Facing a Storyline Powerhouse!

Li Shuyi said incredulously, "As a strong character in the storyline, Yamazaki Ryūji should be much stronger than Sōmachi Ryūichi, right? Why isn't he one of the three generals of Matsuzaki-gumi?"

"It could be due to seniority. In Japan, the traditional industry system is based on seniority, with older members holding higher positions, and this is also true in the yakuza. Unless their boss dies or retires, subordinates cannot be promoted through normal channels. And Yamazaki Ryūji values Sorimachi the most, so he would definitely do everything in his power to protect Sorimachi's safety."

Tōchō Temple.

A group of men in black suits escorted a tall man in a kimono as they entered the temple gate.

The tall man in the kimono seemed very familiar with every plant and tree at Tōchō Temple. He walked along a path, passing through two torii gates, until he reached the back garden and stood before a small wooden house.

"Has Long Er arrived?"

The tall man in the kimono looked around.

"Lord Sorimachi, Yamazaki-kun said he'll be there soon," a young man in a black suit said respectfully.

"Fine, you all wait here. Don't come in without my permission."

The tall man in the kimono, Sōmachi Ryūichi, one of the three generals of Matsuzaki-gumi, gave an order and then walked casually to the door of the cabin in his wooden clogs and knocked on the door.

"Please come in."

A familiar, aged voice came from behind the door. Sōmachi Ryūichi put his hands together in prayer through the wooden door, then Opening Gate and went inside.

Inside the small wooden cabin, there were two futons and a tea table. An old man wearing a tall black hat was staring intently at the teacup on the tea table, lost in thought.

"Master Jichuan, I've come to bother you again." Sōmachi Ryūichi nodded slightly, closed the door of the wooden house, walked familiarly to the old man, and sat cross-legged on another futon.

Sōmachi Ryūichi skillfully poured water from the kettle, then glanced at the old man. "The monk seems to have something on his mind, unlike his usual detached self."

Master Jichuan shook his head somewhat mechanically, raised his teacup, and gave a slight bow.

Sōmachi Ryūichi also raised a glass to drink.

"Master Jichuan, I killed two more people just the day before yesterday, and I feel quite remorseful," Sōmachi Ryūichi sighed. "However, I am already deeply mired in this mess. If I don't kill them, the organization's interests will be harmed, and the president will hold me accountable. For the sake of the interests, I have no choice but to take action."

Master Jichuan nodded slightly.

Sōmachi Ryūichi continued, "I will donate the ill-gotten gains to the temple to add some incense, in order to seek the Buddha's forgiveness."

Master Jichuan remained silent.

Sōmachi Ryūichi asked curiously, "Master Jichuan, you seem quite unusual today."

Suddenly, a voice rang out from next door. "No matter how much ill-gotten wealth you offer, it's useless; you'll still go to Hell after death!"

Sōmachi Ryūichi's expression changed, and he abruptly stood up. "Master Jichuan, why are there outsiders here?"

A powerful gust of wind surged from Sōmachi Ryūichi's body, and the monk Jichuan opposite him slightly raised his head, only to fall backward—his pupils were already dilated.

Bai Xiaowen lifted the bamboo curtain and came out.

"No need to look anymore. This monk who helped you dispose of the stolen goods was already my servant. I've relinquished control over him, so his soul has naturally vanished."

"You!" Sōmachi Ryūichi was furious. He slammed his fist on the coffee table, smashing it to pieces. He took a step forward and threw a powerful punch at Bai Xiaowen!

However, the punch weakened halfway through. Sōmachi Ryūichi clutched his stomach and collapsed, his face filled with shock and anger.

Bai Xiaowen took a half step back, shook her head, and said, "Have you forgotten that you drank a cup of tea after entering the house? Just stay put. The more you move around, the faster the poison will take effect."

Bai Xiaowen had already checked Sōmachi Ryūichi's attributes through his Insight; he was a level 5 Elite Tier, and fighting him normally would definitely take some effort.

Whoosh!

The cabin doors were flung open, and a group of ordinary-looking gangsters in suits rushed in.

"Lord Sorimachi!"

"Who are these two? How dare they poison me!"

The men in black suits rushed forward. Li Shuyi drew her sword and pierced the throat of one of them with a single Critical Hit, killing him instantly. Then, with a series of flashes, she unleashed a Double Slash attack, killing another man.

Bai Xiaowen didn't make a move, letting Li Shuyi fight and stack up both of her passive buffs to the maximum.

Swish!

Suddenly, the door of the wooden house was smashed open, and a long black shadow, like a black snake, lashed out with incredible cunning, its target being Li Shuyi!

Bai Xiaowen's expression changed slightly. He had been using his Mental Scan the entire time, but hadn't detected anyone outside. Who else but Yamazaki Ryūji could have bypassed his Mental Scan and sneaked into the cabin?

This black snake-like shadow is clearly Yamazaki Ryūji's signature move— Snake Fist —Mid-Stage!

Before the attack even arrived, a chilling wind pressure locked onto Li Shuyi, as if sealing off every angle from which she could dodge.

With her talent boost granting her over 22 points of agility, Li Shuyi had no chance to dodge!

Li Shuyi's constitution was weak; taking this attack would likely reduce her health by more than half, rendering her unable to fight. Bai Xiaowen rushed forward without hesitation, crossing his arms in front of him to block the attack.

A supple, forceful strike sent Bai Xiaowen flying several feet, stumbling backward several steps, his Life Value plummeting by more than 40.

"Such high damage." Bai Xiaowen was slightly surprised.

Bai Xiaowen has a constitution of 17 and armor of 19, yet she still suffered such severe damage from this attack. It's easy to imagine how difficult it would be for Li Shuyi, whose constitution is only 9 and armor is barely 10, to withstand it.

"Damn henchman!"

A young man with yellow hair in the middle and black hair at the temples barged in. He was tall and strong, wearing a black vest, black waistcoat and suit trousers, and black half-gloves. He was none other than Yamazaki Ryūji strong contender in the King of Fighters Tournament!

As soon as Yamazaki Ryūji rushed in, he saw Sōmachi Ryūichi lying on the ground, convulsing in pain, and his eyes quickly turned red. He took a deep breath, shielded Sōmachi Ryūichi behind him, and confronted Bai Xiaowen: "Which organization are you from?"

If it weren't for Sōmachi Ryūichi's interference, Yamazaki Ryūji wouldn't have asked so many pointless questions; he would have just rushed in and killed people.

Bai Xiaowen: "You don't need to know. Today, you and your elder brother are going to die here!"

Bai Xiaowen waved his hand, activating the "Return of the Dead" skill! Four Skeleton Sword-and-Shield Soldier stepped forward side by side to protect Li Shuyi and rushed towards Yamazaki Ryūji. At the same time, Bai Xiaowen also cast an Insight.

[Yamazaki Ryūji (Boss Tier Level 5) / Challenge Level 12]

[Race: Human Species / Human Race]

[Occupation: Street Fighter]

[Attributes: Strength 40, Agility 26, Constitution 33, Spirit 17]

[Skills: My Self-Style Riot Killing Method, Roll, Rage Burst,???]

"Level 5 Boss Tier! Such powerful stats..."

Bai Xiaowen pulled out his Desert Eagle and fired, but his target was Sorimachi behind Yamazaki Ryūji!