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墨書 Inktalez
As the sound of drums and gongs filled the air, a large crowd surged toward the stage, all of them carrying instruments and creating a lively atmosphere. It certainly looked festive, but there seemed to be something lacking in terms of momentum. Perhaps it was because they weren't professional performers, or maybe it was due to the rushed rehearsals.
Just then, Old Tang approached, sweat dripping from his forehead. "Hey, this is Shanxi's Majestic Drums and Gongs!"
I turned in surprise and asked, "Aren't you supposed to be preparing for your face-changing act? Why are you back here? Do you even know anything about drums and gongs?"
Old Tang chuckled, "I've already got my act ready. You can trust me; it won't disappoint! As for the drum music, haha, I learned it back in Shanxi. This style is a unique gem in Shanxi folk music, dazzling and vibrant, especially the Majestic Drums and Gongs, which are said to be related to the great battle between the Yellow Emperor and Chiyou."
"Wow, you really know a lot! What do you think of Second Company’s performance?" I asked.
Old Tang watched for a moment before replying, "They seem a bit unprofessional; they’re missing that special flavor. It’s probably just Wu Yan copying something online."
I nodded in agreement. "I think so too."
Old Tang then asked, "So, how's your martial arts performance coming along?"
"What the hell?!" I jumped up suddenly. I hadn't even thought about that! After buying a Great Sword for Guan, I had left him and Xu Changsheng to practice on their own. I hadn’t had time to coordinate with them at all. Initially, I had only briefly explained the flow: Xu Changsheng would go out first to perform a set of Tai Chi moves—slow ones to emphasize softness—then Guan would come on with his Guandao to showcase some fierce techniques. Finally, Xu Changsheng would spar with Guan using the Tai Chi Sword, and I would join them at the end as a supporting role. Since I was just there for contrast, I hadn’t put much thought into it and hadn’t practiced with them at all.
"Oh no!" I exclaimed in panic.
Old Tang looked at me quizzically. "What’s wrong?"
"I haven’t rehearsed with them at all!"
Old Tang chuckled lightly. "Well, you should go arrange the flow now. Look over there; they’re both warming up at the side with their equipment."
Following Old Tang's gesture, I saw that indeed they were standing at the edge of the stage pointing inside. Those two had even donned martial arts uniforms—one yellow and one white—very eye-catching.
I hurriedly called over Sheng Xiong and asked him to go back to our unit to fetch my Steel Rod while I made my way around the crowd toward Xu Changsheng and Guan.
As I approached, Guan smiled and said, "Company Commander, how are we supposed to spar later? You haven't given me any rehearsal."
"How to spar? Just make it look good!" I replied, not in the best of moods.
"Listen up, everyone! In a bit, you two will spar. Make it exciting; show me all your tricks."
At this, Xu was unhappy. "Company Commander, this isn't just for show; everything we do is practical."
"Hey, you’re not convinced, huh? Good! According to the plan, you two will spar first. I'll join in later, and then you both will face me."
Guan was surprised. "Company Commander, are you really going to step in?"
"Of course! My presence is just to highlight your skills. If you can push me back more than ten steps with your real Kung Fu, then you win and I'll reward you when we get back."
Xu Dawei was excited. "Company Commander, will your word hold? We’ve heard you're a master of staff techniques; we've been wanting to test that out."
"It absolutely holds. Now, get ready to perform!"
At this moment, the Second Company’s program had already ended. One member from the Third Team was performing in ancient women's attire while singing. The soft notes filled the air, and the audience cheered with applause and whistles. I thought to myself that this performance wouldn’t cut it; it lacked the characteristics and momentum of the New Recruits Company.
I glanced down the road; Sheng Xiong probably wouldn’t arrive anytime soon. The Third Team's program had concluded, and the Instructor was announcing, "Next up is the New Recruit Company—Martial Arts Performance!"
I patted Xu and Guan on their shoulders and instructed them, "It's up to you two now!" I gave Xu a push. "Go on!"
