Chapter Thirty-Three: Learning Fist Techniques

  Li Yuanzhi took Wang Wei to the ancestral hall to pay respects, but instead of teaching him martial arts immediately, he asked Wang Wei about his life with his mother over the past decade or so. Wang Wei recounted his original memories and what he had learned about his mother's life in the past half year, telling Li Yuanzhi everything. After listening, Li Yuanzhi sighed repeatedly, saying from time to time: "Ah Wei, you and your mother have suffered."

  Later, when Wang Wei said that he made some money by writing books and scripts, which improved the lives of his mother and son, Li Yuan told Wang Wei with a heavy heart: "Ah Wei, your mother has raised you for so many years, it's not easy. Now that you're making money, you should repay your mother well. A martial artist's most important thing is not how powerful their fist is, but their moral character. No matter how good the fist is, it can only make people superficially admire you, while moral character can make people truly respect you."

  Wang Wei nodded, indicating that he remembered, and then told Li Yuan about his recent experiences after some modification. When Li Yuan heard that Wang Wei was almost beaten to death by a little rascal, he was furious and repeatedly reminded Wang Wei to practice boxing well in the future.

  Later, Li Yuanzhi asked Wang Wei to bring his mother over to see him, and Wang Wei nodded in agreement. In the afternoon, Wang Wei brought his mother to Li Yuanzhi's home, Wu Xia heard from Wang Wei that Li Yuanzhi wanted to see her, at that time she was still a bit at a loss. As for the relationship between Li Yuanzhi and Wang Zhaofu, Wu Xia was aware of it.

  Wang Zhaofu once told me Wu Xia, in his own eyes, the master and mistress were no different from his own parents. His parents were killed by American devils when he was very young, and he was raised by his master and mistress since childhood. Originally, when Wang Wei was born again, Wang Zhaofu took Wu Xia to see his master and mistress. Unexpectedly, this meeting lasted for over a decade.

  Now, Wang Wei suddenly said that Li Yuanzhi wanted to see her, and Wu Xia couldn't help but feel nervous. After a long time, she followed Wang Wei to Li Yuanzhi's house.

  After meeting, Li Yuanzhi was very satisfied with Wu Xia, this apprentice daughter-in-law. Then the two of them chatted about old times again. As a result, they chatted for an entire afternoon. When Wu Xia heard that Li Yuanzhi and Liu Lao lived here alone, she suggested taking Li Yuanzhi to Wang Wei's house to live, but was rejected by Li Yuanzhi. Li Yuanzhi said he liked quietness, so he moved out of the city. Now seeing Wu Xia and Wang Wei living well together, he felt at ease. So Wu Xia's suggestion had to be abandoned.

  The next day, Wang Wei followed Li Yuanzhi to learn boxing. During this period, due to the need to learn boxing, and Wu Xia wanted Wang Wei to accompany his master more often, so Wang Wei was sent to live with Li Yuanzhi's family.

  Li Yuanzhi got up early and brought Wang Wei to an open space on the edge of the village.

  "Ah Wei, my Shifu (master), when I was young, my family was poor and I followed my parents to work in the fields, which made my body strong. At the age of 10, I started learning Yan Qing Quan from Master Chen Yu Shan, then I followed Fu Wan Xiang Shifu to learn Zui Ba Xian Quan Fa (Drunken Eight Immortals Fist) and Gun Fa (Staff Techniques)."

  "When I was 15 years old, I joined the Zhili Governor Cao Kun's Miaodao Camp and became a martial arts soldier. After learning the team drill techniques in the Miaodao Camp, our troops were robbed by the Salt Bandits. Due to the large difference in numbers at that time, and the opponent was well-prepared. In the end, only three of us brothers escaped. After we escaped and returned to the army, the superior officer suspected that we were colluding with the enemy and wanted to execute us."

  "Perhaps it was my fate, I was rescued by a teacher from Northeast China and followed him to Dalian. In Dalian, I met my sworn brother Feng Huaiyi, and we exchanged and improved our martial arts skills together. Brother Feng was a master of the Praying Mantis Fist, so I also learned the Praying Mantis Fist. Afterwards, Brother Feng and I traveled together to Shanghai, Liaoning and other places, having a great time." As Li Yuanzhi spoke, his eyes revealed a hint of nostalgia.

  "During this time, I met my father-in-law Tong Zhongyi again and followed him to learn the Liuhe Quan method as well as wrestling and grappling techniques. It was also during this period that I got to know your great-grandmother. At that time, I had just turned twenty." Li Yuanzhi's face showed a happy expression.

