Martial artists can never be ultimately insulted

Is it because the living environment has changed?

No...it shouldn't be.

She glanced at the small room that was now hers... Although it was as simple as a thatched hut compared to her mansion in Seocho District, for some reason, this was the first time Han Zhuli had felt that familiar feeling of home since her parents left.

Feeling like she was dreaming, Zhu Li pinched her arm, only stopping when she realized it really hurt.

I pushed open the door and headed towards the bathroom to quickly freshen up, but just as I walked over, the main door next to me suddenly opened.

"Uh... Chun-Li... Sister?" Although she called her Auntie yesterday, the situation was rather special then, mainly due to her rebellious streak. Now that life is starting anew, Zhu-Li is still very polite—when she's not being rebellious or defiant.

"Huh? Ah...Zuri..."

Upon seeing Han Zhuli, Chunli was taken aback for a moment, then greeted her with a tired expression before preparing to wash up together.

However, while going to the restroom, Chun-Li seemed to remember something and asked, "How's the soundproofing of the house? Zhu-Li, have you heard any strange noises? If you have, we can take advantage of this time to renovate at the same time."

“Strange noise? No.” Han Zhuli shook her head.

"That's good..." Chunli breathed a sigh of relief.

Han Zhuli didn't take it to heart, but after looking at it for a while, she said, "Wait, Chunli, there's something on your face."

"Things?"

Upon hearing this, Chun-Li was also taken aback. She then turned to look in the mirror and saw a curved hair near her mouth, along with some creamy marks.

With a slight twitch of her lips, Chun-Li flushed the hair down the toilet to cover her tracks, subtly scraping the remaining cream into her mouth as she did so. Then, with a resentful look on her face, she squeezed out some toothpaste and said:

"I had a cream cake for breakfast..."

"Eh..." Upon hearing this, Han Zhuli didn't suspect anything. She just kept washing up and exclaimed, "There's hair in the cake. That baker is too careless."

"Yeah, it's absolutely damn..."

Chun-Li cursed the awful baker childishly before focusing intently on brushing her teeth.

After getting acquainted, the two girls helped each other tie their hair. By the time they went downstairs, Yuan Chen had already prepared breakfast.

Croissants and steamed buns.

Looking at the uniquely presented breakfast, even though she knew it must taste delicious, Han Zhuli couldn't help but complain, "I rarely use the word 'disgusting' to describe a breakfast."

"I don't understand what you're saying." Yuan Chen shrugged, then brought over the remaining plates: "If it's not to your liking, you can add sausage and thick cream."

Chunli held her face in her hand in dissatisfaction; there was only one steamed bun on her plate.

Han Zhuli, who was happily devouring a ham and cream croissant, tilted her head in confusion: "Why aren't you eating?"

"...I ate breakfast this morning, I don't have much of an appetite," Chun-Li grumbled.

Yuan Chen didn't pay any attention and just kept eating.

I had already burned some calories this morning, so I enjoyed the meal very much.

After eating and resting, Yuan Chen glanced at the time and said, "If there's nothing else, I'll go to school to register."

Volume 1: 96. Han Zhuli as a sparring partner at Glory Boxing Gym

"Going to school..."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Chun Li and Han Zhuli both felt somewhat disappointed.

The former felt a strange sense of nostalgia because they had graduated a long time ago and the word suddenly came up. The latter simply hadn't been to school for a while...

There's still some time before the actual start of school, but since we're already here, it's better to register as soon as possible to avoid being delayed by other worlds later.

"Speaking of which, Spider-Ly should also start preparing for school."

Chun-Li, who was standing nearby, said, "Zhu-Li is the same age as A-Chen, right? Modern technology is advancing rapidly. As a martial artist, it's not good if you don't understand modern science and technology. As far as I know, the world's major powers are basically researching technological equipment related to martial artists."

Upon hearing Chun-Li's words, Han Zhu-Li's face showed a hint of annoyance, but she did not refute them. She just made her movements when eating the croissant much rougher, making cream everywhere.

Yuan Chen, standing to the side, asked with some curiosity, "Martial arts equipment? That sounds interesting. Is it in mass production yet?"

To be honest, Yuan Chen wasn't too surprised by the fact that martial artists were using technological weapons to enhance themselves, nor did he have much resistance to it.

Yuan Chen likes to use his fists because he enjoys the visceral feeling of each punch, and it's a way for him to express his will. But on this basis, Yuan Chen doesn't believe that using weapons and equipment lowers one's purity.

Or, whether it's Street Fighter or other miscellaneous fighting games and anime, they all incorporate elements of weapons to varying degrees.

Similar to the earlier Baroque style, because they did not want to touch the filthy with their hands, they used iron claws as weapons to carry out their pursuit of beauty.

