Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

The original draft of this book was about 130,000 words long, but when I rewrote it, only about 30,000 words of the core setting were usable. Everything else, from the plot to the characters' personalities, was drastically changed.

Readers who know me from the past six months should know that I've been busy working on new books for an extended period. Looking back, I realize that I was too focused on achievements and trending topics, and in doing so, I neglected what I truly love.

The current readership of this book is definitely not comparable to the previous books that had tens of thousands of subscribers.

After all, given the subject matter, fighting games are notoriously difficult to popularize or get started with, as evidenced by the fact that Street Fighter 6, despite being three years old, has only sold seven million copies.

But it can only be said that passion does have an effect. Even niche and unpopular topics have achieved much better results than those rigid, trend-chasing novels.

And more importantly, it's fun to write, and I think about the plot development, what kind of sparks will be generated when the ideas of those distinctive fighters and martial artists collide, how they are happily humiliated multiple times, and how the despicable female villain steals their forbidden fruit.

I'm just having a bit of a headache. I thought I had saved enough chapters for a big update, but this afternoon I discovered that there was a problem with the word count display in the backend. After hurriedly adding the word count, I found that I actually only saved one chapter... I guess I'll have to resort to the old method of manually typing it out on the spot for a big update.

Then there's the question about the plot. The main storyline of this book will only incorporate elements from Street Fighter, Baki, King of Fighters, and Kengan Ashura.

In order to match the progress of Kengan Ashura, Street Fighter will start from the Street Fighter 2 storyline, King of Fighters will start from the '95-'96 storyline, and Baki was originally supposed to start from the death row arc, but considering that some readers are not familiar with the Baki character, and in order to match the setting of Kengan Ashura, it was decided to change it to start from the strongest tournament on earth.

At the same time, the world view will incorporate some slice-of-life anime as non-main story content, such as Heavy Lifting Heavyweights and Grand Blue.

Although there are many worldviews, in order to prevent power struggles, the absolute foundation is the setting of modern, classic, spirit, and intent.

For example, the strange physics in some fighting games and anime will be presented in different ways, such as modern, classic, qi, and yi, to ensure that the worldview can be logically consistent to a certain extent.

Overall, the main theme of this book is still killing, fucking, and going crazy.

Nowadays, there might be an added element of fighting. For example, after a fight, many characters, covered in wounds, would eat and drink, and then discuss which was better, the modern or the classic version, whose aura was stronger, whose will was more domineering, and whose "things" were absolutely masculine, and so on.

I won't say anything more. I'll start writing and then update like crazy after it's published tomorrow.

Volume 1: 56. The Intent of a Trapped Beast (1/5)

He rolled to the side in a disheveled state, looked up and glanced at the cracks on the ground caused by the axe elbow, then hurriedly looked at Yuan Chen, before frantically pulling a shattered mirror from his back.

He then forced himself to remove the mask, revealing a face that, while somewhat effeminate for a man, was undeniably exquisite and beautiful for a woman.

"It's alright, it's alright, it's alright!"

At first, Baroque's voice was somewhat flustered, but after confirming that his delicate appearance had not been seriously damaged, he let out an excited roar.

Yuan Chen found this somewhat difficult to understand.

Judging from the feel, the Baroque mask is definitely the most technologically advanced thing on his body - although it looks like just an ordinary iron mask, it obviously has excellent energy conduction and can work with his own internal energy to alleviate the damage he suffers.

Even under such circumstances, Baroque preferred to suffer greater impact on other parts of his body rather than allow his face to be damaged in the slightest...

The reason why his face was not seriously damaged by Yuan Chen's continuous bursts of fighting spirit is that he took the initiative to stop the attack during the Barcelona flying descent.

Is this a good choice?

No.

Forcibly blocking the flow of one's own internal energy is tantamount to creating a blockage in the smooth flow of internal meridians for classical martial artists. Even for modern martial artists who specialize in external techniques, it represents a serious muscle strain.

