I am a female swordsman.

Disciples from many surrounding martial arts schools watched this scene, expressing their amazement at the powerful martial artist.

As he savored this power, a slight commotion nearby caught the man's attention. His exceptional hearing was the first to detect an exceptionally gentle voice, like cherry blossoms falling gently in the quiet afternoon breeze. But behind these falling blossoms, something chilling seemed to be deliberately concealed…

"Please pass on my visiting card, Chalanzi-jun."

“No problem, Miss Mado. My master instructed me a few days ago to take you to see him if you come to visit.” Charanko, a disciple of the Flowing Water Rock Smashing Fist, accepted the visiting card handed to her.

This Miss Mado wasn't arrogant at all; she was exceptionally gentle and elegant. Her appearance wasn't the overly beautiful, intimidating type that Charanko was afraid of, which instinctively made him feel much more relaxed, as it was his first time receiving a guest. As Charanko smiled and turned her head, she almost bumped into something that suddenly appeared!

"Wow! Hungry, a hungry wolf?"

Chalanzi was startled. He seemed to try to straighten his back, but as the worst among his fellow disciples, he shook his body but failed to straighten his back completely, making him look somewhat ridiculous in front of the hungry wolf.

"who are you?"

Without even glancing at his weak junior brother, he fixed his gaze directly on Mado Yomi, who had an ordinary appearance.

If it were Yomi in her true identity facing this impolite question, her icy and aloof demeanor would undoubtedly have retorted mercilessly, breaking the impolite man's spine until he bowed his head. However, as the sole inheritor of the Scattered Sakura Sword Style, the gentle and generous Yomi Mado has a different approach.

"I am Mado Yomi, the successor of the Sakura Kenryu school of swordsmanship. Nice to meet you."

With her exceptionally good temper, Mado Yomi nodded slightly. Her dignified and well-mannered demeanor, neither humble nor arrogant, left no room for criticism.

"You're a swordsman?" Garou's interest was piqued, but he quickly realized that Yomi's hands were empty, and her thin clothes didn't suggest she could produce a sword. Somewhat disappointed, Garou glanced at the magnanimous-looking Yomi, then turned and strode away.

Only after the hungry wolf disappeared did Chalanzi wipe the cold sweat from her forehead, still shaken.

"I was so afraid he'd suddenly throw a punch... Hahaha! Miss Mado, I'm sorry to have startled you. Senior Brother Garou meant no harm! He was just... just asking a question, yes, asking a question!" Charanko's smile was stiff as she tried her best to explain Garou's strange behavior.

"His name is Hungry Wolf?" A glint seemed to flash in Huang Quan's eyes, and a trace of reminiscence flickered in his dark, wine-red pupils.

"Hmm, she's a very powerful martial artist in our Flowing Water Rock Shattering Stream!"

"I see. I'm sure Chalanzi-kun is also very amazing. Keep up the good work in the future!"

"Ah, hahaha..."

Faced with Ms. Mado's gentle encouragement, Charanko felt embarrassed to admit that she was actually quite incompetent and a complete failure. All she could say was that, with a guilty conscience, she sincerely thanked Ms. Mado for her encouragement. Meanwhile, Yomi, who was treating everyone with gentle kindness, secretly felt a sly satisfaction; watching others suffer in silence was truly amusing.

Bang was filled with anticipation upon learning that the successor of the Sakura Sword Style, a martial arts enthusiast, was coming to visit.

Every exchange with this swordsman brought Bang new insights into the path of martial arts. While the swordsman's own strength was unremarkable, his knowledge was extraordinary! If it weren't for the fact that Mado Yomi already possessed a martial arts lineage, Bang would have truly wanted to take her as a last disciple and impart all his skills to her!

“Mr. Banggu, you look much better than your disciples.”

"Hahaha, Miss Mado, this old man is still quite healthy, but I can't compare to the young people anymore."

Sitting opposite Yomi, with a panoramic view of the courtyard beyond the living room, Bang, the martial arts master, looked at Yomi who had come to visit, and after a moment, took out a document from behind him. There was something he wanted to hear Mado's opinion on, something that might concern the future of the martial arts world.

Chapter Four: Hero Association

"This is……?"

"A proposal from the wealthy Agni, who is said to be willing to invest a huge sum of money." Bangu glanced at Huang Quan when he mentioned the huge sum of money. It seemed that the Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Style had never worried about funding, although this might be related to the fact that only one successor of the school remained.

Huang Quan accepted the document.

The first page, written in bold black font, clearly states the proposed theme: Hero Association!

"The Hero Association?"

This is an extremely jarring name. As the [Shinra Council Chairman], this world has no heroes, no justice. Even though the next generation of the Shinra Council has repeatedly argued that Shinra is qualified and capable of raising the cheap banner of justice, Yomi, as the ultimate will of Shinra, has rejected them all.

If heroes and justice could be used so easily, it would be far too cheap.

