Chapter 334: Collecting Martial Arts (Part 1)
"Self-created? Another genius!"
Charlotte didn't realize just how much of a stir that simple comment caused among the crowd.
A self-created martial arts style like his was enough to found a sect and become a patriarch. Just like the man in front of him—Zhang Sanfeng—who created Taiji Fist and ruled the West Blue without rival. In his twilight years, he founded a sect and passed on his legacy.
Zhang Sanfeng was also surprised by the young man before him.
Although the thin mustache on Charlotte's face made him look older, such a minor disguise couldn't fool someone like Zhang Sanfeng. He could tell Charlotte was quite young.
To create a fighting style at such a young age? His talent was astounding—even surpassing Zhang Sanfeng himself.
"Young friend, your talent truly is extraordinary,"
Zhang Sanfeng exclaimed in admiration.
"You flatter me! I simply have the advantage of youth and a bit more strength. Senior's Taiji Fist is exquisite—transforming decay into miracles mid-battle. It was a breathtaking display."
Charlotte offered his compliments sincerely.
This man's Taiji Fist was nearly identical to the one Charlotte had known from his past life. And the name—Zhang Sanfeng vs. Zhang Sanfeng—it was just one syllable away. There had to be a connection.
And it wasn't just Zhang Sanfeng. Many of the martial artists Charlotte encountered bore names and techniques that were eerily familiar from Earth's martial arts legends.
Flower Country clearly represented Huaxia (China). There were definitely secrets here—connections between the worlds Charlotte had yet to unravel.
After exchanging blows, Charlotte and Zhang Sanfeng sat down to talk. Charlotte was thoroughly intrigued by the old master's ability to counter strength with softness and hoped to learn a few tricks.
Martial arts in this One Piece world were exceedingly rare. Only the Navy's Rokushiki (Six Styles) could be considered something comparable.
And everyone who had practiced Rokushiki praised its effectiveness.
But Flower Country was different. As a land of martial heritage, its techniques were famed and mighty—like the Eight Impact Fist used by the Eight Treasures Navy, which had earned them a place even in the New World.
Charlotte realized he needed to stay in Flower Country a while longer.
He had to collect these martial arts.
He glanced toward the other sect masters present—his gaze unconsciously burning with desire.
Many of them tensed up instantly, sensing danger and clenching instinctively.
"Thank you, Master Zhang, for your generous instruction."
After spending half the day discussing martial theory, Charlotte had gained deep insight into Taiji Fist's core principles. But he was disappointed to learn it had no fixed moves, relying instead on the practitioner's personal understanding and insight.
He had hoped for a shortcut to mastery that would aid him in future battles—especially against someone like Garp.
Countering strength with softness wasn't just a saying. It was a true martial philosophy.
Against brawlers like Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and even Fleet Admiral Kong, Taiji Fist could be a terrifying counter.
"Hahaha! Young friend, what are you saying? If I founded this sect, it was to let the world learn the art—not to keep it secret."
Zhang Sanfeng laughed.
He didn't know Charlotte's name, but the young man's natural talent and sharp mind had won his admiration.
To pass down Taiji Fist to someone like this was a source of joy.
"I was too petty to think otherwise."
Charlotte felt a pang of guilt for his earlier thoughts.
Zhang Sanfeng's selfless teaching truly earned his respect.
But if Charlotte were in his shoes… he wasn't sure he could do the same. His combat techniques were the foundation of his survival—there was no way he'd share them freely.
"This trip to Flower Country has been incredibly rewarding. I've witnessed martial arts that exist nowhere else in the world. It's been eye-opening. But it's getting late—my family's waiting for me. I'll take my leave."
Charlotte stood.
Zhang Sanfeng didn't try to stop him.
He walked Charlotte to the door and watched the young man disappear into the night, a shadow flickering in the moonlight.
A troubled look entered Zhang Sanfeng's eyes.
"I don't know if your arrival will be a blessing… or a disaster for this martial world—or this sea."
As a seasoned master, he could sense the ambition burning in Charlotte's heart.
He knew the martial world of Flower Country would not remain calm for long.
And sure enough…
The very next day—
The young man appeared at the Wing Chun dojo, asking to learn their art.
Master Ye Wen declined.
They fought.
Predictably, Ye Wen lost badly.
But Charlotte didn't press the issue.
This surprised Zhang Sanfeng, who sighed in relief when he heard the news. At least Charlotte hadn't gone too far. But he still didn't understand—why didn't Charlotte demand the manual?
What he didn't know was…
Charlotte could read minds.
As soon as he defeated Ye Wen, he scanned the man's memories and instantly understood the intricacies of Wing Chun.
He left, satisfied.
And so began a strange pattern.
Each day, Charlotte challenged a different martial arts sect.
If they handed over their manuals, he showed mercy.
If they refused—he beat them down.
But not all cooperated.
Like Shaolin.
When Charlotte arrived seeking instruction, they didn't even give him face.
Knowing his strength, they deployed 108 monks, arranging them into a grand formation.
It was Charlotte's first time seeing a formation in the One Piece world.
Intrigued, he didn't attack immediately.
Dodging their moves, he began to observe and analyze.
Soon, he realized just how dangerous the formation was.
The 108 monks seemed to share one breath, their attacks perfectly synchronized. They could even combine their strength into a single strike.
That strike—
It was on par with his own level.
Charlotte was shocked.
He didn't dare take it lightly.
Drawing his Seven-Star Sword, he struck.
And, as expected—one slash shattered the entire formation.
All 108 monks died on the spot.
When Zhang Sanfeng heard the news, he stood at the gates of his dojo and sighed for a long time, drinking three full bowls of wine by noon.
Having defeated Shaolin's elite, Charlotte grew even more interested in the temple.
He walked straight in.
There, in the main hall, he found the same abbot he had seen days ago, sitting quietly in front of a Buddha statue, chanting scripture.
Seeing Charlotte approach, the old monk did not panic.
He rose slowly, bowed deeply to Charlotte—
The gesture startled Charlotte.
Confused, he followed the abbot into the temple's inner sanctum.
He wasn't worried about tricks.
In this world, power crushed all plots.
Along the way, many bald-headed monks stared at Charlotte with barely restrained hatred.
He simply responded with a calm smile.
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