Hong Kong Film: Starting Undercover from the Five Tigers!

"This competition made me realize that the inheritance of martial arts requires the participation of more young people," Liu Wenhao said. "I want to teach them what I have learned."

"Good idea," Mr. Ma nodded, "but are you sure you have the time?"

"There's always some if we squeeze it in," Liu Wenhao laughed. "And Li Qiang can help."

"Me?" Li Qiang pointed to himself. "Can I do it?"

“Of course.” Liu Wenhao patted him on the shoulder. “Your foundation is very solid, more than enough to teach beginners.”

Li Qiang was extremely excited upon hearing this.

"Then when do we start?"

"Let's talk about it when we get home," Liu Wenhao said. "Let's finish dealing with the competition first."

The next day, major media outlets were reporting on Liu Wenhao's victory. Television stations, newspapers, and the internet were all filled with related news.

"Chinese Kung Fu has shocked the world!"

"Eighteen-year-old boy wins international martial arts championship!"

"A perfect blend of tradition and modernity!"

Looking at these reports, Liu Wenhao felt unprecedented pressure.

“Brother Wenhao, you’re a big celebrity now.” Li Qiang held up a large stack of newspapers. “The whole country knows your name.”

"Fame can be a good thing sometimes, and a troublesome thing sometimes," Liu Wenhao said. "The key is to keep a calm mind."

Just then, Manager Wang called.

"Mr. Liu, congratulations on winning the championship!" Manager Wang's voice was filled with excitement. "Now many businesses want you to be their spokesperson, and the prices are all quite high."

"Manager Wang, let's talk about these things later," Liu Wenhao said. "Right now, I just want to get some rest."

"But Mr. Liu, opportunity waits for no one," Manager Wang advised. "You should seize the moment while things are still hot."

Chapter 1294 The Final Battle!

"The hype will pass, but skills take a lifetime to hone," Liu Wenhao said before hanging up the phone.

Mr. Ma listened attentively and nodded in satisfaction.

"Xiao Hao, your mindset is indeed much more stable than before," said Mr. Ma. "This is the true demeanor of a martial artist."

That afternoon, an unexpected visitor arrived at the hotel.

"Is Liu Wenhao here?" A familiar voice came from outside the door.

Upon opening the door, they were surprised to find Tom Anderson, the world champion who had once defeated Liu Wenhao.

"Tom?" Liu Wenhao was a little surprised. "What brings you here?"

"I came to see you," Tom said with a smile. "I heard you won the championship, so I came to congratulate you."

"Thank you, please come in."

Tom entered the room and looked around.

“You look very calm,” Tom said. “Not like someone who just won the championship.”

"Winning the championship is just a process, not the end," Liu Wenhao said. "I still have a lot to learn."

“That’s what I admire about you,” Tom nodded. “Always keep a learning mindset.”

“You’re the same,” Liu Wenhao said. “I learned a lot after losing to you last time.”

“I’m here to learn again today.” Tom smiled. “I watched your match today, and your technique has improved dramatically since last time.”

"The main reason is that I met many good teachers," Liu Wenhao said. "Each of them taught me different things."

The two talked for a long time, from technology to philosophy, from competition to life.

"Liu, I have a suggestion," Tom said finally. "I'd like to invite you to Japan for an exchange program."

"Exchange and learning?"

“Yes, it’s not a competition, just a simple exchange of techniques,” Tom explained. “I think the exchange between Eastern and Western martial arts is beneficial to both sides.”

This suggestion really appealed to Liu Wenhao. Being able to exchange ideas with different experts would indeed be a great opportunity to improve his skills.

“I can consider it,” Liu Wenhao said, “but only after I graduate from high school.”

“No problem,” Tom nodded. “I’ll wait for you.”

After seeing Tom off, Mr. Ma seemed to be deep in thought.

"Master, what do you think of this suggestion?" Liu Wenhao asked.

“Very good,” said Mr. Ma. “Martial arts should be about exchange and mutual complementation; there is no future in working in isolation.”

"So I should say yes?"

"We'll talk about it when you're ready," Mr. Ma said. "The most important thing now is to finish your studies and then start the martial arts class."

Liu Wenhao nodded. His master was right; they had to take it one step at a time, there was no need to rush.

At night, Liu Wenhao stood alone on the balcony, looking at the lights in the distance.

This competition taught him many lessons. Martial arts is not just about technique, but also about culture; it's not just about personal cultivation, but also about national spirit.

"The road ahead is still long," Liu Wenhao thought to himself, "but I'm ready."

He's going home tomorrow, and he misses his mother, the Zhengwu Association, and all the people who supported him.

Although the competition was over, he knew that this was just the beginning.

After a long silence, the mother finally shook her head: "Son, money is important, but there are some things that are more important than money."

"Like what?"

