Who made him participate in the slapping contest?

Joining Chapter 21

"later?"

"As the economy improves, more people are looking to make quick money through short-sighted methods and shady practices."

"You've seen 'A World Without Thieves,' right? Back then, there were many people with extraordinary skills. Someone like Uncle Li, a master thief, could kill without even blinking an eye."

"Scammers roam the streets and alleys, using a stick of incense or a bar of soap to bewitch people until they're bankrupt. They give away their money and jewelry, then go home and go about their business as usual."

"I've never seen it before, I've never heard of it, you couldn't even imagine it if I told you."

"Pickpockets and thieves abound at train stations, and guns and ammunition are sold everywhere in the restrooms. GG."

"The popularity of Qigong and traditional martial arts has emboldened petty thieves, bandits, and local bullies."

"When I was a child, my father worked as a bodyguard in Guangzhou. At the end of the year, my mother and I would take a bus from northern Hubei to Guangzhou."

"Back then there were no highways, so we could only take provincial roads and national highways."

"The bus was hijacked six times in the southern Hunan area alone."

"I've even seen police officers set on fire while they were on a case. Can you imagine that happening today?"

"Back then, the air was thick with a frenzy."

Huang Tiandu spoke slowly and deliberately, his tone filled with longing.

Hong Jie is the same.

That was the last era of the martial arts world; it was chaotic, but it was also an era that produced many heroes.

"It was quite chaotic, no wonder there was a major overhaul later." Hong Jie knew a bit about this crazy history.

"Yes!" Huang Tiandu nodded.

"What does this have to do with traditional martial arts?" Hong Jie asked curiously.

"The martial arts department has made its move."

"I'm not entirely sure what happened."

"But what is certain is that the masters of traditional martial arts and Chinese martial arts that people remember seem to have suddenly disappeared, and traditional martial arts and qigong have become a mirage."

"Look at those so-called leaders of major sects nowadays, their routines are impressive and powerful."

"But once they get into the ring, none of them can fight. Even if they do fight, they're just learning Sanda or boxing."

Traditional martial arts have been reduced to artistic performances like "The Sparrow Doesn't Fly," "The Palm Wind Slaps a Candle," and "The Five-Strike Whip."

"As a result, the public has become accustomed to classifying traditional martial arts as performing arts or health preservation culture."

Huang Tiandu sighed deeply, feeling the same way.

"Yes, this is indeed a mystery," Hong Jie said.

"It's not exactly a mystery. At the time, besides eliminating a large number of people, the remaining people either handed over their true martial arts skills or signed an agreement prohibiting them from passing them on anymore."

"Most of the traditional martial arts we see now are censored versions."

"In other words, there are only moves, but no corresponding internal strength or qigong techniques."

Huang Tiandu took a big gulp of wine and gave his guess.

"indeed!"

"Without internal energy, a martial artist is like a rootless duckweed."

"If your strength, explosiveness, speed, and defense are all lacking, it's normal that you can't beat boxers who are already undergoing high-intensity training." Hong Jie nodded.

"But times have changed now."

"In the past, we were open and inclusive, allowing Western material and cultural elements to flow in."

"Now that we are strong, we urgently need to go global."

"The recent seven-day visa-free policy and the promotion by foreign internet celebrities are good examples that have shown the world the real Xia Kingdom."

But that's far from enough.

"We need to showcase more—military, cultural, technological, and so on!"

"Especially some important international events."

"so……"

Huang Tiandu looked at Hong Jie, hesitating to speak.

"So you're a headhunter for the martial arts department?" Hong Jie's eyes sharpened, and he chuckled.

"Headhunter?"

"Hmm, that's quite accurate. I'm just an insignificant member of the martial arts department, barely qualifying as a second-rate martial artist."

"My job is to find true martial artists."

"According to the section chief's and the higher-ups' will, we need to demonstrate the pure power of the Xia Kingdom and seize the high ground in cultural and public opinion that the West has held for years."

"Sports events have always been a battleground for the competition of soft power among major powers."

"Relying solely on table tennis and diving is far from enough; we hope someone will step up and compete."

Huang Tiandu said firmly.

"Since your martial arts department has experts, why not let them participate in the competition?" Hong Jie asked, puzzled.

"I don't know."

"Perhaps due to some agreement, or other considerations, it is inconvenient for the authorities to intervene in this situation."

"I'm too low-ranking to know the inside story."

"But judging from today's major international competitions, there have been no 'extraordinary' athletes yet."

"In short, I want to recruit you as an unofficial member of the martial arts department, that is, my subordinate."

"It's not just about slapping contests, but also boxing and other activities. We'll promote Chinese martial arts and completely crush the arrogance and conceit of Westerners."

Huang Tiandu extended a sincere invitation.

"Logically speaking, I'm open to trying anything except a football match."

"I'm afraid that if things get heated, other countries will also send 'superhumans' to compete. You know, right now the theory of winning is rampant around the world, and they may not allow people of Asian descent to disrupt the order of the sports world."

"The risk is very high."

"You know, I'm just a minor internet celebrity, earning some traffic to make a living."

Hong Jie said with difficulty.

"That's inevitable."

"For a martial artist to break through, the only way is to constantly embrace challenges."

"Unless you're content with the status quo."

"Don't worry, if you encounter a problem that you can't solve, Wu Leike will step in."

"In addition, the martial arts department has a collection of nearly 80% of the martial arts manuals, prescriptions, medicinal materials, and even some relics left over from foreign civilizations."

"You can participate in tasks posted by the department to earn points, which can be used to redeem the supplies you need."

"This will greatly benefit you in becoming a first-rate martial artist, or even a top-tier one."

Huang Tiandu stated this very bluntly.

"Teach me Bajiquan first." Hong Jie did not immediately agree.

"Sure!" Huang Tiandu readily agreed.

……

Over the next few days, Huang Tian taught Hong Jie Bajiquan without reservation.

At the same time, he told him many strange and interesting stories.

half a month later.

night.

"Ah Jie, this is for you."

"The department has approved my request. Your identity will be kept completely confidential, and only Section Chief Yun will know."

"This is the dedicated communication device for you, Section Chief Yun, and me."

"There's a 'Xuanwu' app inside. After you register and pass the review, you can take on departmental tasks through it."

"You can redeem medicinal herbs and other items using points."

"Once your total points reach a certain level, you can apply for a promotion and take on higher-level tasks."

"Remember, no matter where you are, you can contact me and the section chief if you are in danger."

"We will send a staff member from the nearest location to assist you."

Huang Tiandu made a round trip from Beijing and handed Hong Jie a miniature satellite phone.

"Okay, now we're part of an organization." Hong Jie nodded happily.

He possesses great martial arts skills and is also the "General Manager of the Martial World".

As a "lackey of the imperial court," at least I don't have to worry about being extorted after challenging someone.

As for the rest, Hong Jie decided to observe secretly for the time being.

……

The next day.

Martial arts school.

Hong Jie faced off against eight martial arts students wielding riot control batons all by himself.

"Don't feel guilty, go all out! If you hurt them and make them bleed, everyone will get a red envelope!" Hong Jianguo shouted at the top of his lungs, sipping his teapot.

……