Histoires de fantômes

Chapitre 79

Humans are inherently greedy, whether in large or small ways; no one is an exception.

Jinlun's seemingly lifeless eyes were secretly fixed on me. When two martial arts masters are very close, they can sense the killing intent emanating from each other. I knew he was definitely a formidable opponent, and I was sure he could sense my strength as well.

I nodded hesitantly, which caused Nine-Tailed Fox to burst into wild laughter.

Xiao Keleng was very clever. She just smiled faintly, put her hands in her pockets, and let her short hair on her head sway uncontrollably in the north wind.

I turned back to look at the main building of the villa. Since Watanabe Castle was willing to pay such a high price for a villa that was cursed with the "Nine-Headed Bird Fighting for Life" configuration, according to the Japanese people's shrewd financial management concept, if Xunfuyuan did not have a major secret, they would not be so foolish as to do this.

What puzzles me is that, from the outside, the house truly resembles the ominous "Nine-Headed Bird Struggling for Life" formation. Why did my elder brother build so many villas, yet choose to live in this most problematic one?

Looking back over the second-floor roof of the villa, you can see the spire piercing the sky with unwavering resolve.

The villa is built against the mountain, so when viewed from the air, the house is built on the edge of a rounded arc. This arc is like a fully drawn bow, with the "Tower of the Dead" as a sharp arrow that can be shot at any villa surrounding Muwanzhou Mountain. This evil spirit is even more intense, and it is an "arrow through the heart" that is impossible to break.

Under the control of the "Tower of the Dead," all those living in the Xunfuyuan series of villas, whether guests or residents, will be affected by this layout, suffering from natural disasters or man-made calamities at best, and death without a complete corpse at worst.

"Mr. Feng, can we sign the contract now? Perhaps if you act quickly, we can go to 'Shinto Town' in the west for a cup of sake and make some friends!" Nine-Tailed Fox was both smug and somewhat surprised. Previously, Xiao Keleng had made various excuses to refuse this deal, which must have greatly annoyed Watanabe Castle's side. Once the contract is signed, they should be overjoyed.

I held up two fingers and waved them in front of Nine-Tails, watching the gloom suddenly fill his eyes.

"What do you mean?" He closed his fan, his eyes narrowing into long, thin slits, filled with a sharp, murderous intent.

“I have a friend from America who owns the Xunfuyuan villa complex. He can offer two billion US dollars, all in cash. What do you think I should do?” I said with a sneer, waving two fingers back and forth.

Nine-Tails' expression immediately changed. He took two steps back and tapped his fan loudly in his left hand.

Watanabe and Kinlun's faces also darkened, but I wasn't worried, because with my martial arts skills, I didn't even consider a mere Japanese Sanda champion a threat.

The "arrow piercing the heart" formation is unsolvable unless the building is demolished and rebuilt. Moreover, the dimensions of the foundation, the angle of entry into the arc, and so on must be calculated using a complex compass, leaving no room for carelessness.

I'm really starting to have a headache: "Why would my brother set up such a trap? Isn't he clearly pushing himself into a corner?"

From the direction of the "Tower of the Dead" at Fengge Temple, wisps of white smoke rose, accompanied by the magnificent sound of bells. A wave of melancholy washed over me when I thought of Tengjia, still in a vegetative state. I was the one who rescued her from the ancient well in the pyramid; I truly wished I could have brought her back to life myself, because I desperately wanted to know the secrets of the *Blue Heaven and Yellow Springs Sutra*…

"Two billion? Are you sure?" It's amazing that Nine-Tails can still keep his composure.

I nodded. Fifty times the market price—Watanabe should be deterred. I'd never considered selling the villa; I just thought the Japanese were too arrogant, so I deliberately jumped in to play a joke on them. Two billion yen is no small sum. In a hurry, Watanabe would have to use at least the Japanese national treasury to raise that amount.

Jinlun spat on the ground and stretched out his high-top combat boots, rubbing the ground vigorously.

