Difference between revisions of "Shun Zhang"

Revision as of 12:40, 2 January 2023

"My brother, Wen Zhang, is everything a Shaolin Monk aspires to be. Humble. Reserved. Peaceful. And though he and I both studied Shaolin, I am nothing like him, because I will do whatever it takes to win. If that means becoming a demon. To become arrogant. Ferocious. Merciless. This is the Kung Fu taught to me by the Red Circle Triad. To the very top. I will beat you down, Mogul, even if it means becoming stronger than a god."

- Shun Zhang

Shun "The Red Beast" Zhang is the seventh Remnant of Paladin Decen, and served the Shaolin Temple alongside his younger twin brother Wen "Steel Palm" Zhang (Remnant 8) until he resigned due to his failing aptitude in martial arts. Shun and Wen stood for Decen's Ferocity and Tranquility, respectively, making them direct contrasts from one another like Yin and Yang. While Wen went on to become a master in the art of kung fu, Shun left the temple and returned to Japan, where his negative thoughts attracted a nearby Oni named Hiiro, forming an alliance with the demon and becoming one of the most feared martial artists in China.

Described as potentially the most ferocious fighter to have lived, Shun continues aiming for the top. Unlike his Remnant siblings, Shun is the only Remnant to feel virtually zero fear for the Prime Aspect of Sin, Mogul, even going as far as to make it a goal to surpass the Prime Aspect.

Appearance

Shun appears to be of asian descent, standing at 175 cm tall, with a muscular physique, weighing at 170 pounds. Shun possesses black spiky hair, clipped short, and streaked magenta at the ends, as well as bright magenta eyes like his father, Paladin Decen. However, his face is described to be mischievous and akin to a troublemaker. To the point where many shopkeepers exercise caution whenever he is around. When Shun is pressured or in the middle of a fight, his face is described to be like a cornered animal.

Shun wears a black hoodie with a recognizable pink zipper, and baggy torn blue shorts. He also wears a pair of white Nike sneakers, but will swap it out for a pair of ragged black sneakers if he is in combat, as he dislikes his white shoes getting stained. Along his hands are white bandages that wrap all the way up to his forearms. It is revealed that Shun has blistering problems on the palms of his hands whenever he exerts himself. During his years in the Shaolin Temple as a disciple with Wen, Shun wore blue Shaolin robes and sandals, and his hair was shaved clean off.

When in his Wicked Oni transformation, features of Hiiro manifest through his facial features, as he takes on a redder tone, spiked teeth, and snake like eyes. His nails become darker and sharper, and his tongue becomes longer. Additionally, his hair grows longer and takes on a purple tint.

Powers

Evolution: Upon birth, Shun, like his brother Wen, inherited Paladin Decen's ability to evolve. However, this ability would not trigger unless the body was in imminent danger. Unlike Wen, who manifested this power early, Shun did not manifest his evolution until after overexerting his body during his time in the Shaolin Temple and falling into a coma. During his time in the Red Circle Triad, Shun began to call upon more of Evolution to give him more abilities and traits. And as Shun continued his martial arts ventures, more and more qualities manifested in response to his times of need.

• Immense Physical Strength: This was the first ability that Shun manifested, which contrasted with his twin brother Wen, who manifested Immense Physical Reflexes. Originally, Shun's strength increased to the point where he was able to accomplish superhuman feats such as smashing boulders with his bare hands, destroying training dummies, and creating miniscule shockwaves with his strikes. However, his strength was enough for him to offset his lack in martial arts technique. In addition to his physical strength, Shun gained an array of muscles along his body to help sustain the physical augmentation. Over time, Shun's body continued to passively evolve, his strength increasing to the point where his shockwaves became more and more lethal, allowing him to develop his Shockwave Style. By the time Shun had completed numerous bounties for Lok in the Red Circle Triad, Shun's strength had evolved to the point where, combined with his martial arts, he was able to overwhelm Acolytes of Mogul.
• Immense Durability: During Shun's time in the Red Circle Triad, his body was subjected to all forms of injuries during bounties and training. The first hint of Shun's rapidly evolving durability was during his initiation of the first test, where Shun had subconsciously activated Evolution to harden the skin around his fingers and withstand the heat of the boiling tea poured over his hands. Over time, Shun began passively increasing his durability, to the point where he was able to survive a two story fall, cracking the pavement, but withstanding the impact. Shun's body also became so durable that it was able to withstand the strikes of a yaogaui possessed Leung, who had defeated Talon, Shun's martial arts mentor.
• Immense Physical Speed: Paired with Shun's strength, Shun's leg muscles evolved greatly allowing him to perform feats of superhuman speed. However, Shun's lack of control of his bursts of movements prevents him from using this ability effectively, unless he pairs it with Hiiro's technique.

Demon Possessed: Shun is, although not formally, possessed by the Wicked Oni Grandmaster Hataka Hiiro of the Hung Gar Style. However, due to Shun's Remnant nature, Hiiro was incapable of fully possessing him, and was forced to accept a Master Servant Oni Bargain, allowing Shun to access his power and memories and skill in a one sided exchange. Despite this, Shun and Hiiro act on friendly terms. Due to this, their bond has at times been confused for a Contract of Equals, demonstrating power equivalent to that according to other Demon Possessed beings. Shun can call upon percentages of Hiiro's power, at the cost of his stamina.

• Demonic Physical Strength: As a Wicked Oni, Hiiro possessed immense strength, though not to the level of Shun's. However, upon combining this strength with Shun's, Shun's overall physical power far exceeds any martial artists the fighter has encountered so far. According to Prime Aspect Mogul, Shun's strength, if continually evolved might potentially rival, if not surpass Remnant 9 Lucius Cassidy, who was for the longest time, regarded as the most physically strongest Remnant in existence.
• Demonic Speed: As a Wicked Oni, Hiiro also possessed incredible speed. Paired with Hiiro's technique, allows Shun to easily outmanoeuvre and outpace his opponents, getting behind them undetected, and move faster than most can process. Paired with Shun's martial arts, or Hiiro's Hung Gar, Shun's combat prowess is feared amongst almost every martial artist in China.
• Demonic Physical Reflexes: As a Wicked Oni, Hiiro possessed heightened reflexes, rivalling that of Wen Zhang's Evolved Reflexes. This allowed Shun to perform superhuman feats such as reacting to lightning, dodging bullets, and even reacting to the trajectory of raindrops by feeling the subtle air currents generated by the small projectiles within his proximity.
• Wicked Oni Form: Shun can, voluntarily, give Hiiro full control of his body, bringing his output to its theoretical limits. In this state, Shun's physical and combat prowess increases substantially, as paired with Hiiro's unfathomable knowledge of martial arts and Shun's immense physical attributes, allows Shun and Hiiro to fight amongst the strongest foes. However, the Wicked Oni Transformation can only last for 50 seconds, as maintaining the state causes great strain on Shun's body and even causes Shun to manifest sinister thoughts akin to a real Wicked Oni.

Fighting Style

Shun is an extremely skilled fighter, possessing hybrid martial art styles due to being in a master servant bargain with Hiiro. Shun's attack potency is so great that he overpowered renowned martial artists in China, sometimes even at the same time, making him extremely feared amongst the Chinese masters. A unique quality that Shun possesses is his ability to call upon and switch his styles, giving him an edge against opponents who study and analyze his fighting style, using the element of surprise. Shun has often alternated between Wing Chun, Shaolin Wushu, and Hung Gar successively to confuse his opponents.

Shun's Styles

• Shaolin Wushu: The standard wushu curriculum that Shun had learned during his time in the Shaolin Temple. Shun's interpretation of Shaolin wushu slightly differs from other disciples due to his bulkier physique. Relying more on setting up his combinations to allow heavy strikes, Shun's style involves weaponizing his extreme physical prowess to its limits.

Although Shun's fighting technique stems from Shaolin Wushu, he has been criticized due to the wide variety of "branching styles" by other martial artists. Particularly by Hiiro, who claims that Shun is starting to become a "master of zero styles", due to changing his styles in a tactical "utility knife" fashion, rather than honing down on one technique and mastering it. As Shun continued fighting, he would eventually learn to pool these styles into one.

• • Shockwave Style Vacuum Fist: Developed during his time in the Iron Ring Gladiator match, Shun hones in his strikes to utilize his superhuman strength, allowing him to unleash devastating shockwaves from his strikes. The concept of this style was such that even if his blows did not land, the residual shockwaves would.
  • Shockwave Style Razorwind Fist: Evolved from the Vacuum Fist, this style incorporated elements of Talon's Wirecutter Palm Technique. Refined from its predecessor, Shun has used this technique to take down numerous martial arts masters for the Red Circle Triad.
  • Shockwave Style Wind Dragon Fist: Under Lok's tutelage, Shun's Razorwind Fist evolved even further, taking full advantage of the Wirecutter Palm repertoire and integrating it into his Shockwave Style, Shun's technique became extremely refined to the point where Shun was able to overwhelm Fu and Yi, Acolytes of Mogul who were designed to defeat Shun and Wen. Shun is the only known Remnant who has been able to defeat his corresponding Acolyte, an accomplishment that his brothers and sister have so far been unable to achieve.
  • Concrete Style Unbreakable: A mental state which involves subconscious meditation, Shun is able to dull the effects of pain and achieve pinpoint focus, allowing him to continue fighting despite taking serious injuries. Shun has been able to use Concrete Style to survive the onslaught of Master Leung, and withstand the blows of Oxar Uxas, who at the time far surpassed him in power.
  • Soft "Smoke" Style - Cobraman: A martial arts substyle that Shun adapted from the "Soft Style" of his wushu curriculum. When Shun fought his brother, Wen in his second encounter, this time, under the identity of a member of the Chinese Triad, while Wen himself, a member of his Zhang Dojo, Shun's fierce and aggressive Wind Dragon Fist proved inferior to Wen's Awakened Fire Palm. Wen criticized Shun, claiming that the older twin remained brash and reckless, and that he was ashamed to see his own blood relative reduced to a mere thug. Shun persisted, claiming that his body had been evolved to fight aggressively. Wen, disgusted with his brother's words, continued to beat down Shun. Shun believed that if Hataka Hiiro could fight without any regard of defense, so should he, but Hiiro retorted by saying that he needed to find his own style, and that the fierceness of his Hung Gar was only possible due to his experience, while Shun's Wushu pales in comparison. Eventually, after Shun was defeated by his brother for the second time, Shun decided to change his style, modify it to incorporate the Soft Style, and thus focused more on defense.

Cobraman allows Shun to fight in a more evasive manner, with a higher focus on defense. Rather than absorbing the attacks of his opponents similar to Hiiro's Hung Gar, and his Concrete Style, Cobraman rather focuses on redirecting his opponents kinetic energy.

Although Cobraman is highly defensive, Hiiro noted that Shun is still rather unfamiliar with the style, such that whenever he uses the fighting technique, his offense greatly suffers. When Shun challenged Wen to a third fight, Wen observed that he was incapable of breaching Shun's new elusive fighting style, though Shun's ability to land blows had diminished severely.

Because of the nature of Cobraman, Shun would use this style over his Concrete Style, making it obsolete, but would use Unbreakable if he faces an enemy far faster than his reflexes could afford.

