Reborn in 1977

Chapter 678: Must Fit the Persona

Black Dragon Eighteen Hands, first stance, Azure Dragon Probes Claw.

Left dodge step, right upward knee, left upright palm strikes forward, right claw chops downward from the outside…

From the first stance, Azure Dragon Probes Claw, to the eighteenth stance, Riding Dragon Enters Water, Chen Fan executed each move meticulously, demonstrating them slowly in front of his three masters.

The full name of this set of kung fu should be Black Dragon River Armed Police Capturing Hands Eighteen, 'Black Dragon' referring to Heilongjiang.

It was a grappling and fighting technique created in 1981 by the Heilongjiang Armed Police Corps after years of experience and practical summary, by several martial arts experts specifically for defeating the enemy.

Subsequently, it was comprehensively promoted from 1983.

Ahem, however, this set of grappling and fighting techniques was only promoted for a few years before it was ordered to be abolished, and instead, the two sets of military physical exercises researched by the Military Academy were promoted.

As for the reason, those who know, know.

In fact, saying it was abolished only meant stopping the comprehensive promotion; in some troops, this set of grappling and fighting techniques was still being learned, and it could even be seen frequently in film and television dramas.

Chen Fan had not originally learned this set of fighting techniques, but out of curiosity, he specifically searched for videos online to watch.

Benefiting from the improvement of his mental strength, he was able to excavate memories from the depths of his mind, so he naturally recalled this set of kung fu.

It just so happened that because of that little incident today, seeing that Liu Juan and Ma Lan had learned kung fu from their families, which was not the unified military physical exercises of later generations, he thought of the military physical exercises, as well as this set of fighting techniques.

Since Master Zhang just said that the Military Academy had already compiled military physical exercises, then it was not suitable for him to take them out again; he could only contribute this set of fighting techniques that was confirmed to have been created in 1981.

As for how to use it, that was the masters' business; he, a literati, couldn't care less.

He was just a pen-pusher; how could he have the time to play with fists?

However, why did the masters' expressions seem a little unsightly after he finished?

Could it be that they didn't like it?

How could Lin Yuanxiang and the others not like it?

They not only liked it, but as grandmasters among grandmasters, even if Chen Fan only demonstrated the main movements and did not demonstrate the variations, they still saw through it thoroughly.

For example, the first stance, Azure Dragon Probes Claw, could extend at least 3 variations, each of which could defeat the enemy.

The second stance, Dragon Girl Gazes at Mirror, was even more exaggerated; it was just a simple posture, but it could adapt to circumstances and form more than 5 kinds of variations, either throwing people out or controlling them, thereby carrying out continuous attacks.

Even new recruits who had just joined the training camp only needed to have the variations explained to them thoroughly, and then carry out appropriate combat drills, and they could master a certain amount of attack power, and it would be easy to take on four or five ordinary people in a one-on-one fight.

However…

Looking at Chen Fan, who had finished the demonstration and was a little cautious because of their attitude, none of them had a good expression.

After a long while, Zhang Xuansong said with a dark face, "Who else knows that you created this set of kung fu?"

Chen Fan gave an "uh" sound, looked at the expressions of the three people, and said without hesitation, "No one. This is the first time I've practiced it in front of people."

Lin Yuanxiang said expressionlessly, "Then in the future, you should pretend that you never created this set of boxing techniques, and you are not allowed to tell anyone. Even if you see it, pretend you don't recognize it."

Chen Fan blinked. Listening to the meaning of these words, did they intend to adopt it and promote it?

Otherwise, they wouldn't have said the words "pretend you don't recognize it."

But what did these words mean?

He didn't believe that the three masters would steal the fruits of his labor.

So it was a problem with the boxing technique…?

At this time, Li Shangde coughed lightly and said with a chuckle, "You little brat, your heart is quite dark and your hands are quite ruthless. Although it is said that kung fu is going in the direction of actual combat, but your so-called Eighteen Hands, the attacks are too vicious.

Gouging eyes, locking throats, scooping groins, lifting yin… you use whatever kind of sinister moves you can. You don't talk about martial ethics at all. No wonder it's called 'Black Dragon'; it really is black, really black!"

Chen Fan opened his mouth wide, "Uh… well…"

Before he could speak, Zhang Xuansong waved his hand, interrupting his words, and said, "Don't 'uh' this and 'well' that. On the battlefield, there is only life and death, no martial ethics. Everyone knows this.

But this kind of kung fu, I can create it, your eldest master and second master can also create it, but you cannot create it."

Saying that, he took a breath, "I won't hide it from you either. We all like this set of kung fu. Tomorrow, Lao Lin will go back to the army and pass on this set of kung fu."

After a pause, he said again, "But, the creator of the boxing technique cannot be you!"

Chen Fan blinked. Combining the words of the masters just now, he instantly understood what they meant.

