Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

After saying this, Baroque paused, collected his thoughts, and said slowly, "In Japan, from what I've encountered, there isn't much sectarianism. You have the opportunity to join three ninjutsu schools."

Which three?

Yuan Chen inquired.

"Ninja Village, Mushin-ryu, Shiranui-ryu."

Upon hearing these three, Yuan Chen raised his eyebrows with interest.

They are all very familiar names.

Ninja Village... I'm not so sure about that, because the naming convention is too broad. If we're really going to count, in Yuan Chen's own memory alone, there are quite a few similar organizations that could be named in this way.

But coming from the mouth of Baroque, a Street Fighter character... perhaps it's the ninja village where Ibuki comes from?

Baroque said slowly and deliberately:

"The ninja village existed in Japan during the Sengoku period. It was a secluded village where people practiced ancient martial arts and ninjutsu, which had been perfected during that time. Although the village itself rarely interacted with outsiders…"

However, with the development of the times, they have also begun to actively seek change. And according to the information I know, the ninja village has been influenced by a similarly ancient and mysterious Japanese assassin family, and is now also actively seeking strong bloodlines.

"Ah, that's really mysterious." Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen looked blankly at the Wu clan members beside him.

It is evident that the Wu clan, through over 1,300 years of human body modification, successfully adapted the human body to liberation, an achievement that had a profound impact on some ancient schools of thought in Japan.

The Wu clan members shrugged indifferently, indicating that they were the challengers.

Then, Baroque continued:

"Then came the Mushin-ryu school, whose oldest origins can be traced back to Tibet in the Tang Dynasty, and it was later introduced to Japan during the Warring States period."

The Martial God School's lineage, while broad in scope, is also extremely rigorous. Although it doesn't restrict the identity of the inheritor, it only passes the torch to one person per generation. To become the next sect leader, one must defeat the current sect leader. The only requirement for each successor is 'justice.'

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded to indicate that he understood.

Yuan Chen was no stranger to the Martial God School, whose philosophy was that "when the world is threatened, the shadow of the Martial God will appear."

To this end, they have been secretly fighting against evil forces in order to maintain the natural order of the world.

Although not as widely known as the Hadouken style in Street Fighter, the Mushin style runs throughout the series and is one of the few special martial arts styles that, like the Hadouken style, is actually close to immortality cultivation.

The playable character 'Kai' in the entire Street Fighter ZERO series and Street Fighter IV is the 4th generation successor of the Mushin-ryu style. In the storylines of Street Fighter Alpha and Street Fighter IV, he used the special move 'Mushin Mushin' to destroy Vega's two bodies twice.

Unfortunately, because it lacked the soul-destroying power of the Instant Kill, it could only kill Vega on a physical level.

Street Fighter can't be without Vega, just like a strongman can't be highlighted without a stepping stone.

In Street Fighter V, Sora is the 38th generation successor of the Mushin-ryu school, capable of switching between different fighting styles in his youth and old age.

Besides these two, there is also Maki, the 40th generation successor of the Bujin-ryu style who appeared in Street Fighter II, and Kimberly, the 42nd generation successor of the Bujin-ryu style with the super big forehead that Street Fighter VI players are most familiar with.

"As for the Martial God School, I remember the lineage should be quite complete, right?" Thinking to himself, Yuan Chen asked, "Hasn't the current sect leader found someone he likes?"

"The lineage of the Martial God almost died out in its thirty-sixth generation."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, Baroque ate his ox tongue, drank some red wine, and felt a surge of pleasure in his eyes at the thought of being needed.

As expected of someone who could defeat me... This pursuit of power and beauty deserves my response... Hmph.

Thinking it over, Baroque nodded in satisfaction and said:

"It wasn't until Elder Genryusai, the 37th generation successor of the Mushin-ryu school, broke down the regional barriers of the Mushin-ryu school and abandoned tradition to actively embrace the technology of the new era that the Mushin-ryu school was able to be revived and flourish."

"The previous sect leader of the Martial God School, 'Kai,' is currently away cultivating, and the sect leader before that, 'Shikong,' is living in seclusion. The current 40th sect leader of the Martial God School is Genryusai Maki, the daughter of Elder Genryusai. She was originally Elder Genryusai's daughter, so it was reasonable for her to inherit the family business and she did not need to challenge the previous sect leader. But this little girl's talent... is just average."

With his arms crossed, Baroque said calmly, "Therefore, the current Martial God School is also actively seeking a successor with talent and compatible ideals."

"What about the Shiranui School?"

A hint of curiosity also appeared in Yuan Chen's eyes.

Compared to the Ninja Village and the Martial God School, Yuan Chen was actually more curious about the Shiranui School.

After all, Mai Shiranui, as SNK's leading lady, has been, and still is, SNK's main source of revenue for a considerable period of time—through IP licensing, collaborations, and the like.

Especially now that fighting games are declining, Mai Shiranui is often referred to as the "Director of Street Fighter Recruitment Office" along with Zangief and Jamie.

Keep guessing~ guessing~ guessing~

“The Shiranui school also faces the problem of succession. This school is probably the oldest of the three,” Baroque said. “It is said to have a history that is even older than Japan itself.”

