Martial Arts Crossover: Something's Wrong with This Evil Sect

Chapter 238 It's alright then.....

Just as Shan Tianxie was pondering this in secret.

The waiter seemed to suddenly remember something and added, "Sir, speaking of which, there have been some things that are different from usual in Whale City lately."

Any unexpected gains?

Dan Tianxie's eyes lit up instantly, and he became interested, quickly asking, "Oh? Is there anything different about it?"

The waiter lowered his voice and said mysteriously, "Recently, there have been significantly more Japanese people in Giant Whale City than usual. You know, we don't usually have this many Japanese people coming here."

"Japanese?"

Upon hearing this, Shan Tianxie's heart stirred slightly.

A combination of the Giant Whale Gang and the Japanese? Why does that seem so familiar?

When the intelligence from the valley mentioned the Giant Whale Gang before, he hadn't thought too much about it.

After all, there are too many gangs with that name.

Its name is just as common as Black Wind Stronghold and Divine Blade Sect.

He knew of at least five giant whale gangs, the most famous of which was the one from the Sui Dynasty.

It wasn't for any other reason than that their leader, Yun Yuzhen, was extremely beautiful, earning her the nickname "Red Powder Leader."

The fact that the Giant Whale Gang here has gotten involved with the Japanese suggests that it's probably not Yun Yuzhen who is behind it.

This inevitably reminded Shan Tianxie of another very tragic figure.

He is none other than Yagyu Tajima-no-kami, known as the most miserable patriarch in Japan!

This person is quite interesting. He worked hard all his life and finally had both a son and a daughter, achieving success in both his career and family. He was only one martial arts master away from the pinnacle of life.

Who would have thought that Duan Tianya would ruin everything?

Not only was her son, whom she had raised with great difficulty, killed by Duan Tianya.

Duan Tianya dressed his two little daughters in cotton-padded jackets!

She wore the clothes of her older sister, then her younger sister, and even took turns helping her lover stab her tragic old father.

No wonder Yagyu Tajima-no-kami went to great lengths to cause trouble for Duan Tianya.

Anyone would be angry in this situation.

The daughter he raised from childhood abandoned her father for some blond-haired guy.

Putting ourselves in his shoes, and setting aside Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's nationality,

Just from the fact that he sought revenge against Duan Tianya, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the whole thing.

Remembering that in the original story, it was the vice-leader of the Giant Whale Gang who plotted to usurp the throne, which is why he asked the Yagyu family for assistance.

Dan Tianxie couldn't help but ask the waiter.

"Waiter, were these Japanese people hired by the Giant Whale Gang?"

"Yes, sir, you're amazing!"

The waiter nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, but because it involved the local tyrant, the Giant Whale Gang,

Therefore, he lowered his voice to an extremely low level. If it weren't for the fact that everyone present was a martial artist with exceptional hearing, they probably wouldn't have been able to hear him at all.

"It's said that the person was invited by the vice leader of the Giant Whale Gang. I don't know what this vice leader was thinking. The Japanese are no good!"

At this point, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed across the waiter's face.

Those Japanese people, relying on the power of the Giant Whale Gang, have truly exemplified the saying "a dog relying on its master's power."

These days, quite a few incidents have occurred at various inns.

Sure enough!

Based on what the waiter said, Shan Tianxie was now certain.

The Giant Whale Gang here should be the one that appears at the very beginning of the story in "The World's Number One".

It's true what they say, you never know where you'll end up; I'm going to run into Duan Tianya again.

Thinking of this, a faint smile appeared on Shan Tianxie's lips.

This time, he wanted to see how Duan Tianya would deceive respectable women right in front of him!

After getting the information he wanted, Shan Tianxie waved his hand and dismissed the waiter.

They then discussed with Gu Santong and others how to maximize their profits.

......

Meanwhile, within the Giant Whale Gang, two people were also having a major headache because of this matter.

It was Duan Tianya, the number one in the Heavenly Rank of the Dragon Guardian Manor, and Shangguan Haitang, the number one in the Mysterious Rank.

"I never expected the Yagyu family to be involved in this case."

Duan Tianya had been infiltrating the Giant Whale Gang for several days and had already gathered a fairly complete understanding of the situation.

Upon learning that the Yagyu family was involved, his expression immediately turned serious.

"It seems that my godfather's prediction was correct. The fake Princess Toshihide and Karasuma were very likely from Japan, and might even have been sent by the Yagyu family."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang seemed to be deep in thought, and looked at Duan Tianya to ask.

"Brother, didn't you go to Japan to study martial arts back then? You should know something about the Yagyu family, right?"