Zhang Xuansong continued to say, "What kind of person are you? A nationally renowned writer, and also a leader of your provincial Writers Association, and you're also learning literature from that master at Jiangda University. Can you do things like poking eyes and stealing peaches?!"

His eyes were aimed at Chen Fan, as if he were looking at a moral saint, "You can cultivate both literary and martial arts, but your character must stand firm. Even if you fight with others, you must win with upright and aboveboard moves and skill.

Don't forget, you are the next generation abbot of my Chaoyang Temple, how can you create…"

Saying that, he gestured a few times. It had to be said that even after only seeing it once, Zhang Xuansong's few moves were deeply imbued with the charm of the Black Dragon Eighteen Hands, making Chen Fan couldn't help but shrink his neck, and directly exclaimed that the old ginger was still spicier.

After finishing the demonstration, Zhang Xuansong quickly coughed twice, put his hand back, and said sternly, "In short, you can't use this kind of kung fu.

Besides, you're not a soldier fighting a war, otherwise, I could approve you for a few merits, promote you to an officer, or something. It's useless for you to have this kind of false reputation, but it will be bad for your reputation instead. Do you understand?"

Chen Fan nodded repeatedly, more obedient than the golden monkey in the master's hand, "Yes, yes, I understand. I'll listen to the masters' arrangements."

This was like Zhang Sanfeng not allowing the Seven Heroes of Wudang to easily use the Tiger Claw Severing Hand, every move aimed at people's kidneys, which was indeed not in line with the style of a famous and upright sect.

In Chen Fan's case, it had to fit the persona.

"Hey, that's right."

Lin Yuanxiang stepped forward two steps and patted him on the shoulder, smiling, "But don't worry, although there is no name, other aspects of the reward can still be strived for. Anyway, your third master is shameless…"

"Hey, hey, hey, hey,"

Zhang Xuansong was nodding at first, but when he heard these words, he couldn't help it immediately, and immediately stepped forward and said, "Why am I shameless? Why do you say that about me? Are you supposed to be thick-skinned?... You want to be thick-skinned…"

Lin Yuanxiang only glanced at him, "Chaoyang Temple."

Zhang Xuansong obediently shut his mouth, but he was still unconvinced, and could only mutter in a low voice, "Isn't it just wanting to rebuild the Taoist temple? Am I having an easy time? Finding money and putting money together everywhere, that's all what I deserve, why am I shameless?"

Lin Yuanxiang rolled his eyes, too lazy to pay attention to him, and continued to say to Chen Fan, "In short, your third master will definitely get you a good reward back, otherwise, he would be sorry for his personality and habits in the eyes of the old marshal."

Chen Fan looked at the third master's old face turning black, smiled slightly awkwardly, "Actually, I don't lack anything. Third Master, you might as well strive for something for the Taoist temple."

As soon as he heard these words, Zhang Xuansong's face was no longer dark, and he nodded with a smile, laughing, "You have a heart, but now the Taoist temple is ready for everything, waiting for the east wind to come, it can be officially opened. So there is no need for anything, what is yours is still yours."

But he was a little worried in his heart. Give a bonus? Chen Fan is not short of money. Give credit? He is not a military man, it is useless. What should I get?

Chen Fan didn't know that the masters were calculating for him. Hearing Zhang Xuansong's words, his eyes lit up immediately and asked, "The Taoist temple is built?"

Zhang Xuansong laughed, "It's been built for almost a month. Your big house can be built in a month, no matter how complicated the Taoist temple is, it's been half a year, it should be built."

After speaking, he smiled at Chen Fan, "Do you want to go and see?"

Chen Fan nodded immediately, "That's a must."

Zhang Xuansong turned his head, "Then let's go?"

Lin Yuanxiang didn't want to go, "Since that Taoist temple was built, you've been running three times a day. If you want to go, you take him. I'm going to find the old marshal."

Li Shangde was also a little hesitant. He had indeed been to the Taoist temple many times, but he hadn't visited the old marshal for some days.

But looking at Zhang Xuansong's eager look, he was a little unbearable, turned his head to look at Lin Yuanxiang, "How about going to the Taoist temple first, and then visiting the old marshal?"

Saying that, he pointed to Chen Fan, "It just so happens that Little Fan brought a lot of ingredients, let him show off his skills tonight."

Chen Fan had no objections, and smiled, "Okay."

Lin Yuanxiang thought for a while, and finally nodded, "Okay."

Let's go when we say go.

Several people went into the house to get things together. Chen Fan carried a huge vegetable basket, while Lin Yuanxiang picked up the leaf cigarette and threw it aside, "The old marshal doesn't smoke."

Then he picked up the jar of wine, turned his head and asked Chen Fan, "Can your Grandpa Liu drink this wine?"

Chen Fan nodded, "He can drink it."

