Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

Forbidden type, absolute tooth!

A simple, unadorned punch landed squarely on her side. The instant she sensed the impact, Shiranui Hanzo jumped to her feet, but Yuan Chen's fist was clearly faster and more powerful than Hanzo's! A perfect strike! The intense impact even transformed into a visible white wave that surged out from behind Shiranui Mai!

Having taken the brunt of the impact, Mai Shiranui, who had already unleashed her Super Special Move, Ninja Bee, immediately widened her eyes. The Nen flames around her were extinguished like candles in the wind by the surging fist wind. Then, with a whoosh, she flew out and crashed into the wall with a dull thud. Instead of sliding down, she was embedded in the wall with unfocused eyes, like a painting.

"dance!"

Upon seeing this, Hanzo Shiranui exclaimed in surprise, then immediately got up and went to Mai's side. Together with Maki Genryusai, they carefully took Mai Shiranui off the wall.

Looking at Yuan Chen who followed behind, Shiranui Hanzo's eyes widened, and he asked sharply, "It was just a friendly spar, why did you have to use such force?!"

Upon hearing Hanzo's question, Yuan Chen didn't feign helplessness or try to shirk responsibility; he simply replied:

“Bearing the name of mourning, I cannot tarnish Lao Yuan’s reputation.”

Upon hearing this, Hanzo Shiranui opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

After all, it was Shiranui Hanzo who proposed the idea of ​​determining whether Yuan Chen was Yuan's successor through battle.

Just now, although Yuan Chen's attack style was completely different from the fighting style of Yuan that Shiranui Hanzo had seen when he was young, as a master-level figure, Shiranui Hanzo was able to confirm from the characteristics that Yuan Chen displayed when he gathered his energy that it was indeed the Sangji Assassination Fist.

The mastery of the many key points of the human body, and the gathering of Qi...

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Genryusai Maki, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but say, "Even so, isn't that going too far! Mai's breathing is almost nonexistent now!"

"Don't worry."

Yuan Chen said, "The Sangji Assassination Fist is also quite skilled in healing. I will perform emergency treatment now."

As he spoke, Yuan Chen stretched out his hands and channeled his life energy.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Genryusai Maki turned her gaze to Shiranui Hanzo beside her, seemingly asking whether she should listen to Yuan Chen.

Sensing Genryusai Maki's gaze, Shiranui Hanzo hesitated for a moment, but then nodded and said, "Please do your best to treat him."

"Don't worry," Yuan Chen nodded and said, "I have plenty of experience with this."

Hearing Yuan Chen's assurance, Shiranui Hanzo was still worried, but seeing Yuan Chen's serious expression, he felt a little more at ease.

As an elder from the same era as Yuan, Shiranui Hanzo knew that besides his unparalleled assassination techniques, Yuan's medical skills in Tang Dynasty medicine were also not to be underestimated.

As Yuan Chen treated Mai Shiranui, Genryusai Maki was initially nervous, but after confirming that Yuan Chen was indeed treating her—or rather, that Mai's condition was indeed recovering rapidly—she breathed a slight sigh of relief.

After instructing Yuan Chen to take good care of himself, Genryusai Maki then glanced at Shiranui Hanzo. Sensing Maki's gaze, Shiranui Hanzo nodded in return, and the two left the room without a word.

Once outside and closing the door, Genryusai Maki whispered, "Senior, what is the Mourning Assassination Fist...?"

Upon hearing Genryusai Maki's words, a trace of memory surfaced in Shiranui Hanzo's eyes, and he then began to recount his past stories.

"In that era, Hong Kong was still the heart of the fighting scene in Asia..."

Shiranui Hanzo explained it simply, or rather, it's not convenient to go into more detail right now. But even so, it was enough for Genryusai Maki to realize what the Mourning Assassination Fist truly represented for the underworld... especially for old people like Shiranui Hanzo from the previous era.

Thinking this, Genryusai Maki seemed to realize something and said solemnly, "If that's the case... does Shiranui-ryu have some kind of grudge against Sangki Assassination Fist?"

"...No." Shiranui Hanzo shook his head.

"Then why did he go so far? Was it really just to make a name for himself?" Genryusai Maki said suspiciously, "He's up to no good."

"……yes."

Upon hearing this, Hanzo Shiranui's face also showed a look of worry.

"But no matter what, the Mushin-ryu will stand by the Shiranui-ryu!"

Genryusai Maki said earnestly, "Please rest assured about that, senior!"

Upon hearing Genryusai Maki's words, Hanzo Shiranui's face showed a touch of emotion, and he then said:

“I can feel your sincerity, child… but these things cannot be decided arbitrarily. If something really happens, you can leave if you can.”

Regardless, as long as the Shiranui-ryu school exists, the Mushin-ryu school will always be its friend! If the Shiranui-ryu encounters a talented disciple, it will certainly recommend the Mushin-ryu's lineage to them!

During their conversation, the two of them felt a sense of pressure.

Not everyone can be like Lao Yuan, whose fighting strength hardly diminished even in the final stage of his life, and whose understanding of death became more profound as he got closer to death.

As for Yuan Chen, both Genryusai Maki and Shiranui Hanzo felt an indescribable pressure.

