"We're here; don't be surprised; things have changed a lot since the last time you were here." Dre climbed the stairs faster to the enormous place now recognized as one of the great martial arts schools in Beijing and possibly all of China.
"How does he have so much energy?" Devon couldn't keep up with Dre because, for some reason, traveling from one place to another made her feel more tired.
"He was tired at the airport. I guess he's more excited than he seems to see you again." Cheng's tone also sounded cheerful; the boy, who had once been influenced by his bad master, had despised him.
"We'll have to adjust to the time difference," Dash thought as he climbed the long stairs.
That's why he had traveled almost two weeks before the tournament, recommending the same to his friends so they could share it with their sensei, hoping they would take this advice as it was best for all of them.
He wasn't very aware, but he heard they were planning to travel to China to participate in a small tournament and gain more experience in other types of karate with which they weren't familiar.
When they reached the top of the stairs, they could all appreciate the enormous Dragon Gate, wrapped in dragons of two different colors with details so intricate that the gate was magnificent.
"Incredible, Dash, take a picture of me." Devon immediately set the luggage aside and ran to pose in front of the enormous Dragon Gate, which was open and, according to Cheng, always kept fully open.
As soon as they arrived, many young students ran toward Cheng, who greeted them all enthusiastically and shortly after pointed towards Dash, whispering a few words that immediately made all the children's eyes light up.
"He's the oldest dragon warrior!"
Dash, hearing this, turned his head a bit nervously, and as soon as he did, all the children ran towards him, hoping he would greet them.
"Hey, that title should belong to you." Dash looked annoyed at Cheng, who had moved away to help carry the luggage.
Cheng just raised his hand and shouted, "You're the star of Sakura Bushido; you must receive the honor you've earned."
What honor is it if all he's done is fight?
Dash knew that in China, martial arts were highly valued even today, which wasn't the case in other countries. The sport itself might be famous worldwide, but that doesn't mean it's directly influential for everyone.
Even those who aren't fighters in China know how to defend themselves, and it's not just about knowing how to fight but having training. Everyone is prepared to face a bully, and everyone knows when to judge situations.
"Rest!"
"Now!"
When they entered the space of this martial arts school, they saw Mr. Han finishing the morning training now that the students were on vacation from their respective schools.
"Young Hale, it's good to see you again." Mr. Han approached to greet Dash and Devon as soon as he saw them.
Devon was excited, looking at the different things in this martial arts school and taking photos to post on the Sakura Bushido page.