Chapter 8, Returning to Hometown

Come, let's eat some fruit. Dad and Mom are holding two large fruit platters, with grapes, bananas, and watermelon all prepared.

"Grandfather." Xu Jingming walked over to the stairs.

Only then did Father Xu nod his head

"Birth, aging, illness, and death are inevitable for everyone." Xu Jingming thought, "I have grown up, but my parents have aged, and my grandfather is losing a year with each passing year."

Grandfather, I can do it myself. Xu Jingming also sat down and picked up the watermelon

In the blink of an eye, twenty years have passed. Xu Jingming walked up to the familiar courtyard gate, gently pushed it, and found that it was not locked, opening it ahead of time

This time I will not leave, I want to spend more time with grandpa. Xu Jingming also feels very sorry for grandpa

The scenery outside the window rushes by

"Eat some fruit." Old Master Xu was in a very good mood, so he sat down and handed a slice of watermelon to Xu Jingming, "Try the watermelon from our hometown; these are all local melons."

The various techniques of the Eight Extremes Gate are designed to empower every part of the body with great strength, fierce as a bear or a tiger

Two professional martial arts competitors, one of whom has achieved fourth place in the World Martial Arts Championship! The other has reached the top eight three times, both of whom have better records than Jingming

Within the villa community

Dad, you need to lose weight," Xu Jingming said, "You must be over 200 pounds now.

Your grandfather knew you were coming back today, so he came over early in the morning. In the afternoon, he felt tired and took a nap upstairs. Mrs. Xu said, "He probably heard us chatting."

Now, my grandfather is old, his face is full of wrinkles, and there are age spots all over his face

I still remember that when I was young, my grandfather often took me out to play. At that time, my mother was still very young, and my father was in his prime, often leading a group of disciples to practice martial arts

At that time, it was still mobile gaming! Grandfather once won the FMVP award, and his career earnings were quite substantial. After retiring, he became a game streamer, and over the years, he accumulated a considerable amount of money. The Xu family finally managed to build a solid foundation.

"Jingming is back?" A voice came from upstairs

Xu Jingming looked up at the window; after merely chatting for a while in his social circle, he had already entered the territory of Mingyue City

However, grandfather is already eighty-eight years old, and his health is deteriorating.

Xu Jingming set down his backpack and walked to the courtyard of the villa, where he saw an elderly man with white hair descending, his steps still relatively steady

On the high-speed train, Xu Jingming sat in his seat, with a three-foot-wide light screen hovering in front of him

Upon returning home, one feels the warmth of family, yet Xu Jingming feels the ruthlessness of time even more acutely

"I have gotten used to eating, and I just can't control myself," Mr. Xu said with a smile

Xu's father, named Xu Hong, is of similar height to Xu Jingming but possesses a much more robust physique. After all, he is a formidable figure who founded the Eight Extremes School in Mingyue City. He specializes in the Eight Extremes and practices stance training daily. The stance training of the Eight Extremes involves striking tree stumps with various parts of the body, such as the arms, chest, shoulders, back, and elbows, which is also considered stance training. Additionally, he focuses on the one-arm handstand stance, which is quite challenging; a simplified version can be the 'two-hand handstand,' and further simplified, it becomes the 'push-up stance training.' There is also the 'moon-lifting' technique for training the legs.

Xu Jingming looked at these messages, smiled, and responded to each of his friends.

Returning to my hometown. Xu Jingming felt very good; at a glance, outside the high-speed train window, there were countless weeping willows by the riverside. The scenery of the water towns in Jiangnan is refreshing and delightful

Xu's mother is an artist. In her youth, she traveled around the world with Xu's father, and later they settled in Mingyue City.

"You have returned, but you could have come to see me earlier." This is Dai Tongda, the master of the Chuo Jiao Men in Mingyue City, and also one of Xu Jingming's two masters from his youth! In his youth, Xu Jingming's first mentor was his own father, and later, under his father's guidance, he became a disciple of Dai Tongda.

