Chapter 64: Bajiquan

"Alright, I’ll bring it to you later. I guarantee it’ll be fresh, but since it’s all dead, you’ll need to eat it as soon as possible within the next two days," Xiao Weiguo replied.

"Just deliver it directly to Brother Tian. I don’t have anyone here to cook. Once you drop it off, have him come see me. I’ll explain how to handle it. Take the opportunity to get familiar with the place. Next time, if I’m not home, leave the stuff with him first, and I’ll pay you later—or he can pay you in advance," Old Yang instructed.

"Alright, Old Yang. I’ll go fetch the goods now; I need to hurry out to the countryside tonight, so time is tight," Xiao Weiguo said as he rose and took his leave.

Old Yang remained seated, sipping his tea, and said, "I won’t keep you, then. Remember to avoid random people—too many mouths, too much gossip. Come visit the old man when you have time, have a chat and a cup of tea. Every day, I drink tea with a bunch of old folks—so dull. It’s much nicer spending time with young people."

"Alright, Old Yang. I’ll drop by when I can, as long as you don’t mind me bothering you," Xiao Weiguo replied with a smile.

Leaving Old Yang’s courtyard, Xiao Weiguo found a secluded spot and filled four large bags, carrying two in each hand, and headed to Courtyard 18, where Tian Xuguo lived.

Before he entered, he heard shouts of "Ha! Ho!" Inside was a mixed courtyard, and at its center, many shirtless children were throwing punches and kicks. Tian Xuguo, holding a stick, paced among them, using it to strike at any mistakes in their forms.

Xiao Weiguo entered quietly and said to Tian Xuguo, "Master Tian, Old Yang asked me to bring these over. Once you’ve stored them, he wants you to visit him."

Tian Xuguo glanced at the packages and understood immediately—no doubt more food bought by his senior. Although his senior was wealthy, he constantly helped out those of them who had fallen on hard times, which always left him feeling indebted.

He said, "Follow me," and led Xiao Weiguo to a storage room where they stowed the goods.

Back in the courtyard, Tian Xuguo said, "Wait here. Watch their practice for a bit—don’t rush off. Today, let’s get started."

"Alright, Master Tian," Xiao Weiguo replied, turning to observe the children’s training. Their movements were precise, even elegant. He mused that, without his own special abilities, he probably couldn’t even beat these teenagers.

Just then, a boy of about thirteen or fourteen called out to him, "Who are you? Why are you looking for Grandpa Tian?"

Xiao Weiguo decided to tease him. "I’m here to find a teacher among you, someone who can teach me martial arts. Are you up for it?"

The boy puffed up proudly. "Of course! I’m the best in our group. My name’s Li Hong. Come on, I’ll teach you."

Li Hong continued excitedly, "Since you’re just starting, you should learn from the basic eight-step routine. Today, I’ll teach you the foundational moves: Seeking the Way, Steady Elbow, Binding Elbow, and Flowing Elbow."

Seeing the boy’s enthusiasm, Xiao Weiguo waved him off, "Li Hong, right? Don’t rush—let’s wait for Master Tian to come back."

"Alright, but you have to pick me as your teacher. I’m really good!" Li Hong said, then hurried back to his practice, anxious to avoid the sting of Tian Xuguo’s stick.

Soon, Tian Xuguo returned. Li Hong immediately piped up, "Grandpa Tian, let me be his teacher! I can do it!"

Tian Xuguo paused, then walked over and kicked Li Hong squarely in the backside, making him hop and yelp.

"You rascal, this is our honored guest. Show some respect. From now on, call him Brother Weiguo. Understood?" Tian Xuguo addressed the children.

Li Hong looked at Xiao Weiguo with a hint of grievance, then led the others in replying, "Understood."

"Weiguo, you’re not in a hurry, right? I’ll give you a brief introduction to Bajiquan today, and teach you a little. We’ll get started, and you can come whenever you have time," Tian Xuguo said.

"Teach me as you see fit, Master Tian. I can stay for another hour or two, then I’ll have to go," Xiao Weiguo replied, checking the time.

"Good. Let me introduce Bajiquan. I am the ninth-generation inheritor. Bajiquan is known for its fierce, explosive movements—famous techniques like Baji Crush. It’s recognized for close combat, relying on bumping, crashing, squeezing, and leaning. The power is strong and sudden, with short, sharp bursts—winning through speed and surprise.

"For you, if you just want to strengthen your body, practice stance training and the eight-step routine. The eight-step routine includes Seeking the Way, Steady Elbow, Binding Elbow, Flowing Elbow, Yin Palm, Facing Palm, Guiding Hand, Double Grasp, Thrusting Elbow, Gun-Lifting Form, Piercing Palm Step, Kneeling Knee, and more.

"Today, I’ll teach you two single moves, along with their key points and rules."

"Alright, Master Tian—let’s begin," Xiao Weiguo said eagerly.

"Hold on, let’s talk about stance training first. Stance training is the foundation of Bajiquan. It improves coordination, balance, and endurance. You stand upright, feet parallel and shoulder-width or slightly wider, arms relaxed, breathing naturally, and your mind focused on your core. Come, follow me," Tian Xuguo instructed, assuming a stance.

Xiao Weiguo copied him, and after he steadied himself, Master Tian came over to make minute adjustments. In just a few minutes, Xiao Weiguo collapsed to the ground, panting, "I can’t—my legs are weak."

"No matter, take it slow. Over time, you’ll be able to stand longer—if you practice daily," Tian Xuguo said, hands clasped behind his back.

Li Hong snickered from the side.

"You dare laugh? Li Hong, get up and stand! If you don’t hold the stance for an hour tonight, you won’t get any dinner," Tian Xuguo reprimanded him.

"Ah!" Li Hong wailed, struck by misfortune.

Xiao Weiguo continued his lesson, focusing on the precision of his movements, gradually improving his skill.

"Alright, Weiguo, that’s the basics of stance training. Practice daily when you can. Now, given the time, I’ll teach you two forms—learn these first," Tian Xuguo said.

"Watch me—Seeking the Way and Steady Elbow!" He demonstrated the two moves three times in succession.

Xiao Weiguo followed along, enhancing his proficiency. With time, his fighting techniques would be second to none.