Hong Kong Film: Starting Undercover from the Five Tigers!

The atmosphere in the room instantly plummeted to freezing point. The joy and excitement of the moment vanished, replaced by a heavy pressure.

"This is outrageous!" A young junior brother slammed his fist on the table in anger. "Senior brother, he's looking down on us!"

Fatty Wang also dropped his joking grin and looked at Liu Wenhao with concern: "Wenhao, this guy's up to no good. They're rich and powerful, they've done such a big publicity campaign, and now they're specifically naming names to provoke us......"

Chapter 1298 Advantages!

Everyone looked at Liu Wenhao, waiting for him to make a decision.

Liu Wenhao remained silent. He walked to the door, watching Lei Bao's figure disappear into the night, his eyes growing deep. He knew that a true battle had only just begun. This battle had no weight classes, no referees, and was a battle for the reputation of the Zhengwu Hall, and even more so, for the martial arts he upheld.

Mr. Ma had somehow appeared beside him, also gazing out the door. He spoke slowly, his voice not loud, but exceptionally clear: "The wind is coming. Stand firm, don't get blown over."

Lei Bao's provocation was like a pebble thrown into the still waters of the Zhengwu Guild Hall, stirring up layers of undercurrents. In the following days, the atmosphere noticeably became more tense. The junior disciples practiced even harder than before, but a lingering anxiety appeared between their brows.

This anxiety was not unfounded. Soon, Thunder Martial Arts Academy's promotional campaign swept through the city like a whirlwind. Bus stops, shopping mall screens, and splash screen ads on local life apps—Thunder Martial Arts Academy's impactful posters were everywhere. The posters featured a muscular coach against a backdrop of a futuristic training facility, and most strikingly, the tagline: "Three months to get started, six months for real-world practice, one year to win awards! Give your child a powerful future!"

In comparison, the Zhengwu Martial Arts Academy's enrollment brochure was still that simple red paper with black characters, pasted on the mottled door panel of the martial arts academy, looking so out of place, even somewhat shabby.

More direct impacts came soon after.

That afternoon, Liu Wenhao was instructing a few new children on horse stance when a small head peeked into the martial arts school. It was Aunt Zhang's son, nicknamed Dou Dou, who had been clamoring to learn boxing just a few days ago.

"DouDou, why aren't you coming in?" Liu Wenhao waved with a smile.

Dou Dou hesitated for a moment, clutching a brand-new flyer in his hand—it was from Thunder Martial Arts Academy. He whispered, "Brother Wenhao, my mom said... she said Thunder Martial Arts Academy opens next week, and they'll give you a 50% discount if you sign up, plus a really cool outfit. She said what they teach there is even better for fighting."

Children's words are innocent, yet they are the most hurtful. Several junior disciples who were practicing martial arts heard this and slowed down their movements by half a beat.

Liu Wenhao's heart sank slightly, but his expression remained gentle: "And what about you? Do you want to study there?"

DouDou looked at the flyer in her hand with a conflicted expression, then at Liu Wenhao, and finally shook her head: "I still want to learn from you. But... Mom said it's better there."

"It's okay." Liu Wenhao patted his head. "Go and take a look first. If you think it's really good there, then learn there. If you think it's better here, you can come back anytime. The most important thing about learning martial arts is that you like it."

After seeing off the dejected DouDou, the atmosphere in the martial arts gym became even more oppressive.

Fatty Wang plopped down on the ground, dejectedly saying, "It's over, it's over. How are we supposed to compete? They have airplanes and cannons, and we only have millet and rifles. We haven't even started fighting yet, and our position is already going to be taken."

"What are you afraid of!" shouted an impatient junior brother. "He has money, but we have the championship! Senior Brother Wenhao's reputation is much more effective than his advertisements!"

"Works?" Fatty Wang chuckled bitterly. "Can fame put food on the table? Other parents are looking for tangible benefits, things they can see and touch. Half price, free clothes, and a guaranteed fast start. What about us? We have to practice stances for three years, and only start learning the routines after five years. Which parent has that kind of patience?"

These are facts, and no one can refute them. Traditional martial arts have high barriers to entry and slow results, which is indeed a disadvantage in this fast-paced era.

Chapter 1299 Brothers!

The pressure of the past few days had left Liu Wenhao feeling somewhat exhausted. He wasn't a god; faced with this kind of devastating blow from the logic of business, even his martial arts skills seemed powerless. That night, he practiced his boxing alone in the training ground, but his mind couldn't find peace. Lei Bao's words echoed in his ears like a demonic whisper: "In the face of absolute business power, your pitiful traditions are utterly worthless."

Is it really... worthless?

He thought of his master, of Tom, and of the pure joy he felt when he won the championship. No, that's not it. The value of martial arts lies far beyond that.

