Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

Iori Yagami succinctly stated:

"The Kagura family is responsible for guarding Orochi's seal and is also the family that knows Orochi and the Eight Orochi Generals best in this era. If the souls of the Eight Orochi Generals have already been reincarnated seven hundred years ago, they might have some good suggestions."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen also recalled the relevant settings about the Kagura family, or rather, the overall situation of the Three Sacred Treasures families in this era.

Despite the fact that the Three Divine Artifacts family has been passed down for thousands of years, a long history does not necessarily equate to wealth.

Among them, the Kusanagi family, which was the most powerful a thousand years ago, has declined severely in the continuous inheritance. Although the current Kusanagi family still retains a complete martial arts tradition, Kusanagi Kyo's father, Kusanagi Shizuru, is a rather idle person who basically just stays at home and does nothing.

However, initially, Kusanagi Shizuru wasn't purely an idler; he did have a job, though his income was less than his wife's. It was only with version updates that his character became completely idle.

The majority of the Kusanagi family's income comes from his wife, Shizuka Kusanagi, who works as a doctor—understanding this helps explain why Shizuru Kusanagi is poor and doesn't want to work.

The inheritors of special ancient martial arts schools like the Kusanagi family are very strict in their selection of successors. Unless they are facing a serious crisis of extinction like the Shiranui school, they will not consider taking on disciples as long as there is still a male member who can train.

Although Kusanagi Shizuru is not weak, and is even set as the 'strongest in King of Fighters '94,' it is basically impossible for him to surpass Kusanagi Shizuka, who is a doctor, in terms of making money based on his own abilities, due to the limitations of his ancient martial arts style.

Although the rise of martial arts in this world has led to the emergence of many professions in society that are related to Yuan Chen's previous life in terms of income—such as martial arts instructors and private combat coaches—their income far exceeds that of their previous life due to the flourishing of martial arts culture.

However, the medical profession remains unaffected; in fact, due to the rise of martial arts and the surge in violent incidents, doctors' social status and income have also increased.

This increase in social status and income was for the Tang state.

In Japan, even in Yuan Chen's previous life in the ordinary world, doctors not only enjoy extremely high social status, but also consistently rank among the top in various income rankings, always in the top three, and often second. They are one of the very few professions with an average annual income exceeding 15 million yen.

In this situation, only pilots with an average annual income of around 16.5 million yen can consistently rank doctors first.

In Japan, a supernatural world where martial arts flourish, doctors consistently rank first in various income categories and enjoy extremely high social status.

Under these circumstances, due to family restrictions that prevent him from using martial arts to supplement his family income, it is virtually impossible for Kusanagi Shizuru to surpass the Kusanagi family through hard work.

If I remember correctly, due to the various expenses incurred during training and the custom-made equipment, even with the Kusanagi family in charge, the Kusanagi family still lived a rather frugal life.

It belongs to the lowest tier of the Three Sacred Treasures.

The Kagura family, on the other hand, is the complete opposite.

As a family with a history spanning thousands of years, the Kagura family members generally possess business acumen and have successfully transformed their family heritage into enormous wealth, making them a world-renowned multinational conglomerate known as the 'Kagura Foundation'.

The most compelling evidence of this is that Chizuru Kagura was able to host world-class KOF fighting tournaments on her own multiple times.

Organizing such an event requires funds and resources that are unimaginable to ordinary people, and this alone is enough to demonstrate the family's immense wealth.

The Kagura family is undoubtedly the wealthiest family among the Three Sacred Treasures families after their lineage was passed down to the modern era.

Well, Yuan Chen was also curious: between Kagura Chizuru from King of Fighters and Karin Kamui from Street Fighter, who is richer?

As for the Yagami family, they fall somewhere in between. While not as wealthy as the Kagura family, they are far from being strapped for cash either, belonging to a middle-class state of "not as rich as the rich, but not as poor as the poor."

