Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted.

"That was a long time ago!" Upon hearing Mai Shiranui bring up the old story again, Genryusai Maki's lips twitched slightly.

The old Genryusai Maki would never have done this, but now there's no other way.

As the 40th generation sect leader of the Martial God School, Genryusai Maki is well aware of his own strength level. What he wants to do most is to find a genius to take into his school and then fulfill his responsibility as the interim sect leader!

Right now, Yuan Chen is clearly considering whether to join the Shiranui School or the Martial God School. It's best to avoid mentioning such past events that could potentially affect his reputation with the Martial God School!

"Grandpa Hanzo and Mai must have sensed Yuan Chen's intent just now, right? Such pure and intense intent, along with powerful physical abilities, are undoubtedly the most suitable for the Martial God Style!"

Seeing that the two were clearly putting a lot of effort into preserving their respective schools of thought, Yuan Chen simply and directly said:

"If I could, I would like to learn both."

"..." Upon hearing this, Genryusai Maki and Shiranui Hanzo fell silent for a moment, then exchanged a glance, both seeing the same worry in each other's eyes.

They didn't refuse, but Yuan Chen's words were simply hard for them to accept for a moment.

“Simultaneously practicing two different styles… it’s not impossible, but practicing them at the same time would cause them to interfere with each other.” Shiranui Hanzo slowly shook his head and said:

"The Shiranui School uses qi to generate fire, while the Mushin School is based on physical techniques. The qi circulation paths of the two systems are completely different, and practicing them at the same time will inevitably interfere with each other. This is not a matter of talent level - when I was young, I also tried to practice both schools at the same time, but I got stuck in both styles. It took me three years to sort out the conflicts in my meridians, which wasted a lot of time."

Upon hearing this, Genryusai Maki, who was standing nearby, chimed in:

"My father said something similar when he was alive. The way the Martial God Style generates power is different from any other ninjutsu style, especially at the level of profound techniques, which is the integration of Qi, intention, and body."

If one has already fully mastered other styles, that's fine, but if one is simultaneously practicing the Shiranui-ryu ninjutsu and the Mushin-ryu..."

As she said this, Genryusai Maki pursed her lips helplessly and said, "This might lead to a situation where twice the effort is half the result."

"There's no need to worry about that."

Yuan Chen shook his head and briefly explained his meridian problems. Upon learning that Yuan Chen had now transitioned from the classical to the modern era, both Shiranui Hanzo and Genryusai Maki showed surprise.

At the same time, I was also taken aback.

To put it another way, Yuan Chen defeated Mai Shiranui by strengthening his body purely through the power of his internal energy, even while sealing his meridians... If he had used his internal energy...

In theory, Wu might be knocked down before she could even see Yuan Chen's attack trajectory.

As for Yuan Chen's meridian problems being curable... the two of them had absolutely no worries.

So what if it's not cured? Mai Shiranui still went in, and she got one-shotted.

They are both unbeatable, both geniuses, and for the Shiranui and Mushin schools, which are both facing the problem of succession, this issue has almost no impact.

But if I had to say, Hanzo Shiranui was slightly more concerned about her than Maki Genryusai.

After a brief moment of thought, Hanzo Shiranui said:

"Regarding the matter of the two factions practicing together, if you have enough confidence, I am willing to try... However, the energy transformation of the Shiranui School usually requires the assistance of meridians. If the meridians cannot be used, the effect may be greatly reduced."

Upon hearing Hanzo Shiranui's words, Yuan Chen nodded in understanding.

Yuan Chen had already discovered during his battle with Mai Shiranui that the flames used by Mai Shiranui were not the ordinary explosive flames created by gunpowder, sulfur, and mechanisms as described in the earlier versions of the story, but rather energy flames transformed from ki through a special ninjutsu.

After thinking for a moment, Yuan Chen said, "Why don't you let me try it first?"