Hiiro's Transplanted Styles

• Grandmaster Level Hung Gar: From the Oni Bargain, Shun is able to call upon Hiiro's interpretation of the Chinese Martial Art subconsciously, replicating the former Hung Gar practitioner's movements. During the time Hiiro was still a human, the martial artist demonstrated incredible proficiency with this martial art, besting numerous other martial arts masters and being crowned the moniker of Grandmaster in terms of pure ability. This title was later seen with disdain by other martial artists as Hiiro's interpretation of Hung Gar, though highly effective, was looked down upon due to its heavy emphasis on offensive strikes, sometimes neglecting, if not completely ignoring defense. Despite this, even when compared to the more modern martial arts styles such as Talon's Wirecutter Palm, Hiiro's Hung Gar holds up, if not remains superior, which is a testament to Hiiro's mastery of the martial art.
  • Chained Kagenashi: A literal translation of "Chained Shadowless", an infamous moveset that Hiiro had popularized and was one of the contributing factors behind his offense focused style. The Shadowless kick was thought to be fictitious due to the physical and technical prowess to execute - a kick so fast that it would appear the practitioner were standing still. Hiiro's Hung Gar was so advanced that he was not only able to replicate the Shadowless Kick, but also chain the kick such that he could perform the move in quick succession. Hiiro would then take this move one step further and use other strikes that followed the same principles, which made up most of his repertoire. The strikes Hiiro (and by extension, Shun) can deal are so fast that they are almost undetectable to many of his opponents.

Story

Conception

Shun Zhang was born to Hai Bat Zhang and Wei Zhang in Nara, Japan. During Wei's labor, Shun was born first, then his younger twin brother, Wen Zhang was born after. During Wei's pregnancy, the soul of Paladin Decen entered the two infants, however the soul was originally intended for one body. As a result, Shun and Wen represented fragmented halves of Decen's Remnant. When both twins were born, Wen was born peaceful, tranquil, and did not cry, which the doctors found remarkable. On the other hand, the older twin, Shun, cried so loud that the hospital windows shook. After Wei gave birth to the twins, the spirit of Paladin Decen appeared before Hai Bat, and explained that their sons possessed his spirit, and that they would be destined to carry out their lives as Remnants of War. Hai Bat was enraged upon hearing this, as his marriage with Wei was intended to produce children that would grow up to enter high class roles and support the family out of their poverty. Hai Bat refused to let his sons grow up as warriors, and told Decen that his problems were none of his business. Upon hearing this, Decen was enraged, and sent a Paladin Curse on his family, condemning Hai Bat to poverty for the rest of his life.

Growing up, Shun and Wen were forced to attend advanced schooling under the orders of Wei, moving back to China. Hai Bat developed a severe drinking addiction, and frequently abused the twins and his wife after a long day of exhausting and frustrating work. One day, Wei carried groceries to their flat, and nearly collapsed due to the weight of the bags. However, seeing his mother in danger, Wen instinctively saved her, unlocking his power of Superhuman Reflexes. Wei, shocked at her son's newfound abilities, commented that Wen may have the aptitude to become a martial artist. Upon asking what that was, Wei explained that martial artists were those who practiced Chinese Wushu, and were able to use their abilities to help others.

Upon hearing this, Wen approached Shun and told him all about Chinese Wushu and demonstrated his new power of reflexes, asking Shun to throw several of Hai Bat's empty beer bottles at him, and dodging them effortlessly. Shun, amazed at Wen's powers, attempted to unlock reflexes for himself, but was unable to, causing one of the shards of the bottle to cut his eye.

During dinner, Hai Bat noticed that Shun was bleeding, and asked the twins what happened. Wei explained to her husband that the younger twin unlocked a hidden talent for reflexes, and that he possessed potential to be a kung fu practitioner. Wen revealed that he and Shun attempted to unlock the latter's dormant reflexes as well, but was unsuccessful, leading to Shun being injured. Upon hearing this, Hai Bat responded explosively, slapping his wife and forcing the boys to never learn kung fu again. To prove his point, Hai Bat grabbed Shun's hands and placed them in boiling water, causing the young boy to cry in pain. Hai Bat asked Shun that if he wanted to practice kung fu so badly, then proceeded to inflict second degree burns on the Remnant, causing both Shun and Wen to cry, and Wei to desperately beg her husband to stop.

Despite the horrific experience, Wen and Shun continued investigating kung fu in secret from both of their parents. Wen learned that kung fu could potentially be used for good and evil, and began flipping through pages in the library, becoming obsessed with an evil Chinese master named Leung Lum The Legendary Snake. Wen and Shun discover that The Snake was a kung fu master who initially used his talent for kung fu for good, but over time, began using it for personal gain, killing and committing crime, with the forces of China being incapable of stopping him due to the Snake's extremely high proficiency in the Four Viper Fist. As The Snake continued his rampage throughout the province, he began to gain more and more fame in the underground, and became infamously known as the Cursed Sifu due to his abnormal growth in kung fu technique, killing and hunting down grandmasters. Shun became frightened by the Snake, and asked Wen if the Snake would come and kill them if they learned wushu, but Wen reassured his brother that if it comes down to it, he would train to become strong enough to protect Shun, and to defeat The Snake.

The following weeks, Shun stole a newspaper, and discovered that the Shaolin Temple was open for new members. Upon reading this, Wen deduced that life in the temple could open up to new career paths in kung fu, and began to dream of becoming a kung fu teacher and opening up his own school. Wen told Shun that when he became a teacher, Shun would be his right hand man, perhaps even teaching the school alongside him. The Zhang Brothers would make it a mission to enrol in the Shaolin Temple and become monks.

The Steel Palm

Shun and Wen continued reading and learning about kung fu from stolen books, eventually attempting to learn kung fu as well. One of the styles that they picked up was Wing Chun, which Wen began to pick up very quickly. Shun, on the other hand, found the training to be laborsome, and instead decided to learn more on the history of kung fu. There, the Remnant read about rivalling gangs in China, who used kung fu to secure territory and drug turfs, as well as using kung fu to fight and kill other gangs. The use of kung fu for evil caused many gangs to earn plenty of money, and to live lavishly. Shun looked back on his life, and concluded that up until that point, he had been living abysmally; his father was a psychopath with abusive tendencies, and his mother suffered from schizophrenia. Both Shun and Wen were forced to pursue a future they did not want, and because of the forced alienation their mother put on them, both twins were incapable of socializing with other children their age. If Shun used kung fu for evil, he would be able to earn enough money to escape this lifestyle. Upon arriving at this conclusion, Shun told Wen about this, but Wen became angry, telling Shun that using kung fu for evil was wrong, even if it was enough to escape their miserable life. Wen explained to Shun that using kung fu for good was still an option, and that if the two brothers opened up a school, they could still earn enough money to escape Hai Bat.

One day, Wen approached his mother and asked her for her permission to enrol the two boys into the Shaolin Temple. Wen asked his mother to keep this a secret, and trusted his mother enough to reveal to her that he and Shun were learning about kung fu every day in secret. Unfortunately, Wei became deranged, and one night, she told her husband about Wen and Shun's actions, causing Hai Bat to respond violently. Hai Bat beat Wei, demanding her to explain why she let the boys to continue their investigation of wushu, then approached the boys. Hai Bat took Shun and placed his hands on the stove, turning it on and burning the boy, causing Shun to wail in agony. Upon seeing his brother being tortured by his father, Wen demonstrated his newfound aptitude in Wing Chun and fought his father, knocking him down. Wen reinforced his desire to join the Shaolin Temple, and told his father that in the state he was in now, there would be no way Hai Bat could stop him. Wen explained his plans to learn kung fu at the temple, grow up, and establish fame across China and open up his own school, earning enough money to support both him and Shun. Seeing no other option, Hai Bat reluctantly allowed the boys to enrol in the Shaolin Temple. On the morning the twins would leave for the temple, the twins' mother broke down crying begging for them to reconsider. For Wen, he was heartbroken, expressing some degree of regret for leaving his mother, but Shun, on the other hand, was left extremely disgusted, seeing his mother's actions to be selfish, as he interpreted his mother's desperation to be a way of forcing him to stay in the abusive environment Hai Bat had created over the years.

During their time in the Shaolin Temple, Shun and Wen made friends with their fellow Shaolin Disciples, and learned that to enter the tutelage of some of the more famous monks, they would need to prove themselves. Wen demonstrated his aptitude in Wing Chun martial arts, impressing the disciples, then proceeded to go far beyond the curriculum of Shaolin Wushu, mastering the staff in two weeks, the dao in three weeks, and exhibiting incredible speed as well as flexibility during practice. During a duel against one of his teachers, Wen was able to successfully integrate his background in Wing Chun along with the Wushu style he was taught, and was able to defeat his teacher after three months of training, much to the shock of the entire community. Due to this incredible feat, Wen was given the title The Steel Palm, and was accepted into the upper circles of the temple and enter the tutelage of several monks, learning the importance of meditation.

Unfortunately, for Shun's case, the older twin had a different fortune. While Wen excelled in his studies, Shun found himself incapable of performing to the same skill level. Inflexible and slow, Shun fell behind his fellow disciples and was thrown with the foreigners. After months, Shun remained a Shaolin Disciple along with a group of foreigners, causing his friends to label the Remnant as Guai Jai Shun, as he was frequently seen affiliated with the foreigners who only joined the temple out of tourism interest. Shun recognized his shortcomings, and begged for more power to try to get out of his predicament. Continuing his curriculum, Shun also subjected himself to harsh strength training. However, Shun's naive way of thinking caused the Remnant to reduce his recovery times even more, until one day, during a training session with the disciples, Shun collapsed, and went into a coma.

After two months, Shun awakened in his room, and discovered that his body had changed. An array of muscles lined his body, and he found himself to be much bigger than before. Many of Shun's old friends had gone on to more advanced curriculum, leaving the Remnant behind, and during one of Shun's training sessions, Shun unleashed a punch that was so great that it blew the training dummy away several feet. During lunch, Shun sneaked out into the outskirts of the temple and tested his striking power on a boulder, and discovered that he was capable of splitting it with a single chop. Shocked and excited at his new developments, Shun revisited his basics, and changed them to better suit his new body, realizing that during that coma, his body had adapted to provide him with Superhuman Strength. Shun began to advance further into the curriculum, adjusting his technique to make full use of his heavy strikes.

Shun Zhang Returns Home

In the next few months, Shun continued adapting the Shaolin Curriculum, modifying it to better fit his body type and advancing through the syllabus until he was able to catch up to his disciples. Seeing Shun's new body, his disciples changed his nickname to Slow Fat Guy. Shun showed off his new strength by launching a side kick which generated a shockwave and destroyed the thin bamboo walls of the temple. Seeing the destruction, one of the monks beat Shun and the disciples with a staff and ordered them to scrub the floors to the kitchen.

Although shocked by Shun's abnormal strength, many of Shun's friends believed that this was still not enough to advance to the next stage and attract the attention of the elder monks just like Wen had. Shun asked why, and one of the disciples, Chung Sai explained that the elder monks, particularly the elder warrior monks seek talent in wushu, and pure strength did not encompass the whole of wushu. When Wen attracted the attention of the elders, it was because he had displayed his genius by combining two martial arts styles: Wing Chun, and Shaolin Wushu. Not only that, but Wen used this new style to defeat his Kung Fu master, at only three months of training. In Shun's case, he only displayed abnormal strength and striking power, but that was the extent of his ability. Frustrated by this, Shun tried to slam his fist on the desk, but Sai kicked him in the side, causing his fist to smash open the mopping water barrel. Sai explained that Shun could never match Wen, since he did not understand true martial arts. By that logic, Sai proclaimed that even if Shun was physically stronger than all of the disciples combined, he was still no match against a single disciple. To prove his point, Sai challenged Shun to a duel.

