77

After drinking the soup Xiahou Lan had brought him, Wang Bo looked much better. "Thank you, Brother Lan. I must have looked foolish." He gave Xiahou Lan a grateful glance.

"There's no need for that kind of talk. If we start saying such things, we'll only seem distant," Xiahou Lan said with a warm smile. He found the young man before him rather interesting.

"By the way, Brother Lan, how long was I unconscious? How is Brother Yun? May I go see him?" After eating something, Wang Bo felt a little strength returning to his body, so he asked about Zhao Yun.

"You were out for a full two days and nights, and Brother Yun's constitution is much stronger than yours. He woke up on the second day after being injured. As soon as he came to, he kept demanding to see you. If Master hadn't stopped him and told him you needed to rest, who knows what else might have happened," Xiahou Lan said with feeling. "But, Xiao Bo, I rather envy you. Not only do you have Brother Yun looking after you, even the teacher treats you differently. When you were hurt, he even went up the mountain himself to gather herbs and prepare medicine for you. Brother Yun and I rarely get that kind of treatment."

"Brother Lan, are you Brother Yun's senior brother or junior brother?" Wang Bo asked abruptly. In Wang Bo's memory, Tong Yuan had only taken in three disciples: the famous Shu general Zhang Ren, the spearman Zhang Xiu of the northern frontier, and Zhao Yun of Changshan. There was no such figure as Xiahou Lan. The only thing he had ever heard was that Xiahou Lan was Zhao Yun's fellow townsman; beyond that, he knew nothing.

"Heh." Xiahou Lan let out a bitter laugh. "With my dull talents, how could I ever catch Master's eye? It was only wishful thinking on my part to believe the grandmaster was my master, but he never acknowledged it. I'm merely an orphan he took in." As he spoke, Xiahou Lan seemed to sink once more into painful memories, his expression changing again and again. "My parents died when I was very young, and I survived by begging. Once I fell gravely ill, and just when it seemed I would not live much longer, Master came. He cured me, brought me up the mountain, let me live there, and taught me some martial skills. But he never accepted me as his disciple."

"I'm sorry, Brother Lan. I didn't know. I didn't mean..." Wang Bo hurried to apologize.

Xiahou Lan raised a hand to stop him. "There is no guilt in ignorance. Besides, you didn't mean any harm. How could I blame you?" He looked Wang Bo over and saw that he had almost finished eating, then asked, "Well? Do you want a bit more?"

Wang Bo patted his slightly rounded stomach and said with satisfaction, "No need, Brother Lan. I'm full."

At Wang Bo's answer, Xiahou Lan gathered up the tray and then said, "All right, Xiao Bo. Rest a little longer. I'll be going now." With that, he took the tray and left.

"Mm, I know." Wang Bo nodded and lay back down. But even after tossing and turning on the bed, he could not fall asleep again. In the end, he could only struggle upright. He flexed his limbs; though they still ached, the pain was no longer so severe. Supporting himself on the bedframe, he rose shakily to his feet and, enduring the pain, made his way to the door.

He pushed the door open and stepped outside, carefully taking in the surroundings. It had to be said that the secluded place where Grandmaster Tong Yuan lived was truly excellent. The scenery was beautiful, the valley gentle and calm, ringed on three sides by mountains. On the remaining side, dense forest wrapped the valley so completely that outsiders would find it difficult to glimpse what lay within. There were three thatched cottages in the valley, and behind them ran a stream descending from the mountain. Not far away, the ground seemed to be planted with something.

Looking around, Wang Bo could not help sighing. "If I could one day find a paradise like this, I wouldn't fear any age of chaos or disorder." Just as he was shaking his head in admiration, Tong Yuan emerged from one of the cottages.

"Well? Feeling any better?" Tong Yuan suddenly asked when he saw Wang Bo standing there, bobbing his head.

Hearing someone speak, Wang Bo turned quickly. Seeing Tong Yuan behind him, he hastily bowed. "Thank you for your concern, Grandmaster. This junior is feeling much better." As he spoke, he moved his arms and legs, but tugged at his injuries and winced.

"Heh, you." Tong Yuan stroked his white beard and smiled at Wang Bo's pained expression. "If you cannot manage it, then do not force yourself. How can you recover properly this way?"

"Grandmaster speaks wisely. This junior has learned." Wang Bo bowed deeply again.

"Heh, you child, you are very proper." Tong Yuan nodded repeatedly at Wang Bo's manners. "Xiao Yun said you have been training your body?"

Wang Bo straightened at once, his spirits rising. Why had he gone to all this trouble to come to the deep mountains and old forests? Wasn't it for the chance to learn a thing or two from Tong Yuan? It should be known that Tong Yuan had only three disciples, each one a master of fierce and extraordinary skill. In later years all three would shine with immortal brilliance. Zhao Yun might have been the one most deeply etched into the hearts of the people, but Zhang Xiu, spearman of the northern frontier, and Zhang Ren, general of Shu, had also left a profound impression. One slew Cao Cao by surprise; the other shot Pang Tong dead at Falling Phoenix Slope. Any one of them was no ordinary figure. If he could learn even a little from Tong Yuan, then...