The current head of the family is Hanzo Shiranui, a highly respected grandmaster, but he is very old. His children died young, and he only has a granddaughter, Mai Shiranui. Like the Mushin-ryu school, he faces the problem of succession and is currently looking for a new successor.

"The Mushin-ryu and Shiranui-ryu have a very good relationship. Although they are both traditional schools, they have abandoned many sectarian prejudices and have fewer complicated rules due to the issue of inheritance."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "Do you have their contact information?"

In response, Baroque simply produced a pre-prepared card, on which different locations were recorded, and said:

"The address and contact number are on it. Go and find out when you have time... Hmm, since you can defeat me, they probably won't refuse someone as talented and promising as you to practice your skills."

"Okay, thank you."

Yuan Chen accepted the card and then said, "Our grudges are settled."

"Ah, that's exactly what I wanted to say."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Baroque sneered and said, "Next time we meet, I won't hold back."

Yuan Chen didn't care about this, and Baroque didn't press the matter further, but got up to leave.

However, after reaching the door, as if remembering something, Baroque turned back to look at Yuan Chen, remained silent for a moment, then coughed lightly and said:

"...When will your store start offering delivery?"

As soon as he finished speaking, a low chuckle came from the Wu family and the Pianyuan family, as if they couldn't hold back their laughter.

"We don't plan to offer delivery." Yuan Chen replied formally, "If you want to try it, you can order it through a delivery service."

Upon hearing this, Baroque nodded, then turned and hurriedly left, seemingly oblivious to Wu Lei'an's increasingly maniacal laughter.

Looking at the cards in his hand, Yuan Chen's face showed a hint of interest.

It's hard to say about the Ninja Village, but it's impossible for Yuan Chen to say he's not interested in the Martial God Style and the Shiranui Style.

The former runs throughout the entire Street Fighter series, while the latter holds a pivotal position in The King of Fighters, its setting being inherited from 'before the ancient times'.

Seeing Yuan Chen's enthusiastic expression, Chun Li asked curiously, "Are you interested in ninjutsu again?"

“A little,” Yuan Chen said. “I discovered some very good techniques during my battle with Baroque.”

Hearing Yuan Chen's words, Chun Li was still a little curious, but seeing that Yuan Chen seemed to have made a decision, she didn't ask any more questions.

Although Chunli had some reservations about Yuan Chen's actions in certain aspects, Yuan Chen was always very decisive when it came to important matters, which was why Chunli trusted him so much.

After seeing Baroque off, the Wu family members and the Pianyuan siblings had finished their meal. After a brief farewell and tidying up the house, Yuan Chen took out his phone and pulled Han Zhuli, who was trying to sneak away, back to him.

"Don't go, President Kim is waiting to see you."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Han Zhuli's face fell. For a moment, she didn't know how to respond. She could only sit dejectedly at the bar, looking like Louis XVI waiting to personally experience his improved product.

Volume 1: Chapter 115 - Han Zhuli's Heart Knot

[My sleep schedule has been messed up lately, and my memory is a bit fading. I forgot to write about Han Zhuli's reaction when I was writing earlier, but I added it later. However, because the correction was made late, some readers may not have seen it. You can refresh the page at the beginning of the previous chapter to see it. The main content is that Han Zhuli suppressed her inner turmoil and decided to wait until things were over before questioning Yuan Chen alone.]

After cleaning up the restaurant, while waiting for Kim Gwan-jang's video call, Han Zhuli turned her gaze to Yuan Chen beside her.

It was obvious that Han Zhuli seemed to have something she wanted to ask, but after her expression changed for a while, she only slammed her fist on the table with slight displeasure.

“I originally wanted to wait until it was just the two of us before asking you… but since you insist that I stay here, I might as well ask you here.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded in understanding: "It's about Baroque and Yingluo, right?"

“…Hmm.” Hearing Yuan Chen’s words, Han Zhuli nodded, then leaned on the table, her crossed arms covering half her face, and strands of hair falling across her forehead obscuring her eyes, making it difficult to see Han Zhuli’s expression for a moment.

“You should know about my relationship with Yingluo… So, what’s the deal with that guy named Balok?”

"Yes, I was thinking of telling you that too."

Upon hearing Han Zhuli's question, Yuan Chen nodded and then recounted what had happened to him in Hong Kong.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's account, before Han Zhuli could say anything, Chunli exclaimed in astonishment, "So, that means Baroque already knew he would be safely taken away by Yingluo back then? Why didn't you say so then, Yuan Chen?"

“What’s the point of saying it…” Yuan Chen glanced helplessly at Chun Li.

Upon hearing this, Chunli instinctively opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something. But then, as if realizing something, she slapped her forehead and fell silent.

The reason for this is quite simple: Chun-Li suddenly realized that if she were in that situation, she would only think that Baroque was just being stubborn after his defeat.

Chun-Li wouldn't even tell her father or the other Interpol agents about it.

