Tokyo Knights: The Odd Jobs X Files

Tengtang Longbai was taken aback when Li Xin dodged his confident grab, then exclaimed with delight, "My son-in-law has excellent agility!"

In just over a month, Li Xin went from knowing nothing about martial arts except internal energy to possessing such agile movements. This martial arts prodigy, a once-in-a-century talent, is indeed extraordinary!

Overjoyed, Tōdō Ryūhaku's attacks became even faster, and he once again attacked Li Xin.

Today, he has to keep Li Xin here no matter what!

Faced with Toudou Ryuhaku's renewed attack, Li Xin raised his palm to block, but was immediately forced back several steps by Toudou Ryuhaku's powerful internal force.

Well, this is the first time in a long time that Li Xin has been at a disadvantage in terms of internal strength.

This doesn't mean that Tengtang Longbai's internal strength was so high as to be terrifying. Rather, it's because Li Xin had already passed on the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill" to He Jinyin, and his newly practiced "Mingyu Skill" wasn't particularly advanced. That's why it was like this. According to Li Xin's calculations, in reality, Tengtang Longbai's internal strength was only equivalent to the seventh level of the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill," which was about the same as before his trip to Hong Kong.

Of course, Toudou Ryuhaku can freely use his internal energy, which is completely different from Li Xin, who can only barely muster 40% of his strength and would get injured if he exceeds that limit. Moreover, in addition to his internal energy, Toudou Ryuhaku's external skills have also reached a superb level. His moves are shrewd and experienced. If he hadn't been careless, Li Xin wouldn't have been able to dodge that grab so easily.

If we had to say, perhaps only if Li Xin, having broken through to the eighth level of the "Wedding Dress Divine Skill," fought desperately could he possibly defeat Tengtang Longbai. Right now, Li Xin has absolutely no hope.

Since there was no way to defeat Toudou Ryuhaku, Li Xin didn't linger. After dodging Toudou Ryuhaku's attack again, he quickly ran away.

If you can't beat him, can't you just run away?

"Don't go, my dear son-in-law!"

Toudou Ryuhaku hurriedly gave chase, but although Li Xin's internal strength was not as good as before, the Mingyu Gong was an extremely yin and soft internal strength. This kind of yin and soft internal strength had an excellent auxiliary ability to speed. Before Li Xin learned lightness skill, he could catch up with the first love who had excellent lightness skill. Now that he had learned the first love's lightness skill, his speed was even faster than ever before. Even though Toudou Ryuhaku was not weak in terms of speed, he could only watch helplessly as Li Xin, who was enhanced by lightness skill with the Mingyu Gong, escaped.

After chasing Li Xin out of the "Kyokugenryu" dojo, he quickly lost track of him. Toudou Ryuhaku couldn't help but beat his chest and stamp his feet in frustration: "Sigh, he got away again!"

But after pounding his chest and stamping his feet, Toudou Ryuhaku couldn't help but laugh again: "I don't know what kind of adventure my son-in-law has experienced, but his powerful masculine internal energy has actually turned into the yin-soft internal energy he has now, which is just right for my 'Toudou-ryu Ancient Martial Arts'. I was originally thinking about how to solve this problem, but my son-in-law solved it on his own. It seems that even the heavens want my son-in-law to enter my Toudou family!"

Just as Ryuhaku Todo was reveling in his own world, Takuma Sakazaki arrived and asked his longtime friend and rival, "Todo, what's going on? Is that kid your son-in-law?"

The Todo family and the Sakazaki family are old friends. How could he not know the situation of the Todo Ryuhaku family? He'd never heard of the Todo family seeking a son-in-law!

When facing Takuma Sakazaki, Ryuhaku Todo was very frank, saying directly, "Not yet, but it will be soon! What's the matter with my son-in-law just appearing at your dojo?"

This time, Li Xin escaped again. With no clues, he could only turn to Takuma Sakazaki for help. After all, Li Xin had just appeared at Takuma Sakazaki's dojo, and Takuma Sakazaki should know Li Xin's background.

Takuma Sakazaki didn't have a good impression of Li Xin (he generally didn't have a good impression of handsome men). He said, "That kid came with Xiaowu, saying he had something to ask Yuri. Of course, I couldn't let such a kid of unknown origin get close to my Yuri, so I stopped him from going to Yuri. And then you came."

Ryuuichi Todo laughed and patted Takuma Sakazaki on the shoulder, saying, "Well done, keep it up!"

Seeing that Sakazaki Takuma was blind to the value of Li Xin and ignored such a treasure, he was relieved. Sure enough, the "Kyokugenryu" school lacked the discernment of his "Toudou-ryu" school, a martial arts style with a long history.

Takuma Sakazaki looked at Ryuhaku Todo with a displeased expression. Although he didn't know what Todo was thinking, he was sure it wasn't anything nice.

