Chapter 5: Competition (I)

I want to learn martial arts I want to become stronger

At this moment, he had finished swimming, lying on a smooth white stone by the pond, inhaling the air after the rain. He could even feel the energy in the air, a powerful yet gentle force, which once again reminded him of the pursuit of immortality.

By that time, even if the second madam does not drive him away, he himself will not be able to endure it and will voluntarily request to leave the Ye residence. This is the poison scheme that Ye Wen has presented to the second madam.

These are all his brothers, sharing the same father and mother, yet not a single one cares about his thoughts, all are laughing at him without restraint. Perhaps, no one truly regards him as a brother

However, in order to allow Ye Kong to exercise with peace of mind, she said nothing and pretended to be unaware. She only worried silently in her heart, knowing that these were challenges her son must face.

The training ground is quite spacious, with the Ye family disciples standing in several rows according to their age groups. In front of them is a square arena elevated one meter above the ground, and behind the arena is a long table adorned with cloud patterns, with an empty grand master's chair behind it

"Wait a moment." Chen Jiuniang called out to Ye Kong, standing in front of him, adjusting his clothes while nagging, "Kong'er, when you see your father, do not provoke him. If he scolds you a bit, just bear with it, and absolutely do not retort."

Mother, please find me some thick fabric

If one could absorb this immense power from the air and utilize it for one's own cultivation, how formidable that would be, Ye Kong couldn't help but exclaim.

All the brothers were quite afraid of this old man, lowering their heads in silence, but Ye Kong showed no fear at all and looked up to observe.

I want to learn martial arts I want to become stronger

The monthly competition? Ye Kong truly did not understand until Ye Wen provided an explanation, after which he became clear on the matter

Oh? Ye Kong stopped in his tracks, looking at Ye Wen with suspicion. Is this kid really that kind-hearted? Offering kindness without reason, resembling a weasel paying a New Year's visit to a chicken.

Haha, once a month, don't worry, you will have the opportunity

Haha

Ye Kong was extremely frustrated. Was he really going to be like a sandbag, allowing others to beat him up in the arena? Damn it, what kind of ridiculous rule is this, forcing me to take my own life?

In recent days, he has also become acquainted with several servants and, through indirect inquiries, he was astonished to discover that he was the only one able to sense the power in the air. This made him firmly believe that he could cultivate immortality.

As Chen Jiuniang watched her son's silhouette, two lines of clear tears suddenly appeared on her face. She was not foolish; from Ye Kong's behavior during this period and the gossip that had reached her ears, she already knew that her son was going to participate in the competition in the inner courtyard

Upon hearing this sound, the vast hall fell silent at once, as everyone stopped speaking and turned to look at the entering Ye Kong

Ye Kong was arranged to spar with Ye Long from the third house. Looking at the tall and strong Ye Long, who was in no way inferior to an adult, he secretly lamented.

Do not be discouraged; for each victor, the father will personally impart a few martial arts techniques and also reward them with silver. Haha, you must participate when the time comes. Ye Wen then threw down another enticing sweet date and left, after all, he also had to guard against Ye Kong pretending to be foolish to evade the competition

Is this how he trains? Is he torturing himself?" Ye Wu said with confusion

One day, you will all pay the price for today's rudeness! Ye Kong thought as he walked into his own age group

Ye Wen discerned his thoughts and smiled, "Of course, every three years marks a new age group, and the members of the Ye family can only seek opponents within their respective age groups"

"Kong'er, have you seen the general? What did he say?" As soon as she returned, Chen Jiuniang hurriedly stepped forward to ask.

It is important to recognize that he is merely a twelve-year-old child, with two red bricks tied to each leg. At first, he could hardly move, yet he continues to persevere

Indeed, this fool is truly relentless; we can barely withstand a single blow, yet he persisted for half an hour.

