Dragon Raja: Lu Mingfei finds a Freylian

A smug smile appeared on Yasha's lips. When it came to street fighting experience and understanding opponents' psychology, he considered himself the best among the three.

Chun-Li leaped again, attempting to bait Ryu into using his Shoryuken with a mid-kick. This time, she left some distance during her leap, preventing Ryu's small Shoryuken from hitting her, and she would land first, almost touching the edge of the screen. She was preparing to use the high-burst combo that Crow had mentioned; this was her last chance!

However, Ryu remained calm and defensive. Chun-Li's leg touched Ryu, who was bounced back the instant he landed. Ryu took the opportunity to roll backward, finally retreating to the edge of the screen, which he had been avoiding all along. At the same time, his rage gauge was full, and he was ready to unleash the Destroyer Hadouken! Even if Chun-Li immediately defended after landing, this powerful blow would be enough to whittle down her last bit of health.

The yaksha twirled his fingers and gestured to the crow as if counting money. The crow sighed, realizing he had misjudged the situation.

Just then, something unexpected happened.

Chun-Li actually used a wall jump at the edge of the screen! This is a technique unique to her and a few other characters, allowing them to bounce off the edge of the screen. In a dazzling close-up shot, Ryu lowers his stance and roars as he unleashes a devastating, tidal wave of Metsubou-Hadouken.

But he lost sight of his goal.

Due to a mere fraction of a second of wall-bombing delay, Chun-Li's trajectory was subtly altered. The devastating energy wave grazed past her tumbling figure, leaving her unharmed.

Chun-Li landed lightly. Ryu's rage gauge was depleted.

The next second, Chun-Li moved, a close-range heavy kick, canceled midway! EX Ki Blast Palm, dash forward! Close-range heavy punch, canceled again! EX Hundred-Crack Kick, and finally a gorgeous finishing move, Fan Hua!

Perfect combo! Chun-Li's body transformed into a deadly whirlwind, her legs sweeping Long high into the air like blades.

Chapter 359 Tachibana Masamune

"Oh no! He only has a sliver of health left, what a pity!" Crow cried out in his heart. The timing of this combo was perfect, and it could have turned the tide in one fell swoop, but Ryu had a little more health left, and some high-damage moves were canceled in order to make the combo smoother, leaving him with just a sliver of health.

Both landed and rose almost simultaneously. Chun-Li and Ryuto were left with only a sliver of life force, like candles flickering in the wind. At this moment, even the slightest touch would be enough to end the battle.

In this situation, Ryu has an absolute advantage, as he possesses the Small Rising Dragon Punch with an invincibility period.

Yasha breathed a sigh of relief, as if he could already see the money disappearing into his pocket and Crow's gloomy face. Both he and Crow were skilled Street Fighter IV players, and they could easily imagine that the opposing player had already input the command for the small rising dragon punch. All that was needed was the instant the opponent rose up, and the invincible rising dragon would end everything.

However, the expected howl from the root did not sound.

A spinning star and bird icon appeared above Long's head; he had been knocked unconscious! Yaksha and Crow suddenly realized that although the smooth combo they had just executed didn't deal the highest damage per hit, the accumulated stun value was enough to trigger a stun state!

Chun-Li slowly stepped forward, stood face to face with the stunned and dizzy Long, and casually delivered a light punch.

“KO”

The outcome is decided.

A long, strong hand reached out from behind Erii and took the handle from her hand.

Yuan Zhisheng had quietly entered the arena at some point and knelt behind her. Just when defeat seemed inevitable at the last moment, he swiftly took the controller and used his precise wall jump to seize a fleeting opportunity. Then, in just five seconds, he launched a furious counterattack, forcefully snatching the goddess of victory back from the opponent's grasp.

"Once you've won a game, stop thinking about playing," Genjiro said, handing the controller back to Erii. His voice was calm, neither scolding nor coaxing, but more like an older brother speaking to his younger sister. "Let's have a meeting first."

"I understand." Erii took the handle and nodded obediently. She seemed particularly compliant in front of Genjiro.

She's been practicing Street Fighter lately because she recently encountered a player with the ID: Sakura, who is currently sleeping in the hotel, Lu Mingfei. Lu Mingfei's swift combo defeated her, so she wants to turn the tide.

