Martial Arts Livestreaming
Chapter 325 - 296: Eight Pieces of Brocade, Annual Meeting

Chapter 325: Chapter 296: Eight Pieces of Brocade, Annual Meeting

Guiding techniques, which originally came from the "Inner Canon of Huangdi," were meant to treat tendon diseases and symptoms of heaviness in the limbs. Over time, they were gradually incorporated into mainstream medicine and medical qigong. It was not until the emergence of the Eight Pieces of Brocade that guiding techniques truly began to flourish, proving to be quite effective in medicine, health preservation, and physical exercise.

Martial arts, especially Internal Fist, are also involved in health preservation and physical training, such as Xingyi’s Bone and Muscle Strengthening. So when Wu started his Bone and Muscle Strengthening, he researched the Eight Pieces of Brocade. Seeing Xu Ming execute this set of movements, the first half of which included Tai Chi postures and some elements of the Eight Pieces of Brocade, piqued Wu’s interest.

After about twenty minutes, Xu Ming finished the first half, then began to rub his hands together until his palms were warm before massaging his temples.

"The boss says this is called ’Heavenly Ascending Ladder,’" said Xu Ming as he massaged, "and there’s a corresponding breathing method that goes with it."

Wu nodded, feeling almost certain at this point that the set of movements Sun Yiquan taught Xu Ming was purely for health preservation.

After the Heavenly Ascending Ladder came the Heavenly Acupoint, followed by the Bathing Face...

By the end of the entire sequence, Xu Ming’s body had started to warm up.

Then he began the movements again, but this time with a style drastically different from before, his moves ripping through the air energetically.

Wu watched closely, detecting shades of spear technique in this latter half of the movements. It was said that Xingyi evolved from spear techniques into fist techniques and was characterized by its fierce and domineering style, and Xu Ming’s movements indeed carried a hint of Xingyi’s essence.

Another twenty or so minutes passed, and Xu Ming finished the entire set, his body drenched in sweat. Without pausing to rest, he started to explain the accompanying breathing method.

In about an hour, Wu had learned the set of movements.

He practiced it in front of Xu Ming, going through it quickly, only stopping mid-way to ask Xu Ming a few questions before pondering them over repeatedly.

It took about an hour to finish one iteration. Although he hadn’t studied it in depth, Wu was fairly certain that this set of movements would be beneficial to his Bone Marrow Strengthening.

The stone of other mountains can be used to polish jade; this was an unexpected joy.

The image of Sun Yiquan flashed through his mind—the former Spear King had given up the spear to research this?

Seeing Wu deep in thought, Xu Ming didn’t want to interrupt. After a good while, when Wu snapped back to reality, Xu Ming looked at him intently and couldn’t help but ask, "Well, how is it?"

Wu pondered for a moment before responding, "This set of movements, the first half can be treated as a warm-up exercise, benefiting all aspects of bodily functions; the second half, on the other hand, serves as stretching exercises that invigorate the circulation of Qi and blood and loosen the tendons and bones. Overall, I’d say it’s a pretty good set for health preservation."

"Health preservation?" Xu Ming’s eyes widened in discontent as he asked, "Just health preservation?"

Wu hesitated for a moment, "It’s primarily for health preservation and physical fitness. It should have a certain strengthening effect for Internal Fist body training, but as for the specific results, I need to practice it for some time to know."

Xu Ming’s expression dimmed. He had asked Sun Yiquan many times about the effects of this set of movements, and Sun’s answers were always similar: it’s to keep your body strong and healthy.

Xu Ming had thought perhaps Sun Yiquan was deliberately concealing something from him, but hearing Wu say the same thing, he completely lost hope in the set.

"Continued practice over a long time is beneficial for the body."

Wu saw the shift in Xu Ming’s mood and added a word of comfort.

Xu Ming wore a crestfallen expression; he knew all too well the benefits of long-term practice for the body, but that wasn’t what he wanted.

However, he soon regained composure and looked earnestly at Wu, "Do you think I have a talent for martial arts?"

Wu chuckled, having already guessed Xu Ming’s intentions from his manner and tone, but could understand nonetheless. After all, for a young man to find an employer like Sun Yiquan, anyone would think they might have stumbled upon a fortuitous encounter.

"Do you want to hear the truth?"

"Of course."

"As far as martial arts are concerned, your talent is average."

"Ah..."

Having reached the level of proficiency in martial arts that Wu had, it often only took him a glance to gauge matters related to martial arts. During Xu Ming’s practice, his control over his limbs, coordination and balance, the rhythm of his movements—all were quite average in Wu’s view. Most crucially, Wu did not feel the aura of natural aptitude from Xu Ming.

"But, I am very determined and I work hard!" Xu Ming emphasized to Wu.

Wu smiled lightly and said earnestly, "Xu Ming, when it comes to martial arts training, or indeed any profession, having determination and working hard isn’t something to boast about—it’s the very foundation."

"Your persistence in practicing the movements daily for two years without a day off does indeed prove you are determined, and if you work hard at martial arts, you may well be stronger than many enthusiasts or become an amateur expert. But I think what you really want isn’t just to be an amateur expert, is it?"

"..."

Xu Ming fell silent. He truly was not content with merely becoming an amateur expert. If that were all he aspired to, wouldn’t it be more pleasant to continue being a hotel lobby manager? What he desired was to become an expert like Wu or Sun Yiquan, the kind that could make a name for themselves in UFC.

