Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted

Although according to Ingrid's standards, his life energy must be higher than that of Orochi in terms of rank, Yuan Chen is a self-aware person.

A high level of life energy does not mean one can control it; in fact, it is quite the opposite. However, the tiny wisp of life energy that Yuan Chen currently possesses has become his greatest trump card and source of confidence.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's answer, a hint of sadness flashed in Iori Yagami's eyes, but he quickly rallied and said, "So, you're saying I can only get life energy from you?"

“Mm.” Yuan Chen nodded.

"What is the price?" Iori Yagami asked.

"Price?" Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen was slightly taken aback, then nodded knowingly and said, "As for the price... how about coming here as a sparring partner if you have time? Food is provided, but accommodation is not, though I can help treat injuries."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's request, Iori Yagami was slightly taken aback, then looked at Yuan Chen with some suspicion and said, "This is the price you want? Are you sure?"

Upon hearing what Iori Yagami said, Yuan Chen fell into a brief silence before asking, "...Then what can you give me?"

“That depends on what you want.” Although Iori Yagami dislikes useless communication, this situation is clearly an exception.

It must be said that just the fact that Yuan Chen told him about the reincarnation of the Eight Heroes was enough for him to take it seriously...

Not to mention that his father already knew about it. Although he didn't know why a noodle seller would care so much about family matters, Iori Yagami put in extra effort after his father's instructions.

The ability that Yuan Chen is currently displaying to quell the blood curse... the family has suffered from this for nearly 700 years. Although Iori Yagami has not yet met anyone he likes, nor has he thought about having children.

But just for the sake of future possibilities, Iori Yagami didn't want his future family members to suffer this kind of pain again.

"I don't lack anything right now."

Yuan Chen said, "I have no shortage of money or things. The only thing I lack is a battle that can motivate me."

Upon hearing this, Iori Yagami's eyes flickered, and he replied, "Alright... but if there's anything else I can help with, I won't refuse. Also, can I take this life energy with me?"

"No problem, but don't rush. I'll pack another one for you when you leave."

Iori Yagami nodded without saying much, but he seemed to be in excellent spirits. He picked up a beer mug and downed it in one gulp, a hint of enjoyment and satisfaction in his eyes.

Clearly, without the endless torment from the Blood Curse, even just sitting quietly eating and drinking makes Iori Yagami feel genuinely happy.

Having asked all the questions that needed to be asked, I recounted my life during this period.

After chatting for a while, Yuan Chen seemed to remember something and looked at Iori Yagami beside him, asking with curiosity:

"Speaking of which, when I saw Yagami again, I felt a strange sense of familiarity, like I'd seen him somewhere before... I just thought back, wasn't it on a band's flyer? Are you still playing in a rock band?"

In the King of Fighters lore, besides hating meaningless battles and violence, one of Iori Yagami's greatest hobbies is rock music.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, the others, including Tokita Ohma, also turned their curious gazes toward Iori Yagami.

Especially Yamashita Kazuo.

The current Yamashita Kazuo is still a simple office worker, not the "Kazoo the Great" who could remain calm even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him in the second part or the later part of Kengan Ashura.

Now that he's off work and doesn't have to face business tycoons like Nogi Hideki, Yoshitake Keiro, and Katahara Metsudo, and instead finds himself in a nice little tavern with good food and drinks, he quickly became quite drunk. Slurring his words, he looked at Iori Yagami and squinted, saying:

"A band? Rock? Oh! No wonder! Your outfit is so rock! I used to love it when I was young!"

Hearing Yuan Chen's question and Yamashita Kazuo's words, perhaps because he had drunk some alcohol and opened up? Or perhaps because he was no longer tormented by the Blood Curse? Iori Yagami didn't show any impatience, but seemed to remember something and said somewhat displeased:

"It's alright... I've already left the team because of ideological differences, and I'm planning to find a new group to play with."