Volume 1: Chapter 123 - The Old Woman's Gift

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's suggestion to "give it a try" first, a thoughtful expression appeared on Shiranui Hanzo's face. Meeting Yuan Chen's gaze, he nodded after a moment of contemplation and said:

"It's alright... Although this is different from traditional etiquette, it's time for the Shiranui School to innovate and change."

"Moreover, we all know Yuan Wudi's character. I believe that as his successor, you will not spread rumors about him."

“That’s natural.” Yuan Chen nodded.

After receiving confirmation from Yuan Chen, Shiranui Hanzo led Yuan Chen to the Shiranui Secret Chamber. After a moment, he took out a thick stack of ancient books and said, "This is the secret technique of the Shiranui clan, the 'Secret Scroll of Flame'."

The ancient book was placed in front of Yuan Chen, and Shiranui Hanzo began to recount the ancient history of the Shiranui school.

"The Shiranui school existed even before Japan was founded. As a disciple of Gen Mu-tei, you should know that even in present-day Japan, there are many special 'private territories'."

"Yes, I know, like the Wu Village of the Wu Clan."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded, opening the Flame Scroll to read while simultaneously answering Shiranui Hanzo's question.

"Well, a long, long time ago, the Shiranui clan also had its own territory called Shiranui Town. The Flame Scroll passed down through generations of our Shiranui clan is the 'Flowing Flame Secret Technique' inherited from Shiranui Town, belonging to the 'Crimson Flame' category... Unfortunately, due to the loss of the inheritance, I am not very clear about what this 'Crimson Flame' actually represents."

After listening to Hanzo Shiranui's explanation, Yuan Chen nodded thoughtfully.

He then asked, "So, it seems the Shiranui lineage faced some kind of threat in the past?"

"Hmm." Upon hearing this, Hanzo Shiranui nodded, his expression slightly complicated.

“You’re right… A thousand years ago, our ancestors living in Shiranui Town were attacked by a group of exceptionally powerful people who wielded other flames.”

Faced with those special flames, Shiranui's Flowing Flame Technique was utterly ineffective. To ensure its survival, some of the surviving Shiranui ancestors abridged the technique, creating the current 'Flame Scroll,' concealing the more sensitive parts, thus preserving the lineage of Shiranui ninjutsu.

"According to the records of our ancestors, with the content being cut, the Nen-Fire technique practiced in the Flame Scroll is less than 30% as powerful as the Flowing Flame Secret Technique of the Shiranui Town founder... But even so, it is still a secret ninjutsu that is unparalleled in the world."

With that, Hanzo Shiranui smiled bitterly and said, "In that case, if you have enough talent, perhaps you can revive the powerful Flowing Flame Technique from its ancient days..."

As he continued, Hanzo Shiranui shook his head and said, "But as expected, this is still wishful thinking... After all, compared to the Shiranui Town era, the Shiranui lineage is now struggling to even maintain this dojo deep in the mountains."

His voice was filled with complexity and helplessness as he spoke.

No matter how glorious or powerful the Shiranui lineage was in the past, if they have no money, they have no money. They can stay deep in the mountains without spending too much, but further expansion is unlikely.

Seeing Yuan Chen's thoughtful expression, Shiranui Hanzo realized he had uttered too much useless nonsense, and thus gave him a word of advice:

"Ah, Yuan Chen, you don't need to take what I just said to heart... Shiranui Town and the Flowing Flame Secret Technique are just legends left by our ancestors of the Shiranui Ninja lineage. But they are just legends, and even I only listen to them as stories."

Although Hanzo Shiranui said that, Yuan Chen did not stop thinking about it.

There are still many settings related to the Shiranui school.

In the beginning, King of Fighters was not a highly regarded IP, so many of its settings were relatively simple. For example, the flames in Shiranui's ninjutsu were simply created through mechanisms and released using alcohol, sulfur, and gunpowder, without any supernatural power.

After recognizing the potential of the King of Fighters IP, the related settings underwent significant reforms. Among these reforms, the most important was the introduction of fire.