At that thought, Wang Bo's expression grew solemn. His face became even more respectful, and his eyes were full of pleading. "It's like this, Grandmaster. Ever since childhood I've been frail and often ill, and some days ago I even fainted from exhaustion. So I have made up my mind. I beg that Grandmaster..."

"I once swore I would never take another disciple in this life." Before Wang Bo could finish, Tong Yuan cut him off. "When I saw Xiao Yun, his talent was so exceptional that I could not bear to refuse him, so I broke my vow and accepted him as my disciple, hoping he might inherit my teachings. And he has not disappointed me. He has already learned seven-tenths of what I know." Speaking of Zhao Yun, Tong Yuan revealed a look of satisfaction. Wang Bo, however, wore a bitter expression. Hearing Tong Yuan say this, he understood clearly that the old man would not take him as a disciple.

Seeing Wang Bo's expression, Tong Yuan stroked his beard and smiled. "Though I cannot take you as a disciple..." Tong Yuan deliberately drew out the words.

"But what?" Wang Bo asked anxiously.

"Still, teaching you a set of boxing techniques to strengthen the body would not be a problem." Tong Yuan looked at Wang Bo with a mysterious smile.

Gritting his teeth, Wang Bo moved closer and seized Tong Yuan's sleeve tightly. "Really, Grandmaster? What kind of boxing is it? Please teach me quickly! I want to learn it now!"

Seeing Wang Bo so eager, Tong Yuan could not help laughing aloud. He soothed him, saying, "Hahaha, do not be impatient, Xiao Bo. You must understand that training in martial arts cannot be rushed. It must proceed step by step. In your present condition, even walking is still somewhat difficult; how could you possibly practice boxing?"

At that, Wang Bo's face turned red. He withdrew his hand from Tong Yuan and bowed again. "I have been too abrupt. I beg your pardon, Grandmaster."

"Xiao Bo, why be so formal? You must not keep this up forever." Tong Yuan waved him up.

"With an elder present, how can etiquette be cast aside?" Wang Bo said stubbornly.

"Etiquette is dead; people are alive." Yet seeing Wang Bo's obstinate expression, Tong Yuan did not continue. "Very well, very well. If you want to do it this way, then so be it. Now go and see Xiao Yun first. He has been talking about you for ages."

"But..." Wang Bo still wanted to ask about the boxing.

"Go first. We'll speak of boxing after your body has recovered." Tong Yuan stopped him and waved him on. Seeing Tong Yuan's firm attitude, Wang Bo did not dare ask further. He turned and headed back to the cottage.

When he reached the doorway and pushed it open, the scent of medicinal herbs rushed toward him. Seeing that familiar figure on the bed, that face still somewhat pale, Wang Bo felt his eyes sting with tears.

"Brother Yun..." he said, his voice choked with emotion.

As if hearing someone call him, Zhao Yun opened his eyes. Seeing that it was Wang Bo, he struggled to sit up. "Xiao Bo, how are you? Have you recovered?"

Seeing Zhao Yun like that, still thinking first of him, Wang Bo could no longer hold back his tears. "Brother Yun!" Ignoring the pain in his body, he rushed to Zhao Yun's bedside, threw his arms around him, and broke into loud sobs.

"All right, all right. Men do not shed tears lightly. What is all this crying for?" Zhao Yun's own tiger eyes grew damp as he looked down at Wang Bo in his arms.

"It's all my fault, Brother Yun. If not for me, you would never have suffered such a calamity." Wang Bo apologized through his tears.

"What are you saying? I am your elder brother; protecting you is my responsibility. I also promised Uncle Hu and the village headman that I would bring you home safe and sound. If you keep saying such things, then you do not regard me as your brother. Wipe away your tears and show me your manhood, or you are not fit to be my Zhao Yun's brother." Though Zhao Yun had lost much blood and had not yet recovered his strength, the aura of a peerless warrior still remained. A single sentence was enough to silence Wang Bo's weeping.

"Brother Yun..." Wang Bo looked at Zhao Yun and found himself unable to say another word.

"Enough. Put away those tears. I, Zhao Yun, do not have brothers who are always crying." Zhao Yun glanced at Wang Bo and went on, "I am still waiting for you to become my adjutant. How can someone who cries like this command an army?"

"Mm, Brother Yun, I understand." Wang Bo wiped the tears from his face and stood up. "Brother Yun, how is your body?"

"You should worry about yourself instead. You already know what condition your Brother Yun is in. What are a few small wounds to me?" Zhao Yun looked at Wang Bo and forced out a smile, though it was not a very convincing one.

"Brother Yun, you don't need to force it. That smile looks worse than crying." Seeing Zhao Yun's expression, Wang Bo teased him. "By the way, Brother Yun, I've got good news. Master Tong plans to teach me boxing."

