122. Flow Dojo (2/2)

After school, Tongsi accompanied Shi Yuexin to the Flowing Heart Dojo, located in a rather remote area of Jiahua City. Unlike the Jiahua Gym situated in the heart of the city, the Flowing Heart Dojo appeared remarkably shabby. Through online research, Tongsi had learned the distinction between a gym and a dojo: each city has exactly one gym, while all other similar establishments are referred to as dojos. In some impoverished rural towns, there are only dojos and no gyms at all. These dojos exist to provide local rookie trainers with a place for specialized training.

Like gyms, dojos accept apprentices, but one must first pass an entrance examination. Only those who pass can join the dojo as an apprentice. Through persistent effort, an apprentice may eventually be promoted to a disciple of the dojo master. In the future, when the old master retires, the dojo is passed down to the most outstanding disciple. In essence, unlike gyms, which are appointed by the League, dojos are hereditary.

"Is this the Flowing Heart Dojo?" Tongsi gazed at the plaque, which looked weathered by years of wind and rain.

"Yes... it is a bit dilapidated, isn't it?" Shi Yuexin teased, a rare occurrence for her.

Tongsi coughed, feeling slightly awkward. It was obvious that since Shi Yuexin had brought him here, she must have some connection to the place. He couldn't very well agree that it was too run-down.

"It's not bad," Tongsi replied with a forced smile.

Shi Yuexin didn't pay it much mind and led him inside. Contrary to its exterior, the interior was spotlessly clean. On either side, several apprentices were sitting in meditation.

"Junior Sister? You're back..." Upon seeing Shi Yuexin, several senior disciples hurried out to greet her.

"Hello, Senior Sister!" The apprentices also chimed in, addressing her with the same title. Even those older than her were required to call her Senior Sister. Whether in a gym or a dojo, everything is based on seniority, and seniority is tied to one's strength. Although Shi Yuexin was the youngest disciple in the Flowing Heart Dojo, a disciple’s status is higher than an apprentice’s, so the apprentices were required to address her politely.

"You guys certainly have a large turnout here," Tongsi remarked, scratching his cheek. He hadn't expected this seemingly small dojo to have so many people inside. Of course, his impression of it being small was only based on his view from the outside. In reality, the entire dojo extended far back, covering a vast area. As the saying goes, one cannot judge a book by its cover, nor a building by its facade. The scale of the Flowing Heart Dojo was far greater than that of the Jiahua Gym.

A bald senior disciple walked over. Seeing Shi Yuexin bring a male classmate to the dojo—a rare sight—he couldn't help but ask, "Junior Sister, who is this?"

"This is Eighth Senior Brother. This is Tongsi, a junior from my school," Shi Yuexin explained politely.

"Oh..." The Eighth Senior Brother nodded, scrutinized Tongsi for a moment, and then walked away.

"Senior Sister, you don't intend for me to join the Flowing Heart Dojo, do you?" Tongsi asked, puzzled.

"Hmm? Otherwise, why would I bring you here?" Shi Yuexin countered.

Tongsi frowned. At first, he thought she was just bringing him to the dojo to observe, but upon arriving, he realized there were only disciples and apprentices—hardly a place for casual visitors. More importantly, he noticed that most of the disciples and apprentices were bald. Could it be that baldness was the latest trend? Tongsi felt a wave of panic. Was it possible that the stronger one’s "flowing heart" became, the balder one got? He had heard the famous saying: "I have become stronger, and I have become balder." He touched his own head, worried about the fate of his handsome hair.

"We're here. This is where the entrance test for the Flowing Heart Dojo is held. The assessment period doesn't officially start for another three or four days, but you can take it early. Those who pass can join as apprentices. Tongsi, do you want to try?" Shi Yuexin led him into a vacant room that was completely empty.

"The test... what is the content of the test?" Tongsi asked.

"It's a secret!" With that, Shi Yuexin left the room and locked the door behind her.

Tongsi was left standing there, completely bewildered. "???" He wondered what the test was supposed to be. She hadn't said a word, just brought him here and left? He wandered around the room; it was about twenty square meters and utterly empty, with no cracks or openings in the walls. Aside from a single oil lamp providing a faint glimmer, the room was pitch black.

Five minutes passed, and Tongsi felt speechless. Half an hour passed, and he began to doze off. An hour passed, and he couldn't take it anymore.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" Tongsi walked to the door and shouted. No response. He shouted again. Still no response. He took out his phone to message Shi Yuexin, only to find that there was no signal in the room, let alone Wi-Fi.

"Are you guys at least going to feed me?" he yelled again. Still, silence.

He had no choice but to accept his fate. He returned to the center of the room, sat down, and began to meditate. He didn't know how much time had passed when the door finally opened. It was already dark outside, and Shi Yuexin entered carrying a lamp.

"Tongsi, your test is over. Come with me."

Hearing this, Tongsi stood up, only to find his legs numb from sitting for so long. "Hey, Senior Sister, isn't this a bit much? Locking me in a dark, empty room without even telling me what the test was about? Wait... what did you say? The test is over?"

He complained as he reached the doorway, realizing what she had said.

"Yes, your test... although it was barely a pass, it counts." Shi Yuexin handed the lamp to Tongsi and headed toward the corridor. Tongsi followed her, still confused.

"Wait, Senior Sister, I still don't understand. Didn't you say the test hadn't started yet? How is it already over? Did I pass or not?"

Shi Yuexin couldn't help but smile at his questioning. "I just told you that you barely passed, so of course that means you passed. Congratulations, Apprentice Tongsi. Welcome to the Flowing Heart Dojo."

She extended her hand, and Tongsi, still dazed, shook it. Just like that, he had joined the Flowing Heart Dojo?