Chapter 95: Chapter 85 Qian Quan Pays His Respect to
Master Wang of Wudang Mountain!—1
Translator: Inschain | Editor: Inschain
Qian Quan’s mood was off for the entire morning.
It wasn’t because he was bested in technique.
Victory and defeat are common in martial arts. Even with Grandmaster-level
Wing Chun skills, he never considered himself unbeatable.
With almost 8 billion people in the world, who could claim invincibility? Who could truly say they were undefeatable?
Furthermore, there’s a saying in Wing Chun: with a Master, you understand limits; with an opponent, you know your standing.
However, Qian Quan didn’t want to lose to Shimizu Ichiro’s uncle.
Because he had observed that the opposition wasn’t seeking a victory in martial arts. They wanted to seek clarity from history, to address an old score.
It was a matter of principle.
For Qian Quan, a top student of history, that period of history was irrefutable. Anyone trying to distort, embellish, or tamper with it should be refuted and eliminated.
The more he thought about it, the more somber he felt.
Judging by their demeanor, not only would they take further action, but it would also be significant.
From this perspective, Zhang Xiang’er’s assessment was correct.
This was a test.
After class, Qian Quan sent Zhang Xiang’er a message, “I’ve met Shimizu Ichiro
and his uncle.”
Zhang Xiang’er quickly replied, “How did it go?”
“You were right in your guess. This visit was to gauge us. Once he’s back, they’ll probably make a big scene in the name of his senior.”
“So, involving the authorities and media? Then stir up a public opinion storm online and offline, right?”
Qian Quan scoffed, “Then it’ll be mutually destructive.”
-What do you mean?” Zhang Xiang’er asked in shock. “Are you saying you aren’t confident of winning after meeting him?”
“He’s been hiding for so long. Would he stir things up without ample preparation?”
“It’s in line with their national style.”
Zhang Xiang’er detected an unusual tone in Qian Quan’s voice, sensing his anger, “What did he say?”
“Nothing, he just threw a leaf at me.
Being familiar with martial symbolism, Zhang Xiang’er asked, “You didn’t catch it?”
“I caught half of it. But that’s not the point. The point is he wants to send a message, a message we absolutely don’t want to hear.
“So, I won’t let him win, even if it means I crawl out and he’s carried out.”
Zhang Xiang’er pondered for a moment, “We need to meet in person.”
In the following days, Qian Quan spent more time practicing his “Wudang Mountain Meditation.” Maintaining such an inward, serene state led classmates to speculate, resulting in several caring notes and messages. Eventually, even Ding Linlang noticed. She made a special trip from Fudan University to Seacoast Normal University to dine with him.
Qian Quan was straightforward with her, “Soon, maybe in a month or three, I’ll
be in an important match with a foreign warrior.”
“Will you get hurt?”
“Yes.”
“Can you avoid it?”
“No.”
“Okay, if you get hurt, I’ll take time off to care for you.”
“Alright.”
On Friday, Zhang Xiang’er came to Azure Bay. Qian Quan shared his observations and speculations with him.
“A descendant of a war criminal?” Zhang Xiang’er bluntly asked.
“Most likely.”
“And he dares to visit my Master!”
“Is he also going to Wudang Mountain?”
Zhang Xiang’er nodded.
“Will your Master refuse to see him?”
“No, on the contrary, he will meet him this time.”
Qian Quan nodded. When you come to gauge, you should also be ready to expose.
Both sides were feeling each other out.
Early the next morning…
Qian Quan and Zhang Xiang’er rushed to Wudang Mountain by plane. It wasn’t until 3 p.m. that they finally reached the top of Wudang Mountain.
Halfway up the mountain, to their surprise, they came face to face with Igarashi Yuugiri and Shimizu Ichiro, who were descending.
The four exchanged greetings, with Igarashi Yuugiri making a point to nod at
Qian Quan.
Qian Quan responded indifferently.
After they passed each other, Zhang Xiang’er remarked, “He seems to be wary
of you.”
Qian Quan remained noncommittal.
“Being submissive in person, but treacherous behind the back, ever-changing, not knowing the meaning of friendship, only being intimidated by martial prowess – such behavior is despicable. Hence, one shouldn’t show him any respect,” quoted Zhang Xiang’er, referencing an old saying.
It was a fitting commentary on the situation.
The two continued their ascent and, upon reaching a Taoist temple, saw an old Taoist sitting on a rocky outcrop, napping and sunbathing.