It can be said that, in terms of stopping an attack, both classic and modern martial artists use it with great restraint.

For example, even with life energy protecting him, Yuan Chen would rather use his fighting spirit to continuously shift his center of gravity than interrupt the punch he was about to throw. At most, continuous attacks would only cause minor damage to his internal and external energy, making it impossible to unleash his fighting spirit again for a short period of time.

However, forcibly interrupting one's own attack... the potential energy generated by the attack will not disappear into thin air, but will directly backfire on oneself.

But that's just how Baroque is. Faced with the choice between trading blows with Yuan Chen and inflicting further injuries on himself, he resolutely chose the latter without hesitation...

Although it may not seem like much on the surface, Yuan Chen can tell with just a glance that Baroque's meridians are damaged in many places, and his organs and muscles are severely congested and injured.

Although his face remained intact, the actual damage he suffered far exceeded the consequences of withstanding Yuan Chen's attack head-on and exchanging blows with him.

Even if the goal wasn't to preserve a completely intact face, but rather to retain some of its power, Baroque wouldn't be suffering such severe damage now...

Just as Yuan Chen was still pondering, Baroque seemed to have discovered something. His excited voice faltered slightly, and then he trembled as he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from his forehead. Gazing at the scar left by the force of the energy, Baroque's eyes darkened.

In an instant, a multitude of phantoms appeared in his mind.

He thought of his mother, his ugly stepfather, and that filthy night... that night when ugliness and violence destroyed beauty and tenderness.

This caused a hint of despair and fear to surface in Baroque's eyes. In a daze, he realized that the person standing there was not one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Shadow Luo, nor the chief assassin, but simply a helpless child.

But in the blink of an eye, this vulnerability and helplessness vanished, as if it had never existed, leaving only a deep-seated hatred on the face.

Baroque turned his gaze to Yuan Chen, his voice filled with cruelty and coldness.

"I'm going to kill you! I'm going to tear you to pieces!"

Hearing that utterly devoid of beauty and splendor, filled with a frenzied hostility like that of a trapped beast, Yuan Chen narrowed his eyes slightly.

Despite having lost his mind, along with this extreme behavior, the life energy within Baroque's body... showed signs of ascension?

Thinking about it, Yuan Chen nodded thoughtfully.

"I see... So this is your 'intention'."

Intent, the core of a martial artist—more important than realm, technique, qi, body, and strength.

According to Lao Yuan, only a martial artist who can remain unfazed in the face of death and carry out his own will can be considered a true martial artist.

This spirit, this power at the soul level, will directly influence a martial artist's growth, and even form and shape the projection of the soul, and even the form of muscles and bones in the material world.

Now, what the Baroque movement pursues is undoubtedly absolute 'beauty'.

As he pondered, Yuan Chen suddenly felt a tremor in his chest and waist. Reaching into his pocket, he realized he had just put his communicator in because it was noisy.

And now, as soon as I put it on, I heard a series of worried questions.

"Ah Chen? Are you alright? Where are you now? Are you okay?" Chun Li asked, her voice filled with worry.

"Communicator coordinates confirmed! Special operations team, provide support immediately!" It was Uncle Tong Ang's voice. Yuan Chen had probably forgotten to respond because he was so engrossed in the battle. He was currently arranging for Interpol technicians to locate the device directly.

"Brother Yuan Chen? Hello? Are you there? Damn it, we're coming to find you right now—you little minions, don't stop Lord Huo Yin Dan!" Dan, nothing much to say, let's skip that.

"I've taken care of things here." It was Sagat's voice last: "Have you found Yuan Chen's location? I'm coming over now."

Sensing everyone's concern, Yuan Chen calmly said, "Don't worry, we've just dealt with some gang thugs. We're currently fighting Baroque."

"Baroque?" Upon hearing this, Sagat's voice paused slightly, then became even more serious as he said, "You encountered Baroque? Wait, hold on, I'm coming right now."

Not only Sagat, but also Copper Ang, a former undercover agent, knew about Baroque's position in the Shadow Organization.

