Chapter 25

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Chapter 25: First, Let You Experience the Unity of Man and Ball

The next day, Mugang Xian woke up very early, put on a fitted sports outfit, carefully chose a pair of well-fitting sneakers, and packed a mountain backpack filled with clothes and various supplies before heading out.

"Hey, Gorilla, you’re here so early!" When he arrived at the meeting spot, a quiet bus stop on the outskirts of Deep City, Mugang Xian heard a teasing and casual greeting from afar.

"Don’t call me Gorilla, you jealous Dwarf Monkey!"

"Well, you’re tall, but who told you to look so rugged?"

Mugang Xian had a distinctive appearance: a square face, thick lips, large ears, and a very short hairstyle that showed his scalp. He did look a bit rugged, but he didn’t really look like a Gorilla just based on his looks; he could be seen as overly mature and it was hard to tell that he was a high school student. However, his height of 1.97 meters and his strong, muscular body made him look quite Gorilla-like.

The person Mugang Xian called Dwarf Monkey was named Gongcheng Liang. He had a strange mushroom-shaped haircut, wore earrings, and had a nonchalant expression. He was also a key member of the basketball team, but stood only 1.68 meters tall, which is why Mugang Xian called him Dwarf Monkey.

The two looked at each other and were not surprised that they both arrived an hour early, and then they quietly began to wait. Twenty minutes later, their third companion arrived.

"Hey, four-eyes, you’re really slow!"

"Sorry, I thought this counted as being early!"

Mugong Yan didn’t expect the two to arrive so early, and felt a bit embarrassed. He was 178 cm tall, about the average height of the two, and wore glasses. Compared to the very distinctive looks of Mugang Xian and Gongcheng Liang, he seemed a bit plain.

"You’re silly! Of course, we need to come early! What if the master thinks we are not sincere enough?" Although Gongcheng Liang said this, his tone did not show any blame. The three of them had been friends since middle school, all loved playing basketball, and moved on to high school together, joining Long Aotian’s basketball club; they were indeed best buddies.

"Where’s the master? Hasn’t he arrived yet? By the way, didn’t the master say this training has no limit on the number of people? Why are we the only ones here?"

Mugong Yan was a little confused. Mugang Xian said seriously, "The master hasn’t come yet. Aotian couldn’t make it because of health reasons. As for why I didn’t call anyone else, it’s simple. Don’t forget that the other members of the basketball club were bribed by those spoiled rich kids! They are not reliable, and I don’t want my teammates to have problems during the game just because of a little money!"

Mugang Xian was very respected among the three; he was the true big brother. After hearing this, Mugong Yan and Gongcheng Liang nodded in agreement. Their last experience of being left with just the three of them midway through a game when a teammate gave up was truly terrible.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye. Just as the three were getting anxious, Bai Qige appeared. He still used the Myriad Illusions Sky Slash to transform into Monk Wet Dream, but instead of wearing a monk robe, he changed into a simple Kung Fu outfit. His unique looks and aura overshadowed any clothing he wore, and when he appeared, Mugang Xian immediately bowed politely, saying, "Hello, Master!"

"Hehe, no need for formalities, young one. Just call me coach! There are too many people here to chat. Please follow me!"

At this moment, Mugang Xian and the others felt very excited, especially Mugang Xian. He had loved basketball since he was young, and during his journey to chase his basketball dream, he had worked hard and sweated a lot, constantly honing his skills. Compared to his peers, both in physique and skill, he was outstanding. But he knew he was still far from being a top professional player, especially after the last game where he was overpowered; it made him realize he still needed time to train and grow. However, after witnessing Monk Wet Dream’s incredible performance, he suddenly felt there might be another path to reach the peak of basketball. Therefore, he looked very serious, even with a hint of fervor, but soon, his excitement wavered.

"Hey, Gorilla, why did the master bring us here?"

Gongcheng Liang whispered softly, and Mugang Xian frowned slightly as he looked at the neon sign of the Shanghai nightclub. He then glanced at the glammed-up hostess at the entrance, who seemed to have a somewhat inappropriate allure, and found it strange. Still, he forced himself to act calm, "Maybe the master has other intentions. Let’s not say too much for now and just follow him!"

