Teacher Lai had already taken his position, patiently awaiting Ceric's arrival. Together, they made a grand entrance into the room, where a diverse group of students, spanning from as young as sixteen to the eldest at twenty-five, had gathered. Although Ceric was personally acquainted with most of them, he conducted a brief roll call to ensure that everyone was present.
Upon completing the roll call, Teacher Lai stepped forward to address the students. "Thank you, Teacher Ceric," he began. "I'm delighted that you've chosen to stay with us during the break, as the knowledge you're about to gain here is truly invaluable."
Excitement visibly coursed through some of the students as Teacher Lai continued, his voice exuding confidence and assurance. "Starting tomorrow, I'll be guiding you through the evolution of the Mantis Style, while Teacher Ceric will be imparting his expertise in the Iron Palm technique. Each style possesses its unique strengths and weaknesses, but when combined with complementary styles like blocking, you'll become very proficient. Does anyone here have prior knowledge of the Mantis Style?"
A few students eagerly raised their hands, prompting Lai to engage with them. "Yes, you," he pointed to a female student.
"I know a bit," she began. "I've heard it's supposed to make you stronger."
Lai smiled appreciatively. "Indeed, strength is one of its benefits. Any others?"
Two students lowered their hands, leaving one young man on his right still eager to contribute.
"What about you?" Lai inquired.
"I've heard it can enable you to puncture things with your fingers," he replied.
Lai nodded, impressed by his understanding. "You're on the right track."
"How long does it take to master the technique?" the curious student asked.
Teacher Lai paused thoughtfully. "Let me ask you this: do you ever truly master a martial arts style?"
The boy looked puzzled.
Lai elaborated, "The answer is no. You never truly master a style."
“But—” the boy exclaimed not fully understanding.
“You’ll understand my point over time.”
The discussion eventually came to an end with Teacher Lai showing off his prowess. He gracefully transitioned into a series of pushups, starting with five fingers and progressively reducing the number of fingers until he was doing them with just one finger. Afterward, he astounded the students with a headstand, proceeding to perform more pushups with just one arm. Impressed, Ceric watched in awe and couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy for not having learned such a skill.
"That's what you can look forward to in the future," Lai remarked, gracefully turning upright. The students erupted into applause as Teacher Lai exited the stage.
Teacher Ceric then took center stage and commended, "That was truly impressive."
The students responded with another round of applause.
"I've decided to show you the power of the Iron Palm style," Teacher Ceric announced, his voice steady and confident. "Prepare to be amazed."
He nodded to Lai, who promptly brought out a wooden dummy and positioned it in front of the eager audience. The auditorium fell into hushed anticipation.
"I'll need a volunteer," Ceric requested. A young female near the front raised her hand and was invited to join him.
"Jin is your name, right?" Ceric confirmed, and the girl nodded in agreement.
"Inspect the dummy and ensure nothing is out of the ordinary," Ceric instructed.
Jin diligently examined the wooden dummy, then shrugged and stepped away.
"Did you find anything?" Ceric inquired.
"No," she replied.
"Good. Now, select two spots on the dummy's body for me to strike. They can be anywhere," Ceric instructed.
Jin circled the dummy and pointed to two spots on its back with confidence.
Ceric smiled. "Are you certain?"
Jin nodded again.
Ceric moved to the back of the dummy, raised his hands with palms outward, and struck the designated spots. He withdrew his hands and turned the dummy toward the audience before stepping back.
Some of the students whispered to one another trying to understand what Teacher Ceric did to the dummy, because he didn’t leave a mark on the surface.
"Jin, tap the dummy's back," Ceric instructed.
Jin complied, and within a moment, two pieces of wood in the shape of a handprint fell away.
"Teacher Ceric, that was amazing!" Jin exclaimed.
"Step back," Ceric commanded, now facing the dummy's head. He drew back his left hand and delivered a powerful blow onto the top of the dummy's head. The wood shattered into two pieces, sending them flying into the audience.
The students erupted into cheers, hooting and hollering in amazement.
