Chapter 303: I Testify That All Men Are Like This

Chapter 303: I Testify That All Men Are Like This

In the darkness, azure flames ignited, and Chu Zihan stared at the flickering flames in his palm, which changed according to his thoughts, and his eyes still held a hint of shock.

Beside him, Caesar, the Storm Monarch, defied gravity and floated in the air, glancing at Chu Zihan before looking towards Lu Ke's bedroom.

"Such a gentle yet powerful serum, it's as if the Bronze and Fire King himself has blessed you. Last time we infiltrated Bronze City, there must have been a corner I didn't know about where he gained this ability."

"Compared to this explanation, I now think it's more likely that he's Norton."

Chu Zihan touched his Murasame and spoke softly, "Killing matter and bestowing new souls is the pinnacle of alchemy. Even a master alchemist like the Vice-Principal can't do it, but Lu Ke can. There are many aspects of the alchemical matrix in Norton Hall that I've never even seen before."

"In the distant past, to gain the power of the Dragon Race, humans offered women to mate and steal their power, but there were also some humans who willingly became slaves, allowing the Dragon King to grant them power directly, just like me now."

Caesar slowly descended, unconvinced, "Lu Ke didn't make you his slave, and I don't see how the Bronze and Fire King could possibly allow someone to control 'Wind'..."

Chu Zihan couldn't help but shake his head, remembering the power and authority Lu Ke had over all the water in the world when they were underwater.

It wasn't just wind; it was water too.

Chu Zihan felt that Lu Ke was too versatile compared to a single Dragon King who controlled the elements of earth, water, wind, and fire.

Dragon King? Was Lu Ke even worthy of being compared to a Dragon King?

Chu Zihan felt that there was nothing Lu Ke couldn't do!

"Do you think a Dragon King disguised as a human would make a grand entrance into a school dedicated to slaying dragons, then become the uncrowned king of the academy under the watchful eyes of everyone, and even find so many intimate companions to share his bed?"

Chu Zihan fell silent. This point was indeed undeniable, and deep down, he even felt that Lu Ke's explanation made more sense for the sake of the beautiful half-dragon girls at Cassel.

"If you can't understand it, don't bother. Lu Ke is so open about it, never hiding his uniqueness. Someone with a secret like that couldn't be so open."

Caesar chuckled softly, "And I believe him."

"When did you become so close to him?"

Chu Zihan looked at Caesar in surprise, "I thought you were against playboys."

"Just to be clear, I'm not trying to defend him, but in my opinion, there are many types of playboys."

Caesar raised an eyebrow, "Half-dragons have exceptional appearances, and those with superior bloodlines can make women fall for them with just a glance, a smile, or a gentle word of comfort."

"Take the Vice-Principal, for example. When he was younger, he had many relationships, leaving girls infatuated with him. But he would discard them after using them, causing some to jump off buildings or slit their wrists in despair. Yet, he remained cold and unmoved, seeking the next conquest. Or take Pompeo Gattuso, who is slightly better. Although he also throws them away after using them, he at least provides compensation and mostly targets ambitious celebrities. Their daughters won't die for love."

"Lu Ke doesn't hide his relationships, doesn't mistreat girls, and doesn't actively abandon them. Compared to a normal relationship, he's undoubtedly a playboy, but among playboys, he's one of the better ones."

"It sounds like the Vice-Principal and your father have lowered your standards."

Chu Zihan made a dismissive statement.

"Don't compare me to them. I won't be like them. If I love a girl, I'll stay with her for life, devoting everything to her."

Caesar declared passionately, his expression so sincere that Chu Zihan couldn't even mock him with a "You're just a playboy with the appearance of a central air conditioner."

For some reason, men's conversations at night always seemed to start with important international affairs and then mysteriously shift to topics about the opposite sex.

"You don't seem to have found your ideal girl yet."

"I'm not in a hurry. My ideal girl is someone strong and mysterious, always keeping you guessing. Of course, it would be best if she also had a pretty face and a good figure."

"That sounds like a non-playboy version of Lu Ke after a gender swap."

Chu Zihan pointed this out, and Caesar couldn't even refute it.

"What about you? Do you have a girl you like?"

Chu Zihan's heart stirred slightly, and he hesitated before answering, "I'm not sure, but ever since I bathed in the Gender-Changing Bath, I've started paying attention to women's clothing and makeup..."

Caesar: "?"