Dressed in a traditional yellow martial arts uniform with a red belt, Xu slowly walked to the center of the stage and assumed a Tai Chi starting posture. Not bad—he looked composed and had a bit of a master’s demeanor about him.
The music began to play, familiar and soothing, reminiscent of a piece from Jet Li's "Tai Chi Zhang Sanfeng," titled "Sui Yuan." It was a piece filled with deep meaning, likely chosen by Xu himself.
As the music flowed, Xu started to move. Unlike his previous performance at the Unit, this time he slowed down the rhythm, meticulously demonstrating the various forms of Tai Chi. His movements were gentle yet powerful, clear and pleasing to the eye.
Before long, applause and cheers erupted from the audience. On stage, Xu remained unfazed, continuing his Tai Chi routine in his own rhythm. When the music of "Sui Yuan" came to an end, he gracefully concluded with a finishing pose and returned to his original position. "Well done!" I shouted.
Just as my voice faded, the stage lights went out. I was taken aback; before I could process what was happening, the lights came back on. To my surprise, Guan had appeared on stage beside me while Xu had stepped back.
Guan truly embodied the spirit of youth, dressed in a white training outfit with a black belt, holding a Guandao behind him in a dramatic pose that exuded confidence.
The audience's excitement surged instantly, erupting into cheers. The music began again—Jay Chou's "Dragon Fist." I couldn't help but marvel at the spectacle.
Guan suddenly sprang into action with the rhythm, wielding the Great Sword with agility as if engaged in a fierce battle against an invisible foe. His movements were swift and fierce, forming a stark contrast to Xu's earlier slow pace.
Guan was indeed powerful! I thought to myself. I had heard "Dragon Fist" before; it was quite lengthy!
Before I knew it, Guan completed a series of sword techniques at lightning speed. During a brief interlude in the music, the lights abruptly went out again. When they illuminated once more, Hao Ran stood opposite Guan, holding a Tai Chi Short Sword in both hands—ready for combat.
The audience's cheers never ceased, rising in waves. After a tense standoff lasting several seconds, both began their attacks—Great Sword against dual swords!
Perhaps due to their rehearsals, Guan’s Guandao struck with precision—chopping, sweeping, slashing—all aimed at Xu’s upper body. Although the blade was dull, it still sent shivers down one’s spine; truly, every inch gained was an advantage!
In contrast, Xu’s Tai Chi Sword lacked the ferocity of Guan’s Guandao but concealed its sharpness within gentleness. As he deflected Guan’s relentless assaults, he managed to weave in sudden thrusts toward Guan. This captivating display could easily be turned into a film; no wonder these two had been inseparable lately—they must have been honing their Kung Fu together.
I watched with a smile when suddenly a voice boomed from behind me: “Company Commander! Your weapon!” Turning around, I saw Sheng Xiong bringing my weapon over. I hesitated; would it be unnecessary for me to join in now? These two seemed quite skilled in Kung Fu. I wasn't confident about holding my own against both of them. Even if it was just for show and not rehearsed beforehand, I couldn't guarantee that I would perform well.
As I hesitated, the music came to an end. On the stage, the two of them suddenly shifted positions, stopping their duel. Guan Dao dragged his weapon and walked over to Xu Yi, striking a pose in my direction. Xu also slowly raised his twin swords, facing the direction of the stage. Was this a signal for me to go up?
Well then, let’s give everyone a show! I forced a smile and picked up my rod, walking toward the stage. The audience fell silent, as they had no idea how the stage was arranged.
As I stepped onto the platform, another tune began to play—Jackie Chan's "Drunken Fist." What the hell! Was this really the song those two had chosen? It was quite exhilarating!
With the upbeat rhythm, I gripped the Steel Rod in my left hand and pointed it at the two opponents across from me. Without any unnecessary words or poses, I followed the tempo, my steps growing faster and faster until I sprinted toward Xu and Guan. The crowd erupted in cheers; tonight, they were surely in for a treat! Just as I was about to reach them, I suddenly twisted my body and swept the rod horizontally toward them.
