Traveling back to 1977

Chapter 678 It Must Be in Line with the Character Design

The first move of the Black Dragon Eighteen Hands is the Azure Dragon Probing Claw.

Left step, right knee strike, left palm strike forward, right claw strike downward from the outside...

From the first move, Azure Dragon Probing Claws, to the eighteenth move, Riding the Dragon into the Water, Chen Fan meticulously demonstrated each move to his three masters.

This set of kung fu should be called the Heilongjiang Armed Police's Eighteen Hands of Capturing and Subduing, with Heilongjiang meaning Heilongjiang.

It is a grappling and fighting technique created in 1981 by several combat experts based on years of experience and practical combat summary by the Heilongjiang Armed Police Corps, specifically for defeating the enemy.

It was then promoted in full force starting in 1983.

Ahem, however, this set of grappling and fighting techniques was only promoted for a few years before it was ordered to be abolished, and in turn, the two sets of military boxing techniques researched by the Military Sports Institute were promoted.

As for the reason, those who know, know.

In reality, the term "abolished" simply means that its widespread promotion has been stopped. In some military units, this set of grappling and fighting techniques is still being learned, and it can even be frequently seen in movies and TV dramas.

Chen Fan had never learned this fighting style before, but out of curiosity, he specifically searched for videos online to watch.

Thanks to the enhancement of mental strength, he was able to dig into his memories from the depths of his mind, and thus naturally recalled this set of skills.

And then, because of that little incident today, seeing that the kung fu Liu Juan and Ma Lan learned from their families was not the kind of military boxing that was standardized across the entire army in later generations, I thought of military boxing and this set of fighting techniques.

Since Master Zhang just said that the Military Sports Institute has already compiled a military boxing routine, it is not appropriate for him to present it again. He can only contribute this fighting style that was definitely created in 81.

As for how to use it, that's the masters' business; a scholar like him has no right to interfere.

He's a pen-wielder, he doesn't have time to practice boxing.

However, why did the masters' expressions seem a little unpleasant after the fight?

Did they not like it?

Did Lin Yuanxiang and his group not have their eyes on it?

Not only did they take a liking to him, but as masters among masters, even though Chen Fan only demonstrated the main moves and not the variations, they could still see right through him.

For example, the first move, Azure Dragon Probing Claw, can be extended into at least three variations, each of which can defeat the enemy.

The second move, "Dragon Girl Looking in the Mirror," is even more exaggerated. It's just a simple pose, yet it can be adapted to create more than five variations, either throwing the person away or controlling them to launch a combo.

Even the newest recruits, once the changes are explained to them and they undergo appropriate combat drills, can master a certain level of attack power and easily take on four or five ordinary people one-on-one.

only……

They looked at Chen Fan, who was now somewhat cautious after the drill, with unfriendly expressions.

After a long while, Zhang Xuansong said with a dark face, "Who would still know that you created this kung fu?"

Chen Fan made an "uh" sound, looked at the three people's expressions, and said without hesitation, "No one's here. This is the first time I've practiced in front of people."

Lin Yuanxiang said expressionlessly, "Then you shall pretend you never created this set of boxing techniques. You are not allowed to tell anyone, and if you see it, you shall pretend you do not know it."

Chen Fan blinked. Did this mean they planned to adopt and promote it?

Otherwise, they wouldn't have said, "Even if I see you, I'll pretend I don't know you."

But what does that mean?
He didn't believe his three masters would take the credit.

So it's a problem with the boxing technique...?
At this moment, Li Shangde coughed lightly and chuckled, "You're quite ruthless and vicious, kid. Although kung fu is all about practical combat, your so-called 'Eighteen Hands' technique is a bit too brutal."

Gouging out eyes, choking, grabbing groin, attacking the groin... you use every underhanded trick imaginable, showing absolutely no martial ethics. No wonder he's called 'Black Dragon,' he truly is black, incredibly black!

Chen Fan opened his mouth wide, "Uh... well..."

Before he could speak, Zhang Xuansong waved his hand, interrupting him, and said, "Don't talk about this and that. On the battlefield, there is only life and death, not martial virtue. Everyone knows that."

But this kind of skill, I can create, and your master and second master can also create, but you cannot create it.

He took a breath and said, "To be honest, we've all taken a liking to this kung fu. Tomorrow, Lao Lin will go back to the army and pass it on."

He paused for a moment, then added, "But the founder of this style of boxing cannot be you!"

Chen Fan blinked, and combining what his masters had just said, he instantly understood what they meant.