Shun glared at Sai and launched a punch at his fellow disciple, the force of the strike causing the water on the ground to fly to the other wide of the wall, but Sai deflected the punch, and used his momentum to knee the Remnant in the midsection. Shun tried to throw another strike, but Sai continued dodging and bombarding Shun with punches and kicks, then launched a side kick which sent Shun flying across the room. Shun continued charging and striking, but Sai outclassed him by blocking his strikes and sending counter punches which caught the disciple in multiple places. Shun tried to go low, but Sai leapt into the air and sent a flying back kick which caught Shun in the jaw, causing him to collapse and crumple to the ground. Shun tried to get back up, but was disoriented, and Sai revealed that in that span, he could have used only 10% of the wushu curriculum to permanently hospitalize him thirty different ways. Sai also revealed that in terms of technique and power, Wen was about ten times stronger than him, and that the mere fact that Shun couldn't even pressure Sai was a clear indicator that the gap between Shun and Wen was far too big.

A few years after Shun's defeat to Sai, news spread across the temple that Wen had progressed to the status of Warrior Monk, at the tender age of 14. The young prodigy became scouted by fellow monks and became a celebrity during the performances in the temple to tourists, showcasing a new technique that he had developed known as the Awakened Fire Palm, where the sheer speed of his consecutive punches and kicks generated enough energy to heat up a flank of meat. During the few years, Shun continued to be placed in Disciple status, as he had approached a roadblock in his progress. Although Shun possessed tremendous physical strength, his skill was the bottleneck, and was made evident when Shun continued to challenge other disciples to duels and lose. Seeing that his efforts made no progress after so many years, Shun decided to return home, but was approached by his brother Wen, who told Shun that he also planned on returning home to see their mother, revealing that his fame in the newspapers had now open him up to many options to obtain students and start a school.

Upon returning home, Wen was welcomed by Wei and Hai Bat, the latter praising Wen on his success and career outlook. During their dinner, Wei cooked the twins an extravagant feast, while Hai Bat continued showering the younger twin with praise. Shun was disgusted by his father's sudden change in demeanour, realizing that his father was being nice to Wen because of Wen's financial success. This suspicion was proven true upon Wen getting up from the dinner table to train outside, and his father's look of disapproval to Shun, asking him how during those six years, one twin had secured his future, and the other, remained a failure. Shun tried to tell his father that he had also learned a lot at the temple, but Wei shot him down, asking if what he had learned was enough to start a school. With the things he had learned, all he could do was live his life a freeloader, and that if he dared follow Wen and have him take care of him, Wen would eventually grow tired of him in time. Wei asked Shun if he felt any shame, relying on his younger brother for support, and if the reality had caught up to him that despite being the older brother, he had forsaken his chances at entering prestigious academia, for a life as a Shaolin Disciple dropout. Shun left the dinner table and went to his room, clenching his fists, then realized that blood was leaking out of it. Shun inspected his hands and realized that those many years of Hai Bat burning his hands had caused the skin to instead be very vulnerable to blistering, and that despite all the training he had done at the temple, his hands were still prone to being cut and scraped due to the skin becoming very fragile. While changing out of his blue Shaolin robes and putting on his ragged clothes, Shun found a note, and discovered it was from Wen, who left it at their room. The note told Shun to go outside, as Wen had something extremely important to tell his twin brother.

Shun met Wen in the backyard at night, and Wen put one fist and closed it with his other hand, saying "Wing Chun, Wen Zhang". Shun suddenly realized that Wen had just challenged him to a duel, and asked Wen for the meaning of this, but Wen insisted that Shun accept. Shun greeted Wen back with the same declaration, and the two brothers assumed the traditional Wing Chun stances. Shun struck first, striking Wen's hand out of the way and closing in, but Wen used his hands and interlocked with Shun, launching a frontal kick at his abdomen and sending him skidding backwards. Shun stabilized himself and charged Wen again, launching strikes at a rapid pace, but Wen commented that Shun was remarkably slow, launching several handed strikes at the side of his head and another side kick which blew Shun back. Shun clutched his midsection and demanded why Wen was doing this, and Wen explained that for the longest time in the temple, many of the monks and disciples had mocked Shun for his lack of Kung Fu aptitude. Even when Wen displayed feats akin to a master, there were always undertones from the monks, always bringing up Shun's failures and pondering if Wen's abilities were a fluke. Wen continued by saying that if he wanted to gain students, a lot of that was based on reputation, and as of now, his reputation was being stained by Shun's repeated embarrassments. Shun asked what Wen was getting at, but Wen charged forward, and launched a chain punch along Shun's chest and face, causing the boy to stumble, then a leg kick, disabling Shun's ability to stand. Wen clenched his fists and continued slamming Shun against the walls of the house as it began to rain, then went low with a leg sweep, sending Shun to the wet cement. Wen revealed that during those six years, he had spent all that time trying to defend Shun's honour, and that each time he rose the ranks of the temple, it was because he had ended up fighting and duelling, defeating and hurting other martial artists mocking Shun. It was there that Wen had fought the twins' old friends, Sai and nine other disciples all at the same time, effortlessly defeating the disciples with his Kung Fu. Shun recalled that Sai had told him that Wen was ten times stronger than him, and realized why, piecing together that even with the help of nine disciples, the ten of them were not enough to beat Wen. Wen angrily told Shun that he wanted to use Kung Fu to be a better person, to help others, but because of Shun, he ended up hurting others to rise in power, just like The Legendary Snake did in the books the twins read when they were eight years old. Wen blamed Shun for what he described the staining of his hands, and the only way for him to move forward was to escape the family, Shun included. Shun, devastated by Wen's reveal, begged his twin brother to take him along, but Wen told Shun that the taxi he had called had already arrived, and that this duel today was a martial artist's way of saying goodbye. Wen turned his back to his family and stepped into the taxi, telling Shun to not follow him and to stay away, or the next time they fight, he will not pull any punches like he did today.

Learning of Wen's abandonment of the home, Hai Bat became enraged, and took his frustrations out on Shun and Wei. The family moved to another house in Nara, but due to a highly deceptive real estate deal, the family was conned, causing Shun and his family to live in the basement of a fish market. The combined poor living conditions, debt, alcoholism, and drugs caused Hai Bat's abusive tendencies to worsen, and Wei's mental state to deteriorate. Due to Shun's muscular and developed appearance, Wei's schizophrenia caused her to believe her son was a devil, and began referring to Shun as The Beast, frequently recoiling away from Shun's presence. Seeing this, Hai Bat beat Shun, and demanded Shun get a job and support the family, but due to Shun's poor skillset in the job market, Shun was left unemployed for the duration of the next few months.

On Shun's fifteenth birthday, Wei wanted to organize a celebration, and saved enough money to buy a roasted chicken for the dinner. Touched by this, Shun joined Hai Bat and Wei for dinner, but as Shun expected, Hai Bat initiated a violent outburst, asking why Wei would waste the savings of his hard earned money on a pointless birthday celebration. Wei desperately tried to talk sense into her husband, but Hai Bat slapped her and tried to attack Shun, but the frustration of seeing yet another outburst, especially on a special day like this one where his mother went out of her way to prepare something for him, caused Shun to grab Hai Bat's wrist and squeeze. Shun's superhuman strength caused Hai Bat's wrist to become swollen with a near fracture, and Hai Bat frustratingly yelled at his wife and son, flipping over the table and causing the chicken to fall onto the ground. Shun clenched his fist, his thoughts dangerously wandering towards murdering his own father, until Wen's voice appeared in his head, reminding him that using Kung Fu for evil was wrong. Shun stood up and stormed out of the house, walking along the streets of Japan barefooted and then making his way to the forest.

Oni

In the forest, Shun reflected on his life, memories of his father and the terrible abuse he had suffered. But there was always one person that was by his side despite the hell that had incurred on him. Someone who always helped him and supported him when everybody else seemed to have turned on him. Wen. The thought of Wen choosing to abandon Shun caused him to be extremely distraught, as Shun continued his way deeper into the forest until he stood face to face with a rock. His vision a blood red rage, Shun initiated his wushu stance and began practicing his punches and strikes on the boulder, each strike shattering the surface and cracking it, each punch destroying the boulder and leaving behind dust everywhere. Shun recalled one of the teachers in the temple, who explained that kung fu was about control. The very essence of chi, was not so much as life energy, but rather the ability to maintain a balanced equilibrium, one of the most effective ways, through controlled breathing during hard intense exercises and practice. As Shun continued destroying the boulder and launching kick after kick, which toppled forest tree trunks with every strike, Shun could see his breathing getting more and more intense, as his ragged breaths were torn from his heartbreak of Wen leaving him, and the culmination of all the abuse he had to be put through ever since he was born. Collapsing in exhaustion, Shun stared at the sky and wondered if his very existence was perhaps a curse, and if his mother truly was correct, and that Shun was born a devil. Before Shun could finish his train of thought, the voices of several people broke the silence, and Shun knelt down to try to figure out who they were. Deciphering the Japanese the people were speaking, Shun learned that the group were bandits, and Shun decided to recklessly engage them to blow off steam. Jumping from the bushes, Shun launched an axe kick which shattered the collarbone of one of the bandits, but the other four bandits closed in. Shun tried to use his wushu to deflect them, but because of the multiple blows being inflicted on him, Shun was not fast enough to block the attacks, causing the Remnant to be blown back. One bandit's clubs caught Shun on the back of the head, causing the boy to collapse, and four of the bandits to begin kicking him while he was down. Beaten bloody, Shun began to hear a voice.

The voice told Shun that he could give him the power to change the world, to strike back at how the world treated him. If he could have his body, he could give Shun the power to destroy any who opposed him. Including Hai Bat. Shun, being beaten to the verge of unconsciousness, accepted the deal, unbeknownst to him that the voice speaking to him was an evil yokai, or a Wicked Oni. Before Shun could process what was happening, Shun's legs moved on their own, flipping and swirling in the air with immense force and generating a cyclone which blew the attackers away. Shun flipped and landed on his feet, and before he could even come to his senses, his body seemed to move on its own, assuming an extremely low stance, one hand outstretched with the finger and thumb exposed, the other hand to the waist in a fist. Shun recognized this stance during his readings with Wen when he was little to be Hung Gar, used by the folk hero Wong Fei Hung. Shun's body suddenly jolted forward, and before he knew it, a side kick had launched one of the attackers through several trees with blinding speed. The voice commented that Shun's body was perfect, due to the incredible latent strength it possessed, paired with the transplanted strength of the possession. The pieces fell together, and Shun realized the voice was a demon, and instinctively forced the voice to stop possessing him. The voice appeared shocked, and asked Shun how he was able to resist a Wicked Oni Posession. Shun could not come up with an explanation, but told the voice that he needed the strength that he demonstrated just now to stop the rest of the bandits before they killed him. The voice reluctantly agreed, and initiated a Master-Servant Oni Bargain, giving Shun access to the Oni's super strength, demonic speed, as well as his technique in Hung Gar. Shun reassumed the new stance, and effortlessly dispatched the remaining three bandits before the one bandit who was sent through the trees ordered everybody to retreat. Shun inspected his hands, which were bleeding from the fight, and asked the oni for its name. The oni, still in surprise at Shun's deceptively strong willpower, responded that his name was Hataka Hiiro, and from now on, he would refer to Shun as "Shun-dono", indicating that Shun was now his master and could call upon Hiiro's power to add onto his own at any time. Shun asked the spirit how he knew Hung Gar, and Hiiro responded that he was actually a Chinese Kung Fu Practitioner in his mortal life, his skill nearing that of a Grandmaster, until he was caught using his power to commit crime and murder. The resulting actions caused Hiiro to be banished from his school, where Hiiro continued using his Hung Gar to commit crime, using these experiences to evolve his style and modify it for pure destruction. Hiiro told Shun that he intended to completely take over his body, since it was special. Shun was taken aback by that comment, asking why Hiiro would think someone like him was special. Hiiro explained that someone like Shun, who's negative thoughts were so strong, should have been an easy target for possession, but somehow, Shun was able to keep his centre and banish Hiiro from his soul. Not only that, but Shun possessed frightening strength for someone his size, and that after peering into his past, Hiiro was surprised that a mere Shaolin Disciple would be capable of physical strength to the level of a high ranking Shaolin Warrior Monk.

