At Renxin Hospital.
Over the past few days, Fangfang has been balancing work and visiting Alai whenever she has free time. She constantly reminisces about the jokes they shared as children playing house, hoping to make him smile. Alai responds with a polite smile, no longer the flirtatious, teasing person he once was.
Fangfang has tried everything to cheer him up, but he remains distant, seemingly preoccupied. She finds it strange how he suddenly seems so detached and indifferent. Could he have been kicked in the head by a donkey? Has he been through some kind of trauma? It's baffling.
One day.
Fangfang brought a bowl of pork rib soup, smiling as she watched Alai eat it with gusto. Seeing that her grandfather had left and no one else was around, she put on a stern face and said, "Alai, why are you acting so cold towards me, as if nothing ever started between us? Did I say something wrong? Did my mother say something to you that hurt your pride?"
Alai responded nonchalantly, "No, nothing at all. I'm just homesick and want to leave the hospital."
Fangfang, sensing he was lying, blushed and pressed herself against Alai's chest, saying, "Monk, do you think I'm being too forward?"
Alai immediately backed away.
Fangfang continued, "Come closer, I just want to say one thing. If you don't want me, I'll leave. But if you truly like me, for Grandpa Lei's sake, we should work together."
Alai took a deep breath, nodded, and started contemplating his plans.
One afternoon.
Feeling uneasy, Alai remembered the author of the article—Dr. Wang Zhi—and quietly sought out his office, gently knocking on the door.
When Dr. Wang saw it was Alai, he quickly put down his materials and asked what was wrong.
Alai waved a medical journal in front of Dr. Wang, magically pulling a fresh flower from the pages and presenting it with a smile. He then asked Dr. Wang about some unclear points in the article.
Dr. Wang, pleased with his academic authority, answered all of Alai's questions and then curiously asked about Alai's so-called "Mind Palm."
Alai, embarrassed, avoided revealing the truth about his background, simply stating that he enjoyed exercising.
Dr. Wang smiled slightly and said, "Amateurs look at the spectacle; professionals look at the technique. I analyzed your entire fight. Of course, some aspects are hard to explain, balancing between science and superstition, so I titled the article 'Extraordinary Phenomena' to encourage more research in this area."
"Dr. Wang, how can I retain such extraordinary abilities permanently?"
"External forces often have unpredictable outcomes. You were lucky this time, perhaps aided by fortune. In theory, martial arts practice can eventually lead to the release of strong bioelectric energy if one's skills reach their peak."
Dr. Wang, wanting some fresh air, walked out of the office with Alai, discussing as they went.
According to the "Principle of Bioelectric Medicine," the energy converted by the "Human Bioelectric Energy Converter" does exist.
Dr. Wang analyzed: first, the "circuit" needs to be clear, and second, the "electrical energy" must be sufficient. If the energy is insufficient, the current is weak, and the voltage is low. Everyone carries bioelectricity, but in most people, it's very faint.
We've all had similar experiences—when touching metal objects or another person, there's often a slight static shock. So, the depth of one's martial arts skills determines the amount of energy.
From the intense electric shock Fangfang felt during her first IV drip to Hu San being electrocuted later, it all stemmed from the large amount of charge remaining in Alai's body after being struck by lightning, released in moments of tension. This is an unexplained phenomenon in human biology.
Alai then asked about the incident where a prescription paper burned in his hand, worrying if it might happen again, fearing he might accidentally burn his books while studying.
Dr. Wang explained that this was due to residual static charge in Alai's body, releasing heat energy suddenly. He reassured Alai that many unknowns remain unsolved mysteries.
Dr. Wang suggested a solution: Alai should frequently walk barefoot on the grass, soak his feet often, and bathe regularly. This would prevent future issues and wouldn't disrupt his life.
Alai thought to himself, "No matter what I ask, you always have an explanation." He smiled wryly, saying, "So, I can't wear shoes? Am I supposed to become a barefoot sage?"
Dr. Wang laughed and said, "Fool! Once the static is released, you can wear shoes again. Stop asking silly questions."
He then joked, "I've seen your so-called martial arts performances in the ward. I didn't expose you because they're just street magic tricks with props."
Despite Dr. Wang's explanations, Alai couldn't help but think back to when he was struck by lightning. Standing in the storm, the static should have been released, yet so many incredible things happened afterward. He believed he had developed special abilities but just couldn't control them yet.
As the saying goes, "Words spoken in the open, but someone's always lurking in the bushes," Hu San had been eavesdropping for some time. He didn't catch all of the conversation, but he clearly heard Dr. Wang's last sentence.
"Just street magic tricks?"
Hu San was stunned, thinking, "So Alai's incredible skills were just street magic with props? Is that why Stammer's iron rod didn't cripple his arm?"
Damn it!
He fooled me!
What a load of nonsense about 'Heavenly Three Palms!'
And I was going to make him my master?
I'm such a fool.
Furious, Hu San clenched his teeth, filled with resentment.
"Thud!"
He punched a nearby tree.
Alai and Dr. Wang turned around to see Hu San.
Dr. Wang sternly said, "Respect public property. The hospital's trees aren't your training targets. Do you want the police to invite you for tea again?"
Hu San, caught off guard, suppressed his anger and coldly said, "Thank you for the advice," before turning and leaving in a huff.
At that moment, two young monks arrived outside. Their bright, wise eyes and orange robes tucked into white socks, paired with monk shoes, gave them an air of otherworldliness as they walked straight towards Alai, waving at him.
Dr. Wang, puzzled, asked, "Do they know you?"
Alai recognized them immediately. They were Misaeng and Mile, two disciples of Elder Luokong from the Thunder Sound Temple. They had played together as children.
The two monks were trained as warrior monks by the temple, often sent out to learn martial arts. They would be gone for years, and to Alai's surprise, they had finally returned.
Overjoyed, Alai exclaimed, "It's been years! You're back so soon? Have you mastered your skills?"
The two monks, with solemn faces, clasped their hands together. Misaeng said, "By the master's order, you must go to Thunder Sound Temple. The master needs to see you immediately; he has an important task for you."
"Huh?"
Alai was startled, "What do you mean?"
"Sigh!"
Fangfang suddenly spoke up, "Don't you get it? Elder Luokong is probably nearing the end."
Alai turned around to find that Fangfang and her grandfather had come looking for him and were standing behind him. He glared at Fangfang, inwardly cursing, "That foul-mouthed girl, how dare she curse my master!"
Mile, seeing Alai's confusion, clasped his hands and said, "Monks do not lie. Amitabha, you are wise, and time is of the essence. Please, let's go."
Alai, rubbing his still-unshaved head, was utterly baffled.
Without wasting words, Grandpa Lei, looking serious, quickly said, "Alai, let's hurry to Thunder Sound Temple!"
Dr. Wang, present at the scene, agreed, "He can go. The young man's fracture isn't serious. I'll prescribe some medicine; he'll recover with some rest at home."
Upon learning that Alai was about to be discharged, Fangfang couldn't stop reminding him, "Alai, when you go back, don't forget to review your lessons. I'll be quitting my job in a few days to come to your house to change your bandages and tutor you, helping you get into a top university."
Grandpa Lei smiled, clearly pleased, and nodded approvingly.
As Alai was completing his discharge procedures, he was surprised to find that all his medical expenses had been paid, and even the deposit he had previously paid was refunded. He guessed that his nanny, Li Xiuqin, had secretly covered the costs to keep him quiet.
Misaeng and Mile helped him with his luggage.
The four of them hurriedly made their way to Thunder Sound Temple…