With his imposing physique, Big Meng tried to use his sheer strength and weight advantage to force Kael Meng out of the competition ring. His footsteps were as heavy as a landslide, each step creating a deep thudding sound. However, Kael Meng was as agile as a spirit fox, his movements light and elusive, always managing to dodge at the last moment. He cleverly used Big Meng's momentum to deliver counterattacks, swiftly changing the situation. A few times, Kael Meng nearly used the force to throw Big Meng out of the ring, causing the audience to gasp in surprise.
"Ah!" Big Meng roared, his muscles tensing like snapped steel cables. With a sudden motion, he grabbed Kael Meng's belt and, using his tremendous arm strength, lifted him high into the air. Then, twisting his waist, he spun with the force of a thunderstrike, attempting to fling his opponent out of the ring like a meteor hammer. The force was so great that Big Meng himself spun a full circle, sending dust flying into the air, as if even the atmosphere had been torn apart.
However, Kael Meng was known for his agility. Though he appeared to be completely controlled in mid-air, he demonstrated incredible reflexes. His legs quickly hooked around Big Meng's armpits, and his hands grabbed the opponent's sleeves like eagle talons. Using Big Meng's spinning force, Kael Meng's body floated gracefully in the air, tracing eerie and beautiful arcs, as if he would be flung out at any moment, yet he clung to Big Meng like an unyielding vine.
Just as Big Meng, exerting too much force, took a brief gasp, Kael Meng cleverly landed on the ground like a skilled swallow. With his hands on the ground, he thrust his hips upward with an incredible, precise force, hitting Big Meng's center of gravity. The giant's body wobbled slightly, nearly losing balance and almost falling, which made the crowd gasp in amazement.
The battle between the two resumed at full intensity, like a whirlpool stirred by a violent wind. Dust swirled around them, creating a thin mist over the arena. A soldier in military attire nearby shouted,"Bet now! Last chance!" His words stirred the crowd's enthusiasm, and villagers rushed over like a swarm, making the scene as lively as a market. Some shouted,"Big Meng is steady, he'll win for sure!" While another villager disagreed,"Kael Meng is as nimble as a monkey; who can catch him?" They began using sunflower seeds, salted meat, sweet wine, and other homemade treats as bets, with shouting and laughter echoing.
In the center of the arena, the fight between Big Meng and Kael Meng reached a new peak. Big Meng changed his strategy, spreading his arms like a giant fan and closing in on Kael Meng, trapping him with the ferocity of a hunting eagle. His eyes were locked on his opponent, inching closer, before suddenly springing forward, grabbing Kael Meng's arm and tossing him into the air. The crowd gasped. Yet, Kael Meng remained calm and, with a quick flip in mid-air, landed like a cat, steady and balanced. This graceful escape drew cheers and applause from the audience, their clapping and cheers swelling like a rising tide.
Big Meng's face darkened, clearly surprised by Kael Meng's agility. Taking a deep breath, he suddenly leaped, his entire body lunging at Kael Meng with the ferocity of a hungry tiger pouncing on its prey. His weight and inertia were like a landslide, forcing Kael Meng to the ground. His large hands gripped the opponent's collar like iron pincers, preventing him from escaping.
The crowd erupted into laughter, with some laughing so hard they cried."Haha, the big guy is like a tiger, and Kael Meng is like a cat. How can a cat fight a tiger!" Amid the laughter, some spectators even stood up, craning their necks to see if Kael Meng could break free.
Many of those who bet on Big Meng began excitedly seeking their winnings, as if the outcome was already decided. But just at that moment, a jaw-dropping sight occurred—Kael Meng actually"slipped" out from under Big Meng's grip! His lean body glistened, clearly greased beforehand, allowing him to slide out of his clothes. Big Meng grabbed at him several times but, like trying to catch a slippery eel, he couldn't get a hold. This surprising trick caused the crowd to erupt into deafening cheers and laughter, as everyone clapped in amazement.