Genjiro then stood up, bowed to the entire audience, and said with impeccable manners and etiquette, “I apologize for being late. I have inspected the shrine and confirmed that it is safe and sound.”

There was a few seconds of silence inside the hall.

Then, Tachibana Masamune was the first to applaud. Immediately afterwards, applause surged from all directions like a tidal wave, instantly filling the entire space.

"Young Master is truly mighty," the crow murmured in admiration.

"Young Master is truly majestic," Yasha chimed in, "His demeanor is perfect, no wonder he is the family's Amaterasu."

“You misunderstood me,” Crow’s lips twitched. “I meant that the young master has a really good capacity for alcohol, and he can lie so calmly without batting an eye.”

"No rush, come, take a seat." Tachibana Masamune gestured kindly, "It's hard work that you personally checked the safety in this windy and rainy weather."

Yuan Zhisheng sat down comfortably at the small table belonging to the Yuan family.

An absolute silence fell over the hall in an instant, as if the absurd yet spectacular battle had never happened. The sound of rain outside the window became incredibly clear, each drop tapping on everyone's heart. All eyes were focused on Tachibana Masamune as he slowly rose to his feet.

Tachibana Masamune straightened the hem of his kimono, then made a move that surprised everyone: he took a few steps back, faced the crowd in the hall, and bowed deeply.

The respected family elders immediately bowed in return, and the younger generation, though unaware of why, hurriedly followed suit.

In the rigidly hierarchical Snake Clan, the patriarch holds an unparalleled position. Even a simple audience requires special favor, let alone receiving a grand ceremony from him. Some normally unruly group leaders become as docile as lambs when they step into Mr. Masamune's office.

At this moment, Mr. Masamune actually bowed to them?

Some astute individuals have already realized that the topics of today's meeting are likely more astonishing than redividing the underworld, or even war. Ancient wisdom says that speech is like drawing a bow; the longer it is prepared, the faster it will be released. The more humble one is before addressing the topic, the more earth-shattering the truth will be.

"I have been fortunate enough to take charge of the family for ten years," Tachibana Masamune's voice was old and steady, like the tolling of an ancient temple bell, echoing in the silent main hall. "In these ten years, I have experienced a lot and have caused you all trouble."

"Mr. Masamune, you've worked hard," the head of the Fuma family replied in a deep voice.

"Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Masamune!" the crowd echoed in unison, their voices reverberating among the beams and pillars of the palace.

"We are all family, and I have indeed tried my best to take care of everyone. I hope that you are all doing well." Tachibana Masamune raised his hand slightly, gesturing for everyone to sit down. "Without your efforts, I, as the head of the family, would probably no longer be in this position."

He slowly sat down, his gaze piercing through time as he looked out at the continuous rain outside the window.

“Rainy day, rainy day,” he sighed softly. “Many years ago, when I first came to Japan, it was also a rainy day like this, with a continuous drizzle and the chill seeping into my bones.”

He paused, and the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Many people knew that this patriarch was not a native Japanese; his being chosen for this position was legendary in itself.

“But I’ve also made some mistakes in the past decade,” Masamune Tachibana said, his tone turning somber. “Every year, I wear a black kimono and sunglasses to attend funeral after funeral, using the lenses to hide the grief in my eyes. Post-war Japan has become increasingly prosperous, and my family has grown as well, but our enemies have also become stronger. I have failed to completely defeat them.”

“This is by no means solely Mr. Masamune’s responsibility!” the head of the Fuma family immediately said. “In the war against the Oni Clan, you have always been at the forefront. Without your presence, the family’s situation would likely be even more precarious.”

Tachibana Masamune waved his hand, indicating that there was no need for consolation: "Today, I would like to tell you all a story. The protagonist of the story is named Sakurai Akira."

Genjiro, who was kneeling in the front row, trembled slightly.

“He was born into the Sakurai family and was originally a healthy child. But when he was five years old, a bloodline test determined that he was unstable and that he was a potential demon.”

