abnabooks Chapter 141 A Mouth of Black Blood Deceives the Masses
Chapter 141 A Mouth of Black Blood Deceives the Masses
Chapter 142 A Mouthful of Black Blood Deceives the Masses
The night wind of Tianjin, carrying the unique dampness and salty smell of the Haihe River, swirled and poured into this dead-end alley.
This alley is a dead end, usually only a few stray cats scavenging for food here, but tonight, this place has become the roll call of the King of Hell.
Dozens of corpses lay scattered on the ground.
Some were dressed in black; they were assassins of the Japanese Black Dragon Society. Others were dressed in shorts; they were remnants of the Axe Gang who had been bribed.
Chiba Kyo's corpse lay slumped by the ditch, his head tilted at an eerie angle.
Those eyes, usually fierce as a wolf's, were now wide open. Even in death, he couldn't understand how his carefully laid trap had become his own death trap.
"Shunzi" (a type of Chinese character)
Lu Cheng stood in the shadows, his moon-white robe swaying slightly in the night wind, yet not a single drop of blood stained it.
He toyed with the Browning pistol with the ivory handle in his hand, a trophy he had seized from Bai Feng, his expression indifferent.
"exist."
Shunzi, carrying a large machete, came running from the alley entrance, panting heavily.
Behind him followed several of the most clever and agile martial arts brothers in the Qingyun troupe.
Although these guys were considered worldly-wise, they still felt their stomachs churn and their faces turn pale when they saw this scene.
Dozens of desperate criminals wielding sharp weapons.
In just a short while, Master took care of everything by himself?
And judging from Master's appearance, he didn't even break a sweat.
The way Shunzi looked at Lu Cheng wasn't just admiration; it was like looking at a god.
"Hurry up."
Lu Cheng pointed to the corpse on the ground with his folding fan.
"Get rid of all this filth. Strip the Japanese, tie them to some big rocks, and sink them into the Haihe River to feed the fish. As for the Axe Gang—"
A cold glint flashed in Lu Cheng's eyes.
"Cut off their heads and hang them on the flagpole where the Axe Gang used to be. Let these thugs in Tianjin know what will happen to anyone who dares to be a dog for the Japanese again."
"Alright!" Shunzi gritted his teeth and called on his junior brothers to start working.
Lu Cheng didn't move.
He activated his "Eagle Eyes," his gaze passing over his busy apprentices and landing at the deepest part of the alley, behind a pile of tattered bamboo baskets.
There, someone is hiding.
A thug, terrified, had wet his pants and was huddled up in a ball, trembling.
This guy is called "Sanlaizi". He's a well-known gossip in the Nanshi area, and also a spineless opportunist.
Tonight, he was dragged here by Chiba Kyou to lead the way.
Chiba was dead. He didn't dare to run away. His legs went weak, and he just stayed there, watching the whole process of Lu Cheng killing people.
In his eyes, Lu Cheng wasn't even human.
With a flick of the white shirt, a head fell to the ground.
With a slap of the palm, the sternum collapsed.
This is clearly the White Impermanence appearing to claim my life!
A hint of amusement rose in Lu Cheng's heart.
Instead of catching the three scoundrels, he concealed his aura.
"Cough—cough cough."
Suddenly, Lu Cheng swayed violently and clutched his chest.
That cough was heart-wrenching.
"puff--!"
A mouthful of dark purple blood spurted from the corner of Lu Cheng's mouth, splattering onto the front of his pristine white robe, a shocking sight.
This mouthful of blood is real.
This was the last bit of filth and toxins that had accumulated deep within his internal organs after he used the "Toad-Catching Strength" to cleanse his marrow and remove his pores. He had wanted to vomit it out for a long time, but he had been holding it in for this moment.
"Master."
Shunzi was terrified and dropped what she was doing to rush over and catch the swaying Lu Cheng.
"What's wrong with you? You were fine just now!"
Lu Cheng felt as if all his bones had been removed, leaning limply against Shunzi, his face turning deathly pale and his breath becoming faint.
The might of a sick tiger!
"Poison, there's still poison in that wine."
"That's a chemical poison from foreigners, I was suppressing it with my internal energy. Just now I used my true energy, and I couldn't suppress it anymore—"
"Cough cough cough,"
He vomited another mouthful of black blood, mixed with some foul-smelling blood clots.
