Half-human, half-ghost, the number one divine fist

Lin Fusheng's words made the main room feel cold.

Just a few simple words.

Lin Shouting's face turned ashen.

The veins on the back of his hand, which was gripping his cane, bulged, and his cloudy eyes were wide open as he stared intently at Lin Fusheng.

It felt like I was meeting this grandson for the first time.

"What did you say?"

Lin Shouting's voice rose, sharp with disbelief, "Sold it? You're going to sell the business your father risked his life for just like that?!"

Lin Hongyu's eyes trembled, and spittle flew everywhere.

"This is the Lin family's property! You just want to sell it like that? Don't you care about this family? Don't you care about your brother's future?"

"Your father worked so hard so that your younger brother could succeed. And what do you do? You have no heart, no long-term vision. How can you face your father in heaven?"

One harsh word after another.

"How dare you say such a thing?"

Lin Fusheng didn't want to say anything polite.

"I'm sixteen this year. I've always been weak, and I haven't mastered any martial arts skills; I haven't even reached the beginner level. Children from ordinary families are still in school at this age, and you want me to take over my father's job as the head of a gambling den, facing those ruthless gangsters who kill without blinking an eye? Are you my uncles or my grandfathers?"

"My father's body is not even cold yet. You come in and don't ask me what will happen to me in the future; all you talk about is gambling dens and membership fees, forcing me to continue doing that dangerous job, using the money I might lose my life at any time to support Fulai to study those foreign books and climb the social ladder with those foreigners."

Lin Fusheng's tone was slightly cold and devoid of emotion.

"Are you really my family?"

The main room fell silent.

Lin Shouting and Lin Hongyu were frozen in place by the barrage of questions.

Their faces flushed red and pale.

The reasoning is on Lin Fusheng's side.

They know it better than anyone else.

Despite their clear understanding, the frustration of their plans falling through made them somewhat angry.

What? You actually dare to disobey?

The authority of elders is challenged.

This feeling of frustration, coupled with the fact that they had already planned everything out before coming, but Lin Fusheng's reaction was so strong, meant that Lin Fulai's future might be in trouble.

anger!

That kid is so inconsiderate!

Just then.

"Tap, tap."

Mr. Smith, who had been sitting in the main seat as if he were detached from the situation, tapped the blue brick floor twice with his walking stick, neither too hard nor too softly.

Lin Hongyu's expression changed instantly, and he put on an even more obsequious, almost humble smile than before, bending down even lower and taking half a step forward.

"Mr. Smith, what are your orders?"

Smith slightly raised his chin.

Lin Hongyu understood immediately and remembered another reason he had come here today.

He turned to Lin Fusheng, rubbing his hands together, his tone carrying the solemnity of announcing something important, yet unable to conceal his eagerness to curry favor.

"Fusheng, look, we've been so busy talking about the gambling den that we almost forgot to mention something even more important."

He pointed at Smith.

"This distinguished Mr. Smith seems very interested in the 'Six Harmonies Boxing' manual left by your father, as well as his annotations and insights. Perhaps... you could bring out the manual for Mr. Smith to examine?"

Boxing manuals, insights?

Lin Fusheng's pupils suddenly contracted.

Memories flooded my mind.

My father, Lin Yuanshan, had a book called "Liuhequan Manual," which contained his handwritten notes filled with his insights and experiences in practicing the art.

Should we have him hand over the boxing manual to the foreigners?

Appreciation, my foot!

This was even worse than asking him to guard the gambling den.

Lin Fusheng glanced at Smith, his eyes finally landing on Lin Hongyu's face.

The voice was cold and clear:

"Didn't you just say that Western knowledge is the only way to success, and that the things our ancestors taught us are no longer valued?"

"Then why is this foreign gentleman so interested in our unpopular Eastern martial arts?"

Lin Shouting and Lin Hongyu were speechless.

His face turned a deep liver color.

Lin Hongyu was utterly enraged.

"Lin Fusheng, you...you're completely impervious to reason!"

He had only spoken halfway when Lin Fulai, who had been quietly standing behind his grandfather, appearing both obedient and somewhat arrogant, suddenly stepped forward, adjusted his glasses, and, with a sensible expression on his face, said:

"Alright, alright, Dad, Grandpa, please stop pressuring my brother like this."

Lin Fulai turned to Lin Fusheng.

"Brother, this isn't selfishness."

"He wanted to keep the boxing manual for himself, practice diligently, and become a master of Chinese martial arts in the future."

"Brother wants to make our Lin family better and better through his own abilities."

"But taking this path is too arduous and too dangerous, unlike studying, which is a respectable way out."

Lin Fusheng turned his gaze to Lin Fulai.

On the surface, his younger brother seemed harmless.

I never expected them to be so wicked.

The words sounded like an attempt to smooth things over.

In reality, every word was a veiled attack on the heart.

These few words are basically saying that he is unwilling to sacrifice for his family and is a selfish person.

Just like Lin Fusheng thought.