He stopped what he was doing and turned to go to the backyard. Old Mr. Ma was sitting under the old locust tree, leisurely sipping tea, as if all the noise outside had nothing to do with him.

“Master.” Liu Wenhao sat down on the stone bench opposite him.

"Are you feeling unsettled?" Old Mr. Ma didn't even look up, but simply poured him a cup of tea. The refreshing aroma of the tea instantly calmed Liu Wenhao's agitated mind somewhat.

"I am dull-witted," Liu Wenhao said in a low voice. "I don't know how to win. It seems... we are no match for them in anything."

Mr. Ma took a sip of tea and slowly asked, "Which do you think is more valuable, a century-old tree or a wheat crop that can be harvested in three months?"

Liu Wenhao was taken aback, not understanding what his master meant.

“Wheat grows quickly and is harvested quickly, it can fill our stomachs, it’s very useful.” Mr. Ma put down his teacup and looked at him. “But it can’t withstand wind and rain, it’s gone after the harvest. But a big tree grows slowly, it takes a hundred years to mature, it can’t be eaten or drunk, it seems ‘useless’. But it can shelter generations from the wind and rain, its roots are deeply embedded in the soil, it stands tall no matter how strong the wind and rain. Its existence itself is a kind of power.”

Mr. Ma's words were like a ray of light, illuminating the fog in Liu Wenhao's heart.

He understood instantly. He and Lei Bao were competing on completely different things. Lei Bao was planting wheat, pursuing short-term profits and large-scale production. What he wanted to do was plant trees. Plant a "martial arts tree" that could take deep root, withstand wind and rain, and be passed down through generations.

“Master, I understand.” Liu Wenhao’s eyes lit up again. “We’re not competing with them to see who grows the fastest; we’re competing with them to see who has the deepest roots.”

"You're a promising young man." Mr. Ma nodded with satisfaction. "He has his broad path, and we have our narrow bridge. He advertises, and we practice our skills. He pursues quick success, while we focus on the fundamentals. If we perfect our strengths, people will naturally appreciate them."

“Strengths…our strengths…” Liu Wenhao murmured to himself, his mind racing.

What are the strengths of Zhengwu Guild Hall? It is its history, its heritage, Mr. Ma's profound skills, his status as a world champion, and, more importantly, the warmth and camaraderie between people that are different from those found in commercial institutions.

A bold plan slowly took shape in his mind.

The next day, Liu Wenhao gathered all his fellow disciples.

"Everyone," he looked at them, his eyes firm and powerful, "we can no longer sit idly by and wait to be defeated. Thunder Martial Arts Academy has its own fighting style, and we must have our own countermeasures."

Fatty Wang asked listlessly, "What's the solution? We don't have the money for advertising."

"Who says it has to cost money?" Liu Wenhao laughed. "Our strategy doesn't cost a penny, but it's more effective than any of his advertisements."

Chapter 1300: The Old Man!

He walked to the center of the training ground, picked up a calligraphy brush, and wrote four large characters on a huge sheet of white paper: “Open the door and impart skills”.

“Starting tomorrow, Zhengwu Martial Arts Hall will be holding a week-long ‘Martial Arts Open Experience Day’.” Liu Wenhao’s voice echoed in the empty martial arts hall. “We will not hand out flyers or advertise. We will just open the door and welcome anyone to come in, visit, experience and exchange ideas at any time.”

"Open the door?" a junior brother asked, puzzled. "Wouldn't that just let others see all our things for free?"

“Yes, that’s what we want them to see.” Liu Wenhao nodded. “Thunder Martial Arts Academy packages martial arts as a mysterious and expensive commodity, so we’ll do the opposite and turn martial arts into an open and accessible culture. They talk about quick results, so we’ll talk about the foundation. On the experience day, I will personally demonstrate and explain the kung fu of our Zhengwu Academy, from the most basic stances and breathing, to the fist routines, and then to the application of grappling and fighting, all of it will be made public.”

"All of them?" Fatty Wang jumped up in surprise. "Wenhao, that's our specialty! Doesn't this mean we've given away the secret recipe?"

“Fatty, there are no secret formulas for real martial arts.” Liu Wenhao looked at him and said seriously, “You can learn and imitate moves, but real skill is developed through practice, through time and sweat. No one can steal that. I want everyone who comes here to understand one thing: what Thunder Martial Arts Academy can sell you in a quick way is just an empty shell. There are no shortcuts to learning real skill. You can only learn it by practicing step by step at Zhengwu Academy.”

He looked around and continued, "Furthermore, on the last day of the trial period, which is also the opening day of the Thunder Martial Arts Academy, we will hold a small 'martial arts demonstration' here. I will personally go on stage and show everyone what kind of kung fu our Zhengwu Academy teaches."

