Secretary Ford ranks third in the family, which is why Brian Perry has called him Third Grandpa since childhood. When he was young, he would spend his winter and summer vacations at his grandparents’ house in the village, so you could say that he grew up under the watchful eyes of Secretary Ford’s family.

Secretary Ford put down the manure buckets in his hands, grabbed Brian Perry’s hand, and led him into the house, calling out as they walked, “Robert, Brian is here—Robert’s wife, hurry up and cut a few slices of watermelon for Brian to cool off!”

……

……

After understanding Brian Perry’s purpose, Secretary Ford didn’t press for more details. After all, it was common knowledge that The Perry Couple had fled from Jiangnan and were outsiders in the village, so there was nothing to hide.

While Secretary Ford recalled the events, Brian Perry took notes, carefully writing out a detailed statement about when and how The Perry Couple migrated to Boxia Village, which was then stamped with the village committee’s official seal by Robert Ford.

After sitting idly at the The Ford Family for a while, Brian Perry finally got up to take his leave.

Once they left the village, Grace Carter didn’t ask him anything, but silently got back on the motorcycle and took Brian Perry further north toward Baiyunguan Township.

Grace Carter thought Brian Perry wanted to check out the township in advance, since he’d been assigned to work there. Unexpectedly, Brian Perry directed her along the way, and instead of heading to the township, they took a small path into the mountains.

Baiyunguan Township got its name from the Baiyun Temple at the foot of the mountain. Later, the temple was developed into a tourist attraction, drawing crowds of visitors. However, at this time, the valley where Baiyun Temple stood was very quiet, the few buildings inside the temple were ancient and dilapidated, and the low walls were overgrown with wild grass. The small open space in front of the temple gate was deserted, with only two rows of old pagoda trees, from which countless cicadas screeched hysterically, making people feel restless and irritable.

Brian Perry stood silently and solemnly in front of the temple gate, gazing into the deep temple courtyard, maintaining an unusual silence.

Grace Carter frowned slightly, not knowing why Brian Perry had suddenly come here.

A moment later, a middle-aged Taoist in a worn robe and short jacket walked out from the temple. He had a buzz cut, a kind and energetic face, and was not very tall.

The Taoist was startled when he saw Brian Perry and his companion.

Brian Perry let out a long breath, suddenly stepped forward, crossed his hands in front of his abdomen with palms inward and backs outward, drew an arc up to his chest, then his right hand drew an arc downward and to the right, all while bowing—performing a Taoist salute. In a clear voice, he said, “Pastor Mason, Brian greets you!”

The Taoist was taken aback. The tall young man before him looked completely unfamiliar, yet had called out his Taoist name directly. His salute was also very standard: standing upright, eyes lowered, calm and composed—there was an air of transcendence and tranquility in his manner.

The Taoist quickly returned the salute. “Greetings, may I ask what brings you here, layman?”

Brian Perry couldn’t help but sigh softly.

Time had returned to the beginning, but unfortunately, Reverend Mason now regarded him as a stranger. In his previous life, because he was bored working in the township, he came to Baiyun Temple every day to learn Tai Chi from Reverend Mason, rain or shine, for years. The two became close friends despite the age gap, and also had a teacher-student relationship.

Brian Perry took a step back, suddenly lowered his stance, calmed his mind and held his breath, pushing, pulling, hooking, bouncing, rising, connecting, opening, and closing—he performed a full set of 108-style Tai Chi as smoothly as flowing water. He twisted, turned, leaped, and jumped—explosive like a dragon crossing the river at times, gentle like a murmuring brook at others; his movements were swift and unpredictable, with a perfect balance of strength and softness.

At first, Brian Perry’s movements were a bit stiff and unfamiliar, but as he continued, they became smooth and fluid, clearly showing the result of years of hard practice.

The more Reverend Mason watched, the more shocked he became—not because of Brian Perry’s deep skill, but because he was intimately familiar with this set of forms and routines.

This was because the set had been created by his own master, Reverend Owen, who had blended the essence of Tai Chi, Xingyi, and Long Fist over decades of refinement. Compared to the many Tai Chi routines passed down today, this one was more aggressive and practical—though also much more difficult.

Ordinary Tai Chi can be learned and mastered in a year, but Owen's Taichi requires at least three years of hard work just to get a foot in the door. To truly master it takes even longer immersion and study.

Chapter 006: The Fortress Is Breached from Within

In his previous life, Brian Perry had studied Tai Chi under Reverend Mason for five years out of boredom in the township, and it became a passion. He practiced daily for fitness, accumulating over ten years of skill, and had even represented the city in national competitions.

After finishing the routine, Brian Perry was calm and composed, and once again saluted.

Reverend Mason’s eyes flickered as he looked at Brian Perry suspiciously, frowning, “May I ask who taught you this set of Tai Chi?”

Brian Perry gave a wry smile, but had no answer.

His main reason for coming to the countryside today was to get a certificate from the village; visiting Baiyun Temple was just a side trip to see an old friend from his previous life. But things had changed, and seeing Reverend Mason again, he no longer felt at peace.

After a moment of silence, Brian Perry didn’t answer Reverend Mason’s question, but simply turned and called to the astonished Grace Carter to head down the mountain.

Reverend Mason opened his mouth to call out, but hesitated and closed it again.