Tianjin, located in the northern part of the North China Plain and bordered by the Bohai Sea to the east and the Yanshan Mountains to the north, had become increasingly important due to its unique geographical position in the modern era. Historically, Tianjin had been a hub for martial arts, especially in northern China, and had maintained a strong tradition of martial arts tournaments.
Near the northern gate of Tianjin, close to the market, there was a circular fighting arena. The arena had a long history, dating back to before the Qing Dynasty's conquest of China. On ordinary days, it was a place where vendors sometimes set up their stalls, and children would run around and play. But today, the arena was different. It was empty, but the stands below were packed with people. This was because today was a special occasion—a "life-and-death" tournament. As the name suggested, the fight would continue until one of the fighters either surrendered or died.
"The time has come!" an elderly man walked to the center of the arena. He was said to be the oldest martial artist in the area, with white hair and a long beard, but his spirit seemed undiminished. As soon as he spoke, the noise from the crowd immediately quieted down.
He held up a piece of paper and turned around the arena, showing it to everyone before speaking again:
"The life-and-death contract has been signed. Victory is in the hands of the fighters, but death is in the hands of fate. Two martial artists, please step up."
With a signal from the old man, two martial artists entered the arena from opposite sides.
One was young, around thirty years old, dressed in white. From the crowd's murmurs, it became clear that this was *Huo Yuanjia*, the legendary martial artist. The other, known as "Master Niu," was much older, likely in his fifties, and was said to practice Snake Fist.
The old man checked the life-and-death contract between the two fighters. Both nodded, confirming that everything was in order.
"Let the match begin!" the old man shouted before stepping aside. In this type of contest, there was no need for a referee.
After exchanging bows, the two martial artists took their stances and the match officially began.
Chen Zheng, standing in the crowd below, was watching the fighters closely. From what he knew, this was Huo Yuanjia's first time fighting a life-and-death match. "Looks like the plot hasn't fully kicked in yet," he thought.
To Chen Zheng's surprise, Huo Yuanjia was the first to attack. In his mind, he had imagined that experienced martial artists would wait for their opponent to make the first move. But Huo Yuanjia's approach was different.
"Ha!" Huo Yuanjia launched a quick punch, but *Master Niu* was quick to evade, using his fluid, serpentine movements to dodge and counter. Chen Zheng wasn't an expert in martial arts, but he knew the term "hit the snake with the stick." *Master Niu* seemed to follow this principle, countering Huo Yuanjia's strikes with swift and precise moves.
At one point, Master Niu managed to land a blow on Huo Yuanjia's chest. Huo Yuanjia staggered back several steps, barely managing to absorb the force. The crowd cheered, not caring who the victor would be—they were just excited by the spectacle.
Chen Zheng watched nervously. "What if Huo Yuanjia loses this round? I was planning to approach him to be his student once he wins. What if it all falls apart?" he thought, feeling increasingly anxious.
But just as Chen Zheng was contemplating the situation, Huo Yuanjia bounced back, brushing off the blow, and fixed his eyes on Master Niu.
"Now Huo Yuanjia is getting serious," someone beside Chen Zheng muttered under their breath.
Chen Zheng looked over at the person, a scholar-like figure wearing a cap, with his back turned to Chen Zheng. He didn't seem to notice Chen Zheng's gaze, as his attention was focused on the arena.
Huo Yuanjia launched another attack, but this time, instead of relying on his fists, he used his grappling skills—almost like the talons of an eagle. As Master Niu tried to follow Huo Yuanjia's moves with his Snake Fist, Huo Yuanjia grabbed his arm with a deadly grip, swiftly neutralizing his opponent's attacks.
In less than a minute, the tide of the battle shifted completely. Master Niu was thrown to the ground, unable to continue fighting. Despite it being a "life-and-death" match, Huo Yuanjia refrained from delivering the fatal blow.
"Master Niu, you fought well," Huo Yuanjia said with a bow of respect.
"Hmph!" Master Niu huffed as he was helped off the arena by a few supporters.
"Master Huo! Master Huo!" The crowd erupted in loud cheers, chanting his name like a group of fervent fans.
However, Chen Zheng knew that these weren't true fans. Regardless of who won, the crowd always reacted the same—it was a typical case of the "spectator effect."
Huo Yuanjia smiled and respectfully acknowledged the crowd's cheers, making polite gestures of gratitude. Chen Zheng was about to rush forward to pay his respects and ask to be accepted as a student, but to his surprise, Huo Yuanjia started walking in his direction.
"Jin Sun, I won!" Huo Yuanjia greeted the person next to Chen Zheng.
Chen Zheng realized that the scholar-like man was *Nong Jinsun*, Huo Yuanjia's childhood friend, who had supported him throughout his martial arts journey.
"Chen Zheng, I wish to become your disciple. Please accept me as your student!" Chen Zheng immediately ran up to Huo Yuanjia, knelt before him, and looked up, pleading earnestly.
Huo Yuanjia paused, surprised by the sudden request. However, with the victory still fresh in his mind, he was in a good mood and had yet to develop the cold, aloof demeanor from later in his life. He studied Chen Zheng closely.
The young man before him appeared to be in his late twenties—older than most martial arts apprentices, but Huo Yuanjia saw something in his eyes that he liked. Chen Zheng felt as though Huo Yuanjia could see right through him with that intense gaze, making him nervous.
"Could I have appeared too soon? Would Huo Yuanjia refuse me as his disciple?" Chen Zheng fretted, his heart pounding.
Just as he was starting to lose hope, Huo Yuanjia placed a hand on his shoulder. Chen Zheng felt a slight jolt in his shoulder as if his bones had been shaken, and looked up, puzzled.
Huo Yuanjia smiled warmly. "Not bad. You've got the potential, though you're a little old for training. What's your name? Have you thought this through? Martial arts training is difficult and grueling."
"Master, my name is Chen Zheng. I sincerely wish to become your disciple. Please accept me!" Chen Zheng responded, his voice full of determination.
"Good, good," Huo Yuanjia said with a smile. "Chen Zheng, you're now my disciple. This is Nong Jinsun, my brother."
"Greetings, Master. Greetings, Senior Nong!" Chen Zheng quickly acknowledged the two of them, bowing respectfully.
"Good, good! Huo Yuanjia, you won the match and gained such a good disciple. Tonight, come to my *Guyue Lou* and let's celebrate! We'll drink until we're drunk!"
"Alright!" Huo Yuanjia agreed, smiling at the cheerful atmosphere.
And so, Chen Zheng's journey began.