madnovel Chapter 140 Turbulent Times in Tianjin, a Battleground in the Foreign Concession
Chapter 140 Turbulent Times in Tianjin, a Battleground in the Foreign Concession
Chapter 141 Turbulent Times in Tianjin, a Battleground in the Foreign Concession
"roar--!
"
Ivanov roared in response, tearing open his suit jacket to reveal his terrifyingly muscular physique and thick chest hair.
He casually grabbed a solid steel pipe from the side.
Those were used to make railings, and they were as thick as a wrist.
"Drink!" He exerted force with both hands.
"Squeak—"
'
He actually managed to bend the steel pipe into a U-shape.
"Wow—!" The entire audience gasped and erupted in applause.
Song Ziqi became even more smug. He looked around and his gaze fell on the martial arts instructors at the tables of Tianjin Wei. He said provocatively.
"What? It seems you 'heroes of Tianjin' aren't convinced? Since you're here today, why don't you come up and have some fun with Mr. Ivanov? Let these foreign masters see just how effective our 'divine skill' really is!"
That's a really harsh statement.
Those present were all hot-blooded martial arts practitioners; how could they tolerate such an insult?
"I'll do it!"
A young man dressed in shorts slammed his fist on the table and stood up.
He was an outstanding disciple of the Bagua School, named Xiao Yanzi Li Si, and was also a skilled fighter among the younger generation in Tianjin.
"Hey foreign devil, don't be so arrogant, grandpa's going to teach you a lesson!"
Li Si jumped onto the stage, assumed a Baguazhang (Eight Trigrams Palm) starting stance, and moved nimbly around Ivanov.
"Drink!" Li Si seized the opportunity and struck Ivanov's weak spot with a palm.
However, Ivanov did not dodge at all, letting the palm strike him.
A muffled "bang!"
Li Si felt as if he had hit a thick wall, and his wrist ached.
Before he could change his move, Ivanov swung his large, fan-like hand violently. There was no technique involved; it was pure speed and power.
"Snapped!"
Li Si was sent flying by the slap, spinning twice in the air before crashing heavily to the ground. Half of his face swelled up, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood.
"Next!" Ivanov roared in broken Chinese, his face full of disdain.
"Damn it, this is outrageous!"
Another man who practiced Bajiquan rushed forward.
Bajiquan emphasizes power and ferocity, and the man delivered a "heart-piercing elbow" straight to Ivanov's chest.
"Bang!"
The collision did occur, but Ivanov only swayed slightly.
Immediately afterwards, he clasped his arms together, like a giant pair of pliers, and pulled the man into his embrace.
"Snap, snap!"
A series of squeaking sounds rang out.
The man screamed in agony, his face turning purple, and he was about to be strangled to death.
Ivanov casually tossed the person off the stage like trash.
They took on seven or eight skilled players in a row.
Total defeat!
Moreover, they suffered a crushing defeat.
Some had their arms broken, and some were knocked unconscious with a single punch.
Ivanov stood in the center of the stage, like an invincible demon, frantically pounding his chest.
The foreigners in the audience laughed loudly, pointed and muttered phrases like "sick man of East Asia".
Song Ziqi was beaming, as if he himself had won.
The martial arts instructors at those tables were all ashen-faced, filled with shame and indignation, yet utterly helpless.
Faced with an absolute disparity in strength, skill seems like a joke.
in the corner.
Several elderly men were sitting in the shadows.
They are among the few remaining masters of the Hua Jin (化劲) skill in Tianjin, and they were specially invited by Lin Shiyuan to "hold the fort" this time.
But at this moment, their hands were trembling.
"This is outrageous! This is absolutely outrageous!"
An old master of Tongbei Quan was so angry that his beard trembled.
"This foreign devil may not understand internal energy, but his physique is exceptionally strong; he's practically a giant bear. Our younger generation can't break through his defenses!"
"Old Li, shall we go?"
Another master gritted his teeth.
"Even if people say we're bullying the weak, even if these old bones break here, we can't let these foreign devils trample the face of Chinese martial arts!"
"No!"
An elderly man at the head of the group restrained him; he was a renowned figure in the Tai Chi school.
"If we lose, we'll be completely wiped out. And—our meager internal strength is no match for this kind of unreasonable brute force. If we were twenty years younger, we might be able to handle it, but now—our chances of winning are less than 30%."
despair.
A deep sense of powerlessness enveloped the hearts of all Chinese martial artists.
Just then, Song Ziqi's gaze finally turned to Lu Cheng, who looked "sickly" in the corner.
This is the real target he wants to humiliate tonight.
"Boss Lu."