The hostess at the entrance noticed the group and looked puzzled. An elderly bald man with a gentle expression and two long white eyebrows looked like a wise hermit. A few tall guys, who clearly looked like students and were together at the nightclub, seemed odd. However, these days, anyone willing to spend money is treated as a VIP, so she didn’t say anything.

Bai Qige reserved a private room, and once inside, the expressions of Mugang Xian and the others became even stranger. Although it was daytime, the nightclub was quite busy; the lighting was dim, the music was suggestive, and the women were dressed provocatively. Faint sounds of couples enjoying themselves could be heard, making it clear what the nightclub was all about.

Once in the room, Bai Qige asked what the three wanted to drink. Mugang Xian and the others hesitated for a moment and ordered drinks like milk and juice, while Bai Qige confidently ordered the best and most expensive liquor in the nightclub. When he said this, the server’s eyes lit up, and she looked at Bai Qige with a flirtatious gaze. Anyone who could casually order a drink costing four hundred thousand would surely seem very charming!

Bai Qige waved the server away, picked up the bottle, and sat down, leaning lazily against the leather sofa. As he poured himself a drink, he noticed the three of them watching and smiled kindly.

"Hehe, are you curious why the old monk drinks? In fact, it’s not strange at all. Lanruo Temple upholds the principles of ancient Buddhism, which do not ban alcohol and meat. The idea is that while food passes through the body, Buddha’s teachings remain in the heart. Of course, this is true for me. For you all, remember the last two lines of the Buddha’s poetry!"

"What are the last two lines?" Not everyone has a great memory; at least Gongcheng Liang doesn’t. Bai Qige’s smile was slightly unusual as he replied softly, "The last two lines say that if people learn from me, it’s like entering a devil’s path! But this is just a side note; let’s get to the main point. You three really want to sincerely follow me to learn how to play basketball?"

"Coach, we truly do!"

"Alright, alright! As long as you are determined, nothing is difficult. As the saying goes, basketball is not a game for one person, but a team sport. Strength, stamina, willpower, teamwork, and tactics are all essential. If you really want to learn how to play basketball from me, it will be a very hard training process. I must ask again, are you truly determined?"

"Coach, don’t worry! No matter how tough the training is, we can endure it!"

Upon hearing Mugang Xian’s repeated promises, Bai Qige’s eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of danger, but it quickly disappeared, and he returned to his kind and wise demeanor.

"Well then, I won’t be polite. Starting today, I will be your basketball coach. Rest assured, I will train you well. By the way, first hand over your phones. No outside contact during training! And here is a Heart Sutra manual. I will give you some time to memorize it quickly!"

Hearing that they could touch the legendary martial arts manual so soon, the three were extremely excited and didn’t care why Bai Qige took their phones. They focused intensely on the manual and repeated their memorization. The so-called manual needed no further explanation, as it was the Basic Heart Sutra that Bai Qige was willing to share. Soon after, the three had memorized the manual perfectly. After checking their knowledge, Bai Qige’s smile became more kind, and he said to them:

"Alright, you can practice the Heart Sutra manual slowly later. We will officially start class now, beginning with theory. Mugang Xian, you are the vice president of the basketball club, but as I understand it, my student Long Aotian is only a nominal owner; his skills are not as good as yours, and you usually handle all the club’s affairs. You are the true soul of the basketball club. Let me ask you, what does basketball mean to you? Or how do you view basketball?"

Throughout history, in many fantasy martial arts stories, when a master imparts unique skills and enlightens the protagonist, it often begins with such mysterious questions. Mugang Xian and the others immediately felt the profound atmosphere. Mugang Xian pondered solemnly for a moment.

"To me, basketball should be a sport, where we constantly challenge ourselves and our opponents while continually improving ourselves!"

Bai Qige maintained a calm and indifferent expression, which made Mugang Xian feel quite uneasy, unsure if his answer would please the master.

"Is that your opinion? I have to say, it’s very childish and naive!"

Mugang Xian’s face immediately turned red. He didn’t know what to say. Bai Qige shook his head and continued, "Your view is quite simple. For you, basketball is just a competition! And this so-called competition is nothing but another name for a game! Seeing what you pursue as a game and seeking joy in it is a lighthearted attitude, like a floating cloud, easily blown away! It has no weight and no value! Ask yourself, if your skills are poor or you get injured and can never participate in a real game again, will you devote yourself to basketball or leave feeling sad, only to forget how you feel today in a few years?"

