121: Chapter 121 Fan Crowdfunding: Building a "Private Training Ground" for Chen Wu

Section 1: A Late-Night Crowdfunding Initiative

The Legacy Array on the first floor of the Yijin Pavilion had just been cracked by Chen Wu using Xingji Fist when Lin Mo's tactical tablet popped up a special private message. The sender was "Watcher of Huangtu Slope," Old Zhao, and the message included a hand-drawn sketch of a training ground: "Teacher Chen, I see you practicing your fist techniques at the camp or in the catacombs every time, without even a proper training ground. My coworkers and I want to pool our money to build a private training ground for you. I drew the sketch based on the construction site. If you think it's okay, we'll start the crowdfunding!"

This private message was like a pebble creating ripples in the global livestream's bullet chat. Nurse Emily in London was the first to respond: "I'll donate £100! It's not much, but it's from the heart!" Marcos, a construction worker from Brazil, left a comment: "I work in infrastructure. If the location is set, I'm willing to help with the construction for free!" Amir, an ancient martial arts enthusiast from Egypt, stated: "I can provide Qi Energy survey data from near the pyramids so the training ground can better absorb the Leyline Qi Energy!" In less than half an hour, the topic "Building a Training Ground for Chen Wu" topped the global social media trending lists. The "Crowdfunding Platform" urgently set up by the Technical Department saw its visits instantly surpass 100 million, and donations reached 5 million RMB in the first hour.

Chen Wu looked at the scrolling crowdfunding data on the tablet, his fingertips gently stroking the sketch on the screen—in the training ground Old Zhao had drawn, there was not only a Martial Arts Arena for Xingyi Fist and a sandbag area for Baji Fist, but also a specially reserved "Elderly and Children's Practice Area," with a note next to it: "The spot for Auntie Zhang Guilan and the kids." "This... this is too much trouble for everyone," his voice choked up, and the Qi Energy Core in his Dantian shimmered due to his emotional fluctuations. "I don't practice for myself; it's for the Legacy of traditional martial arts. There's no need to build a training ground specifically for me."

Grandpa Wang's dry tobacco pipe made a dull thud against the Legacy Array, the sparks in the pipe bowl particularly striking amidst the pale gold Leyline Qi Energy. The old man pulled out the "Tomb Guardian Martial Arts Hall Records" left by his grandfather. Tucked between the yellowed pages was an old photo from 1950—Chen Wu's Great-grandfather was teaching martial arts in front of a crude Tomb Guardian Martial Arts Hall. The site had only a few sandbags and a bluestone slab, yet it was crowded with students. "If your great-grandfather had such good conditions back then, traditional martial arts could have been popularized twenty years earlier," the pipe bowl pointed at the bluestone slab in the photo. "This isn't trouble; it's everyone's heart, a testament to the traditional martial arts craze! If you refuse, you'll only let everyone down!" A bronze plaque engraved with "Traditional Martial Arts Home" suddenly flew out of the camphor wood chest. Pale gold Qi Energy spread along the surface of the plaque, drawing a "Qi Energy Convergence" trajectory next to the sketch on the tablet, foretelling that the training ground would become the spiritual home for traditional martial arts practitioners worldwide.

In the Flower Girl's basket, the eight-colored petals of the inheritance grass suddenly unfurled toward the crowdfunding platform. Dew rolled on the leaves, reflecting the messages of global fans: a child donated their New Year's money, leaving a message "I hope Teacher Chen can have a place to practice properly"; an elderly person donated their pension, saying "I want to leave a memento for traditional martial arts"; there were also overseas Chinese who donated precious ancient weapons, promising "Once the training ground is built, I'll send them over as decorations." The young girl dripped "Resonance Dew" onto the petals, and a seven-colored light spread along the tablet. A "Global Design Proposal Collection" button suddenly popped up on the crowdfunding platform interface: "Elder Zhou said the training ground should involve global fans in the design," her fingertips lightly tapped the screen, "That way it's a true 'Traditional Martial Arts Home'!"

The Section Chief of the Special Incident Response Department sent a message via holographic projection: "Government departments have agreed to provide site support." She projected a site selection plan next to the Legacy Array. "A 100-acre vacant lot has been reserved next to the Xingyi Sect Branch. It has convenient transportation and can absorb the Leyline Qi Energy of the Xingyi Sect, making it suitable for a training ground. The Technical Department will assist in building a 'Global Collaborative Design Platform' so that every fan's ideas can be seen and adopted!" The tablet showed that top designers from the architectural world had also joined voluntarily, proposing a "Qi Energy Eco-friendly Design" concept: using the Leyline Qi Energy principles of traditional martial arts to achieve natural ventilation and lighting for the training ground, reducing energy consumption—this upgraded the meaning of the crowdfunding from "building a training ground" to a "model of combining traditional martial arts with modernity."

