Tai packed his bag with a determined look in his eyes. "I've always wanted to test my strength in the birthplace of martial arts masters," he declared.
Sai raised an eyebrow. "You mean China?"
Tai shrugged nonchalantly. "Do I look like I care? I'm going to Japan."
Shi stepped in, her voice firm. "You should care."
Tai paused, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "Why?"
Shi's expression turned serious. "Because understanding the roots of martial arts is crucial. For the past year, I've trained you both in Muay Thai, the 'Art of Eight Limbs.' It's not just about physical strength but also about respecting the history and traditions behind it. Knowing where these arts come from helps you appreciate and master them fully."
Tai nodded. "Okay, I'll try to understand. Now let's go to Japan."
Shi stopped him. "Before that, why are you packing so many clothes?"
Sai replied, "Because we need clothes."
Shi shook his head. "Take only one set of clothes. We'll deal with the rest in Japan."
Sai looked puzzled. "Why?"
Shi explained, "We'll arrive in Japan just before the tournament starts. If we win, we'll get 2,000 gold coins."
Tai's eyes widened. "Gold coins?"
Shi nodded. "Yes, and I've heard that the clothes in Japan are the best."
Sai shrugged. "So what?"
Shi's voice was firm. "So what? I don't care. We're going to buy clothes in Japan. Final decision."
Tai chuckled. "Master Shi, you haven't changed since I left."
Shi smiled. "You left for only one month."
Sai was curious. "What do you mean?"
Tai gestured towards Shi's room. "Go to Master Shi's room."
Sai hesitated. "Why?"
Tai insisted, "You'll see."
Shi protested, "Don't go to my room."
Tai held Shi back as Sai opened the door to Shi's room. It was full of books.
Sai was surprised. "Master, I thought you were a monk."
Shi shook his head. "No, I'm a hermit."
Sai sighed. "Fine, but why?"
Shi snapped, "Shut up and get in."
Tai transformed into a snake and opened his mouth. Shi and Sai climbed in, and Snake Tai slithered into the ocean, moving so fast that they reached Japan in 30 minutes.
Shi looked around in awe. "Wow, Japan is so beautiful."
Sai agreed. "It really is."
Tai pointed. "Shi, look over there."
Shi turned to see a Japanese woman. Sai quickly covered Shi's eyes. "Tai, stop it."
Tai grinned. "Fine."
Shi said, "We need to get horses so we can reach a resting house."
They got horses and rode to a resting house. As Sai was looking around, he bumped into a man he recognized as the king who had killed his family and captured his village. Tai saw this and whispered, "Not the right time."