Song Ziqi held the microphone, his voice resounding throughout the venue.
"Aren't you supposed to be the pride of Chinese martial arts? Aren't you supposed to be able to dodge bullets? How come you didn't dare utter a single word while watching your compatriots being beaten like this?"
"Since we're here, why don't we—come up and spar with this strongman?"
"Let us see for ourselves whether your 'internal energy' is more powerful, or their 'brute force' is more impressive."
All eyes in the room instantly focused on it.
Lin Yudie's heart leaped into her throat. She looked at Lu Cheng's pale face and wanted to speak up to stop him, but was stopped by Song Ziqi's gaze.
The old masters also looked over, their eyes filled with both anticipation and worry.
They knew that Lu Cheng was "seriously injured," so sending him to the stage now would be suicide.
Shunzi was so angry that she was trembling all over. Just as she was about to rush forward, Lu Cheng gently held her down with one hand.
That hand, though pale, was as steady as a mountain.
Lu Cheng slowly stood up.
Leaning on his walking stick, he walked step by step to the center of the dance floor.
He looked at the Russian strongman who was two heads taller than him, and then at Song Ziqi, who had an arrogant look on his face.
He smiled.
That smile, though tinged with a sickly air, also revealed a composure that defied easy comprehension.
"Young Master Song."
Lu Cheng's voice wasn't loud, but it carried clearly throughout the entire venue.
"Since you're so eager to watch a show..."
"Then I'll—play along with this big guy."
"but----"
Lu Cheng extended a finger and gently shook it.
"I won't do it."
"I'm standing right here."
"If only he could make me move even half a step—"
Even if I lose.
In the lobby of the Astor Hotel, the light from the crystal chandelier shone on Lu Cheng's moon-white long robe, making it appear exceptionally cold and aloof.
His words caused an uproar in the room.
"Are you crazy? You're not going to lift a finger and just let them push you?"
"This is a Russian strongman. His arms are thicker than his thighs. He even crippled those few trained fighters."
"Isn't this courting death? It seems Lu Cheng is truly delirious from illness."
Song Ziqi laughed so hard that tears almost came out.
"Hahaha! Boss Lu, are you going to put on a show of 'a thousand-pound weight' or are you planning to extort money from people?"
"Fine! Since you're so confident, then don't blame Mr. Ivanov for being ruthless."
He turned to the Russian strongman and rattled off a few words in Russian.
Upon hearing this, a hint of anger at being slighted flashed in Ivanov's blue eyes.
He looked at the thin, chick-like Chinese man in front of him, grinned maliciously, and cracked his knuckles.
-
"You yellow-skinned monkey, I'll crush you."
Ivanov roared in broken Chinese.
He strode forward, each step causing the floor to tremble slightly.
As it approached Lu Cheng, the enormous shadow completely enveloped him.
Lu Cheng still leaned on his walking stick, his body slightly turned to the side, one hand behind his back, his expression as calm as if he were looking at the scenery.
He didn't even assume a proper horse stance. He just stood there casually, his whole body loose and unsteady, full of weaknesses.
The old masters watched with trepidation, their hands nearly crushing their teacups.
"This—this is risky!"
"roar!"
Ivanov roared and, without using any special technique, simply stretched out his large, hairy hands and grabbed Lu Cheng's shoulders.
He wanted to lift Lu Cheng up and slam him to the ground like a broken rag doll.
"rise!!"
Ivanov exerted force with both arms, and his terrifying muscles bulged instantly, his trousers stretched taut by his thigh muscles.
That force must weigh at least a thousand pounds.
Let alone a person, even a cow would be overturned by him.
however.
next second.
Ivanov's expression changed.
He felt like he wasn't holding onto someone's shoulder.
It is a mountain.
Mount Tai, a majestic and unyielding mountain rooted deep in the earth.
No matter how hard he tried, no matter how much he roared, even when his face turned purple and the veins on his neck bulged like earthworms.
Lu Cheng's feet seemed to be rooted to the ground, firmly nailed to the floor.
Not moving at all!
Not even the hem of her clothes was ruffled.
"This—how is this possible?!"
The surrounding guests were all dumbfounded. The Russian strongman was working himself to the bone, his face flushed and neck bulging, the floorboards creaking under his feet.
But what about Lu Cheng?
He even had the leisure to gently brush the dust off his shoulder with his other hand.
"He's quite strong."
Lu Cheng offered a brief comment, his voice calm.
"Unfortunately, it's all just brute force."
"They don't know how to leverage resources."
Just as Ivanov's old strength was exhausted and new strength had not yet arisen.
