C20 He Was Awesome

People from the southern regions were traditionally smaller and slimmer compared to their northern counterparts, which naturally put them at a disadvantage in terms of reach during combat. Additionally, their frequent travel by boat influenced their Fist Techniques, which emphasized close-quarters combat rather than kicks or leaps.

As the trio busied themselves with setting up the space, Bai Junji took the opportunity to share his family's history with Feng Manlou and the others.

"My ancestor founded a courier service and gained some renown in the martial world. He was known as 'Northern Blade, Southern Fist' alongside the great hero Wang. Unlike Wang, who specialized in land-based courier services, my ancestor excelled in water-based ones. To put it in today's terms, he was adept at escorting valuables or people to their destinations via waterways. Consequently, our Bai Family Fist focuses on maintaining balance in rough conditions and the ability to take on multiple opponents."

Feng Manlou and his companions nodded, showing a mix of comprehension and curiosity.

At that moment, Kuan Ping had turned on all the lights in the activity room and joined Jiang Gongyin and Yang Kuo in moving six large wooden boards from a corner.

Feng Manlou's group offered to help but were stopped by the three men.

"Don't worry about it. There will be plenty of time for moving things around later. Today, you're our guests, so just enjoy the show," they said.

Feng Manlou and the others nodded again, observing as the trio used the wooden boards to block the windows. It turned out that these 'bed planks' were actually window covers!

Once the last board was moved aside, a round wooden plank was revealed, similar in size to a large round table used at weddings. However, this plank had a forty-centimeter diameter hole in the center, leaving everyone wondering about its purpose.

Jiang Gongyin and his companions carried the round plank to Bai Junji's position. The final item to catch the eye was a large iron ball, about forty to fifty centimeters in diameter, conspicuous in the corner.

Kuan Ping jogged back and nudged the heavy ball towards the middle of the room. As it rolled across the cheap red carpet, it emitted a deep, rumbling sound, clearly weighing a hefty forty to fifty kilograms.

When the four elders of the Martial Inheriting Society fit the round board and the iron ball together, forming a disc reminiscent of a flying saucer, Feng Manlou and his companions finally grasped the concept of a balance board.

But what was the purpose of hanging bricks?

The answer was unveiled moments later.

Bai Junji lifted his arms and gave a tug on the iron frame above his head, causing four elastic ropes to dangle down like serpents.

"The setup might seem a bit intricate, but it really doesn't take more than a few minutes," Jiang Gongyin hastily explained, sensing that Feng Manlou and the others were growing impatient.

"Complicated? We're actually eager to see the president in action. We wouldn't mind waiting even half an hour, let alone a few minutes!" Ren Haoqiu declared.

Bai Junji responded with a smile, "Then I'll do my best not to let you down."

He proceeded to the corner to fetch four red bricks typically used in construction, tying one end of each brick to the elastic ropes hanging from the iron frame. He then secured four additional elastic ropes to the other end, connecting them to the balance board on the floor.

It was only then that Feng Manlou noticed the perimeter of the balance board peppered with small holes suitable for threading ropes.

With a flick of his finger, Bai Junji set one of the brick-bound elastic ropes into a wild swing, making onlookers' hearts flutter with trepidation.

Observing the four elastic ropes tied to bricks, Ren Haoqiu had an epiphany and exclaimed with excitement, "I've got it! This is the stunt Jet Lee pulled off in 'Dragon Travelling the World'!"

"Hold on, that's not right!

In the film, Jet Lee was using a speed ball, and he was standing on solid ground, not a balance board?!" he corrected himself.

Bai Junji chuckled, "Close enough."

"'Dragon Travelling the World'? Wasn't Jet Lee in 'Battle of the Century' and 'Martial Arts Gate'?" Lee Fann inquired.

"That's one of Jet Lee's earlier films, one you guys probably haven't seen," Ren Haoqiu informed them.

"Who would've guessed? You're quite the Jet aficionado, aren't you?!" Feng Manlou teased.