"You left the team?" Yuan Chen was somewhat surprised upon hearing this.

Yuan Chen asked Iori Yagami about the band because he was curious—in the setting, although Iori Yagami is a member of the band, no one in the band is specifically marked, and he plays in the band under an assumed name as an ordinary person.

I was originally going to ask who Iori Yagami in this world is teaming up with, but now it seems impossible.

Thinking this, Yuan Chen asked with some curiosity, "What kind of philosophy is that the reason?"

“Those guys felt they couldn’t keep creating songs in such an anonymous way.” Iori Yagami said, rubbing his temples as if he had just remembered something.

"A while ago, a band suddenly became famous for no reason. A few little girls were saying they wanted to be a band for life. Why do you play this and that? The weak me from the past is dead and stuff like that..."

It's like a child's game, one person takes the lead, completely lacking the spirit of rock and roll.

Later, Iori Yagami said with a look of disgust:

"The lead singer of that previous band got envious seeing them making so much money and wanted to find a company to help him get started. I couldn't stand it, so I quit!"

"Uh... I feel like this kind of thing is pretty healthy?" Yuan Chen blinked and said, "At least it's better than any rock soul stuff."

"Huh?" Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Iori Yagami blinked in confusion, then asked, "So what do you think the Soul of Rock is?"

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen looked at Chun Li and the others beside him, then glanced at Iori Yagami and said, "Although it sounds a bit shameful, my impression of rock music is...doing drugs?"

“Hitting someone,” Chun-Li added.

“Indiscriminate dating,” the reasonable man replied.

“Anti-social,” Han Zhuli added.

“Playing the big shot,” Yamashita Kazuo added.

Watching the eccentric and delusional Z express his views on rock music, Iori Yagami couldn't help but purse his lips and sigh in regret:

"It's music..."

Volume 1: Chapter 160 - A Night Visit to Chun-Li

Upon hearing Iori Yagami's words, Shiki burst into joyful laughter, filling the shop with a happy atmosphere.

This bothered Iori Yagami somewhat, but considering the impression rock music left on people, he could only sigh deeply and say helplessly while drinking his drink:

"Rock is rebellion, questioning, freedom, self-expression, refusing to be tamed, and speaking out for the weak—that's not some inexplicable thing..."

“You’re right.” Hearing Iori Yagami’s words, Yuan Chen nodded in deep agreement and said, “It’s just a pity that the original group of rock veterans were more fancy than anyone else.”

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Iori Yagami also looked helpless. "Sex, drugs, alcohol, and rock" can be said to be the most common impression people have of rock.

A significant number of so-called rock stars died suddenly due to excessive intake of baifen (a type of slang term for male enhancement products). Some people like to call this an untimely death, but Yuan Chen, who comes from the Tang Dynasty, prefers to call it a sudden death, or a good death.

Although as society has entered the 21st century, the chaotic private lives are not as rampant as they were in the 1960s to 1980s, but people's impressions have not changed much as a result.

Ultimately, the legacy of the past few decades is far more impressive than it is now.

"That's not the kind of rock I want." Iori Yagami sighed helplessly, lowered his head, but his eyes were exceptionally clear and bright.

“I will accept the responsibility that is mine, but I will not accept the fate that has been imposed on me.”

Upon hearing Iori Yagami's words, the woman standing nearby...

Having learned about Iori Yagami's family situation, Yuan Chen nodded knowingly.

As long as it's not about blowing up the Aragaka Tower...

Thinking about it, Yuan Chen also looked at Iori Yagami and said, "Good luck."

It's somewhat unfortunate that, although SNK did indeed portray Iori Yagami as someone who hates violence, loves music, and despises meaningless battles, in the storyline and in the impression Iori gives people, his chaotic private life and related violent behavior are quite evident.

For example, in The King of Fighters '96, Iori Yagami teamed up with Mature and Vice, but the two were attracted to Iori Yagami and even betrayed Orochi's plan. However, after their defeat, the enraged Iori Yagami killed the two of them.