He is ranked alongside Sagat as one of the Four Heavenly Kings—it should be noted that Sagat nearly, or rather, actually killed Yuan Chen back then.

Thanks to the miraculous reawakening of life energy, they achieved a victory that was even more devastating than defeat. Now, they've encountered Baroque again—without hesitation, Tong Ang immediately said:

"Yuan Chen! Hold on! Maintain your defense! We're coming right now!"

"Ah."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded.

"Then come as soon as possible... He's not as good as Old Sha, I think I'll be the one to win next."

Copper Ang, Chun-Li, Sagat: "?"

Without saying anything more, Yuan Chen simply stuffed the headset back into his pocket, then, under Baroque's hateful gaze, walked towards him while saying:

"You are very strong, so I will not give you more time to recover, but will do everything I can to kill you as soon as possible."

Volume 1: Chapter 57 - Entanglement (2/5)

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Baroque laughed in fury.

Propelling himself to his feet, Baroque put his mask and iron claws back on, his gaze towards Yuan Chen filled with cold indifference.

"I'm not as good as Sagat? Is it because my initial teasing led you to some unrealistic ideas? Come on, let me show you what true...beauty is!"

Upon hearing Baroque's words, Yuan Chen shook his head and simply said calmly:

“You are indeed inferior to Sagat in every aspect... Whether it is strength, striking power, resilience, or fighting spirit, Sagat is stronger than you. In comparison, the only thing you can be proud of is your speed and evasion.”

"Unfortunately, we are incompatible. When you took my attack because of your contempt and carelessness, your speed, which you were so proud of, went from being far superior to me to being slightly stronger than me."

As he said this, Yuan Chen pointed at Baroque: "Now, you are the challenger."

Upon hearing this, Baroque remained silent, but the eyes behind his iron mask suddenly became even more sinister.

But perhaps because of the injury, or perhaps because of the energy depletion from the recent battle? Almost instantly, all his rage was compressed into something more dangerous—focus.

Previously, Baroques were perceived as cheetahs: elegant, silent, and deadly, yet they still spent a great deal of time grooming themselves, exhibiting an almost narcissistic cleanliness habit, and were fond of 'overkilling behavior,' enjoying repeatedly poking, tossing, and playing with their prey in extreme fear as they slowly withered away.

So now... he seems to be just an assassin, a true assassin, not consumed by rage.

The next moment, Baroque moved.

Without any buildup or warning, her tall and graceful body tilted to the left, her left foot touching the ground, and she launched herself forward and to the right. She attacked Yuan Chen in a zigzag pattern.

The steel claws on his hands reflected three dazzling beams of cold light that pierced Yuan Chen's eyes, and then, like lightning, they stabbed towards Yuan Chen's upper arm.

Although it's not the same signature move as the previous Flying Claw or Barcelona's Flying Drop, which is considered a finishing move, it's just a simple slashing attack. However, in terms of threat level, it far surpasses the former.

For those novice martial artists, whether in classic or modern styles, their favorite thing to do is to unleash all their ultimate moves at the very beginning of the fight, exhausting their stamina and even depleting their fighting spirit.

But for a martial artist like Baroque who has already achieved some success, those so-called powerful and heavy finishing moves are often just finishing techniques.

In a situation like this, an ordinary martial artist might lose sight of themselves due to the light reflected from the steel claws, thus failing to protect their vital points.

At that time, Baroque will be able to anticipate their reaction and turn to attack other secondary vitals that, while not critical, can greatly influence the outcome of the battle.

Unfortunately, this level of flash was not enough to even flicker Yuan Chen's light.

The cut is made diagonally from the right side, targeting not vital organs, but the arm—more precisely, the brachial artery, the major artery of the upper limb, located on the inner side of the upper arm next to the biceps brachii muscle.

If the brachial artery is damaged or ruptured, a person will lose consciousness within 3-5 minutes due to massive blood loss. If the person is in the midst of a high-intensity battle, this window of opportunity can be shortened to less than 1 minute.