"Sakazaki, I have something to attend to, so I'll be going now. Goodbye."

Ryuhaku Todo said to Takuma Sakazaki.

Since we know that Li Xin came to "Kyokugenryu" with Mai Shiranui, Mai Shiranui must know Li Xin's identity and whereabouts. And my second daughter, Kasumi, is Mai Shiranui's good friend. When the time comes, let Kasumi go to Mai Shiranui to inquire about Li Xin's information. Then her good son-in-law will not be able to run away again.

He, Toudou Ryuhaku, was determined to have this martial arts prodigy as his son-in-law!

After escaping the "Kyokugenryu" dojo, Li Xin breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Toudou Ryuhaku hadn't caught up. However, he didn't ask Sakazaki Yuri about Chin Gentsai and the others, still feeling somewhat unwilling. With this unwillingness, Li Xin returned to Asamiya Athena's house to look for clues.

When Li Xin arrived at Athena Asamiya's house, he suddenly found that there was already someone inside. He quickly jumped over the yard wall and climbed over to enter, where he found Chin Gentsai lying on a deck chair, sunbathing, looking quite comfortable.

Zhen Yuanzhai noticed Li Xin climbing over the wall and looked at him with a smile, saying, "Xin, why didn't you use the main gate? Why did you climb over the wall to come in?"

Upon seeing Zhen Yuanzhai, Li Xin's worries finally dissipated completely. He said to Zhen Yuanzhai with some resentment, "Master Yuanzhai, where have you been all this time? Uncle Da called you but you didn't answer. When I came to look for you, your house was covered in dust!"

"Ahaha, I see!"

Chin Gentsai chuckled and scratched his beard, then said, "It's nothing, I just had a feeling lately that something was going to happen, so I took Athena and Kensou to the mountains for a while to train. We just got back. There are no phones in the mountains, so... hahaha! Sorry, sorry! I'll remember to leave a message next time!"

Seeing Zhen Yuanzhai looking so energetic, Li Xin couldn't vent his resentment and could only say, "Anyway, I'm relieved to see that you're alright."

"Master, who are you talking to?"

Wearing an apron and a cleaning cap, Athena Asamiya came out of the house and, seeing an extra person in the courtyard, asked, "Who are you?"

Before Li Xin could speak, Zhen Yuanzhai interjected, "This is A Xin! Xiao Ya, you don't even recognize A Xin?"

"Mr. Ashin?"

Like everyone else, Athena Asamiya was also taken aback and found it hard to believe when she saw Li Xin, who had undergone a complete transformation.

Li Xin smiled and said, "Athena, it's been a long time."

The familiar voice finally confirmed Athena Asamiya's identity as Li Xin, but she was still puzzled by his change and couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Axin, what happened to you?"

"It must be because of your martial arts skills, right? Ashin, did you switch to a different martial art?"

Zhen Yuanzhai asked Li Xindao.

"Yes, Master Yuanzhai, I changed my martial arts style, and then my face turned white, so that's why I look like this."

Li Xin looked at Zhen Yuanzhai with admiration. This old man was indeed knowledgeable and experienced. Even when Li Xin climbed over the wall to enter the courtyard just now, Zhen Yuanzhai called out Li Xin's name without Li Xin explaining. It seems that these martial artists with profound skills have their own way of identifying others.

Is this a problem with my face becoming whiter?

Athena Asamiya's eye twitched. Li Xin's appearance had changed drastically, not just in terms of his whiteness, but also in his physique, clothing, and demeanor. This was why Athena Asamiya didn't recognize him.

At this moment, Kensou walked over, holding a steamed bun in one hand and something that looked like a letter in the other, and said to Chin Gentsai, "Master, I found this in my inbox."

Upon seeing the somewhat familiar envelope, Zhen Yuanzhai's expression turned serious. He quickly picked it up and examined it. Seeing the prominent letter "R" on the sealing wax, Zhen Yuanzhai slowly said, "As expected..."

Athena Asamiya also felt the envelope was familiar, and upon seeing Chin Gentsai's expression, she immediately understood. She said to Chin Gentsai, "Master, could this be...?"

Chin Gentsai nodded and said, "That's right, it's an invitation, an invitation to 'KOF'."

Chapter 72 Superpowers, Emo Band Youth

An invitation to "KOF"?

When Li Xin heard from Zhen Yuanzhai that the letter was an invitation to "KOF", he couldn't help but feel a little envious.

As expected, a highly respected martial arts master like Chin Gentsai would naturally be included in the KOF tournament, unlike an unknown nobody like myself who was not taken seriously at all.

Athena Asamiya frowned after receiving Chin Gentsai's reply: "But, wasn't the organizer of the last 'KOF', Rugal, already dead? Who is organizing this year's 'KOF'?"