“For example, your original aspirations.” Mom walked to the window, looking at the night view outside. “Do you remember the first time you went to the martial arts school? You were full of hostility, only wanting to prove that you were strong. You are different now, you have become calm and reserved. If you go back to the way you were before for money, then all the growth you have done during this time will have been wasted.”

Liu Wenhao nodded. His mother was right; his mindset was indeed different now than before.

The next day, Liu Wenhao arrived at the Zhengwu Guild Hall.

"Master, I've made it to the finals!"

Chapter 1295 Laughter!

Back in the familiar city, a sense of peace permeated the air. After landing, Liu Wenhao didn't inform anyone and took a taxi home. He wanted to surprise his mother. Pushing open the door, the aroma of food wafted out, and his mother, wearing an apron, was busy in the kitchen.

"Mom, I'm back."

Hearing the sound, the mother turned around abruptly and saw her son standing at the door. Her eyes immediately welled up with tears. She wiped her hands hastily on her apron, walked over quickly, and without saying a word, simply hugged him, gently patting his back with her palms. The force was very light, yet it seemed to penetrate his bones, soothing all the tension in his nerves from the competition.

"You've lost weight and gotten darker." His mother looked at his face, her heart aching.

"It's a competition, it's normal." Liu Wenhao smiled and took the trophy out of his bag. "Mom, look."

The golden trophy gleamed under the lights, heavier and more substantial than it appeared on television. Mom carefully took it, as if holding a priceless treasure, examining it closely, her eyes brimming with undisguised joy. "Good, good... my son is a world champion!"

That evening, mother and son talked for a long time. Liu Wenhao recounted the thrilling competition, Tom's invitation, and his plans for the future. When she heard that her son had decided to give up those readily available commercial endorsements to focus on running his martial arts class, her eyes shone with pure joy. She knew that her son had truly grown up and found something more important than money and fame.

The next morning, Liu Wenhao went straight to the Zhengwu Guild Hall.

Before he even entered, he heard a commotion of howling and wailing coming from inside. He pushed the door open and saw Fatty Wang being pinned to the ground by several of his junior brothers, his face painted like a Peking Opera mask, and half a steamed bun stuffed in his mouth.

"Wenhao! You're finally back! Help! Come quick, help me!" Fatty Wang shouted incoherently.

Upon seeing Liu Wenhao, everyone paused for a moment, then erupted in a huge cheer. They rushed forward, tossing Liu Wenhao high into the air, again and again. The glory of the championship belonged to Liu Wenhao, and also to the entire Zhengwu Guild.

Old Master Ma walked out of the inner room with his hands behind his back, a faint smile on his face. He looked at his mischievous disciples without stopping them. Only after they had finished playing around did he clear his throat: "Alright, how old are you all? Still acting like children. Wenhao, come here, let your master take a look at you."

Liu Wenhao walked up to Mr. Ma and bowed respectfully, saying, "Master."

"Hmm." Old Mr. Ma looked him up and down, his eyes full of approval. "Not bad, you've calmed down, and the sharpness in your eyes has been hidden. It seems that this trip will bring you more than just a trophy."

"It's all thanks to my master's teachings."

“That’s your own understanding.” Old Master Ma waved his hand. “Go on, get together with your fellow disciples. We’ll all eat here tonight. I’ll have your master’s wife cook a few more dishes.”

The Zhengwu Guild Hall was even more lively than during the New Year. A large round table was packed with people. After a few rounds of drinks, Fatty Wang put his arm around Liu Wenhao's shoulder, his tongue practically slurring, "Wenhao, you're a big celebrity now. From now on, our Zhengwu Guild Hall's enrollment will depend on your face. Let me tell you, I've even thought of an advertising slogan—'World champion personally teaches, guaranteed to teach and learn, money-back guarantee if ineffective!'"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Chapter 1296: Sound!

Liu Wenhao also shook his head with a smile: "My face isn't that important. When it comes to martial arts, you still have to rely on real skills."

"Who would dare doubt your true abilities?" Fatty Wang patted his chest. "Within a radius of ten miles, who doesn't know your name, Liu Wenhao? I'd like to see who dares to compete with us for students in the future."

Just then, the door of the guild hall creaked open.

A middle-aged man dressed in a crisp training uniform with his hair slicked back walked in, followed by two young men dressed similarly but with arrogant expressions.

"Excuse me, which one of you is Liu Wenhao, Liu Guanjun?" The middle-aged man had a professional smile on his face, but his eyes revealed a shrewdness and scrutiny.

The laughter in the room stopped abruptly. All eyes turned to the uninvited guest.

“That’s me.” Liu Wenhao stood up and looked at the other person calmly.

"Oh, I've heard so much about you." The middle-aged man walked over and extended his hand. "I am Lei Bao, the owner of the Thunder Martial Arts Academy."