As soon as her younger brother Lin Fu finished speaking, Aunt Wang Yun, who had been watching coldly, curled her thin lips and said, "Hmph, a martial arts master? Him? Could he possibly have that kind of skill?"

Da da da.

Mr. Smith, who was sitting upright, seemed to be losing patience.

He paused with his walking stick, then stood up without warning, showing no regard for "Western manners," and walked straight out the door without glancing at anyone in the room.

"Mr. Smith! Mr. Smith, please wait!"

Lin Shouting and Lin Hongyu were terrified when they saw this.

They had no time to worry about Lin Fusheng.

Lin Hongyu almost jogged after him, his back bent like a shrimp, his face plastered with a fearful, fawning smile.

Lin Shouting also hurriedly got up, leaning on his cane, his old face full of anxiety.

Aunt Wang Yun hurriedly pulled Lin Fulai to chase after them, and before leaving, Wang Yun glared fiercely at Lin Fusheng.

The meaning in his eyes was quite clear.

It's all your fault! You ruined everything!

After everyone left, Lin Fusheng went straight to close the door.

The family left in such a hurry that they didn't even have time to close the door.

That's so rude!

Back inside the house, Lin Fusheng did not change his mind because of the arrival of Lin Shouting's family.

He wants to live for himself.

Looking deep into my mind, the writing still remains.

[Casting Method Visualization] Loading: 59%...

"It loads very quickly; it should be fully loaded before dark."

Lin Fusheng walked to a mahogany tea table in the corner of the main room.

There was a telephone there.

He picked up the receiver, held it to his ear, and began dialing with his other hand.

The dial turned, making a clicking sound.

"Beep, beep, beep."

After a few rings, the call was answered.

"Feed?"

A middle-aged man's voice came from the other side.

Rong Chongming, head of Tongxin Hui Anrentang.

Uncle Rong.

"Uncle Rong, it's me, Lin Fusheng."

Lin Fusheng gave his name.

"Oh, Fusheng."

Uncle Rong's voice became even gentler, revealing concern and regret.

"Sigh, calling me at this time, looks like you've come to a realization?"

"I've been thinking about that spot for a while now, but alas, I'm powerless to do anything about it."

Lin Fusheng did not respond to this question.

There's no rush regarding the quota for the Kwantung Military Academy.

It's not that we're not in a hurry.

He simply lacked the ability to demand an explanation, and he didn't have the capacity to be "urgent."

Lin Fusheng got straight to the point, his voice steady.

"Uncle Rong, thank you for remembering. I called to let you know that I'm too young to handle or protect the half-full share of Jinrong Gambling House that my father left me. I'd like to sell it to get some money for a peaceful life."

There was a sudden silence on the other end of the phone.

After a long while, Uncle Rong's voice rang out again.

"Fu Sheng."

"You cannot contribute this sum; not only can you not contribute, you also cannot withdraw from the Tongxin Society."

Upon hearing this, Lin Fusheng's expression changed drastically.

What?

"Why? Uncle Rong, I'm only sixteen. Even my father, such a capable man, has had his accident. How can I possibly protect that business?"

"No reason."

Uncle Rong interrupted him, his tone remaining calm.

"Uncle Rong is thinking of you. Jinrong Casino makes half a percent of its profits every month. You should use that money to practice martial arts and inherit your father's mantle. It's a good thing."

"With Jinrong Gambling House in your hands," this is also a good thing for Uncle Rong.

At that moment, Lin Fusheng suddenly understood something.

The Tongxin Society is divided into the Renshe, Yishe, Lishe, and Xinshe.

Anrentang is under the jurisdiction of Renshe. There are several branches similar to Anrentang under Renshe.

The president of Renshe, a well-known figure in Songjiang Road, is about to retire, and many people are eyeing this position, including Uncle Rong.

Uncle Rong is the head of Anrentang, a branch of Renshe, and has a great chance.

The Jinrong Casino is located in a place where all sorts of people live, which is very important to Uncle Rong now.

Just as Lin Fusheng had guessed, Uncle Rong's voice continued to come.

"Fusheng, if it's convenient for you now, come to the intersection of Yanjiang Road. I'm just about to go there, and I'll take you to Jinrong Casino to familiarize yourself with the environment."

With Uncle around, nothing serious will happen.

Lin Fusheng was in a heavy mood.

He couldn't refuse.

Uncle Rong's side, on the other hand, is a real "gangster force".

If you can't use your mouth, then use your hands.

"Okay, Uncle Rong, I'll pack up and head over right away."

Lin Fusheng spoke into the microphone.

"Um."

Uncle Rong responded.

The call ended, and the receiver was put back on the hook with a soft click.

Lin Fusheng stood there, looking out the window at the gray sky.

"I don't want to get involved in any gang matters."

"You all insist on dragging me along."

"Are you forcing me?"

Lin Fusheng glanced at the progress in his mind.

[Casting Method Visualization] Loading: 77%...

He then pushed open the door of his house and walked into the street.

In short, he is still useful to Uncle Rong, so I won't die on this trip.

Lin Fusheng walked unhurriedly along the riverside road, heading into the distance.