Shun decided to walk back to the house with Hiiro, as he glanced at the numerous families in the buildings around him. Hiiro asked Shun if he resented his family, which Shun confirmed. Shun stated that during his time living with Hai Bat and Wei Zhang, he felt as if he were imprisoned, and that there was practically no good moments with them. Hiiro asked Shun if that was entirely the case, and that if it was true that his time with his parents was truly 100% miserable. Shun asked Hiiro why he would give him that question, and Hiiro revealed that when he was a child, he was abandoned in a grocery store, having never knew his parents. The old man who tended the store gave Hiiro a home in exchange for work, and Hiiro lived his life without knowing the warmth of an actual family. Hiiro explained that even if his time with his parents were miserable, he did not agree that his time spent with his mother and father was terrible all the time, and told him that he should be grateful to even have parents in the first place. Shun reflected on his life once more, and remembered Wei cooking the chicken to celebrate his birthday. Then remembering how Hai Bat, despite throwing a violent tantrum, actually took time out of his day to show up to the dinner table. Despite the many times Wei had forced Shun and Wen to study, Shun remembered how Wei had hugged him, telling him that it was okay if the lessons were too hard, and that just because he struggled did not mean he could not do it. Shun also remembered the time his father had taught Shun the brutal reality of the job market, explaining that he had to have skills and experience to be hired. Shun realized that Hai Bat could easily not have said anything, and forced his son to learn the reality on his own, but instead, Hai Bat decided to show his son these things beforehand, to avoid the shock in the future due to living his life in ignorance. Shun stopped walking and realized his face was wet with tears, and Hiiro told Shun that as long as he was here, his parents still loved him, after all, he was their child. It was easy to be consumed in negative thoughts and to only think about those negative thoughts, but when a man's mindset focuses on only the bad, the bad often eclipsed the good. In Shun's case, he focused all on the times Hai Bat had hurt him, that he didn't stop to think about the times Hai Bat had tried to care for him, in his own twisted way. Realizing this, Shun decided to make an effort to continue living with his parents and to endure whatever hardships would come his way. Shun began sprinting back to his house, but not before realizing there was an orange glow in the neighbourhood where he lived. One of the people who operated the market ran up to Shun, Tamaka Naofumi, who told Shun to stay away from the house, as it was on fire. His parents were trapped inside. Tamaka ran off to find help, and against his advice, Shun sprinted to his house to realize it was completely engulfed with flames. Standing in the fires, to Shun's disbelief were two black hooded figures.

Shun asked the hooded figures who they were, and the figures introduced themselves as Fu and Yi, the Acolytes of Mogul. The Acolytes asked Shun where his brother was, and Shun did not answer, demanding the two to reveal where his parents were. Fu laughed, and knelt down, picking up a skull, and commenting on how someone who spent years abused by her husband would still have a skull that was of normal shape. Realizing that Fu was holding the skull of his deceased mother, Shun became enraged, and charged the Acolytes. Yi stood aside, and Fu rolled up his sleeves to fight Shun, but despite Shun's heightened strength and new demonic speed, the Remnant-Oni hybrid was still outmatched, and before Shun could realize it, Fu had already dropped Shun onto the ground, mashing his face into the concrete. Fu commented on how weak Shun was, and asked him where Wen was. Shun did not answer, and escaped Fu's clutches. Hiiro remarked that Fu's abilities were not human, and that he would need the full power of a Wicked Oni to take down the Acolyte; in other words giving Shun total control. However, fearing that total control to Hiiro would lead to complete possession, Shun turned down Hiiro's request, and ordered the Oni to only supply him with the added demonic strength and speed to fight the Acolyte.

After a few more failed attempts, Fu launched a combination of punches and strikes which forced Shun through the walls of the burning house, the flames burning Shun's skin and blistering his hands even more. Shun fired roundhouse kick after roundhouse kick at Fu, the sheer power of the strikes causing numerous shockwaves which blew out the flames of the house, but Fu commented on how inferior his technique was despite possessing the physical strength to take him down. Shun told Fu to be quiet, and closed in with Hiiro's Hung Gar, but Fu told Shun that the way he was fighting would never be enough to even land a hit, as his choice to refuse the Oni's full power meant he was only able to draw upon 45% of Hiiro's true technique. Hiiro pressured Shun to give in, and after Fu kicked Shun through the floorboards into his room, where Shun managed to see a family photo of himself along with Wen, Hai Bat, and Wei together, the Remnant became fully consumed with vengeance. Shun got to his feet and deflected Fu's punch, his body transforming, horns sticking from his head as his eyes became snake like, his skin turning red and his nails becoming darkened and sharp. Hiiro began to speak through Shun's body, telling Fu that unlike Shun, he was now fighting against a Grandmaster of Hung Gar, and that he would show Fu no mercy. Shooting forward, Hiiro began pressuring Fu with incredible speed, and Fu was unable to hold off Hiiro's onslaught, shocked at Hiiro's unorthodox style of pure offence, with little regard for the safety of his own body. Hiiro explained that his usage of Hung Gar was much different than other Kung Fu masters, as he placed a full emphasis on "overwhelming the enemy with unstoppable, unavoidable, undetectable attacks". Hiiro then demonstrated one of Hung Gar's most famous moves, thought to be fiction: The Shadowless Kick, and began unloading these kicks at a tremendous frequency, forcing Fu out of the house. Even with Fu on the ground, Hiiro leapt into the air and began pummelling the Acolyte with an onslaught of punches, showing no remorse as Fu quickly realized that Hiiro's technique was far beyond his own. Yi leapt from his platform and tried to stop Hiiro, as both Fu and Yi fought Hiiro simultaneously. Despite being outnumbered, Hiiro was able to hold his own, to the shock of the two Acolytes. Yi asked Hiiro what he was, and Hiiro responded that he was "the best martial artist in the world, one's fists that seek for the soul, not for atonement". Fu deduced that during Hiiro's life as a mortal, he had gained an incredible technique in Hung Gar, and turning into an Oni, he had all of his abilities amplified. Added with the fact that now he was in the body of a Remnant of War, Hiiro's combat prowess had increased drastically. Realizing that a Wicked Oni Shun Zhang was too much for the two of them, Yi and Fu retreat, but not before referring to Shun as no longer a human, but rather a Red Beast.

Shun joins the Iron Ring Gladiator Match

Shun and Hiiro left the house in ruins, and traveled across Japan to try and find Wen before the Acolytes could. Shun recalled that Wen wanted to open his own school, and that he had the prospects to gain many students. Hiiro asked Shun where Wen would potentially set up a school, and Shun responded by saying that Wen most likely returned to China. Hiiro told Shun that they would need to find a way to board a boat to get from the two places or a vehicle. Either option required Shun to generate enough money. Shun became depressed, realizing that he would need to find work, despite his previous attempts leading to severe unemployment. Hiiro then suggested Shun try to find money a different way: robbery.

Reluctant at first, Shun started by robbing small time businesses, making loose change. Then Shun moved up to robbing grocery stores. For the next few months, Shun and Hiiro continued robbing businesses to generate income similar to a low waged worker, but the money that Shun made was offset by food. Seeing this, Hiiro told Shun that the only way to make enough money was to think big, meaning he had to use darker and more sinister crime methods. Hiiro led Shun to an underground sector, known as the Iron Ring, and explained that the Iron Ring was an illegal underground fighting ring that would place fighters against each other, spectators would cast bids on who would win.

Shun requested to get a fight, but the person running the ring refused, stating that they did not know about Shun's ability. Deaths were frequent in the Iron Ring, and if a fighter died, there were many actions that the staff would need to take to dispose of the body without having authorities involved. Shun proposed that he was a capable fighter, and challenged one of the fighters who was currently fighting in the ring. The fighter was known as Qong of the Southern Tiger Claw School, who was banished from the school for breaking the spine of his master's top student. Qong had racked up a large tally of wins, and Hiiro advised that Qong was a perfect matchup for Shun's new powers. The manager reluctantly agreed, and matched Qong with Shun. The moment Shun stepped into the ring, bets were immediately placed against Shun, predicting that Qong would win in another first round knockout like his other five wins. Qong told Shun that he was foolish, and that there was no way a fifteen year old child would stand a chance against him, telling him to forfeit, but Shun refused and assumed his Shaolin Wushu stance. Qong sighed and got to his feet, and the announcer rung the bell, beginning the first round.

Shun surprised Qong in the first round, due to his demon speed, launching strike after strike, all of which missed due to Qong's flawless dexterity and reflexes. Qong then retaliated with blows of his own, two punches that were deflected by Shun, but a kick managed to catch the boy in the jaw, sending him hurtling backward. The crowd began jeering at Shun to give up and that the fight was an insult to the Iron Ring, but Shun got to his feet, reassuming his stance. The fight continued, with Shun throwing punches and kicks that were deflected by Qong, and Qong retaliating, an occasional punch or strike catching Shun in the head. Although Shun remained standing, the first fighter to survive Qong's onslaught, the first round was scored overwhelmingly to Qong. Hiiro advised Shun that he would need to win the next round, otherwise the points would continue stacking in favour to Qong all the way to the tenth and final round, leading to the only possibility of a win being a complete utter knockout. Hiiro then told Shun to let him assume control, but Shun refused Hiiro's request, reasoning that if he assumed the Wicked Oni transformation, his demonic features would be too obvious, and might possibly lead to disqualification. Shun reaffirmed that he would fight Qong with his own technique, but would call upon Hiiro's additional demon strength, speed, and reflexes to ensure victory. Hiiro agreed hesitantly.

Entering the second round, Shun increased the intensity of his attacks, but none of his blows landed, with Qong showcasing skill that was levels ahead of an enhanced Shun. Qong recognized Shun's strikes as Shaolin Wushu, and asked the former disciple why he would leave the temple and go into illegal underground gladiator matches. Shun answered that he had no choice because there was someone he needed to save that was close to him, and continued to attack Qong with an uppercut strike to the bottom of Qong's chin, but Qong leapt to the side and unloaded a series of chops on Shun's ribcage, then flipped him over and unloaded more punches against Shun's face, heavily damaging and bruising the boy. Near death, the bell rang, signifying an overwhelming victory to Qong for the second round.

