said to be created by Wang Lang. He had brought this technique forward by several hundred years; no wonder Wang Jin was suspicious.
Fortunately, he had just mentioned the nonexistent Empty monk; otherwise, he would have truly revealed himself. He looked at Wang Jin but was puzzled; it was just a single technique, yet Wang Jin seemed to take it very seriously—was it really that significant?
It was Wang Jin's staff technique that left him dazzled and amazed. Although the Praying Mantis Fist gained some fame in later generations, it still paled in comparison to Xingyi, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and others.
Wang Jin pondered for a moment but couldn't grasp the essence of it, so he stopped dwelling on it. He turned to Shi Jin and said, "Yesterday, I saw you use that technique; it was quite unique, but I didn't know its origin. I consulted an elder of mine, and he was also very interested. Would you be willing to visit him at his residence?"
After speaking, he fixed his intense gaze on Shi Jin.
Shi Jin felt a bit dazed and instinctively nodded.
Seeing this, Wang Jin felt relieved; he knew his master's temperament and that he would indeed visit Shi Jin once he learned where he lived.
He thought for a moment and said, "My elder is unmatched in skills across the country and is far stronger than I am. If you are interested, I could recommend you to become his disciple."
Shi Jin's body shook with excitement upon hearing this; although Wang Jin's words might have some embellishment, they likely weren't too exaggerated. He hurriedly clasped his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you, Master Wang. May I ask how your elder is addressed?"
"He is surnamed Zhou and named Dong; currently, he is the head instructor of the Imperial Fist Academy."
"Ah!"
Shi Jin was stunned.
"Iron Arm Golden Blade" Zhou Tong! It turns out to be him.
In "Water Margin," several top experts are almost all his disciples: Lu Junyi, Lin Chong, Shi Wengong, Luan Tingyu, Sun Li, and Wu Song have only practiced martial arts with him for a few months. Even Lu Zhishen seems to have received his teachings, but his most famous disciple is Yue Fei.
Shi Jin was nearly stunned by this unexpected windfall.
Hmm, this book should be titled "What to Do If You Want to Acknowledge Zhou Tong as Your Master from the Start?" I'm waiting online; it's quite urgent.
Wang Jin found it amusing to see Shi Jin grinning foolishly; clearly, Shi Jin had heard of Zhou Tong's reputation.
His words were also carefully considered. He noticed that although Shi Jin had learned a unique set of martial arts, for some reason—whether it was due to improper practice or something else—his skills were still shallow and superficial.
Due to family rules, he couldn't take in disciples at the moment, but he liked this young man. Coincidentally, Zhou Tong was interested in this martial art. If Shi Jin could become Zhou Tong's disciple, since the martial art wasn't a family inheritance, it would naturally facilitate sparring, making everyone happy.
Although he put in some thought, Shi Jin wouldn't lose out; he knew how formidable his master uncle's skills were.
At that moment, Shi Jin followed Wang Jin to visit Zhou Tong.
After meeting Zhou Tong, Wang Jin brought up the matter, and Zhou Tong frowned.
He naturally saw through Wang Jin's intentions and felt displeased. Although he was interested in the martial art, he didn't want to seize it by trickery.
Wang Jin smiled and said, "Da Lang originally wanted to acknowledge me as his master. I see that he has excellent talent and character; I’m afraid of hindering him and think it’s better for my master uncle to teach him personally."
His words informed Zhou Tong that Shi Jin already had the intention of becoming a disciple and that Wang Jin had no ulterior motives.
Zhou Tong glanced at him and no longer dwelled on the matter.
He turned to carefully examine Shi Jin. The young man stood tall and straight, with clear eyes and an impressive demeanor that made one feel favorable upon first sight.
No wonder the usually cautious Wang Jin recommended him to himself. This young man's talent was indeed quite good, and his age was just right; Zhou Tong nodded slightly in agreement.
Seeing this, Shi Jin was overjoyed, lifted his clothes, knelt down, and bowed his head, saying, "I pay my respects to my master!"
Zhou Tong accepted his bow and pondered for a moment before saying, "In a few days, I will celebrate my birthday; your senior brothers will all come over then. You can formally enter the school on that day and meet them so you can have someone to rely on in the future."
Shi Jin was delighted upon hearing this; these were all formidable figures!
Wang Jin laughed and said, "From now on, just call me senior brother; don't mess up the hierarchy."
Zhou Tong nodded slightly while Shi Jin respectfully saluted Wang Jin with cupped hands and called out "Brother Wang," feeling increasingly grateful towards him.
Although the two of them do not have a master-disciple relationship in this world, their bond is even deeper.
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