Even if the sky falls, you have to fill your stomach first.
He then turned around, grasping the heavy stone gate with both hands.
Accompanied by a dull "boom," he resealed the sacred training ground of the Ma Family.
After doing all this, Fang Cheng lowered his head to look at the charred shoulder bag in his hand, and the remnants of clothes inside that had long crumbled into powder. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novelFirｅ.net
After pondering for a moment, he suddenly clasped his hands together and rubbed vigorously.
With a faint sound, the canvas bag that had completed its historical mission, along with the clothes inside, was instantly annihilated by the golden True Qi escaping from his palm.
He opened his palm, allowing the fine black powder to be carried by the mountain wind, drifting into the rain, merging into this mountain forest.
After clearing all traces, Fang Cheng, bare-chested and wearing only a pair of bright red underwear, stepped into the cool rain curtain.
Raindrops pattered against the windshield, forming a hazy curtain of water.
The wipers swung dutifully from side to side, each groaning "squeak" only achieving a few seconds of clear vision.
An olive-green vintage jeep was driving along the highway on the outskirts of Jiangbei City.
On both sides of the road, there were endless farmlands and smokey rural factories, all appearing bleak in the rain.
grumbled a burly man, as strong as a bear, in the passenger seat:
"Didn’t the weather forecast say it would be sunny all week? How did it start raining just like that, without any warning?"
This strong man was none other than Ma Donghe.
The driver was a man of ordinary appearance and calm demeanor, middle-aged.
He smiled upon hearing the complaint:
"Donghe, it’s not like you don’t know. When we came over from Ding Bridge, wasn’t the sun shining brightly? As soon as we reached your Tianxin Village, the sky clouded over."
"What does that tell you? It means the Ma Family’s place here is a Feng Shui treasure land, able to gather clouds and bring rain, no wonder your ancestors have always stayed here, refusing to move."
"Give me a break, Brother Wei, don’t tease me,"
Ma Donghe said, pouting at the man’s teasing words:
"If it were truly a Feng Shui treasure land, I should be a wealthy heir by now. Instead, I was chased around the yard by my dad every day as a kid, to save the family’s face."
"You were there when I learned boxing at my house, you know."
The man known as Brother Wei was named Wei Zheng.
A hint of nostalgia flashed in his eyes as he spoke slowly:
"How old were you back then, like a little firecracker, you’d feel uneasy if you didn’t cause some trouble every day."
"Master Ma was often helpless with you, but speaking of it, I heard from my master that he’s much more satisfied with you now."
At this, a rare look of self-satisfaction appeared on Ma Donghe’s face:
"Ever since I made up my mind to apply for the Special Search Team, the old man looks at me differently."
"Before, when I came home, he would at most grunt."
"Now, not only does he personally brew strengthening soup for me every day, saying it’s necessary for exam preparation that’s taxing on the body, but he also keeps asking about my training progress, more nagging than my mom."
"A few days ago, seeing that I injured my muscles practicing Pile Skills too hard, he even brought out his treasured medicinal wine and gave me a massage to promote blood circulation."
Ma Donghe laughed twice and then changed the topic:
"By the way, thanks to Director Shi’s help this time, otherwise I don’t know how long my identity verification would have been delayed. I’ll buy some fruits and visit him soon."
"Director Shi was recently transferred to logistics, so he’s much more relaxed."
Wei Zheng skillfully turned the steering wheel, advising in a calm tone:
"Donghe, if you pass the reexamination and get into the team, observe more and talk less in everything."
"We’re not the same as those with formal training, especially during missions, don’t always think about charging ahead."
"Remember, your primary task is to survive, and then complete the mission. Our line of work is not a place for heroics; many times, a bullet is more effective than ten years of hard-learned boxing."
Wei Zheng, a Second Level Officer of the Special Search Team, had been in the team for over a decade and was highly experienced.
He was also a disciple of Zhang Haixiang, the other founder of the Martial Arts Research Association and the head of Xingyi Boxing.
In terms of seniority, Ma Donghe indeed called him Brother.
Facing the senior’s guidance, Ma Donghe, for once, did not retort, just patiently nodding:
"Got it, got it, Brother Wei."