Section 2: The Global Collaborative Design Carnival

On the first day the "Global Collaborative Design Platform" went online, it received 100,000 design proposals from different countries. In the proposal from Egyptian fan Amir, a "Qi Energy Pyramid" was built in the center of the training ground, drawing from ancient Egyptian energy vein principles to converge Leyline Qi Energy. The Japanese fans' proposal incorporated "Karesansui" elements, arranging pebble paths around the Martial Arts Arena to facilitate the "circle walking" of Bagua Zhang. Brazilian fan Marcos designed a "detachable sandbag wall" modified from scrap steel from construction sites, which was both eco-friendly and practical. The proposal from Chinese fan "Watcher of Huangtu Slope," Old Zhao, was the simplest but most touching—he left a "Migrant Worker Practice Area" in a corner of the training ground, equipped with cement bag sandbags, saying "I want ordinary people like me to have a place to practice martial arts."

Lin Mo's tablet became the "Design Proposal Screening Center." The youth's fingertips flew across the virtual keyboard, classifying and integrating similar proposals: four core areas—the "Qi Energy Convergence Zone," "Sect-Specific Training Zone," "Parent-Child Practice Zone," and "Ancient Martial Arts Display Zone"—gradually took shape. The global livestream camera focused on the integrated 3D model, and 55 billion viewers voted via bullet chat for their favorite design details: 70% of viewers chose Egypt's "Qi Energy Pyramid" as the central landscape, 85% supported Old Zhao's "Migrant Worker Practice Area," and even the floor tile patterns were determined by vote as the "Xingji Fist Hard and Soft Trajectories"—pale gold hard energy lines intertwined with pale brown soft energy lines; walking on them allowed one to feel the rhythm of traditional martial arts.

The most moving part was the design of the "Global Traditional Martial Arts Element Wall." Fans suggested engraving core technique diagrams of 100 ancient martial arts styles from around the world on the training ground's perimeter wall, from China's Xingyi Fist and Baji Fist to India's Yoga and Brazil's Capoeira, each style having its own specific Qi Energy color. Nurse Emily in London specially recorded a video, leading hospital patients in hand-drawing the "Chi Sao" diagrams of Wing Chun. Children in Syrian refugee camps used charcoal to draw the breathing trajectories of "Basic Breathing" on paper; though the lines were naive, they were full of sincerity—these works would be scanned and remain permanently on the element wall as part of the training ground.

Grandpa Wang's dry tobacco pipe tapped a brisk rhythm next to the design model. The old man pulled out the "Venue Layout" section of the "Tomb Guardian Martial Arts Hall Records" and offered modifications to the model: "Add a 'Traditional Martial Arts Lecture Hall' next to the Qi Energy Pyramid," the pipe bowl pointed to a blank area of the model. "Your great-grandfather taught martial arts and spoke of martial virtue in a lecture hall back then. Now, our training ground must also have a place for the inheritance of the traditional martial arts spirit!" Global fans responded immediately. Designers added a "Holographic Projection Teaching System" to the interior design of the lecture hall, which could play instructional videos of Martial Artists like Chen Wu and Li Xuantong, and allow global fans to listen to lectures remotely via holographic devices—this made the training ground not just a place to practice, but a platform for the dissemination of traditional martial arts knowledge.

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass suddenly bloomed on the design model, its eight-colored petals falling on the "Parent-Child Practice Zone." Dew rolled on the leaves, reflecting a message from a Chinese mother: "I want to bring my child to practice martial arts; it exercises the body and helps them understand traditional culture." The young girl dripped "Vitality Dew" onto the model, and the design for the parent-child zone was suddenly updated: adding "mini sandbags," a "safety gear rental station," and a "traditional martial arts Story Corner," with volunteers scheduled daily to tell children stories of the Tomb Guardian and Xingyi Sect legacies. "Elder Zhou said the future of traditional martial arts lies with children," her fingertips lightly tapped the model, "The parent-child zone should make kids feel that practicing martial arts is fun, not boring!"

Real-time data from the Technical Department showed that in just three days, global fans had collectively finalized the complete design for the training ground. Everything from the material of the floor tiles to the style of the streetlights and the color of the seats was determined through democratic voting. The crowdfunding amount also surpassed 50 million RMB, far exceeding the initial budget. Fans even spontaneously formed a "Global Oversight Group" to ensure every penny was used for the construction of the training ground—this model of "universal participation and universal oversight" was hailed by the media as a "new paradigm for the traditional martial arts craze," and even urban planning departments from some countries came to learn from the experience.