The day of competition has arrived on the 2nd day of the 8th month in the year of An Guo

Ye Kong must not mention competitive matters to her, otherwise I will be extremely worried

"In competition, I am not afraid of you!" Ye Kong shouted at the full moon

I heard that the fool is coming to compete today. It is unknown which member of the Ye family initiated the conversation first

No, I heard that Ye Long and Ye Hu from the third house also want to take the opportunity to publicly beat him for fun, and I am afraid they will get ahead of me

He probably thinks that competition is a long-distance race

Hurry up, hurry up, the fool has a bad temper, and I certainly do not want to face his fists

It turns out that Ye Haoran, in order to test his children's martial skills and to allow them to gain more practical experience, established a rule for them to compete against each other at the beginning of each month in the arena. During these competitions, everyone would pair off to determine their strengths and weaknesses, and there would be rewards for the victors. However, Ye Kong, who had previously been rather foolish and had not learned any martial arts, had never participated.

The rain stopped in the evening, and a round moon, as large as a tabletop, rose up. This continent of Cangnan is different from Earth; on Earth, the moon is often crescent-shaped, with fewer full days.

To become a master, one must train one's strength, agility, reflexes, speed, flexibility, and resilience. With these attributes, even if one does not win in the upcoming competitions, the defeat will not be too severe.

The martial arts training hall is located in the northeast corner of the inner courtyard. It is a building designed in the classical Tang style, featuring a dense array of black tiles, soaring eaves, and a bronze bell hanging beneath the eaves

"Eighth Young Master, Ye Kong." Finally, with the sound of an announcement, Ye Kong walked in, his figure blocking the morning sun that streamed through the doorway

He is training his physique, aiming to win in competition " Ye Wen said with a cold smile

However, Ye Wen's words left him utterly despondent, "If you refuse to participate without a valid reason, you will be expelled from the Ye residence"

After several days of intensive training, the results are quite remarkable. Although it has only been a few days, he can clearly feel that his arms have become thicker, his strength has increased, and a layer of bloody calluses has formed on his fingers

The slender and astute Ye Cai hurried over, lit several incense sticks, and then Ye Haoran led his children in bowing to express gratitude to their ancestors

The laughter vanished in an instant, and Ye Kong finally met his cheap old father

Haha, his mind is no longer empty; I want to empty it again!

I heard that the fool was doing well, so why has he relapsed? The Southern Continent does not have such training methods, which has left the servants quite perplexed

At the end of the month, heavy rain poured down, with large raindrops falling in a rhythmic patter. Everyone took shelter indoors, and even the small animals sought refuge under the trees

Weighted long-distance running and weighted squats are fundamental exercises for strength training and are also the most effective training methods

He has been practicing running every day recently, with sandbags tied to his legs

The heavy rain continued to pour, and the entire world seemed shrouded in a gray haze, filled with the sound of rustling. On the second floor of a certain building in the inner courtyard of the Ye residence, a pair of elegantly dressed young men stood by the window, watching Ye Kong running in the rain below.

As Ye Kong stepped out, she suddenly had a thought: if possible, she would rather her son remain foolish than suffer any harm

"What do you want to do with the cloth?" Chen Jiuniang asked in疑惑.

Ye Haoran has not yet appeared, so the young disciples are chatting loudly, each using the most disdainful words to mock this fool

Within, another voice was roaring and howling. If I want to earn a glance of respect from Ye Haoran and ensure a better life for myself from now on, I must give it my all! Even if I lose, I can still put on a show in front of Ye Haoran; who knows, he might be willing to teach me after all

Ye Haoran's gaze was like lightning, his tiger-like eyes swept across, but he showed little interest in Ye Kong, even failing to pause for a moment as his gaze passed over him

Damn it, this is just like the old man with the books. You know very well that I have never practiced martial arts, yet you remain silent. Aren't you just openly letting me get beaten? Ye Kongfu was filled with resentment, but there was nothing he could do, listening to Ye Cai announce the arrangements for each team

Keye Kong is also a person with self-awareness; having never learned martial arts, what can he use to fight against others? If he had his previous robust physique, combined with his reckless character, he might have been able to hold his own. But now, at the age of twelve, with malnutrition, he resembles a bean sprout, only destined to take hits.