"Quick, carry me back! No, no one should see me—"
While "struggling," Lu Cheng subtly glanced at the corner of the bamboo basket with his eyes.
Shunzi is an honest person, how could he know that his master was acting?
He assumed his master had truly been betrayed, and tears welled up in his eyes instantly. He picked up Lu Cheng and shouted at his fellow disciples.
"Quickly, protect Master and get back to the hotel. Go get a doctor!"
A group of people hurriedly carried the "severely injured and dying" Lu Cheng out of the alley.
Once the footsteps faded into the distance, the dead-end alley returned to its deathly silence.
After a long while...
The pile of bamboo baskets shifted.
Sanlaizi crawled out, his face covered in snot and tears, and his crotch reeking of urine.
He was panting heavily, like a fish out of water.
"My goodness, that scared me to death!"
"Master Lu, Master Lu has been poisoned?!"
Sanlaizi's eyes darted around, and his cleverness returned.
Although he was afraid, he knew even more that this was tremendous news.
If this news were sold to the Japanese or to a newspaper, how many silver dollars would it fetch?
"We're rich! We're rich!"
Sanlaizi scrambled out of the alley and ran wildly toward the Japanese concession.
What he didn't know was.
On a distant street corner, in a black sedan, Lu Cheng was sitting in the back seat, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth with a handkerchief. His eyes were clear, showing no signs of poisoning whatsoever.
"Sir, that kid ran away and went to the former concession." The one driving in front was none other than Master Li, who was in disguise.
"Um.
""
Lu Cheng folded the blood-stained handkerchief and tucked it into his pocket.
"The bait has been cast."
"Now, let's see how these turtles in the pond will take the bait."
"Let's go back to the hotel. Remember, we need to make it a real show. Turn on all the lights so people will think we're working through the night to save a life."
"yes.
""
The next day, the sky over Tianjin was overcast, as if it were about to snow, making people feel suffocated.
Early in the morning, the newsboy's childish yet shrill cries broke the oppressive atmosphere.
"Extra number, extra number."
"A stunning reversal! Master Lu has been poisoned and is on the verge of death!"
"Though Chiba Kyou died, he is still honored; the Black Dragon Society's treacherous scheme succeeded."
Newspapers, still smelling of ink, flew through the streets and alleys of Tianjin like snowflakes.
Those newspapers controlled by the Japanese or dominated by pro-Japanese factions went all out today, using sensational headlines to scare people to the extreme.
The front page headline of the newspaper, in bold black font.
The Demise of the Myth of Traditional Chinese Martial Arts: Flesh and blood can no longer withstand the deadly poisons of modern chemicals!
The article described the events in great detail: "It is said that although Lu Cheng killed a Black Dragon Society expert last night, it was merely a last gasp before his death."
According to witnesses, Lu Cheng was poisoned during the battle and vomited blood incessantly on the way back. He was carried back to the National Hotel by his disciples and remains unconscious. It is said that this poison is the latest Western technology, colorless and odorless, specifically designed to corrode internal organs, and even a Grandmaster of Internal Energy is not immune.
This article is extremely malicious, with innuendos everywhere.
Lu Cheng is finished, Chinese Kung Fu is finished, this is the consequence of opposing the Imperial Army.
A certain country's daily newspaper even published an editorial.
The end of an era: When martial arts meet science, barbarism will eventually be ended by civilization.
The text portrays Lu Cheng as an arrogant and ignorant fool, and describes the Japanese poisoning as a victory of "wisdom" and "technology".
This wave of public opinion offensive came too fiercely and too quickly.
The people were bewildered.
"This...this can't be! Isn't Master Lu a god? Isn't he able to dodge bullets?"
In the teahouse, the old tea drinkers who were in high spirits yesterday are now all looking like they've lost their parents, and they can't even drink their tea anymore.
"Sigh, even gods are made of flesh and blood."
Someone sighed and slammed the newspaper on the table.
"That foreigner's poison is something our ancestors never even saw. I heard that just a drop can burn your intestines through. Master Lu this time—I'm afraid he's in big trouble."
"The sky has fallen!"
Many more people felt a deep sense of fear.
If even someone like Lu Cheng has fallen, then who can ordinary people like them rely on in the future?
The Japanese bayonet was about to pierce the tip of his nose.
For a time, the entire city of Tianjin was filled with fear and gloom.
In contrast, there were foreigners in the concessions and those traitors and compradors.
The French Concession, Astor Hotel.