Nine-Tailed Fox sneered, "Mr. Feng, you're spending two billion US dollars to buy a villa that's trapped in a 'nine-headed bird's life-or-death situation, a heart-piercing trap'? Is your friend an idiot or a madman?" He pointed to the towering "Tower of the Dead," ready to refute me with the theories of the Fate Hunter.

I raised my hand to stop him, tilting my head back disdainfully: "When it comes to Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and Feng Shui, you Japanese are only fit to be the grandsons of the Chinese. Don't even mention the 'One Arrow Through the Heart' formation; even if a house is placed under the 'Ambush from Ten Sides' formation, the 'Cold Mountain Life-Taking Formation', or the 'Five Steps to Death' formation, I naturally have ways to break it. Oh, by the way, as the 'Number One Feng Shui Master of the Japanese Islands,' you probably haven't even seen the ancient Chinese books 'The Divine Chapters of Guiguzi' and 'The Divine Strategies of Zhuge Liang in Dreams,' have you? You Japanese are always like this, stealing knowledge from others, not even thoroughly understanding it yourselves, yet you can't wait to jump out and point fingers, acting as teachers. How foolish! How laughable!"

These words made Nine-Tailed Fox's expression change drastically; its eyes narrowed into slits as it stared intently at me.

I sneered at Xiao Ke: "Xiao, could you please call my friend and tell him that we don't need 2 billion, just 1 billion in cash will do."

Xiao Ke nodded knowingly and walked into the living room.

The feng shui arrangements I just mentioned are extremely dangerous and impossible to break, just like the "arrow through the heart" formation. I was just trying to frighten the Nine-Tailed Fox at the last minute.

The study of destiny and feng shui is unfathomable and cannot be fully understood by ten or eight books. To truly master this subject, one needs talent and more than ten years of immersion; otherwise, it is impossible to even begin to talk about "comprehension" or "achievement."

Watanabe finally looked me in the eye, but his chin was still held high, and he asked condescendingly, "Your friend? Who is he? Oh—is it that clown Sun Long?"

He speaks fluent Chinese, which must be the result of intensive study in recent years in order to seize market share in China.

Sun Long has long been regarded as a "black sheep" by the Japanese. He not only raised the banner of "boycotting Japanese goods, resisting Japan, and opposing Japan," but also worked hard to intercept business orders from Japanese merchants. With his strong economic backing, he often stepped in to snatch business deals that the Japanese had already finalized, even if it meant suffering losses.

Watanabe Cheng curled his lip and sneered disdainfully, "That kid might have the life to buy your villa, but I wonder if he'll even have the life to live in it. Mr. Feng, if you're smart, sign the contract. Otherwise, our Heavy Industry Alliance will not be responsible for any accidents that happen to you and your friends in Hokkaido, understand?"

He arrogantly flicked his nails, his eyes nonchalant, completely disregarding me, an unknown Chinese man.

I know that the Heavy Industry Alliance has yakuza ties to the Yamaguchi-gumi in Japan and is also associated with "extreme militarists." Offending them is tantamount to incurring the wrath of these violent organizations.

With its master backing it up, Nine-Tails regained its arrogance: "Did you hear that? Hokkaido is the birthplace of the Yamaguchi-gumi. You should know what the consequences are of offending the Yamaguchi-gumi on Japanese soil. Listen to me, sign the agreement obediently, and move out! Otherwise, I'll make sure your whole family is covered in blood!"

At this point, it's a blatant threat.

I frowned and said, "This is my private territory. If anyone should leave, it should be you! No need to see me out!"

The two sides immediately fell out and turned hostile. Watanabe glared at me angrily, then turned and left.

As we continued our conversation, Jinlun seemed intent on rolling up his sleeves and getting physical. On Japanese soil, any Japanese person could be arrogant and domineering. I had already made up my mind that if Jinlun couldn't resist making a move, I would beat him up or even cripple him severely in the first round—I'd had enough of the Japanese people's wrath, and even on Japanese soil, I didn't need to endlessly tolerate it anymore.

Judging from the example of the Japanese constantly currying favor with the US government, everyone on this island nation believes in the absolute truth that "might makes right."