Hiiro urged Shun to transform into a Wicked Oni, but Shun stubbornly refused, stating that if he needed to rely on Hiiro's power, he did not deserve to call himself a martial arts practitioner. Shun also stated that it was time for him to unveil a new technique that he had developed during the Shaolin Curriculum. Shun explained that he rather kept it secret to make sure other fighters would not learn of this style and adapt for it, but it looked like he was not getting anywhere against Qong with his standard wushu. Shun asked Hiiro to redistribute his power, a 60-40 split for speed and strength, favouring Shun's speed. Hiiro asked Shun why he would choose to reduce his strength, and Shun revealed that the strength that he was currently at now was enough for this technique. With that, the third round begun. Qong approached Shun and struck, with Shun blocking Qong's strike, then spinning around and launching a back-hook kick. As expected, Qong leapt back, but to his surprise, Qong buckled mid-air, coughing out blood as he slammed into the ropes of the ring. The crowd roared in disbelief, as Shun lowered his leg, and blasted forward with a 10% increase in his speed. Shun continued throwing punches and kicks, Qong blocking and evading, but for some reason, taking the hits. Hiiro realized what Shun was doing, and complimented the young Shaolin disciple for his ingenuity, recognizing the combat technique that he had developed that was specifically honed for his own physical traits. The Shockwave Style - Vacuum Fist. Shun continued throwing punches, as Qong found himself taking the hits despite evading due to the immense buildup of wind pressure whenever the boy struck, causing a shockwave that would smash into Qong at a distance. Unable to adapt to the style in time, an axe kick from Shun generated a shockwave that slammed into the back of Qong's neck, knocking him out cold. The audience went into an uproar, as Shun left the ring to rest. However, a very attractive woman caught his eye, as she looked at him with some form of lust, causing the boy to be somewhat uncomfortable. Upon Hiiro asking Shun who that was, Shun replied that he did not know the woman. Shun went up to the manager, and the manager provided Shun with his earnings; a 90-10 split in favour of the manager. Despite receiving only 10%, Shun realized that earnings at this rate would allow him to afford the fare to China in no time. However, Hiiro told Shun that in the Iron Ring, the more fights a fighter is in, the lower their earnings go, as more people would catch on to the fighter's skill, invalidating the bid. Shun was unable to understand, much to Hiiro's annoyance, and explained that the more Shun fights, the less he would earn. But he would earn regardless. Seeing no other choice, Shun continued to fight more matches.

For two weeks, Shun continued fighting matches and winning, taking down opponents ranging from amateur fighters to established fallen kung fu masters. As Shun continued winning, his Shockwave Style became notorious, and was soon given the cage name Shun of the Shockwave Fist. After defeating a fighter who utilized the Eagle Claw Style, Shun rested in his filthy living quarters in the alleyway. Despite Shun's notorious win rate, the boy's earnings had slowly declined until he making barely enough to pay for the fare to China. Frustrated at his progress, Shun considered resorting to crime after Hiiro suggested it. On his way down the broken down streets of the drug sector, Shun spotted the same woman from the crowd before. She was dressed elegantly and was extremely beautiful, to the point where Shun found himself getting drawn to her beauty, but Shun's life in the streets pulled him away from her influence. Hiiro noted that the woman was unusual, because she was dressed so differently from the hoodlums and homeless in the area, yet no one was making an attempt to rob her or harass her. Hiiro predicted that if Shun could forcefully steal her handbag, they might be able to obtain at least the bare minimum to pay the fare to China and find Wen. Seeing no other choice, Shun followed the woman until she stopped in an abandoned factory. Sensing something was off, Hiiro told Shun to keep his distance, but it was too late, as a massive figure leapt from the top rails and smashed onto the ground inches from Shun, who backed off just in time.

The man glared at Shun and stood his ground, as Shun assumed his wushu stance. The woman turned around and smiled at Shun, asking the boy why he was following her. Shun did not answer, and the man stepped forward. Despite the numerous victories Shun had accumulated in the Iron Ring, every instinct in his body told him to back off and avoid fighting the man if possible. The woman asked Shun again, the reason why he was following her, and the man began to clench his fists, veins appearing on his extremely muscular forearms. Hiiro told Shun to let him take control, but Shun refused, fearing that the man might be too strong even for a Wicked Oni. Shun responded to the woman saying that he was desperate for money, and that he needed to pay for the fare to find his brother. The woman asked Shun if he was looking for a Shaolin Warrior Monk named Wen Zhang, The Steel Palm. Shun was surprised, and said yes, telling her that he needed to find him before two very dangerous men did. The woman reassured Shun that Wen was in safe hands, and Shun realized that the woman was implying that Wen was under her care. Shun told the woman to let him see Wen, but the woman simply laughed. Enraged by this, Shun stepped forward, but was intercepted by the towering man. The woman told Shun that only the strong or pure could find a place in her Legion, and that if Shun wanted to get to Wen, he would need to show her. Shun snapped and asked the woman what game she was playing, and told her that he would get Wen, even if it meant killing her bodyguard. The man tensed, but the woman simply calmed him down. The woman looked Shun in the eye and told him that the man was not her bodyguard, but rather her follower: Oxar Uxas, and that her name was Venus. Oxar then stepped forward, telling Shun that he was the strongest adventurer in all of Folia, and that only those worthy of Venus may have the privilege of being her follower. Disgusted by Oxar's loyalty to Venus despite her manipulative ways, Shun brought his foot back and launched a punch at Oxar's face before the adventurer could finish his sentence. However, Oxar had instantly deflected Shun's punch with his sword, pushing him back with immense force.

Shun readjusted his stance, swapping it with his Shockwave Style, then launched shockwave after shockwave kicks at Oxar, who deflected them with his sword effortlessly. Shun then used Hiiro's speed to get behind the towering opponent, and launched several punches and strikes at the adventurer, but Oxar blocked them easily, barely moving. Venus watched Shun's fight with Oxar from afar with scheming eyes. Angered that Venus had taken Wen from him, Shun charged Venus, but was intercepted by Oxar, who grabbed Shun by the face and smashed him into the ground, causing Shun to temporarily lose consciousness, until Shun's memories of Wen resurfaced, where Wen had told Shun that he had been defending his older brother's honour the entire time. Realizing that Wen had been looking out for him, Shun made it a personal promise to never back down. Enraged, Shun forced his consciousness to return, and got to his feet, much to Venus' surprise. Venus complimented Shun, as the boy was the first person to ever recover from Oxar that quickly. Shun then changed his stance, steadily breathing and channelling his mind into a blank state. Oxar stepped forward and smashed Shun in the face again, but Shun resisted the blow, closing the distance to Oxar and switching his style to Wing Chun. Oxar attempted to attack Shun, but Shun began using grapples and linear close ranged strikes to temporarily hold his ground against Oxar, however an occasional blow would land on the boy. Despite this, Shun continued holding his ground. Hiiro, surprised by this, asked Shun how he was able to hold off the fury of a Folian Level 12 Adventurer as a Folian Level 9 equivalent, and Shun revealed to Hiiro that he was using a new technique he had developed during his time in the Iron Ring, known as the Concrete Style - Unbreakable. Shun continued an exchange with Oxar, but by the third punch, Shun's body began to fail, as Oxar noted that despite Shun being able to seemingly withstand the pain in this state, his body was still taking damage, and by the third punch, his body was beginning to physically fail. Shun fell to one knee, as Oxar towered over the boy, declaring that this fight was over.

Venus smiled at Shun one last time, telling him if he felt he was ready to find her again, he would make his way to Folia, and prove to her one more time that he was worth it. Shun asked Venus why she was doing all this, and Venus revealed that she was a goddess, and as deity, many of the things in the mortal world was simply a game to her. Venus also said that she inherently did not like Shun, because his face and appearance reminded her a lot of a being who had killed her children in the Legion in the past, and caused nearly catastrophic irreversible damage to the mortal world she once resided in. Before Shun could ask Venus about this being, Shun lost consciousness, and fainted in the factory, the last thing he could remember seeing was Oxar and Venus with their backs turned to him, walking away.

The Red Circle Triad

By the time Shun regained consciousness, Venus and Oxar had already left, leaving Shun alone. However, Hiiro noted that they were no longer in Japan, and were in fact in China. Likely from the goddess' meddling. For the next few months, Shun continued his crime spree to stay alive, under Hiiro's guidance. However, without a means to reach Wen, Shun became more and more bitter and hopeless.

One day, Shun attempted to rob a local fish market, but was caught. Starving from his days on the street, Shun desperately fought several workers with his Wushu, but suddenly, was intercepted by two men wielding machetes. Shun fought the two men, but was cut in several places. Hiiro recognized the men as martial artists by their movements, and urged Shun to call upon his technique. After taking several hits, Shun allowed Hiiro to transplant 40% of his power to him, allowing Shun to defeat the two men. However, their fight attracted the attention of more men with weapons, and Shun was forced to increase Hiiro's output to 76%. Shun continued fighting, as the entire fish market was swarmed with the skirmish. Eventually at a standstill, Shun collapsed, his body unable to sustain Hiiro's intense technique. On the verge of defeat, the gangsters swarmed Shun, slashing and cutting into the boy until a man stopped them. His very presence caused everyone to back away in fear. The man introduced himself as Dai Ban Lok, or Boss Lok. Lok regarded Shun, and commented on his unique ability to manifest multiple styles. On the verge of exhaustion, Shun collapsed on the ground before Lok, losing consciousness in the rain.

Upon waking up, Shun found himself inside an office, surrounded by several of the same men wielding machetes. Shun asked Lok why he was brought here, and Lok explained that he was in the hideout of the Red Circle Gang, and sitting before him was the leader of the triad. Lok remarked on Shun's tattered clothes, and deduced that he was in fact homeless. However, Lok recognized great fighter potential in the boy, offering him a place in the triad as a bounty hunter, should he give his life to the gang. Seeing no other choice for survival, Shun agreed, and the group took Shun to the courtyard, where Shun found himself with another batch of recruits. Three men and one girl, who was around his age. One man stood before the group, and introduced himself as Talon. Talon explained to the group that at this point, they knew they were at a point of no return. They had already seen the hideout of the Red Circle Triad, and spoke to Boss Lok. Meaning, their lives at this point were sealed. However, their test began now. Shun glanced at his fellow recruits, and noticed that they all had grim expressions. However, Shun was then struck by Talon in the chest, sending him flying backwards. Talon berated Shun for not paying attention, forcing him to focus on what the gang member said. Hiiro noted that Talon's strength was abnormal for a human, and suspected that he may also be yokai possessed, just like Shun.

The first test involved loyalty. Each recruit was expected to hold up a teacup, while Talon approached them with a teapot, pouring boiling hot tea into the cup and overfilling it. Those who fought for the Red Circle would be expected to put their lives on the line for the gang, no matter the pain that would be inflicted upon them. The first recruit withstood the pain of the tea, as his fingers turned red. The second recruit was not lucky, as he quickly dropped the teapot. Shun stared at the man, as Talon simply put the pot on the ground, telling the man that he was not worthy for Boss Lok. The man began to desperately plea for a second chance, but before he could finish his sentence, Talon snapped his fingers, and a flash of silver appeared at the man's neck, decapitating him. Shun held back a scream, as he looked at the location of the blade, revealing a dangerous looking woman wielding a very long sword. The third recruit passed the test. Talon then approached the girl, and poured the tea, and to Shun's disbelief, the girl's face remained emotionless, her fingers turning red from the heat of the tea. Talon smiled, and commented that she was perhaps the first to not wince in pain. Talon then turned to Shun, who was sweating immensely, having realized that he would instantly fail this test due to his delicate hands. Talon ordered Shun to take off his bandages, as Shun did what he was told. Shun then closed his eyes, clenching his teeth as Talon poured the tea. As Shun predicted, his hands flared in pain. Shun began begging profusely in his head for his hands to not fail him, just this once, as if he dropped his teacup, the woman at the back would cut off his head. To Shun's disbelief, something inside him sparked, and the pain began to recede, causing Talon to raise an eyebrow, commenting that the sheer heat of the tea might have damaged his nerves, allowing him to pass. As the remaining group members filed in to the next courtyard, Shun rubbed his fingers, and realized he was still able to feel, despite withstanding the heat of the tea.