Even if the internal energy is sealed, it will not last more than two minutes.

The so-called secondary vitals are those limb areas where an injury could almost end the fight.

Unfortunately—"I have no blind spots."

Accompanied by a deep voice, Yuan Chen stepped forward, lowered his waist, and thrust his right shoulder forward.

At the same instant that the three sharp blades pierced the flesh, Yuan Chen's shoulder also collided with Baroque's wrist.

The flesh was ripped open, and three bloody gashes extended from the inside of the upper arm, with blood splattering everywhere. Along with the severed carotid artery, Yuan Chen's shoulder also slammed directly into Baroque's chest.

With a muffled thud, the heavy blow caused Baroque to feel his heart skip a beat for a moment. As his blood pressure fluctuated wildly, Yuan Chen used his arm, whose artery had been severed, to pin Baroque's arm and steel claws together, while his other hand delivered a fierce elbow strike at Baroque's face at close range.

At the critical moment, Baroque forcibly twisted his body, but even so, as the force around his elbow swept past, several strands of hair appeared before Baroque's eyes, and a sound like a knife cutting came from his mask.

This guy... saw through my attack?

Sensing the coldness in Yuan Chen's gaze, a look of seriousness also appeared in Baroque's eyes.

Judging solely from the blood flow, Baroque was certain that Yuan Chen's brachial artery had been severed by him. However, what Baroque couldn't understand was why this guy was ignoring it.

Yuan Chen didn't speak, nor did he care that his elbow strike missed. In the next moment, he unleashed his fighting spirit, causing the missed elbow strike to restart under the force of the energy, transforming into an axe-like elbow strike that crashed down.

But Baroque was clearly prepared for this. As he lowered his head, he also raised his other arm, which had been injured in the previous collision, to shield himself and take the blow.

Unfortunately, for Muay Thai, which is known as the Eight-Body Boxing style, being blocked in the upper body does not mean the end of the attack. Instead, with this close-range mutual restraint, Yuan Chen, whose axe elbow was blocked, immediately adjusted his strength, suddenly lowered his center of gravity, and forcefully bent Baroque's waist. At the same time, his right knee turned into a blur and thrust towards Baroque's abdomen.

Unable to dodge, Baroque could only tense his muscles, but even so, his body was still bent at nearly ninety degrees by Yuan Chen's knee. His lower limbs lost their center of gravity in that instant and were thrown backward, his feet dragging two ear-piercing long sounds on the ground.

But at that same moment, Baroque realized more and more that he was no match for Yuan Chen in terms of strength and resilience. So, while being knocked back, he twisted his body forcefully. With a cracking sound of bones, his dislocated joint was forcibly pulled out of Yuan Chen's blockade. He then performed three backflips to quickly create distance.

But before Baroque could even breathe a sigh of relief, he noticed that Yuan Chen showed no regret on his face, as if he was not surprised by Baroque's forceful break-out. Instead, he took advantage of the moment to plunge his left hand into the wound in his right brachial artery, then used his thumb and forefinger, and his little finger and ring finger to press down on the two severed ends of the artery before pulling it out.

……

Did they pull it out?

Upon first seeing this scene, Baroque even thought he was seeing things and couldn't help but rub his eyes to make sure he wasn't mistaken.

This guy actually pulled the severed brachial artery out of the deep muscles?

Volume 1: Chapter 58 - Yuan Chen, WIN! (3/5)

Is this... reasonable?

As the chief assassin of Shadow Luo, Baroque is well aware of the importance of arteries to the human body.

Once an artery is severed, it immediately retracts into fibrous connective tissue and spasms violently.

Trying to pull it out by hand is not feasible, firstly because the anatomical structure does not allow it, and secondly because the tissue strength does not allow it; it will break directly with the slightest movement.

Now, Yuan Chen used this almost brutal method to pull out the muscle by pinching both ends, and then directly used his fingers to pinch it and stuff it into the wound to rub it back and forth.