  On one side, Wang Wei looked at Master's slightly raised corner of his mouth and thought to himself: "This must be the most triumphant moment in Master's life. He has achieved mastery in his craft and also won a beautiful woman back."

  Li Yuanzhi continued: "Later, I was admitted to the Central Guoshu Institute. From Han Huazhen, Ma Yingtu, Mi Lianke and Zhao Shude, I learned Baguaquan, Liuhebafaquan and Qingpingjian. Later, from Zhu Guofu, Huang Bai Nian and Wu Junshan, I practiced Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and Taijiquan. In the following year's Shanghai National Martial Arts Convention, I won first place in the martial arts competition."

  Upon hearing this, Wang Wei thought to himself: "It seems I was wrong earlier. This is probably the moment when Master Shi has achieved his life's greatest satisfaction. He has exclusively obtained both the top and second place in the imperial examination, which is one of the four great joys in life. This must be the most satisfying moment in Master Shi's life."

  "After graduating, I stayed in school to teach until two years ago when I retired due to old age." Li Yuanzhi sighed and said: "It's rare for people to live to be 70. Living to my current age, I have no regrets left. Originally, the only regret in my heart was that before closing my eyes, I wanted to see you and your mother one more time. Now this wish has been fulfilled. So, this life of mine can be considered perfect. Even if I die immediately, I can close my eyes contentedly."

  On the other side, Wang Wei saw that his master was talking about losing energy again and couldn't help but open his mouth to persuade him: "Master, you are still so vigorous now, I think it's no problem for you to live to be a hundred years old."

  Li Yuanzhi smiled and patted Wang Wei's shoulder after hearing his words, saying: "That's right, I'm not dead yet, I haven't taught Ah Wei boxing skills yet."

  Li Yuanzhi said, "I have learned many boxing techniques in my life, and I am most proficient in the three boxing techniques of Luo Yang's Eight Extremes Boxing, Bagua Taiji Boxing, and Yan Qing Boxing. Among the three boxing techniques, the Eight Extremes Boxing is the most powerful and swift, while the Yan Qing Boxing is the lightest and most agile. The Bagua Taiji Boxing combines the characteristics of both, with unique body movements and strong combat effectiveness, but it is also the most difficult to learn."

  Li Yuan took two steps forward and said, "The movements of Bajiquan are simple, unadorned, powerful and swift. It is extremely practical. In common language, 'Taiji brings peace to the world through softness', while 'Bajiquan stabilizes the universe with firmness'. This explains the practicality of Bajiquan. Yanqingquan, on the other hand, has a unique and agile body method. It possesses the internal avoidance, refinement and spiral movements of internal fist, as well as the expansive, chopping and stretching postures of external fist. Moreover, its movements are rich in variation and its body is nimble and quick. It looks even better."

  "The Bagua Taiji Fist, on the other hand, combines the characteristics of the first two fists, softening the Taiji Fist, Bagua Palm, and Xingyiquan. Therefore, the fist is both hard and soft, but it becomes more complicated and difficult to learn. Among my students in military school and my apprentices, not one has been able to master this fist. Your father's talent was high, if he had persisted in learning, maybe he could have succeeded... unfortunately..."

  Li Yuanzhi's expression turned solemn as he continued, "I plan to teach you the Eight Extremes Fist first, then the Swallow Fist, and finally the Taiji Bagua Fist. Once you've mastered these techniques, I'll demonstrate all the other martial arts I've learned."

  Wang Wei heard Li Yuanzhi say this and couldn't help but ask: "Master, according to what you said, isn't that saying Tai Chi Bagua Fist is the most powerful?"

  Li Yuanzhi listened to Wang Wei's question, shook his white long eyebrows, and said seriously: "You think this way is a big mistake. The fist method does not distinguish between good and bad, only the person who uses it can be distinguished. A powerful puncher can make the most basic fist method blow in all directions, and everyone will admire him. On the other hand, even if a beginner practices a very powerful fist method, it is still useless. Therefore, remember that the high or low of the fist method is not important, but rather emphasize practice and application."

  Li Yuan's tone became even heavier as he said, "Moreover, when learning boxing, one must remember to avoid sectarianism and understand the strengths of various schools. I admire Baguazhang so much precisely because it doesn't have a narrow-minded view of its own school. It absorbs the strengths of three kinds of boxing methods. My master, in my lifetime, I've learned many boxing methods, but this feeling is the most profound."

  "Alright, Master will now pass on to you the 8th level of Fist Technique."

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