The elderly Taoist, who appeared to be in his seventies or eighties, was lean and fit.
Zhang Xiang’er signaled to Qian Quan that this was his Master. Suddenly, Qian Quan asked, “What’s your Master’s surname?” “His surname is Wang. He used to be called Wang Xiaoliu, but later the boss gave him the name Wang Dashun.”
“He actually told you that?”
“He mainly wanted to boast about the fact that the boss had named him.”
“Well, that’s indeed something to brag about.”
They approached the old Taoist, and Zhang Xiang’er called out, “Master.” The Taoist opened his eyes.
“I am Qian Quan, and I am honored to meet the renowned Master Wang of Wudang Mountain,” said Qian Quan, a line he had rehearsed all the way. “Well, well…” The Taoist assessed Qian Quan, then looked at his disciple and commented, “Seems you’ve been outshined.”
“Yes, his talent is no less than mine. In a real fight, I can’t confidently say I d beat him,” admitted Zhang Xiang’er.
The Taoist chuckled without correcting his disciple. He then addressed Qian Quan, “Did you meet the man?”
“Yes, I did.”
“That’s a pity.”
“Why is that?”
“It’s a pity I’m too old. If I were seventy or eighty years younger, I would’ve broken one of his arms, making things easier for you two.1
■You are awesome,” remarked Qian Quan genuinely, sensing the distinctive presence of a veteran warrior.
The Taoist waved him off, “It’s nothing. I’ve lived over a hundred years and practiced for over seventy. I have no worldly attachments, except for one thing that I can’t let go of.”
“I don’t understand.”
The Taoist sighed, “Only when you live to be a hundred will you truly understand. Material things cease to matter. Open your eyes, and the world appears. Close them, and it vanishes.”
“Friends come and go; loved ones pass away. Ups and downs, wins and losses, everything changes continuously. Two moments are never the same.
“Change is the nature of the universe. Even as you listen to me, you are aging. It’s relentless and fair.”
“Master…” Zhang Xiang’er interjected, feeling that her master was digressing.
“I am not straying off-topic.”
“My point is even if we could become immortals, the country must be defeated! Even after a hundred years, no one can forgive them on our behalf!”
Qian Quan nodded solemnly.
“I’ve heard you’ve started practicing ‘Wudang Inner Peace Practice’?” The Taoist changed the subject.
“Yes.”
“Do you feel like it’s yielding little results?”
“As it’s a meditative art, progress is slow and gradual.”
The Taoist smirked, “If a martial art takes eighty years to master, what’s the point? You might as well get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water, and dance in the town square.”
Both Qian Quan and Zhang Xiang’er were taken aback, wondering if the master had had a little too much to drink.
“Come, let’s go inside. I have something special for you two.”
The old Taoist spoke, then hopped down from Rocky, limping as he led the way.
His limp seemed to be the lingering effect of a gunshot wound from years ago. Upon entering the temple, the old Taoist fetched a jar and then took out several plastic bags from a drawer.
“This is Zhenling Dan tea. Take one every three days; no more, no less.” As he said this, he transferred the gray tablets from the jar into the plastic bags as if packaging some local specialty.
“In one month, you’ll see the effect. If they are to compete in three months, remember to disable one of his arms then.
“Is this tea that potent?” Qian Quan was surprised. “Are there any side effects?” “As long as you consume it in the quantity I’ve advised, there will be no side effects. Well, there is one exception. If your Yang energy becomes too abundant, you will need to guide it properly. I believe I don’t need to say more on that matter, right?”
“Isn’t Wudang Mountain known for practicing martial arts with a child’s purity?” Qian Quan blurted out, then realized with an epiphany, so that’s why Zhang Xiang’er was such a womanizer?
■■Don’t listen to nonsense. Being pure like a child has nothing to do with practicing martial arts. It’s all about moderation. For instance, if one overexerts oneself the previous night, they may find themselves weak the next day.”
The old Taoist truly had a carefree demeanor. His speech was straightforward and easy to understand, without any wordplay.
“Can I brew this tea myself?”
“No, it’s not that I’m keeping secrets, but with the same ingredients, some people can produce poison, while others can make antidotes. A slight error can lead to drastic consequences, and I believe you’ve encountered such cases before.”
Qian Quan nodded.
“Come to see me after you’ve finished drinking.
“Alright..”
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