The next day, Xiao He went to attend the swordsmanship class that Liu Rulan had arranged for him.
Coincidentally, this martial arts school was actually run by Pu Rong's family.
However, Pu Rong wasn't present, but instead Ma Hongwu was there—the same person who had persistently questioned Xiao He about the lineage of the Bone-Cleaving Knife Technique last time.
Seeing Ma Hongwu, Xiao He's heart sank, while Ma Hongwu's eyes lit up: "Young friend Xiao, I never expected you to come to our martial arts school—"
Xiao He: "Hehe, yes, I'm here to learn basic swordsmanship."
Ahhh, Sister Liu, you traitorous teammate, how could you arrange for me to come here!
After the previous incident, Xiao He had vaguely guessed that this Elder Ma probably suspected something about his Bone-Cleaving Knife Technique.
However, Xiao He wasn't too concerned.
After all, he hadn't known Elder Ma for very long, and they were still relatively unfamiliar. No matter how suspicious the old man might be, he wouldn't be able to discover anything.
But meeting again this time, he feared...
What surprised Xiao He was that this time, the old man behaved very warmly, completely lacking the sharpness and probing from their previous meeting.
"Young friend Xiao, I've seen the video of you saving that person! It truly surprised me—not only is your knife technique excellent, but your physical skills are so agile, and you have such a kind heart. This old man is truly impressed!"
Xiao He understood.
So it was still about the rescue incident from last time that had cleared his suspicions in the old man's mind.
Xiao He breathed an internal sigh of relief and modestly replied: "Elder Ma, it was just a small effort, not worth such praise."
"Ah, no need to be so modest. Since you're willing to come to our martial arts school to learn, I'll definitely arrange the best teacher for you—"
"No, that's not necessary—"
But before Xiao He could refuse, the old man grabbed his arm and pulled him upstairs: "It's necessary, it's necessary. You must have some basic foundation, right? Ah, it's fine if you don't—I guarantee I'll teach you everything within half a month. Don't worry, it definitely won't affect your filming schedule..."
After confirming that Xiao He wasn't some evil practitioner of "dark arts," Ma Hongwu became extremely enthusiastic, completely treating Xiao He as a highly talented junior. He chattered incessantly the whole way, and Xiao He found it difficult to refuse the old man's goodwill, so he could only be half-led, half-dragged to the second floor.
The second floor of the martial arts school had many independent practice rooms and classrooms. Most were currently closed, but faint practice sounds could be heard from behind the doors. Through the glass of one door, Xiao He even saw a teacher in training clothes leading a group of little kids practicing horse stance.
Of course, in another area's classroom, he also saw a group of elderly men and women practicing Tai Chi. Their movements were synchronized, their postures expansive and steady. Watching them seriously, there was truly a feeling of yin-yang circulation and the great Dao simplified to its essence.
It was evident that this martial arts school was quite popular.
"We're here."
Ma Hongwu brought Xiao He to a relatively smaller classroom. This area was used for small group or private lessons, with equally complete facilities and decor. The walls were even cleaner and tidier than the large classroom they had passed earlier.
Ma Hongwu knocked on the door, then led Xiao He into the practice room.
There were two people in the practice room who had apparently been chatting. Hearing Ma Hongwu's arrival, they both stopped talking and looked over.
Xiao He raised his eyes, met those two pairs of gazes, and his body instantly stiffened.
"Not interrupting anything, am I?"
Ma Hongwu asked with a cheerful laugh.
"Not at all," one of them replied. "Uncle Ma, what brings you—"
"I brought a student over. See if you're willing to teach him—"
Ma Hongwu turned his head and noticed Xiao He still standing frozen at the doorway. He waved somewhat puzzled: "Young friend Xiao, come in!"
Xiao He: "..."
Of the two inside, one had a burly build and piercing eyes, while the other was slightly thinner but had a somewhat fierce appearance. Both looked like people not to be trifled with.
Xiao He genuinely didn't want to enter, but since Ma Hongwu had said so, he could only brace himself and walk in.
"This is young friend Xiao, a student at Hu University who's currently working as an actor," Ma Hongwu introduced Xiao He. "Though he's young, don't underestimate him. He's repeatedly acted courageously for justice and even made the news. He's an excellent young man with remarkable martial arts talent—his Bone-Cleaving Knife Technique is practiced to perfection..."
Xiao He: "..."
Somehow, these words triggered something in the burly man. His gaze suddenly focused intensely on Xiao He, carrying a powerful pressure that instantly raised goosebumps all over Xiao He's body. His criminal-hound intuition screamed wildly about the other's danger, and even his usually steady heart began pounding violently.
Danger! Extremely dangerous!
Was this man a police officer?
No, no—such presence definitely wasn't just that of a regular police officer... He was military!
Probably from a high-risk branch like special forces, because Xiao He could also detect a faint scent of blood.
The burly man narrowed his eyes, his sharp hawk-like gaze firmly locked on Xiao He's face as he asked seriously: "You're afraid of me?"
As he spoke, the air seemed to freeze for a moment.
"Hehe, n-no, not at all. I just feel that this uncle has a very strong presence and doesn't seem like an ordinary person."
Xiao He forced a smile, barely managing to curve his lips.
"Is that so?"
The man continued staring at Xiao He, who maintained his composure and asked very frankly: "Yes, uncle, are you military? I sense something extraordinary about your presence."
The man looked Xiao He up and down, then revealed a faint smile: "Your observational skills are quite sharp, no wonder you can instantly spot thieves in crowds."
"Ah?" Xiao He was genuinely surprised this time. "You know me?"
"Xiao He, repeatedly acts courageously for justice, helping police capture criminals and thieves. I've also seen your video climbing outside building floors to rescue that child. I greatly admire your courage and ability, but next time you rescue someone, you should consider your own safety more and protect yourself properly."
Xiao He breathed an internal sigh of relief.
So that's what it was.
Seeing the atmosphere ease, Ma Hongwu finally smiled and introduced: "You can just call him Uncle Yan."
"Hello, Uncle Yan." Xiao He quickly took the initiative to greet him.
Yan Zhengbei nodded slightly: "Your guess was quite accurate just now, but I'm currently retired and no longer hold military status."
Xiao He smiled awkwardly: "I see..."
"Since you have a student here, I'll take my leave now."
Fortunately, Yan Zhengbei showed no intention of staying longer and took his leave voluntarily. The thinner man beside him also said: "Alright, goodbye Captain Yan."
After Yan Zhengbei left, Ma Hongwu formally introduced Xiao He's teacher: "This is Teacher Song Zhe."
Song Zhe's presence was slightly less intense than Yan Zhengbei's, though Xiao He could still detect the scent of blood on him. Although his appearance was somewhat fierce, when he smiled, dimples appeared on both cheeks, and he looked at Xiao He with gentle eyes: "Hello, Student Xiao."
Xiao He: "Hello, Teacher Song."
This Teacher Song, barring any surprises, should also be a retired military personnel.
Xiao He subtly observed the teacher before him, when suddenly his gaze froze, landing on Song Zhe's right arm.
Song Zhe wore a fitted short-sleeved shirt, holding a wooden sword in his left hand, but his right sleeve was completely empty. At first, Xiao He thought he had his hand behind his back, but only upon closer inspection now did he realize that Song Zhe's right arm was completely missing from the shoulder down.
—This Teacher Song Zhe was actually disabled.