Start with push-ups to gain experience

Chapter 434 You should shine on a broader stage

Fang Cheng turned his gaze to the master he had formally become a disciple of not long ago.

His expression was complex, a mixture of emotion and resentment.

"I used to have a lot of opinions about the current Special Investigations Team."

Ma Jianguo chuckled self-deprecatingly:
"They even denounced them as treacherous and unethical, and specifically warned you to keep your distance from them and draw a clear line."

"The reason I did this was not only because I couldn't stand their abuse of drugs to forcibly stimulate the body, which is incompatible with our martial arts research association's philosophy of 'strengthening the foundation and cultivating vitality, and proceeding step by step,' but also because of an old incident."

He picked up his teacup, his gaze becoming somewhat distant:

"More than a decade ago, when Chief Ling took office, he made a bold move and changed the rules set by Senior Li, drastically reducing the number of traditional martial artists and instead recruiting ordinary students who graduated from the police academy."

“For this matter, my father, even though he had long since retired, went to the headquarters to confront him and have a huge argument. He was so angry when he came back that he fell ill and died a few years later.”

"You should know that the predecessor of the Special Search Team was the National Martial Arts Academy, which was founded by my grandfather and his fellow martial arts practitioners. When my father was young, he also worked in the Special Search Team. He followed Senior Li through thick and thin, made great contributions, and rose to the position of deputy director. His students and former subordinates are all over the Special Search Team."

"It can be said that half of the special search team is the result of the hard work of our Ma family and the martial arts world."

As Ma Jianguo spoke, a sense of desolation crept into his voice.

"But now, everything has completely changed."

He let out a long sigh:

"Sigh, if Donghe hadn't been threatened by the Noah organization later, and for his safety, I would never have considered letting him participate in the special search team's selection exam."

Ma Jianguo did not dwell too much on the family's past glory.

He put down his teacup, then changed the subject, his eyes brightening again:

"But things are different now. According to my information, the Special Investigations Unit may be undergoing policy changes soon."

"The Vice Minister Gu who took office the year before last is young, vigorous, and ambitious. He seems to intend to re-employ a certain number of traditional martial artists."

"The most direct manifestation of this is that the number of places for non-students has been increased in this year's entrance examination."

He looked at Fang Cheng and said solemnly:

"So, Acheng, if you want to apply, just go for it. There's no need to worry about my feelings."

"Dad, don't flatter yourself."

Just then, Ma Donghe, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but expose him:
"Now even I, the eldest grandson of the Ma family, have turned against us and betrayed us. Even if Acheng is your last disciple, why should he care about the Ma family's reputation?"

The heavy emotions that Ma Jianguo had just been building up were instantly shattered by this brat's words.

"You brat! You'll get itchy if you don't talk back to me for a day?!"

His face flushed red, and he angrily rebuked her, somewhat embarrassed.

"I'm not wrong."

Ma Donghe shrank back, still muttering to himself:
"Acheng can't even pass the background check now, so it's pointless to apply. Does this have anything to do with your reputation?"

Ma Jianguo glared, about to explode again, but seeing Fang Cheng staring at him, he had no choice but to suppress his anger.

He coughed a few times, then resumed his masterly demeanor.

"I was just analyzing the current situation of the Special Investigation Team. Let Acheng think it over carefully."

He cleared his throat, then waved his hand, pretending to be relaxed:
"Besides, it's just a background check, right? It's no big deal. Just talk to Lao Shi, it's a matter of a word."

Fang Cheng smiled upon hearing this:

"No need for you to trouble yourself, Master. I think I'm better suited to be a cultured person. I can go to work and practice martial arts in my spare time, which is just fine."

“Acheng, you’re not wrong to think that way.”

Ma Jianguo nodded and said approvingly:
"Those who practice martial arts should be indifferent to fame and fortune, and seek tranquility to achieve far-reaching goals."

"We martial artists cultivate qigong, and we place the most emphasis on cultivating our character. We are on a broad road that is completely different from those monsters and people with superpowers."

"Nothing."

He then changed the subject:
There's an old saying that goes, "It's a good place to cultivate oneself in the public sector." The resources that the Special Investigation Team can provide are beyond what we, the non-staff members, can imagine.

“Every official member receives a fixed amount of cultivation supplies every month, and can also use mission points to exchange for some legendary rare and precious materials.”

"Most of those things are unearthed from ancient ruins or certain mysterious forbidden areas. After taking them, they can directly strengthen the blood and qi, nourish the spirit and soul, and greatly benefit qigong cultivation. No matter how much money people outside have, they can't buy them."