Song Ziqi was sitting in a Western restaurant, slicing a medium-rare steak, reading a newspaper, his mouth practically stretched to his ears in a wide grin.
"Haha, I knew it!"
Song Ziqi forked a piece of beef with blood still on it and put it in his mouth, chewing it with relish.
"What kind of bullshit master, what kind of invulnerability to swords and spears?"
"A tiny pill could kill him."
"This is science! This is civilization!"
The compradors from the foreign firms opposite him echoed him, each holding a glass of red wine with a reserved yet arrogant smile on their face.
"Young Master Song is right. These martial arts practitioners are too superstitious about their bodies. In the face of modern medicine and chemistry, they are nothing but uncivilized barbarians."
"With Lu Cheng dead, the martial arts world in the north will be completely destroyed. Then, our business will be much easier."
Japanese Concession, Consulate.
The newly appointed head of the Special Higher Police Section is a middle-aged man with a small mustache named Nakamura.
He looked at the report on the confession of "Three Scoundrels" in his hand and nodded in satisfaction.
"Yoshi."
"It seems that although Chiba Kyou was a fool, he did make some contributions before he died."
"As soon as Lu Cheng dies, the spiritual pillar of this Chinese people will be broken."
"Pass down the order: continue building momentum."
"We must let all Chinese people know that resisting the Imperial Army will only lead to death."
"in addition----"
A sinister glint flashed in Nakamura's eyes.
"Send someone to keep an eye on the National Hotel."
"Let's see if we can find an opportunity to send Lu Cheng off on his final journey."
"Whether it's a doctor or a food deliveryman, as long as they can sneak in, I'll add something to their food. I want them dead!"
National Hotel, third floor.
The entire floor was booked by the Qingyun Clan, and the corridors were filled with disciples with solemn expressions and bulging waists.
The innermost luxury suite had its curtains drawn tightly shut, preventing any light from getting in.
The room was filled with a strong smell of Chinese medicine.
But mixed in with the medicinal smell was the aroma of braised pork hock.
On the large bed, Lu Cheng was not unconscious as the rumors outside had suggested.
He was sitting cross-legged, holding a half-eaten Tianfuhao braised pork knuckle, his mouth dripping with oil.
In front of him was a small square table with several delicate side dishes and a pot of warm Shaoxing wine.
"Master, please eat slowly, no one will take it from you."
Shunzi served her master from the side, watching him wolf down his food, feeling both amused and sorry for him.
-
He knew the inside story, but the rumors outside were so convincing that even he sometimes wondered if his master had really been poisoned.
"Hmm—this pork knuckle is good, very tender."
Lu Cheng swallowed a mouthful of meat, wiped his hands with a towel, and his face, which had been deliberately made pale for the sake of acting, was now very rosy, showing no signs of illness.
"How's it going outside?" Lu Cheng asked.
"It's all in chaos."
Shunzi handed the newspaper outside to Lu Cheng and said indignantly.
"Those newspaper bastards have such a vicious tongue! They said things like 'you're an outcast of the times,' and 'martial arts is a scam.' I think they deserve to be taught a lesson!"
Lu Cheng took the newspaper, glanced at it, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.
"That's right."
"The more they curse and the higher they jump, the more painful it will be when they fall."
"Have the doctors been arranged?"
"It's all arranged."
Shunzi nodded, lowering his voice.
"They are all trusted traditional Chinese medicine doctors from Tongrentang. They carry their medicine boxes in and out every day, looking worried and acting as if it were real."
"and----"
Shunzi pointed to the doorway.
"Just now, Master Li sent word that a few suspicious guys disguised as food delivery workers were trying to put something in our food. Master Li caught them in the kitchen and they've been dealt with."
"Um.
"6
Lu Cheng nodded, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes.
"Tell everyone to be on high alert these next few days."
"This 'Empty City Stratagem' will have to be performed for a few more days."
"I want to take this opportunity to completely bring my body to its peak condition."
"Marrow Cleansing —"
Lu Cheng clenched his fist.
The feeling of that hidden energy surging within my body became increasingly smooth.
Since vomiting black blood that night, he felt like his body was a clean and clear room.
With each breath, I can feel the spiritual energy of heaven and earth seeping into my pores.
This was a state he had never experienced before.
"The day I emerge from seclusion—"
Lu Cheng narrowed his eyes, looking at the sliver of light shining through the gap in the curtains.
