Chapter 239 Too Late to Stop
Chapter 239 Too Late to Stop
"Does Mr. Yagyu know this person?"
Li Tianhao feigned surprise on the surface, but in reality he was secretly delighted.
He had already secretly investigated the relationship between Yagyu Tajima-no-kami and Duan Tianya.
Knowing that the two had a blood feud, and with this blood feud in mind, there was no doubt that Yagyu Tajima-no-kami would do his utmost to deal with this person.
Hmph, do you really think he's a pushover as the vice leader of the Giant Whale Gang? How laughable!
"Heh, it's not just that we recognize each other, it's that we're mortal enemies!"
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami, enraged, laughed instead.
"This person killed my two children and I have a blood feud with him. I never thought we would meet again here."
He paused, then his eyes flashed with a cold light, and he gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Very good, very good! This time, I'll see who can save him!"
Having said that, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami slowly tightened his right hand, gripping the hilt of his katana tightly, his knuckles turning white from the excessive force.
He exuded murderous intent, as if he would draw his sword at any moment and chop Duan Tianya into mincemeat to vent his hatred.
........
At this moment, Duan Tianya was carefully moving through the interior of the Giant Whale Gang.
He had previously studied ninja techniques in Japan. This kind of covert reconnaissance was naturally second nature to him.
However, a vague sense of unease lingered in his heart.
Although he had just told Haitang that he was there to test the waters, there was something he didn't actually say.
That was his intuition telling him that Yagyu Tajima-no-kami might have already arrived.
Logically speaking, if the Yagyu family wanted to use this opportunity to grow stronger, then Yagyu Tajima-no-kami should have been present in person.
Since Yukihime died, it seems that the Yagyu family has not had any decent experts left.
Just as he was thinking about this, Duan Tianya suddenly felt a tightness in his heart, then stopped and looked ahead.
Just because a person suddenly appeared a few feet in front of him,
One of the people he expected was none other than the head of the Yagyu family—Yagyu Tajima-no-kami!
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami stood tall and straight like a pine tree, exuding a chilling aura of killing intent.
The iconic katana hung at his waist, still exuding a chilling aura even in the dim light.
Seeing this scene, Duan Tianya felt completely relieved and even felt a sense of peace.
For a moment, all was silent.
The two sides looked at each other without saying a word.
........
But let's take a different approach.
Meanwhile, Shangguan Haitang had already rushed to Li Zhengkai's study.
In this urgent situation, the best course of action was to push the door open and enter.
Inside the study, Li Zhengkai was frowning and deep in thought, staring at an unfinished painting.
The paintbrush in his hand hovered in mid-air, as if his thoughts were being hindered by some difficult problem.
Normally, given Shangguan Haitang's emotional intelligence, she would definitely start with a few casual words before getting to the point.
But now that things were urgent, Shangguan Haitang didn't have time for further beating around the bush and went straight to the point.
"Chief Li, something terrible has happened!!"
A sudden sound startled Li Zhengkai, causing his hand to tremble and the lines he drew to shake slightly.
He looked up at Shangguan Haitang, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and then smiled.
"Miss Shangguan, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry? Is there something wrong with my painting?"
Without hesitation, Shangguan Haitang recounted the collusion between Li Tianhao and the Liusheng family within the Giant Whale Gang, the recent unusual activity within the gang, and the potential crises they might face.
At first, Li Zhengkai looked somewhat doubtful and disbelieving, as if he were listening to a joke.
Would your own uncle harm you?
However, as Shangguan Haitang spoke with conviction, his expression gradually became serious.
........
"Long time no see, Ryuzawa Ichiro..."
Finally, it was Yagyu Tajima-no-kami who broke the silence first, speaking coldly.
The first thing he said was Duan Tianya's name from his time in Japan, the implication of which was difficult to discern.
"I wonder if you still have anyone willing to shield you from my God of Slaughter's blade this time?!"
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's voice was like an ice blade slicing through the air, chilling to the bone.
Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya was instantly lost in his memories, a hint of pain flashing in his eyes.
"Mr. Yagyu, it's been a long time. I hope you're well. Back then, Yukihime was truly..."
"Shut up!"
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami rudely interrupted him, then glared at him angrily.
"You have no right to mention Yukihime. She should have been the best ninja of the Yagyu clan! The most dazzling jewel of Japan!"
At this point, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami became increasingly agitated, with veins bulging on his forehead.
"It's all because of you! For the first time in her life, Yukihime disobeyed my orders, and in the end, she even lost her life because of you!"