"And that's the remarkable power of the Iron Palm," Teacher Ceric declared with pride. "That concludes our demonstration for today. Now, it's time for you to attend to your chores, and we'll reconvene for a meal together."
Dinner was served in the grand hall. Teachers Lai and Teacher Ceric entered shortly after the students had taken their seats. In a show of respect, the students rose and bowed to their teachers, who reciprocated the gesture.
As Teachers Lai and Ceric moved through the room, one of them would pick a specific table to sit at. They wanted to give the students an opportunity to ask them anything they wanted and it was a way for the teachers get more connected to the students.
"Good evening, Kova, Sing Yu, Jiang, and young Parth," Ceric greeted them warmly. "May we join you?" Teacher Lai asked.
"It would be an honor, Sifu," Parth replied with a smile. Ceric returned the smile.
"Are you all excited for tomorrow?" Ceric inquired once they were seated.
"Oh yes," Kova responded enthusiastically.
"Me too," Sing Yu chimed in.
Parth's eyes lit up with excitement. "You have no idea, Sifu! I can't wait to train," he exclaimed, clenching his fist in the air.
Ceric turned his attention to Jiang. "What about you, Jiang?"
She smiled graciously. "I feel very honored, Sifu."
"Good," Teacher Lai added. "It will be a special day, so pay close attention and take thorough notes."
Curiosity bubbling, Parth asked, "Who am I going to train with?"
"We've prepared a list by the entrance, so you'll have to wait until we finish eating to find out," Lai replied.
Ceric scanned the room. "Has anyone seen Teacher Tianna Wei?" he inquired.
"No, Sifu," Kova replied.
"Would you like me to go and see if she's alright, Sifu?" Sing Yu offered.
Ceric nodded appreciatively. "That would be great. Take some food with you."
Sing Yu left on her mission, and soon enough, the students were served their meals. The cook, Janryc, was the last to leave the kitchen and joined the group.
Ceric leaned in to savor the aroma of the freshly prepared meal, consisting of baked fish, long-grain rice, and vegetables. His stomach rumbled. "Janryc, this is a splendid meal you've prepared," he complimented.
Janryc, with cropped hair, nodded in gratitude.
"Hmm, it smells great," Teacher Lai added.
Ceric tasted a bit of everything on his plate. "Janryc, you've outdone yourself. The meal is as delicious as ever."
"Thank you, Sifu. The recipe was passed down from my grandmother," Janryc proudly revealed.
"How's the restaurant doing?" Kova inquired as she poked a potato with her fork.
Janryc smiled at her. "It's been much better since they rebuilt it after the fire."
“I’m so glad no one got hurt,” Jiang said and brushed his hand for comfort.
"Kova, how long have you been at the school?" Ceric asked changing the subject.
Kova fidgeted slightly with her fork. "I've been here for six moons, Sifu."
"And what has Sifu Jacko been teaching you so far?"
"Blocking," she replied. "He said that if I can't defend myself, then all other techniques are useless." She grinned.
Ceric chuckled. "That's good advice."
He then turned to Parth, curious about his progress. "What about you, Parth? What have you been learning?"
Parth looked at the teacher with enthusiasm. "I've been learning the Iron Feet, Sifu."
"How are your kicks coming along?"
"Very well, Sir. I can break a few boards and almost achieve a full straddle split."
"Wonderful. Teacher Ti mentioned that you might be due for a promotion soon."
Parth practically burst with excitement. "Really?"
"Yes and I'll be the one testing you," Ceric reminded him. "And don't forget, you'll need to spar with someone at your level."
Ceric then turned his attention to Kova and Janryc. "Now, Kova and Janryc, tell us about what you've learned and what you hope to accomplish."
Kova put her fork down. "Sifu Jacko is teaching me the Three-Finger Style, and I hope to master the Iron Palm by next fall."
"Excellent," Ceric praised her. "This week will be particularly special for you."
Janryc finished chewing his food and added, "I'm currently learning the Iron Feet and blocking, so I'm hoping to be ready for the Dragon style by next fall."