Huang Quan remained impassive, or rather, her expression had been fixed on that dignified and gentle demeanor from the very first second she received the document. Unable to discern the attitude of the successor of the Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Style, the Flowing Water Rock Smashing Fist Grandmaster pondered for a moment, then reorganized his thoughts.

"Yes, the world needs heroes."

Bang supports the wealthy Agni's decision to spend a fortune to establish the Hero Association.

"Actually, the documents about the Hero Association weren't just sent to me. As far as I know, some famous martial arts masters and psychic experts also received them. If the Hero Association can really be organized successfully, I believe that humanity will no longer be as passive as it is now in the face of the monster crisis."

"It's clear that you support it."

Picking up the teacup prepared on the table, Huang Quan's slender, pale fingers slowly caressed the rim. "As a swordsman, I also support this proposal. But Master Bang, have you considered heroes... let's call them professional heroes for now? People certainly need heroes these days, but the problem is, what will happen after heroic vigilantes appear...?" As she spoke of what she would think, Huang Quan's gaze drifted upwards almost imperceptibly, the meaning of which was self-evident.

Upon hearing this, Bang crossed his hands. Righteous police officers enforcing the law are morally justifiable, but from a legal perspective, where do you place the original law enforcement agencies?

To put it bluntly, isn't this ignoring the law and acting arbitrarily?

If legal principles can be disregarded by vigilantes, it proves that legal principles have lost their authority. It's self-evident who holds the authority; can the words and actions of vigilantes bear the weight of that authority? The weight of that authority can be fatal.

"This is exactly what's giving us old folks a headache right now." Bangu's white beard twitched, and he gave a wry smile. This was a rare opportunity for the martial arts world, but opportunity and risk go hand in hand. Although Bangu didn't want to get involved in such things from the bottom of his heart, it wasn't something that could be avoided at all.

"Therefore, I need to seek your thoughts from you, who are also a pure martial artist."

Yomi Mado is a pure martial artist.

Of all the sword styles Bang had encountered, none had impressed him with such restraint and hidden sharpness. His mind was already in turmoil in the face of this complex environment, and Bang needed advice. Just then, Yomi came to visit, wanting to hear her thoughts.

He pushed up his black-rimmed glasses, and a flash of light immediately appeared on them!

"Judging from the polls and other data provided in the documents, the support rate for the establishment of the Hero Association is as high as 80%. All the preparatory work for publicity is complete, and even the initial actions after the establishment of the association are arranged. This is not something that can be done simply with money." Huang Quan, who had entered a certain state, simply analyzed what he could see. This was in line with Mado Huang Quan's character.

Yomi Mado, a follower of the Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Technique, has a staff-like job.

He works for a well-known company.

Of course, the well-known company that is linked to government members of parliament is backed by Shinra Corporation, and the staff positions are also provided by Shinra Corporation. Everything is true and verifiable.

Mado Yomi's analysis at this moment is partly due to her pseudonym persona, and partly due to her meticulous research and experimental attitude as a researcher.

"Oh? So...?" Bang pressed.

“This is not something a tycoon could accomplish on his own.” Having witnessed Shinra Corporation’s dealings with government officials, Huang Quan’s sense of this matter was far more acute than that of the average person.

"Hmm. And then...?" Bang pressed on.

"In other words, besides the normal forces, there are other forces involved in promoting the establishment of the Hero Association. ... Master Bang, if I'm not mistaken, besides me, there should be a few other people who have visited you recently." The black-rimmed glasses reflecting white light exuded an air of shrewdness.

"Well... now that you mention it, it's true that some people who don't visit often have come to see me."

After Huang Quan's brief analysis, Banggu immediately understood the reason for the significant increase in visitors recently. Truly, those involved are often blinded by their own perspective; having grasped this point, Master Banggu clenched his fists tightly.

There's no need for Huang Quan to continue; if he did, it wouldn't be offering advice anymore.

"Miss Mado has exceptional vision; I admire her greatly."

After talking with Huang Quan, Bang Gu's slight worry dissipated, and in a great mood, he picked up the slightly cooled tea and began to savor it.

At this moment, Huang Quan put down the teacup he had been holding and coughed softly.

Realizing he had neglected his visitor, Master Bang immediately understood. He now remembered that Huang Quan had come specifically to visit, and it certainly wasn't just about this old man. With an awkward smile, Bang sat up straight, adopting a posture of attentive listening.

After the slightly awkward atmosphere had eased considerably, Mado Yomi finally spoke in her characteristically gentle and generous tone.

"Master Bang, lately I've been stuck at a certain limit in my skill development. This makes me realize that I've stagnated in my school of swordsmanship and need to meet more martial artists to make a breakthrough. I hope you can act as my introducer, giving me the opportunity to meet many martial artists." The martial arts of this world have some reference value and may be helpful for Huang Quan in mastering the power of the [Wandering Warrior].

