Romance of Dragons and Snakes

It was a giant man.

He was about 1.9 meters in stature and wore all black. Even his cloth shoes were black. The beard under his chin measured to around eight inches long and the sideburns on his cheeks had been quite dense as well.

He had open eyes that seemed to contain the fury of a dragon, his back was that of a tiger, and his waist like a bear. Both of his hands were large and long; if Zhang Fei from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms were to be reincarnated, this man would be he.

His entire person was fierce beyond fierce, but whenever he took a step, not a single sound could be heard as if he was a ghost that was floating across the ground. His long beard seemed to rise and fall with his movements almost like it was floating in the wind.

In Wang Chao’s eyes, this Zhang Fei like man walked similar to the way Lie Zi did in Zhuangzhi’s Lie Zi Riding the Wind.

“What amazing skill, this man’s skill with his leg has reached an unbelievable height.” Wang Chao observed the man with surprise.

“He may possibly be Cheng Shangming.” Chen Aiyang spoke gently from behind, instantly dispelling the awkward situation surrounding Wang Chao and Zhu Jia.

Taking in a deep breath, Wang Chao loosened his muscles and pores and gathered his Qi within himself. His eyes focused directly onto that man while at the same time, everything else began to fade from his sight.

The senses of a master of martial arts was extremely sensitive. In the past, when two experts shook hands, they would be able to determine in an instant just how wide of a gap there was without the need for fighting.

Ever since the man had entered the room, Wang Chao had his eyes on him. From what he could sense, such an opponent like this would definitely pose an extremely difficult challenge. If Wang Chao and he were to fight, then Wang Chao would not be guaranteed to win.

Meanwhile, Yagyu Suimei had stood up while Xu Zhen’s eyes honed in on him.

As long as one was a practitioner, they would be able to tell just how amazing this newcomer was. Even Chen Aiyang had let out a long exhale. Then, he was the very first person to walk out.

“Master Chen, you must know the reason why I am here today. Your Chenshi Corporation and our Chinese Revival Society have clashed many times for the foreign exchange export deals many times now. The last match, you defeated master Zhang Guangming, our party was forced to withdraw as per the conditions. But we cannot lose forever, this time, I’ve invited master Zhang Guangming’s fellow disciple, Cheng Shanming from Canada. He has a vendetta, and I am in charge of trying to win back the foreign exchange route from your Chenshi Corporation. So how about it, shall we bet one more time?”

The speaker was a small bespectacled man with a beer belly around the age of 50. This man was the vice-committee president of the Huaxing Chamber of Commerce, Shen Hong.

The Huaxing Chamber of Commerce was formed from the Hong Kong and Taiwanese business partners from the 1960 and 1970s. For the sake of preserving their profits, they formed a coalition which later expanded to such heights that they were able to eat up both the white and black sides of business. For the sake of business with the Strait of Malacca to Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Malaysia, who knows how many time they engaged in a battle with the Chenshi Corporation.

“A gamble is fine, but for the Chenshi Corporation, we must report to the elder for his approval first before anything can be planned. If the elder does not approve, then my brother will have no other choice, and the only solution is to see president Shen’s troops in the ocean fight us for it.” Chen Bin responded. Because of the fact that their two businesses have fought each other many times before, she did not have a good impression of them.

“Hahaha.” Shen Hong laughed with a twinkling light in his eyes. “I’ve heard that things have taken a bad turn for your Chenshi Corporation lately. With your elder falling ill and instigating a power struggle, I’m afraid that your brother and you will be chased out from the family. In the case that happens, then our Chinese Revival Society will open our doors for you two.”

“This something president Shen doesn’t need to worry about. I hope that this time, things won’t end up like last time. Losing two billion RMB and then having the Chinese Revival Society disbanding, to wander the southern part of Asia would be quite desolate.” Chen Bin revealed her canine teeth.

“Hmph!” Suddenly, the bulky and fierce-looking man took one heavy step forward. This single step had been so heavy that the ground underneath them quivered for a moment.

The two large stack of wine cups by the side of the lounge gave a frightening shake before finally tumbling down to the ground with a crashing sound as it shattered apart.

“Peng peng peng!” Red wine and glass splashed everywhere.

Everyone had turned to face their direction at the sounds of the crash. Originally, the introduction of the Chinese Revival Society had been a brief interlude to the party and did not affect it much. But after this Zhang Fei like person made a single step, he had made the corner he was in the focal point of the lounge.

“I care not for the grudge between the Chinese Revival Society or the Chenshi Corporation!” This man was the fellow younger martial brother of Zhang Guangming, the direct descendant of the Cheng sect’s Baguazhang, Cheng Shanming!