Tachibana Masamune's voice was heavy with sorrow. "After the test, he was no longer considered a member of the family, but became a target requiring close surveillance. He was sent to a boarding school deep in the mountains of Kobe, and never stepped out again until he was twenty-three. What a lonely child he was. Only one person visited him each year, not his parents, but the family's enforcer. He had no girlfriend, no birthday cake, never went to an amusement park, and never went on a graduation trip. He had none of the warmth that ordinary people could easily access. Just because he was a demon."

Chapter 360 Inuyama He: Lu Mingfei is no ordinary person.

“One day, someone killed the guard and gave him a medicine. They told him that this medicine could purify his bloodline and give him power and freedom.” Tachibana Masamune surveyed the room, his gaze as deep as an ancient well. “Tell me, how can a young man who has been imprisoned in darkness for twenty-three years and is almost driven mad by his longing for light refuse such a temptation?”

The hall was deathly silent, with only the patter of rain.

"Sakurai Akira injected the potion into his body, forcibly awakening the dormant dragon blood within him. He did indeed gain power and freedom, though only for a short fifteen days. Fifteen days later, he was eliminated by the Execution Bureau. The Execution Bureau Director, Genjiro, personally carried out the execution."

Tachibana Masamune let out a long sigh, the complex emotions contained in his sigh making many people's hearts tighten, only Inuyama Kazuya, the head of the Inuyama family, sneered inwardly.

He had always felt that Tachibana Masamune's origins were unclear and that he was not a simple character. This time, Principal Angers sent a specialist from headquarters, hoping to get rid of this cancerous tumor, Tachibana Masamune.

"During those fifteen days, he raped and murdered multiple women, venting his pent-up desires of twenty-three years like a person who had been starving for too long, desperately trying to fill every void."

"How do you view this young man who died?" Tachibana Masamune's gaze slowly swept over each face. "Disgust? Hate? Disdain? Or do you find him pathetic, pitiful, or even shameful?"

No one answered. In the Snake Clan, the curse of bloodline and the ironclad rules of the family are deeply rooted taboos, and the issue itself is full of contradictions and dangers.

"I am saddened, saddened by his fate," Tachibana Masamune's voice softened, yet carried an even heavier weight. "He was a demon who committed an unforgivable crime, and was therefore executed. But he was still a member of the Snake-Headed Eight Family. As the head of the Snake-Headed Eight Family, can I say he was a cripple? No, he was one of us."

“Mr. Masamune, don’t be too sad.” The head of the Sakurai family spoke in a dry voice, “This, this is a curse that has existed since the beginning of the family, and each of us carries it.”

“You’re right,” Tachibana Masamune nodded slowly, his voice regaining its calmness, yet becoming even more resolute. “The cursed fate accompanies each of us from birth. This curse is passed down through generations with the dragon’s blood. To outsiders, the dragon’s bloodline may be a powerful gift, an honor. But to us, it is also a demon lurking in our blood. It has made some of us successful, but it has also ruthlessly destroyed others. The reason you are all sitting here today is because you are fortunate enough to possess a stable bloodline. But imagine if you were born like Sakurai Akira…”

His words paused at that moment, and many people felt a chill run down their spines as his gaze fell upon them.

"...Then, each of you will be a name waiting to be erased from that surveillance list."

"I cannot change the rules passed down since ancient times," Tachibana Masamune's voice suddenly rose, "because we absolutely cannot allow the bloodline of dragons to erode and corrupt our family! The most important mission of the Snake Clan, which has existed since ancient times, is to guard the gate of the dragon's revival! We will never allow those forbidden beings to wreak havoc on the world again!"

"Hai!" A deafening response rang out, and hundreds of people bowed in unison, the sound almost lifting the roof off the hall.

Amidst this solemn yet stirring atmosphere, Inuyama He, kneeling on the Inuyama family's seat, lowered his eyes slightly, his mind churning with thoughts seemingly unrelated to the meeting's topic.

He understood the warning behind Sakurai Akira's tragedy. But at this moment, what lingered in his mind were the young people in the hotel, especially the S-class named Lu Mingfei.

Inuyama He's understanding of Lu Mingfei goes far beyond the cold words in the family archives.

On one hand, it was because of Principal Hilbert Jean Angers. That flamboyant and dangerous old man rarely showed such obvious favoritism towards a student. Inuyama He had dealt with Angers for many years and knew that a young person who could make that old monster pay such attention to him, even at the cost of breaking some conventions, was no ordinary person.

