Chapter 117: Old Matters

The Iron Blood Torrent in the Huanzang Style’s fluid technique referred to the combined strike of the “Dragon Division” and “Water Division”. It was also divided in detail into the “High Dragon Force”, which rotated from the outside inward, and the “Dark Dragon Force”, which emitted power from the inside outward.

Since ancient times, the “dragon” was considered to be closely related to “water”. The union of breath from the Water Division and the body movements from the Dragon Division formed a combined energy force. This force could flow throughout the entire body, unleashing astonishing power.

Using the “High Dragon” could instantly harden all the muscles in the body, improving resistance to strikes. At the same time, the hardened body could be used to attack in return.

Using the “Dark Dragon” involved using the energy force to attack the enemy. This was a soft qigong technique. The accumulated power was released outward to confront the enemy, as if the body had become a fully inflated balloon that would burst and scatter upon touch.

Iron Fiend was hit by such an attack. The round, forceful energy shook and vibrated, making him feel as if all the bones in his body were rattled apart. This led to the scene that just happened.

“Forget it, it’s not wrong for you to say that.”

Kume Nansho turned his head and stepped forward. He couldn’t be bothered to argue about this point.

“First, come with me to meet the owner of this place!”

“Owner?”

“Of course, this underground fighting arena belongs to the local Iwamoto Group. Come with me to meet the ‘big shot’ of the Iwamoto Group!”

After saying this, Kume Nansho took him to meet the current leader of the Iwamoto Group.

————————

(He originally thought this would be a fierce and intimidating figure, but it turned out to be a very old man with a very good temperament.)

This leader of the Iwamoto Group was called “Old Man Wakabayashi”. It was unknown how Teacher Kume Nansho knew him, but their relationship was incredibly good.

Speaking of his teacher, he himself was like an unemployed drifter or a homeless person on the streets. No one knew where his connections came from.

— Teacher Sakaki Tetsuhei.

— Shokuba Haruka and her father.

— And this leader of the Iwamoto Group.

His circle of connections was really a bit peculiar.

“Hahaha—! Young Nishizuka, you did really well. Those guys in the audience seats were all scared out of their wits one by one…”

The old man recalled the earlier scene and laughed heartily. He seemed to forget that he was essentially causing trouble here.

“No, I want to have another drink.”

He wanted to pick up the sake cup beside him again, but the beautiful young woman in a kimono standing behind the wheelchair reached out and stopped him.

“Enough, dear. You forgot how high your blood pressure is. You can’t drink any more alcohol.”

“Matsuko, just one more sip, please?”

The old man pleaded.

“No, dear.”

The beautiful woman sneered and cleared away the alcoholic drinks from the table.

“Hahahaha… Wakabayashi, you’ve fallen to this state, you old fool!”

Teacher Kume Nansho let out a vulgar, roaring laugh from the sofa.

This made Fang Jing, who was sitting properly, feel embarrassed. His teacher was truly an indescribable character.

“Well then, I’ll go bring some tea for everyone.”

Sliding open the shoji screen of the Japanese-style room, the beautiful woman lowered her head with a smile and walked out.

“But it’s not all bad, I suppose. It’s hard to believe an old man like me could eventually find such a good wife.”

The old man sighed. “Matsuko is thirty years younger than me. I sometimes wonder if she can find true happiness being with a wretched old man like me. You know, I might not be able to stay with her until the end…”

“Wakabayashi, you old monster, you’ve lived this long already. What is there left that you can’t figure out?”

“Hehe, I’m just an ordinary person after all. I can’t compare to an ‘immortal’ like you, old brother Kume. I feel my time is almost up, I just don’t know how many more years I can hold on.”

“What nonsense are you talking…”

Kume Nansho spoke unhappily. “I heard Matsuko is pregnant with your second child now. An old lecher like you, still vigorous and spirited at night, how can you have the nerve to say such things…”

“Hehe, it’s hard to say about these things.”

Old Man Wakabayashi smiled bitterly. He turned and spoke kindly to Fang Jing. “Young Nishizuka, sorry you had to listen to the boring talk of old men. But, it’s getting late. If you need to go home, I can have one of my men drive you…”

“Thank you very much, Old Mr. Wakabayashi. But, Teacher…”

“Alright! Alright!”

Kume Nansho slumped on the sofa and waved his hand casually.

“Nishizuka, you should go back first. It is indeed a bit late now.”

“Understood.”

Fang Jing suspected a little that the two were intentionally making him leave. It seemed they probably had something to discuss.

He didn’t think too much about it. He pushed the door open and actively walked out.

…

“Alright then! Old monster, you chased my kid out. You must have something to say…”

Kume Nansho frowned. He had known this old friend for many years. Just by observing his words and actions, he could guess the deeper meaning behind them.

“Yes… Old brother Kume, I recently heard an unpleasant rumor. That ‘man’ seems to have returned to the main island.”

With a sudden movement, Kume Nansho stood up straight. His black eyes flashed with unusual anger.

“Wakabayashi, are you sure?”

“It’s just a rumor. I’m having people investigate the details…”

The current leader of the Iwamoto Group, sitting in the wheelchair, felt a certain will reviving within Kume Nansho. This usually vulgar man now radiated a shocking killing intent all over his body.

This made the old man, who had lived most of his life licking blood from blades, feel a prickling sensation on the back of his head. It was as if he was suddenly pulled close to the gates of hell, feeling the wind of death rushing towards his face.

“Hah!”

Kume Nansho took a sharp breath. He sat down again and returned to his normal state.

“Sorry about that, Wakabayashi.”

“It’s fine.”

But, after all this time, was this old friend still unable to let go of that matter?

The current leader of the Iwamoto Group’s eyes showed a trace of thoughtful expression. He let out another long sigh and said quietly, “I know what you’re thinking. But that man is not the same as before. Thirty years ago, he was chased away and fled overseas. After all these years of development, he is now a senior executive in some mafia organization abroad.”

“…”

Kume Nansho narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

“Have you heard the name ‘Black Devourer Syndicate’? It’s a transnational organization, a very arrogant and overbearing behemoth with immense power. It’s said the syndicate doesn’t care about industry rules; they will do anything and accept any commission as long as they are paid. Whether it’s murder, smuggling, kidnapping, protection, etc., they will do it all…”

Seeing his old friend’s expression grow more and more serious, the old man shook his head helplessly.

“In recent years, the ‘Black Devourer Syndicate’ has started expanding its operations locally. They have their own bases in Tsushima and a few other ports. They have been steadily extending their sphere of influence into the domestic main island. Some local smaller gangs are being gradually eroded by them. Lately, the expansion of the ‘Black Devourer Syndicate’s’ power really cannot be underestimated…”

(That man must be involved in this… Wherever he is, a storm of blood and violence is sure to follow.)