Chapter 19: Returning to the Zhao Family Martial Arts Hall

Zhao Feng walked on the road back to the martial arts hall, unable to help but let out a long sigh.

Today was the day the Martial Assembly was held, and he had given all the disciples of the martial arts hall a day off.

Perhaps because of the influence of Feng Zi, many disciples still wanted to come to the martial arts hall in the afternoon to continue practicing their Fist Technique, but they were all shooed away by him:

"Go, go, go, a bunch of brats who only think of one thing at a time; instead of throwing punches blindly, you'd be better off going home and reflecting on what you gained today!"

Yet, even though he said that, Zhao Feng still did not have a precise answer in his heart as to how to face Feng Zi.

Perhaps, he could only let time wash away these headache-inducing matters...

Thinking of this, Zhao Feng could not help but sigh again.

Just as he was walking slowly along the road like this, his mind constantly wandering, a presence with full Qi and Blood walked quickly toward Zhao Feng.

"Who?" Zhao Feng felt vexed in his heart, turned around impatiently, and asked subconsciously.

Afterwards, he saw the burly figure of Feng Zi walking quickly toward him.

"Hmm, Feng Zi? Why have you come to me?" Even though his thoughts were chaotic, Zhao Feng still spoke first to ask.

Seeing that the other party's attitude was kind, Feng Zi's mood also settled a bit, and he joked with a smile: "I haven't eaten yet; the Hall Master wouldn't mind treating me to lunch, would he?"

Zhao Feng originally did not know how to get along with Feng Zi anymore, his mind was in a tangle, and he subconsciously wanted to reply, "Go eat by yourself."

But the other party thought about it again, and seeing that Feng Zi's attitude was quite friendly, he realized that this so-called "eating" was just an excuse to communicate with him.

Thus, Zhao Feng shook his head and replied helplessly: "There aren't any good dishes in the martial arts hall, so don't complain later that I didn't host you well."

Hearing this, Feng Zi shook his head with a smile: "I've also practiced Fist Technique in the martial arts hall for more than two years; I wouldn't look down on the food in the martial arts hall."

While they spoke, the two men's pace also quickened quite a bit.

Before long, the "master and disciple" pair arrived in front of this familiar Zhao Family Martial Arts Hall.

Zhao Qi was sitting in front of the martial arts hall and saw the two from afar, asking suspiciously: "Master of the house, has the Martial Assembly already ended?"

Zhao Qi was still wondering in her heart; Feng Zi had clearly already withdrawn from the martial arts hall, so why was he still walking with Zhao Feng?

Zhao Feng naturally did not know about his wife's wild thoughts, and simply waved his hand, saying:

"Don't you worry about the Martial Assembly; go tell the kitchen to stir-fry two plates of meat dishes and mix two plates of cold dishes, and make sure the portions are sufficient."

Hearing this request, Zhao Qi felt even more suspicious:

She had originally thought that Feng Zi seeking out her husband was to request to return to the martial arts hall, but looking at Zhao Feng's demeanor... it did not seem like the attitude one would have toward a disciple.

But since Zhao Feng had already given the order, Zhao Qi walked into the martial arts hall.

On the other side, Zhao Feng also led Feng Zi into the canteen of the martial arts hall.

Before long, the cook came to the table and placed two large plates of very substantial cold dishes on the table.

Feng Zi said a word of thanks, then picked up the teapot and poured half a cup of tea for each of them—

Those who practice the martial Dao must control themselves at all times and try to touch alcohol as little as possible; this was the first lesson Zhao Feng had taught him.

Seeing the other party take the teacup with a complex expression, Feng Zi then raised his cup and said: "Master, I will use tea in place of wine to toast you."

Hearing this, Zhao Feng hurriedly replied: "Regarding winning the Martial Assembly... I haven't had the chance to congratulate you yet."

Now that things had reached this point, regarding the respect expressed by Feng Zi, the other party truly felt ashamed in his heart.

Feng Zi naturally understood the other party's character and did not force it, simply picking up a piece of food.