"Um....."

Duan Tianya nodded slightly, his mood somewhat downcast, while a hint of reminiscence flashed in his eyes.

"The Yagyu family is a renowned family in Japan. The head of the family, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami, is extremely skilled in martial arts and his swordsmanship is incredibly sharp. If it weren't for... I would have died from that one strike back then."

After saying that, Duan Tianya was completely lost in his memories. If Xue Ji hadn't blocked that knife for him, he would probably be three years old now.

Huh? What?!

Why?

Why was the most crucial part skipped?!

Shangguan Haitang, standing to the side, was completely bewildered, but despite her confusion, she was too embarrassed to press for more information.

Seeing her older brother looking so lost and dejected, she couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy.

She vaguely remembered the last time she saw her older brother like this; it was the last time...

That was when her older brother had just returned from Japan, and he had that expression on his face that looked like his wife had died. She would never forget it.

"Brother, may I ask you one more question? Do you have a grudge against the Yagyu family?"

Shangguan Haitang spoke softly, trying to change the subject and stop Duan Tianya from dwelling on the past.

People should look forward, or at least look to the side; you're a grown person standing here.

"I guess so..."

Duan Tianya responded slowly in a low voice, as if a thousand kinds of helplessness and ten thousand kinds of sorrow were hidden in those three simple words.

"Oh, that's alright then. If..."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang originally wanted to say that if it wasn't anything serious, they could simply turn enemies into friends.

Sometimes, the world of martial arts isn't just about fighting and killing, but also about human relationships and social interactions.

Just like creating the number one manor in the world, isn't the goal to make as many friends as possible and as few enemies as possible?

So what if he's the laziest person in the world? Giving him a title doesn't mean he'll lack anything.

She had barely conceived the idea when she hadn't even finished speaking.

Duan Tianya had already come to his senses. He then waved his hand gently, his expression unusually calm, and then spoke softly.

“Back in Japan, I killed the only male member of the Yagyu family… because he had poisoned my master.”

"Um...it's alright...we're in the right, aren't we!"

Shangguan Haitang was almost choked by a single sentence, but she quickly smoothed things over for Duan Tianya.

"Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's eldest daughter also died because of me..."

"That's alright then... Big brother, what level of expert is this Yagyu Tajima-no-kami?"

A bitter smile appeared on Shangguan Haitang's handsome face.

What else can be said? It's safe to say they're now sworn enemies with the Yagyu family.

Since there's no hope of reconciliation, let's inquire about Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's martial arts skills.

Let's see if we can put up a fight!

"Yagyu Tajima-no-kami was already a grandmaster-level expert back then, but I wonder if he came in person this time."

Although Duan Tianya had regained his senses, his voice remained deep and magnetic, as if he had choked on phlegm.

"If Yidao were here, the three of us combined might be able to put up a fight against him. But with just the two of us, I'm afraid it would be quite difficult."

"That's it..."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang frowned slightly, her thoughts racing. After a moment's thought, she spoke firmly.

"Now that things have come to this, it seems we still have to confront Li Zhengkai. If he intervenes, our chances of winning will likely be much higher."

"Chief Li?"

Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya also began to ponder it in his heart.

The Li Zhengkai that Shangguan Haitang mentioned is none other than Li Zhengkai, the current leader of the Giant Whale Gang.

This person is quite unique; although he is the leader of a gang,

However, he had little interest in the power struggles and scheming in the martial arts world, but was instead obsessed with music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, making him a truly remarkable person.

Previously, he and Haitang had also used calligraphy by famous artists to cater to their tastes, which was how they successfully infiltrated the Giant Whale Gang as guests.

In his opinion, Li Zhengkai is absolutely a perfect friend.

Li is definitely a good candidate; he is generous, righteous, and has a free and easy personality.

However, if we're talking about being a gang leader, he's not quite there yet; he lacks some of the abilities a gang leader should have!

Because Li Zhengkai himself disliked managing the affairs of the gang, he was nominally the leader of the Giant Whale Gang.

But the person in actual power was his uncle, Li Tianhao!

He had met Li Tianhao before and thought he was a strange and cunning man.

Moreover, judging from Li Tianhao's usual words and actions, he has no respect for Li Zhengkai whatsoever, and is probably already secretly plotting to replace him.

Furthermore, based on his investigation over the past few days, Li Tianhao had already begun colluding with the Yagyu family three years ago.

They even specially invited ninjas from the Yagyu clan to Whale Castle to help them train assassins, revealing their wolfish ambitions.