Zhen Yuanzhai looked at the sealing wax on the invitation; the large letter "R" was extremely eye-catching.

Could it be him? Is he still alive?

Zhen Yuanzhai fell into deep thought.

"Master, if that's the case, shouldn't we continue our secluded cultivation?"

Athena Asamiya asked Chin Gensai.

The events that occurred at the "KOF" tournament last year still haunt Athena Asamiya. She knows that this year's "KOF" tournament will likely not be peaceful either, and she must be prepared to face fierce battles and dangers.

Zhen Yuanzhai remained silent for a long time before saying, "You've just finished your secluded cultivation in the mountains, so you must be tired. Take a break for a while. You also need to study. You can't keep taking leave. So, for now, just do what you always do. Don't keep emphasizing cultivation."

He, an old man, didn't care, but Athena Asamiya and Kensou Shii were still students and couldn't stay away from worldly affairs for too long. They had gone into the mountains to train for a month before, and Athena Asamiya and Kensou Shii had fallen behind in both their studies and work. They really couldn't train with the same intensity as before, otherwise they would become disconnected from life.

Martial arts skills must be practiced, but life cannot be neglected. Martial arts should be practiced happily, not as a heavy burden. This is the teaching philosophy of Chin Gen-tsai.

"Yes, Master!"

Athena Asamiya and Kensou Shi said in unison.

Li Xin asked Zhen Yuanzhai, "Master Yuanzhai, when and where is the 'KOF' tournament held?"

Chin Gentsai looked at Li Xin, who said somewhat shyly, "I just wanted to see the difference between myself and those world-renowned fighters."

Chin Gentsai smiled, patted Li Xin on the shoulder and said to Li Xin, "Don't underestimate yourself. If you ask me, some of the fighters who participated in 'KOF' may not be as strong as you, A-Xin."

The fighters who are qualified to receive invitations to the "KOF" tournament are all well-known, but that doesn't mean that all the fighters participating in the tournament are very strong. Because "KOF" uses a team mode, it is normal for a team to have players of varying strengths. According to Chin Gentsai's observation, Li Xin's current skill level is no lower than that of those weaker tournament players, and he might even have a chance to win if they fought.

Li Xin was overjoyed to receive Zhen Yuanzhai's approval. Zhen Yuanzhai smiled and said to Li Xin, "Xin, since you're here, why don't you stay for dinner?"

After a pause, Zhen Yuanzhai added, "It's just a meal; we won't drink alcohol."

Li Xin thought for a moment and shook his head, saying, "No, that would be too much trouble for Athena."

Athena Asamiya blushed slightly and said to Li Xin, "It's no trouble at all, it's just a matter of adding a pair of chopsticks."

Kensou looked at Li Xin with a hint of fear in his eyes, but at this moment he couldn't go against his master and Xiaoya, so he said, "Of course, it's more lively to eat with more people!"

Three against one, Li Xin was completely defeated. So, at the enthusiastic invitation of Zhen Yuanzhai and others, Li Xin stayed at Athena Asamiya's house and prepared to have dinner with them.

Midway through, Li Xin saw that Athena Asamiya was cleaning and wanted to help her, but was stopped by Chin Gentsai.

"No need, Ashin, Xiaoya can manage on her own."

Zhen Yuanzhai spoke to Li Xindao.

"but……"

Before Li Xin could say anything more, he saw Athena Asamiya smile slightly, and the broom and dustpan suddenly started moving on their own, sweeping around the house with incredible efficiency.

Upon seeing this scene, Li Xin was completely shocked. Although he knew martial arts and had fought against the sorcerers of the "Nine Chrysanthemums Sect" in Hong Kong, this was the first time he had encountered such a situation, and he was quite astonished.

Chin Gentsai stroked his beard and said, "This is a superpower. Ashin, you've never seen one before, have you?"

Li Xin nodded silently.

He had witnessed the power of money before, in the cases of Rui Kisugi and Hiroji Ueyama, but this kind of superpower was something he had never seen before.

Chin Gentsai smiled and said, "Xiao Ya and Quan Chong, they both follow me to cultivate, but in reality, they are both born with superpowers. Martial arts are just an aid; their true power actually comes from their superpowers."

Li Xinwang said to Zhen Yuanzhai, "Master Yuanzhai, can you tell me about superpowers?"

When Li Xin first encountered supernatural abilities, he suffered a great loss because he didn't understand them. He had a premonition that he would definitely encounter superpowered people in the future, so he prepared to learn about them in advance. He couldn't always wait until the last minute to learn about them, because that would be too late.

"of course can."

Chin Gentsai smiled and then began to talk to Li Xin about superpowers.

From a scientific perspective, superpowers are simply a mutation in a person's genes, resulting in the sudden addition of something, much like people who are born with six fingers or whose hearts are located on the right side. They are somewhat different from ordinary people, but are still human in essence. Superpowered individuals do not have reproductive barriers with other people, which is enough to explain the issue.