"Really? The teacher accepted you as a disciple?" Zhao Yun was astonished, though it was plain to see that he was truly happy for Wang Bo.

"No. Master Tong did not take me as a disciple. He only agreed to teach me a set of boxing techniques for strengthening the body." With that, Wang Bo showed an expression of helplessness, and Zhao Yun felt regret for him as well. "Brother Yun doesn't need to feel too sorry for me either. With a body like mine, even if I could become an apprentice, I would only bring shame to the school."

"Heh, you are rather open-minded. I had meant to comfort you, yet you ended up comforting me instead." Zhao Yun chuckled, looking at Wang Bo before him and not knowing what else to say.

"Brother Yun, you should rest well. I'll head back first as well. I want to recover as soon as possible and learn boxing from Master Tong."

"Mm, go on." Zhao Yun waved him off. Receiving permission, Wang Bo turned and left.

Time passed quickly, and before long three days had gone by. Most of Wang Bo's injuries had healed. They were, after all, only surface wounds, and Tong Yuan's medical skill was superb. So after just three days, Wang Bo was already lively and energetic again. During those three days, he fully displayed the spirit of shameless persistence, pestering Tong Yuan every day with questions about boxing. Yet Tong Yuan remained seemingly immovable, revealing nothing to him. Those three days had stretched Wang Bo's curiosity to the limit.

Early one morning, Wang Bo got up again and came anxiously to the outside of Tong Yuan's room, wringing his hands and unsure whether he should knock. With a creak, the door opened, and Tong Yuan stepped out. Seeing Wang Bo still twisting his hands by the door, Tong Yuan could not help laughing. "Hahaha, good morning, Xiao Bo."

Looking at Tong Yuan's unprincipled smile, Wang Bo could not help thinking that even sages had their adorable side.

"Good morning, Grandmaster." Wang Bo bowed, emphasizing his words.

"I see that your injuries have almost healed, so I've decided to begin teaching you boxing today." Ignoring Wang Bo's tone, Tong Yuan said unhurriedly.

"Understood." Wang Bo was somewhat absent-minded, as if he had not clearly heard what Tong Yuan said. Yet that was hardly surprising. For the past three days he had come early every day to bother Tong Yuan, only to be sent away each time with the excuse that he was still injured. Suddenly, Wang Bo came back to himself. He seized Tong Yuan's sleeve at once. "Grandmaster, what did you say? You mean you can teach me boxing today?"

Tong Yuan did not speak, only nodded at him. Seeing this, Wang Bo became wildly excited.

"All right, go make your preparations. We'll begin soon." Tong Yuan waved him off, signaling him to go and get ready.

"What preparations are needed, Grandmaster? I'm ready already. We can start right now." Wang Bo could hardly wait to begin, and had no mind for preparations of any kind. Those three days had already worn away what little patience he had left.

"You are young and strong; naturally you do not need to eat or prepare anything. But I am an old man, aged and frail, not nearly so vigorous as you." Tong Yuan smiled at him. Wang Bo, meanwhile, stared blankly. In his eyes, Tong Yuan's smile grew increasingly sinister. He kept muttering to himself: shameless, shameless. As a grandmaster, how can you say you're old and frail? If you are old and frail, does anyone else still get to live? No matter how unwilling he was, he could only grumble inwardly. Outwardly, he could only say respectfully, "Very well, Grandmaster. I'll go prepare at once. Please take your breakfast slowly." He spoke through gritted teeth, then turned and returned to his room.

After breakfast, Wang Bo hurried once more to the outside of Tong Yuan's room. "Grandmaster, are you ready?"

"It's ready. Come with me." Tong Yuan emerged from the house in a tight-fitting outfit, and Wang Bo followed behind him with a mixture of anticipation and unease.

Tong Yuan led Wang Bo to an open area behind the cottages. It was obvious this was a place set aside for martial training. Why could Wang Bo tell at a glance? For no other reason than that both Xiahou Lan and Zhao Yun were training there. Zhao Yun truly lived up to his name; in just three days he had recovered nearly completely. Although his injuries had been even more severe than Wang Bo's, his recovery had been far faster. He had already begun resuming his training.

Seeing Wang Bo arrive with Tong Yuan, Zhao Yun and Xiahou Lan wore different expressions. Zhao Yun was simply happy and relieved. Xiahou Lan's expression, however, was more complicated. Though he was also glad for Wang Bo in his heart, there was a trace of envy in his eyes, and perhaps something else besides.

Tong Yuan brought Wang Bo to one side of the clearing. "All right, we'll use this spot." He turned and motioned for Wang Bo to stop. Hearing him, Wang Bo immediately halted.

"The boxing technique I am about to teach you is not meant for killing or defeating enemies. It has no destructive power. It is a set of boxing forms created specifically for strengthening the body." Tong Yuan paused, then continued, "This set of boxing forms is a qigong method I adapted in my later years, building upon the foundation of the ancients and combining it with my own physical condition."