Lin Yuanxiang didn't say a word, and hugged the wine jar.

Turning his head again, he saw Li Shangde and Zhang Xuansong each holding a monkey, and couldn't help but twitch his eyes, "You really treat them as treasures."

The two old men completely ignored him, and walked out leisurely holding the monkeys.

Poor Little Black could only keep up quickly, even if he wagged his tail, no one paid attention.

Having a car is so convenient. Chen Fan drove and soon arrived at the location of the Taoist temple, nestled between the Forbidden City, Beihai Park, and Jingshan Park.

When he came to see it at the beginning of the year, this courtyard, which was originally a warehouse, had undergone a complete transformation.

The entrance had been moved back 5 meters, leaving a considerable open space. From the outside, it looked like a courtyard in the style of a Siheyuan (a traditional Chinese courtyard house).

However, where the original courtyard wall was, directly facing the gate, a solitary paifang (a traditional Chinese archway) had been built.

And the biggest difference between this place and a Siheyuan was that the main gate was not located in the southeast corner, but opened in the exact middle of the courtyard wall.

The position of the gate was the same as that of the Ningjun Prince's Mansion that Zhou Yali had bought, but it didn't have the imposing grandeur of the Prince's Mansion's gate.

It was just two red wooden doors.

Above the wooden doors, a rain shelter had been built. Under normal circumstances, there would be a plaque under the rain shelter with the name of the Taoist temple written on it.

But now it was bare.

Parking the car to the side, the group got out one after another, and Zhang Xuansong took out the key to open the door.

Chen Fan looked at the antique copper lock, his eyes full of surprise, "You really found a copper lock?"

Lin Yuanxiang left the wine in the car, and his hands were also occupied. He was already holding one of the little monkeys, so he held the little dog instead.

Xiao Hei finally had someone to pay attention to him.

Lin Yuanxiang took two steps forward, holding Xiao Hei, and said jokingly, "You drew a lucky cloud lock for the gate, and he spent many days looking for this lock. In the end, he even went to the White Cloud Temple to ask the Taoist Association for help before he managed to get a batch of Taoist temple-specific utensils back. Otherwise, these things alone would have driven him crazy."

Zhang Xuansong ignored his teasing, but instead looked somewhat smug, "These things are not easy to find. Liu Gaogong also put in a lot of effort to help find all the items."

He pushed open the gate and walked inside, continuing, "He also said that when the time is right, he will invite the head priests of all the major temples in Beijing to gather at the Chaoyang Temple to celebrate the completion of the Taoist temple, and even said he wants to hold some kind of ceremony."

Although Chen Fan also understood these Taoist rituals, he was naturally more than happy to have an experienced old Taoist priest take the initiative to help.

Walking inside, except for the absence of a Da zuo fang (a reverse-facing house just inside the main gate), it was indeed a Siheyuan.

One courtyard followed another, with a total of three courtyards. The main courtyard was the main hall, the largest courtyard. The front courtyard was for welcoming guests, the second largest in area. The back courtyard was where the Taoist priests rested, the smallest courtyard, but with the most rooms, including the Sutra Repository. Moreover, the back courtyard had two-story buildings, but the height did not exceed the main hall in front.

But even the smallest back courtyard had an open space of nearly two hundred square meters in the middle. After all, the entire courtyard exceeded two thousand square meters, enough to build three three-section Siheyuan. Now only three sections were built, which shows how large the area was.

This was also the main reason why Zhang Xuansong favored this place at the time. Even if it was only a temporary Taoist temple, it couldn't be casually made up. It had to have the proper structure, otherwise, he would have to change to the large courtyard that Chen Fan had chosen.

If there wasn't a Buddhist temple across the lake, Lao Zhang would have been quite satisfied with that courtyard.

Zhang Xuansong took Chen Fan on a tour, and when they returned to the front courtyard, he grinned at Chen Fan and smiled, "Now the construction is complete, all that's left are those drawings you made, and various plaques.

This thing, on the one hand, it's not convenient to let outsiders do it, and on the other hand, I don't trust their craftsmanship.

Now, Xiao Fan, your teacher knows that you excel in both calligraphy and painting. You'll have to put in some effort to write and draw the portraits of the immortals in the temple and the plaques for each hall and room."

Chen Fan blinked, looked at the clean white walls, and couldn't help but feel speechless.

After a few seconds, he sighed and said, "Master, I thought you would ask me to write the plaques, but I really didn't expect you to leave even the murals to me!"

Zhang Xuansong's expression remained unchanged, and he chuckled, "Look at what you're saying. Don't forget, the Immortal Lotus painting you made for Rongbaozhai is still hanging in their hall. Everyone who has seen it says it's otherworldly and looks like real immortal lotuses.

Your skills are here. How could I, as your master, let those vulgar painters ruin the Taoist temple?!"