Just then, a roaring engine sounded at the gate, followed by a screeching sound of car tires screeching as they braked hard on the asphalt. Then, the clattering of a girl's high heels quickly followed as she appeared at the gate.

She wore a black ankle-length dress and transparent crystal high heels, with a fine black fox fur draped over her shoulders. Above her, her long, thick black hair flowed smoothly down to her shoulders, shimmering like a dancing, reflective black satin in the sunlight.

She walked so fast, almost without any sense of direction, that she crashed straight into Watanabe.

Watanabe also walked in a hurry because my provocation made him feel that his dignity had been insulted, and he was naturally furious.

The two people walking towards each other had their heads down and were about to collide. Nine-Tails took a few steps to the side, blocking Watanabe Castle's path. He quickly reached out, grabbed the girl's right wrist, and gently pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her slender waist.

The girl cried out and struggled to break free, but Nine-Tailed Fox held her tightly, laughing frivolously, "Little sister, are you in such a hurry to find your lover?"

As Watanabe Castle's trusted confidants, Nine-Tails and Golden Wheel's power and status even surpassed that of a deputy governor of a mid-level Japanese city, which is why they dared to act so brazenly in broad daylight. Furthermore, since he had captured a Chinese girl, it was perfectly reasonable for him to take liberties with her.

The girl looked at me with her big, watery eyes, her face flushed with panic as she cried out, "Let go, let go—"

Outside the door, four bodyguards in the black Toyota had gotten out, laughing and joking as they watched Nine-Tailed Fox's outrageous behavior. The car that followed only showed half of its front end near the entrance, with a Mercedes-Benz logo and a unique, one-of-a-kind crystal ball on the hood—undoubtedly, it belonged to the famous Chinese actress Guan Baoling, and the girl who had fallen into Nine-Tailed Fox's hands was none other than Guan Baoling herself.

Watanabe and Kinlun stood with their arms crossed, watching Guan Baoling struggle with great interest.

I forget which Sino-Japanese relations expert said: "The Japanese are almost inhuman. The men and women of their race are full of all kinds of complex bestiality, but very little humanity."

Harassing Chinese girls in broad daylight, and in a Chinese-owned villa area no less.

I shouted in a deep voice, "Stop!"

Actually, before I even yelled, my body had already darted out at lightning speed. By the time I uttered those two words, I had already grabbed Nine-Tailed Fox's wrist, twisted it hard, and with a crack, crushed his wrist bone. At the same time, my right foot had already stretched out, hooking it onto his shin. With a combined effort of my hands and feet, I spun him around and threw him out, sending him flying five meters through the air before he crashed heavily into the middle of the main entrance with a thud.

This move, exquisitely incorporating elements of Japanese judo and the Taoist "Eighteen Falling Techniques," was the latest skill he had learned from sparring with Xiao Yan in Cairo. All martial arts are interconnected, with the sole purpose of defeating, subduing, or killing the opponent; the only difference lies in the force applied.

I absolutely hate the word "get lost" that Nine-Tailed Fox just said. As the largest country in Asia, China's people should be respected by the citizens of any small country. Currently, China's neighboring countries, including North Korea, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal, and even the European superpower Russia, treat China with courtesy. Whether this courtesy and respect is genuine or merely superficial, they at least give the Chinese people face. Only the incorrigible Japanese constantly and openly clamor for "militarism and the superiority of the Yamato race," and make no attempt to hide their contempt for the Chinese—

I struck so hard simply to teach Nine-Tailed Fox a lesson in how to be a decent human being, so that this arrogant 30-year-old man wouldn't continue down the wrong path and fall into absurd depravity.

As Jiuwei stumbled out, I grabbed Guan Baoling's sleeve and gently pulled her behind me.

Jinlun's right leg came flying, not with traditional Japanese martial arts, but with the "Bamboo Breaking Leg Technique" from Muay Thai, sweeping horizontally from about 1.5 meters high, viciously aimed at my neck. This deadly move seemed designed to kill me instantly.