This seems to explain Iori Yagami's chaotic private life and his violent personality, which leads him to resort to violence at the slightest disagreement.

However, this is not actually the case. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Mature and Vice's interest in Iori Yagami stems more from their perception of the mad blood within him. This so-called special emotion is similar to the unique interest that the Eight Heroes share among themselves.

However, a significant portion of fan works like to transform these shared interests into romance.

The reason why Iori Yagami ultimately killed Mature and Vice was because Goenitz's defeat in '96 triggered the berserk blood within Yagami, causing him to unintentionally kill the two in a berserk state.

While it's somewhat unsettling, Iori Yagami is indeed a victim in terms of 'tyranny,' 'violence,' and 'indiscriminate killing of innocents'...

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Iori Yagami simply nodded without saying anything more.

Meanwhile, Yamashita Kazuo, clearly quite drunk, was completely oblivious to the scene unfolding before him. His face flushed with intoxication, he looked at Iori Yagami with a curious, slurred tongue and said:

"Someone as passionate about rock as Yagami would rather buy cold noodles than leave that band. That band must be having a real headache finding a new member now!"

"...I'm alright." Upon hearing Kazuo Yamagami's question, a hint of embarrassment flashed in Iori Yagami's eyes.

"Huh? Really?" Yamashita Kazuo looked somewhat surprised and asked Iori Yagami, "What did you do in the band before, Yagami-kun?"

"Bassist..."

"..." After a brief silence, Yamashita Kazuo nodded and said, "Then Yagami-kun's cold noodles must be very good."

Iori Yagami: "..."

Seeing that the situation was starting to turn into a bass joke again, Iori Yagami just sighed and drank his wine in silence.

But the Tokita Ohma and the others on the side didn't care at all. They just chatted and laughed about everyday things, discussed their personal opinions on martial arts, and even attacked each other.

"Taekwondo is so lame~" Tokita Ohma said nonchalantly, "It's useless once it deviates from the original rules. It sounds too strange that you can only attack with your feet."

"Damn it! I practice real combat Taekwondo!" Han Zhuli immediately raised a middle finger: "That's still better than your style, which makes you half-crippled while you're fighting."

"Bullshit! Erhu Liu is the strongest! If I'm not good enough, don't blame me for being weak!"

"They're pretty much the same. Judging from your appearance, Erhuliu's future is already pretty much over."

"The Two Tigers Style will definitely crush Taekwondo!"

"In actual combat, Taekwondo will definitely defeat the Erhu style!"

……

Although it was a bit noisy, this was indeed the first time Iori Yagami had seen another side of martial arts... a side that had nothing to do with fate, hatred, torment, or curses.

Somewhat surprised and astonished, Iori Yagami couldn't help but look at Yuan Chen beside him and ask, "Are all the martial artists here like this?"

"It's alright." Yuan Chen shrugged. "Martial arts are all about mutual exchange... Speaking of which, I have a nice junior brother who I can introduce to you guys sometime."

Baki hasn't been here for a while. I heard from Professor Albert that a new round of matches is about to start at the Tokyo Dome? Judging by the time, he should be able to catch up after the Kengan Zero Fatal Tournament. I'll go check it out then.

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Iori Yagami nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Yuan Chen and said, "Speaking of which, are you very interested in competitions and the like?"

“…It’s alright.” Yuan Chen nodded: “The main thing is that we can fight frequently, instead of having to search for them one by one.”

"Have you heard of KOF?" Iori Yagami gestured with his chin toward Yuan Chen: "It seems like it's going to start again in the second half of this year."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen thought for a moment, then nodded thoughtfully.

According to previous information, KOF has been held twice, namely '94 and '95.

The boss in both parts is Lucario, except in the second part it's Omega Lucario who has been injected with Orochi's blood.