Zhang Xuansong continued, "Who are you? A nationally renowned writer, a leader of your provincial writers' association, and someone who studied literature under that master from Jiangnan University? You'd do something like gouging out eyes and stealing peaches?!"

His eyes were fixed on Chen Fan as if he were looking at a moral saint. "You can be proficient in both literature and martial arts, but you must uphold your character. Even when you fight someone, you must do so openly and fairly, and win by using your skills and techniques."

Don't forget, you are the next abbot of Chaoyang Temple, how could you possibly create such a thing...

As he spoke, he even demonstrated a few moves. And to be honest, even after watching it only once, Zhang Xuansong's moves were full of the essence of the Black Dragon Eighteen Hands. Chen Fan couldn't help but shrink back, sighing that experience truly matters.

After finishing the fight, Zhang Xuansong quickly coughed twice, withdrew his hand, and said seriously, "In short, we can't use this kind of skill."

Besides, you're not a soldier fighting in a war, otherwise you might get some kind of merit award or promotion. You don't need that kind of empty fame; it's actually bad for your reputation. Do you understand?

Chen Fan nodded repeatedly, even more obedient than the golden monkey in his master's hands, "Yes, yes, I understand. I will follow all the masters' arrangements."

This is similar to how Zhang Sanfeng forbade the Seven Heroes of Wudang from easily using the Tiger Claw Severing Hand, which is designed to strike at the waist and vital points, and is indeed not in line with the style of a prestigious sect.

When it comes to Chen Fan, he has to fit the character's persona.

"Hey, that's right."

Lin Yuanxiang stepped forward, patted him on the shoulder, and laughed, "But don't worry, although we won't get fame, we can still try to get other rewards. Anyway, your third master is shameless..."

"Hey hey hey hey,"

Zhang Xuansong, who had been nodding, couldn't hold back any longer upon hearing this and immediately stepped forward, saying, "How am I shameless? What gives you the right to say that to me? Do you think you have any shame? You have any shame..."

Lin Yuanxiang merely glanced at him, "Chaoyang Temple."

Zhang Xuansong obediently shut his mouth, but he was still unconvinced and could only mutter under his breath, "So what if he wants to rebuild the Taoist temple? Do you know how hard it is for me? I've been looking for money and raising funds everywhere. It's all what I deserve. How can he be shameless?"

Lin Yuanxiang rolled his eyes, too lazy to pay attention to him, and continued to Chen Fan, "In short, your third master will definitely get you some benefits, otherwise it would be a disservice to his character and habits in the eyes of the old marshal."

Chen Fan glanced at his third master, whose face had darkened, and chuckled awkwardly. "Actually, I don't lack anything. Third Master, why don't you try to get something for the Taoist temple?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuansong's face darkened, and he nodded with a smile, saying, "You're very kind. However, the Taoist temple is now fully prepared and is just waiting for the right opportunity to officially open. So there's nothing needed; what's yours will remain yours."

He was a little worried, though. Give him a bonus? Chen Fan wasn't short of money. Reward him for merit? He wasn't in the military, so it wouldn't be of any use. What should he do?
Chen Fan had no idea that his masters were plotting something for him. Upon hearing Zhang Xuansong's words, his eyes lit up, and he asked, "Is the Taoist temple finished?"

Zhang Xuansong laughed and said, "It's been almost a month since it was built. If you can build such a big house in a month, even a Taoist temple, which is quite complicated, should be finished by now, after half a year."

After saying that, he smiled at Chen Fan and said, "Want to go take a look?"

Chen Fan immediately nodded, "Of course."

Zhang Xuansong turned his head. "Shall we walk?"

Lin Yuanxiang didn't want to go. "Ever since that Taoist temple was built, you've been going there three times a day. If you want to go, you take him. I want to go find the old marshal."

Li Shangde also hesitated. He had indeed been to the Taoist temple many times, but it had been a few days since he had visited the old marshal.

But seeing Zhang Xuansong's longing look, she felt a little sorry for him and turned to Lin Yuanxiang, "How about we go to the Taoist temple first, and then visit the old marshal?"

He pointed at Chen Fan and said, "Xiao Fan brought a lot of ingredients, let him show off his skills tonight."

Chen Fan readily agreed and laughed, "Sure."

Lin Yuanxiang thought for a moment, and finally nodded, "Okay."

Let's go!

The group went inside to get their things. Chen Fan carried a huge vegetable basket, while Lin Yuanxiang picked up a cigarette leaf and threw it aside, saying, "Old Marshal doesn't smoke."

He then picked up the jar of wine, turned to Chen Fan, and asked, "Can your Grandpa Liu drink this wine?"

Chen Fan nodded. "Yes, I can drink."