These words were like a shot of adrenaline, injected into everyone's hearts. The previous confusion and dejection vanished, replaced by an unprecedented excitement and fighting spirit.

Yes, why follow in someone else's footsteps and use your weaknesses to exploit their strengths? They have money and marketing skills, but they lack substance, true champions, and the confidence and ability to open their doors and teach others!

"Great! Let's do it!" Fatty Wang was the first to respond, slapping his thigh. "Isn't he going to hold a youth fighting tournament? Let's hold our martial arts demonstration on his opening day and steal his thunder! I'll go write the posters right now, and they'll be bigger than his!"

“No need.” Liu Wenhao stopped him, a confident smile playing on his lips. “We don’t need posters. The best advertisement is ourselves.”

He walked to the entrance of the martial arts school and slowly, completely pushed open the slightly worn wooden door.

The afternoon sun streamed in without reservation, illuminating every inch of the floor's texture and the rekindled flame in the boys' eyes.

A brand new battlefield has begun in a way that no one could have imagined.

The news of the "open-door teaching" spread quietly among the surrounding neighborhoods like a gentle breeze, without any prior publicity. At first, people were simply curious. When did the Zhengwu Guild Hall, this old place, become so open?

On the first day, not many people came. Most were elderly people passing by, and a few children who had nowhere to go after school. They stood at the entrance, peeking inside cautiously.

Chapter 1301 Kung Fu!

Liu Wenhao showed no sign of slackness. He told his fellow disciples to continue practicing as usual, while he moved a long bench to the doorway, brewed a pot of good tea, and began to tell his story to the scattered audience at the doorway, like a storyteller.

He wasn't talking about esoteric martial arts theories, but rather the most down-to-earth things.

"Ladies and gentlemen, look at that junior brother. He's standing in a horse stance. It's not about spreading your legs as wide as possible. The key is to keep your back straight and your breath deep. Don't underestimate this movement. If you stand in it for ten minutes every day, your back won't ache, your legs won't hurt, and you'll even have the energy to climb stairs."

His words were witty and humorous, yet very sincere. Several elderly people who had initially just been watching the spectacle listened with great interest, some even gesturing along.

He then pointed to another junior brother who was practicing boxing: "Look at this set of boxing, it's called Tongbei Boxing. It emphasizes that the power originates from the feet, travels to the waist, then to the back, and finally is released from the fingertips. It's like cracking a whip. This is not only for fighting, but also a great way to exercise your muscles and bones. Many young people sit in the office all day and suffer from back pain, this is the most effective way to help them."

There wasn't a single sales pitch, not a single word about "sign up." He was like a warm-hearted boy next door, sharing his experiences. This honesty and approachability were far more touching than any fancy advertisement.

The next day, the number of people who came increased significantly. In addition to the elderly and children, there were also some young people. Perhaps they were interested in martial arts, or perhaps they had heard that a world champion was personally giving a lecture, and they all had a curious and scrutinizing attitude.

A bespectacled, seemingly mild-mannered young man asked, "Liu Guanjun, I've watched your matches; you use mixed martial arts techniques. But the traditional boxing styles you're teaching now look slow and unpredictable. Are they really effective in real combat?"

This is a very pointed question, and it's a question that many people have in mind.

All eyes were on Liu Wenhao.

Liu Wenhao smiled and waved to him: "Friend, come in."

The young man hesitated for a moment, but still walked in.

"Push me with all your might." Liu Wenhao stood there casually, his feet shoulder-width apart.

The young man was a little embarrassed: "This...isn't this inappropriate?"

"It's okay, use all your strength."

The young man took a deep breath, exerted all his strength, and pushed towards Liu Wenhao's chest with both hands. He thought he could push the other man away, but the moment his hands touched Liu Wenhao's body, it felt like he was pushing against a cotton wall. The force he exerted was instantly neutralized.

Before he could react, Liu Wenhao's body slumped slightly and turned, causing the young man to stumble forward and almost fall.

Throughout the entire process, Liu Wenhao's feet did not move an inch.

"This..." The young man was shocked. He had no idea how Liu Wenhao had done it.

Liu Wenhao patted him on the shoulder and explained, "What I just used was the 'listening to the force' and 'neutralizing the force' from Tai Chi. It's not that I'm stronger than you, but that I 'heard' the direction of your force and then neutralized it by following your momentum. You think traditional martial arts are slow because you only see its 'form,' not its 'application.' All the moves are designed to develop this kind of instinctive bodily reaction. With a solid foundation, not even a feather can be added, not even a fly can land. That's kung fu."

Chapter 1302 One Punch!

