Chapter 41: Martial Arts Realms

Friday.

The weather forecast predicted cloudy skies turning to overcast, with possible showers.

In Training Hall No. 2, on a floor covered with soft mats.

A group of young trainees dressed in white martial arts uniforms were performing warm-up exercises such as leg stretches and rolls.

Having just finished a Jiu-Jitsu sparring session, Fang Cheng simply stood aside to rest and watch.

He was also "mooching" the class to learn relevant techniques.

Today was originally his scheduled day off.

However, because he had already taken leave on Tuesday, he needed to make up for the time lost due to "absence due to illness."

After the trainees finished their warm-ups, they began practicing *Kumite*.

So-called *Kumite* involves grabbing each other to simulate real combat grappling and striking drills.

Fang Cheng didn't know much about this specific combat style, but he was quite interested.

Many of its techniques—such as throwing, grappling, joint locks, chokes, and ground fighting—were actually also included in Karate.

Historically, Karate had absorbed techniques from many different schools.

To put it nicely, it was all-encompassing; to put it bluntly, it was a hodgepodge.

Perhaps for this reason.

During these few days of sparring with Goro Majima, Fang Cheng had not unlocked any corresponding skills.

Therefore, he decided to focus his efforts on other more specialized and distinctive combat styles.

Such as Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai...

At this moment, shouts of encouragement and exertion echoed across the floor.

The instructor continuously reminded the trainees of key technical points, correcting and guiding their fundamental skills.

Fang Cheng watched intently, silently noting down the relevant essentials.

When training with that Jiu-Jitsu practitioner earlier.

He had basically just put on his protective gear, taken a stance, and played the role of the defender.

He allowed the opponent to use various techniques, employing throws, locks, and ground fighting.

Even though Fang Cheng maintained a solid horse stance, his center of gravity was frequently shaken, and he was nearly thrown off his feet.

Fortunately, relying on the lower-body strength developed from long-term squat training, he managed to endure several rounds of the opponent's throwing and grappling techniques.

Seeing this, the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner shifted his focus toward joint locks and ground fighting.

For a time, this caused Fang Cheng considerable trouble.

However, relying on his reaction speed, he was still able to counter each move and barely manage to cope.

In the end, the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner grew frustrated and actually executed a sacrifice technique.

Using the strength of his thighs and the momentum of an aerial rotation, he dragged Fang Cheng to the ground—his specialty—to attempt a choke.

When Fang Cheng was caught, if he hadn't used his palms in time to block the thigh constricting his neck, he might have suffocated.

But the strength of the hands ultimately could not match the strength of the thighs.

In the end, the employer finished the sparring session by dragging his slightly bruised leg, declaring victory with great satisfaction.

Many Jiu-Jitsu moves are extremely fierce and vicious, often carrying a risk of fatality.

A "sacrifice technique," as the name implies, is a high-stakes way of fighting—winning by risking one's own body.

The moves basically involve various falling techniques combined with using the opponent's own momentum to neutralize their attack while throwing them to the ground for a submission.

It is a combat technique that seems unrefined yet is actually very sophisticated.

Through the previous few bouts of real combat, Fang Cheng had realized the effectiveness of combining grappling with throwing.

If he wanted to continue his studies in depth, Jiu-Jitsu was an excellent choice.

If he could master this combat art, he would not only unlock new skill slots but also compensate for some of his shortcomings in close-quarters combat.

………………………………

A rainy night on the streets.

Only a few scattered pedestrians with umbrellas passed by occasionally.

The "Martial Friend" video rental shop's lightbox sign was still flickering in the continuous drizzle.

The lights inside the shop were only half-on, making it appear somewhat dim.

At this hour and in this weather, there would basically be no customers coming through the door.

Wu Datong sat behind the counter in front of a seventeen-inch vintage television.

He stared intently at the flickering fluorescent screen, one hand clutching a roll of paper and the other clenched into a fist.

His sallow face was flushed somewhat red, and his breathing was slightly rapid.

*Creak—*

Just then, the glass door was suddenly pushed open, followed by a voice.

"Boss!"

"Ah!"

Wu Datong jumped in fright, hurriedly turned off the television, and looked up.

He saw the silhouette of a tall, thin young man standing at the door, putting away his umbrella and turning to look toward him.

"I'm here to return some discs, and I'd also like to rent some instructional documentaries on Jiu-Jitsu."

The late-night customer was none other than Fang Cheng, who had rushed over right after finishing work.

Wu Datong first scrambled to tidy up the counter before nodding with a chuckle

"Yes, yes, I'll get them for you right away."

This time, his attitude actually seemed even more enthusiastic and attentive than usual.

Not long after.

Dragging his slightly limping left leg, Wu Datong rummaged through the left side of the video rack and pulled out a disc with old packaging.

He turned back and said

"Here, this is *The Way of Life and Death in Jiu-Jitsu*."

"It features demonstrations by master practitioners. The main content includes the life-and-death methods of Jiu-Jitsu, the forbidden moves of various schools, and training insights. Aside from my shop, it's rarely seen on the market."

"However, the moves inside are somewhat dangerous; it's only suitable for those with a certain foundation in martial arts."

"Thank you."

Fang Cheng took the disc, then took out the two discs he had rented last time from his bag and returned them.

Seeing this, Wu Datong couldn't help but mutter to himself

"Coming all the way here in such heavy rain... renting for one more day wouldn't cost much more..."

As he spoke, seeing Fang Cheng's incredibly serious gaze, he seemed to recall something.

So, he added an extra bit of advice

"Jiu-Jitsu isn't anything extraordinary. Its combat philosophy exists in traditional martial arts too—using the opponent's strength against them and redirecting force—it's just that Jiu-Jitsu is more extreme."

"To reach a profound level in this kind of kung fu, it's best not to rely too much on your own physical strength. The most important thing is to feel with your heart, to feel the cycle of life and death, and to understand the changes in the universe and all living things..."

At this point, Wu Datong paused and scratched his head

"Eh, did I sound too mystical?"

Fang Cheng listened very attentively and replied

"Thank you for the guidance, Uncle Wu. I think I understand a bit."

"As long as you understand, as long as you understand," Wu Datong said with a chuckle.

Suddenly, he noticed a hair resting on the 5-yuan note Fang Cheng handed him.

He couldn't help but ask

"A-Cheng, have you been losing a lot of hair lately?"

"Uh, it seems so. Why?"

"You should be careful."

Wu Datong's expression turned serious as he admonished

"Young people need to know moderation. Don't rely on your good health to eat unclean things, and whatever you do, don't use drugs to get fit—especially, you must quit your 'handiwork'."

Fang Cheng did not defend himself; he merely blinked.

He looked toward the slightly open drawer of the counter, where a pink disc cover was visible.

Wu Datong followed his gaze, his old face instantly flushing red. He said sheepishly

"What? I'm in my fifties, I never married. What's wrong with relaxing occasionally?"

Fang Cheng nodded, indicating his understanding.

Wu Datong became even more embarrassed, completely losing the aura of a profound master he had just displayed.

After packing the disc into his bag and picking up the umbrella by the door, Fang Cheng prepared to push open the glass door and walk out.

However, a question came from behind him once more.

"A-Cheng, since you like practicing martial arts so much, do you want to find some like-minded sparring partners to practice and progress together?"

Fang Cheng was startled by the words and turned back to look at Wu Datong.

Similar words... should be the second time he had heard them.

(End of Chapter)