The second test involved ability. Each recruit was locked outside of the building, as several tigers emerged from their cages, growling at the group. Shun held back more screams, as he watched one of the recruits get eaten alive. A tiger then leapt at Shun, pinning him to the ground. Hiiro screamed at Shun to call upon the Wicked Oni, but Shun yelled in defiance, kicking the tiger away with monstrous strength, impressing the gang members. However, another tiger approached the Remnant from behind, biting into his thigh as Shun screamed in pain, collapsing to the ground. Two more tigers pounced on Shun, the sounds of growling and snarling filling his head. Shun then turned to his side, noticing the girl had already climbed on the back of one of the tigers, forcing it to ram into the others and using it as a shield. Another recruit was hiding under the body of the disemboweled corpse of the one who failed the test. Shun closed his eyes, remembering Wen, Hai Bat, and Wei, apologizing to them for getting so deep into trouble. Joining a gang and being killed in initiation. Shun then apologized for simply not listening to Wei and just going into college, even if he hated it. At least he wouldn't be living this sort of life, finally realizing why Wei pushed him so hard. Suddenly, the tigers stopped chomping, going slump, as their bodies were pulled off Shun. Talon approached the tiger who was being mounted by the girl and flicked his wrist, the tiger's head caved in, and to Hiiro's surprise, it collapsed, lifeless. Hiiro then told Shun to watch out for Talon, as this man was far beyond any human he had encountered.

Despite being injured, Shun was forced to take the third test. Shun, the girl, and the third recruit were placed in a dojo style room, and left alone. At the center was a knife, and from the blinds, Talon told the group that they intended to only let one recruit join the Red Circle Triad. Shun, clueless, asked Talon to elaborate, but Talon ignored him, as Hiiro explained to Shun that the only way to pass this test was for the other two recruits to die. The girl wasted no time, as she rushed forward and grabbed the knife, slitting the third recruit's throat, then rushing Shun, who darted out of the way. Shun held up his hands, telling the girl to calm down first. However, the girl told Shun that she had to kill him, and she was not going to waste time with him since she had a little brother to take care of. She needed to get into the Red Circle Triad to survive for her brother, and then asked Shun why he wanted to join the gang. Shun thought back to Wen, realizing that even if he passed the test, it would do nothing for him. Wen was with Venus, and was probably in a good place, without his help. Even if Shun died, there would be no one to miss him, as Wen had disowned him, and their parents were dead. Shun, being unable to answer, simply lowered his hands, asking the girl her name, however the girl ignored Shun, and charged. Shun used his wushu and knocked the knife out of her hands, knocking her unconscious, as the blinds opened, revealing Talon and Lok, who ordered Shun to kill her.

Shun refused, but Talon told Shun that the only way for him to pass is if the girl died. And if he chose to not kill her, he would also fail, and die. Shun, looking at the girl again, was reminded of her reason to join the Red Circle Triad, for her brother. He could not be the one to kill her. Hiiro then spoke to Shun, telling him that he has an idea that would allow both to live, and requested Shun for control. Shun, out of ideas, allowed Hiiro to take control of his body, and before Shun could react, Hiiro, in Shun's body, stomped on the girl's jaw, snapping her neck and killing her instantly. Shun screamed at Hiiro, asking him why he would do that, and Hiiro explained that he had to lie to Shun, for their survival. Shun then regained control, his rage at Hiiro causing him to swear to never use Wicked Oni or Hiiro's Hung Gar again. Hiiro reasoned to Shun that he needed his expertise to survive life in this gang, but Shun denied Hiiro's pleas, forcing him to be quiet with an unknown power. Hiiro was instantly silenced in Shun's head, as Lok took out a large heat stamp, and pressed it against Shun's back, burning the boy with excruciating pain. Lok then pronounced Shun as a formal member of the Red Circle Triad, as the stamp was removed, and the burned flesh taking form in a large serpent wrapped around a red circle.

Shun Zhang vs. Martial Arts Masters

Under the tutelage of Talon, Shun's proficiency in Chinese Wushu evolved greatly. Recognizing Shun's monstrous physical strength, and his ingenuity to modify his wushu curriculum to take advantage of his superhuman strength through the Shockwave Style, Talon aided Shun's technique, honing the style even more to the point where it evolved into the Razorwind Fist, a new style that utilized elements of Shun's Shockwave Style while also integrating Talon's Wirecutter Palm Technique. During this time, Hiiro was suppressed, and Shun only called upon his power to amplify his physical abilities, never once touching upon Hung Gar.

One afternoon, during tea, Talon invited Shun to the courtyard, where he was introduced to seventeen recruits. Talon explained that these recruits all failed the initiation test, and that he would be responsible for killing them all. Talon warned Shun that despite failing initiation, these recruits displayed an aptitude in martial arts akin to that of an advanced student, and that defeating all seventeen would be no easy feat. Talon then proceeded to tell Shun that if he could defeat all seventeen martial artists without sustaining a single hit, he would be ready to be deployed out to do Boss Lok's bidding.

Shun assumed his Razorwind Stance without hesitation, as he charged the recruits, easily defeating them all, demonstrating his new technique. One recruit remained alive, as Shun leapt into the air, launching a roundhouse kick and sending hundreds of razer sharp shockwaves at the fighter, slicing his chest into pieces. After killing the last initiate, Shun was congratulated by Boss Lok himself, who brought Shun to his office and awarded him with a slave girl. Lok explained that as a bounty hunter to the Red Circle Triad, he was expected to fight people who far surpassed the students he just killed, and that he may return to the hideout sustaining numerous injuries. He would at times find no strength left in his body to eat, or to repair himself. That was where the slave came in. With that, Shun was dismissed with his new slave, who followed him to his residence. However, Shun, completely forgetting that she was with him, accidentally slammed the door on her face, causing the girl to yelp in pain and her nose to bleed. Shun quickly brought out a towel and tended to her, who was surprised at the latter's generosity. Shun replied that if his mother found out he was disrespect to a girl, even in death, he feared she would haunt him. The girl introduced herself as Yan, and asked Shun if she could begin cleaning his residence, but Shun denied her request, as he claimed that if his place was cleaned he would be unable to find any of his things. Shun then ordered her to lounge in his place and enjoy herself, as Yan reminded him of the female recruit that Hiiro forced him to kill.

Shun's first contract was a martial arts master by the name of Tin Wong, who had started a school and preached about using kung fu for good. Donning a bandana, Shun entered the martial arts dojo, with which Tin Wong's top student, Lei Han was teaching the rest. Lei Han, recognizing the Red Circle Triad tattoos on Shun's arms, became overconfident, and challenged Shun to a one on one duel. Shun replied that he was here to kill his master, not his dog, with which the other students become enraged at. The students charged Shun, to defend their master's honor, but Shun defeated them all easily using the Razorwind Style. Seeing the students in danger, Lei Han engaged Shun, with which Shun easily overpowered by evading his strikes and breaking Han's kneecaps. Shun then demanded where Wong was. Han continued to berate Shun, causing the Triad Member to snap Han's arm. Han's cry in pain alerted Wong, who rushed into the dojo and ordered all the students to evacuate, leaving just him and Shun alone.

Without hesitation, Shun attacked Wong with a flurry of strikes, which Wong evaded using a form of Tai Chi technique. Wong slowly began to gain the upper hand, using Shun's immense strength against him, and throwing him against the mirrors of the dojo. Shun, frustrated at Wong's fighting style, engaged the master again, but against Wong's fluid stances and movements, Shun found himself unable to launch any significant blows. Shun then decided to use his Razorwind Shockwave attacks, bombarding Wong with dozens of flying roundhouse kicks midair, which Wong, being an elder fighter, was unable to dodge. Bombarded with the razer sharp shockwaves, a bloodied Wong was sent flying back, with which Shun finished him off with a frontal side kick, launching the master out of the dojo, breaking the windows. The unconscious body of Master Tin Wong was then surrounded by dozens of bystanders, as Shun returned to the Red Circle Hideout. Yan tended to Shun's wounds, asking him if he killed anyone. Shun replied that he did not kill Master Wong. Upon being asked why, Shun answered that Boss Lok did not order him to kill the master, only to severely wound him and spread a message on behalf of the triad.

Shun's second contract involved killing a school district custodian, who was a retired martial arts master. Shun infiltrated the school and waited until all the students left, before approaching the man in the empty hallway, donning his bandana once more. The master regarded Shun and asked him for his age, wondering why a child was serving a triad, however Shun did not respond, charging the master with the element of surprise, and overwhelming him with sudden strikes to the midsection and head. Shun and the master continued exchanging blows up the steps of the school, with which the master struggled as Shun had the upper hand in physical strength, speed, and technique. Shun then finished the fight by striking the man in the face, then kicking him out of the window, causing the master to fall four stories to his death.

Shun continued fighting and killing or severely wounding martial arts masters in China, to the point where his presence became notorious. After four months, Shun obtained the moniker of The Red Beast, as the Red Circle Triad gained heavy notoriety due to rumor of a criminal martial artist who displayed skill far surpassing the masters of China.

After completing a bounty hunt in which Shun had to fight three martial arts masters at the same time, Shun returned to the hideout, where he was summoned by Boss Lok himself. Entering the main office, Lok inspected Shun, and remarked on his progress. It was time for him to truly put his skills to the test with this one last bounty. For which if he completed, he would take Talon's place as Lok's right hand man. The target in question was a martial arts master by the name of Master Leung, who fought with his famous Sixty Four Hands Technique. Leung was said to be one of the best practitioners in all of China, and was thus far, undefeated. Lok explained that all of the masters that Shun had defeated thus far did not come close to Leung in skill, as Leung's unorthodox style was on a class of its own. There would be a chance that Shun would lose his life if he fought Leung, but should he defeat the master, he would be recognized as Lok's son. Upon asking Lok about just how strong Leung was, Lok revealed that Talon, at his best, was unable to defeat Leung in a one on one duel, nearly losing his life. Due to his devastating loss, Talon had turned to teaching, no longer serving as Lok's bounty hunter out of shame. If Shun succeeded the contract, he would truly surpass Talon in ability.

One night, while Yan tended to Shun's wounds, Shun suffered a mental breakdown, as he found himself panicking over whether or not he was enough to take on Master Leung, as most of his style was honed under the tutelage of Talon, who Leung had overwhelmingly defeated.

Shun Zhang vs. Master Leung

By the time Shun snuck into the dojo, Leung was waiting for him, and instructed Shun to remove his shoes, as he was entering sacred property. Shun, paying Leung no attention, kept his shoes on, and charged Leung head on, throwing kick after kick at the Master, who easily evaded his strikes and returned with a flurry of punches. Shun dodged and returned with a back kick, which was deflected by Leung's elbow. Leung threw another flurry of punches, causing Shun to leap backwards and retaliate with a side kick, the shockwave slicing at Leung, who weaved out of the way elegantly and closing the distance, catching Shun by surprise as the boy was instantly taken down. Shun, frustrated, used his superhuman strength to launch Leung into the air, but Leung wrapped his legs around the Remnant's throat, and threw him backwards as the fighter crashed into the doors of the dojo. Shun smashed through a window, but regained his footing, as the two began exchanging blows. However, Shun found himself incapable of breaching the defenses of the Sixty Four Hands technique, as Leung continued landing hits. By the fifth hit, Shun was disoriented, and Leung delivered a sidekick at Shun's chest, throwing him off the stairs as the fighter fell down two stories onto the pavement, cracking it.