After all, Japan is a civilized society that values law and order, and I don't believe he would dare to kill people randomly.

Of course, I couldn't let him succeed.

Japanese people learning Muay Thai have an inherent disadvantage: East Asians generally don't have enough calcium deposits in their knees, elbows, and fists, resulting in insufficient hardness. The reason Muay Thai is so aggressive and lethal lies in these three areas. Take the "Bamboo-Breaking Leg" as an example: the sweeping kick is just the beginning of the attack; the subsequent elbow strike, knee strike, and fist strike to the eye are the truly swift and deadly kills.

I only kicked once, my right toe lightly striking the inside of the knee of the supporting leg of the Golden Wheel, generating a thrusting force of about fifteen kilograms.

Jinlun's tall, thin body jolted suddenly, spinning 180 degrees helplessly with the force of his leg, his bamboo-like body falling backward with a loud thud onto the concrete pavement. That kick had broken the ligaments in his knee; he wouldn't be able to get out of bed for at least three months.

The bodyguard at the door was stunned. It took him more than ten seconds to react. He lifted his suit jacket and ran towards them while drawing his gun from his belt.

Watanabe raised both hands, stared at me for a few moments as if he had discovered a new continent, and made a "retreat" gesture.

The bodyguards obediently lifted Nine-Tailed Fox and Golden Wheel and stuffed them into the back seat of the Toyota.

"Mr. Feng, you have impressive skills, but no matter how strong your martial arts are, can you withstand the Yamaguchi-gumi's submachine guns and sniper rifles? Don't you Chinese always say 'A wise man knows when to yield'? Be smart, let's cooperate, you'll definitely benefit. Think about it, OK?"

Then, turning to the still-shaken Guan Baoling, he coldly threatened, "What? Are you the one who wants to acquire Xunfuyuan? Let me tell you the truth, this place—"

"It's mine. Anyone who dares to take a bite out of my territory will, well, they'll just come in standing and leave sideways..."

His right hand was constantly stroking a bright pearl embedded in his right ear. This subconscious narcissistic gesture made me feel a little disgusted. Although he was tall and handsome, the fact that a man would decorate his ears and be so narcissistic was bizarre and repulsive.

Without a doubt, he was not just threatening, but he was also certain that he would do what he said.

Guan Baoling clutched her chest, looking utterly dejected, and showed no reaction to Watanabe Cheng's words. I felt somewhat apologetic; if Watanabe Cheng thought she was trying to snatch the villa, it would definitely cause her trouble.

Volume Two: The Tower of the Dead

The first book, The Mysterious Villa

— Chapter 6 - Bronze Statue —

After the Toyota sped away, a young, pale-faced scholar in the Mercedes hesitantly got out of the car, straightened his creamy beige suit, coughed lightly, and strode forward, feigning concern as he asked, "Baoling, were you scared just now?"

Such a "loyal and righteous" protector is really ridiculous. If I hadn't intervened, Guan Baoling would probably have suffered even more humiliation from the Nine-Tailed Fox.

The pretty boy has a delicate, handsome face, a pair of charming eyes, a high nose, red lips, long, slender white fingers, and a tender, affectionate voice—he has everything a "pretty boy" should have, including a frail but courageous demeanor.

This time, they had completely offended Watanabe Castle's side, and this might be the beginning of all the trouble. However, after giving Nine-Tails and Golden Wheel a good beating, they felt much of their pent-up anger dissipate.

Xiao Keleng led Anzi and Xinzi out of the hall; the scene of their earlier confrontation had undoubtedly been clearly witnessed by them. It was obvious that the Anzi sisters' eyes were filled with hero worship for me. In terms of power and wealth, Watanabe City already held an overwhelming advantage; almost no one dared to resist his sweeping momentum. In Hokkaido, absolutely no one would dare to spoil his fun or offend him, at least not those "self-preserving" Japanese.

"Mr. Feng, just now... we were really worried!" Xiao Ke's short hair bounced in the sunlight. She should know my martial arts skills, but she didn't know my courage and my "the stronger the opponent, the stronger I become" temperament.