Seeing Caesar's shocked expression, Chu Zihan explained, "It's to master the most exquisite disguise techniques for future missions. Haven't you noticed how the Gender-Changing Bath's properties are perfect for tracking and counter-tracking?"

In the world of cultivation, a young cultivator named Chu Zihan shared his thoughts with Caesar. He spoke of his observations regarding Su Xi, noting her subtle makeup and enhanced appearance during their meetings, especially when they were unexpected. Caesar, intrigued, probed further, and Chu Zihan revealed his belief that Su Xi was trying to impress him. When asked about his feelings, Chu Zihan expressed his determination to fulfill a lifelong goal—to confront and potentially defeat a being he referred to as a "God."

Chu Zihan's determination was unwavering, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. He believed that if he couldn't provide long-term happiness to a woman, it was better not to start a relationship. Caesar, recalling Chu Zihan's wish at Norton Hall, asked if this was the reason behind it. Chu Zihan silently nodded, his hand reaching for the "Muramasa," its cold blade reflecting his unwavering determination.

The next morning, after breakfast, a car from the Japanese branch arrived to pick up the trio. The driver was none other than three of Yuan Zhisheng's subordinates—the strategist Crow, the enforcer Yasha, and the personal assistant Yachi Sakura.

After a night of rain, the air in Tokyo was fresh and carried a hint of seaweed. The three sat in the backseat, with Caesar and Chu Zihan on either side, both resting their eyes. Their arrival the night before had been late, and the time spent with Lu Ke, along with a late-night chat, had left them feeling tired.

Lu Ke, sitting in the middle, appeared relaxed, like an emperor who had just finished with his concubines. He gazed out the window at the bustling city, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes.

Yachi Sakura, sensing his mood, engaged him in conversation to alleviate his boredom. "Mr. Lu, have you been to Tokyo before?"

Lu Ke held two identities—a board member of the Snake Clan's various industries and a specialist from the Cassel Academy's headquarters. However, the former was too flattering, and the latter lacked warmth, so a compromise title of "Mr." was used.

"Yes, I had a friend who lived here for many years. He was a corporate slave at a toy store, working tirelessly every day. His girlfriend even broke up with him because of his dedication to work. His biggest dream was to save up enough money to buy a house and retire."

"The social pressure in Japan is indeed intense. Where is your friend now? The Snake Clan's businesses are spread throughout Tokyo; we can help arrange something for him."

"That's not necessary. Later, he became an assistant professor at a school. His ex-girlfriend begged to get back together, and he even gained a competitor. He fought a few tough battles with a man who had a fifty-fifty chance of winning, and recently, he became the Prime Minister. He started implementing labor laws and taking on capitalists."

Yachi Sakura was taken aback, "Mr. Lu, you're quite the joker."

Lu Ke shrugged, as he rarely joked.

After arriving at their destination, Yachi Sakura took the lead, explaining the day's itinerary as she walked. "Soon, we'll head back to Gen Heavy Industries, the center of the Japanese branch. There, you'll meet the Family Head. Afterward, you can visit the Imperial Palace, pay respects at the 1400-year-old Asakusa Temple, or go shopping in Ginza. Lunch is arranged at a Michelin three-star French restaurant. Please let me know your preferences, and I'll make the necessary arrangements..."

Her voice was gentle yet persuasive, and she was indeed an efficient assistant. However, aside from Lu Ke's request to meet the Family Head, the entire itinerary could be summed up in one word: entertainment.

The goal was to keep them entertained and away from the Japanese branch.

"Excuse me, sister-in-law, when did my brother arrange for me to meet my wife?"

Lu Ke, sensing something amiss, spoke up.

It took Yachi Sakura a few seconds to process the terms "sister-in-law," "my brother," and "wife." Her professional smile cracked, revealing a genuine one.

"I'm so sorry. The Young Master mentioned this to the Family Head last night, and he agreed. However, in the short term, the Family Head wants the Head of the Uesugi Family to rest and not meet outsiders."

"What's this about outsiders and insiders? We're all family, right, sister-in-law?"

Lu Ke casually handed Yachi Sakura a necklace, saying, "Here, a gift for the sister-in-law."

The word "sister-in-law" caused Yachi Sakura's face to flush, but a soft "tsk" of exasperation came from Crow, who was standing nearby.

Yachi Sakura and the Yaksha were both stunned, their expressions souring. Lu Ke lifted his gaze, and the Crow finally reacted to what he had done.