A fist may be afraid of youth and strength—but this fist is far too strong.

Just as the two were feeling that the situation was getting a little tricky, a soft cough suddenly came from inside the house.

Instinctively, the two immediately pushed open the door and rushed into the room, only to see Mai Shiranui already sitting up, leaning over the bed and constantly dry heaving, spitting out a large amount of saliva mixed with foam and blood.

"Wu! You're awake?!"

Upon seeing Mai awaken, Genryusai Maki also showed a surprised expression, then quickly went to the bedside and said:

"You woke up so quickly? I thought you'd be in bed for at least a week."

Upon hearing Genryusai Maki's words, Mai Shiranui had no time to explain. She simply adjusted her physical state, feeling the heat coursing through her body as she breathed heavily.

Seeing that his granddaughter was indeed recovering quickly, Shiranui Hanzo breathed a sigh of relief, but doubts also arose in his heart.

"What is your purpose in coming here, sir?" Shiranui Hanzo asked, looking at Yuan Chen.

Volume 1: Chapter 122 - The Struggle Between Master and Disciple

Upon hearing Hanzo Shiranui's question, Yuan Chen replied, "Cultivation."

"...Cultivation?"

Upon hearing this, Shiranui Hanzo was slightly taken aback, seemingly unable to understand what Yuan Chen meant by cultivation.

Seeing the confusion on Shiranui Hanzo's face, Yuan Chen explained the purpose of his visit.

Upon learning that Yuan Chen actually wanted to understand the difference between ninjutsu and ordinary martial arts, and had even specifically researched information related to the Martial God School, not only Shiranui Hanzo, but even Genryusai Maki, who was standing next to him, stared wide-eyed in surprise.

"So that means..." Hanzo Shiranui stroked his chin, his voice filled with deep surprise and uncertainty, as if he had been stunned by a sudden surprise. He looked at Yuan Chen with astonishment and said:

"You've come here to become an apprentice and learn skills?!"

“Yes.” Yuan Chen nodded.

"Then... won't that guy Yuan mind? Aren't you his disciple?" Shiranui Hanzo looked at Yuan Chen with some surprise and expectation.

Don't worry about the dance for now. Of course, the dance is important, but your injuries have already been mostly healed by the health preservation method of the Lost Assassination Fist, and you are out of danger... Anyway, you're out of danger, so let's not worry about it for now.

In comparison, what about Yuan Chen?

Holy crap, this is a living legend in the world of assassins, hailed as the successor of the peerless warrior Yuan Wudi, standing at the pinnacle of power.

Especially just now, although Shiranui Hanzo could sense that the energy of Yuan Chen had obvious characteristics of being lost and forbidden when it was circulating—anyone who has seen the Lost and Forsaken Fist should be able to sense this.

That kind of absolute obsession with fighting to the death, with a deadly duel, with the word "death" itself.

However, Shiranui Hanzo could also sense that Yuan Chen's fist was not simply imitating Yuan Wudi, but had already forged its own path, or even... its own will!

Such talent would be a tremendous asset if he were truly willing to train in the Shiranui style. However, Shiranui Hanzo was also worried that if Gen found out, he might see it as an attempt to steal his disciple…

"Don't worry." Sensing Hanzo's worry, Yuan Chen nodded and said, "My relationship with Lao Yuan is not just that of master and disciple. To be precise, I will take care of him... well, take care of him until his death."

When he spoke the final two words, "to see someone off in their final moments," a resolute look appeared in Yuan Chen's eyes.

Whenever Yuan Chen mentions Lao Yuan, recalls Lao Yuan's current state, and his peak period that is gradually coming to an end with the passage of time, he can feel his desire to kill Lao Yuan growing stronger.

According to Yuan Chen's prediction, in three years at most, Old Yuan will be unable to maintain his current peak condition, and his strength will inevitably decline day by day. Therefore, the two-year agreement was set.

He had been in the Battle Realm for over a month, but this pace of progress was clearly not enough to satisfy Yuan Chen.

While pondering, Yuan Chen briefly explained his relationship with Lao Yuan.

As Yuan Chen explained, the surprise in Shiranui Hanzo's eyes lessened and the anticipation grew. After gaining a better understanding of Yuan Chen's relationship with Lao Yuan and Yuan Chen's goals, his eyes shone even brighter.

In fact, Hanzo Shiranui felt as if he had been hit by a giant pie falling from the sky, leaving him dizzy.

The filling here is a bit... too lavish!

"In conclusion," Yuan Chen summarized.

"Old Yuan himself is without a sect or lineage, and has no descendants, so he does not restrict me from becoming a disciple. If the Shiranui School can accept those who already have skills, then I hope to become a member of the Shiranui School. If not, please give me an answer, and I will go to look for other ninjutsu schools. If possible, please help me make an introduction."

As he spoke, Yuan Chen also turned his gaze to Genryusai Maki beside him.

Having some understanding of the Martial God style, although this school focuses on physical techniques rather than the 'energy conversion' that Yuan Chen is more interested in, it possesses the power to kill Vega, and its ultimate technique, Martial God Unparalleled, obviously has many aspects worth learning from.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Shiranui Hanzo instinctively wanted to agree, but then he felt a burning gaze from the side.

