Chapter Seventeen: Kung Fu

"When are you planning to go eat it?" Yang Wenhao looked at Wang Xin with an expression that was half a smile, half a smirk.

At that moment, Wang Xin’s face looked as if he had just swallowed something foul. Worse yet, he was suffering from the bet he had just made.

Sun Wentao, oblivious to all this, continued, "Brother Yang, I’m sorry about yesterday. I was too short-sighted."

Yang Wenhao waved his hand dismissively. "No matter."

As for Sun Wentao, he was only fulfilling his own promise; the task was complete. Now, he was simply waiting for Wu Xiuping’s call, after which he would eliminate that scourge who brought calamity to the nation.

Because of the wager he’d made, Wang Xin spent the entire day in distress.

"Haozi, let’s talk about something," Wang Xin suddenly grabbed Yang Wenhao, his eyes brimming with pleading.

"Go ahead," Yang Wenhao said.

"Tonight, let me buy you a late-night snack. How about we let the past stay in the past?" Wang Xin offered.

Yang Wenhao glanced at him, immediately understanding Wang Xin’s intention. After a moment’s thought, he decided not to make a fuss; after all, it was just a joke. He nodded in agreement.

Seeing Yang Wenhao agree, Wang Xin instantly broke into a broad grin.

"Come on, let me treat you to something good."

...

The following month, Yang Wenhao originally intended to wait for Wu Xiuping’s call, but there was no response at all.

As for Sun Wentao, ever since he used the talisman to ward off evil, nothing untoward had happened. He had been eating nourishing foods recently, and his energy was vigorous.

During class, Yang Wenhao received a prompt from the system, but he chose to postpone it due to the lesson.

When he returned home, the system’s voice sounded again.

"Would you like to initiate world traversal now?"

"Let’s go," Yang Wenhao replied. This time, he was fully prepared—unlike his first journey, when he suffered greatly for lack of preparation. Now that everything was in order, he was no longer afraid.

"Beginning traversal..."

A blinding white light flashed before his eyes, and when he opened them again, he was no longer in his room. Now what lay before him was a towering building.

But this building was crowded and filthy, more like a slum than anything else.

As Yang Wenhao wondered which world he had arrived in, the system’s voice echoed in his mind.

[Traversing to a low-tier martial arts world: Kung Fu]

[Main quest: Kill the Evil God of Firecloud. Reward: 500 points.]

Kung Fu—a world set in more recent times, during the Republican era.

That period was chaotic, with underground factions vying for dominance.

What would most catch Yang Wenhao’s attention in this world would probably be the beggar selling martial arts manuals.

Cultivation techniques—this was what Yang Wenhao needed most. To break through, he would need countless techniques and spiritual treasures to pave his path.

"Excuse me!"

As Yang Wenhao pondered his approach, two figures darted past him.

One was fat, the other thin, both dressed plainly.

"Seems my luck isn’t bad," Yang Wenhao murmured, lips curling in a faint smile as he followed.

Before him stood a tenement, but its residents were anything but ordinary.

Sure enough, before long, the two came running out, battered and bruised.

"You fat hag, you’ve pushed me too far!" the thin one shouted, pulling a firecracker from his sleeve and lighting the fuse.

"A single signal arrow, and a thousand troops appear!"

He tossed the firecracker behind him.

Boom!

The explosion echoed. Just as everyone thought the thin man was bluffing, a group of men in black suits began to march in from outside.

One of them, clearly a leader, had a hole blasted in the top of his hat—his hair now wild and frizzy from the blast.

It was obvious who was responsible.

The frizzy-haired man clamped a large cigar between his lips, his eyes full of menace. "Who threw that?"

Naturally, his first glance landed on the thin man.

The thin man quickly shook his head. "Boss, boss, I’m one of yours!"

He pointed toward the people inside the building and whispered something to the frizzy-haired man.

Yang Wenhao’s attention shifted to the fat woman standing in the center, hair in curlers, a cigarette dangling from her lips.

"Little Dragon Lady?" Yang Wenhao almost laughed.

"Damn it! Get them!" The frizzy-haired man, furious after listening to the thin man's explanation, waved his men forward.

The suited men all produced hatchets from their belts.

The Axe Gang—one of the most powerful underground organizations in this area.

Upon seeing the situation, the fat woman ran as if her feet were greased lightning.

"So fast," Yang Wenhao thought, admiration rising in his eyes. Her speed nearly rivaled his own when not using the Great Shifting Technique.

Meanwhile, the Axe Gang surged toward the residents, treating them as nothing more than dirt, forcing them to the ground.

But where there is oppression, there is resistance.

A sturdy man stepped forward, eyes resolute, and charged at the Axe Gang.

Seeing someone dare to defy them, the gang members rushed him.

But this man was no pushover—with every punch and kick, a gang member was sent flying.

Yet, one man against so many—he was soon beset on all sides, struggling under the relentless assault.

At that moment, two more rushed out, unable to stand by any longer.

One wielded a wooden staff, the other bore iron rings on his arm.

Together, the three fought, and the crowd of gangsters suddenly seemed inadequate, despite their numbers.

After all, those who know martial arts can always fight many with few.

In moments, the Axe Gang, once as imposing as storm clouds, was utterly defeated.

Dozens of men were beaten by three—an utter humiliation.

Seeing the tide turn, the frizzy-haired leader fled, with many of his men following.

With the gang driven off, the three fighters breathed a sigh of relief. But soon, their eyes fixed on Yang Wenhao, who had stood and watched from start to finish.

Yang Wenhao’s attire was elegant, completely unlike the others—if anything, he resembled the Axe Gang more than the tenants.

Their gazes turned wary, full of suspicion.

Noticing this, Yang Wenhao smiled faintly. He was curious to test their skills.

In a flash, he dashed forward.