This time, it just so happens that the Han Hai Kingdom is vying for the throne. I'm afraid Li Tianhao also wants to take advantage of this opportunity, while the Han Hai Kingdom is preoccupied with other matters, to take down the Giant Whale Gang in one fell swoop.

After all, does it matter to the Han Hai Kingdom above who is the leader?

It doesn't matter. It's just a change of gloves. Besides, Li Tianhao is Li Zhengkai's uncle, so it doesn't matter at all!

Duan Tianya's thoughts raced, but finally coalesced into one idea: the Giant Whale Gang must not fall into the hands of the Yagyu family!

"Alright! I'll do as you say!"

Duan Tianya raised his eyes, his gaze revealing a hint of determination, and said in a deep voice.

"However, the situation is urgent now. I'll go and find out if Yagyu Tajima-no-kami has already arrived at the Giant Whale Gang."

Go quickly and find Li Zhengkai, and truthfully tell him about all the advantages and disadvantages involved, so that he can take precautions as soon as possible.

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Haitang nodded slightly, "Don't worry, brother, I'll go right away. Please be careful."

After saying that, she flashed and used her lightness skill to rush towards Li Zhengkai's residence.

Duan Tianya straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and steadily stepped out of the room, heading towards the area where the Giant Whale Gang's influence was most complex.

........

Within the Giant Whale Gang, in a secluded spot.

Li Tianhao was dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, with delicate dark patterns embroidered on the hem.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, looked at the samurai-dressed man in front of him, and asked in a low voice.

"Mr. Yagyu, how are the preparations going? This time, there's no room for error!"

The samurai man appeared to be in his fifties, with an upright posture and a cold, aloof aura.

Standing quietly beside him was a stunningly beautiful woman, around twenty years old. Her face was delicate, but her eyes held a hint of determination.

The two were Yagyu Tajima-no-kami and his youngest daughter, Yagyu Hyouse.

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's expression was cold and stern, like ice that had never melted for a thousand years, and he replied in a completely flat voice.

"Everything is arranged. At most one day, all the manpower will be assembled. At that time, it will be a piece of cake to help you seize the position of leader of the Giant Whale Gang and then control the entire Giant Whale City."

"Hahaha, great! That's wonderful!"

Upon hearing this, Li Tianhao couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh. After planning for so long, he had finally gotten the opportunity he had been dreaming of.

"I have been waiting for this day for a long time! My nephew only knows how to indulge in music, chess, calligraphy and painting every day. He has no ambition. What makes him so capable of sitting in the position of gang leader?"

"If it weren't for my meticulous management, would the Giant Whale Gang have reached its current glory? This Giant Whale Gang should have belonged to me, Li Tianhao, long ago!"

A barely perceptible look of disdain flashed in Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's eyes, but he held it back, remembering his purpose.

"Chief Li, please remember our agreement. Once you become the leader of the Giant Whale Gang, you must do everything in your power to help me ascend to the position of the leader of the martial arts world in Japan."

"Mr. Yagyu, please rest assured. After I assist the Crown Prince in ascending the throne, it will be a piece of cake for the entire Han Hai Kingdom to help you become the leader of the martial arts alliance in Japan! However, there is still a problem that needs to be solved."

At this point, Li Tianhao's smile faded, and his words became somewhat solemn.

"Oh? What trouble is it? Please speak freely, Chief Li. My daughter and I have traveled a long way to get here to clear away all obstacles for you."

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami raised his head slightly, his killing intent growing even stronger.

“Mr. Yagyu is indeed straightforward, so I will get straight to the point. Li Zhengkai has been entertaining the two guests recently.”

"These two men are acting very mysteriously. I suspect they are very likely people from the Ming Dynasty."

"If that's the case, then it means that the Ming Dynasty has already become suspicious of our actions."

"In this case, we not only need to speed up our actions, but we must also find a way to eliminate these two. Otherwise, if the secrets are leaked, the consequences will be unimaginable."

Li Tianhao spoke rapidly, and the sinister look in his eyes became increasingly obvious.

He would not allow anyone or any accident to ruin his plans!

"The Ming Dynasty has sent someone?"

Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's eyes narrowed slightly, and his right hand unconsciously rested lightly on the hilt of his katana.

"The man's name is Duan Tianya, and the woman's name is Shangguan Haitang."

"Duan Tianya!"

Upon hearing this name, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's eyes instantly flashed with intense killing intent, a chilling light so real it could freeze the air.

Liu Sheng Piaoxu, who had been standing quietly to the side without saying a word, suddenly raised her head.