On the central ring of the gymnasium, the atmosphere gradually heated up.
First, several young people, claiming to be Master Ma Baoguo's direct disciples, performed a few exhibition matches. Their movements were dazzling, and their shouts echoed through the air.
While the practical combat effectiveness seemed questionable, the spectacle was undeniable, drawing cheers and applause from the audience below.
Finally, with the host's booming introduction and some overly dramatic lighting effects, Master Ma Baoguo, the protagonist of this competition, made a grand entrance.
He wore a white silk martial arts uniform, his hair meticulously combed. Though in his seventies, he looked full of vigor.
He walked with measured steps to the center of the ring, took the microphone, and cleared his throat.
"Greetings, fellow martial artists of Japan, and all friends!"
Master Ma Baoguo spoke in heavily accented but mostly understandable Japanese.
"I am Ma—Bao—Guo, the sect leader of the Lingshan Sect's Xingyi Tai Chi!"
He drew out his name, sounding very imposing.
"This time, I have come to Japan to make friends through martial arts and to promote our traditional Chinese kung fu!"
He patted his chest.
"My kung fu is extremely profound! When I was in England, two British strongmen, each weighing over 800 jin, were no match for me! I extended just one finger!"
As he spoke, he indeed extended an index finger, gesturing with it.
"I told them both to try and bend it with their hands! They strained until their faces were red, but they couldn't bend it! Why is that? That is the 'neutralizing force' of traditional kung fu! Four ounces can deflect a thousand pounds.
No matter how great your strength, it's useless."
A murmur of whispers and scattered laughter rippled through the audience below, but many bewildered spectators, like Hoshimi Miyabi, showed expressions of admiration.
Master Ma Baoguo seemed pleased with this effect and continued.
"Originally, I wanted to find martial arts masters of my age and weight in Japan to compete with.
However, unfortunately, in my age group, I am already invincible, I simply cannot find an opponent!"
He spread his hands, making an expression of how lonely it is to be invincible.
"So, I agreed to the organizer's request to find a junior to spar with, preparing to guide a younger generation and show everyone what true traditional kung fu is!"
He changed his tone and added.
"Actually, this isn't my first time in Japan. The last time I came, I even took on a Japanese disciple named Michiwaki Tadahiko.
This young man, at the time, seemed quite clever and said he wanted to learn true kung fu from me. But!"[1]
Master Ma Baoguo's face darkened, his eyebrows knitted together, looking very angry.
"This time I came to Japan, and he didn't even come to pick me up! That's outrageous! This is disrespecting one's master and neglecting the Dao!"
"Later, I found out," he said, looking heartbroken,
"My disciple, he actually went to jail for murder! Alas! What is the most important thing in traditional kung fu?
It is martial virtue! One must know when to stop! One cannot use a bit of kung fu to bully others, that is an evil path!
Those of us who practice martial arts should learn from Guan Erye, not Lu Bu!"
These words left many in the audience confused.[2]
Ran and Sonoko exchanged glances, clearly remembering Michiwaki Tadahiko.[3]
If it weren't for him, Sonoko and Kyogoku Makoto's relationship wouldn't have progressed so quickly.
They never expected this villain to be Master Ma's disciple.
"Alright, enough small talk."
Master Ma Baoguo finally got to the point.
"Next, I will have a friendly match with the Japanese karate master, young Kyogoku Makoto. Please watch carefully and learn the mysteries of traditional kung fu!
If any other friends wish to exchange martial arts, you can register with the host first and queue up afterwards."
Hearing this, Hoshimi Miyabi, who was sitting in Rin's arms, immediately stood up, her eyes firm. "I'm going to register."
After speaking, she walked directly towards the backstage area.
Rin watched her retreating figure, opened her mouth, but ultimately didn't call out.
Under the host's passionate introduction, Kyogoku Makoto, the other protagonist of this competition, took to the stage.
He wore only a simple karate gi, revealing his bronze skin and a lean, muscular physique. He silently bowed to the audience, his gaze sharp, a stark contrast to Master Ma Baoguo's flamboyance.
Master Ma Baoguo sized up Kyogoku Makoto, subconsciously swallowed, but refused to concede any ground verbally.
He pointed at Kyogoku Makoto's muscles and shook his head. "Young man, these muscles of yours are no good. These are 'dead strength' developed in a gym, they're not effective."
Then, he proudly patted his slightly protruding belly. "You need to train like me, returning to simplicity, reverting to nature! That is the ultimate realm of martial arts!"
After speaking, he kindly reminded Kyogoku Makoto.
"Young man, be careful of my 'neutralizing force' later, four ounces deflecting a thousand pounds! Even British strongmen weighing over 1600 jin couldn't budge this one finger of mine! Don't worry, I will stop at the right moment and won't hurt you."
Kyogoku Makoto looked at him expressionlessly, merely nodding slightly and assuming his karate ready stance.
"Match—start!" the referee commanded.
Out of respect for an elder and unfamiliarity with the so-called traditional kung fu, Kyogoku Makoto did not immediately attack forcefully. Instead, he moved cautiously, observing.
Master Ma Baoguo, meanwhile, adopted a starting pose similar to Tai Chi Cloud Hands, constantly tapping his feet on the ground, slowly circling his arms, and muttering to himself.
"Come, attack, let me show you what 'receive, neutralize, issue' is..."
Kyogoku Makoto tentatively threw a left front kick. It wasn't fast, and the power was held back, he just wanted to test the opponent's reaction.
However, just as his foot connected with Master Ma Baoguo's 'reverted to nature' belly, Master Ma Baoguo suddenly yelled, "Aiya!"
He flew backward several meters, as if hit by a truck, both feet leaving the ground, and then, with a thud, he fell heavily onto the ring, lying motionless.
The entire venue instantly fell silent.
Everyone was stunned, including Kyogoku Makoto himself.
He looked at his foot, then at Master Ma Baoguo lying silently on the ground, a bewildered expression on his face.
"Ah—!!"
Sonoko shrieked, grabbing Ran's arm fiercely.
"Makoto! Makoto didn't... didn't kill that old man, did he?!"
Ran also nervously covered her mouth, beginning to worry about Master Ma.
The referee quickly went forward and knelt to check. Just when everyone thought an ambulance would be called—
Master Ma Baoguo, who was lying on the ground, suddenly moved. He clutched his stomach and, as if nothing had happened, got up by himself.
He pointed at Kyogoku Makoto, accusing him with an angry expression.
"Young man! You lack martial virtue! A sneak attack! I hadn't even said start yet! I'm a 70-year-old comrade, and you actually ambushed me? Is this good? This is not good!"
[1] ... This Ma or something is really uh.... how do i say it? well let's just forget it
[2] no worries folk i myself are confused too, kek JK
[3] this guy appears in chapter 85 i think? kinda forgot