Lin Yuanxiang and Li Shangde stood aside, looked at each other, and smiled without saying a word.

Chen Fan pursed his lips, knowing that he couldn't refuse, so he raised his head and squeezed out a few smiles, "Okay, then I'll give you a list later, and you can gather the materials. I'll choose a time specifically to write and draw everything that needs to be written and drawn for you."

Zhang Xuansong clapped his hands, "Then you write it, and give it to me when it's done. I'll go prepare. While the weather is good these few days, let's get it done quickly."

Chen Fan looked at the remaining snow on the roof and muttered to himself, "It shouldn't snow these few days, right?

Should I get some special pigments to avoid having to redo it?

… …

After leaving the Taoist temple, they went to Old Marshal's house.

As with the previous two times, only Old Marshal was at home, at most with a guard accompanying him.

Originally, according to Old Marshal's level, he should at least be assigned a guard squad, but that wasn't the case.

Except for the old seniors who were still in important positions, people like Old Marshal who were semi-retired basically had one guard and one secretary. The guard was responsible for security, and the secretary was responsible for conveying work.

In fact, when Mr. Li was at home back then, there weren't many guards around him either.

Only when going out would personnel be fully equipped according to regulations.

As for his family, except for Old Marshal's wife, all adult children were driven out by him to fend for themselves, either living in the unit's dormitory or renting a house themselves. Usually, unless there was something special, they were not even allowed to come back.

As a result, Chen Fan had come with his masters several times, but he had never seen anyone else.

Today was the same.

But he didn't say much, letting his masters present the two monkeys to Old Marshal as treasures, while he busied himself in the kitchen alone.

During this time, Lin Yuanxiang mentioned the Black Dragon Eighteen Techniques to Old Marshal, and confidently asserted that this set of skills could greatly improve the combat ability of grassroots soldiers.

Old Marshal made a phone call, summoned someone, and asked Lin Yuanxiang to perform on the spot.

The man watched without saying much, took Lin Yuanxiang away for more than two hours, and didn't send him back until before dinner.

From beginning to end, Chen Fan stayed in the kitchen without saying a word, indicating that he didn't see anything and didn't hear anything.

I'm just a cook, I only cook and don't ask about the guests.

If Old Marshal is happy, then I've successfully completed my mission.

Of course, it would be even more perfect if the masters didn't insist on keeping the little monkeys after returning to Dashilar.

… …

In the blink of an eye, the next day, it was already December 13th.

There was still no news from Zhou Zhengdong.

That's right, Old Political Commissar would only meet with their Beijing Office Director this morning. It was estimated that Lao Zhou wouldn't be able to contact the outside world until the announcement was made on the 16th.

Just wait.

Master Zhang, on the other hand, was still collecting the list of materials that Chen Fan had written.

These things were not easy to collect. Some were gemstone-grade mineral raw materials, and some required complex processing to obtain, and the quantities were all considerable.

Even with Zhang Xuansong's network of contacts, it was estimated that it would take two or three days to collect them all.

In short, there was definitely nothing to do these two days.

Chen Fan woke up at 10 a.m., lazed around for a while, and then sat alone in the winter gazebo, staring blankly at the three birds on the table.

After a long while, he let out a long sigh, "My monkeys!"

He no longer had any expectations for the reward for contributing the Black Dragon Eighteen Techniques, he only hoped that the three masters would show mercy and return the monkeys when he left Beijing.

The three gyrfalcons didn't know that their master was thinking about monkeys while looking at them. They still squatted obediently on the table, chirping from time to time.

Only when their master waved his hand did they spread their wings and fly, weaving through the sky and heading into the distance.

Chen Fan released the gyrfalcons, letting them forage for food themselves, and then got up and walked into the house.

Passing by the kitchen, he shouted inside, "You guys eat lunch yourselves. I'm going out for a while, and you don't have to save dinner for me either."

Liu Juan quickly ran out, "Then, then what should we do?"

Chen Fan waved his hand with a smile, "You don't have to do anything, you eat yours, I'm just going out for a walk."

After saying that, he walked outside.

Ma Lan also came out, looked at Chen Fan's back, exchanged a glance with Liu Juan, and then said in a low voice, "Juan'er, does Brother Chen think our cooking is not good and he's going out to eat?"

Liu Juan's facial features squeezed together, and she stammered, "It shouldn't be?"

Ma Lan curled her lips, "Think about it, Brother Chen's skills are extraordinary. Most people with good cooking skills are picky eaters. We usually don't even want to put more oil when cooking, it's normal for Brother Chen not to be used to it, right?"

Liu Juan's eyes flickered slightly, "Then what should we do?"

Ma Lan narrowed her eyes and said in a low voice, "Why don't we find a master to learn cooking?"

The two looked at each other, not knowing what to do.