I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Chapter 23: Special Class

On the training grounds, several young men in their early twenties stood near Instructor Xu. One of them yawned lazily and muttered, "Master, what did you summon us so early for today?"

“Isn’t it obvious? Another potential disciple caught his eye!”

“Aren’t we here to check out the two study attendants of the Seventh Young Master?”

These young men were all guards of the Zhao family estate, but they shared a closer relationship with Instructor Xu than the others.

While all Zhao family guards were trained by him and nominally considered his disciples, this small group had formally bowed and served tea to acknowledge him as their master. One of them was even his nephew by blood.

Thanks to Instructor Xu's favor, they had progressed quickly and now held positions of responsibility across various Zhao family properties. Their busy schedules meant it was rare for them to gather like this unless summoned by their master.

As they stood around, curiosity filled the air about the reason behind the summons.

“Today, one of those kids shows great promise. If things go as expected, he’ll be your junior disciple soon enough,” Instructor Xu said with a grin.@@novelbin@@

It wasn’t self-deprecation but rather common sense. Even under Instructor Xu's mentorship, they couldn’t compete with the kind of backing the Seventh Young Master provided. A study attendant could aim for the position of steward, far better than toiling as a guard with early mornings and harsh conditions.

“Do you think becoming my disciple is a shameful thing?” Instructor Xu snorted. “Besides, he has to hold onto that study attendant position first! I’ll just wait until the Seventh Young Master kicks him out and then petition Madam on his behalf.”

The group exchanged glances, nodding in agreement. After all, who in the Zhao family didn’t know about the Seventh Young Master’s volatile temper?

His study attendants rarely lasted long.

“So why did you call us here today?”

“First, I want you to get acquainted with him. If anything happens in the future, give him a hand.”

“Master, you really have high hopes for this kid,” one of them muttered, pouting.

“Second, he’s talented and will likely progress quickly in martial arts. I’m worried he might get a bit arrogant…”

“Understood! You want us to teach him a lesson!”

The young men looked at each other, rolling up their sleeves eagerly.

“Who told you to fight him? Just use your words to show him the ropes. Let him know there’s always someone better out there.”

The young men were now absolutely certain—Instructor Xu had high hopes for this yet-to-be-official junior disciple and didn’t want to risk injuring him.

---

When Zheng Fa and Gao Yuan arrived at the training grounds, they were immediately met with scrutinizing gazes, making them feel uneasy.

Behind their backs, the group whispered:

“Which one is it?”

“The taller, darker one.”

“What about the other?”

“His aptitude’s weaker, and his dad is Second Branch Steward Gao. He’s got his own path forward. With my humble background, he probably doesn’t care to mix with me.”

“This future junior disciple doesn’t look all that remarkable.”

Seeing the two approach, Instructor Xu couldn’t help but explain: “Not only does he have good innate talent, but he’s also steady and mature—a great seedling. Enough chatter!”

When Zheng Fa stood before them, he noticed Instructor Xu frowning at him as if dissatisfied.

The young men behind him wore equally serious expressions.

Originally, this was just a routine evaluation, but the stern atmosphere made the two newcomers even more nervous, holding their breaths as they approached.

“You’re late!”

Instructor Xu opened with a reprimand, and neither Zheng Fa nor Gao Yuan dared to argue, obediently lowering their heads.

“You’re both beginners. This is the time for diligent practice. Why are you late?”

“It’s my fault… I overslept,” Gao Yuan stammered.

Lately, he had been staying up late studying those diagrams, losing track of time, and then oversleeping. By the time Zheng Fa woke him, they were already running late.

“Oh? You must have been practicing your Pine Crane Stance perfectly then! Show me!”

Gao Yuan’s face twisted into a bitter expression, but his body obediently took the stance.

Zheng Fa watched as Gao Yuan planted himself, his shoulders rising and falling with his hips. Despite being a beginner himself, Zheng Fa could tell Gao Yuan was close to mastering it.

This surprised Zheng Fa. Without the intense week of modern practice he had experienced, he doubted he could have reached Gao Yuan’s level. And Instructor Xu had even said his talent was better than Gao Yuan’s.

Instructor Xu was also surprised, circling Gao Yuan twice before speaking. “Has your father been giving you private lessons?”

“…Yes.” Gao Yuan’s voice was low, embarrassment evident.

“You’ve even picked up his bad habits—your left shoulder’s an inch higher! He injured it, but why are you following suit? Relax!”

With a sharp pat on Gao Yuan’s left shoulder, Instructor Xu corrected his posture. Gao Yuan instinctively adjusted, his breathing smoother, his stance more precise.

“Good! Progressing quickly! But tell your father to ease up on the medicine. Overtraining will only hurt you, and even tonics can’t fully make up for it.”

Zheng Fa pieced it all together. No wonder Gao Yuan had been sneaking off every afternoon during lunch and still bringing food back. He must have been training with his father in secret.

Gao Yuan seemed embarrassed to have his secret efforts exposed and kept his head down when he returned to stand beside Zheng Fa.

“Your turn!”

Instructor Xu barked at Zheng Fa, though there was a faint smile in his eyes. “Gao Yuan’s talent isn’t as good as yours, yet he’s almost mastered it. Let’s see how you’re doing!”

He was genuinely pleased. Gao Yuan’s unexpected progress made him happy to have trained such a hardworking student, even if he wouldn’t formally join his disciples.

Moreover, Gao Yuan’s performance would motivate Zheng Fa.

Someone less talented but more hardworking—how could you not feel the pressure?

Instructor Xu already imagined how to knock Zheng Fa down a peg if his performance fell short.

However, as Zheng Fa assumed the Pine Crane Stance, his focus transcended the moment, and his body moved with natural precision.

Instructor Xu’s smile faltered, replaced by uncertainty. He glanced back at his disciples, who were equally astonished.

They could all see it—Zheng Fa had already mastered the stance.

“Three days.” Instructor Xu extended his fingers, counting aloud. “You’ve had the complete Pine Crane Stance for just three days, haven’t you?”

Gao Yuan nodded.

“And he’s mastered it already?” Instructor Xu pointed at Zheng Fa, incredulous. “Did your father secretly tutor him too?”

Gao Yuan: “…I’m an only child!”