Section 3: Warm Stories of the On-Site Construction

When the groundbreaking ceremony for the training ground was held in the open space next to the Xingyi Sect Branch, 55 billion viewers worldwide witnessed this moment through a live broadcast. "Watcher of Huangtu Slope" Old Zhao, wearing a brand-new work uniform, swung the first shovel of soil as a fan representative; Nurse Emily from London sent a "Traditional Martial Arts Home" plaque made by hospital patients remotely via holographic projection; Marcos from Brazil brought 20 fellow workers from Rio de Janeiro to China to participate in the construction for free; and Amir from Egypt sent his treasured "Qi Energy Surveying Instrument" to help determine the best location for the Qi Energy Pyramid—people of different skin colors and languages gathered for the same goal, filling the empty space with warm power.

During the construction process, countless heartwarming stories unfolded on the site. Old Zhao and his fellow workers started work at five o'clock every morning, and while eating boxed lunches on-site at noon, they didn't forget to practice Xingji Collapse toward the live broadcast on their phones: "Being able to build a training ground for Teacher Chen is much more meaningful than moving bricks!" A 70-year-old retired architect took the bus to the site every day to volunteer and guide the workers according to the design plan, saying, "I have built many skyscrapers in my life, but I feel this training ground is the most valuable"; children from nearby schools would help pick up trash after school and draw graffiti saying "Go traditional martial arts" all over the fences—these scenes were captured by the live camera, and the global audience's bullet chat was filled with comments like "So warm" and "This is what traditional martial arts should look like."

Su Chen's team also frequently came to the site to help. Chen Wu would teach the workers the Basic Breathing Technique to relieve construction fatigue; Li Xuantong guided the workers in adjusting the angle of the Qi Energy Pyramid to ensure it could maximize the gathering of Leyline Qi Energy; Su Chen used Mystic Water Energy to help pour concrete, making the cement solidify faster; Zhao Lie carried steel with the workers, the muscle lines on his iron arms making the workers exclaim, "So powerful!" Once, Old Zhao accidentally sprained his back, and Chen Wu used the soft energy of Xingji Fist to give him a massage and taught him a set of "Waist Recovery Steps." Old Zhao said moved, "Teacher Chen not only fights well but is an even better person; building this training ground is worth it!"

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass seeds were planted all around the training ground. Under the care of global fans, the seeds sprouted quickly, and the eight-colored seedlings swayed in the wind as if cheering for the builders. The little girl came to water them every day and used "Vitality Dew" to nourish the seedlings: "Elder Zhou said that inheritance grass can sense people's hearts," she said, looking at the joyfully growing seedlings. "These seedlings are growing so well, which means everyone is building this home with their true hearts." On the leaves of the inheritance grass, message projections from global fans would occasionally appear, with encouragement and blessings, filling the construction site with laughter and joy.

The Section Chief of the Special Incident Response Department walked over holding a "Construction Progress Report." The tablet showed that 60% of the training ground's main structure was completed, the foundation work for the Qi Energy Pyramid was successfully finished, and the floor tiles for the style-specific training areas were already laid. "We have received over 1,000 pieces of ancient weapons and equipment donated by global fans," the Section Chief's voice carried excitement. "There are Xingyi Fist manuals from the Ming Dynasty, Baji Fist gloves from the Qing Dynasty, and even ancient yoga scrolls from overseas. Once the training ground is built, a special museum will be constructed to display these treasures!" The tablet also showed that government departments had decided to build a "Traditional Martial Arts Cultural District" next to the training ground, introducing traditional martial arts-themed restaurants, bookstores, and creative shops, making this a comprehensive traditional martial arts complex for training, learning, and leisure.

Section 4: The Soon-to-be-Completed Traditional Martial Arts Home

Three months later, as the Legacy trial of the Yijin Pavilion drew to a close and Chen Wu's team returned to the Xingyi Sect Branch, they were stunned by the sight before them. On the 100-acre plot, a training ground integrating global traditional martial arts elements had risen: the central Qi Energy Pyramid glowed with a faint golden light, and Leyline Qi Energy flowed along the pyramid, gathering at the top into a rotating character for "Qi"; in the surrounding style-specific training areas, the Xingyi Fist Martial Arts Arena was paved with bluestone slabs, the Baji Fist sandbag walls were neatly arranged, and mats were placed on the lawn of the yoga area; by the mini sandbags in the parent-child practice area, several children were practicing breathing following holographic projections, their small faces flushed red but exceptionally serious; on the "Global Traditional Martial Arts Element Wall," Move diagrams of 100 styles shone in the sunlight, from China's red and Egypt's gold to Brazil's green, each color representing a love for traditional martial arts.

"Watcher of Huangtu Slope" Old Zhao, wearing a clean work uniform, took Chen Wu on a tour of the training ground: "This is the Qi Energy Pyramid; Amir said practicing fist here makes Qi Energy progress faster; this is the migrant worker practice area, we specifically left cement bag sandbags, so my fellow workers and I can come here to practice later;" he pointed to a painting on the element wall, "This is a breathing trajectory drawn by a Syrian child; we carved it in the most prominent position, hoping everyone won't forget that traditional martial arts can give people hope." The global live broadcast camera followed their footsteps, and in the bullet chat of the 55 billion viewers, "Finally completed" and "Traditional Martial Arts Home" were typed in unison. Many fans had even bought plane tickets, preparing to witness the completion ceremony on-site.