In both the Street Fighter and King of Fighters series, a significant number of characters rely entirely on technological equipment to fight, and some are even cyborgs created through technology.

"Not yet." Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, Chunli shook her head and said:

"Even technological equipment infused with Qi is not something ordinary people can control. To be precise, because of the difference between Qi and intention, only martial artists who are compatible with it can maximize its power."

Therefore, the academic community seems to be working on how to weaken the link between qi and intention, allowing qi to function as a purely energy-driven device... but with little success.

Upon hearing that the current research direction is to weaken the connection between Qi and intention, Yuan Chen frowned slightly.

Although he didn't know much about the technology, an instinct told Yuan Chen that this wouldn't work.

However, Yuan Chen did not rush to comment. Instead, he looked at Han Zhuli and teased her, "Compared to this, what school are you planning to go to, Zhuli?"

"Do I really have to attend..." Han Zhuli scratched her head, somewhat annoyed. "I've been skipping classes for months now, and I just can't get used to it."

“You absolutely have to go to school,” Chun-Li reiterated earnestly. “And even if it’s just to stay here, you have to go to school.”

“Uh…” Upon hearing this, Zhu Li’s face showed a look of resentment.

"Aunt Chunli is so mean... She almost kicks people out of school if they don't want to go..."

Upon hearing this, a vein bulged at the corner of Chun-Li's mouth, but she then sneered:

“I won’t kick you out, but I don’t know what Master Jin Jiafan will think when he finds out you’re not even going to school. We’ve arranged a video call tonight, so let’s talk to him about your plans to drop out of high school then.”

Although they are the same age, Han Zhuli is still a senior in high school because of her martial arts training and background.

Upon hearing Chun-Li's words, Han Zhu-Li immediately bowed her head and said, "Sister Chun-Li, I was wrong."

"Hmph~!" Aunt Chunli chuckled smugly.

Yuan Chen also showed a leisurely expression.

If there's something to say, it's Sister Chunli; if there's nothing to say, it's Auntie Lao. We're both outspoken and opportunistic...

"What do you think of the Imperial Cherry Blossom Girls' Academy?" Yuan Chen suggested from the side.

Upon hearing about the Imperial Sakura Girls' Academy, Chun-Li nodded thoughtfully and said, "That's a good choice."

After arriving in the fighting world, Chun-Li specifically investigated matters related to the Sakura family, including the Sakura Girls' Academy where Hibiki Sakura was enrolled.

Although Yuan Chen thought that Sakura Hibiki came from an ordinary background, just a moderately wealthy family, this was only true for someone like Yuan Chen who only cared about fighting.

In fact, being able to casually pull out tens of millions of yen to sponsor a bodybuilding competition, while perhaps not much compared to the wealth of true business tycoons, is certainly a fortune for an ordinary person; they're just a bit too low-key about it.

The Imperial Sakura Girls' Academy is a prestigious girls' school with a long history, controlled by the Soryuin family. The chairperson of the academy is Soryuin Shion, and the student council president is Soryuin Akemi.

In this situation, both parties know each other, and their ages and genders are suitable, making it a very good choice.

"I'll ask about it later," Chun-Li said, somewhat tempted.

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen nodded, then turned his gaze to Han Zhuli beside him and asked, "Speaking of which, Zhuli, is there anything on your mind today?"

"...No, what's wrong?" Han Zhuli raised an eyebrow.

"If you don't have any, how about we go out and find a place to practice?"

Yuan Chen said, "I'm going to register at school today. I plan to find a training ground to test the environment for the rest of the time. I'm still missing a sparring partner."

"Sparring partner? No problem." Upon hearing Yuan Chen's idea, Han Zhuli nodded readily.

Similar to the concepts of law, land, wealth, and companionship mentioned in fantasy novels, martial arts cultivation also requires similar elements.

The method goes without saying; a good teacher who knows how to teach according to aptitude can help someone progress rapidly in martial arts. The place refers to the training location and the necessary equipment. As for wealth, there has always been a saying that the poor are good for literature and the rich are good for martial arts. If a family is poor and can't even get enough to eat, insufficient nutrition will put them at a disadvantage in future training and cultivation.

The word "侶" sounds like it refers to a partner or lover, but more often it refers to a companion who walks side by side, supports each other, and shares the same goals.

For this reason, the interpretation of '侶' is the broadest. Apart from lovers and partners, anyone who can constantly hone their will, even sworn enemies or adversaries, is within the scope of '侶'.

After yesterday's battle, putting aside other aspects, Yuan Chen's strength is absolutely unquestionable.

In particular, according to Yuan Chen, he is also practicing modern Muay Thai—a style that also emphasizes legwork, which corresponds to the practical Taekwondo he practices.

Thinking this, Han Zhuli quickly finished her croissant and asked, "When do we set off?"

