The Mingdu temple had an orderly structure, its walls forming a rectangle around the grounds and merging into the main buildings. After walking through the gate, Dai Xin found himself in a small courtyard. On either side of a cobble stone path were zen rock gardens, and a few well-kept trees. It was a short journey to the main building, a structure of white washed stone with a bright red roof. The porch and the floors were made of the same polished wood, and Dai Xin stepped inside through the still-open framed-paper door. The student who had opened the gate had not bothered to close any other doors in his haste. 

The main building's entrance hall was a straight corridor that turned corners at both ends, no doubt continuing to other parts of the complex. However, directly in front of Dai Xin was another door directly across the hall, which lead to the inner grounds. This part of the temple, hidden by the walls and surrounded by the buildings, could be considered the true "courtyard," and was the place where the students were currently training. From the color and style of their robes, compared to the more senior-looking man who stood at the head of the group, Dai Xin guessed that these were the lower-ranked students.

"You are the one who claims the right of challenge?" called the senior. He was a tall man, broad of shoulder, powerfully built, with a shaved head and narrow eyes. "I am called Zhang Li, and I am one of the instructors here. May I ask your name?"

Dai Xin again clasped his hands together and bowed. 

"I am Dai Xin, sole disciple of Grandmaster Wu Ji of the Fist of the Sky. Forgive my impudence, but I seek the headmaster of the Five Wheel Striking School."

"Hmph! If you recognize your arrogance, then do not ask us to forgive it." the man said. "The master gives instruction to the higher ranking students in the furthest rear courtyard. But you will not be permitted entry. Leave now, before we have you thrown out. If you seek glory, find it elsewhere; our school is dedicated to forging the harmony of mind, body, and spirit."

"I share that dedication." Dai Xin said, standing straight again. "And I did not come here for glory. I came here to test myself. If you wish to throw me out...that shall be a fine test as well."

One of the students, a muscular young man with sharp eyes, stepped out from the class.

"Teacher Zhang, I'll fight him! Those stories about him are nothing more than hear-say, and I have confidence in my skills! Please, allow me to beat him and send him running like the dog he is!"

The instructor looked between the two, obviously in thought. After a moment, he looked to Dai Xin.

"If you lose a fair match, will you leave peaceably?"

"I will." Dai Xin bowed again.

"Very well. Xun, prepare yourself."

The young man was already walking in a wide circle around Dai Xin, until he stood several feet across from him, where the whole class would be able to witness their match. They stared at each other for a moment, then with a shout, Xun took his stance--a basic horse stance, though angled so that his body was sidelong to Dai Xin and his right knee, the one closest to his opponent, was turned slightly inward to protect the groin.

Dai Xin raised one foot and brought it stomping down, the sound resonating through the courtyard. His own stance was a back-leg position, his right leg bent with his body weight centered on it, and his left leg--the one closer to Xun--slightly straighter. His rear fist was held near his navel, and his left was extended towards his opponent.

Zhang raised one hand, then brought it down as if severing an invisible ribbon in the air between the two.

"Begin!"