On the other hand, and more importantly, it's because Inuyama Rin, his grandniece, is currently studying at the main campus of Kassel College, in the same year as Lu Mingfei.

In her overseas phone calls and letters home, Pear frequently mentioned Lu Mingfei. At first, her descriptions were mostly unreliable anecdotes, but gradually, Inuyama He pieced together something different from those fragmented pieces of information.

For example, Lu Mingfei may seem unreliable, but he always manages to appear in the most critical moments and where he is most needed.

For example, his interpersonal relationships are surprisingly complex. He's not only entangled with two influential figures—Student Council President Caesar Gattuso and Lionheart Club President Chu Zihang—but also has a mysterious, silver-haired elf girl by his side, personally approved by the principal. Another example is the vague descriptions of extremely dangerous missions.

In a recent encrypted email, Inuyama Rin mentioned in a veiled but shocked tone: "Grandpa, Lu Mingfei possesses the same Word of Power, Time Zero, as Principal Angers. Although it seems somewhat unstable, it's true. There are some rumors in the school that he may have handled something at the level of a next-generation species on his own."

Upon seeing that passage, Inuyama He paused for a long time, his hand holding the teacup still.

Time Zero, just like Angers? That forbidden power, hailed as the Secret Society's strongest assassination spell, capable of contending with the Dragon King in the hands of an ultimate user?

Capable of handling Dragon King-level events, and possibly even single-handedly resolving the issues of the next generation?

If this intelligence is true, even partially true, then Lu Mingfei is far beyond anything the Japanese branch has ever encountered from headquarters. He's not a burden requiring childcare, nor a recruit to be tested at will. He's a walking, uncontrollable strategic force.

Who would underestimate a nuclear bomb, especially one that has legs and can move around on its own!

Inuyama He slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over the straight back of Genjiro in front of him without making a sound, and then over the calm and dignified profile of the patriarch, Tachibana Masamune.

The family is about to face not only the mysterious Lenin in the deep sea trench, but also the restless Oni Clan. Inuyama He has always had a premonition that the Oni Clan might be connected to someone within the family. Could it be Tachibana Masamune, who is speaking now?

The group sent by headquarters this time was by no means the useless tourist group that Genjiro saw. Hidden within was a ferocious beast that perhaps even the Snake Clan had never truly understood; in Lu Mingfei's eyes lay the lion. This beast was currently being housed as a VIP in Tokyo's most luxurious hotel.

Masamune Tachibana's next words will determine how his family will face this unprecedentedly complex situation.

Inuyama He held his breath, temporarily suppressing his thoughts about Lu Mingfei, and waited intently for the patriarch to continue.

The torrential rain pounded against the ancient roof tiles, and the candlelight inside the shrine flickered slightly with the breaths of hundreds of people.

Chapter 361 To War or to Peace?

The sound of rain pattering outside the window, the Tokyo nightscape blurred into a hazy sea of ​​light in the damp air. Only a floor lamp was on in the living room, its dim yellow light outlining a tranquil scene.

Frillie changed into the silk robe provided by the hotel, her silver hair loosely draped over her shoulders. Instead of going back to her room, she curled up on the living room sofa, holding a Japanese novel she had just found on the hotel bookshelf, Natsume Soseki's "Kokoro".

The elf's extraordinary language learning ability allowed her to master the basic reading and writing of Japanese in a short period of time. Although she was still a little rusty, she could understand the story without any problems.

She read slowly, her emerald eyes following the words, her brows furrowing slightly at times.

The book's depiction of the complexities of human nature and ethical dilemmas felt both strange and familiar to her. During her long journey, she had witnessed too many tragedies caused by desire, obsession, and misunderstanding. Human emotions are so complex and intense, sometimes like a raging fire, capable of illuminating darkness, yet also easily destroying everything.

When she came across a passage describing family feuds and generations of vendettas, she gently closed the book and looked out at the endless rainy night.

“People in the Warring States period always started wars so easily,” she murmured to herself, her voice so soft it was almost inaudible. “For territory, glory, or self-righteous righteousness, countless lives were dragged into bloodshed. The voices advocating war were always loud, while the voices advocating peace were weak. History seems to always repeat similar mistakes.”