"No rush, the person who's taking us to the martial arts gym hasn't arrived yet."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen gestured for her to calm down, and then came to Han Zhuli and said, "Instead of this, let's stabilize the condition of your eyes first."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Han Zhuli nodded and then raised her head, revealing her left eye.

Yesterday, after Iori Ichika left, Wonjin also tried to find a way to cure Han Joo-ri's eyes.

Although Han Zhuli's eyes have had their previously blocked blood vessels and nerves reopened thanks to last night's life therapy and the transformation of her mind, there is still a long way to go before they are truly restored to a healthy state.

In this situation, although it is only a temporary solution, one can recharge the eyeballs by regularly injecting life energy into them every day, so that they do not affect one's daily life.

Yuan Chen placed his fingers around Han Zhuli's eye sockets, but instead of injecting life energy, he mobilized the life energy that Han Zhuli had already absorbed to converge towards her eyeballs.

After a short while, the guidance was completed, and Yuan Chen nodded in satisfaction, saying, "Well, that's about it. Once you get more familiar with it and understand the form of life energy, you'll be able to naturally control life energy to restore it even without me."

Upon hearing this, Han Zhuli blinked her left eye forcefully, and nodded thoughtfully as she felt the energy flowing within it.

But then, Han Zhuli looked at Yuan Chen with suspicion and said, "Compared to this... why do you seem... a little different?"

“It’s caused by the activation of life energy,” Yuan Chen said, shaking his head. “It’s like the suspension bridge effect.”

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's explanation, Han Zhuli nodded thoughtfully.

The suspension bridge effect refers to the phenomenon where, in dangerous situations, such as being on a swaying suspension bridge, people feel fear and trepidation. If there is someone of the opposite sex nearby, some people, not being clear-headed, will extend this feeling to that person and mistake it for attraction.

And considering the current situation...

"Hmm... This is the first time I've heard someone talk about O-drug in such a refreshing and unconventional way." Han Zhuli pouted.

"Who told me I created this life energy?" Yuan Chen remained completely unaffected, even shrugging his shoulders and saying nonchalantly:

"If you can quit, then quit; but if you can't find a substitute, you'll just have to swallow the essence I've created while suppressing your dissatisfaction..."

"Wow, why do I feel like you're even more evil than Yingluo?!"

Han Zhuli was shocked.

Yuan Chen remained unaffected: "The exclusive formula is like this... but in essence it's just a resonance of blood and qi, so there's no need to worry."

Yuan Chen said, "If you feel uncomfortable, you can slow down the rate of intake, and you won't have a similar feeling."

"Then forget it." Upon hearing this, Han Zhuli waved her hand and said, "There are still a lot of things waiting for me to do. I don't have that much time to absorb everything slowly."

"Balance work and rest~" Although he said that, Yuan Chen did not offer much advice.

After finishing my meal and getting my eyes treated, I waited a while, and then I heard car horns outside.

"You're here to pick you up~"

Chunli waved to Yuan Chen, who was already prepared, and Yuan Chen didn't dawdle. He put on his coat, had Han Zhuli quickly get ready, and then came to the door.

Upon seeing Yuan Chen emerge, the windows of the business vehicle at the restaurant entrance were rolled down, and pairs of curious eyes shot out from inside the car.

Although there were no lasers or anything, it did indeed "shoot" out.

Since there was no malice in that gaze, Yuan Chen didn't take it to heart and calmly got into the car.

The interior of the car isn't luxurious, but it's very comfortable.

The space is very large. Although the three little ones, the Imperial Cherry Blossom, have already been inside, there is still plenty of room. Given their size, there should be no problem fitting six more inside.

On the one hand, business vehicles do prioritize comfort. On the other hand, because martial arts are prevalent in this world, the average physical fitness of the residents is quite good, and there are relatively more muscular men.

In order to better meet the needs of consumers, similar large-capacity family cars should also be available. The B-type car, with its legally mandated sedan frame, is also wider than the previous life that Yuan Chen remembered. This can be considered one of the many influences of martial arts culture on the world.

"Brother Yuanchen~!"

Watching Yuan Chen get into the car, Zou Liuyuan Zhu Mei was already drooling with happiness, as if she were on an addiction, and her whole expression began to become extremely decadent:

"Hiss, this intense physical pressure... It's only been one night, and it's gotten even stronger?! Damn it, I really should convince my sister to come up with a way to apply for boarding school here!"

"Stop daydreaming." Hearing this, Ayaka Uehara said helplessly from the side.

"Once a host family is confirmed, they won't easily change their plans even if you move out. Besides, Hibiki really likes Yuan Chen... well, it's mainly because of his cooking skills."

With a hint of helplessness, she glanced longingly at the restaurant outside, the air of which seemed to yearn for a feast right then and there. Ayaka Uehara sighed, "..."