Chapter Thirty-Seven: The True Terror of Flowery Fists

For Liu Qingshan, it was imperative not to appear eager to participate in altering the script.

Thus, he spoke with a hint of trepidation, “I’ve mentioned before, I wouldn’t dare to intentionally suggest changes to the script! To be honest, if I had actually read it, I wouldn’t have all these ramblings. My own experience in acting is far from sufficient to modify anything!”

“You don’t need to be so modest. At least for the role of the assassin Ajie, you can offer a deeper analysis. I know the script’s content best, and frankly, it hasn’t paid much attention to this character!” Ye Weixing was unfazed by his refusal.

“Alright then, I’ll make sure to study the script thoroughly when I get back, and try to share my insights on the character of Ajie.”

“That’s the spirit. I’ll go say hello to Jackie Chan. I’ve heard you’re the one designing the action for this production, and Jian himself is keen to observe. We need to get Brother Jackie’s approval first.”

The next time the two met was an hour later, since they’d lingered longer on set.

Liu Qingshan was busy exchanging moves with members of the Jackie Chan Stunt Team. Zhen Zijian’s keen eye immediately discerned the finesse of the boxing techniques, which were markedly different from the earlier swordplay.

After all, the swordplay was derived from the Thirty-Six Flower Fist, and with no foundation in traditional weapons, his self-created style couldn’t compare to the mature routines of boxing.

Moreover, the moves currently in use were even more intricate than those found in the swordplay.

After watching for a few minutes, Zhen Zijian couldn’t help but quietly ask the stunt team member beside him.

Being a renowned figure in Hong Kong, the man was naturally familiar with him. “Yes, this set is called the Thirty-Six Flower Fist, a traditional boxing technique Shan Zi learned through mysterious instruction. We’ve only grasped the basics so far!”

“The basics? It seems Uncle Ping is quite adept with these moves!”

“Uncle Ping isn’t as good as me! You haven’t seen Shan Zi’s true demonstration—that’s a visual feast. It’s said he took over a decade to reach his current level!”

“Is it really that exaggerated?”

“It’s not an exaggeration at all. According to Shan Zi’s former colleagues, even months ago, no one believed he had any real skills. He explained that before truly understanding the essence of boxing, his old master forbade him from showing even half a move to outsiders!”

“The essence of boxing?”

“Yes, precisely that. We didn’t understand it before either, but after learning this ancient boxing, you deeply realize what you lack. Even now, the concept is all we have; almost everyone can sense that their routine lacks a certain spirit, like a soul.”

“A spirit? That sounds almost mystical.”

“Brother Jian, I can’t quite describe it either. If you have the chance to learn, you’ll experience the same realization we did! Shan Zi says this spirit is the essence of boxing. It’s like the vitality within the art, and only with spirit can the soul of ancient boxing be fully awakened.”

“You mean I can learn too?”

“Shan Zi is generous, never stingy with his teaching. Otherwise, why would we veterans share our expertise? Isn’t that threatening our livelihoods?”

“I was just wondering—Jackie Chan’s stunt team is no less experienced than the Hung Family team. How could a newcomer take charge?”

“It’s not about taking charge. He’s actually helping us. He worries that the older members might want to learn but are too proud to ask, so while designing the action, he’s essentially teaching us hands-on.”

Zhen Zijian fell silent for a long time. First, he’d never met such an unguarded martial artist; second, at this very moment, he was feeling the embarrassment of not wanting to lose face, yet he genuinely wished to experience this so-called essence of boxing.

Even if Liu Qingshan sensed his inner hesitation, he would never bring it up. No matter how skilled he was, he was still a newcomer, and he couldn’t propose to a martial artist of Zhen Zijian’s decades of experience: Would you like to learn my boxing?

That would not be concern, but easily misconstrued as arrogance.

But when it comes to the treasures handed down from forebears, no true martial arts enthusiast would willingly abandon them. With Zhen Zijian’s lifelong dedication, this passion had become part of his being.

And so, as his attention remained fixed, he involuntarily immersed himself, actively participating.

Choreographing martial arts is inherently fascinating, especially with dozens of people rehearsing fervently on set.

Being involved not only enriches one’s repertoire but also brings the satisfaction of seeing a dazzling move created.

Thus, the process of learning new techniques happened naturally.

Moreover, the Thirty-Six Flower Fist’s unique style was rarely seen in ordinary martial arts routines, a marvel of ingenuity.