Lu Cheng's shoulder suddenly twitched very slightly.
This tremor.
It seems like a casual remark.
In reality, it contains the "elastic" force that penetrates deep into the bone marrow after marrow cleansing. It is the transformation of the entire body's muscles, bones, skin, and flesh into a super-large bow.
At the same time, the [Vital Power of the Sick Tiger] within his body was torn open in that instant, and the suppressed blood and qi erupted like a volcano, yet he skillfully controlled it within that tiny space.
"collapse!"
A muffled thud.
Ivanov felt a tremendous force rebound, which surged through his arm and into his body.
It was like a bomb exploding in his arms.
"ah!!!"
The Russian bear let out a miserable cry.
That massive body, weighing over two hundred pounds, flew backward like a kite with a broken string.
It flew a good five or six meters away.
"Splash!"
He slammed his fist down on a long table covered with champagne towers.
The wine glass shattered, and the wine splashed everywhere.
Ivanov rolled around in the shards of glass, unable to get up for a long time. His arms hung limply at his sides, clearly pale from exhaustion.
Quiet.
A deathly silence.
Everyone gaped, their jaws nearly dropping to the floor.
The wine glass in Song Ziqi's hand fell to the ground with a "clatter" and shattered into pieces.
He looked at Lu Cheng, who was still standing in the same spot, without moving an inch, and felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.
Is this the legendary Chinese martial arts?
Is this what they call "immovable as a mountain"?
This is some kind of sorcery!
The old masters in the corner were also dumbfounded, and then their eyes burst with wild joy.
"Nullifying force, this is a profound skill of neutralizing force! It deflects, borrows, and strikes with force, all in one smooth motion!"
"Our Chinese martial arts—are saved!"
Lu Cheng slowly withdrew his gaze and straightened his slightly wrinkled long robe.
He looked at Song Ziqi, who was already dumbfounded, and a half-smile appeared on his lips.
"Young Master Song."
"This foreigner looks very strong."
"But what if you don't know how to use it—"
Lu Cheng gently tapped his temple.
"He's just a big, dumb guy."
"Chinese Kung Fu emphasizes strategy and 'power' (劲)."
"Not brute force."
After saying that, he ignored the stunned "high society" people in the room.
He turned around, leaning on his walking stick, and walked back to the corner with unhurried steps.
Lin Shiyuan sat in the main seat, watching this scene with a sharp glint in his eyes. He gently clapped his hands and murmured in praise, "Well done, Master Lu."
"This is hardly a sick tiger!"
"This is clearly—Zhuge Liang!"
Lin Yudie stared at that slender figure, her heart skipping a beat. All her previous disdain and suspicion transformed into a deep curiosity at that moment.
Just how many secrets is this man hiding?
After this incident, the atmosphere at the banquet became somewhat strange.
No one dared to underestimate the sickly guy huddled in the corner anymore. Those who had originally wanted to see him make a fool of himself now kept their distance, afraid of being tainted by his evil aura.
Lu Cheng, however, acted as if nothing had happened, continuing to drink his tea and resting with his eyes closed.
He is waiting.
Waiting for the fish to take the bait.
The reason he came tonight and showed off this skill was not just to embarrass Song Ziqi.
-
It was also for the purpose of luring the snake out of its hole.
His so-called "weakness" and "serious injury" were all an act for those who were interested.
Only when they realize that although he still possesses internal energy, his body is depleted and he is a "paper tiger" that cannot last, will those enemies hiding in the shadows reveal their fangs.
really.
Not long after.
A waiter in a tuxedo came over carrying a plate.
"Mr. Lu, this is a drink offered to you by a guest."
The waiter placed a glass of red wine down, with a note underneath.
Lu Cheng picked up the note; it contained only one line of neat handwriting, yet it conveyed a sense of anxiety.
Someone has drugged your drink. Don't drink it. Be careful on your way home. —Lin
Forest?
Lu Cheng subconsciously looked at Lin Yudie not far away.
The girl was looking over nervously when she saw Lu Cheng looking at her. She quickly pretended to lower her head and drink her tea, but her ears turned red.
This girl is quite thoughtful.
Lu Cheng's lips curled up slightly.
He picked up his wine glass, brought it to his nose, and smelled it.
【Sharp Eyes】Although the main focus of training is the eyes, once the five senses are fully developed, the nose also becomes very sensitive.
It has a very faint bitter almond flavor.
Cyanide.
This is going to kill him.
Lu Cheng kept quiet.
Using his wide sleeves as cover, he flicked his wrist, and the wine in the glass silently spilled into the flowerpot next to him.