In Chin Gentsai's understanding, he prefers to interpret this as a kind of human evolution, a possibility.

However, because this power is too strong and often innate, it has aroused the fear of many people. Some people have given those with superpowers titles such as "son of God" or "son of the devil" and used various pretexts to control and harm them.

As modern technology advances, people's ambitions have also grown. Some people are no longer satisfied with controlling and killing those with superpowers. Instead, they want to use them as guinea pigs for research, hoping to steal the secrets of their power and add it to themselves so that they too can possess that superhuman strength.

It is precisely because of this harsh environment for superpowered individuals that most of them either go into hiding or are recruited and controlled by the authorities or other powerful forces. Occasionally, some naive superpowered individuals will emerge, but they will quickly disappear without a trace.

This is also why, although there are actually quite a few people with superpowers, they are mostly only found in urban legends and are little known to the public.

Compared to most espers, Athena Asamiya and Kensou Shii are considered lucky. Although they are orphans, they were adopted by Chin Gentsai, who taught them how to use their powers.

Although superpowers and martial arts are different, they are essentially the application of power. Therefore, after training with Chin Gentsai, Athena Asamiya and Kensou Shii were able to control their superpowers and transform them into fighting power.

Besides teaching them how to use their superpowers, Chin Gentsai also carefully taught them the principles of being a good person. This is why the two orphans, who suffered so much in their childhood, did not develop antisocial personalities as adults. Athena, needless to say, is lively, cute, helpful, and has a strong sense of justice. She is a super idol loved by everyone. Kensou is the same. Apart from being a little lazy at times and always having a steamed bun in his hand, he can be considered a good kid in other aspects.

"Xiaoya and Kensou have similar superpowers, both of which are mental, that is, telekinetic superpowers. In addition to telekinesis, they can also launch mental attacks during battle. Currently, Xiaoya's superpower is stronger. However, it seems that there is another power hidden within Kensou. Given time, he may be able to surpass Xiaoya."

When talking about his two disciples, Zhen Yuanzhai's face was full of smiles.

He had no children, so having two such lovely children to keep him company in his old age is truly a great blessing in life.

Are there many different categories of superpowers?

Li Xin understood the underlying meaning in Zhen Yuanzhai's words.

Chin Gentsai chuckled and said, "Of course, as I've said, espers are special individuals among humans. Since they're special, they naturally possess all sorts of bizarre abilities, though I haven't seen them all. Besides Xiaoya and Kensou, last year at the 'KOF' tournament, I also saw a kid who could use fire. He was born with the ability to control blazing flames, which is also a kind of esper, but he didn't think so. He said it was his family's 'Crimson Flame,' an ability brought by their family's 'Kusanagi Blood.' Well, isn't that just an esper?"

After hearing Zhen Yuanzhai's words, Li Xin exclaimed in surprise, "This superpower can actually be inherited?"

Chin Gentsai nodded and said, "It's possible, but it depends on the situation. Mental superpowers like those of Xiaoya and Kensou are difficult to inherit, but the Kusanagi kid's ability is activated by the power of his bloodline, so it's easier to pass it down. Throughout history, there have actually been many families with such superpowers, but most of them have disappeared, and there are not many left in the world now."

Why did it disappear?

Li Xin asked.

A family born with power that others acquire through arduous training—shouldn't they be incredibly strong? Why did they disappear? Was it because their power aroused the fear of others, ultimately leading to their annihilation?

"Because of consanguineous marriage."

Zhen Yuanzhai shook his head with a wry smile: "Power originates from bloodline, but the power of bloodline will inevitably become diluted after being passed down for several generations. The foundation of many superpower families is built on their superpowers. In order to maintain their powerful superpowers and the purity of their bloodline, many superpower families do not hesitate to violate ethics and morality and continue to engage in incest within the family... Ashin, you should also know the harm of incest. After several generations of such incest, those families will either have deformed children or people who have lost their fertility. How can such families not disappear?"

This answer surprised Li Xin greatly, but he had to admit, it was incredibly reasonable!

The power that originates from bloodline is ultimately destroyed because of bloodline, which is undeniably ironic.

After a pause, Zhen Yuanzhai continued, "By the way, A-Xin, there's something else I need to say. Although superpowers exist in this world, and some people consider them 'divine favor' or 'gifts from the devil,' calling those with superpowers 'divinely favored' or 'fallen demons,' you need to know that there are no gods in this world. Superpowers are just an ability, not much different from martial arts or other supernatural arts. Please don't..."

"I know that I am from the Central Plains, a fighter for socialism, and an atheist."

Li Xin said to Zhen Yuanzhai.

Zhen Yuanzhai smiled, raised his wine jug to Li Xin, and took a swig: "Ah, it's still the most pleasant thing to talk to family!"