In the third match, Ye Long faces Ye Kong. With a shout from the butler Ye Cai, the most anticipated contest has begun

I will exercise my body, starting from tomorrow... No, starting from now, I will begin to work out! I must become stronger!

Ye Wen finished speaking with a snort, pushed the window shut, and walked back into the room

Surely, one must be foolish; who would go and hit sand without reason? Does it not hurt the hands?

Ye Haoran has long resided among the people, serving in the military for several decades. His tall and robust figure, with a tiger-like nose and lion-like eyes, along with his dark beard, presents a formidable presence at first glance

"Brother, what is he doing? Could it be that he has become even more foolish?" asked Ye Wu, the other son of the second madam.

Ye Kong paused for a moment, surveying the dozens of young men standing inside.

However, the moon on the Cangnan Continent is mostly full, and Ye Kong speculates that it is a matter of the sun's angle

Although Ye Kong did not have a martial arts instructor, he still understood the fundamental theories and methods of physical training on Earth

This vulnerability was exploited by Ye Wen. Imagine Ye Kong as a fool, with his siblings and everyone else discriminating against him; where could he possibly find help? In the end, the only outcome is that he would be severely beaten by Ye Wen

Every night, when he lies exhausted on the couch, he feels aches all over his body, every joint and every muscle sore to the bone, yet he is very happy. He knows that his muscles are growing and his joints are becoming stronger. That sensation, as if countless ants are crawling within his muscles, seems to signify that his muscles are indeed strengthening.

Walking back to the small room from the inner courtyard entrance, Ye Kong had already made up his mind. Go! He must go! He absolutely cannot go back to being a fool. I, Ye Kong, have never been afraid of anyone!

What are the methods for external training of muscles and skin? Didn't the master teach us that martial arts are developed from the inside out?" After Ye Wu finished speaking, he asked with concern, "Brother, do you think he will succeed?"

Mother, when Father saw that I was well, he was overjoyed. He said that my body is currently weak and not suitable for martial arts training. He advised me to exercise on my own first, and once I am stronger, he will teach me the skills.

Speaking frankly and in a straightforward manner, Ye Wen's words were quite captivating to Ye Kong. He had originally intended to follow Ye Haoran in learning martial arts, and if he were to achieve victory in competitions, it would naturally follow.

Ye Wen laughed heartily, "A fool is just a fool; everyone wants to beat him for amusement. Who knows at whose hands he will meet his end?"

Mother, I am going to the inner courtyard to see Father. " Ye Kong finished his breakfast and was about to go out.

When Ye Haoran established such a regulation, the purpose was to encourage the members of the Ye family to assist and cooperate with one another, rather than becoming arrogant and isolated, thus making themselves targets of criticism

Ye Wen scoffed disdainfully, "From the outside to the inside, efforts yield little return, descending to a lower level, making it difficult to achieve greatness"

As soon as the simple ceremony concluded, Ye Haoran announced the commencement of this month's competition, and after speaking, his eyes subtly glanced at Ye Kong.

Brother Ba, in a few days, it will be the monthly competition. Father will surely go to watch, and at that time, won't you be able to fulfill your wish?

Time and again, transcending the limits of the body

"Mocking a fool truly brings you such joy?" Suddenly, a commanding voice echoed from behind the arena.

"Don't worry, Mother, there's no need to nag." Ye Kong said with a smile as he walked out the door

However, at present, there is no immortal to guide him, and he has no way of knowing how to absorb and cultivate spiritual energy. He possesses a treasure mountain but is unable to utilize it, so he can only temporarily set aside this thought and focus on strengthening his body

Once again arriving at the entrance of the inner courtyard, the gatekeeper, having already received instructions, hurriedly approached to lead Ye Kong towards the training ground.

