The Key of Infinite Paths

Untitled Part 19

The day after Liu Jian's unexpected dance session, a few curious disciples approached him in the bamboo forest, where he had been practicing.

"Hey, Liu Jian," one of them called out. "What exactly were you doing yesterday? Those moves looked... different."

Liu Jian, still slightly embarrassed by his impromptu dance practice, hesitated for a moment before answering. "It's called dancing," he explained, trying to sound as confident as possible. "It's an incredible way to loosen up a stiff body and make your movements smooth and free, like flowing water. It also brings a lot of energy and motivation."

The disciples listened intently, intrigued by this new concept. "Really?" another disciple asked, his eyes wide with interest. "You're saying dancing can help with training?"

Liu Jian nodded. "Yeah, in my hometown, many guys became really popular with the women because they were good at dancing. It's not just about looking cool; it actually helps with flexibility and stamina. Plus, it's fun."

The disciples exchanged glances, clearly excited by the idea. "So, dancing can make us better swordsmen and popular with women?" one of them asked, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

Liu Jian chuckled. "Well, I'm still working on the swordsman part, but it definitely helps with the smoothness of your movements. As for popularity... who knows?"

With that, the disciples were sold on the idea. They eagerly asked Liu Jian to show them more of these dance moves, wanting to experience the benefits he had described. Liu Jian, still trying to maintain his composure, agreed to teach them what little he knew.

And so, as the day went on, the disciples began practicing the dance moves with newfound enthusiasm, turning the bamboo forest into a lively scene of swirling, spinning, and laughter.

The following week, the school administration made an unexpected decision: they officially allocated an hour each day for dance sessions to help disciples loosen their muscles and boost motivation. Liu Jian, now seen as the resident dance expert, was appointed as the instructor for these classes.

At first, the other disciples were skeptical, but Liu Jian's enthusiasm was contagious. He introduced a series of new exercises designed to blend traditional training with dance, incorporating rhythmic movements and coordinated steps. The classes quickly became a hit, with laughter and lively chatter filling the courtyard.

Among the new characters joining the scene were:

Li Mei, a disciplined but shy disciple with a secret passion for music, who had always been hesitant to join group activities. She found herself drawn to the dance classes, her once-hidden talent for Chinese instruments becoming a central part of the sessions.

Zhao Kun, a burly but light-hearted disciple known for his powerful sword strikes, was initially hesitant about dancing. However, he surprised everyone with his unexpected grace and rhythm, turning into a dance sensation.

Xiao Lan, a cheerful and energetic disciple who had a knack for picking up new skills quickly. Her enthusiasm was infectious, and she often led the dance routines with exuberant flair.

The dance classes began with radio calisthenics, a warm-up exercise that combined traditional Chinese music with dynamic movements. The music was played on traditional instruments like the guqin, a zither-like string instrument, and the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument. The instruments produced a harmonious blend of melodies that set the tone for the calisthenics.

Liu Jian would lead the class through a series of movements synchronized to the music. The exercises started with gentle stretches, followed by rhythmic stepping and flowing arm movements. The guqin's delicate strings provided a serene backdrop while the erhu's mournful tones added a touch of drama. The combination of the music and movement created an atmosphere that was both calming and invigorating.

During one session, as Liu Jian demonstrated a particularly elaborate dance move, Zhao Kun attempted to mimic him. His attempt was so exaggerated that he ended up flailing his arms wildly, nearly colliding with a nearby student who was just trying to practice a basic step. The student yelped in surprise, while Zhao Kun sheepishly tried to regain his balance. The class erupted in laughter at the sight.

"Looks like Zhao Kun's version of the 'Whirling Tiger' is more of a 'Twirling Tornado'," one disciple joked, causing another round of laughter.

Li Mei, seated at her guqin, started playing a faster tune, which led to a spontaneous dance-off between Xiao Lan and Zhao Kun. Xiao Lan's graceful spins contrasted with Zhao Kun's energetic stomps, creating a hilariously chaotic scene.

Meanwhile, the school's decision to include dance classes sparked a new trend. Disciplines took their dance skills to the streets, hoping to boost their popularity. Some performed elaborate routines in bustling town squares, drawing curious crowds and earning cheers. Soon, neighboring schools caught wind of the phenomenon and began organizing their own dance competitions.

As the weeks passed, Liu Jian introduced more exercises, including "Waving Wind" and "Flowing Stream", which were designed to enhance flexibility and fluidity. These exercises involved intricate arm and leg movements, coordinated with gentle and melodious music.

One day, as the dance classes continued to draw attention, the school announced a grand dance competition to showcase the talents developed over the past weeks. The competition promised to be a blend of traditional martial arts and modern dance, with disciples eagerly preparing their routines.

In the midst of all this, Liu Jian couldn't help but chuckle at the turn of events. His initial attempts to ease stiffness through dance had inadvertently turned into a full-blown dance craze. The once-serious martial arts school now resembled a lively dance studio, and Liu Jian, the unlikely dance instructor, had become the star of the show.

As the competition drew near, the disciples were abuzz with excitement, each hoping to win the coveted title of "Dance Master of the Courtyard." Liu Jian watched with a mix of amusement and pride, marveling at how his dance classes had transformed the school into a vibrant and entertaining spectacle.