Although he was also restricted from making money through martial arts due to the family's traditional martial arts style, Iori Yagami's father still provided a stable source of income for the family by relying on his ancestral cold noodle making skills.

Given that Iori Yagami is a well-known bassist, and his sister, who is also successful in her career despite not participating in family affairs, and that his mother and other family members all have their own income, their overall living conditions are better than those of the Kusanagi family.

But let's get back to the current situation of the Kagura family...

After thinking for a moment, Yuan Chen said, "It would be best to have Kagura Manki keep an eye on this."

Although the Kagura family is best known for Chizuru Kagura, the Kagura family actually has twin daughters for generations. The eldest daughter serves as a priestess to guard the seal of Orochi, while the second daughter focuses on the family's inheritance and development.

The business acumen of the second daughters throughout the generations is also key to the Kagura family's success in becoming the Kagura Foundation.

Kagura Maki is Kagura Chizuru's older sister and the one who guards the seal of Orochi in this era.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, Iori Yagami paused slightly, then looked at Yuan Chen and asked, "...What's wrong? Is there a problem?"

“Once the Eight Heroes have completed their reincarnation and awakening, they will definitely attempt to break the seal on Orochi,” Yuan Chen replied.

"In this era, the Kagura family, led by Kagura Maki, was responsible for guarding the seal of Orochi. The blood of the priestesses passed down through generations within them had acquired the ability to weaken the seal through continuous inheritance."

In other words, as long as the Eight Orochi Generals prepare to break the seal on Orochi, they will definitely try to kill Kagura Maki.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Iori Yagami frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I'm going out to make a phone call."

"Ah."

Yuan Chen nodded, somewhat guessing that Iori Yagami had probably called Kagura's family or his father to tell them to prepare in advance.

While Yuan Chen continued eating and drinking, waiting for Iori Yagami to return, unexpectedly, not long after Iori Yagami left, the sound of a sliding door being pushed open came from the side.

He was wondering why Iori Yagami had returned so quickly, but just as he was about to turn around, Yuan Chen realized that the aura behind him was not Iori Yagami's... but it was still familiar.

Turning his head to look at Yamashita Kazuo, Tokita Ohma, Nogi Hideki, and even Superman Rito, who had come upon hearing the news, Yuan Chen's face showed a hint of surprise.

"So many people?"

Looking at Tokita Ohma and the others, Yuan Chen raised an eyebrow and said, "Although I had already guessed that you would come before heading to Yuanliu Island... but isn't it a bit too many people coming at once?"

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Tokita Ohma simply shrugged indifferently, surveying the arena as he spoke:

“My original home was here… Actually, I had noticed this place long before, since at night, apart from this shop, there are basically no other shops open in the entire old town.”

Tokita Ohma was born in the region 'Chu', which was removed from the list of notorious criminals, but that does not mean that Tokita Ohma lived there for a long time.

On the contrary, after deciding to prove that the Two Tigers style was the strongest, Tokita Ohma also left the Central Plains and, like some wandering martial artists, made a living by hunting in a wildlife sanctuary specially reserved by the Fighting World management personnel.

Although most people might not dare to come even if they noticed it, from a high place, such as a rooftop or a mountain overlooking the old town, you can indeed see the Sakura family's old house, which is still lit up.

"As for this trip..." Tokita Ohma scratched his face, "On one hand, I want to thank you for helping with the treatment, and on the other hand, I also want to ask about Tokita Nitora."

"And what about this one?"

Yuan Chen turned his gaze to Nogi Hideki.

Tokita Ohma shrugged nonchalantly: "I don't know. Yamashita Kazuo submitted a report to come here, and this guy just followed along on his own and ended up meeting these three idiots."

As he spoke, Tokita Ohma pointed to the three people following behind: Superman Rihito, Death Scythe Ivanka Raev, and Niou Komada.

They were old acquaintances. Upon seeing Yuan Chen again, Ivan Kalayev and Niou Komada instinctively shrank back, clearly remembering that it was Yuan Chen who had easily defeated them.