"With sufficient replenishment of Qi and blood, forming a virtuous cycle, you can reach the realm of 'internal vision manifesting externally' more quickly. After all, the senior Li Guizhen also followed this path."

"Besides."

Ma Jianguo paused, looking at Fang Cheng with expectation in his eyes:
"With your talent, if you could join the Special Investigations Team, I believe you could rise to the rank of Senior Investigator, or even Special Investigator, in just a few years."

"In the future, they will be able to show their skills in the team, and also win back the honor of us old guys, proving the strength of us martial artists!"

"Yes, Acheng."

Ma Dong-hyuk also joined in, saying in a serious tone:

"The special investigation team's identity really works; it's like having a legal license to kill."

"Even if an ordinary team member goes out, as long as he reveals his identity, the local officials and businessmen will treat him with utmost respect. Who would dare to disrespect him?"

Upon hearing the words "legal license to kill," Fang Cheng's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

Ma Jianguo glared at his son, disapproving of his vulgar language, and then added:
"The most crucial thing is actually the safety of the family members."

"Once you become a formal team member, your immediate family members will enjoy the highest level of security protection. Both your personal safety and property safety will be taken care of by a dedicated person. This protection is more effective than any insurance."

Listening to his master and Ma Donghe's coordinated persuasion, Fang Cheng did not express a clear opinion, but simply picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

"I will think about it."

Seeing this, Ma Jianguo knew that he had concerns, so he nodded and didn't say anything more.

As dusk fell, the lights came on in the main room.

Fang Cheng then asked some questions about qigong cultivation before getting up to leave.

Ma Jianguo and his son quickly tried to persuade them to stay, saying they should at least have dinner before leaving.

"No, Master."

Fang Cheng smiled apologetically: "I haven't been in contact with my family for the past few days while I've been in seclusion. I guess my mom must be worried."

The black Land Rover SUV was parked at the gate of the courtyard. He had driven here before, and it was convenient for him to go back now.

"Donghyuk, I'll wash this jacket and return it to you in a few days."

As Fang Cheng spoke, he pointed to the black jacket he was wearing.

The clothes fit Ma Dong-hyuk perfectly, but they looked a bit too big on me.

"Hey, it's just a piece of clothing. Take it and wear it, or throw it away if you don't want it."

Ma Dong-hyuk waved his hand dismissively.

"Acheng, wait!"

Ma Jianguo suddenly remembered something and turned to walk towards the kitchen.

A moment later, she came out carrying a thermos. "This is a bone-strengthening soup that I specially made for you this afternoon. Take it home and heat it up tonight. It's very effective in nourishing your blood and qi."

They said it was soup, but when Fang Cheng was about to get into the car, he found Ma Jianguo and Ma Donghe struggling to move things into the trunk.

Gift boxes of all sizes almost filled the entire spacious trunk.

"Master, what are you..."

Seeing this, Fang Cheng quickly stepped forward to stop him, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

It's not like it's a holiday, why make such a big fuss?
Besides, even if it were Chinese New Year, I should be the one personally delivering gifts to my master.

"These are all excellent medicinal herbs for nourishing qi and blood."

Ma Jianguo held his hand and solemnly instructed him:
"You have just entered the Shaping Realm, and your Qi and blood have been greatly depleted. You must strengthen your foundation and nourish your body properly, otherwise you may develop chronic illnesses. You absolutely cannot be careless."

As he spoke, he patted a wooden box and explained it to me as if presenting a treasure:
"This is a wild ginseng from Liaodong that's over a hundred years old, this packet is top-grade deer antler blood slices, and these few he shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum) plants are also quite old..."

"When you get home, follow the recipe I gave you and use these herbs to make your own soup. Don't skimp on them."

Judging from this, the old man has practically emptied his pockets.

The gift was too valuable, and Fang Cheng quickly waved his hand to decline.

Ma Jianguo, however, put on a stern face and forcefully stuffed everything inside.

After some polite refusals and farewells, the black Land Rover SUV slowly started and drove off along the village road.

The two red taillights gradually disappeared into the distance on the country road, soon swallowed up by a bend and completely vanished into the twilight.

Ma Jianguo stood at the gate of the courtyard, his gaze following the direction the car had gone, and remained motionless for a long time.

The reason he went against his usual practice, from firmly opposing Fang Cheng's contact with the special search team to actively encouraging Fang Cheng to apply, is that...

This transformation was entirely due to being completely shocked by Fang Cheng's almost heaven-defying martial arts talent.

If Fang Cheng was merely reasonably talented and possessed some intelligence, Ma Jianguo certainly wouldn't want his apprentice to be associated with a violent organization like the Special Investigation Team.