"With less time for practice, you should eat less, yet you still eat, eat, eat. How can you not gain weight?" However, Xu's mother had a figure that many young girls would envy, though the wrinkles on her face and the few strands of white hair revealed her age

Send me a message after you get home, "Li Miaomiao instructed.

A few days later, the training team from Jiangnan Province returned, and Xu Jingming also left the Starry Sky Fighting Gym, preparing to return to his hometown

Jing Ming left Binhai and returned to Mingyue City? Liu Hai understood, "It was indeed forced by Cheng Zihao of the Tiger Shark Group."

"The delivery has been made, but due to the large quantity of items, all of which are heavy and bulky, it will only arrive tomorrow. Everything will be sent to the new house," Xu Jingming said.

Although in terms of economy, Mingyue City cannot be compared to the economic center city of Binhai in Xiaguo, it is far superior in terms of livability. The entire city seems to be built within a park, with a slow pace of life, attracting many elderly people from across the country to relocate here for retirement

Grandfather?'' Xu Jingming was overjoyed

Dad, Mom," Xu Jingming called out

Sounds were coming from inside the house. Xu Jingming pushed open the living room door and saw that his parents were already up. Xu's mother was wearing pajamas and slippers, while Xu's father was dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. After all, it was the height of summer, and they were quite casual at home

There are old classmates, relatives, teammates from the provincial and national teams, as well as some skilled friends from the global martial arts community whom I have not met in person. Additionally, there are agents and coaches from the martial arts circle, as well as students I have taught.

"Jingming has returned!"

This graffiti was drawn by me at the age of five on the wall of my neighbor Li Daniu's house. So many years have passed, yet the faint traces still remain.

Xu Jingming walked into the front yard, which is a small courtyard of over 30 square meters. Xu Jingming spent a long time practicing martial arts here during his childhood

National Key Cultivation List

The great master is returning to his hometown, and he must treat everyone to a meal. Many old classmates want to see you.

This list is particularly special, and Liu Hai only has the right to make recommendations; he has already done his best

"As you command," Xiao Zeng immediately replied, standing tall.

I estimate that it will take another two or three days to arrange everything, and then I will be able to return. Sister Kong has already gone to Mingyue City in advance, and they have rented their house. Li Miaomiao said, with Sister Kong being one of Li Miaomiao's two assistants

"Junior brother, safe travels!" This message is from Senior Brother Fang Xinglong, the owner of the Starry Sky Fighting Arena

It has reached 210 pounds. Xu's father shook his head and said, There is no way, I am old now, and my back injury often flares up, so I have to be cautious when practicing. I only practice for two hours a day, and as a result, my weight has increased. In the past, I always maintained a weight of 190 pounds.

... ...

While eating his third meal of the day, Liu Hai was also observing the social circle displayed on the screen. During his annual retreat, he typically takes the time to check the social circle while eating, in order to stay informed about external news.

A person in Binhai City, taking good care of themselves. Xu Jingming and Li Miaomiao embraced as they parted ways, with Li Miaomiao wearing a mask and accompanied by a female assistant. Although Xu Jingming had entered the World Martial Arts Championship twice, reaching the top sixteen once and the top eight another time, he had appeared publicly very few times, and while walking on the street, very few people could recognize him. In contrast, Li Miaomiao was very popular; even though she only livestreamed once a month in a very laid-back manner, she still had millions of fans. Without a mask, she would likely be recognized immediately. Although Xu Jingming had entered the World Martial Arts Championship twice, reaching the top sixteen once and the top eight another time, he had appeared publicly very few times, and while walking on the street, very few people could recognize him. In contrast, Li Miaomiao was very popular; even though she only livestreamed once a month in a very laid-back manner, she still had millions of fans. Without a mask, she would likely be recognized immediately.

These fruits were just bought by your father this morning, and they are all the freshest.

"Old Xu, have you left Binhai?" This is from my former national team teammate, my good brother "Heng Fang"

Xu's father, with a robust and powerful physique, exudes an air of dominance simply by standing there

"Jingming." Xu's mother saw her son and happily hugged him, "I missed you so much, where is Miaomiao? Are you the only one back?"