Grandpa Wang's dry tobacco pipe made a dull thud against the Qi Energy Pyramid. The old man pulled out the "Tomb Guardian Martial Arts Hall Records" and pasted the newly taken photo of the training ground next to the old photos—the simple martial arts hall of 1950 and the global Traditional Martial Arts Home of 2025 formed an echo across time and space. "If your great-grandfather could see this, he would definitely be so happy he couldn't sleep," the pipe pointed at the photo. "This is not just a training ground; it's a new starting point for the Legacy of traditional martial arts, a spiritual home for global Martial Artists!" The bronze "Traditional Martial Arts Home" plaque from the camphor wood box was hung above the main entrance of the training ground. The faint golden Qi Energy intertwined with the Qi Energy of the pyramid, forming a rotating character for "Martial" on the plaque.

The Flower Girl's inheritance grass had grown into half-meter-tall plants, and eight-colored flowers bloomed around the training ground, glowing with a faint fluorescence. Dewdrops rolled on the petals, reflecting the smiling faces of global fans: children practicing in the parent-child area, elderly people breathing deeply in the breathing area, overseas Martial Artists taking photos in front of the element wall, and couples dating near the Traditional Martial Arts Lecture Hall—all of this originated from that simple initial crowdfunding initiative, but ultimately became the common dream of global traditional martial arts people. "Elder Zhou said this is the power of Legacy," the little girl's fingertip lightly touched a petal. "One person's idea and a group of people's efforts can turn into a power that changes the world."

Chen Wu stood at the top of the Qi Energy Pyramid, overlooking this training ground full of love. The Qi Energy Core in his Dantian resonated with the Leyline Qi Energy of the pyramid, and faint golden Qi Energy flowed around his body. He suddenly understood: what the fans crowdfunded was not just a simple training ground; it was trust in traditional martial arts, an expectation for the Legacy, and proof of global Martial Artists uniting together. "Thank you, everyone," he bowed deeply to the global live broadcast camera, his voice filled with sincere emotion. "This training ground belongs to everyone who loves traditional martial arts. From now on, this is our common home. We will practice and pass on the Legacy together, letting the light of traditional martial arts shine forever!"

In the global live broadcast bullet chat, waves of "Coming home" suddenly appeared. "Watcher of Huangtu Slope" Old Zhao led his fellow workers in practicing Xingji Collapse in the migrant worker practice area, their fists hitting the cement bags with a dull thud; Nurse Emily led patients in London in practicing breathing via holographic projection; Amir was by the Qi Energy Pyramid, teaching everyone to feel the flow of Leyline Qi Energy—people of different countries and skin colors met, got to know, and stayed together here because of traditional martial arts, turning the training ground into a true "Traditional Martial Arts Home."

The Section Chief of the Special Incident Response Department walked over holding the "Completion Ceremony Process." The tablet showed that traditional martial arts representatives from 100 countries worldwide would attend the ceremony, and UNESCO would award the training ground the "Human Intangible Cultural Heritage Practice Base" certificate. "The Legacy trial of the Yijin Pavilion is also almost over," the Section Chief's voice carried anticipation. "Once you get the Muscle Tendon Change Classic, this will be the center for global traditional martial arts teaching. You can teach more people to practice here, letting traditional martial arts truly enter everyone's life."

As the setting sun illuminated the bronze plaque of the "Traditional Martial Arts Home," Chen Wu knew that the ultimate trial of the Yijin Pavilion was still waiting for him, but he no longer felt any pressure—because he knew that behind him was a training ground full of love, the support of 55 billion fans worldwide, and a common home for traditional martial arts people. No matter what challenges he encountered in the future, just thinking of this training ground and the people who contributed to it gave him the courage and strength to keep moving forward.

The final frame of the global live broadcast stayed on the moment Chen Wu was practicing fist at the top of the Qi Energy Pyramid. The faint golden Xingji Fist Qi Energy intertwined with the Leyline Qi Energy of the pyramid, forming the two giant characters for "traditional martial arts" in mid-air. The surrounding inheritance grass, element wall, and practice areas all glowed faintly, as if blessing him. Finally, lines of neat text appeared in the bullet chat: "Crowdfunded to build a home, traditional martial arts gather hearts; the Muscle Tendon Change finally bears fruit, the Legacy never stops!" This message was simultaneously lit up by 55 billion viewers, like a warm river of light, illuminating every corner of the training ground and the infinite possibilities of traditional martial arts heading into the future.