Cheng Shanming had cared not for the disturbance that his footstep had caused. Instead, his eyes glared at Wang Chao and spat out, “Are you the disciple of the Lee-style Taichi and Fishing Toad Jin, Chen Aiyang?”

Ever since he had entered the room, Cheng Shanming had noticed Wang Chao’s gaze on him. Wang Chao had focused his every being into observing Cheng Shangming, and so his presence, strength, spirit and many other details had been enough for Cheng Shanming to know that he was a master of martial arts.

Therefore, he had immediately mistook Wang Chao to be Chen Aiyang, the one who killed his martial brother.

Because Chen Aiyang was injured, his presence was lacking and his movements did not have the same grace. Thus, Cheng Shanming hadn’t paid attention to him.

“Master Cheng, that man is Chen Aiyang.” Seeing that Cheng Shanming had made the wrong guess, Shen Hong corrected him straight away.

Cheng Shanming’s eyebrows furrowed together as he turned to look at Chen Aiyang. “So you’re the master? It seems that you’re quite heavily injured. Hahaha, is that youngster your substitute for the match? That’s fine, the Cheng sect of Bagua has never committed any dark acts, neither have we harmed the innocent. Since you killed my martial brother, I naturally wish to take revenge! This is the natural law of the world, but I would hope that this youngster here does not get involved in this murky affair!”

Wang Chao took a step forward and shook his head, “Master Chen invited me this time because his injuries has left him unable to circulate his Jin at the moment. I am his replacement, so if there is anything you need, then it will be with me that will be fighting you this time.”

Cheng Shanming turned around abruptly, “Fine! We will fight first, but after he recovers, I will come again. Let’s go!”

“Aiyang, did another guest come? What has happened?” Suddenly, the appearance of the elder of the Chen family, Chen Libo arrived within the stunned lounge.

“Ah, so it’s elder Chen! Your timing is impeccable. Now is the time that we should resolve our business disputes!” Shen Hong spoke out loud to Chen Libo.

By the side of Chen Libo was another grizzly-white haired man with spectacles. Before Chen Libo could even speak, he had already spoke out for him, “Elder Chen, it seems that this business dispute will go in accordance with the old rules from before. These recent standoff in the maritimes, our government will definitely not allow for any military action to take place within the Straits of Malacca.”

This man was Lee Hsien Yang, an important figure of the Lee family in the government of Singapore.

“I thank you for your words, it seems that there is only one option left then.” Chen Livo laughed, “President Shen, this time, we shall go with the rules of last time. How much money are you willing to bet this time?”

Before Shen Hong could even speak, Lee Hsien Yang laughed, “I believe there is no need to choose a time other than now. In any case, the lounge has already been sent into disarray from this master right here and turned it into a suitable place of competition. This will do! With so many celebrities here today, everyone is already excited to see a wonderful comparison of martial arts. If they wish to bet, then they should do so freely! President Shen, what do you say? I will act as the host to this and settle this business dispute between the Chen family and the Chinese Revival Society. After this, our peaceful businesses should continue on for the sake of a peaceful era in our waters. What do you think?”

“That is…” Shen Hong knew just who this Lee Hsien Yang was. As the equivalent to a prince in Singapore, Lee Hsien Yang was definitely not a person anyone could afford to anger.

“Excellent! This is what it means to be straightforward!” Cheng Shanming laughed merrily. His entire body shook for a moment, causing his clothes to rip. A strong wind had been produced from this action and blew the hair of the surrounding people slightly.

The surrounding people began to move back, clearing the way for the lounge to have an open space for a match.

“If it is Mister Lee acting as the host, then we shall do it like so then!” Shen Hong’s eyes lit up before ordering the people behind him, “Hurry on back and go get a contract written up!”

At the same time, Chen Libo spoke to uncle Ming right next to him, “Go get some lawyers to draft up a fair contract. At the same time, go and see whichever person here is interested in making a bet on this match.”

After these two men spoke, the entire venue instantly grew excited.

The people that the Chenshi Corporation invited here today were all members of the high society of Singapore. Many of them were accustomed to betting on a martial arts competition, and for the ones that haven’t, they were quite excited to. Straight away, many of them went upstairs to make a phone call for their men to withdraw some funds.

“Mister Chen, please wait one moment!” At that moment, Yagyu Suimei came walking forward. “I am a member of the martial arts world as well. I’ve long since heard of the reputation of master Chen Aiyang, the Singaporean Taichi master. Long ago, master Chen Aiyang crossed over to Japan and held a competition with master Funakoshi Ichiro. With his hands, he smashed the head of master Funakoshi, thus ending his life. Master Funakoshi was a lifelong comrade of mine, and I lamented his death grievously. I wish to make use of this chance to compete with master Chen in a competition of martial arts.”

