China. Shanxi Province. Mount Wutai.
Since ancient times, this had been a Buddhist holy site, blessed with natural beauty and abundant spiritual energy.
The mountain shrouded in mist, ancient temples rising throughout, filled with an atmosphere of peaceful serenity.
And at the summit of Yedou Peak—Mount Wutai's highest point—within an ancient Taoist temple hidden by protective barriers, a "gathering of masters" was underway.
In the temple courtyard sat a stone table with several stone stools.
A drunk old man in a martial arts outfit, gourd in hand, played Go against a white-bearded elder with an immortal's bearing, both sipping fragrant tea.
These were the "Psychic Power Progenitor" Chin Gentsai and the founder of Hakkyokuseiken—the legendary martial grandmaster Tang Fulu!
Either of these living fossil-level figures could make the entire fighting world tremble with a single stomp. Yet here they sat like ordinary neighborhood elders, relaxed and carefree.
Not far away, Athena Asamiya was engaged in "qi" sparring with a sharp-eyed young man in white training clothes.
That young man was Chen Qinshan—caught up years ago with his younger brother Qin Chonglei in the "Secret Scrolls of Qin" incident, now host to the soul of "Qin Shi Huang."
Further still, beneath a waterfall, a cold-faced youth sat in meditation, allowing the frigid cascade to pound his body.
This was Chen Qinshan's brother, Qin Chonglei, who possessed equally formidable power.
Any one of these individuals could dominate their own region. Yet here they gathered together, clearly engaged in some special "intensive training."
"Ah, Athena's heart is too kind." Chin Gentsai sipped his tea slowly. "Her mental power is pure but lacks killing intent. Against true evil, she'll be at a disadvantage. And she's afraid to freely use the terrifying world-ending power within her."
"Indeed." Tang Fulu stroked his beard, placing a stone. "Her current power has reached a bottleneck. To break through, she needs enlightenment of the heart. Lectures from us old fogies won't cut it."
"That's why I invited that monster." Chin Gentsai chuckled, eyes glinting with cunning. "When it comes to mental fortitude, nobody in this world is steadier than him. And having him guide Athena might spark something interesting."
Just as these two were "scheming" about their disciple (and a certain someone), a lazy voice suddenly sounded from above.
"Hey, you two old masters—talking behind someone's back isn't a good habit, you know."
Everyone looked up to see Cloud perched on the temple roof, legs crossed, observing them with interest. No one had noticed when he'd arrived.
"Mr. Cloud!" Athena spotted him, surprise and joy lighting up her face as she immediately stopped sparring.
Chen Qinshan and Qin Chonglei also rose, cupping their fists toward Cloud, eyes full of respect.
Though they hadn't witnessed the Mount Fuji battle firsthand, they'd watched the footage over a hundred times.
For this man who'd single-handedly slain a "god-demon," they had only two words—complete respect.
"Hahaha! The King of Fighters graces us with his presence—truly bringing glory to my humble temple!" Tang Fulu stood, stroking his beard with great laughter.
Chin Gentsai also rose with a chuckle. "You got here fast, kid. I thought you'd need to get a visa first."
"Please—when has Cloud ever needed paperwork to go anywhere?" Cloud leaped down from the roof, landing steadily. He waved at everyone. "Don't stand on ceremony. Sit, everyone sit. Make yourselves at home—don't be strangers."
Everyone: "..."
Buddy, isn't this your first time here? Why are you acting like you own the place?
After pleasantries were exchanged, everyone took their seats again.
Athena, somewhat embarrassed, explained her predicament to Cloud.
It turned out that while her psychic powers had grown from the "gift," she'd discovered her abilities seemed trapped within a "framework."
She could easily heal wounds and purify evil, but when it came to pure "attack" and "destruction," her power dropped dramatically.
In gaming terms: her "healing" and "dispel" skills were maxed out, but her "DPS" output was severely lacking.
For a "mage," this was clearly unacceptable.
"I see." Cloud nodded after listening, cutting straight to the heart of it. "This isn't a power problem—it's a heart problem."
He looked into Athena's eyes, pure as could be without a trace of impurity. "Your heart is full of love and peace. Deep down, you reject harm and destruction. So your power instinctively refuses to serve you for attack."
"Then... what should I do?" Athena looked troubled.
"Well, there is a way." Cloud smiled mysteriously, then raised an eyebrow at Chin Gentsai and Tang Fulu. "But this method requires personalized one-on-one tutoring. Not really suited for an audience. So, gentlemen, if you don't mind..."
Chin Gentsai and Tang Fulu exchanged glances, each seeing an "old fox" smile in the other's eyes.
"Ahem," Chin Gentsai cleared his throat. "Good point. Um... Fulu, this game isn't finished yet. Let's continue."
"Qinshan, Chonglei." Tang Fulu caught on immediately, addressing his grand-disciples. "You two, come with me to the back mountain. Master will teach you a new Hakkyoku Rapid Movement technique!"
Moments later, the courtyard was empty except for Cloud and Athena.
Athena looked around the suddenly vacant space, confused and inexplicably nervous.
"Cloud, how... how will you tutor me?"
Cloud stood, beckoning her with a crooked finger. His smile was "kindly"—like a big bad wolf eyeing a little white rabbit.
"Very simple."
"We're going to have a little... just the two of us, no rules at all..."
"Simulated date."
...
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