His heart trembled as he realized the person before him was a distinguished guest who deserved the utmost respect from the family head and the young master. His recent behavior was completely out of line, bringing trouble to the Serpent Clan and the young master. It was as if he had gone mad.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Lu! I lost my composure!"

He immediately bowed deeply, but the Yaksha had already handed him a dagger, and Yachi Sakura's tone was cold.

"You know the rules. Cut off a finger to apologize to the guest."

Upon hearing this, Caesar and Chu Zihan, who had been resting with their eyes closed, opened their eyes, seeing the surprise in each other's gaze.

Although they were aware of the Serpent Clan's identity, everything up until now had seemed too normal. Everyone had acted politely, leaving them momentarily confused. It was only at this moment that they realized the Serpent Clan was indeed a part of the underworld.

The Crow's face paled slightly, but he didn't hesitate. He picked up the dagger and was about to act, but his movement was stopped.

"Let's skip this way of apologizing. I'm not interested in fingers."

Lu Ke shook his head. "Put a necklace on the Crow as well, and include the Yaksha's share."

"Saeki Ryuji, there's no need to go to such lengths. In the workplace, only superiors can kiss subordinates, but not among colleagues."

"Although I don't understand what you're saying, I appreciate your magnanimity."

The Crow awkwardly thanked him, feeling as if the other person saw right through him. He was also surprised that a big shot like Lu Ke knew his real name.

Speaking of which, he was ashamed. He was a ruffian, a thug, and a cultured beast. However, he had a crush on his female colleague, Yachi Sakura, who acted like a corporate elite. Unfortunately, Sakura only had eyes for the older source, the source of life, and the source of life was a top-notch good man who put him at ease.

His situation was similar to Lu Mingfei in the original novel, but Nonno didn't have much romantic feelings for Caesar, while Sakura was willing to die for the source of life. He had no chance of winning.

After the interlude, the group arrived at a light gray building, a stark contrast to the vibrant colors of the city.

"This building is the headquarters of Gen Heavy Industries Corporation, and it's also the Tokyo office of the Academy."

Sakura led Lu Ke and the other two into the spacious lobby. The sound of hurried footsteps echoed throughout, and employees carrying file folders bustled about. The air was filled with a subtle fragrance, and the intermittent ringing of the elevator added to the atmosphere.

The building looked no different from the top-tier business center in Ginza, except that the official business they were handling involved gang wars, clashes with the security team, violent debt collection, and the sex industry. It seemed like they were forcing the law to the ground and making it scream.

Caesar couldn't help but applaud, "This is eye-opening. I've gained a new perspective on Japan."

Chu Zihan was slightly calmer, "In Japan, the sex industry and gangs are legal businesses. This is the dark side of society, and every country has one. The difference lies only in the degree and scope. The existence of the Serpent Clan has already made the dark side more regulated."

Yachi Sakura's smile remained unchanged, "Just as you said, the Serpent Clan is the maintainer of the dark side. Being a mediator in such a chaotic situation is a challenging task. You may think we're making excuses, but without the Serpent Clan, the dark side would become even more chaotic. At the same time, it would also become more regulated."

Lu Ke stroked his chin, "After all, this place is constantly plagued by volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. It's not easy to live here."

"Thank you for your understanding."

Yachi Sakura smiled and led them into the elevator. Upon reaching the third floor, she opened a hidden door, revealing a spacious terrace. This was the temple of the Shinto shrine.

Next to the vermilion 'Torii', the granite wall was carved with various demons and spirits from Shintoism. In addition to Amaterasu, Tsukuyomi, and Susano-o, there were also ferocious-looking Oni. Some had skulls piled up, while others sat cross-legged, surrounded by wind and clouds, as if they were part of the Yokai Night Parade.

A black and white stone table formed a circular Tai Chi pattern. Two people at the table stood up and bowed, one of them was the source of life, his face slightly shadowed, as if avoiding Lu Ke's gaze with a hint of guilt.

The other person was an elderly man with a smile, exuding friendliness, but also giving the impression of holding everything tightly in his hand. He was obviously the head of the Serpent Clan, the head of the Kamizono family, Kamizono Masazumi.

"You've been waiting for a long time, Lu-kun."

Kamizono Masazumi smiled slightly, calm and unhurried.

"Indeed, I've been waiting for a long time. I've been looking forward to getting to know you better."

Lu Ke narrowed his eyes, taking in Kamizono Masazumi's calm demeanor.

Soon, you'll see, old man!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end