A few words and a demonstration spoke volumes. A gasp of amazement rippled through the crowd. They had witnessed firsthand the wonders of traditional martial arts, the wisdom of using minimal force to overcome great strength—far more captivating than simple punches and kicks.

In the following days, the entrance to the Zhengwu Martial Arts Hall was bustling with activity. Liu Wenhao personally demonstrated and explained every day, from the power and ferocity of Bajiquan to the footwork of Xingyiquan, and then to the dexterity of grappling techniques. He was patient and answered every question. Fatty Wang and his fellow students also became teaching assistants, teaching some basic movements to those who were interested in trying it out.

The martial arts gym, once somber, was now filled with laughter and a strong learning atmosphere. Some parents who had originally planned to enroll their children at Thunder Martial Arts Gym began to waver after experiencing it for a day.

"Coach Liu here is really dedicated to teaching."

"Yes, they not only teach the moves, but also the principles. I think that here, children can not only learn martial arts, but also learn how to be a person."

These discussions naturally reached Lei Bao's ears as well.

In the luxurious office of the Thunder Martial Arts Academy, Lei Bao stared at the video his subordinates had taken, his face ashen. The video showed a large crowd gathered at the entrance of the Zhengwu Hall, with Liu Wenhao surrounded by a group of people, talking animatedly and radiating confidence.

"Useless!" Lei Bao slammed the tablet computer onto the table. "I spent hundreds of thousands on advertising, and the effect is not as good as his shabby martial arts gym opening its doors?"

One of the assistants said cautiously, "Master, this Liu Wenhao is a bit strange. He teaches us all his secret techniques for free, and he doesn't play by the rules at all. Our opening ceremony is the day after tomorrow, and he's already stolen all the hype."

Lei Bao paced back and forth in his office, his eyes filled with a sinister glint. He knew he had underestimated Liu Wenhao. This young man was not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also incredibly intelligent. He had used the most "clumsy" method to thwart Lei Bao's most prized business marketing strategy.

"Isn't he going to hold a martial arts tournament?" Lei Bao sneered. "He wants to climb over me to get ahead, no way. Since he's offered himself up, I won't grant his wish."

He leaned close to his deputy's ear and whispered a few instructions. The deputy nodded repeatedly, a sinister smile spreading across his face.

The last day of the trial period was also the official opening day of Thunder Martial Arts Hall.

The martial arts demonstration at the Zhengwu Martial Arts Hall attracted several times more people than in the previous days, crowding the small training ground three or four deep. Everyone wanted to see how the world champion would demonstrate what he called "real kung fu."

Liu Wenhao changed into a clean training uniform and clasped his hands in a fist salute to the audience in all directions.

"Thank you all for coming. Today, we will not be having a fight, but rather a demonstration of martial arts. The purpose is to exchange ideas and showcase the teaching achievements of our Zhengwu Association."

Just as he finished speaking and was about to begin, a discordant voice suddenly came from outside the crowd.

"Martial arts performance? That sounds nice, but isn't it just a show of fancy moves? Can this really be called kung fu?"

The crowd parted automatically to make way, and Lei Bao swaggered in, leading seven or eight burly men in Thunder Martial Arts Academy uniforms. The one in the lead was his most prized disciple, a fierce fighter who had won the provincial Sanda championship, named A Hu.

Ah Hu looked at Liu Wenhao in the arena with disdain and continued to provoke him: "I heard you're a world champion? I think you're more of a performance champion. These slow-moving things you teach, could you even take a punch from me in a real fight?"

Chapter 1303 Protection!

The atmosphere instantly became tense. The onlookers could all see that this person had come to cause trouble.

Fatty Wang was so angry that his face turned pale. He rolled up his sleeves and was about to go forward to argue when Liu Wenhao stopped him.

Liu Wenhao looked at Lei Bao calmly: "Master Lei, today is a martial arts demonstration by my Zhengwu Martial Arts Association. If you are here to observe and exchange ideas, you are welcome. If you are here to cause trouble, please leave."

"Disrupting? Liu Guanjun, you've misunderstood." Lei Bao said with a forced smile, "We're here for 'exchange' too. My student, Ah Hu, is very interested in your 'traditional kung fu' and wants to experience it for himself. Didn't you say your kung fu is effective in real combat? Then prove it to us. Everyone agrees, right?"

He incited the surrounding audience. Several shills, clearly planted by him, immediately began to jeer.

"That's right! Let's see what they're made of!"

"Let's have a fight! Let's see what they've got!"

Immediately, the crowd was agitated. Everyone wanted to see a real battle of wits and strength.

Mr. Ma came out from the back room with a solemn expression. He walked to Liu Wenhao's side and said in a low voice, "Wenhao, this person came prepared. Ah Hu is a professional fighter and he's ruthless. Don't fall for their provocation."