Just as he wanted to say something, he suddenly felt something in his heart and turned his head to look outside the door.

As a fellow Martial Master, Zhao Feng naturally also sensed it and clicked his tongue, saying: "A woman, truly not following the rules!"

The two naturally understood that the person hiding outside the door eavesdropping was Zhao Qi.

Feng Zi did not mind this, simply shaking his head and continuing to eat: "My visit to see the Hall Master this time is for a matter that is open and aboveboard, so I am not afraid of it being overheard."

Hearing this, Zhao Feng insisted: "Rules are rules; if I break the rules so easily, how can I stand my ground?"

Having said that, the other party walked to the door and sternly scolded his wife away.

It was also at this moment that the cook brought over two more plates of dishes overflowing with the aroma of the wok, then left through the side door without saying a word.

Not long after, Zhao Feng returned.

The two ate a few more bites of food in silence, and Feng Zi then spoke: "Hall Master, do you regret having me withdraw from the martial arts hall now?"

"Regret... naturally I regret it; after all, I was blind and missed out on a genius," Zhao Feng told him frankly.

Zhao Feng had always been like this; if he was wrong, he was wrong, and he would never force himself to save face.

Feng Zi naturally understood this point as well, and asked with a smile: "If the Hall Master at that time had known about today's situation, would you still have made that choice?"

Regarding this question, Zhao Feng answered firmly: "I still would have!"

Regarding this answer, Feng Zi felt somewhat caught off guard instead, and asked subconsciously: "Why?"

"Because I didn't have the ability; forcing you to stay would only have harmed you," Zhao Feng replied frankly while eating his food with his head down.

Seeing Feng Zi looking at him in confusion, the other party explained: "In fact, even until now, I don't know how you actually became a Martial Master.

"In the years since you entered my tutelage, I ask myself, other than trying to help the shoots grow by pulling them, I tried every method, but your strength never made any progress.

"Precisely because of this, I firmly declared that your aptitude was not suitable for martial arts, yet you achieved what I could not.

"I don't understand the reason for it; perhaps it's because you suddenly had an epiphany, or perhaps you found a suitable method; in any case, this is not my credit."

Zhao Feng was always this frank—

The other party never hid his petty desire for money, yet he always acted in an open and honest manner.

At this point, Feng Zi finally confirmed once again that this Hall Master was indeed a person who could be trusted.

He raised his teacup and smiled: "Regardless of how you put it, my martial arts foundation is still the Zhao Family Fist Technique, and my martial Dao roots cannot be separated from the Hall Master's years of teaching.

"I think... the roster of the Zhao Family Martial Arts Hall should still have a place for me, right?"

This was naturally not the purpose of Feng Zi coming here, but it was an excellent entry point.

Zhao Feng naturally heard the intention of Feng Zi's goodwill and agreed: "Although I feel I did not provide any help on your path of cultivation, this is also fine."

Having said that, the other party took a sip of tea and urged:

"We have known each other for several years and once shared the bond of master and disciple; shouldn't you state the purpose of your visit now?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Zi set down his chopsticks and pondered, saying, "I hope the Hall Master can help look after my parents."

Zhao Feng found this request very strange: "Why is that? In Wutai County, who would dare touch the parents of a Martial Master?"

To this, Feng Zi could only shake his head helplessly and sigh: "I have the ambition to soar upon the clouds and roam the vast seas like a dragon; how could I remain for long in this tiny Wutai County?"

"Once I am gone, how can I be certain that no one will dare to bully the two elders?"

Long ago, this question had already begun to trouble Feng Zi.

Now that he had become the Champion of the Martial Tournament and the day of his departure from Wutai County was in the near future, Feng Zi naturally had to make preparations.

Among the people he knew, Zhao Feng was the only one who possessed both the strength and the trustworthy character.

Zhao Feng pondered for a long time before decisively saying, "I may not be able to guarantee anything else, but at least... as long as I am here, no one will bully those two."