Liu Wenhao reached out and gently shook his hand before letting go. The other man's palm was warm, with a force that seemed eager to make a statement.

"Is there something you need, Master Lei?"

"Of course there's something, and it's good news." Lei Bao smiled, his gaze sweeping over the leftover food on the table, a hint of aspetto's contempt flashing across his face. "Having heard that Liu Guanjun has returned with honors, I, Lei, have specially prepared a small gift and would like to invite Liu Guanjun and all the heroes of the Zhengwu Association to our Thunder Martial Arts Hall for a chat tomorrow night, as a way of welcoming you back."

A young man behind him immediately handed him a gold-embossed invitation.

Fatty Wang muttered to himself, "Thunder Martial Arts Academy? That's the one that opened in the city center not long ago, with ads everywhere, saying it's a combination of Taekwondo, Karate, and kickboxing?"

Lei Bao had sharp ears and overheard Wang Pangzi's mutterings, but his smile remained unchanged: "My friend is joking. Our Thunder Martial Arts Academy is a modern martial arts training institution that is in line with international standards, focusing on efficiency and practical application. Unlike some traditional martial arts academies where you practice a set of punches for ten years, only to end up practicing in the park for health purposes."

Upon hearing this, the faces of the younger fellow disciples at the table instantly darkened. This wasn't a congratulatory visit; it was clearly a sabotage.

Liu Wenhao's expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "Thank you for your kindness, Master Lei. However, my fellow disciples and I are used to gathering here, so we won't trouble you to spend any more money."

Being directly rejected, Lei Bao was a little embarrassed, but he still forced a smile: "Liu Guanjun, don't be so quick to refuse. We sincerely want to communicate with you. To be honest, it's a waste of your talent to be holed up in such a small martial arts school. Our Thunder Martial Arts School has the best equipment, the most scientific training system, and the broadest business prospects. If you are willing to come and serve as our chief consultant, the annual salary... this amount."

He held up five fingers.

Fatty Wang's eyes widened: "Five hundred thousand?"

Lei Bao shook his head smugly, then flipped his five fingers over: "I'm talking about after-tax."

one million!

A collective gasp filled the room. For these fellow students who earned their living by teaching martial arts, this was an astronomical sum.

No one expected Liu Wenhao to be so audacious; it was beyond everyone's expectations!

Chapter 1297 A Sneer!

Lei Bao was very satisfied with the result. He looked at Liu Wenhao, certain that the other party would be moved: "Liu Guanjun, I know you just turned down some commercial endorsements to stay true to your original aspirations. I admire that very much. But this is not a simple business collaboration; it's a powerful alliance to better promote martial arts culture. Think about it, with your champion aura and our professional business operations, how big can we expand the martial arts cause? Isn't that more meaningful than staying in this old house?"

His words were very persuasive, even causing several of his fellow disciples to show thoughtful expressions.

Liu Wenhao remained silent for a moment, and just when Lei Bao thought he was about to agree, he smiled.

“Master Lei, I appreciate your kindness.” Liu Wenhao’s tone was calm, but it carried an undeniable firmness. “You’re right, promoting martial arts culture is very meaningful. But what I consider promotion may not be the same as what you consider promotion.”

"Oh? What's the difference?"

“What you call promotion is business. It’s about putting a price tag on martial arts, packaging it into the most appealing product as quickly as possible, and selling it to the most customers,” Liu Wen-hao said, looking at him and emphasizing each word. “But my understanding of promotion is about inheritance. It’s about teaching the spirit within each move, the martial ethics and rules, everything that has been passed down for thousands of years, in its original form, to the next person who truly wants to learn. This cannot be measured by money.”

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the two arrogant young men: "As for your comment that this is an old house, yes, it is a bit old. But every brick and tile here smells of sweat. We don't practice health-preserving martial arts, but rather a style of kung fu that allows us to stand tall and be respectable people. Master Lei, we appreciate your kindness, please leave."

These words were spoken with neither arrogance nor servility, but with resounding conviction. Wang Pangzi and his fellow disciples were filled with excitement, and their admiration for Liu Wenhao deepened.

Lei Bao's face darkened completely, his smile vanished, and replaced by a chill.

“Good, very good.” He nodded, his eyes sinister. “Liu Guanjun is indeed got guts. However, it’s good for young people to have guts, but they also need to see reality clearly. These days, even the best wine needs advertising. Tradition? Hmph, you’ll soon find out that in the face of absolute commercial power, your pitiful traditions are worthless.”

He turned and led his men toward the door. As he reached the door, he seemed to remember something and turned back to add, "Oh, right, I forgot to tell you. Next month, our Thunder Martial Arts Academy will be hosting a city-wide youth combat invitational tournament with generous prize money. We welcome all the top students from Zhengwu Academy to come and see what modern, real-world combat is like. Don't be too scared to come!"

After saying that, he let out a cold laugh and strode away.