There's no need to add 'even' as a prefix; the flame itself is the core that runs through the entire King of Fighters series.

Within this, flames also possess different attributes: crimson flames, azure flames, emerald flames, dark flames, and blood flames.

Among them, the Crimson Flame is a red flame, and also the most orthodox flame. It was born from the "Kusanagi Sword," one of the Three Sacred Treasures, and is a supernatural power passed down through the bloodline of the Kusanagi clan for generations.

It symbolizes "purification" and "orthodoxy," and is the core power that seals the Great Serpent. It is also the most destructive flame, and can be passed down through gene transplantation.

The flames of the Shiranui Ninja Art are crimson flames cultivated through training.

Aside from the Crimson Flame, the Azure Flame used by Iori Yagami is the most well-known among players.

Its appearance is bluish-purple, originating from the "flame" power within Orochi's power. Initially, it was also a red flame, but 1,800 years ago, Yagami clan ancestor Yagami made a blood pact with Orochi to gain power, and thus the flame turned from red to purple.

It symbolizes curse and destiny, but it is ultimately just a cursed flame. Therefore, in The King of Fighters, you can see that when Iori Yagami uses the Three Divine Techniques, the flame itself will turn red again.

Emerald Flame, on the other hand, originates from a distant land and symbolizes the will of the earth and the balance of nature. It can silently weaken others and steal their abilities and artifacts.

The Netherflame also originates from a distant land, symbolizing immortality, the end, absolute domination, and the ability to manipulate time and possess souls.

Bloodflame is relatively young in the lore. It is an unstable mutant created by the NESTS organization through the fusion of Kyo Kusanagi's genes. Although it also has a special flame, it represents an unstable mutation.

Thinking this way, Yuan Chen roughly guessed who launched the attack on Shiranui Town in ancient times.

Either Azure Flame, or a follower of Orochi...

However, there is no point in pursuing this matter now. After all, it is an old grudge that is over a thousand years old. Not to mention others, even when Hanzo Shiranui was recounting these past events, there was not much anger in his tone and expression. Mai Shiranui simply treated it as listening to a story.

but……

If the Flame Scroll of the Shiranui School can be restored to the power of the "Flowing Flame Secret Technique" from the ancient Shiranui Town era through further training and completion, thus mastering the true power of "Crimson Flame"...

It seems pretty good?

With these thoughts in mind, Yuan Chen briefly glanced through the contents of the Flame Scroll.

Yuan Chen was no longer a novice in martial arts; he had developed his own understanding of martial arts principles. Now, Yuan Chen could clearly sense that while the Flame Scroll before him did indeed form a complete system… it lacked many things and was clearly too vague.

It gives the impression of a huge machine. You would expect it to contain sophisticated mechanical parts, but when you open it up, you find that the internal integration is extremely low, with many spaces deliberately left empty. It has a huge shell but very limited actual content.

While practicing the techniques described above can indeed yield results and lead to becoming a powerful figure, the most one can achieve is at the level of a Baroque-type martial artist, even with exceptional talent.

It's not that Baroque is weak; in fact, Baroque is already one of the world's top masters... in the absence of some even more ancient things.

But Yuan Chen's ambitions are not limited to just being ranked at the top.

After a quick reading and summarizing, Yuan Chen nodded in understanding.

The lineage of Shiranui-ryu can be broadly divided into two categories: Nen-kajutsu, which transforms ki into flames; and Bone-method Fist, which emphasizes attack and sudden advances, centered on elbows, legs, and fists.

Other techniques such as shurikenjutsu, illusion, and charm are all elective courses.

With that thought in mind, he calmed down and kept trying to figure out how to transform the air into the form of flames.

He extended his right hand, his five fingers slightly spread.

There was no hand seal, no meditation, and not even any active breathing; instead, the consciousness was sunk deep into the flesh and blood.

The traditional art of mindfulness fire involves circulating qi along specific meridian pathways, thereby connecting the qi itself with the heart fire, which can generate a more intense mindfulness fire during the expression process.