All he needs to do is live a peaceful and stable life, practice martial arts, and eventually inherit his mantle; that will be enough.

But after witnessing Fang Cheng's amazing performances, his resolve began to waver.

In particular, during this seclusion in the water prison, Fang Cheng actually succeeded in shaping his realm in one fell swoop, even reaching the state of communion between heaven and man, which triggered changes in celestial phenomena.

Ma Jianguo's heart, which had been dormant for many years, suddenly burned with intense passion, and a raging fire was rekindled.

This isn't just a once-in-a-century genius; this is a prodigy, one in a millennium!

Even their ancestor, who created the "Thunderfire Cauldron" technique, would probably pale in comparison.

Even the legendary martial arts master Li Guizhen was only at this level in his youth.

Such a gem should never be buried in the countryside, unknown and forgotten.

He should shine on a broader stage, so that the entire Xia Kingdom, and even the whole world, can witness what true martial arts are like!
Therefore, when Ma Jianguo heard Wei Zheng invite Fang Cheng to participate in the special search team selection exam, he immediately made a decision.

The Ma family has declined, but its foundation remains; the connections and resources left by their ancestors have not been completely severed.

As long as Fang Cheng is willing, he is confident that he can pave the way and clear obstacles for this apprentice.

In the future, let alone a top-level investigator, he might even have a chance to sit in the position of the highest-ranking officer of the Special Investigations Team!

At that time, Fang Cheng will be able to join the core of power and participate in the formulation of rules in a legitimate way, so as to regain the status and respect that martial artists should have.

This also allowed the Ma family to return to the public eye and regain their former glory!

Thinking of this, Ma Jianguo felt a surge of hot blood in his chest, and even his breathing became a little heavier.

He had long since lost all hope of restoring his family's honor, believing that his only hope lay in his good-for-nothing son.

Unexpectedly, in his old age, he was fortunate enough to receive such a fine disciple, which gave him a glimpse into the possibility of fulfilling his father's and his own lifelong aspirations!
Ma Jianguo clenched his fist, then slowly relaxed it, and with a long breath, his turbulent emotions gradually calmed down.

He turned his head and glanced at his son beside him, who was also gazing into the distance, his voice regaining its composure.

"You brought Wei Zheng here today on purpose, didn't you?"

Ma Donghe wasn't embarrassed at all that his father had seen through him; he just chuckled and scratched his head.

"I just feel that it's such a waste that Acheng's talent has been buried like this all this time."

"Moreover, I'm always worried that if he trains hard all by himself, he might accidentally break a sweat one day, feel restless, and then run out and go on a killing spree. If the special search team happens to see him, that would be a huge problem."

"If you can successfully join the Special Search Team with me, we brothers can look out for each other, carry out missions openly and honestly in the future, and eliminate a lot of hidden dangers."

"Anyway, I think this job is really suitable for him."

Ma Donghe's explanation revealed a side of him that was both rough and meticulous.

Ma Jianguo nodded slightly, unusually refraining from refuting his son's words.

He raised his head, gazing at the sparse, twinkling stars on the horizon, and said slowly:
"This is a major life decision for him to make..."

....................................

The black Land Rover SUV has already driven away from Tianxin Village.

Outside the car window, the fields under the night sky rushed past.

The dim yellow light from the streetlights was cut into streaks of light by the car window, reflecting on the calm face.

As Fang Cheng drove, his mind was still replaying the conversation from before.

The benefits that Master Ma Jianguo mentioned did indeed tempt him.

After joining the special search team, both the cultivation resources he could obtain and the safety guarantees his family could receive precisely addressed his current pain points.

However, Fang Cheng still had many concerns.

It's not that he's truly indifferent to fame and fortune, but rather that he's become accustomed to having everything under his control.

From the conversation between Wei Zheng, Ma Jianguo, and others, it's clear that the special search team's current situation is not simple.

The conflict between old and new factions, the tension between martial artists and research departments...

The thought of the intricate personnel struggles within these government offices gave Fang Cheng a headache, and he secretly decided that it was best to stay away from them.

The car gradually drove onto the elevated road, crossed a railway, and left the fields and villages far behind.

The city's dazzling lights spread out in front of us, like an endless sea of ​​stars.

As Fang Cheng gazed upon this bustling scene, his eyes grew increasingly clear.

Joining or not is simply a choice.

The resources and shelter provided by the Special Search Party are ultimately external things.

The only true reliance is always your own two fists.

Instead of pinning your hopes on external circumstances, focus on honing your skills and becoming stronger.

When one's power is sufficient to sweep away everything, all rules and constraints will become meaningless.

Just let things take their natural course.

(End of this chapter)