Without saying a word, Lin Yuanxiang picked up the wine jar.

Turning his head again, he saw Li Shangde and Zhang Xuansong each holding a monkey, and couldn't help but twitch his eyes, "You guys really treat them like treasures."

The two old men completely ignored him and happily walked out with the monkey in their arms.

Poor little black cat could only hurry to keep up, and no one paid any attention even when it wagged its tail.

……

Having a car is so convenient. Chen Fan drove and soon arrived at the location of the Taoist temple, a place nestled between the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, and Jingshan Park. When he visited at the beginning of the year, this courtyard, which had originally been a warehouse, had undergone a complete transformation.

The entrance was moved back 5 meters, leaving a fairly large open space. From the outside, it looked like a courtyard house.

However, a solitary archway was built where the original courtyard wall was, directly opposite the main gate.

The biggest difference between this place and a traditional courtyard house is that the main gate is not in the southeast corner, but in the middle of the courtyard wall.

The location of the main gate is the same as that of the Ningjun Prince's Mansion, which Zhou Yali bought, but it lacks the grandeur and magnificence of the mansion's main gate.

It's just two red wooden doors.

Above the wooden door, there is a rain shelter. Normally, there would be a plaque under the rain shelter with the name of the temple written on it.

But now it's completely naked.

After parking the car on the side of the road, the group got out one after another, and Zhang Xuansong took out his keys to open the door.

Chen Fan looked at the antique-style bronze lock with surprise in his eyes, "You actually found a bronze lock?"

Lin Yuanxiang left the wine in the car. His hands were also busy; while the other two were holding monkeys, he was holding a puppy.

Xiao Hei finally got someone to talk to him.

Lin Yuanxiang took two steps forward with Xiao Hei in his arms and said jokingly, "You drew a lucky cloud lock on the gate. He searched for this lock for many days. In the end, he had to go to Baiyun Temple to ask the Taoist Association for help and get a batch of Taoist temple-specific equipment. Otherwise, these things alone would have driven him crazy."

Zhang Xuansong ignored his teasing and instead said with a smug look, "These things are not easy to find. Liu Gaogong also spent a lot of effort to help find them all."

He pushed open the door and walked inside, continuing, "He also said that when the time is right, he will invite all the abbots of major Taoist temples in the capital to gather at Chaoyang Temple to celebrate the completion of the temple, and he even said that he would hold some kind of ceremony."

Although Chen Fan was familiar with these Taoist rituals, he was naturally eager to receive help from an experienced Taoist priest.

Once inside, it is indeed a courtyard house, except that there is no rear building.

One courtyard after another, a total of three courtyards. The middle courtyard is the main hall and the largest courtyard. The front courtyard is for welcoming guests and is the second largest in size. The back courtyard is where the Taoist priests rest. It is the smallest courtyard, but it has the most rooms, including the scripture pavilion. Moreover, the back courtyard consists of two-story buildings, but their height does not exceed that of the main hall in front.

Even the smallest backyard has nearly 200 square meters of open space in the middle. After all, the entire yard is over 2,000 square meters, enough to build three three-courtyard houses. Only three courtyards have been built so far, which shows how large the area is.

This was also the main reason why Zhang Xuansong chose this place. Even if it was just a temporary Taoist temple, it couldn't be set up casually. It had to have the proper layout. Otherwise, he would have chosen Chen Fan's big courtyard instead.

If it weren't for the Buddhist temple on the other side of the lake, Old Zhang would have been quite satisfied with that courtyard.

Zhang Xuansong led Chen Fan on a tour, and when they returned to the front yard, he grinned at Chen Fan and said, "The construction is all finished now, all that's missing are the drawings you made and the various plaques."

Well, there are two reasons why I don't want outsiders to do this, and another is that I don't trust their skills.

"Hey, Xiao Fan, your master knows you're exceptionally skilled in both calligraphy and painting. Why don't you put some effort into painting or writing on all the depictions of deities in this temple, as well as the plaques in the various halls and rooms?"

Chen Fan blinked, looked at the pristine white wall, and couldn't help but feel speechless.

After several seconds, he sighed and said, "Master, I knew you would ask me to write the plaque, but I never expected you would even keep the mural for me!"

Zhang Xuansong's expression remained unchanged as he chuckled and said, "Look at what you're saying. Don't forget, the celestial lotus painting you drew for Rongbaozhai is still hanging in their hall. Everyone who has seen it says it's exceptionally beautiful, just like a real celestial lotus."

"With your skills, do you think I, your master, would let those mediocre painters ruin the Taoist temple?!"

Lin Yuanxiang and Li Shangde stood to the side, exchanged a glance, and smiled without saying a word.

