Chapter 81: Hosting a Dinner, Serving Tea with Humility (Part Two)

“K.O! Perfect!”

With a howl from the arcade machine, the young man took a deep breath and rose to his feet. Stubble grazed his chin, his manner exuded the weary sophistication of one who had lived hard, and his eyes carried stories beyond his years—a maturity strangely at odds with his status as a high school student. Despite his youth, he had the aura of a seasoned street boss.

Was this Zhou Nan’s elder brother?

It didn’t seem likely.

But, upon closer inspection, the eyes and nose did bear some resemblance. It was just that Zhou Nan radiated the unruly energy of a small-time delinquent, making it hard to believe they came from the same mold. Around the older brother, four lackeys stood respectfully by, poised to solve any problem for their boss. Even the way he drew out a cigarette had a certain flair, the unmistakable style of the underworld.

He offered a cigarette.

“Do you smoke?”

His voice was low and hoarse, unmistakably masculine.

“No.” Shi Tiexin refused outright. Smoking and drinking were harmful to the body, detrimental to his cultivation. Especially in these early stages of nurturing energy, there were many taboos—it was best not to mess with these legendary old-style cigarettes.

Time was precious; Shi Tiexin didn’t want to waste it. He cut straight to the point: “You want to treat me to a meal?”

“Not yet. Waiting for someone.” The young man gestured at the arcade he’d just played. “King of Fighters. Want to play a round?”

“I don’t know how.”

“Give it a try. I’ll teach you.”

Shi Tiexin considered it. Why not? Trying out an old game wouldn’t take more than a few minutes. As someone with zero conditions for gaming, he rarely had the chance to touch such antiques. Miss this opportunity, and there might not be another.

Without hesitation, Shi Tiexin sat down with deliberate confidence.

The young man smiled and took the seat beside him. One of the lackeys immediately stepped up, dropping a token into the slot. With a clatter, the arcade burst into energetic music.

“Use the joystick for up, down, left, right. Here’s light and heavy punches, light and heavy kicks. Special moves depend on skill; if you lack skill, go by feel; no feel, rely on luck. The rest, you’ll figure out yourself.” The instructions were terse. After picking his character, the young man was eager to show Shi Tiexin the ropes.

Shi Tiexin didn’t waste words, staring at the screen as he made his selection. The flamboyant butter-faced youth with flaming fists? Pass. The eccentric punk with a crescent moon in his hair? Not interested. Wait—there! That one! A girl in scarlet, twin fans in hand, swaying her legs, her waist, and whatever was above her waist, swaying and swaying…

No, no, his primal energy was stirring—better suppress it, lest it dissipate for no reason!

Quickly, Shi Tiexin straightened his back and switched characters.

Yes, this tall, muscular fellow would do just fine!

Pressing the confirm button, Shi Tiexin exchanged glances with the young man and felt a surge of camaraderie—not unlike two hardcore gamers sensing each other’s presence. Their eyes flashed coldly, and both launched into fierce combat.

Buttons rattled furiously. The lackeys watched in silence, while Zhou Nan stood obediently to the side. He observed his brother and Shi Tiexin, suddenly realizing that both possessed an aura reminiscent of a crime boss.

Yet Shi Tiexin was like a dark emperor, ruler of all, who had conquered every worldly temptation—everything bowed at his feet. Zhou Nan’s brother, in contrast, seemed conquered by those temptations: half-ruined, still formidable, but liable to be stabbed in the back by a disloyal underling at any moment… In other words—what was a polite way to put it?—a loser.

Zhou Nan shuddered. He had always idolized his elder brother, aspired to be like him. But now, comparing one to the other, he couldn’t help but feel his brother was a bit of a washout.

But his brother was one of the Four Heavenly Kings!

Absurd! Ridiculous! Must be something wrong with my head! Looking closely, his brother still had that boss vibe—even if, somehow, he seemed less impressive…

“K.O!”

The arcade howled, snapping Zhou Nan out of his thoughts. Shi Tiexin, a sliver of health remaining, had pulled off a comeback, winning two out of three rounds and defeating Zhou Nan’s elder brother.

The lackeys stirred. Their boss was undefeated in King of Fighters; losing to a newcomer was unheard of. Other visitors in the arcade, aware of Zhou Nan’s brother’s reputation, crowded around to watch.

The rugged young man produced a handful of tokens, refusing to accept defeat. “One more round!”

Shi Tiexin said nothing, but his demeanor was unyielding.

Bring it on. He’d only just learned the game, still getting the hang of it. This time, he’d crush him!

“K.O!”

“K.O!”

“K.O! Perfect!”

After three consecutive matches, Shi Tiexin let out a long breath. This game was actually quite fun; he’d always preferred fighting games. Too bad the opponent was weak—it wasn’t as satisfying as it could have been.

Of course, he couldn’t blame him. With his special attributes—vital energy, mental focus, and a bonus to comprehension—playing against a regular guy was almost unfair. So he refrained from bragging.

But while he kept quiet, the onlookers were already buzzing, whispering about how a King of Fighters master from another arcade must have come to challenge the local champion.

“Incredible, truly incredible!” The young man finally conceded, reaching out his right hand. “Let’s get acquainted. Zhou Xiong.”

“Shi Tiexin.”

Their hands clasped.

“My brother caused you trouble. Tonight, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

“Let’s go.”

“Wait a moment, we’re waiting for another guest.” Zhou Xiong glanced toward the arcade entrance just as the curtain lifted and a fresh-faced delinquent, sporting a skull earring, strolled in. Spotting Shi Tiexin from afar, he immediately started spouting nonsense like “the aura of a strong man!”

Shi Tiexin searched his memory and recalled seeing this guy in the hallway earlier—a weakling, though among weaklings, he was relatively less so.

“Just in time. Let’s head out.” Zhou Xiong stood up first. “Tonight, I’ll treat you to street food!”

Half an hour later, twilight deepened and city lights began to glow.

In an old alley, at a bustling street stall, the proprietor had hung a large bulb, illuminating the area brightly. Small stools, little tables, large skewers of meat, tall mugs of beer—three tables pushed together formed a long banquet. Zhou Nan and his four lackeys busied themselves, serving the three bosses who, like ancient kings, took the best seats.

“Strong man, let’s get acquainted. I’m Liu Chuanfeng, King of the High Heavens—invincible, that’s me!” The fresh-faced delinquent introduced himself with brash familiarity.

“Liu Chuanfeng?” The name rang a bell; it sounded like a character from an old comic.

“Don’t mind him, his real name is Liu Shufeng,” Zhou Xiong said, projecting authority. “I invited you tonight for two reasons. First, my brother made a mistake recently and didn’t tell me. I found out too late. So tonight, I’ve arranged for him to serve you tea and apologize.”