After a pause, Bai Qige added, "Even without such an abstract example, let’s be practical. Do you really plan to rely on basketball for a living after you graduate? Do you know how many players in the Yanhuang Empire’s basketball world can support a family? How many basketball players can secure their lives after retirement? Can you bear the pressure of receiving a meager prize money each month, making your parents struggle, and facing the scorn and criticism from those around you while still pursuing your dreams?"

Mugang Xian was left speechless. This conversation, so realistic and social, rendered him at a loss for words because he hadn’t thought that far ahead!

"As the saying goes, forget it! I know you wouldn’t understand the teachings of Buddhism. There’s a saying in the West, ‘If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight and the dirt that comes with it!’ Nothing comes easily in life, and basketball is no different. Even the most beautiful words need to be spoken with the right understanding to be convincing! Have you ever read a martial arts novel?"

Nowadays, most young people have read some, and even if they haven’t, the various series on TV convey a similar meaning, so the three nodded. Bai Qige said slowly:

"I’ve read them too, and I particularly admire one phrase: ‘Aside from the sword, there is nothing else!’ It captures many unspoken thoughts in just one sentence. In martial arts novels, it’s called the ‘Path of the Sword.’ But applied to reality, it’s about pouring all your thoughts, aspirations, beliefs, and persistence into what you pursue, and then letting it guide your life and future, unwavering and timeless. You can call this ‘The Way of Basketball!’"

Bai Qige’s voice grew softer, gradually filled with a strange charm, firmly imprinting these words in the minds of the three boys. At this moment, the room was dimly lit, making it hard for them to see Bai Qige’s expression, let alone the hint of darkness slowly revealing in his eyes.

"Master, I understand now. My previous thoughts were indeed too naive!" Under Bai Qige’s words, Mugang Xian felt a rush of excitement. He realized something. Watching videos of top basketball players, he always sensed there was something they had that he didn’t. What could it be? Now, it suddenly dawned on him that those top players might have integrated their lives into the game, and for them, basketball could be more than just a competition; it might carry something deeper, something irreplaceable!

Young people, a few words can really fire you up, how innocent! I couldn’t help but mumble to myself, but Bai Qige kept a straight face and seized the moment.

"Great, it looks like you three are all excited. I won’t bore you with dry theories; let’s jump right into practical training. The idea of ‘entering the path’ is deep and personal, but it can also be learned. First, we need to help you get familiar with basketball. Do you think that playing in games and practicing in training is all the time you spend with basketball? Wrong! That’s a big mistake. A good swordsman never parts with his sword; it follows him for life. To step into The Way of Basketball, you must do the same. Only when you reach a state where you and the ball become one can you say you’ve crossed the threshold! Come on, I have prepared balls for you. Get familiar with them quickly because we will start practical training soon!"

Bai Qige threw the backpack to Mugang Xian, who opened it with excitement, ready to take out the ball for Bai Qige’s unknown practical training. But when he actually pulled out the ball, he looked confused.

"Master, what is this?"

"Don’t call me master; call me coach. This is a ball!"

"Master, oh no, coach, this is a bowling ball, not a basketball!"

"They’re all balls, so don’t worry about the details. I chose a bowling ball for you to get used to because it has holes you can stick your fingers in to hold it tightly in your hands! Hurry up and grip it; we’re off to the first practical training! Oh, I almost forgot, there are three masks in the bag. Put them on quickly. During the training, I won’t call your names but your code names. Mugang Xian, you’ll be called Gorilla. Gongcheng Liang, you’ll be Dwarf Monkey. Mugong Yan, you’ll be Four-Eyed Toad. Understand? If you do, let’s go!"

Mugang Xian, Gongcheng Liang, and Mugong Yan looked at each other blankly, then quickly put on the three masks from the bag under Bai Qige’s urging. The masks were classic, often seen in movies as standard gear for bank robbers. The three of them each held a bowling ball, looking like robbers ready for a heist.

Seeing the three of them ready, Bai Qige took the lead, kicking the door to the room open with a crash. The staff and guests in the nightclub turned to see what was happening, and then Bai Qige announced loudly:

"Evil villains of Bloody Earth, I, the monk from Lanruo Temple, named Wet Dream, have come today with my disciple to do the right thing, uphold justice, and enjoy a free meal. You wicked rogues, come out and face your end!"