However, Shun managed to survive, getting to his feet, as Leung acrobatically traversed down the building and landed on the ground. Leung asked Shun why a child would choose the life of a triad member, but Shun ignored Leung's words and angrily engaged the more experienced and seasoned fighter, only to suffer more devastating concussive blows. Shun was blown back, crashing through yet another window and re-entering the dojo, where Leung explained that Shun's rage and anger was clouding his judgement as a fighter. Leung then further claimed that any fighter from the Red Circle Triad claiming to be a martial artist was simply deluded, as they did not understand the very essence of martial arts. Leung then put his hands behind his back and told Shun that he could defeat him without using his arms. Shun, enraged, reassumed his Razorwind Stance, and launched hundreds of shockwaves at Leung, who bobbed and weaved out of the way, then leapt into the air, bombarding the fighter's head with dozens of flying spin kicks, causing Shun to fall on his back, his motor skills momentarily shut down as he was unable to get up.

Leung stood above Shun, and told him that it was against his ethical code to kill children, even if they were affiliated with the triads. Frustrated at his inability to win against Leung, Shun remembered Wen, reminiscing of his past with his younger twin, wondering what he would have done. Shun then concluded that if Wen was in his position, he would have been able to defeat Leung with some innovative technique. Shun glared at Leung once more, and got to his feet, breathing in and out, as he changed his stance, assuming his Concrete Style - Unbreakable state. Leung, intrigued, also assumed his Sixty Four Hands technique, as both fighters clashed once more, however, Leung noted that Shun's speed and agility was significantly reduced. Leung then called Shun an ignorant fighter, as he proceeded to bombard the younger martial artist with dozens of blows to the head and side, but Shun, in his Unbreakable state, was able to absorb the punches significantly easier, as Leung was caught by surprise. Shun, bloodied, but still in full control of his body, grabbed Leung and brought him in a hold, rushing to the window and smashing it, claiming that he would be the one to surpass Talon and take Leung down. Hearing Talon's name, Leung suddenly changed his demeanor, and escaped the hold, kicking Shun and flipping him over with a new strength. Shun, surprised, backed away, sensing something different with Leung.

Leung asked Shun how he knew Talon, and Shun revealed that he was in fact under the tutelage of the seasoned Triad member. Enraged, Leung fought Shun once more, as his strikes became heavier and more violent, bypassing Shun's Unbreakable state as he found himself overwhelmed by Leung's immense strength. Shun threw a right hook, but Leung went low, and launched a high kick which caught Shun in the chin, launching the fighter into the air with impossible speeds. Shun crashed through the roof of the dojo as he landed on the ground, as he stared at the night sky, and the silhouette of Master Leung, his eyes glowing red. Leung smashed into Shun and launched an overwhelming flurry of punches at Shun's face, demanding why he chose to side with the man who killed his daughter. Shun, finally piecing together Talon's relation with Leung, tried to escape Leung's wrath, but Leung chased Shun down with superhuman speed, and sent a side kick which launched the boy into a concrete pillar, crashing through it. Shun tried to regain his senses, but Leung's speed and strength were augmented greatly, far beyond what he displayed before. Shun began to take blow after blow, as Leung angrily told the boy that he had an ethical code to never harm children, as he himself had a daughter. But with Shun, he would make an exception, since Talon had been the one who killed his daughter, Leung would direct all his rage onto Talon's student. Leung told Shun that Talon was a coward, and did not have the strength to face him directly, and would sacrifice his own student. Leung then proceeded to break Shun's left rib, as Shun collapsed, begging for someone to help him.

Just as Leung was about to deal a finishing blow, something inside Shun sparked, as his hand deflected the strike, and his leg moved on its own, connecting with Leung's head as the elder fighter stumbled back, as he was unable to process the movement. To Shun's disbelief, the voice of Hiiro appeared in his head, bypassing Shun's mental barrier, claiming that Leung was no longer human. Hiiro explained that the sudden increase in his physical abilities could only be attributed to the presence of a demon inside him, just as Hiiro himself was inside Shun. Hiiro then told Shun to use his Hung Gar, as he had been watching Shun the entire time, and concluded that the Razorwind Fist he and Talon had developed was ultimately inferior to Leung's Sixty Four Hands Technique. Shun reluctantly called upon Hiiro's power, as his body assumed a low horse stance, surprising the older fighter, who asked Shun how he knew Hung Gar. Shun, now using Hiiro's combat memories, fought Leung again, as Leung was unable to use his Sixty Four Hands Technique to deflect Hiiro's Chained Shadowless Kick, which was undetectable to the human eye. Bombarded by hundreds of kicks to the body, Leung was sent flying into the walls of a building, destroying it. Leung emerged from the mess, realizing that Shun was also yaoguai/yokai possessed, proclaimed that he would use more of his own demon, and that this fight would be one step in avenging his daughter. Hiiro urged Shun to use more of his power, as he had no choice. If he did not call upon his Hung Gar, the two of them would surely die. Shun grimly accepted Hiiro's request, as Leung gritted his teeth, watching Shun transform. His skin turning red, his nails growing longer, and his hair growing longer, taking on a purple tint. Two demon horns sprouted from Shun's head as the voice of Hiiro came out of Shun's mouth, challenging Master Leung to a duel, warning him that the fighter he was going to be taking on was one capable of Grandmaster Rank of Hung Gar, Hataka Hiiro.

However, the element of surprise was instantly neutralized, as Leung also transformed, his body taking on a reddish tone like Shun's, as Leung spoke with two voices. Leung retorted that he and his demon were far superior to Shun and Hiiro, as Hiiro's host was weak. In Leung's case, his demon was none other than his daughter, Gong Leung, who was his top student. Gong, unlike Leung, was young, and was significantly in stronger shape than the aging martial arts master. As father and daughter were one, their thoughts were in sync, their goals were in sync, and their love was unbreakable. When Gong died to Talon, she became a vengeful spirit, entering Master Leung in an attempt to be with her father for all eternity. Their bond far surpassed Hiiro and Shun's. Shun, wasting no time, rushed Leung with another Chained Shadowless Kick, but to both him and Hiiro's surprise, Leung deflected them all, claiming that he and his daughter were now one. Their skill, their power and strength, were now combined, and that his technique had now evolved to the One Hundred Twenty Eight Hands Technique. Leung then proclaimed that just as he used this technique to defeat Talon, he would use this technique to destroy The Red Beast.

Demon Hung Gar vs. One Hundred Twenty Eight Hands

Shun and Leung clashed, as the immense force of their strikes caused shockwaves to ripple through the entire dojo. Shun launched several punches at Leung, who deflected them with his 128 hands technique, but was diverted away, as the younger fighter appeared behind him, firing another Chained Shadowless Kick. However, Leung's defence was impenetrable. Shun backed off, as the two began blasting across the street with their demonic speed.

Shun asked Hiiro if they had what it took to take down Leung's possessed state, but Hiiro admitted that there is a chance that they might lose. Due to the synergy of their possession, Leung was on paper superior to him and Shun. Unless they found a way to synergize like they did, Hiiro would never be able to breach the 128 Hands Technique, even with the infamous Shadowless Kick. However, Hiiro noted that although Leung's stance provided the ultimate defence, his offence lacked severely. No strike could land, despite Hiiro's interpretation of Hung Gar had a heavy emphasis on offence and lacking defence. Hiiro continued exchanging blows with Leung, in an attempt to understand his style. Leung, curious about Hiiro's origins, asked why a Japanese Oni would know about Southern Chinese Martial Arts, however, Hiiro ignored him, as he continued to try to analyze Leung's fighting style. After five more minutes of intense fist exchange, Hiiro concluded that he was able to extract elements of Leung's style.

Hiiro explained to Shun that Leung had found a way to properly and effectively incorporate practically every limb in his body to serve as weapons. Traditionally, one would weaponize their hands, whether it be fists, palms, fingers. Their elbows. Their legs. However, with Leung, he had found a way to use every body part in his body to serve in his so called Sixty Four Hands technique. If done properly, Hiiro informed Shun that he might be able to incorporate elements of it too, but this would still not provide an edge in the battle. Shun suggested inventing a new style to incorporate the Sixty Four Hands, however, Hiiro dismissed Shun's suggestion as that of an "amateur". Unfortunately, time was running out for the two, as Shun's movements started to become sluggish. Leung pointed out that despite being able to access Wicked Oni, Shun and Hiiro did not possess a complete symbiotic relationship between host and spirit. Judging from how Shun called upon Hiiro's power like a weapon, they initiated a Master Servant Oni Bargain, causing Hiiro to be distracted, and Leung to take full advantage of this hesitation and land a decisive blow on Shun's neck, knocking him out of his Wicked Oni Transformation.

Leung stood before the two, victorious, but Shun forced himself to stand. Hiiro urged Shun to stay down, as even with Wicked Oni, they were no match for Leung, but Shun refused to give up, declaring that if he had given up, he would lose the only thing that he had going for him. As his life was spent living in the shadow of his twin brother, Wen, Shun did not have aptitude in martial arts. Work ethic and an unbreakable spirit was the one thing he could choose to have, and so, even if in the face of danger, he would continue fighting. Shun then switched his style back to the Razorwind Fist, causing Leung to laugh hysterically. Leung then called Shun stupid, asking if repeated blows to the head had made him delirious. Shun then charged Leung with his modified wushu, but Leung easily overpowered the fighter, grabbing him by the jaw and throwing him into several buildings as Shun's body slammed into concrete pillars like a rag doll. However, despite the numerous injuries being inflicted upon him, Shun still got to his feet. Shun then told Hiiro that if it was true that the way to beat Leung was to synergize, then rather trying to synergize their souls, they could try to fuse their styles. Hiiro, in disbelief at what Shun was suggesting, called him a fool, telling the boy that it was impossible for one to invent a new style in such a short period of time, much less incorporate one that was recently learned. Shun growled at Hiiro, retorting if all of Hiiro's claims of being a Grandmaster in Hung Gar was a just empty words, and it was a lie that he was a martial arts genius when he was still a human. Shun then went further, demanding if Hiiro lacked a backbone. He himself, was facing the challenge of staying alive against a Wicked Oni Master Leung, and if he could do that, there should be no reason why Hiiro couldn't develop a style that merged Sixty Four Hands with his Hung Gar.