Upon hearing this, Duan Tianya could only respond with a wry smile.
He had no way to refute what Yagyu Tajima-no-kami said.
After all, at that time, Yagyu Yukihime was already one of the most outstanding ninjas among the younger generation in Japan, despite her young age.
Her ninja skills even surpassed those of her brother, Yagyu Jubei.
In the end, he gave up his life because of himself and died under the sword of Yagyu Tajima-no-kami!
Because of what happened to Yukihime, he always felt somewhat guilty towards Yagyu Tajima-no-kami.
If it weren't for a last resort, I really wouldn't want to go to war with him.
However, judging from the murderous look on Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's face, he probably won't be able to leave after just two moves!
In the past, it would have been fine, but now I have come with a mission and cannot let down my godfather's cultivation!
Thinking of this, Duan Tianya slowly drew his sword, and in an instant, the blade flashed with a cold light.
"Since a battle is inevitable today, I humbly request your guidance, Mr. Yagyu!"
"it is good!"
As soon as Yagyu Tajima-no-kami finished speaking, he pounced on him like a ghost.
With a clang, the samurai sword in his hand was drawn, carrying a sharp gust of wind, and slashed straight at Duan Tianya's vitals.
The reason he didn't unleash the God of Slaughter's Strike right away was naturally because he didn't want Duan Tianya to die too easily.
He wanted to skin Duan Tianya alive, piece by piece, to quell the hatred in his heart.
Seeing their fierce approach, Duan Tianya dared not be the slightest bit careless.
Moreover, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's martial arts skills and swordsmanship far surpassed his own.
Left with no other choice, he dodged to the side and blocked with his sword.
With a loud "ding," sparks flew everywhere.
The two men's true energy surged and surged instantly, causing the surrounding tree branches to tremble.
Although Duan Tianya was prepared, a hint of seriousness still flashed across his face when they clashed.
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's martial arts skills have clearly improved, reaching the mid-stage of the Grandmaster level.
If the other party hadn't been playing cat and mouse with me, I'm afraid I would have been killed on the spot within three moves!
Seeing this, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami smiled coldly, his moves suddenly changed, and in an instant, several sword lights attacked Duan Tianya like a storm.
Duan Tianya could only react hastily, responding to each move as it came!
The two sides exchanged blows in the blink of an eye, having already exchanged several moves in a short period of time.
Although Duan Tianya had given it his all, he still suffered multiple injuries.
The blood flowing from the wound almost soaked through the black clothes, turning them into blood-stained garments!
A bitter look flashed in Duan Tianya's eyes; he feared he was going to die here today.
But that's alright, Yukihime, wait for me... I've come looking for you...
But at that moment, a loud and energetic shout suddenly came from afar.
"stop!"
Duan Tianya looked up and saw that the person who came was none other than Li Zhengkai, the leader of the Giant Whale Gang.
Shangguan Haitang was also by his side; it seemed that fate didn't want him to die first.
Having been stationed at the Giant Whale Gang for so long, Yagyu Tajima knew who it was just by hearing the voice, and a cold glint suddenly flashed in his eyes.
Li Zhengkai's arrival is perfectly timed!
If it weren't for the need to cooperate with Li Tianhao to rightfully control the Giant Whale Gang, he would have loved to cleave Li Zhengkai in two right now!
But he couldn't get past his conscience if he just let Duan Tianya go like that!
Thinking of this, he suddenly sheathed his sword, then gathered his true energy and slammed his right palm down on Duan Tianya.
"do not want!"
Shangguan Haitang exclaimed in shock. She never expected that even within the Giant Whale Gang, Yagyu Tajima would dare to act so recklessly.
Li Zhengkai had already told him to stop, but he didn't give him any face at all.
Duan Tianya was already injured, and when he was struck by this palm, his vision went black and he fainted.
"Mr. Yagyu! What do you mean by this? Didn't you hear me say stop?!"
Li Zhengkai glared angrily, his face so dark it seemed as if water could drip from it.
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's behavior clearly shows that he doesn't respect him as the gang leader!
"Chief Li, I'm so sorry..."
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami forced a look of apology on his face and explained slowly,
"When I heard you stop, it was too late to stop. I'm really sorry."
Upon hearing this, Li Zhengkai almost burst out laughing in anger at the reason given.
How could a martial arts master be unable to stop in time?
He began to recall what Miss Shangguan had just said; he had previously thought it was somewhat alarmist.
However, seeing Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's behavior now, it seems that it wasn't entirely unfounded.
