Chapter 33: The Underground Club
Jin was finishing his morning training session when his phone buzzed. It was a call from Edward Lee, the old man he had recently helped recover. Curious, Jin answered.
"Good morning, Edward. How are you feeling today?" Jin asked, his voice warm and friendly.
"Good morning, Jin. I'm feeling better than ever, thanks to you," Edward replied, gratitude evident in his tone. "I wanted to ask if you'd like to join me at a martial arts cultivation underground club today. It's a place where many cultivators gather, and I think you might find it fascinating."
Jin was taken aback. An underground club for cultivators? It sounded like something out of a novel or manga. "An underground club? That sounds intriguing. I'd love to join you."
"Excellent. I'll pick you up in an hour. My granddaughter Mei Lee will be joining us as well," Edward said before hanging up.
Jin quickly prepared himself, choosing clothes that were comfortable yet stylish. He couldn't shake the excitement bubbling within him. Just as he finished getting ready, he heard a car pulling up outside. Stepping out, he saw Edward and his granddaughter, Mei Lee, waiting for him in a sleek black sedan.
"Good to see you, Jin," Edward greeted with a smile. "This is my granddaughter, Mei Lee. You met her briefly before."
Mei nodded, her expression polite but reserved. "Nice to see you again, Jin."
"Likewise, Mei," Jin replied, smiling warmly. He climbed into the car, and they set off towards their destination.
As they drove through the city, Edward began to explain the concept of the underground club. "This place is not well-known to the public. Only those deeply involved in martial arts and cultivation know about it. It's a gathering spot for skilled cultivators, a place where they can spar, exchange techniques, and improve their skills."
Jin listened intently, fascinated by the concept. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. "It sounds incredible. I've always been interested in martial arts, but this… this is like something out of a novel."
Edward chuckled. "Yes, it does feel that way sometimes. But remember, Jin, this is very real. The people you'll meet there are incredibly skilled and dedicated to their craft."
The car finally pulled up to an unassuming building on the outskirts of the city. It looked like an ordinary warehouse, but Jin could sense an air of secrecy and importance about it. They stepped out of the car and approached the entrance. Edward exchanged a few words with a guard at the door, who then nodded and let them in.
Inside, the warehouse was a different world altogether. The space was vast, with training areas, sparring rings, and a large crowd of people, all of whom radiated an aura of strength and focus. Jin's eyes widened as he took in the scene. This was a place where true martial artists gathered, a place where the energy of cultivation was palpable.
Edward led them through the crowd, greeting several people along the way. "Jin, let me introduce you to some of my old friends," he said, stopping to speak with a group of men who greeted him warmly.
"Edward! It's been a while," one of them said, clapping Edward on the back. "Who's this young man with you?"
"This is Jin Smith, a very talented individual and the one who helped me recover recently," Edward introduced Jin proudly.
The men nodded appreciatively, and one of them extended a hand to Jin. "It's an honor to meet you, Jin. I'm Master Chen. Any friend of Edward's is a friend of ours."
"Nice to meet you, Master Chen," Jin replied, shaking his hand firmly.
As they moved through the club, Jin saw several martial artists practicing their techniques. Some were sparring in the rings, their movements precise and powerful. Others were meditating, focusing their energy and cultivating their qi. Jin was amazed at the level of skill and dedication he saw around him. This was a world he had only glimpsed in stories, and now it was real, right in front of him.
Suddenly, the atmosphere changed. A loud, arrogant voice rang out across the room. "Edward Lee! I see you've finally crawled out of your hole!"
Jin turned to see a young man, probably in his early thirties, standing in the center of one of the sparring rings. He was tall and muscular, with an air of arrogance about him. The man's eyes were fixed on Edward, a sneer playing on his lips.
Edward sighed softly. "That's Liu Cheng. He's one of the more arrogant members here. Always looking for a fight."
Liu Cheng stepped forward, his eyes glinting with malice. "How about a match, old man? Let's see if you've still got it, or if you're just a washed-up has-been."
Jin stepped forward, his expression serious. "Edward, you don't have to do this. You've just recovered. It's not worth the risk."
Edward placed a hand on Jin's shoulder, his eyes filled with determination. "A true martial artist never backs down from a challenge, Jin. It's not just about fighting; it's about honor and proving one's skills. I appreciate your concern, but I need to do this."
Jin nodded reluctantly, stepping back to give Edward space. Mei watched with a worried expression, clearly concerned for her grandfather. Edward stepped into the ring, facing Liu Cheng with a calm and composed demeanor.
The crowd gathered around the ring, buzzing with anticipation. This was going to be an interesting fight. Liu Cheng sneered, clearly confident in his abilities. "You should have stayed in retirement, old man. I'm going to enjoy this."
Edward simply smiled, his eyes focused and steady. "We'll see about that."
The fight began, and Liu Cheng immediately launched into an aggressive attack, his movements fast and powerful. Edward, however, moved with grace and precision, deflecting Liu Cheng's strikes and countering with swift, accurate blows. Despite his age, Edward's skills were still sharp, and he moved like a seasoned warrior.
Jin watched with bated breath, his heart pounding in his chest. Edward's movements were incredible, a testament to years of training and experience. But Liu Cheng was relentless, his attacks growing more furious as he realized that he was not going to defeat Edward easily.
As the fight continued, it became clear that Edward was holding his own. Liu Cheng's arrogance began to fade, replaced by frustration and anger. He pushed harder, but Edward remained calm, his movements controlled and deliberate.
Suddenly, Liu Cheng lunged with a powerful attack, his fist aiming straight for Edward's chest. Edward sidestepped gracefully, countering with a precise strike to Liu Cheng's ribs, sending him staggering back. The crowd gasped, and Liu Cheng's expression turned to one of shock and disbelief.
"You… how?" Liu Cheng sputtered, struggling to regain his balance.
Edward stood tall, his eyes locked on Liu Cheng. "You have skill, Liu Cheng, but you lack discipline and respect. That is why you will never truly master the art of cultivation."
With a final, powerful move, Edward knocked Liu Cheng to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, impressed by the old man's prowess. Jin felt a surge of pride for Edward, his respect for the old man growing even deeper.
Edward stepped out of the ring, breathing heavily but smiling. He walked over to Jin and Mei, who both looked at him with admiration.
"That was amazing, Edward," Jin said, his voice filled with awe. "You're truly a master."
"Thank you, Jin," Edward replied, his expression humble. "But remember, there's always more to learn. Never stop training and improving yourself."
As they left the club, Jin's mind was buzzing with excitement and inspiration. The world of cultivation was far more incredible and complex than he had ever imagined. He was determined to continue his training and explore this new path further.