Even now, when they recall the battle and that overwhelming power, they can't help but feel fear, as if their bodies and souls have been utterly insulted, and they have lost all will to resist.

But Superman Rito was different. After feeling Yuan Chen's gaze, Rito subconsciously took a half step back, but then gritted her teeth and said, "I... I will definitely win back!"

Li Ren originally thought that Yuan Chen would definitely do his best to mock him, or respond coldly and disdainfully.

However, the result was somewhat beyond Li Ren's expectations—after hearing Li Ren's words, Yuan Chen not only did not get angry, but nodded and said, "I await your challenge."

"...Huh?"

Upon hearing this, Rito scratched his head and said, "Aren't you angry?"

"Angry? Why would I be angry?" Yuan Chen looked completely bewildered.

"Because I said I was going to beat you up," Rito replied, scratching his head. Then, after thinking for a moment, he said, "Or maybe it's because I'm disdainful? After all, you defeated me with your own hands before."

"These are two separate matters, unrelated to victory or defeat," Yuan Chen shook his head and said.

"Victory and defeat are common occurrences in war. You lost to me before because I was stronger. If you want to defeat me, you need to train harder and be more persistent."

If you have the perseverance and determination to get back on your feet and catch up, making me feel pressure and fighting spirit, then I would only be overjoyed to have another strong and formidable rival. How could I possibly feel disgusted or dissatisfied because of it?

As he said this, Yuan Chen gave a thumbs up and said, "Anyway, good luck, I look forward to your revenge battle."

After listening blankly to Yuan Chen's series of words, Li Ren blinked subconsciously, then scratched the back of his head and said, "I see... Well, I'll try harder then. I didn't expect you to be so good."

Upon hearing Li Ren's words, Yuan Chen shrugged, then poured a glass of beer and handed it over.

Although it was just a few simple words, Li Ren's condition was noticeably much better.

The main reason is that Rito's life has not been good during this period - after losing to Yuan Chen, Rito was fired by Yiwu Real Estate.

Although with Rito's abilities, joining other mid-tier or even above-mid-tier Kengan companies wouldn't be difficult...

"But the contract I signed with those guys from Yiwu Real Estate included a non-compete agreement!"

After having a few beers, Rito opened up and said with a face full of resentment:

"For the next year, all they need to do is pay me 100,000 yen per month to prevent me from joining any other Kengan company as a fighter. And I'm a big spender anyway, so 100,000 yen will be gone in just a few days..."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen was not surprised.

It's foreseeable that the person in charge would spend money extravagantly.

He realized his amazing talent when he was in elementary school, and after graduation he went straight to the path of a fighter. He made a lot of money by relying on his physical talent, and later joined the Kengan Association, a top underground tournament for fame and fortune. It would be strange if he didn't develop a habit of spending money lavishly.

"And now?" Yuan Chen asked curiously.

Rito then pointed to Nogi Hideki beside him and said, "This uncle said he had a solution, so I came along."

Nogi Hideki also showed a humble smile and said:

"While the contract with Yiwu Real Estate restricts Rito from becoming a Fighter, it does not prohibit him from becoming the company president."

"Since the company doesn't employ any fighters, as the president, I have the right to hire temporary fighters to take my place in battle... As long as Rito hires me as a temporary fighter, I can bypass the restrictions imposed by Yoshimu Realty."

Volume 1: Chapter 158: Tokita Ohma: He's going to beat up Iori Yagami!

Upon hearing Nogi Hideki's words, Yuan Chen more or less realized that Nogi Hideki was already preparing for the Kengan Zemei Tournament.

Thinking to himself, Genji looked at Nogi Hideki and asked directly, "You came here to confirm things about the Kengan Zemei Tournament, right?"

“…Hmm.” After a brief silence, Nogi Hideki nodded.