Turning my head, I saw none other than Genryusai Maki, whose gaze was clearly directed at me.

After all, according to the agreement they just reached, the Shiranui School would also assist in the martial arts inheritance of the Mushin School... and now.

Feeling the gaze from his old friend's daughter, Hanzo Shiranui sighed inwardly, realizing he had been too hasty in making the promise. He never expected such a windfall to fall from the sky so soon after.

After thinking for a moment and hesitating, Hanzo Shiranui took a deep breath and decided to fulfill his promise to Genryusai Maki.

“Maki, I’m a man of my word.” Shiranui Hanzo looked at Genryusai Maki.

Genryusai Maki, on the other hand, looked expectant and was even ready to accept and agree immediately.

Shiranui Hanzo did not disappoint Genryusai Maki, and immediately said, "What I promised you about the Mushin-ryu school is the Shiranui-ryu school's business. The problem of inheritance facing the Mushin-ryu school is the problem facing the Shiranui-ryu school! Therefore—"

"So!" Genryusai Maki clenched her fist expectantly.

"So what do you think of the dance?" Shiranui Hanzo asked earnestly.

"...Mai?" Genryusai Maki was stunned, the joy on her face instantly freezing, her entire demeanor seemingly illustrating what it meant to 'completely collapse'.

"Me?" Mai Shiranui, who had just woken up from her coma and whose head was still a little dizzy, didn't understand the situation. She only heard Genryusai Maki and her grandfather talking about something, but suddenly her name was mentioned.

“Yes, Mai!” Hanzo Shiranui stroked his beard and said, “You know Mai’s talent is quite good, and she should be more than qualified to inherit the Martial God Style…”

No, no, no, no.

Upon hearing this, Genryusai Maki shook her head repeatedly and said, "Mai is your own granddaughter, how could I take away what belongs to someone else?"

"Hey, she's just a granddaughter. It just proves that our two schools of thought are closely related!"

Shiranui Hanzo waved his hand dismissively.

"No, no, no, Mai is more suitable for Shiranui."

"No, no, no, dancing is more suitable for the Martial God style."

Looking at the two people who were being polite and courteous to each other, Mai Shiranui, whose head was still a little dizzy, was also stunned. Although she didn't know what had happened... it seemed like she was being disliked?

Instinctively, Mai Shiranui tugged at Yuan Chen beside her: "What... what happened?"

“…I don’t know.” Yuan Chen shook his head.

He genuinely had no idea, as he had just been healing Mai Shiranui. Who would have thought that when he looked up, he would see this...

"But judging from your expression, you must have been rejected," Yuan Chen said matter-of-factly.

"No way! There's absolutely no way that's possible!" Mai Shiranui vehemently denied, then looked at her grandfather and Maki beside her and said, "Grandpa! Maki! What are you talking about?!"

Upon hearing Wu's words, the two exchanged a glance, then shrugged in unison, their faces showing helplessness, clearly knowing that the matter could not be discussed any further...

Yuan Chen briefly explained his purpose for coming here. When Mai Shiranui learned that Yuan Chen had actually come to become an apprentice, she was first taken aback, then showed a surprised expression. She then frowned and thought for a while before she understood the reason.

Thinking this, Mai Shiranui looked at Yuan Chen with a resentful expression and said, "So, you just wanted to have a simple spar and experience the wonders of the Shiranui style... but you used such a heavy hand for the honor of that so-called 'Sangji Assassination Fist'?"

“Yes.” Yuan Chen nodded.

"What?! It's right here!" Hearing Yuan Chen's calm reply, Mai Shiranui covered her head and angrily lashed out.

"How can I be your senior sister if things go like this! Even if you successfully become my disciple, I won't be able to guide you, my newly initiated junior brother, with the attitude of a senior sister! This is outrageous!"

Hearing Mai Shiranui's unwillingness, Yuan Chen, who was standing to the side, also felt it was difficult to comment. He stretched out his hand and said with a strange expression, "Even without this match, we would have sparred sooner or later... the result wouldn't have changed."

Upon hearing this, Mai Shiranui tilted her head back and thought for a moment. Although somewhat unwilling, she then nodded bitterly and said:

"It seems that's true... But even so! In the Shiranui school's philosophy, you are still my junior brother! Of course, I won't bully you, but you must respect me!"

Seeing Mai Shiranui's excited expression, Yuan Chen crossed his arms, tilted his head, and said suspiciously, "But you might be adopted into the Martial God faction..."

"..." Mai Shiranui remained silent, then looked at Hanzo Shiranui beside her.

Feeling the gaze of his granddaughter, Hanzo Shiranui showed a hint of embarrassment on his face.

Meanwhile, despite being best friends, Genryusai Maki clearly didn't hesitate at all to stab her best friend in the back when faced with a top genius like Yuan Chen.

"Um, we refuse to accept it."

"Hey! Maki!" Mai Shiranui clenched her fist in frustration and laughed, "Didn't you say you were the most loyal when you were a biker gang member? How come you betray them so smoothly now, you bastard!"