Because of Baroque's special status, regardless of whether Baroque said those words or not, Interpol would have arranged for maximum police force to escort him... The fact that Baroque escaped alive like this is because Vega used a cheat code to directly descend remotely through mental power.

Don't be fooled by Vega's vulnerability to being slowed down and crushed by skills like "Martial God Unparalleled," "Instant Kill," and "Shadow of Death" in the Street Fighter series. Those who can defeat Vega either have maxed out their physical stats, such as "Martial God Unparalleled," or maxed out their Ki mechanics, such as "Shadow of Death," or deal true damage directly, such as "Instant Kill."

As the gatekeeper of the T0 in the Street Fighter universe, even if Vega is only a spiritual being, he is by no means someone that ordinary martial artists can contend with.

This can be seen from the group of experts who were brainwashed by Vega, such as Nash, Rose, Cammy, and Ken.

Vega is not a district!!!

"That's why Baroque is here, and the main reason I didn't take action is... I didn't want to."

"..."

Upon hearing this, Han Zhuli fell silent, then looked at Yuan Chen with a cold, numb expression that was neither sad nor happy.

"Wait a minute! Ah Chen! Zhu Li!"

Seeing that the atmosphere was getting tense, Chun-Li said helplessly, "Calm down! Baroque is no weakling. He dared to show up here so openly, he must have prepared a backup plan! Besides, that guy has only been standing at the door the whole time. Even if we all attacked at once, it would be difficult to take him down..."

Hearing Chunli's explanation, Yuan Chen simply shook his head, his eyes fixed on Han Zhuli, and calmly continued:

“I know about your hatred for Shadow Luo, and I know that Baroque deserved to die, but he came to fulfill his promise to me... and I will respond.”

"So, this time I chose to talk to him not because he was standing at the door, nor because he was prepared... but because I wanted to respond to him, so even if I could take action, I wouldn't."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Han Zhuli fell into a long silence. After a long while, she said unhappily, "Tch, after saying so much, it's all for the so-called 'meaning'... I understand."

As she said this, Han Zhuli leaned back in her chair, her expression filled with irritation:

“I… don’t blame you, because revenge is my own business, and I don’t want to use you to complete my revenge. I just… need some time to accept it.”

Sensing Han Zhuli's agitation, and the understanding hidden beneath that agitation...

To be honest, Yuan Chen wasn't too surprised.

Many people believe that Han Zhuli's crazy and beautiful character setting has been consistent since the fourth generation, but this is not actually the case.

Especially after living with Han Zhuli for a while, Yuan Chen became even more certain that Han Zhuli was not just a simple little devil, a crazy beauty, or a sadist.

Or perhaps, Han Zhuli's mental state itself has changed to varying degrees in different Street Fighter series.

In Street Fighter IV, she was a complete madwoman. With the implantation of the Feng Shui Engine, her physical strength and aura were enhanced, and she also became extremely bloodthirsty due to the Feng Shui Engine. She was keen on toying with her prey to death, and her mind turned into a pure hedonist, frantically pursuing the pleasure of sadism and revenge.

At the very beginning of Street Fighter V's storyline, after Han Zhuli's left eye Feng Shui Engine was taken away by Vega, she became depressed for a long time and stopped being arrogant. In order to deal with Vega, she even cooperated with her former nemesis Cammy and Colleen, and her mind recovered to some extent.

During the Street Fighter V era, because the powerful Feng Shui Engine prototype was lost, Han Zhuli returned to the old site of SIN Company and found the weaker Feng Shui Engine experimental machine 'Feng Shui Engine Alpha'.

In Street Fighter VI, Han Zhuli, having avenged Vega's death, becomes more peaceful, carefree, and even somewhat melancholic, a thrill-seeker. She's more like a wandering motorcyclist, roaming around looking for fun to relieve boredom, with a more composed personality than before.

As a result, the Feng Shui Engine Alpha was transformed from a tool for revenge into a toy for amusement in Han Zhuli's eyes.

The most compelling evidence for this is the design of Han Zhuli's pajama skin—according to the design, Han Zhuli in her pajama skin is what she looks like when she's lazing around at home after getting revenge and having nothing to do.

According to the designer, whenever Han Zhuli returned home, she would put on a onesie pajama, and the house would become messy because she was too lazy to clean it. She was like a lazy bum who only stayed in her room playing on her phone – this was Han Zhuli's mental state after getting her revenge.

Although the Kengan timeline has already begun, the Street Fighter timeline is still in the Street Fighter 2 period, which means that Han Zhuli has not yet reached the crazy state of Street Fighter 4 where the Feng Shui Engine has been implanted.

At least, in Yuan Chen's opinion, Han Zhuli is still very naive... She craves revenge and power, but she hasn't forgotten her parents' teachings and her pursuit of justice, truth, goodness, and beauty.

Thinking this, Yuan Chen placed his hand on Han Zhuli's shoulder.

This made Han Zhuli look at Yuan Chen with some impatience.

Yuan Chen simply said calmly, "I will help you."

"Who cares..." Han Zhuli rolled her eyes and grumbled, "You just think it's comfortable to do it with me... or maybe it gives you a sense of accomplishment when I'm screaming..."