Not long after, the two met.

Rong Chongming was a middle-aged man, about forty years old, wearing a dark blue cotton long gown and a slightly worn black mandarin jacket. He had a square face, slightly dark skin, and fine lines at the corners of his eyes. At this moment, he was putting on a rather kind smile.

"Fu Sheng."

Upon seeing Lin Fusheng, Rong Chongming, as an elder, took the initiative to greet him with a smile.

"Uncle Rong".

Lin Fusheng greeted Rong Chongming.

"I'm quite busy, so let's skip the small talk and talk as we walk."

Rong Chongming had a decisive and efficient demeanor, walking ahead, while Lin Fusheng followed half a step behind.

The two talked mostly about the Jinrong Casino on the way.

During this period, Lin Fusheng did not mention the sale of the shares again.

It's pointless to bring it up; it doesn't really matter.

Rong Chongming was very satisfied with Lin Fusheng's attitude, and always had a smile on his face, calling him "Fusheng" repeatedly.

As the two walked one after the other, they were almost there when a commotion suddenly came from ahead.

In the distance is a small park by the river.

Lin Fusheng looked up and saw a large group of people gathered together.

Even more conspicuous were a dozen or so foreign soldiers swaying at the very front of the crowd.

Rong Chongming stopped in his tracks and squinted as he looked ahead.

He silently took out a flat metal cigarette box from his pocket and opened it.

Inside are neatly arranged Hade Gates.

Rong Chongming took out two cigarettes, put one in his mouth, and naturally handed the other to Lin Fusheng next to him.

Lin Fusheng was slightly taken aback, then accepted it.

This is a common gesture among men in the Kanto region.

Sometimes it's about getting close, sometimes it's about testing the waters.

Sometimes it's just to have something to do in a certain atmosphere.

Rong Chongming lit a match, first lighting it for Lin Fusheng, then lighting his own.

Lin Fusheng took a deep breath, the slightly spicy smoke filling his lungs and mixing with the cool, dry air, giving his slightly tense nerves a slight jolt.

"Let's go take a look."

Rong Chongming exhaled a puff of smoke, his voice not loud.

Instead of plunging into the most crowded areas, he walked along the street with the aura of a gang leader.

Passersby noticed his presentable attire and instinctively made way for him.

Lin Fusheng followed closely behind and soon squeezed to the front of the crowd, where his view suddenly opened up.

The next moment, when he saw the scene clearly, even though Lin Fusheng had seen the bloodshed of the battlefield in his previous life, his pupils couldn't help but suddenly contract.

In the middle of the intersection, about twenty yellowish-brown corpses lay scattered on the ground.

These foreign devils died in a very gruesome manner. Their bodies were all reduced to half their original size. The missing half looked as if it had been shattered by some unimaginable force!

The fracture site clearly shows the jagged, grotesque result of muscle and bone being violently shattered.

Blood was spilled all over the ground, forming large patches of dark red and black stains.

Meanwhile, the internal organs of the remaining half of the corpse seemed to have been completely removed, no... more like they had been gnawed away.

Skin torn open, flesh ripped apart, bones exposed.

Perhaps because the Japanese soldiers did not have the habit of covering corpses with white cloths, these corpses were simply left on the ground.

Japanese soldiers and officers surrounded the pile of corpses, their faces ashen, filled with shock and anger, talking rapidly in Japanese, constantly shouting.

The people who were stopped around the area were all pale-faced and whispering among themselves.

"Good heavens, what kind of terrible thing has this happened?"

"This is inhuman! Look at how it's been torn! What kind of thing could have that kind of strength?"

"I heard it was discovered on the banks of the Songjiang River. Someone saw something dark and it instantly smashed half of one of the Japanese soldiers' bodies."

Rong Chongming silently finished his cigarette, threw the butt on the ground, and crushed it out with the sole of his shoe.

He turned around and gently tugged at Lin Fusheng's arm.

"Let's go, there's nothing to see."

Lin Fusheng took another deep look at the scene, then followed Rong Chongming out of the crowd and left the park near the shore.

The gruesome sight of those corpses flashed through his mind.

This is a wound that cannot be caused by conventional human weapons.

"Uncle Rong,"

Lin Fusheng lowered his voice, "This...it doesn't look like it was killed by a human. Even bears and tigers in the mountains aren't this ferocious..."

Rong Chongming continued walking, his eyes fixed ahead.

He was silent for a moment, his tone somewhat heavy:

"Was it murdered by a human? Maybe not."

"At the foot of the mountains in Northeast China, in the old forests, all sorts of strange and unusual legends have been passed down over the years. Some things are unclean. If you run into them, this is your fate. Or, as some old people say, it's called being killed by 'inauspicious' spirits."

"Unfavorable omen?"

Lin Fusheng pondered the word.

A chill crept up my spine.

Is there anything ominous in this world besides traditional Chinese martial arts?

What exactly does "unknown" refer to?

Fairies? Ghosts?

After walking for a while, Rong Chongming suddenly spoke.

"arrive."