Although he already knew that Katahara Metsudo held the Kengan Deathmatch Tournament because he wanted to personally shatter the myth of "invincibility" he had built and bring the Kengan Association back to chaos and competition, it was clear that even now, Nogi Hideki still found it hard to believe.

How could anyone not be interested in power, status, and money? Then what are you interested in? Is fighting fun?

"Don't worry about so much, just participate."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen shook his head: "Katahara Metsudo doesn't value the so-called chairmanship as much as you think... For Katahara Metsudo, who has ruled the Kengan Association for over fifty years, what difference does it make whether he's the chairman or not?"

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Nogi Hideki fell silent, then sighed and said, "Perhaps... If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

"Leaving so soon? Aren't you going to have a couple of drinks?" Yuan Chen asked, somewhat surprised.

"I won't go." Nogi Hideki shook his head and said, "The group's fighters are still nowhere to be found. I need to re-establish contact with them before the Kengan Zemei Tournament begins... Besides, I've already achieved my goal."

As he spoke, Nogi Hideki also glanced at Rito, who was chatting with Tokita Ohma and the others.

Yuan Chen understood this.

Although Rito has been dismissed from Gibu Real Estate, his abilities are beyond doubt. While his raw strength is similar to that of Niou Komada, his innate finger strength allows him to thrive in places like the Kengan Association where weapons are prohibited.

In many cases, Kengan fighting is a war of attrition. And when both sides are bare-chested, facing such blunt weapons, unless the opponent has a crushing advantage in basic skills and physical attributes, Rihito can gain the upper hand through his innate abilities.

In this situation, for Hideki Nogi, supporting a person to start a company and providing a loan to help him register for the Kengan Zetsumei Tournament would, even in the worst-case scenario, result in a loss of only 100 million yen in investment.

If they were even slightly better off and made it into the top 32, they would have lost a competitor, or even gained an extra ally in the knockout stage.

Without a doubt, Nogi Hideki is intelligent and cunning. But it's also a pity that in this world, such cunning and intelligence are essentially manifestations of a lack of purity.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded without saying anything more or trying to stop him. He simply told him to be careful on the road. After saying goodbye to Yamashita Kazuo and the others, Nogi Eiki turned and left, getting into a car a short distance away and driving away from the old town.

"Leaving so soon? That guy."

Looking at Nogi Hideki's departing figure, Tokita Ohma seemed somewhat surprised. He had thought that Nogi Hideki would stay here and see if he could also recruit Genjin to his side.

"Who knows? I can't figure out what they're thinking."

Yuan Chen shrugged.

Han Zhuli, standing to the side, said with a look of suspicion, "Really don't know? I feel like you know more than anyone else?"

"I second that." Chunli nodded and raised her hand, looking at Yuan Chen with a helpless expression. "Based on this, I think it's simply a matter of having no reason to fight, so I don't want to waste my energy thinking about this."

“That’s exactly what Brother Yuanchen would do,” Wu Fengshui wholeheartedly agreed.

Meanwhile, Mai Shiranui blinked.

Although I already know the exact relationship between these girls and Yuan Chen, for some reason, I always feel that their relationship with Yuan Chen might be even closer than previously said.

They've even reached the point where they can comment so casually, like they do now.

"Speaking of which, who's that red-haired guy at the door? Do you know him? There are signs of a fight on the ground... he doesn't look like a good guy."

Pointing to the door, Tokita Ohma raised an eyebrow and looked at Yuan Chen, saying, "It's inconvenient to take action while the store is open? Do you need me to take care of him for you?"

Upon hearing Tokita Ohma's words, Yuan Chen glanced at him, a hint of amusement and amusement in his expression.

“...No need for that.” Yuan Chen shook his head.

If Iori Yagami isn't careful, he might kill you...

Thinking this way, Yuan Chen then realized that it was unlikely.

On one hand, Iori Yagami himself is not the complete madman that people imagine—it's just that his fighting style in the game is a bit too nasty, coupled with his flamboyant image and his rock music, so he gives you the impression of being a reckless scoundrel.