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When Wei Yuan arrived outside the Li Residence, a wave of anxiety washed over him. How could he possibly explain everything he had seen and heard last night? Even if Li Degui believed his wild tale, a trip to the village would reveal its utter destruction. And Wei Yuan's solitary return, coupled with the sudden appearance of a substantial amount of money… it was a recipe for suspicion he couldn't talk his way out of.
He took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus on the immediate situation. Panic wouldn't help. Slowly, he walked into the courtyard, heading for the east corner. A familiar routine might help calm his frayed nerves, so he began his usual warm-up exercises.
Around mid-morning, Old Man Li shuffled into the courtyard, a loud yawn escaping his lips.
Wei Yuan wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead and walked directly to Li Degui. Without a word, he held out five taels of silver. He'd decided to present the tuition immediately, hoping to establish a semblance of normalcy and perhaps preempt too many questions about his recent activities.
The moment Li Degui's eyes landed on the silver, his sleepiness vanished as if by magic. A wide grin stretched across his face. "Not bad, not bad at all! Looks like your… uh… family is certainly supporting your endeavors." He raised a questioning eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his gaze.
To be honest, the amount surprised him. Wei Yuan's clothes were undeniably worn, suggesting a humble background. Five taels a month for tuition, on top of the rumored cost of exotic beast meat he supposedly consumed? It seemed an extraordinary expense for someone of his apparent means.
Scholars can be poor, but warriors cannot, the old saying went. Without financial backing, the path of martial arts was simply inaccessible for most. It was the brutal truth of their world. Martial prowess was the primary means of social mobility, yet its pursuit demanded significant resources. Where would a poor family unearth such sums?
Unless… a spark of extraordinary talent shone through, a once-in-a-million genius so obvious that even the most jaded observer could see it. In such a case, a willing mentor might offer free instruction, eager to nurture such potential. Even someone as pragmatic as Li Degui might take on such a prodigy as a disciple, investing wholeheartedly in their training.
But the reality was stark: how many impoverished children possessed such rare gifts? And who had the discerning eye to recognize these hidden gems? As for Wei Yuan's potential, Li Degui remained uncertain. He prided himself on his grounded perspective. Judging talent, especially in a young teenager, was a fool's errand. Time would tell.
Li Degui maintained a consistent approach with all his students. Discounts were unheard of, even for family. Tuition was tuition, plain and simple.
"Please teach me the techniques, Master Li," Wei Yuan said, bowing respectfully, his eyes conveying a genuine eagerness to learn.
"Alright, come with me." Li nodded, a flicker of renewed interest in his eyes, and led the way towards the main hall. Wei Yuan followed closely.
A maidservant quietly closed the heavy wooden doors behind them, ensuring privacy. No prying eyes, no chance of others stealing a glimpse of their training.
The hall was spacious, dominated by a large, ancient bronze cauldron positioned in the center. Li Degui stood beside it, his jovial demeanor replaced by a serious expression.
"Wei Yuan," he began slowly, his voice taking on a more formal tone, "people often speak of training in martial arts. But have you ever truly considered… what it is we are training for?"
Was he delving into the philosophical underpinnings of martial arts? Wei Yuan found himself genuinely intrigued. "Please enlighten me, Master Li."
Instead of a direct answer, Li posed another question. "Tell me, boy, in its most fundamental form… how do you subdue another person?"
Wei Yuan blinked, slightly taken aback. "With… a strike? A block?"
"Hmph." Li shook his head, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You subdue them by overpowering them, boy. By exerting greater force."
This old man… sometimes his directness was startling.
Li chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I'm not being simplistic. That is the essence. The application of superior force. Some might even say, raw power can achieve remarkable things."
A spark of understanding flickered within Wei Yuan. "So… martial arts training is primarily about cultivating and applying greater strength?"
"Precisely!" Li nodded emphatically. "Once you grasp the true nature of 'strength' – where it originates, how to cultivate it, and how to wield it effectively – you've taken your first genuine step onto the path of martial arts."
This was a perspective Wei Yuan hadn't fully considered. He leaned forward, listening intently.
Li continued at a measured pace. "Strength resides within your very being. It's not something external. You cannot see it, nor can you touch it directly. But when you clench your fist, you feel its presence.
That power draws from your entire physical form – your blood, your muscles, your bones, even your internal organs contribute. Since this strength is inherent, our task is to amplify it, to refine it, and to learn to direct it with precision. Master that, and true power becomes yours, wouldn't you agree?"
A moment of clarity washed over Wei Yuan. Li's explanation, while seemingly straightforward, held a certain undeniable logic.
"Master Li," Wei Yuan asked earnestly, "how then do we effectively enhance this inherent strength?"
Li waved a dismissive hand. "Patience, young one. One more question for you. What do you believe is the limit of an average person's strength? Their absolute maximum?"
Wei Yuan pondered for a moment. "Perhaps enough to lift a heavy sack of grain, maybe?"
"Close enough. A reasonably strong individual might manage something of that nature."
As he spoke, Li walked towards the massive bronze cauldron. He extended his right hand, curling his thumb, ring, and little finger into his palm. Only his index and middle fingers remained extended, and he placed these two fingers against the heavy base of the cauldron.
Wei Yuan watched, unsure of Li's intent, and leaned forward for a clearer view.
Then, to his utter astonishment, the enormous cauldron began to lift from the ground. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, but then with increasing steadiness, it rose.
Wei Yuan's breath hitched in his throat. His eyes widened in disbelief. Li Degui was lifting that colossal bronze vessel… with just two fingers.
That thing must have weighed hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. His mind reeled at the impossible sight.
"....."