"I get it now, thank you, Wu," Xu Ming said, forcing a smile uglier than crying onto his face, before turning to leave.

"Why don’t you try out my Martial Arts Hall?"

Seeing Xu Ming’s dejected expression, Wu couldn’t bear it and offered one more suggestion.

"Huh?" Xu Ming abruptly turned around, staring blankly at Wu.

Wu said, "Bo Yuan Martial Arts Hall will be opening in New York this March. If you’re really interested in martial arts, you could enroll in a class and learn a bit."

Xu Ming was a little excited, "Really?"

Wu Li smiled and nodded, "If you just treat it as a hobby, sure, it’s perfectly fine to learn. And if you can get into the professional class, we at Bo Yuan Martial Arts Hall are willing to sign a contract with you, allowing you to compete in professional matches. Of course, if you find it’s definitely not working out, I hope you won’t force yourself."

A glimmer of hope sparked in Xu Ming’s heart, and he nodded eagerly, "Okay, when Bo Yuan Martial Arts Hall opens, I’ll be there!"

"Wu Li, thank you!"

This time, Xu Ming said it with great force.

Wu Li patted his shoulder and then watched him leave.

"Do you think he can go pro?"

After Xu Ming left, Chen Gang came over and asked.

Wu Li replied, "Honestly, it’s pretty doubtful."

Chen Gang was puzzled, "Then why do you still suggest he tries? What’s the point?"

Surely it wasn’t just to collect another tuition fee, right?

Chen Gang didn’t voice this thought because he knew Wu Li wasn’t that kind of person and also definitely didn’t lack that small amount of money.

Wu Li said smilingly, "Actually, in every field, the people who really make it to the top almost always have talent; these individuals can be considered geniuses. But that doesn’t rule out the very few who, despite having average talent, make it to the pinnacle through sheer effort in other areas. They’re rare, but they do exist."

"He has this ambition, so it’s good for him to give it a try. I don’t want to be the reason he loses even the courage to attempt it."

Chen Gang looked towards the gate, shrugged, and said, "Alright then."

"So, we’re putting the seventh session on hold and revisiting it after the New Year?"

Wu Li nodded, "That’s the only option for now."

The Hua Country’s Spring Festival was only half a month away, and there hadn’t been any news from Li San, so Wu Li and Chen Gang decided it was best to return home and talk about everything after everyone had celebrated the New Year.

...

On February 4, Wu Li and his group returned to their country, and Liu Yuanbo personally came to pick them up at the airport.

"Why did you come to the airport? Is everything at the company settled?"

In the car, Wu Li asked Liu Yuanbo.

Liu Yuanbo replied, "Everything’s almost settled, now there’s just one last thing that requires your approval upon your return."

"What is it?" inquired Wu Li.

Liu Yuanbo said with a smile, "Our company is planning to have a New Year’s party this year. I came especially to invite Master Wu to attend."

Wu Li was surprised for a moment, then laughed, "You personally came just for that?"

Liu Yuanbo waved his hand, "Everyone knows that Master Wu is preparing for a competition, and next, you’ll be fighting for the interim championship, which is in the Imperial City... so..."

Liu Yuanbo didn’t finish speaking, but Wu Li understood what he meant. The match against Floreson was this month; there wasn’t much time left for preparation, and it was an important match. The other people from Bo Yuan Company probably didn’t dare to disturb Wu Li, so only Liu Yuanbo, the General Manager and senior disciple, personally took the initiative to invite Wu Li.

Liu Yuanbo looked at Wu Li and said, "This is what I was thinking. Our company is nearly a year old, and this will be our first New Year’s party. You are the founder and chairman of the company, Master Wu, and almost all of the company’s business is driven by you. So, if you can attend, only then will the New Year’s party be complete."

"Moreover, after the Spring Festival, our company is going to open its first branch in New York. This is the company’s first step abroad and symbolizes the company reaching a new milestone. I plan to highlight this matter at the New Year’s party; it’s the focal point for the company in the upcoming year. If you, Master Wu, could say a few encouraging words at that time, it would surely boost everyone’s morale."

Wu Li nodded, Liu Yuanbo made a lot of sense.

He spent most of the year traveling and hardly ever got involved with the company’s matters. Now that there was a rare opportunity that required his presence, Wu Li felt that he shouldn’t refuse, especially since it was his own company.

"When is the New Year’s party being held?"

Hearing Wu Li ask this, Liu Yuanbo’s face lit up with pleasure, "Does this mean Master Wu agrees?"

Wu Li smiled, "General Manager Liu personally takes the trouble, I should give this face."

"Haha," Liu Yuanbo burst into laughter, "The company’s New Year’s party is scheduled for the 8th of February, starting at 2 pm and planned to end at 6 pm, after which we’ll have dinner together."

Wu Li nodded, "Where will it be held?"

Liu Yuanbo replied, "In Shudu."

Wu Li laughed. The Bo Yuan Company was registered in Qi City, so the headquarters were there, and the focus of development had gradually shifted to the Imperial City and the Demon City, with branches in both cities. But Liu Yuanbo chose to hold the New Year’s party in Shudu, clearly to accommodate Wu Li.

"That’s very considerate of you," Wu Li said, patting Liu Yuanbo’s shoulder.

"I’ll definitely be there on time."