The path to transforming mental energy varies from person to person due to subtle differences within each individual's body, and therefore cannot be copied exactly.

After finding this energy path, one still needs years of practice to allow the meridians to adapt to the high temperature. Otherwise, if one goes all out from the start, it's a miracle if one doesn't get seriously injured due to the surge of heat, let alone harm others.

This method is not feasible for Yuan Chen, at least he doesn't intend to try it now.

Yuan Chen thought to himself—the meridians are the highways through which qi exists in the body. Classical martial artists can mobilize the circulation of qi more quickly through years of practice. Even if they do not pay attention to the meridians, modern martial artists can use their strength to directly strengthen their bodies and make them more capable of bearing more qi.

Therefore, the transformation or ascension of Qi through specific meridian pathways can, in theory, be accomplished through the flesh and blood.

Bone Fist is the best example of this.

Although it is a separate taijutsu and on the surface it seems to have no connection with the Nen-kaku (fire-based technique), through Mai Shiranui's many fighting styles one can clearly feel that the two should be closely related... It was only because of some accidents a thousand years ago that the inheritance was interrupted and reduced, which is why it was divided into taijutsu and ninjutsu.

Thinking to himself, Yuan Chen frowned slightly.

Although he could sense some problems, Yuan Chen himself knew very little about energy conversion.

Even now, Yuan Chen still doesn't know where life energy comes from, or what it represents or means; he's simply exploring its different uses.

And now, this act of converting qi into other forms of energy...

Just as Yuan Chen was still thinking, as if sensing his thoughts, a strange warmth slowly rose from the back of Yuan Chen's hand.

Along with this warmth, Yuan Chen's consciousness could clearly feel the energy surging within his body transforming, warming, and rising...

Turning his head to look at the back of his hand, what came into view was the sun symbol given to him by the old woman Ingrid.

Before this, the sun rune felt to Yuan Chen like a power bank, capable of storing energy by basking in the sun and injecting it into his body after he was injured, whereupon it would be converted into life energy to accelerate his recovery.

And now...

Transformation, yes, transformation.

Yuan Chen quickly recalled Ingrid's many abilities.

This includes energy conversion.

As a higher-dimensional being, Ingrid can sense and control abnormal energy in any world. According to Ingrid, even "ki," the underlying power in the Street Fighter world, is an energy from another dimension.

Ingrid herself does not fight using ki, or rather, she is not only able to use a single form of ki to operate.

And now...

As the sun rune continuously emitted warm ripples, Yuan Chen, sensing this, actively infused it into the rune and shaped it according to the 'Mind Fire' recorded in the Flame Scroll.

Like a special supercomputer, Yuan Chen soon sensed streams of heat emanating from the sun runes, forming a stable framework within his body.

This framework is not a fixed cycle formed in the meridians as recorded in the Flame Scroll, but is entirely based on a kind of blood and qi form of Yuan Chen's own physical body?

Thinking it over, as if by instinct, Yuan Chen quickly activated his body with life energy, and then circulated and unleashed the surging fixed energy according to the framework given by the sun rune.

Soon, clumps of condensed steam appeared on Yuan Chen's body.

Subsequently, the blood surged faster under the catalysis of life energy, the heartbeat quickened, and the body temperature soared to levels far exceeding those of a normal person within a few breaths.

Then, Yuan Chen clenched his fist.

At the moment of muscle contraction, the blood and qi activated by life energy rush out of the body, turning into a layer of light red blood and qi that adheres to the body surface. With the injection of life energy, the life energy itself, which has the property of turning into strong light and evaporating when exposed to air, seems to have a wonderful interaction with the blood and qi at this moment.

With a loud boom, in the incredulous gaze of Hanzo Shiranui and the others, Yuan Chen transformed into a ball of intensely burning golden flame!

"?!"

After a brief moment of surprise, Hanzo Shiranui quickly turned his gaze to his granddaughter.