Wei Zheng glanced at this junior of his, knowing his temperament well.
The talent is actually quite good, and coming from a Martial Arts Family, as long as he is willing to make an effort, his future prospects won’t be bad.
However, Master Ma Jianguo had him late in life, and spoiled him severely during childhood, leading him astray for several years, even mixing with people on the black market.
But, once he joins the team, this experience might turn out to be an advantage instead.
Thinking about the situation in the team, Wei Zheng couldn’t help but sigh:
"You’ll understand once you join; right now, in the team, those of us practicing traditional martial arts are becoming less valued."
"The power lies with that group focusing on scientific research, constantly pondering over genetic optimization and human enhancement plans.
"Martial Artists like us are getting fewer and fewer, mainly being sent to small cities for guard duty, guarding warehouses, sitting on the sidelines."
He’s been working diligently in the Special Search Team for over ten years, yet he’s merely a Second Level Officer, leaving him feeling somewhat disappointed.
"Those guys don’t know shit!"
Ma Donghe immediately got excited:
"Brother Wei, that’s why I’m asking you to check out my buddy."
"Let me tell you, he’s a monster, purely by practicing skills, can punch right through a concrete wall!"
"Once you meet him, you’ll know what real talent is!"
Wei Zheng chuckled, not taking it too seriously.
How strong can a Martial Artist get? Can they be faster than a gun?
Even though he had practiced martial arts and Qigong since childhood, he was merely stronger and recovered faster, ultimately still flesh and blood.
When it comes to missions, it’s all about various firearms and modern weapons.
Who would be foolish enough to go hand-to-hand with those monsters with Special Abilities?
In the middle of this conversation, the jeep had already reached the entrance of Tianxin Village.
Strangely enough, a moment ago there was heavy rain like a downpour, but now it’s suddenly lessened.
"Turn at the intersection ahead and we’re there."
Ma Donghe poked his head out, pointing the way.
"It’s been so many years, I almost forgot the way."
Wei Zheng remarked as he maneuvered the jeep through the village’s narrow dirt roads, twisting and turning.
"Brother Wei, stop here first."
Ma Donghe suddenly said:
"We’re out of wine at home, I’m going to the convenience store to buy a couple of good bottles. Later, let me show off my skills, and we’ll have a good drink together!"
Saying that, he pushed open the car door, braving the drizzling rain, and ran to a nearby convenience store with a sign "Tobacco, Alcohol, and Provisions".
Wei Zheng parked the car by the roadside, rolled down the window, and casually rested his arm on the window sill.
He took out a pack of cigarettes, lit one up, and gazed at the misty scenery outside, slowly exhaling a smoke ring.
The parking spot was right at an intersection.
A path wound its way toward the hill behind the village, and under the rain’s wash, the roadside greenery looked even more verdant.
His visit this time wasn’t entirely due to Ma Donghe’s enthusiastic invitation.
Last month, he led a team on a mission and failed.
Two teammates who had been with him for years, one died on the spot, the other is still in the hospital.
As a result, he was given an extended leave, under the guise of "psychological adjustment".
Despite appearing hearty, when alone, Wei Zheng’s face inadvertently showed a hint of tiredness that was hard to conceal.
The banter with Ma Donghe earlier was just putting on a brave face, with a heavy burden weighing on his mind.
Today, Ma Donghe had invited him over, claiming to introduce an "exceptional Martial Arts Genius" to him.
Anyway, with nothing to do while suspended at home, he might as well come and relax.
"Exceptional genius..."
Wei Zheng chuckled self-deprecatingly and took another drag of his cigarette.
Suddenly, his gaze sharpened.
He saw a man leisurely walking down the path leading to the hillside.
The man was shirtless, his bronze skin under the rain shimmered with a healthy glow.
Each muscle was clearly defined, yet not the bulky kind built in gyms, rather full of fluid strength.
Droplets slid down his well-defined abs, disappearing into the strikingly noticeable bright red underpants.
He walked barefoot on the muddy ground, step by step.
Though merely strolling, he emanated an indescribable sense of pressure.
Like a tiger, having feasted, now descending the mountain to survey its domain.