"It's rare to find a martial artist like Ms. Mado in this era. Young people today have long lost their passion for martial arts, and are more interested in convenient powers like cyborgs and superpowers. If many of the future professional heroes are martial artists, it will surely rekindle people's passion for martial arts."

Bang's reflections on the powers of cyborgs and superpowers stirred complex emotions within Yomi, the Chairman of the Shinra Council.

It seems that Shinra Corporation has indeed put a lot of effort into these two areas.

Chapter Five: Martial Arts Tournament

"If you want to witness the skills of martial artists from different schools, simply visiting and exchanging sparring is far from enough."

Bang, who has a very good temper, took Huang Quan's requests very seriously after receiving her help. Simply acting as an introducer to martial artists who were once part of the martial arts world is not enough to repay Huang Quan's kindness.

Therefore, Bang made a decision in his heart.

However, whether that decision can be fulfilled depends on whether Ms. Mado Yomi, the sole inheritor of the [Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Style], truly grasps the essence of the style! After all, the [Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Style]... to put it bluntly, wasn't a well-known style before the monster impact, leaving only such a female swordsman, which easily leads to speculation.

"Ms. Mado, you should know about the martial arts tournament, right?"

“Of course.” Huang Quan’s brain quickly connected to the database at Shinra Corporation headquarters and compiled the information about the martial arts tournament.

Even if you're not a martial artist, you've probably heard of martial arts tournaments. They were one of the few large-scale events that allowed people to vent their fears and anxieties after the chaotic era of twenty years ago.

It was jointly promoted by many masters and titans in the martial arts world.

An unprecedented large-scale interdisciplinary combat tournament! Regardless of your style, background, or purpose, any martial artist could participate and compete for the title of the world's best! As you can imagine, spurred by such immense honor, martial artists from all schools engaged in extremely bloody battles. It was the first and only tournament of its kind that was never recorded on video!

Eighteen different weapon styles and hundreds of different schools of martial arts converge in a grand battle!

Huang Quan actually wanted to get involved at the time, but unfortunately, she devoted all her energy to the early construction of Shinra Company, in pursuit of a myth passed down orally in the primitive region of Europe.

The later martial arts tournaments added many restrictions and rules, greatly reducing their prestige and turning them into a stage for young people in the martial arts world to show their talents.

Having no interest in dancing on stage, Huang Quan naturally stopped paying attention to it. In addition, martial arts was a low priority anyway, so the precious energy of the [Shinra Chairman] was naturally devoted to monsters and superpowers.

"In my opinion, Miss Mado should participate in the martial arts tournament. That way, some rigid old fogies won't say they're being disrespectful to your school."

Master Bangu was known for his gentle nature in the martial arts world; even when disciplining thugs, he always prioritized avoiding fatalities. Such a kind old man would certainly treat his juniors well, but that might not be the case for other highly skilled and distinctive masters.

If it were anyone else, the temple might not even allow Huang Quan to enter.

And very bluntly, he asked, "Your entire school was almost wiped out by a weirdo, and now you're just an orphan girl. Do you even deserve to visit me?"

Master Bang is genuinely planning for the sake of Mado Yomi, the successor of the [Sakura Sword Style].

"You mean you want me to participate in the martial arts tournament?" It seems like there's still a long time until the next martial arts tournament, and Huang Quan suddenly feels that it would actually be quite suitable for him to participate as Mado Huang Quan.

“That’s right, I happen to have a recommendation slot available…”

Just then! The crimson pupils behind Huang Quan's glasses, obscured by the reflected white light, suddenly shifted slightly to the right! The instant Bang uttered those words, she sensed an exceptionally strong intent surging forth! While Huang Quan habitually shielded herself from any intent that posed no threat, this intent was somewhat unique. Although equally weak and unable to harm her, it was not to be ignored!

It's a rare material, I really want to take it back and study it...

Suddenly, the thoughts of a Shinra researcher popped into Huang Quan's head. He remembered all the information about the young man hiding outside the reception room, and the curve of his lips deepened slightly.

"...Whether you have the ability to secure this recommendation spot, I still need to test you. As the only remaining successor of the [Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Style], has your sword been rusted by the tragedy caused by the monster?" Bang's aura suddenly changed, transforming from a gentle and harmless gentleness to a raging, violent surge!

Huang Quan, facing this test head-on, remained seated and unmoved.

"So, you wanted to witness the poignant beauty of life falling like cherry blossoms?" This line, originally used by the Scattered Cherry Blossom Sword Style to project an air of superiority in battle, now sounded uttered by Huang Quan with profound regret. Beneath the silent cherry blossom trees, the splendor of life needed to be adorned with blood.

………………

'The martial arts tournament, the number of spots... How could this be?!'

The hungry wolf, who happened to be passing by and overheard everything, was filled with disbelief. He simply couldn't believe that his master would give up this spot to an outsider!