“Just how shameless is this Yagyu Suimei? It seems that the moment that he saw that your brother was injured, he called out for a challenge!” Zhu Jia spoke with indignation.

“No, that is the strategy of the Japanese’ Martial Way. A soldier, for the sake of victory, will win by hook or by crook. Even in the century of Miyamoto Musashi, the Japanese’ Martial Way had already infused the art of war with their beliefs. Their philosophy when it comes to pursuing victory is completely different to the Martial Way of us Chinese. We say they are win by any means necessary, they say we are pedantic to tradition without ever mastering it. This is the clash between cultures and interpretation of the Martial Way, much like the spear that is Christianity, and the shield that is Islam. Both sides believe their own to be the proper way. Both follow the same God. In the end, the ideology are different, and insulting the other is of no use.” Wang Chao shook his head at Zhu Jia’s words, stopping her from saying anything more. “You and Chen Bin should head on up to avoid getting caught in this.”

Chen Aiyang had truly gave birth to a feeling of hatred from the Japanese martial arts world. This much, Wang Chao had heard Chen Aiyang say when he had been injured in Hong Kong.

After Chen Aiyang had established a name for himself, he traveled to Japan and fought with master Funakoshi Ichiro in a competition. After ten exchanges, Chen Aiyang had used the ruthless “Whip Fist” to shatter the skull of his opponent.

Funakoshi Ichiro could be considered one of the top ten martial artists in the Japanese martial arts world. After Chen Aiyang killed him in a competition, it would definitely be a huge disgrace for them. But with Chen Aiyang’s reputation far too magnificent, no one was willing to challenge him in revenge. This time, Yagyu Suimei had planned to use this match today to observe Chen Aiyang’s movements in an attempt to break down his fighting style and formulate a plan for the future.

But Yagyu Suimei hadn’t imagined that Chen Aiyang had been injured. Straight away, he knew that this was an extremely rare opportunity to make a challenge. If Chen Aiyang did not accept his challenge right here and now, then everyone around them would speak of it. The consequence of this would be damaging to his reputation.

Furthermore, the fact that Chen Aiyang was injured had been safeguarded by Chen Libo extremely closely. No one outside his family had known about Chen Aiyang’s wounds, and thus, if the Chen family were to say Chen Aiyang was injured, then everyone would believe that this was a lie for them to shirk this competition. If Chen Aiyang accepted, then he would definitely lose. And when he lost, then no matter what he said, nothing would save him.

So when Yagyu Suimei challenged him, there was no better time than now.

Chen Aiyang coughed gently before walking forward. Wang Chao knew that he was throwing caution to the wind. In spite of his injuries, he would still want to fight Yagyu Suimei.

Just at that moment, the situation took a sudden change in direction.

“Were you trying to take advantage of the situation? Take my fist then!” Cheng Shanming had realized just what Yagyu Suimei had been planning. Suddenly opening his mouth, he began to laugh before arching his back and pulling his hand to his chest. Charging forward, his muscles grew taut and his hair stood on its end with an awe-inspiring amount of presence as if he was a god of some sort. With a single palm, he struck at Yagyu Suimei.

Before this palm could even fully extend, Cheng Shanming’s entire body had a muffled sound explode from within like the sound of thunder dropping from the sky. This was in accordance to the Boxing Classic’s state of “Before the dragon can lift into the sky, the thunderbolt should drop first.” Before the fist, the sounds of thunder should be heard to save power.

At this sudden explosion of Jin, Cheng Shanming’s body shot forward like a bolt of lightning. His head, hand, leg, and body shot forward like a strong gale. This was similar to the Boxing Classic’s “The wind blows the tree branches, but not the tree itself.”

Startled, Yagyu Suimei immediately realized that this powerful strike could not be defended against and instantly withdrew backwards.

But who would have known that Cheng Shanming’s skill with the leg and Bagua was so strong that he could fly as depicted in the movies of Wuxia. If a strong approach worked and forced the other to retreat, then their power would wither. In this time, one should chase them relentlessly.

In that instant where Yagyu Suimei had retreated back seven meters, his opponent had stuck to him like a shadow. His palm extended forward at a speed that was far too fast for Yagyu Suimei to even widen his eyes in shock.

Yagyu Suimei hurriedly brought his hands up to push outwards. But in that instant, a cracking sound could be heard along with a jolt of pain in his arm. Cheng Shanming’s Baguazhang had then smashed into Yagyu Suimei’s chest with the speed of lightning, sending him crashing into a wall far away.

His chest had been slammed with Cheng Shanming’s palm somehow. Even with his eyes, he had no idea just how Cheng Shanming had been able to spring his trap onto him.

Cheng Shanming’s strike had been fast and furious just like a bolt of lightning!