"Not exactly, I just enjoy a good martial arts film. They're so exhilarating. I've watched movies featuring Jet Lee, Jack Cheng, and Blues Lee."

Ren Haoqiu's eyes blazed with fervor. He had assumed the scene of Jet Lee taking on a dozen speed balls on a rooftop was pure movie magic, but to witness someone actually pulling it off in real life was astonishing!

Although President Bai had only set up four bricks, not significantly fewer than Jet Lee, the challenge was amplified by the balance board he stood on. The difficulty wasn't just maintained—it was heightened!

He exclaimed with excitement, "Watch closely. The President is about to get on the balance board and smash those speeding bricks with an iron rod. His speed will be incredible, and the spectacle will be breathtaking!"

Jiang Gongyin and the others who had stepped back just smiled, saying nothing.

Because what the President was about to do would be even more astounding than described.

"Excuse my performance."

Bai Junji bowed with a fist salute before leaping onto the balance board. With a slight adjustment of his stance, he was as steady as a boulder.

"Don't blink. Junji's punches are lightning-fast. You'll miss the demonstration if you do!" Jiang Gongyin warned.

The group from Feng Manlou nodded emphatically.

Bai Junji centered his energy and, with a sudden shout, unleashed four rapid punches. The four red bricks were sent flying into the distance.

Feng Manlou was stunned!

Wasn't that a bit over the top?

If anyone failed to dodge, they'd have their head cracked open by a brick!

"Where's the iron rod? Where's President Bai's iron rod?!" Ren Haoqiu cried out, "Did he forget it?!"

"Junior Ren, don't jump to conclusions. Watch out for errors," Yang Kuo cautioned.

The crowd burst into laughter, realizing that Yang Kuo was the true driving ace of the Martial Inheriting Society.

"Pay attention, everyone!"

Bai Junji called out, his feet moving as if swiftly wading through a stream. His feet barely left the balance board, yet his movements were eerily quick and steady.

The balance board, which should have been rocking wildly, barely tilted before his precise steps forced it back down, swiftly regaining stability.

Some say it's like trying to keep a gourd submerged only to have the dipper pop up, but clearly, Bai Junji's technique allowed him to manage both ends effortlessly!

Bai Junji executed three punches in rapid succession, targeting the north, west, and east directions. The three red bricks split into halves instantly, sending fragments scattering.

He then spun around and delivered an elbow strike with pinpoint accuracy, shattering the red brick aimed at the back of his head.

The force was so great that the top half of the brick was launched from the elastic rope, striking the wooden floor with a resounding "snap"!

It made sense to use the wooden floor as a shield for the window; otherwise, a stray brick could shatter the glass and potentially be fatal to pedestrians below.

The dull thuds of the bricks hitting the ground were followed by the elastic rope lying still on the floor, reminiscent of a snake that had been squashed.

Bai Junji steadied himself on the balance board, smiled, and with a gesture of his fists said, "Please forgive my modest display."

A brief silence fell over the Martial Inheriting Society, as if a download progress bar had frozen.

Then, Feng Manlou and the others burst into enthusiastic applause and cheers.

"President, you're incredibly skilled!"

"President, you look amazing!"

"President is mighty and impressive!"

Flattered by the compliments, Bai Junji modestly waved his hand and repeated, "It's merely a trivial skill, a trivial skill. Please forgive my modest display."

Jiang Gongyin expressed his admiration, "I've been watching Junji's technique for over a year, and it still seems unbelievable to me. How can someone so tall, with such long arms, move with such speed?"

Yang Kuo remarked, "I've heard that Junji's father could break 32 bricks at once, and he didn't use a metal ball on the balance board, but a basketball. It's terrifying just to think about it."

Ren Haoqiu produced a pack of tissues from nowhere and offered them to Bai Junji, "President, please wipe your hands."

Bai Junji smiled and expressed his gratitude.

"Wow, when did Sanqiu start carrying tissues around? Doesn't he usually forget to bring them even to the restroom?" Lee Fann whispered.

"That's just him being prepared. He never lets us down when it counts," Manlou commented.