"It was during this time of upheaval in Tianjin."
Three days passed in an eerie calm.
The news that Lu Cheng was "critically ill" became increasingly believable.
There are even rumors that the Lu family has already begun secretly preparing funeral clothes and coffins.
Just when everyone was filled with anxiety.
That evening.
Several black cars suddenly pulled up in front of the National Hotel.
The car door opened, and several distinguished-looking people stepped out.
Leading the group was an elderly man dressed in a blue cloth robe, yet his masterly demeanor was undeniable.
Liu Wenhua, president of the Simin Martial Arts Association.
Behind him followed several veteran masters, including Cheng Tinghua and Yang Chengfu, who had just recovered their strength.
Beside them stood an old man wearing a white silk jacket and twirling walnuts in his hand; he was Yuan Baye, a big shot in the Tianjin Green Gang.
The moment these gentlemen showed up, the spies and reporters at the door stared wide-eyed.
This means that half of the martial arts world in the north has come!
And judging from their demeanor, they're not here to mourn, but rather to cheer each other on?
"Gentlemen, what is this—"
Just as the police officers at the door were about to stop him, Master Yuan rolled his eyes and flashed a waist token in his hand.
"Get lost."
The police officers were so frightened when they saw the sign that they quickly made way for it.
The group went upstairs in a grand procession.
I entered the suite and closed the door.
"Brother Lu!"
Upon seeing Lu Cheng sitting there drinking tea, Liu Wenhua's eyes instantly reddened.
He strode forward, grasped Lu Cheng's hands tightly, and looked him up and down.
"Are you alright? Everyone's talking about it outside, saying you—"
"Brother Xiao, I'm fine."
Lu Cheng stood up and smiled as he offered the senior colleagues seats.
"That's a play for the Japanese devils. If we don't act like that, how will they reveal their true colors?"
"Good, what a brilliant plan to turn the tables!"
Master Yuan laughed loudly and plopped down on the sofa with a remarkably brisk pace.
"I knew Brother Lu was an exceptional person, how could he possibly be tricked by such underhanded tactics?"
"but----"
Master Yuan changed the subject and his expression became serious.
"The play has reached a point where it's almost ready to be performed."
"We old folks have come to deliver a message to you."
"What complaint?" Lu Cheng asked.
"There's some movement in Beiping."
Xiao Wenhua took over the conversation, his expression serious.
"Ever since our incident, the martial arts world in Beiping hasn't been idle either."
"Senior Brother Shang Yunxiang has come out of seclusion. He has contacted the leaders of the Bagua and Taiji schools and has launched a joint petition to Nanjing and the Beiping Military and Political Committee."
"We demand that they come forward, severely punish the perpetrators, and protect the safety of martial arts practitioners."
"and----"
Xiao Wenhua paused, a hint of gratitude flashing in his eyes.
"I heard that even that boss—Mei Lanfang—used his connections in the cultural and diplomatic circles."
"He published articles in newspapers in Shanghai and Nanjing in support of us."
"Now, the pressure is on Ryo herself."
"Although they are arrogant, they are also afraid of provoking public outrage and causing international disputes."
"so----"
"I'm taking the gun," said Master Yuan.
"The consulate has softened its stance."
"They agreed to resolve the dispute through negotiation."
"Mongol merchants?"
Lu Cheng sneered, "What's the point of negotiating with bandits?"
"This is just a stepping stone."
Master Yuan waved his hand.
"It means that as long as we can return to Beiping safely, this matter can be considered closed."
"They dare not act openly anymore."
"Brother Lu, what we mean is—"
Xiao Wenhua looked at Lu Cheng and spoke earnestly.
"Let's take advantage of this opportunity and ride it."
"Tianjin is, after all, someone else's territory. If we complain here, we'll always be a thorn in their side."
"Once we return to Beiping, that will be our territory."
"7
"As long as the green hills remain, there's no fear of running out of firewood."
Several senior masters were all eagerly watching as Lu Cheng was snatched away.
They were genuinely afraid.
I fear that these exceptionally talented young people might be ruined in this den of wolves because of a moment of impulsiveness.
Lu Cheng remained silent for a moment.
He picked up the teacup and gently turned the gun.
Back to Beiping?
Of course, we should return it.
But Lu Cheng's return cannot be because Hui Henghengren escaped back, nor can it be because he was "released" back by someone.
He had to go back with dignity and integrity.