Then knock him down again

Oh, so that's how it is. Ye Kong nodded; this indeed allows him to see Ye Haoran. However, Ye Wen's malicious intentions are also evident. This kid is most likely planning to take the opportunity to beat and humiliate me during the competition.

"Mother, it's nothing, I still have to do two hundred push-ups." Ye Kong gritted his teeth, aware that his training was somewhat excessive. However, he understood that in order to achieve results in the shortest time possible, he needed to train beyond his limits. Only by exceeding his own capacity could he continuously improve himself

Ye Wu also smiled and followed up, saying, "Brother, let me take this opportunity to challenge him. I've wanted to beat that fool for a long time. It must be quite satisfying to do it in front of everyone..."

Every day, he runs a lap around the Ye residence, feeling as if he is about to fall apart, yet a single belief sustains him

The first match was a contest between the brothers Ye Wen and Ye Wu, which was essentially unremarkable. Ye Wen truly lived up to his reputation as one of the outstanding descendants of the Ye family. Although he clearly held back against his brother, Ye Wu still suffered a dismal defeat.

Haha, my mind is completely blank after visiting hetushu.com. The silence did not last long; after a burst of laughter, everyone erupted into guffaws. The unrestrained mockery was as piercing as a thousand needles.

"Even if it is grouped by age, I have never practiced martial arts. Should I still participate?" Although Ye Kong did not know Ye Wen's intentions, he also did not want to accept the challenge

Is there a set of rules for this competition? Ye Kong inquired, as the age difference among the members of the Ye family is quite significant. If Ye Wen were to compete against the eight-year-old Ye You, it would be exceedingly unfair.

If I am not mistaken, this is a method of external cultivation of muscles and skin. Ye Wen was very clear-headed; he did not feel that Ye Kong was going mad at all

Ye Kong used the cloth that Chen Jiuniang had brought to sew a cloth pouch, placing a dozen large tiles in each pouch, which he then tied to his legs to begin his weighted long-distance running training

Yet Ye Kong continued to run in the torrential rain, as if he were completely unaware of the downpour soaking his hair, clothes, and entire body

With less than ten days remaining, he is pressed for time and cannot afford any delays, so the intensity of the training is evident. The tiles of the Southern Continent are not light; the dark green tiles, about ten pieces, weigh as much as two red bricks, and are tied to each leg.

The second match was between Ye Hu, the second son of the third house, and Ye Kuang, the eldest son of the fourth house. Both were of similar age and strength; Ye Hu was known for his fierce and powerful style, while Ye Kuang was renowned for his agility and cleverness. The two fought for a long time without much direct contact. However, Ye Hu's technique consumed a considerable amount of energy, and as the match progressed, he became physically exhausted and somewhat out of breath. In the end, Ye Kuang seized an opportunity and kicked him off the stage.

"Kong'er, wipe your sweat. If it's too heavy, use fewer tiles." Although Chen Jiuniang was pleased that her son was willing to work hard and strive for progress, she was also reluctant to see him exert himself so much

Chen Jiuniang, without any suspicion, was both happy and on the verge of tears

Ye Wen actually only mentioned one aspect; in competition, there is another rule, which is the challenge. Regardless of age group, the opponent can challenge you, and you cannot refuse, but you can seek assistance.

He let out a cold snort and no longer paid attention to the earlier matter, calling over his steward, Ye Cai.

In the following days, all the servants of the Ye residence saw a small figure running along the path in the morning, frantically punching the sandy ground in the small grove at noon, and appearing by the pond in the evening, jumping into the water and swimming back and forth several times

Oh, you have all been trained under the guidance of martial arts masters since childhood, practicing martial arts. Are you really asking someone who has never trained a single day to fight with you? Have you lost your mind, or are you just looking for trouble?

Moreover, and more importantly, in the future, I will be able to openly and vigorously beat Ye Kong once every month.