Chapter 4: The Shaolin Ancestral Court

Dark Small Medium Large Original Scroll to Bottom

In the mountain stream, snowflakes drift down, and at a glance, the entire mountain is cloaked in silver. However, two figures, bare-chested, are engaged in a fierce duel in the snow.

Almost instinctively, Fang Xiaoyu attempted to dodge, but Master Zhishan's large hand firmly landed on Fang Xiaoyu's shoulder, causing him to become rigid in an instant, unable to move at all

The surprise on Master Zhishan's face suddenly froze, followed by a long chant of the Buddha's name: "Amitabha!"

With a loud bang, the two fists collided. Fang Xiaoyu staggered slightly, while Fang Shiyu took a step back, clutching his fist and exclaiming, "It hurts so much! Brother, your Indestructible Body technique is too powerful! This is only the first level. If you were to master the second level, wouldn't you just stand there and let me hit you without causing any harm at all?"

Master Zhishan, resembling a highly virtuous monk, had a gleam of brilliance in his eyes. In an instant, he could not help but reach out his hand towards the two individuals.

Given the level of indulgence that Miao Cuihua has towards Fang Shiyu, it is generally unlikely that she would send someone to bring him back from his play outside

Songshan Shaolin, the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism

Slightly taken aback, Fang Xiaoyu felt a stir in his heart, and a strange light flashed in his eyes. Although this is a movie world, Fang Shiyu's martial arts are undoubtedly inherited from Shaolin. If nothing unexpected happens, it is likely that Fang Shiyu spent a few years in the Shaolin Temple before his debut. Could it be that the old monk who was conversing with Fang De and Miao Cuihua is also from Shaolin?

Master Zhishan passed down a method of breathing that is truly extraordinary. Although it is not a practice of internal cultivation, Fang Xiaoyu was able to feel that by following this breathing method, both his endurance and breath became significantly prolonged.

At this moment, Miao Cuihua and the others were all taken aback, looking at Fang Shiyu, who was repeatedly waving his hands in a gesture of regret.

There is no need to say that this is certainly the tone of Fang Shiyu, while the Zen Master Zhishan beside him does not get angry and reaches out to push open the door

Fang Shiyu chuckled and said: "Behold my Great Strength Diamond Fist!"

I still remember hearing Miao Cuihua occasionally mention over the past few years about sending their brothers to Shaolin Temple to learn the arts

Only the sound of Fang Xiaoyu's furious shout could be heard as he leaped into the air, looking down from above, and delivered a powerful Luohan punch directly towards Fang Shiyu.

With a hint of embarrassment, Miao Cuihua grabbed Fang Shiyu's ear and said: "You little rascal, what are you up to now!"

The journey from Guangzhou City to Songshan Shaolin spans thousands of miles, and it can be entirely undertaken on foot. Master Zhishan usually shows great concern for the two individuals, but after leaving the Fang residence, he urged them to practice their skills.

Fang Shiyu is not comparable to Fang Xiaoyu, as Fang Shiyu appears like a bullied young girl, with both hands protecting her chest, shouting loudly

As he watched the little chubby boy gradually grow into the image of his idol, Fang Xiaoyu felt a strange sensation

Now, it should be the time for them to head to Shaolin

Fortunately, Fang Shiyu quickly realized that they did not have to become little monks and that they could still marry wives in the future. Upon understanding this, Fang Shiyu immediately became lively and energetic

Observing Miao Cuihua's reaction, Fang Xiaoyu knew that the Zen Master Zhishan before him was undoubtedly a true master. Moreover, Fang Xiaoyu was aware of the reputation of the Five Ancestors of Shaolin. Thus, he knelt down on the ground and respectfully bowed to Zen Master Zhishan, saying: "Disciple Fang Xiaoyu pays his respects to the Master!"

Master Zhishan looked on with a smile as Fang Shiyu was being beaten. Seeing this, Fang Xiaoyu couldn't help but smile wryly, realizing that this Master Zhishan was not as kind and amiable as he appeared on the surface

Despite having endured numerous hardships, Shaolin has still been passed down to the present day

Fang Xiaoyu stood tall and, with a hint of curiosity, said: "It is truly strange; why have you returned so early today, Shiyu? Could it be that you have gotten into some trouble again?"

Miao Cuihua raised her foot and kicked between the legs of the two boys, saying: "You two little brats, why aren't you kneeling down to pay your respects to your master yet!"

Master Zhishan was quite satisfied to have accepted two satisfactory disciples. After the two performed the grand ceremony of apprenticeship, he finally helped them to their feet.

The person raised both hands to block Fang Xiaoyu's direct kick, retreating repeatedly, and shouted, "Oh no, big brother is serious!"