Its enigmatic moves added tremendous spectacle to choreography and inspired boundless creativity.

As a result, Ye Weixing found himself neglected, left to the sidelines, with only Jin Xishan and Choi Myeongsoo occasionally keeping him company.

“In the stunt team, whenever Qingshan appears, it becomes the liveliest spot on set. The joy here surpasses even watching the filming—that’s the allure of ancient traditions, isn’t it?” Despite needing Park Hyun-hee to interpret, Choi Myeongsoo couldn’t help but remark.

As a leading star in Korea, Ye Weixing dared not be careless. “Your country’s taekwondo is much like many of our martial arts—more performance than practical. Shan Zi’s ancient boxing is closer to combat, yet still retains its spectacle. It’s no wonder the scene is so lively.”

“There’s more to it. Though it’s still called boxing, it demands tremendous coordination, balance, and flexibility. Even as an outsider, I can see its powerful practicality. By observing closely, you realize this ferocious standing technique, with its bizarre moves, makes it nearly impossible to defend. The moves aren’t bound by fixed routines—doesn’t it look like free improvisation to us outsiders?”

“Yes, I see it too. At first, Zhen Zijian’s close-combat techniques seemed completely helpless against these inexplicable moves!”

“Haha, these aren’t strange moves, but each punch cleverly lands during Ajian’s transitions. It’s not a life-or-death fight; Ajian’s usual tactics are disrupted, and after losing a move, it’s hard to reorganize an effective counterattack.”

Jackie Chan appeared suddenly, his analysis more professional.

“It’s the marvel of ancient boxing, right?” asked Choi Myeongsoo.

“Absolutely. Now, look—the one sparring with Ajian is Uncle Ping. Though he’s a veteran fighter in our team, his real skill is inferior. Yet Ajian struggles to respond, because he’s losing at move analysis, unable to find a suitable counter in the moment.”

“But in a real fight, Uncle Ping wouldn’t be able to withstand him, right?” Jin Xishan was clearly interested.

“Yes, Ajian’s true strength is undeniable. But against an opponent of equal skill, they’d be instantly defeated—that’s the power of Shan Zi’s ancient boxing! In real combat, no one gives you time to think about countermeasures. And notice, this boxing appears highly entertaining, but its lethality is terrifying. If there’s intent to kill, it could end a life in a single move—no exaggeration.”

“How come I don’t see that? It seems far less dangerous than Qingshan’s swordplay!”

Ye Weixing’s tone brimmed with doubt.

“Haha, Director Ye, it involves complex expertise, difficult to explain. Let me put it this way—have you heard of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? It’s a grappling art with no rigid routines, no formulaic drills, everything is about precise leverage, locking onto the opponent’s fatal vulnerabilities. Shan Zi’s Flower Fist is similar in essence—it can use any move from the opponent as leverage, delivering destructive blows to their weakest points.”

“Leverage? Doesn’t that require contact with the opponent’s body? But I see this boxing doesn’t even touch them!” Choi Myeongsoo questioned.

“That’s where Flower Fist differs—it’s called ‘flower’ because its punches are so fast, they seem not to touch at all. This method of counterattacking with borrowed force is so unpredictable, no one can discern its patterns. Or rather, its punching follows no rules!”

“No rules—that’s just random brawling, isn’t it?” Jin Xishan laughed.

“Absolutely not. ‘No rules’ means no restrictions. You don’t often watch combat sports, do you? Even free-fighting and MMA have rules. Without restrictions, many would be killed. The brilliance of Flower Fist is breaking free from these constraints, so it appears bizarre and enigmatic, leaving opponents at a loss!”

“Ah, after this explanation, it really is a bit like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!”

Ye Weixing seemed to understand. In the entertainment circles of Hong Kong, he was known as the most knowledgeable about martial arts among those not skilled in them; otherwise, he wouldn’t have made so many acclaimed martial arts films.

“The resemblance is real, but Flower Fist is far more dangerous. Jiu-Jitsu needs close contact, while this applies leverage to the opponent’s joints at the moment of attack, and immediately retreats. The principle of leverage allows a fighter to achieve their aim with minimal effort. Those who rely on brute force are easily exploited by skilled practitioners. Mastering it grants a technical advantage, and combined with its unique power generation, it’s no surprise that equally matched opponents are instantly overwhelmed!”

With Jackie Chan’s explanation, the outsiders finally realized the true terror of the Flower Fist.