In that era, Tokyo was the largest and most prosperous super metropolis in Asia.
Until 2021, Tokyo still boasted a GDP of 6,642.6 billion, second only to New York, ranking globally and remaining the most international city in East Asia, slightly outpacing even Shanghai.
At the heart of Tokyo, stands a skyscraper named Toranomon Hills, translated as ’Tiger’s Gate Hill’.
Toranomon Hills is 256 meters tall, the highest building in Tokyo, integrating hotels, offices, and residences in its entirety, its luxury and high-end status speak for itself.
In Tokyo where every inch of land is precious, living in Toranomon Hills is undeniably a symbol of wealth and high status.
However, few people know that the mastermind behind Toranomon Hills is one of the five elders of the Heaven and Earth Alliance, real estate tycoon Takuya Onikichi.
The headquarters of the Heaven and Earth Alliance is also located here.
The sun was warm, groups of white-collar workers held cups of coffee, carrying briefcases, hastily walking through the square below Toranomon Hills.
Everyone’s face was marked with the word ’elite’, many international companies have set up offices here, working at such a place already signifies one’s capabilities.
In these large companies, etiquette, speech, and manners are most prized; no one would seem rushed or flustered.
But just then, a Toyota Land Cruiser crazily crashed through the barricades, speeding into the banned plaza for vehicles.
Before the vehicle completely stopped, a figure burst forth from inside, swiftly dashing toward the entrance of Toranomon Hills.
It was Mitsumasa Higuma carrying Tanaka Ryuu.
Upon entering the lobby, the security perceived Mitsumasa Higuma’s attempt to approach but did not anticipate Mitsumasa Higuma completely ignoring them, directly running towards the largest black-gold elevator.
Realizing someone intended to enter that elevator, the security immediately halted their actions, pretending nothing had happened while returning to their positions.
This elevator is the most mysterious existence in Toranomon Hills, very few people can ride it.
Moreover, no one knows where exactly this elevator leads, to which floor, even the local security is unaware of the situation.
Everyone is aware of one thing, the elevator is absolutely not to be entered, and absolutely no one can obstruct anyone daring to enter this elevator. Thɪs chapter is updated by Novᴇ(l)Fɪre .ɴᴇt
Those people are extremely wealthy and powerful, capable of tormenting ordinary people with a single word.
The elevator swiftly ascended, with Mitsumasa Higuma carrying Tanaka Ryuu, his heart filled with nervousness. The sound of his heartbeat seemed especially rapid in the silent elevator, with a feeling of it about to jump out.
A sound no less than top-notch audio equipment heralded the opening, and the black-gold elevator doors slowly opened in front.
Mitsumasa Higuma took a deep breath and stepped out resolutely.
Outside the elevator was an unexpectedly vast and tall room.
This room spanned over a thousand square meters, seven or eight meters in height, at least occupying space equivalent to two floors.
The floor was entirely smooth marble, with a splendid ceiling overhead supported by eight cloud-patterned gold pillars, imposing an awe-inspiring sense of solemnity.
"Guardian of the Sky, Mitsumasa Higuma, seeks audience with the Alliance Leader."
Walking to the center of the room, Mitsumasa Higuma slowly knelt down, his head touching the ground without any dignity, loudly declaring.
"Mitsumasa Higuma, what has happened to Tanaka Ryuu?"
Suddenly a voice of inquiry thundered from all directions, as mighty as a mountain avalanche or tidal wave, causing ears to hum.
Upon hearing this voice, Mitsumasa Higuma immediately looked up and replied, "Black King, I wish to see the Alliance Leader. We... We have failed in our mission."
The voice became noticeably sharper, angrily rebuking, "Chinatown Martial Arts Hall has only one Huajin, and neither you nor Tanaka Ryuu could handle him? Do you think I would believe such words?"
Soon, a man in black martial attire slowly emerged from behind a nearby pillar.
He placed his hands behind his back, glaring at Mitsumasa Higuma with great dissatisfaction, "The Alliance Leader is out handling matters, and now, all affairs of the Heaven and Earth Alliance are under my charge, tell me everything that happened."
Facing the man with the horse-faced mustache in front, Mitsumasa Higuma trembled slightly, dared not hesitate, and promptly confided everything they encountered in Chinatown, fearing to miss a detail and provoke this man’s irritation, the consequences would be very severe.
Fuhaku Akisuki, a top expert among the top three in Heaven and Earth Alliance.
On par with ’White King’ Bai Yongge in strength, ranks just below the Alliance Leader, serving as the most trusted right-hand man.
In Heaven and Earth Alliance, Fuhaku Akisuki’s brutality is exceedingly renowned, he likes to hit people when irritated, even Huajin Grandmasters are not spared his beatings.
"A young Huajin, who repelled both you and Tanaka Ryuu in a few moves?"
Hearing Mitsumasa Higuma’s recount, Fuhaku Akisuki lifted his leg and flipped up the state of Tanaka Ryuu, appearing idiotic and disabled.
He reached out, touching Tanaka Ryuu’s wrist, immediately recognizing the bloodspots caused by Wang Longhu’s Gang Qi.
"Such fierce Inner Strength, no, this isn’t Inner Strength... This is Gang Qi!" Fuhaku Akisuki’s eyes instantly filled with amazement.
Martial Arts, after all, is only superficial techniques, not true methods, not nearing the Grand Dao.
For thousands of years, only the Eastern nation studied with Alchemist in Alchemy Dao, unveiling the secrets of Martial Ways, Martial Dao.
In the flourishing times of Tang, Song, and Ming, these secrets naturally spread across Asia.
Although the various East Asian countries may name, describe, and call it differently, essentially they are the same, all centering around a single core path of the Martial Dao.