Chapter Two: Becoming a Disciple

The Baiyun Dojo in Feiling County was merely a martial arts school. Though large, it did not provide accommodation for its students. In contrast, the Baiyun Dojo in Yandu City housed many disciples from afar. Only the most gifted disciples from the surrounding counties were allowed to stay in the Baiyun Dojo—no more than a few dozen, each having mastered the “Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm.” These were the finest talents from the region.

“In the Baiyun Dojo, only disciples who have mastered the ‘Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm’ hold the most privileged status, known as core disciples. Those of exceptional talent may even be personally accepted as disciples by the Master himself.” The guide spoke respectfully, knowing that Feng Yuancheng and his companion had been permitted to stay—likely as new core disciples. Chen Fan’s youthful appearance made him one of the youngest in the dojo.

“Brother Feng, is that you?” A voice rang out from afar. Chen Fan turned and saw two robust young men in Daoist robes approaching.

“Brother Zhang! Brother Lin! You’re both here!” Feng Yuancheng’s face lit up with joy as he greeted them. Chen Fan understood these must be the talented disciples who had mastered the “Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm” at the Feiling County branch.

“I heard you were close to mastering the ‘Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm,’ Brother. I didn’t expect it to happen so soon! You must have just turned seventeen?” Old friends reunited, naturally relished the chance to talk. Having mastered two first-class strength-training manuals, Feng Yuancheng’s talent was among the highest even in the main dojo, seldom matched. Though these two were older, in their twenties, they treated Feng Yuancheng with great respect.

Chen Fan quietly observed from the side. These two carried themselves with extraordinary bearing—they would be the most outstanding figures in Feiling County.

After a while, the youth surnamed Lin glanced curiously at Chen Fan, who stood behind Feng Yuancheng, and asked, “Is this brother also from Feiling County? Which family does he belong to?”

Chen Fan cupped his fists. “My name is Chen Fan, indeed from Feiling. I am now a retainer of the Bao family…” In truth, Chen Fan had only just become a retainer and had not once fulfilled any duties, nor did he expect to in the future.

“Oh, so Brother Chen is from the Bao family… You look quite young. Have you already mastered the ‘Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm’? Truly gifted!” Chen Fan humbly cupped his fists, but chose not to dispute the claim, as further explanations would only complicate matters.

To become a core disciple of the main dojo by mastering the “Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm” before the age of fifteen was indeed excellent. But to become a core disciple without mastering it indicated someone even more exceptional.

After a few cordial exchanges, Chen Fan and Feng Yuancheng bid farewell to the two and followed the guide to complete their accommodation registration, each being led to their “dormitory.” The Baiyun Dojo spared no expense; every core disciple’s room was as well-appointed as an inn, spacious and fully furnished.

***

Evening.

Chen Fan finally met Li Linliu again, accompanied by a middle-aged man with a gentle smile. He was about forty or fifty years old.

“This is my senior brother, Dong Guzhi, the founder of the Baiyun Dojo!” Chen Fan’s expression grew solemn and he quickly cupped his fists. “Greetings, Master!”

He had not expected the Master of the Baiyun Dojo to be such a kindly middle-aged man.

Dong Guzhi waved his hand, smiling at Chen Fan and Feng Yuancheng with appreciation. “I’ve heard Linliu praise you both all afternoon. Seeing you now, you are indeed outstanding young men!”

The two naturally responded with humility.

“Feiling County is rich in talent. Among the seven branch dojos of Baiyun, Feiling County has brought me the greatest surprises. Its number of core disciples is second only to the main dojo. In Linliu’s final term, he managed to bring back two prodigious disciples—it is a blessing for Baiyun Dojo!”

Li Linliu fanned himself, his face showing pride.

Dong Guzhi smiled at them. “Let me ask: are you both willing to enter my tutelage and become my disciples?”

The two were stunned.

“I am willing!”
“I am willing, Master!”

Dong Guzhi, as the head of the Baiyun Dojo, was a renowned master in Yandu City—no one in Feiling County could compare. Of course, they accepted eagerly.

“Excellent!” Dong Guzhi’s smile faded as he continued, “I must remind you: as my disciples, you will enjoy the greatest privileges in Baiyun Dojo. Elixirs, herbs, martial arts manuals—far beyond those of ordinary core disciples. But because of this, you may attract envy and jealousy from others…”

“Baiyun Dojo forbids private infighting, but openly allows challenges on the platform, even with wagers, provided no one is harmed or crippled. Since you are now my disciples, you must be prepared for challenges…”

“Of course, keep your eyes open. Don’t spar with disciples far stronger than yourselves; it’s not beneficial and only gifts your resources to others.”

Chen Fan’s expression grew serious, his eyes shining.

The style of the Baiyun main dojo was indeed very different from Feiling County—encouraging competition! His martial arts could be honed through combat, and such opportunities were most advantageous for him. With so many core disciples, Chen Fan would have no trouble finding brothers who could push him.

Dong Guzhi briefly explained the various attentions and benefits for core disciples, then formally issued them door plaques and identification.

“Yuancheng, you’re nearly eighteen and have mastered the ‘Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm.’ You may now begin cultivating the ‘Baiyun True Art.’ The secret manual is in the library, but before you start, come see me—I will help you condense a seed of True Essence to aid your transformation.”

Feng Yuancheng was overjoyed. “Thank you, Master!”

Chen Fan quietly took note of the True Essence seed, but did not immediately ask about it.

Dong Guzhi nodded, then turned to Chen Fan. “Chen Fan, you’re fourteen this year?”

Chen Fan replied, “One more month until I turn fourteen.”

Dong Guzhi was momentarily surprised, his expression complicated. “Your talent is extraordinary, but you’re still young. There’s no rush to start cultivating the True Art. Continue practicing the ‘Baiyun Pine-Crane Palm.’ Even after mastering it, you need not begin the True Art immediately; you have time. You’ve taken the Blood-Nourishing Pill, so train in several more strength arts. With the dojo’s resources, you may reach the limit of physical vitality…”

Chen Fan had heard of the concept of the limit of vitality, though he did not know the details.

He asked curiously, “Master, how can I tell when I’ve reached the limit of vitality?”

Dong Guzhi replied, “When you find your vitality grows extremely slowly or stalls, and no amount of strength training increases it anymore, you’ve reached your personal limit.”

Chen Fan nodded slightly.

“And remember: before cultivating the True Art, do not practice any True Essence martial skills—they will only distract you. Remember this well.” Dong Guzhi continued, “If you have no further questions, you may go. If you need anything, consult the instructors or come directly to me!”

Though the Master was the head of the dojo, he was gentle and unassuming. He gave his disciples much freedom, not requiring daily lessons—an ideal arrangement for Chen Fan himself.