Chen Fan pursed his lips, knowing he couldn't refuse, so he could only raise his head and force a smile, "Okay, then I'll give you a list later. You can gather all the materials, and I'll pick a time to draw and write everything that needs to be drawn for you."

Zhang Xuansong clapped his hands and said, "Then you write it down and give it to me. I'll go prepare. Let's take advantage of the good weather these next few days and get this over with quickly."

Chen Fan looked at the remaining snow on the roof and wondered to himself, "It probably won't snow in the next few days, right?"

Or should we use some special pigments to avoid having to rework it?
……

After leaving the Taoist temple, I went to the old marshal's house.

Just like the previous two times, the old marshal was alone at home, with at most a bodyguard accompanying him.

Given the rank of the old marshal, he should have been assigned at least a guard platoon, but he wasn't.

Apart from senior figures still holding important positions, semi-retired individuals like the old marshal basically have a bodyguard and a secretary. The bodyguard is responsible for security, and the secretary is responsible for conveying work instructions.

Actually, when Mr. Li was at home, he didn't have many guards around him.

Only when traveling will the required personnel be assembled in accordance with regulations.

As for his family, apart from the old marshal's wife, all his adult children were kicked out to fend for themselves. They either lived in the unit's dormitory or rented their own houses. Unless there was a special occasion, they were not even allowed to come back.

So much so that Chen Fan came with his masters several times, but never saw anyone else.

The same is true today.

However, he didn't say much, letting his masters present the two monkeys to the old general while he busied himself in the kitchen.

During this time, Lin Yuanxiang mentioned the Black Dragon Eighteen Hands to the old commander and confidently bet that this set of skills could greatly improve the fighting ability of grassroots soldiers.

The old coach then made a phone call and summoned someone to have Lin Yuanxiang practice on the spot.

The man didn't say much after looking at him, and took Lin Yuanxiang away for more than two hours, only bringing him back just before dinner.

Throughout the entire ordeal, Chen Fan remained silent in the kitchen, indicating that he had neither seen nor heard anything.

I'm just a cook; I only care about cooking and don't care about the guests.

If we make the old general happy, then we've successfully completed our mission.

Of course, it would have been even more perfect if the masters hadn't forced the little monkey to stay after returning to Dashilan.

……

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye; it was already December 13th.

There has been no news from Zhou Zhengdong yet.

That's right. The old political commissar will meet with their Beijing office director this morning. It's estimated that Lao Zhou won't be able to contact the outside world until the announcement is made on the 16th.

Just wait and see.

Meanwhile, Master Zhang is still compiling the list of materials written by Chen Fan.

These things are not easy to collect. Some are gem-quality mineral raw materials, while others require complex processing to obtain. The key is that they are all quite large.

Even with Zhang Xuansong's extensive network of connections, it would probably take him two or three days to find them all.

In short, there will definitely be nothing to do for the next couple of days.

Chen Fan slept until 10 a.m., and after dawdling for a while, he sat alone in the winter pavilion, staring blankly at the three birds on the table.

After a long while, he let out a long sigh, "My monkey!"

He no longer expects any reward for contributing the Black Dragon Eighteen Hands; he only hopes that his three masters will show mercy and return the monkey when he leaves the capital.

The three gyrfalcons were unaware that their owner was thinking of monkeys while looking at them, and they remained obediently perched on the table, occasionally chirping.

Only when their owner waved did they take flight, soaring through the sky and disappearing into the distance.

Chen Fan released the gyrfalcons to let them forage for themselves, then got up and went back into the house.

As he passed the kitchen, he called out, "You can eat lunch by yourselves. I'm going out for a bit, so there's no need to prepare dinner for me."

Liu Juan quickly ran out, "Then, what are we supposed to do?"

Chen Fan smiled and waved his hand, "You don't need anything, you guys eat your food, I'm just going out for a walk."

After saying that, he walked outside.

Ma Lan also came out, glanced at Chen Fan's back, exchanged a look with Liu Juan, and then whispered, "Juan'er, does Brother Chen think our cooking isn't good enough and want to eat out?"

Liu Juan's features scrunched up, and she stammered, "It can't be that bad, can it?"

Ma Lan pouted, "Think about it, Brother Chen's cooking skills are extraordinary. Most good cooks are picky eaters. We usually don't even use much oil when we cook. Isn't it normal that Brother Chen doesn't like it?"

Liu Juan's eyes darted around slightly. "Then what should we do?"

Ma Lan squinted and whispered, "How about we find a master to learn cooking?"

The two looked at each other, bewildered.

(End of this chapter)