Fang Xiaoyu and Fang Shiyu both stepped forward and respectfully saluted, saying: "The young man pays his respects to the Zen master"

One of them looked exactly like Li Lianjie, while the other also had a handsome appearance, exuding a certain heroic spirit. It goes without saying that these two individuals were Fang Xiaoyu and Fang Shiyu.

As the esteemed Zen Master Zhi Shan's large hands swiftly glided over Fang Xiaoyu's body, before Fang Xiaoyu could react, Fang Shiyu beside him also suffered the same fate.

Miao Cuihua's speed was truly remarkable, as she slapped Fang Shiyu on the head and said: "You little rascal, the master is examining your bones, what are you shouting about?"

Thump, thump

Indeed, it is worthy of being the Shaolin Temple, which has a heritage spanning thousands of years; its profound depth is truly unparalleled. Fang Xiaoyu could not help but feel a sense of anticipation for the years to come living in Shaolin

The journey of thousands of miles was completed in just over a month. During the first half of the month, Fang Xiaoyu and Fang Shiyu were exhausted every day, almost collapsing into bed as soon as they arrived.

As the ancestral home of Zen Buddhism, the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song has a sparse population, yet the profound heritage accumulated over a millennium still endures. Upon entering Shaolin, Fang Xiaoyu cannot help but feel a deep sense of reverence.

Wow, what a large temple

Listening to Fang Shiyu's exaggerated complaints, Fang Xiaoyu let out a breath and said: "For a full eight years, I, your elder brother, have endured countless hardships, yet I have only managed to cultivate to the first level. Unfortunately, the accompanying internal cultivation method has been lost to time. If I were to forcefully cultivate, it would only harm myself. It seems that my hope of breaking through the Indestructible Vajra Body technique is rather slim."

Although Fang Shiyu, who was standing nearby, appeared to be rather disheveled, he was actually very astute and quickly followed Fang Xiaoyu in bowing down.

With a hint of curiosity, Fang Xiaoyu said: "Oh, how are Father and Mother doing now..."

After walking thousands of miles, along with the breathing techniques taught by Master Zhi Shan, Fang Xiaoyu was uncertain about Fang Shiyu's condition, yet he could certainly feel the changes within himself

Fang Shiyu pointed to the hall in the distance and said: "It seems that an old monk is being received in the living room."

When Fang Xiaoyu and the other person met the old monk from Shaolin, they heard Miao Cuihua say: "You two little rascals, why don't you hurry up and pay your respects to Master Zhishan!"

Ah, a rogue!

Fang Shiyu chuckled and said, "Elder brother, you jest. Mother has sent someone to bring me back, and it seems she has also sent someone to look for you, as if there is something important to discuss."

Master Zhishan, one of the Five Ancestors of Shaolin

Suddenly, Fang Xiaoyu recalled that during this period, Shaolin was under pressure from the imperial court, and was on the verge of extinction, which led to the southward movement of Shaolin, resulting in the emergence of the Fujian Putian Shaolin.

Upon hearing Fang Shiyu's words, Fang Xiaoyu could not help but feel a sense of curiosity arise within him, as it was rare for Miao Cuihua to seek them out with such seriousness.

With a creak, the immensely thick door slowly opened, and a breath of desolation met him. Halls upon halls, and statues of Buddha in every corner, yet Fang Xiaoyu noticed that there were hardly any figures to be seen within the Shaolin Temple.

Miao Cuihua spoke with a face full of apology to Master Zhishan, saying: "The child is rude, and has caused the master to laugh! I do not know what these two little rascals..."

Under the guidance of Master Zhishan, they paid homage to the Buddha and recorded their names, thus officially becoming lay disciples of Shaolin.

At that moment, Fang Shiyu suddenly exclaimed: "Oh dear, I will no longer take a master, no longer take a master!"

Fang Xiaoyu almost couldn't hold back, letting out a chuckle, while Miao Cuihua wore a face of both shame and anger, slapping Fang Shiyu on the backside and saying: "You little rascal, at such a young age, what do you know about having a wife!"

Training in the cold of winter and the heat of summer, eight years have swiftly passed. Both Fang Xiaoyu and Fang Shiyu have now reached adulthood

Then Fang Shiyu shouted: "If I pay my respects to the old monk, won't I become a little monk? Little monks don't have wives!"

Several years have passed, and Fang Shiyu is no longer the chubby figure he was three years ago; he bears a resemblance to the superstar Li Lianjie from Fang Xiaoyu's memories, about seventy to eighty percent alike

Monk

Ha, Shiyu, strike me with another punch

Master Zhishan clasped his hands together and said: "These two individuals possess exceptional innate qualities; they are excellent candidates for cultivation. I wish to take them both as my disciples, but I do not know..."