Dear friends and family, from now on, I will be settling in Mingyue City! I warmly welcome everyone to visit Mingyue City, and I will ensure to host you throughout your stay! Xu Jingming posted a message in his social circle, and soon there were numerous replies.

Mother has quite a few gray hairs now, and her wrinkles are hard to conceal. Although Father is robust and strong, he is after all sixty years old and has begun to show signs of aging

In the capital city, within a Chinese-style villa

The high-speed train only takes thirty-five minutes from Binhai City to Mingyue City

Alright, I am setting off

Grandfather, named Xu Guishun, came from a rural family. In his youth, he was a professional esports player, known by the gaming nickname "Nameless Master"

Indeed, martial arts weapon combat is very dangerous. Xu's father also nodded, recalling how their son had his leg broken by an opponent on the stage of the World Martial Arts Championship when he was twenty years old. Both he and his wife were in the audience at the time and were quite alarmed.

There are a total of 20 individuals on the list, including 12 martial arts masters and 5 representatives from other fighting styles. Only three spots are available for competition... Ultimately, these three spots are awarded to two professional martial artists and one professional Sanda athlete

As time passed, messages appeared one after another

"It is very delicious." Xu Jingming said while eating, smiling happily

Xu's father stepped out, looked at Xu Jingming, and asked: "Where is your weapon?"

Xu Jingming turned around, carrying a backpack, passed through the checkpoint, and went to take the high-speed train

The light curtain can only be clearly seen from Xu Jingming's angle; from other angles, the brightness is insufficient and it becomes distorted

... ...

Walking down this alley, I am reminded of my childhood when I carried my backpack to school, with my father accompanying me. At that time, robots were not as intelligent; it was my mother who was responsible for cooking, while my father took care of the school runs.

Afternoon, Binhai City High-Speed Rail North Station

... ...

"Mingyue City, I am back." Exiting the high-speed railway station and taking an unmanned intelligent vehicle, Xu Jingming headed straight to his parents' residence, which was a villa area with quite a bit of history. He had lived here almost until he turned eighteen.

Liu Hai gently tapped the screen, looking at the names on the list, shaking his head in resignation, "I have reached out to several old friends, and despite all my efforts, Jingming was still eliminated."

Professional Sanda athlete, a Grand Slam champion

"Welcome back! Isn't Mingyue City more beautiful and comfortable than Binhai City?" The old man with white hair smiled with his eyes squinted, and upon seeing his eldest grandson, he was certainly very happy.

Rest assured, Mom and Dad, I have settled down in Mingyue City. Who should I find for practical experience?" Xu Jingming said with a smile

You, in your youth, were too combative, traveling around the world to visit various martial arts schools, and often engaging in sparring wherever you went. " Xu's mother shook her head, "You fought and got injured all over; when you were young, you could endure it, but now that you are older, you must feel it, right? Every few days, there is pain here and there. Jingming, you should take this as a warning; in the future, focus on health preservation and engage in less actual combat.

Li Miaomiao, accompanied by her female assistant, watched as Xu Jingming's figure disappeared down the corridor before departing

It is said that Mingyue City is a very beautiful city, and I must visit it if I have the opportunity. This is the world-class martial arts master "Hunter" Mickqi from abroad, who studied in Xia Country and is proficient in Chinese.

Senior brother, you have finally returned to Mingyue City. The brothers have been eagerly waiting for you! This is Zhu Tong, a junior disciple of the Baji Sect in Mingyue City

Jingming is back!

Xu Jingming nodded with a smile and embraced his girlfriend again

"Xiao Zeng, you must take good care of your boss these days," Xu Jingming said to the petite female assistant, Xiao Zeng.

"Miao Miao will be back in a couple of days," Xu Jingming said with a smile

Xu Jingming walked through the alley, where the stone bricks on the ground bore the marks of time. Some were old stone bricks, while others had likely been damaged and replaced with new ones by the property management. A faint trace of graffiti on one wall caught Xu Jingming's eye, prompting him to reach out and touch it.