Teacher Lai interjected, "The Dragon technique is good, but the Eagle style is even more formidable."
Janryc furrowed his brow inquisitively. "How so?"
"The Dragon Claw is effective for tearing at your opponent's body," Teacher Lai explained, "but if you strike with the Eagle Fist, it's doubtful they'll be getting back up."
"I thought they were the same," Ceric noted.
"Many think that way," he agreed.
Sing Yu returned with news. "Teacher Tianna Wei is feeling better, but she's not well enough to come down," she reported as she took her seat.
"Thank you, Sing," Teacher Lai acknowledged.
After the meal concluded, the students cleared the dishes, while Teacher Lai headed to the study and Teacher Ceric visited Teacher Tianna Wei.
Ceric lightly knocked on Tianna’s door.
"Who is it?" she called from somewhere inside, her voice hoarse.
"Tianna, it's me, Ceric," he gently called.
"Come in."
Ceric opened the door and inquired, "Where are you?"
"Where do you think?" she sniffled. "In bed," she sounded congested.
In her bedroom, Tianna Wei was tucked under the covers, with her head propped up by two pillows. A tray of half-eaten food sat on the table next to the bed. She looked unwell, with a flushed face, a red nose, and disheveled hair.
"How do you feel?" Ceric asked, concern in his voice.
Tianna coughed. "Miserable. I haven't been this sick in years."
Ceric approached the bed. "Did you like the food Sing Yu brought?"
"I can't taste anything."
"It was good," Ceric said as he placed his hand on her forehead. It was warm. "You're running a fever."
"Tell me something I don't know."
"Are you always this grumpy when you're sick?"
Tianna smirked, "Yes."
Ceric chuckled, handing her a cup of water. "Drink this; you need to stay hydrated."
Tianna initially refused, but Ceric lifted the cup to her lips, determined. "You're drinking this one way or the other."
She shot him an angry look but finally took the cup from him, wincing as she drank the water. "This is so painful. Can you get me another shirt; this one is soaked."
Ceric went to the dresser and gave her a blue shirt and then turned away so that she could change.
A few seconds later, she said, "Alright, I'm done."
When Ceric looked back at her, he was greeted by her sweaty shirt in his face. "I thought you weren't feeling well?"
"I'm not, but I had the strength to do that," she laughed before breaking into a coughing fit.
"Serves you right," Ceric laughed. "I take it you won't be teaching tomorrow."
"Unless the gods make me feel better."
"Lai and I are going to teach the students, the Mantis and Iron Palm."
She shook her head. "If Jacko finds out, he's going to be really upset."
"I know, but he's away, and Lai and I want to reward them for staying," Ceric explained, straightening. "I'm going to turn in. I'll check on you tomorrow."
"Thanks for stopping by," she smiled.
"When you're up to it, let's go for a ride and have a picnic. I know a quiet place with a view of the valley. You'll love it."
"That sounds great," Tianna smiled.
Later that night, a soft knock echoed on Ceric's door. He answered it and received a letter addressed to Jacko from the Order of the Open Palm marked as urgent in the left-hand corner. Ceric thanked the student who had delivered it and took a seat at his table. He unfolded the note, bringing it closer to the flickering candle.
The letter conveyed that a teacher from the Order of the Open Palm would be visiting for an inspection, emphasizing the need for utmost respect and cooperation during their assignment. However, the nature of this assignment remained undisclosed, leaving Ceric questioning what that really means.
What made the situation even more peculiar was the absence of a signature. Moreover, the Order seldom sent representatives to the school, as they had disapproved of Jacko's decision to open it in the first place.
"Very strange," Ceric murmured to himself.
He decided to discuss it with Teacher Lai in the morning and placed the letter on top of his dresser.
Afterward, Ceric changed into his nightclothes and climbed into bed. He picked up a book from the nightstand titled 'The Art of the Whispering Palm' and began reading it until his eyelids grew heavy a few pages later. He extinguished the candle and drifted off to sleep, thoughts of the mysterious letter lingering in his mind.