“Clang!” Guan blocked my strike with his Guan Dao. At the same time, Xu lunged forward with his twin swords—one aimed at my upper body and the other at my left hand gripping the rod! They were certainly not holding back!
I slightly pushed with my left hand while exerting force with my right, swiftly pulling the rod back! At that moment, Guan swung down heavily at me!
“Good!” Their coordination was impressive, igniting my competitive spirit! I shouted loudly and took a step back. As I pulled most of the rod back, I tightened my grip with my left hand and raised both hands again. With another clang, I blocked Guan's heavy strike, followed by two quick sounds as Xu's swords struck against the rod.
Before I could counterattack, I saw Guan twist his body and swing his Guan Dao overhead in a circle. Suddenly, they switched positions—Xu on my left darted to my right while Guan pivoted to exert force on my left side. In an instant, he swept horizontally with his weapon, sending the Guan Dao whistling toward me!
The attack was fierce! It was unstoppable! There was no choice but for me to retreat two steps!
Before I could regain my footing, Xu suddenly darted in from the front with two swift sword strikes aimed at my thighs!
I had no choice but to sweep down with the rod, blocking both strikes with a series of clangs.
Just then, another flash of blade light appeared as Guan executed another heavy chop! I felt helpless; if it were one-on-one, I could handle it easily. But with these two—one long and one short—I couldn’t find my rhythm and was exhausted just trying to keep up.
I retreated another step and swung the rod upward from below to deflect that chop! At that moment, a bright flash caught my eye as Xu brought down his twin swords along the length of my rod. Even without sharp edges, being struck by those swords would still hurt!
I had no choice but to pull back my staff, leaping into the air to kick Xu in the lower abdomen, buying myself a moment. On the other side, Guan swiftly countered with a swipe of his Great Sword, coming at me from below.
I could only retreat, stepping back three times in quick succession. What the hell! In just a few exchanges, I was being forced to back down by these two! With my long weapon not as effective against their shorter ones at close range, I was threatened by Xu's dagger. Their teamwork was seamless, making it truly difficult to break through.
Really arrogant, huh? I thought to myself. Am I really going to be defeated like this? Just keep retreating!?
In a flash, Xu lunged again with his sword, this time aiming diagonally at my right shoulder. Suddenly, it dawned on me! Every attack had been initiated by Xu, forcing me into a passive defense. At that moment, Guan pressed forward with his Great Sword, pushing me back while Xu sought out the next opening in my Steel Rod defense.
I made a split-second decision; before Xu could strike again, I turned and ran with my staff in tow, leaving Xu looking bewildered. After three or four steps, I abruptly spun around and swung my staff back! Sure enough, Guan was still following me; he hurriedly raised his sword to block. The staff crashed against his blade with a clang. Before he could react, I followed the blade's angle and struck downward with my staff, shouting "Let go!" With a yelp, I hit Guan's hand holding the sword. He loosened his grip, and I swept my leg out forcefully, knocking the sword away from his other hand.
Seeing the situation turn against him, Xu rushed over just in time. I thrust my staff forward toward his face! He had no choice but to block with both hands on his sword. Little did he know that I was pushing with a spinning motion; as soon as our weapons connected, I used the momentum to pivot my staff aside in an arc and brought it crashing down toward his leg. "Got you!" I shouted again as the staff struck his leg lightly; however, I didn't use full force and quickly retracted it.
Below us erupted with cheers and applause; perhaps the warriors hadn’t witnessed such an intense exchange before! The Reunion reached its climax!
To my surprise, Guan winked at me and said, "Company Commander, you're ten steps away!"
(End of Reunion. Stay tuned for Division of Forces, Love Like the Wind, The Work of Chasing the Wind—tomorrow promises more excitement!)
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