Shifu led Riser and Chun-Li into the inner hall of the Jade Palace, the air thick with reverence and history. Scroll upon scroll lined the walls, each one a repository of ancient martial arts knowledge. Both Riser and Chun-Li were awestruck by the sheer magnitude of the collection.
Riser, curious and eager, wandered around until his eyes caught a name he recognized—Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist. He carefully removed the scroll and approached Shifu, who was sifting through another pile of scrolls.
"Master," Riser asked hesitantly, "can I learn this Water Stream Rock Smashing Fist?"
Shifu paused, glancing at the scroll Riser held. He took a moment to collect his thoughts before replying, "For that, you need flexibility and dexterity—both of which you currently lack."
Riser's shoulders slumped slightly, but Shifu's words were firm.
Turning to Chun-Li, Shifu handed her a scroll titled Renewal Taekwondo. He began to explain, "Renewal Taekwondo includes a wide variety of kicks aimed at the upper parts of the body, using the rotation of the body as a source of power. However, it goes beyond what you find in real-life Taekwondo. This style also integrates the softness and hardness concepts from Chinese martial arts and the bobbing and weaving techniques of boxing. It even has many takedowns that begin with the 'hook' kick, using the back of the leg to snare an opponent's limbs or head, throwing them off balance."
Shifu paused, letting the information sink in before he continued, "But like all martial arts, Renewal Taekwondo has its weaknesses. It's limited in close-quarters combat, has restricted attack points, and puts a significant burden on the body. The first two weaknesses can be mitigated by integrating other martial arts, but the physical strain can only be lessened through rigorous training."
He then turned back to Riser, a different scroll in his hand. "For you, Riser, I have the Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist. This style focuses on manipulating air to create razor-sharp whirlwind pressures that slice through your target. The user can vary the force depending on their proximity to the eye of the whirlwind. This cutting pressure can also be incorporated into your kicks, sharp enough to slice through stone."
Shifu demonstrated with his hands, "Users of this style adopt different forms for different attacks. For direct strikes, you may use a fist with the first knuckles extended, much like the Leopard Fist in Leopard Kung Fu. For close-range attacks, you might extend only your thumb, index, and middle fingers in a clawed fashion, similar to the Southern Dragon Kung Fu Fist, to produce whirlwinds."
He then addressed both students, his tone serious, "Remember, this is just one martial art. We learn various techniques to complement our own style. Tigress, for example, mastered Tiger Style first. Then she learned Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist, and later, to complement her skills, she took up Renewal Taekwondo. You must approach your training with the same mindset—each art is a piece of the whole."
The room fell silent, the weight of Shifu's words settling in. Riser and Chun-Li exchanged determined glances, ready to embark on the challenging path that lay ahead.
Riser moved to the courtyard adjacent to the training hall. He focused on the technique Shifu had given him, attempting to master the Whirlwind Iron Cutting Fist. Each motion was deliberate, but there was a tension in his movements—an impatience that he couldn't quite shake. Shifu had gone to check on Po's sparring, leaving Riser alone to wrestle with the new technique.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the Jade Palace .
As Riser practiced, Grand Master Oogway strolled into the courtyard, his presence calm and unhurried. He observed Riser in silence for a moment before speaking.
"You are eager, young one," Oogway said gently, his voice carrying the weight of wisdom. "But your impatience clouds your mind."
Riser paused, his frustration evident. "I have to become strong, Master Oogway. If I don't push forward, if I don't keep striving for more, how will I ever achieve what I want? I can't afford to be weak."
Oogway nodded slowly, his ancient eyes fixed on Riser. "And what is it that you wish to achieve?"
Riser opened his mouth to answer but found himself at a loss for words. He hadn't truly thought it through. He had always assumed that strength was the goal, but what was it all for? After a moment of silence, he finally said, "I don't want to live with regrets. In this world, strength is the only way to avoid that."
Oogway watched him, his expression thoughtful. "Then why let your past dictate your future? If you shape your future based only on avoiding regret, you will still find yourself living in its shadow. Regret is like a shadow—if you focus on it, it only grows longer, but if you turn toward the light, it will shrink behind you."
Riser stood there, stunned by Oogway's words. Before he could respond, the wise tortoise turned and slowly walked away, his staff tapping softly against the stone path as he made his way back to his abode. Riser was left alone with his thoughts, the weight of Oogway's wisdom pressing on his mind.
That night, exhausted from his training and the conversation with Oogway, Riser made his way to his room. He found Chun-Li talking with Po, Mantis, and Crane. Mantis was working on acupuncture for Po, who was trying his best to stay still despite the discomfort. Riser, knowing they would talk about tai lung after tigress enter and not want to deal with it , decided not to interrupt and went straight to bed. His mind was still buzzing with the day's events, and sleep was a welcome escape.
However, his rest was short-lived. In the dead of night, Chun-Li gently shook him awake. Riser groaned, blinking against the darkness. "What's the occasion?" he mumbled, still half-asleep. "I'm exhausted."
Chun-Li's voice was serious as she spoke. "master when we werer havig noodles woith po shifu came and spoke Oogway has left the mortal world, ascending to the Spirit Realm. And Shifu's student has escaped from hi prison to lay waste to valley and Only Oogway could have stopped him."
Riser sat up, thinking " bastard left me out of noodles party , when will i get to taste those" rubbing his eyes. "So, what do you want to do?"
"Tigress and the others are preparing to leave to stop Tai Lung," Chun-Li explained. "I want to follow them."
Riser sighed, lying back down on his bed. "Then go. What's stopping you?"
Chun-Li looked at him, surprised by his indifference. "Aren't you coming? With your power, we could stop Tai Lung together."
Riser shook his head, his voice tinged with resignation. "Chun-Li, here we can't use demonic power. It leaves most of my attack options useless. All I have left is raw strength, but without finesse, it's not enough. Besides, I made a promise to Oogway—not to interfere in others' destinies."
Chun-Li clenched her fists. "But I'm going! Oogway didn't ask me for any promises. I'm free to do what I want!"
Riser looked at her with tired eyes. "Then go. Do what you think is right. But I'm going back to sleep."
Without another word, Riser rolled over and closed his eyes, leaving Chun-Li standing there and she make her exist determined to follow tigrees and co and stop the impending doom .