The match continued for ten full rounds, ending in a draw. As the result was announced, some applauded the exciting duel, while others grumbled and complained, especially those who lost their bets."We bet on Big Meng winning, and he lost; we bet on Kael Meng, and he lost! Both sides made bets, and it's a draw! Can these guys have thicker skin?" they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Little Hong, who hadn't joined the noisy crowd of villagers, quietly followed the match's main characters into the military tent. Inside, Big Meng and Kael Meng were laughing and patting each other on the back, their faces filled with pride. The table was piled high with the winnings from their bets—sunflower seeds, salted meats, and sweet wine stacked like small mountains. Kael Meng said smugly,"See? My idea was pretty good, right?" Big Meng, his mouth full, looked at him with admiration,"Brother, you're amazing! Without you, how could we win so much food?"
As they were speaking, they suddenly turned around and saw Little Hong standing at the door, his face as red as a ripe apple. Kael Meng narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening as he slowly walked over."Kid, what are you doing following us?" Big Meng stood behind him, folding his arms, adopting a stern posture.
Little Hong trembled all over, but his eyes were more determined than ever. Gathering his courage, he stammered,"Master… I want to learn martial arts!"
Big Meng grumbled,"You're just a kid, go home!"
But Kael Meng blocked him, eyeing Little Hong up and down, his fingers rubbing his chin as he considered something."Kid, you really want to learn?" he asked.
Little Hong nodded eagerly, grinning stupidly.
Kael Meng pinched Little Hong's arm,"You're too skinny. Here's the deal: if you can beat that annoying guy, I'll take you under my wing!"
With that, he nodded toward a soldier of similar size in the arena, who was facing three villagers' challenges.
Little Hong studied the opponent carefully for a moment, then turned and said firmly,"Deal!"
"Alright, deal! But if you're scared, don't show up in front of me again!" Kael Meng said with a teasing tone."That soldier, just like me, is a squad leader—always meddling in everyone's business. What's worse is, he loves to report things. If something goes wrong in the village, like someone stealing chickens or sorghum from the fields, that annoying guy will run to Bartholomew and blame it on us. Because of that, I've been scolded countless times, though most of the time he didn't blame us unfairly."
Little Hong didn't care. His eyes sharpened, like finding a glimmer of light in the dark. He clenched his fists, gritted his teeth—this guy wasn't much taller than him, and just as scrawny. Little Hong didn't believe he couldn't beat him.
In the military camp, there was often a silver-haired, simply dressed old lady who would watch the men fight with great interest. Whenever the matches began, the old lady would mysteriously appear at an unknown time, as if her arrival went unnoticed. She never fought for the popular viewing spots with the other village women but always sought a quiet spot under a large shady tree and sat there quietly.
Under the tree, she seemed to become a part of the serene scene. Her eyes watched the lively military camp, her gaze gentle yet carrying a profound silence, as if she was watching a life that didn't belong to her. The noise around her didn't concern her; the years had left their silent marks on her, making her a unique presence in this small village.
The villagers had gradually gotten used to the old lady's presence but never bothered her. She seemed to be a part of the tranquility of the village, speaking little and making no movements, simply sitting there quietly, as if silently guarding something.
When the sun began to set, painting the sky in golden hues, the old lady would slowly rise, as if completing some inner task, and leave quietly. Her day of waiting seemed to be for that last sunset. She never ate or drank, as if no longer needing sustenance, only that fleeting moment of peace to fill her being.
Little Hong noticed this old lady at first, thinking she was a lonely elderly woman without anyone to care for her. So, he often gently offered her food and water, claiming he couldn't finish it all by himself. The old lady never refused, eating only a little each time and smiling faintly, saying,"When you're old, you can't eat much." Her tone was gentle but carried an unspoken sense of calm.
Sometimes, caring for someone is like a tranquil and warm picture, unfolding silently. It needs no words, only quiet companionship and giving.
That day, a plump figure joined the old lady. She didn't turn around but knew who it was. Bartholomew watched Little Hong running toward the military tent and slowly said,"Old lady, this child's name is Little Hong. He's an orphan."
The old lady nodded lightly, but her eyes showed some deep thought."Oh!" she replied softly.
"Don't worry," Bartholomew smiled brightly,"I'll look after him from now on." Then, he turned and walked toward the military camp's entrance.
The old lady didn't say anything but just stared at the bright sky for a while before slowly leaving.