In other words, the upcoming KOF will be the third one, which is the storyline of KOF '96...

Thinking this, Yuan Chen frowned slightly.

Because the storyline of The King of Fighters '96 is a large-scale fighting tournament funded by a number of foundations, led by the Kagura Foundation—in terms of scale and influence, it far surpasses the medium-sized competitions previously funded by Mikael alone.

While pondering, Yuan Chen shook his head, not going into further thought, because these problems would naturally be solved once the Kagura Foundation came looking for him, and there was no need to waste time on this.

Despite thinking this way, Yuan Chen still asked about the previous two editions. He didn't know much about the first edition because Iori Yagami himself only officially appeared as a selectable character in King of Fighters '95.

He did participate in the second edition, where, in order to qualify, Iori Yagami, Billy Kane, and Eiji Kisaragi temporarily formed a "rival team." They won the right to participate by defeating the previous edition's American team.

Towards the end of the tournament, Lucario appeared as the boss. After Iori Yagami and Kyo Kusanagi joined forces to defeat Omega Lucario, they learned about the existence of dark power and the blood of madness. As Lucario was dying, Iori Yagami did not forget to mock him for not being worthy of possessing Orochi's blood.

Perhaps it was because of the first appearance of the Blood of Madness? Or perhaps it was because Lucar's death triggered some kind of stimulus?

Or perhaps the character Iori Yagami is designed to be more of a villainous rival to Kyo Kusanagi, so after failing to kill Kyo in the story, an enraged Iori Yagami beat up his two teammates, believing they were holding him back. At this point, the three completely parted ways and formed a deep-seated grudge.

"My father only told me about things like the Blood of Madness after he realized he could no longer hide it," Iori Yagami said. "Although I don't have any worries right now, all my destinies will end with me."

"come on."

Yuan Chen nodded encouragingly.

As night deepened, Iori Yagami, Tokita Ohma, and the others left in twos and threes. Mai had also planned to leave, since it was her first time coming out to find Yuan Chen. Today was just a scouting trip, and she planned to ask her grandfather, Hanzo Shiranui, for permission before seeing if she could rent a house nearby.

Unfortunately, it seems that this was Mai Shiranui's first time visiting a place like the old town. Even after trying several different ride-hailing apps, she couldn't get a single order, and some of them even showed that she was not within their service area.

Looking at the sky, Yuan Chen indicated that there were still vacant rooms on the second floor. Upon hearing this, Mai Shiranui simply sighed and said she would tell her grandfather, but considering his old-fashioned and stubborn nature, he would most likely not agree, and in the end, they would still have to leave the old city area to take a taxi.

The result was somewhat unexpected. After hearing Mai Shiranui explain the situation, I thought Hanzo Shiranui would ask his granddaughter to return to the Shiranui-ryu dojo immediately and not linger outside. However, after hearing that she was only staying at Yuan Chen's house temporarily, he immediately agreed and even made a video call.

"I'll leave the dance to you two!"

Seeing the solemn and determined old man in the picture, Chunli said in a panic, "Oh no, thank you so much for teaching Achen the secret techniques of the Shiranui School! This is very meaningful to Achen!"

Shiranui Hanzo shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, no, this should be a blessing for the Shiranui School—Mai!"

"Huh? What's wrong with Grandpa?" Mai Shiranui was still a little absent-minded and felt a bit awkward about her elders suddenly appearing in front of her friends and thanking her in a serious manner. Now, when she suddenly heard her grandfather calling her name, she was startled.

"Don't cause trouble, don't make a scene." Shiranui Hanzo instructed, "Achen's help to the Shiranui School is hard to repay, but that's precisely why we must do our best to express our gratitude!"

"Okay, okay, I know... I get along very well with Chen, and your nagging is making me feel awkward." Mai Shiranui pouted. Although she respected her grandfather very much, she had to admit that the nagging of elders from time to time still made her scalp tingle.