I chuckled easily: "These kinds of people won't wake up until they're beaten! Let's see if they dare to bully Chinese people again—"

According to numerous international media reports, a significant proportion of Chinese women working in Japan have been harassed by various Japanese men in recent years, a worrying situation. It would be wonderful if, in any dispute, a fellow countryman could bravely stand up and intervene—this opportunistic protector who only offered hindsight is a disgrace to Chinese men.

I gave the pretty boy a disdainful look and prepared to go back to the living room.

Guan Baoling shook off the pretty boy and bowed deeply to Xiao Keleng, her voice gradually calming: "Are you Miss Xiao? My surname is Guan. I've come to trouble you with something..."

In front of her idol, Xiao Keleng did not scream and faint like a fan with low quality; instead, she politely returned the bow and said, "Please speak."

Knowing when to yield, when to stand firm, polite and respectful, neither arrogant nor servile—this is Su Lun's sixteen-character evaluation of Xiao Keleng, and she had been telling me about Xiao Keleng's strengths before coming to Hokkaido. After a day and a half of getting to know her, I've at least felt this. In trivial matters, she's casual, lively, and enthusiastic; but in crucial situations, she immediately becomes serious and focused, without the slightest slackness.

Guan Baoling's hair was incredibly smooth, its texture as flawless as first-rate black satin, breathtaking in the sunlight. Her skin was a radiant, jade-like white, with a subtle rosy glow. As she bowed in greeting, I could see her long, thick eyelashes drooping downwards, as if, in a fleeting moment, they had opened two elegant windows into her beautiful, sparkling eyes.

I'm not a womanizer, but somehow, the moment I saw her long eyelashes, I was deeply moved. Her beauty possessed an extremely deep and mysterious quality. When she straightened up and her gaze lingered briefly on my face, I felt that her eyes were not the shallow, straightforward "clear as water," but rather as alluring as freshly melted chocolate candy, carrying a profound depth with a shimmering, golden quality…

"Thank you for your help, sir. Also, Miss Xiao... I would like to ask you to part with this villa complex and sell it to me. Its name should be... 'Xunfu Garden,' right?"

Guan Baoling's words made me both laugh and cry. She didn't even know the name of the villa, so how could she rashly make a purchase?

I nodded kindly and turned to walk towards the steps. Xunfu Garden wouldn't be sold, and I didn't want the girls to think of me as a lecherous man who "can't resist beautiful women." After all, my actions weren't solely to rescue Guan Baoling; I simply couldn't tolerate the arrogant and crazy Japanese any longer.

As I stepped into the living room, my gaze unconsciously drifted to the statue above the fireplace. Its outstretched arm was tilted downwards, presumably pointing towards the ground.

Fireplaces are a hallmark of Western decorative culture, while bronze statues represent ancient Eastern culture; placing these two together seems incongruous. At the very least, a fireplace should be decorated with Western oil paintings or candlesticks.

I had just hit a Japanese person, and my hands were dirty, so I went straight to the restroom in the back.

Last night, I didn't really look closely at the mirror above the sink. The room was brightly lit, and I was in a relaxed mood, so I couldn't help but glance at it a few more times. The mirror was two meters wide and one meter high, with cloud patterns, swastikas, bats, beasts, ruyi (a type of scepter), and other oriental patterns inlaid on all four sides. At the four corners, there were four protruding, ferocious pixiu (mythical creatures), each the size of a fist, with gleaming scales that shimmered with a bluish light.

I've seen many antique-style mirrors, but none have been made with such intricate detail and realism.

I pulled out a tissue to wipe my hands, leaned closer to the mirror, and noticed a pimple about to pop up on my cheek. I couldn't help but reach out to touch it—just then, I heard a "gurgling" sound in my ear.

My reaction was quick enough; I leaped back two meters, retreating to the bathroom door and placing one hand on the doorframe. That sound had been bothering me for half the night, preventing me from sleeping soundly. It was the sound of bubbling water, right behind the mirror, but unfortunately, it only made one sound and then stopped.