Cloud bent down and retrieved the wad of cash from Scarface's jacket—the money that belonged to the old shop owner. Then he fished out Scarface's wallet and emptied all the bills inside.
He handed the original stack back to the stunned shopkeeper.
"Sir, keep your money safe. From now on, no one will be coming to collect any 'management fees' from you."
With that, he tossed the cash from Scarface's wallet onto the counter.
"The rest is for their medical bills. Also, refill our three coffees—with sugar and cream."
The entire cafe fell deathly silent.
Everyone stared at this young man who had been a "background character" one second and a "final boss" the next, as if looking at a monster.
Just then, a voice full of surprise and disbelief—a familiar voice—came from the entrance.
"Cloud...?! Is that you, kid?!"
Cloud turned to see a figure in a red vest and red baseball cap standing dumbfounded in the doorway, carrying a bag of groceries he'd just bought.
Behind him stood Andy, his face equally shocked.
Cloud looked at his old companions and broke into a brilliant smile.
He removed his glasses, flashed Terry a V-sign, and grinned:
"Hey! C'mon, c'mon, Terry! Long time no see. I'm back."
"And I took out the trash for you while I was at it."
...
When Cloud dealt with those oblivious gang members in the Pao Pao Cafe through what could only be called a "dimensional crushing" and had his joyful reunion with the Bogard brothers, the atmosphere in the entire cafe became electric.
Those customers who had been suppressed under Geese's high-pressure rule for so long, upon witnessing someone openly defy it—and succeed—burst into long-suppressed cheers!
"Well done, young man!"
"Great hit! I've been sick of those bootlickers for ages!"
Even better, the elderly shop owner whom Cloud had "rescued" was moved to tears, insisting on pulling Cloud's hand and offering to introduce his unmarried granddaughter to him.
Faced with this sudden "martial arts marriage proposal" scenario, Cloud could only laugh awkwardly while making a "strategic retreat" through the back door under Terry and Andy's cover, bringing along two beautiful girls who were equally bewildered by the commotion.
...
After navigating several winding, dimly lit alleys filled with the scent of traditional herbs and spices, Terry led Cloud's group to an unassuming traditional medicine shop.
The shop's signboard bore three characters in flowing calligraphy: "Hundred Herbs Hall."
The entrance was quiet and deserted, seeming out of place amid the bustling Chinatown market nearby.
"This is the place." Terry pushed open the wooden door that gave off a faint medicinal fragrance and led everyone inside.
The interior was dimly lit, the air thick with a rich, indescribable scent—somewhere between bitter and fragrant—of traditional medicine.
A white-haired, white-bearded old man in a white traditional Chinese outfit sat behind the counter with his eyes closed, looking every bit the immortal sage.
"Elder Li, we're back." Terry addressed the old practitioner with respect.
"Mm." The old man slowly opened his eyes. Within those seemingly clouded orbs flashed a barely perceptible gleam of sharpness.
He glanced at Cloud and the others following Terry, gave only a faint nod, then closed his eyes again—as if he'd seen nothing at all.
Cloud understood immediately.
This must be Chin Gentsai's "contact point" in South Town. And this Elder Li was likely a hidden master in his own right.
Passing through the front hall and pushing aside a heavy curtain revealed a hidden world beyond.
It was a small, serene courtyard planted with flowers and greenery. In one corner sat a stone table with several stone stools.
This was the Bogard brothers' temporary "safe house."
The moment they entered this secure space, the carefree "tough guy" facade Terry had been maintaining instantly crumbled.
"Pfft—!"
He doubled over, coughing violently, and a mouthful of blood sprayed uncontrollably onto the ground, staining the flagstones red.
"Terry!"
Cloud and Yuri cried out simultaneously, rushing forward to support him.
"I'm... I'm fine..." Terry waved them off, but his face was white as paper, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "Old problem... cough cough..."
Cloud helped him sit on a stone stool, then immediately activated Mind's Eye to carefully probe his internal condition.
What he saw was alarming!
In Cloud's perception, Terry's insides were like a chaotic battlefield!
His internal organs had all suffered varying degrees of shock damage.
But the most lethal issue was at his chest, where a mass of extremely cold, domineering, corrosive fighting spirit coiled like a serpent!
This fighting spirit clung to his meridians like maggots on bone, continuously destroying his vitality and preventing his body from healing itself!
Terry's solar-hot "Hungry Wolf Spirit" was engaged in an arduous tug-of-war with this sinister energy.
Every clash only worsened his injuries!
"This is... Geese's Reppuken?" Cloud's expression turned deadly serious.
"That's right." Andy's voice was hoarse as he spoke from the side.
His injuries were lighter than Terry's, but bandages wrapped his chest, clearly indicating he hadn't escaped unscathed either.
"That guy... he's become an absolute monster!"
Andy's eyes were filled with frustration and lingering fear. He began recounting the nightmare they'd experienced upon returning to South Town.
...
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