Chapter 26: The Invincible Chen Fan

There were quite a few people who signed up for military boxing along with Chen Fan, some truly wanting to learn a few moves, but Chen Fan was not among them. Xu Changhui and Lai Guangyi, on the other hand, dutifully went to military training and did not join Chen Fan in the commotion.

Compared to the training grounds, the boxing area was exposed to the sun from every angle, with not a hint of shade. Chen Fan instantly regretted his decision, but couldn't turn back at the last minute, so he braced himself and went ahead.

Due to his height, Chen Fan was assigned to the front row of the team, almost face-to-face with the instructor.

"Military boxing is a combat technique composed of strikes, kicks, throws, and weapon seizure. In war, soldiers face vicious enemies, not helpless lambs. Hand-to-hand combat is unavoidable, so mastering a method to subdue opponents becomes especially important."

The instructor was a sturdy young man, more amiable than the previous two, which reassured Chen Fan.

"Now, let's demonstrate the most familiar move—grappling. I'll need someone to assist." The instructor scanned the crowd and pointed to someone, "You, the third from the front, tall and sturdy."

Chen Fan shifted, counted heads, and realized he was the third.

"Oh, what a coincidence." Chen Fan nervously stepped out.

The instructor said to Chen Fan, "Imagine I'm your enemy. What move would you use to subdue me?"

A fleeting thought crossed Chen Fan's mind—a low kick, the kind every guy fears. But in public, he decided to be more refined. Since this was just a demonstration, he would stick to the script.

"Of course, aim for the heart. Watch my punch." Chen Fan took a step back, assumed a stance, and charged forward.

The instructor kept a stern expression, sidestepped the direct attack, and swiftly grabbed Chen Fan's wrist, then twisted his arm behind his back.

The move was executed with force; Chen Fan heard a crisp sound from his elbow.

The instructor noticed and asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

Chen Fan flexed his arm, felt nothing, and shook his head.

"Go back to your place."

Chen Fan returned to the lineup, and the instructor began explaining the sixteen forms of military boxing. The names were wild and brutal—throat-piercing kicks, feints to the ribs, groin strikes with elbows—all targeting vital spots.

The instructor demonstrated each move and then said, "Alright, everyone follow me, starting from the first form. Military boxing, first set—ready."

At the command, Chen Fan clenched his fists and took a horse stance.

"First move: Bow stance punch."

Chen Fan threw a heavy left hook at the air.

"Second move: Throat-piercing kick."

Chen Fan shifted his fist to an open palm, slicing forward as a blade, while his knee shot forward in a kick.

...

"Now, pair up and practice grappling. Be careful."

Chen Fan didn't know anyone, so he randomly chose a partner.

"My name's Chen Fan. What's yours?" he introduced himself.

"Hua Tianyi. I'm about to start."

Hua Tianyi rubbed his hands together with a crackling sound; his biceps were as thick as bowls. Chen Fan drew a sharp breath.

"Here we go."

Relying on his agility, Chen Fan struck first, chopping his palm at Hua Tianyi's waist, but it had no effect.

"Again."

Chen Fan quickly withdrew his hand and followed up with a left hook, still to no avail.

"Throat lock."

Chen Fan sprang up, aiming to hook Hua Tianyi's throat with his elbow.

"My turn now."

Hua Tianyi moved slowly but with tremendous strength. He blocked Chen Fan's attack just as the instructor had demonstrated, gripping Chen Fan's wrist.

"Leg sweep."

Hua Tianyi hauled Chen Fan toward himself as if in a tug-of-war. The difference in size was clear—Chen Fan lost his balance, feet off the ground.

One moment, Chen Fan was facing Hua Tianyi; the next, he was staring at the blue sky. Before he realized it, he was flat on his back.

"Are you alright? Did you get hurt?" Hua Tianyi pulled him up with one hand.

Chen Fan brushed off the dust and checked himself—no missing limbs. "I think I'm fine. Didn't feel a thing."

Hua Tianyi apologized, "Good, I used too much force. I'll be more careful next time."

Chen Fan was puzzled—the fall was dramatic, yet nothing hurt.

After a day of rolling on the grass, Chen Fan finished training, his clothes caked in dirt.

Back in the dormitory, he found his roommates already resting.

"You guys finished training so early?" Chen Fan asked.

Lai Guangyi laughed, "The uniforms only arrived tonight. Our instructor has OCD—couldn't stand seeing a bunch of mismatched colors marching, so we mostly just stood at attention today."

Chen Fan massaged his back, envious, "Standing at attention sounds nice. I started working right away and got taken down a few times, messed up my clothes."

"Military boxing is a special project for the leadership, so they push us harder. We're different; maybe we'll just coast through training," Lai Guangyi said.

Xu Changhui chimed in, "Standing at attention isn't great—half an hour without moving. I suddenly stiffened up, wearing tight pants, felt miserable."

"Is the instructor that strict?" Chen Fan asked.

Xu Changhui nodded, "Yeah, someone was shaking his leg. The instructor pulled him aside and had him rotate in the sun until he was tanned all over."

"My neighbor was even funnier. He wore cheap sandals, feet went numb after standing too long. He told the instructor he wanted to go barefoot, so he stood directly on the rubber track. I think he'll need a wheelchair for the rest of his life."

Chen Fan stood there, astonished, envy gone, grateful for his earlier wise decision.

"It's tough even in the shade. The weather's stifling. No air conditioning in the dorms—not fit for humans," Wei Youlong said, sitting on his bed, hands on a large fan.

Chen Fan didn't reply, but headed for a refreshing cold shower.

"Elder, are you there?"

When he drew his card, the old man was practicing boxing, coincidentally the moves learned today.

"Life is learning without end. Tai Chi begets two forms, two forms beget four images. Watch my Monkey Steals the Peach," the elder said, his moves so fancy one might think he was picking beans.

Chen Fan watched the whole performance and asked, "What's the function of the Guardian card? Is it for health and strength?"

The elder replied serenely, "Invincibility."