Seeing this, Yagyu Tajima-no-kami didn't bother to have a direct confrontation with Li Zhengkai.
He uttered these perfunctory words and then turned and walked away.
What he just used was the Yagyu family's unique technique—the Bone-Crushing Palm!
The person who is hit in the palm of the hand will initially not be in danger of losing their life, and will even feel very little pain.
But after forty-nine days, all the bones in his body will turn to powder, and his death will be extremely tragic!
Because those who are hit in the palm don't initially react and feel that they are not seriously injured, they don't take it seriously!
But by the time they realize something is wrong, it's already too late to turn back!
Moreover, only their own unique antidote, the Twin Dragon Pill, can cure this Bone-Shattering Palm. Duan Tianya can only wait to die this time!
Li Zhengkai stared intently at the departing figure of Yagyu Tajima-no-kami, trembling with anger, his hands clenched into fists.
However, being the leader of a gang, he suppressed his anger after a moment.
Together with Shangguan Haitang, they carefully carried Duan Tianya into the house and settled him in.
After Li Zhengkai instructed the maids to wipe the blood off Duan Tianya's body and to busy himself with treating the wounds,
Duan Tianya then slowly woke up.
Shangguan Haitang had been staying by the bedside, and when she saw Duan Tianya wake up, a hint of joy flashed in her eyes.
However, seeing his pale face, her joy was instantly replaced by worry, and she said with some concern.
"Brother, are you alright? Let me take your pulse."
"it is good...."
Duan Tianya nodded weakly and extended his left hand in a very cooperative manner.
As soon as Shangguan Haitang's fingers touched Duan Tianya's wrist, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she uttered a soft exclamation: "This pulse..."
She had been apprenticed to the Master Wuhen since childhood and was quite proficient in pharmacology and medicine.
She could usually tell the pulse patterns of common illnesses by heart, but Duan Tianya's pulse was strange, leaving her somewhat puzzled.
"What's wrong, Miss Shangguan? Is there something wrong with Young Master Duan's pulse?"
Seeing the doubt on Shangguan Haitang's face, Li Zhengkai, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but ask.
"It's really weird."
Shangguan Haitang nodded slightly, her tone solemn.
"My brother's pulse is erratic, sometimes there and sometimes it is not, which is not like the pulse of an injured person."
At this point, she paused, turned her head and looked at Duan Tianya lying on the bed with concern, and asked.
"Brother, how are you feeling right now? Is there anything wrong with you?"
"As for me..."
Duan Tianya took a deep breath, tried to circulate his internal energy, and after a short adjustment, slowly spoke.
"It seems like nothing serious, maybe there really isn't anything wrong. Don't worry too much, Haitang."
"I hope I'm just overthinking it."
Shangguan Haitang sighed softly and said gently,
"Brother, you should rest well and recuperate. We'll see how things go later."
After she finished speaking, she gently pulled the blanket over Duan Tianya and tucked him in, her eyes full of concern.
At this moment, Shangguan Haitang turned her gaze to Li Zhengkai, who was standing to the side, and asked softly.
"Chief Li, based solely on Yagyu Tajima-no-kami's actions just now, do you still think what I said before was an exaggeration?"
Upon hearing this, Li Zhengkai pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
He may not be interested in power, but he's not stupid either.
He could sense the fleeting killing intent emanating from Yagyu Tajima-no-kami just now.
Yagyu Tajima-no-kami really wanted to kill him just now!
However, despite this, he hadn't handled gang affairs for many years.
Uncle Li Tianhao handled all the affairs, big and small, within the gang. In other words...
Now, apart from being able to make a name for himself with the First Prince, he has been sidelined by Li Tianhao in every other aspect.
Li Zhengkai, filled with helplessness and bitterness, sighed deeply and said to Shangguan Haitang.
“Miss Shangguan, although I am unwilling to believe it, the facts are now before my eyes, and it was my oversight.”
My uncle… Sigh, I originally thought he just wanted to contribute more to the gang, but I never expected him to harbor such ambitions. He even colluded with the Japanese, plotting to murder me and seize control of the Giant Whale Gang.”
"I wonder if Miss Haitang has any ideas that could help me turn this situation around?"
After speaking, Li Zhengkai looked at Shangguan Haitang with hope on his face.
Shangguan Haitang frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then spoke softly.
"Chief Li, the most urgent task right now is to keep Li Tianhao calm and prevent him from resorting to desperate measures, so as to buy us some time!"
"The second option is to seek outside help. I wonder if Chief Li has any trustworthy helpers in this Giant Whale City?"
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