Then, he casually put down the empty cup and even pretended to wipe his mouth.
In the shadows, several pairs of sinister eyes witnessed this scene and revealed triumphant smiles.
"I drank it."
"Although the cyanide takes effect quickly, someone with profound internal strength like him can suppress it for a while."
"When the poison takes effect, that will be the perfect time for us to make our move."
17
The banquet ended.
Lu Cheng declined Lin Shiyuan's offer to send him a car, and instead, with Shunzi in tow, hailed two rickshaws and headed towards the National Hotel.
It was late at night. The streetlights on the streets of Tianjin were dim and yellow.
Two rickshaws, one in front of the other, were pulling very fast.
"Master, this road—it doesn't seem right."
Shunzi, who was in the car behind, suddenly leaned out and looked around warily.
The road was getting increasingly remote, veering off the main road to the National Hotel and turning into a gloomy dead end. On both sides were abandoned warehouses, their dark windows like rows of eyes.
"Sigh"
The driver in front suddenly stopped and threw the handlebars to the ground. The drivers behind also stopped immediately.
-
The two drivers turned around at the same time and pulled out two gleaming short axes from under the seats.
"Master Lu, this is the right path."
The driver in front lifted his straw hat, revealing a face covered in scars, and said with a sinister grin.
"This is the path that will take you to the Western Paradise!"
"Splash—"
Dozens of dark figures suddenly appeared on the surrounding walls and the roof of the warehouse.
He was holding an axe, a short knife, and even a few short guns.
These are—remnants of the Axe Gang, and desperados bought off by the Japanese.
"Lu Cheng!"
A somber voice came from the darkness.
A ronin dressed in a kimono and sporting a chonmage hairstyle stepped out. He was none other than Chiba Kyou, the leader of the assassins sent by the Black Dragon Society and Chiba Zan's junior brother.
He carried a long knife in his hand, his eyes like those of a venomous snake.
"You killed my senior brother and ruined our plans. Tonight, this will be your burial ground."
"I heard you were poisoned?"
Chiba Kyou stared at Lu Cheng's face, trying to see pain and despair in it. "The taste of cyanide isn't pleasant, is it?"
Lu Cheng slowly got out of the car.
He did sway slightly, his hand gripping the carriage shaft, his face pale, as if he couldn't stand steadily.
"You—you are so despicable." Lu Cheng gasped for breath, his voice weak.
"Despicable?" Chiba laughed wildly. "That's called all's fair in war. You Chinese pig, your death is near."
"kill!!"
He waved his hand. Dozens of assassins, like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey, roared and charged forward.
Shunzi panicked, drew his knife, and was about to rush forward to fight.
"Master, you must leave quickly!"
"Walk?"
Lu Cheng suddenly straightened up.
In that instant, all the weakness, pain, and paleness on his face vanished.
Instead, there was a mocking sneer and an overwhelming—killing intent!
Why should I leave?
"This place is one I specially chose for you—a place with excellent feng shui."
"boom-!!!"
Lu Cheng stomped his foot. The ground of the entire alley seemed to tremble.
The [Toad-Catching Strength] within his body was no longer suppressed, and the terrifying explosive power after [Marrow Cleansing] was released instantly.
He wasn't poisoned at all! That glass of wine had already been used to feed the flowers.
His so-called weakness and illness were all an act.
To put on this grand play, "Inviting the Enemy into the Urn"!
"Oh no, we've fallen into their trap!" Chiba Kyou's expression changed drastically, and he wanted to shout for a retreat.
But it was too late. Lu Cheng had already made his move.
He didn't use any weapons. He was like a human cannonball, crashing directly into the crowd.
Xingyi Bear Collision!
Bajiquan - Mountain-Pulling Lean!
"Bang bang bang bang!"
A series of sounds of bones cracking rang out.
The seven or eight assassins at the forefront were sent flying by Lu Cheng's pure physical strength before they could even scream.
"You—you're not poisoned?!" Chiba's hand gripping the knife trembled.
"poison?"
Lu Cheng walked step by step, dressed in white, pure as snow, untouched by any dust.
"Your tricks aren't even good enough to be seasonings for me. Now, it's your turn."
"Snap!"
Lu Cheng deftly disarmed the blade with his bare hands, crushing the steel longsword in one hand. Then, he thrust his hand forward and gripped Qianye Kuang's throat tightly.
"Click."
-
After a sharp crack, Chiba Kyo's head lolled to one side, and he died.
Lu Cheng casually threw the body into the ditch.
"Shunzi" (a type of Chinese character)
"exist!"
"Clean this place up. Don't dirty the land of Tianjin."
"yes!"