Shun then assumed another stance, entering his Unbreakable State once more, as Leung bombarded his body with explosive blows. Shun brought his body into a highly defensive position, trying to minimize the impact as much as he could, but Leung's punches and strikes were still bypassing the extremely resilient breathing concentration of the Concrete Style. Shun asked Hiiro how he was doing, and Hiiro told Shun he needed more time to think. Shun gritted his teeth and continued withstanding Leung's overwhelming strikes, as his vision slowly began to turn more and more blurry. Leung, annoyed at Shun's fighting style, called the younger fighter a coward, hiding behind his Concrete Style, and launched a strike that completely bypassed his guard, breaking Shun's nose and releasing a fountain of blood from his nostrils, as Shun fell on his back. Shun's Unbreakable State depleted, as Leung swung once more at Shun's midsection, causing blood to erupt from his mouth and nostrils. Shun fell to his knees, his blood leaking on the ground as he fell face first onto the pavement, the blood trickling down the sidewalk. Suddenly, Hiiro stopped, remarking on how Shun's blood was like a river, then stared at the trails, as they all converged. Like one style. Hiiro then told Shun to get to his feet once more, as he believed he had figured out the new style, but Shun was completely out of stamina. However, from the corner of his eye, Shun made out the figure of a young man. A man who looked a lot like him, with magenta streaks in his hair, however he looked nothing like Wen. The man approached Shun, as Leung and Hiiro could not see what Shun was seeing, and told him to stand. Shun asked who he was, and the man replied that he was the reason for his existence, and when the time was right, he would grow to surpass everyone in China. Including Wen, Hiiro, and Leung. The man disappeared, as Shun explosively got to his feet, evading another finishing blow and grabbing onto Leung's wrist. Leung then tried to retaliate, but Shun's new style began grappling onto the older Wicked Oni, as Leung recognized Shun's movements to bare striking similarity to Wing Chun. Shun then closed the distance, breaching Leung's defences by getting up close, then launched a devastating Chain Punch at hypersonic speeds, causing Leung to stumble.

Shun and Hiiro began to speak as one, as the words began to converge. Shun lifted his foot, and launched another volley of Chained Shadowless Kicks, but this time, these were at a distance, and Leung became bombarded by a massive wave of shockwaves like bullets. Shun then closed the distance, exchanging blows with Leung and somehow overwhelming him. Hiiro spoke to Shun, claiming that this new style not only combined his Hung Gar with Sixty Four Hands, but also all the styles he had learned. This included his Shockwave Style, his Concrete Style, and his Wing Chun. Converging like a river, Hiiro told Shun to assume a new stance, which he denoted as the Two Thousand Hands Technique. This superior variant of Leung's stance caused the older fighter to struggle to keep up, despite being a Wicked Oni, and Shun only using a fraction of Hiiro's power. Shun then closed in and launched a devastating uppercut, which snapped Leung's neck, finally killing him. Breathing heavily, Hiiro congratulated Shun, thanking him for reawakening the martial artist in him. From Leung's body, a spirit emerged, as it screamed at Shun, asking what he had done, but Shun simply turned around, telling her that what Talon had done to her was none of his business. He simply fought Leung became that was his bounty, nothing more. The spirit tried to engage Shun in a fight, but Hiiro's spirit exited Shun's body, overwhelming Gong with his superior martial arts. Hiiro glared at Gong, telling her that a mere student of a lacklustre martial arts master was nothing compared to a True Grandmaster, and that he would follow Shun to the ends of the earth. Taken aback at Hiiro's loyalty to Shun, Gong fell to her knees, wondering what her father's life would have been had he not been consumed by her vengeance upon being possessed by her. However, Hiiro told her that as a spirit, she could choose to let go of her rage, since her father would have wanted that. Gong, finally accepting defeat, decided to let go of her anger for Talon, and told the pair that if they ever choose to leave the Red Circle Triad, they must defeat Talon to ensure no more lives were taken by the Triad Member.

Shun Zhang Conquers Chinese Martial Arts

Shun stepped out of the dojo, with the severed head of Master Leung, and was greeted by hordes of martial artists who had heard of the fighting. Numerous martial arts masters who Leung had gained the respect of, and countless more aspiring martial artists who were inspired by Leung all united to take The Red Beast down. Shun inspected his body, which was severely battered, blood leaking in numerous places. Shun asked Hiiro if he could call upon his Hung Gar once more, which Hiiro obliged. Shun then reached into his tattered pockets of his trousers, pulling out a long white bandage, and began wrapping his blood covered forearms with it, as the white fabric began to stain with his blood. Shun turned around, realizing more of Leung's supporters were on the opposite side, cornering the Triad member, all armed with machetes and weapons. One master pointed at Shun, declaring him to be the enemy of all of China for what he did to Master Leung. The sky began pouring rain, as Shun's hair became plastered all over his face, but Shun paid it no attention, wrapping Leung's head in a cloth and tying it to his shorts, then roared in defiance, charging the army, as Leung's supporters roared back.

Shun called upon Hiiro's stance, and leapt into the air, firing an Infinite Shadowless Chained Punch, the blows bombarding the army of attackers from below. Shun then landed on one attacker, and launched an extremely powerful frontal kick at the chest of another, sending the man flying back and crashing into the hordes of attackers. Shun the turned around, assuming Hiiro's new stance: The Converging River Fist. Shun roared, and flipped midair, swinging his legs and unleashing a massive cyclone of shockwaves and rainwater, sucking in fighters left and right and knocking them away. However, one master rushed in, sending several strikes at Shun which caught him in the chest. Shun stumbled back, and grabbed the ledge of a building, pulling himself up and flipping into the air as he performed a flying roundhouse kick at the nearby brick sculpture, then a powerful side kick which launched all the bricks down at the horde. Shun then landed on the ground, engaging the army through a series of wild yet fluid punches and kicks. Several machete slashes caught Shun as he fell to one knee, however Shun deflected the following onslaught of attacks using the Two Thousand Hands Technique. Bewildered by the similarity to Leung's style, the masters retreated from Shun's presence, as Shun yelled in defiance, chasing each master down and striking them with fierce aggression. Shun continued fighting, and taking damage, until eventually the attackers retreated, realizing that continued fighting would only lead to more people hurt and killed. The martial arts masters and supporters of Leung ceased attacking, as Shun narrowly escaped, with near fatal wounds, making his way back to his residence in the hideout, and passing out in front of Yan.

Upon awakening, Shun found Yan tending to his wounds, and Yan asked Shun if he had taken lives. Shun glanced at the severed head of Master Leung, which was stored in a bucket filled with ice, and told Yan that he did indeed kill many. Shun asked Yan if that was a problem, and that she had lived her life in the Red Circle Triad, long enough to know that the people were all killers. Yan was upset with Shun's claim, as she believed Shun was different. However, after hearing Shun's statement, Yan told him that perhaps she was wrong about Shun, and that he was a killer just like the rest. Shun ignored Yan, and took the severed head to Boss Lok, who congratulated the Triad member with doing what Talon could not. Lok then summoned Talon, as Talon entered the room and bowed before Shun, recognizing that Shun at this point had surpassed him in ability. Talon then left, as Lok promoted Shun to become his First Son. As the First Son, Lok replaced Talon in mentoring Shun, and told him that from then on, he would be under his care in the Red Circle Triad.

For the next four months, Shun followed Lok's tutelage, improving his Razorwind Fist even further, upgrading it to the Shockwave Style: Wind Dragon Fist. Lok also improved Shun's Unbreakable style, to allow him to mentally inhibit pain for longer periods of time. Lok then revealed to Shun that of all the martial artists in The Red Circle, Talon was not the strongest, as his style, the Wirecutter Palm, came from Lok himself, explaining that he was Talon's teacher. However, due to his asthma and deteriorating health from smoking cigarettes, Lok's proficiency was lowered greatly. By incorporating the Wirecutter Palm into his Razorwind Fist and forming the Wind Dragon Fist, Shun would be carrying on Lok's aspirations and honor as China's most feared martial artist. During this time, Hiiro also incorporated the Wind Dragon Fist into his repertoire, adding upon the Converging River Fist.

Shun Zhang vs. Prime Aspect Mogul

After completing a bounty, Shun returned to the hideout, but was intercepted by two figures, which Shun recognized as Fu and Yi. In an attempt to provoke the fighter, Fu asked Shun if he had thought of them or Wen during his time becoming a killer, however, Shun replied that Wen's life was none of his business. Disgusted at Shun's lack of care for his twin, Yi attacked Shun, but was no match for Shun's Wind Dragon Fist, as the Acolyte was easily defeated. Fu attempted to help his comrade, but Shun kicked Fu away with astonishing force, sending him away. Shun then told the two that his life was his own, and that Wen knew that too when he disowned him. Shun also continued, claiming that he was not like he was before, and he had never forgiven the two Acolytes for killing his parents. Shun then charged the two fighters, smashing Yi into the ground, pummelling him so hard that the windows around the streets shook violently. Fu and Shun began exchanging strikes, but Shun overwhelmed Fu, slamming the Acolyte to the ground. Yi tried to intercept, but Shun simply glared at the Acolyte, telling him that just as he took from him, he would take from the Acolyte, and proceeded to break Fu's neck, killing him. Shun then stood before Yi, who was now enraged. Yi charged Shun with enhanced strength, pummelling him and slamming him into the ground, knocking him back as Shun became overwhelmed by a furious Yi. However, before Yi could land another blow, Shun's body transformed, Hiiro now taking over. Hiiro remarked Shun's growth, and also announced that he himself had grown as a fighter as well, with the help of Shun. Yi, overcome with grief over the death of Fu, attacked Hiiro, but Hiiro overwhelmed him with the Converging River Fist, to Yi's disbelief. Yi asked Hiiro how a Wicked Oni could grow stronger, as he was simply a vengeful spirit. However, Hiiro revealed that it was Shun who awoken the martial artist in him, and allowed the Oni to grow alongside its master. Hiiro then overwhelmed Yi with far superior technique, as Shun and Hiiro stood before Yi, victorious.

The victory was short lived however, as a clap interrupted the fight, revealing Prime Aspect Mogul, who was watching the fight. Shun tried to engage Mogul, however, Hiiro urged him to retreat, as he sensed something overwhelmingly sinister with the orc. Far beyond anyone the pair had ever faced, even eclipsing Oxar Uxas in power. Mogul approached Yi, and asked what had become of his brother, for which Yi responded that Shun had slaughtered him in cold blood. Mogul then told the Acolyte that he was extremely disappointed in the two, as he had expected Yi and his brother Fu to be enough to handle both Wen and Shun, as they were created for that purpose. But now, both twins were overwhelmed by only Shun, who was supposedly the inept fighter of the two brothers. Yi, in disbelief at what Mogul was saying, cowered in fear, begging Mogul for another chance, however, Mogul announced that he saw no use in a martial artist who had no feats to back their words, then proceeded to snap Yi's neck with astonishing speed and force, to Hiiro's disbelief. Mogul then turned to Shun, asking if Shun's strength was truly his own, or supplied by the demon. Shun, angered at what Mogul was trying to imply, asked him on what grounds did he have to say he was the inept brother. With his newfound strength and tutelage under the Red Circle Triad, his strength had grown profoundly, allowing him to completely conquer Chinese Martial Arts, defeat every single one of Master Leung's followers alone, and surpass Talon. However, Mogul told Shun that these accomplishments were nothing compared to others of his kind. Confused as to what Mogul was saying, Shun demanded an explanation, however, Mogul denied Shun's request, telling him that he was still far too weak to deserve any epiphany whatsoever. Enraged at Mogul's words, Shun ignored Hiiro's pleas, and engaged Mogul in hand to hand combat, telling the Prime Aspect that if he was still delusional enough to believe the Red Beast was to be taken lightly, then he would teach him a lesson, just as he did to the entire martial arts community in China.

Shun launched forward, and materialized behind Mogul with Hiiro's speed. Mogul turned around, and Shun leapt into the air, out of Mogul's view, and unleashed a powerful axe kick from the Wind Dragon Fist repertoire, the blow connecting with Mogul's head and creating a shockwave that shattered the windows of the street, causing widespread panic. Mogul asked Shun if he had any consideration for the collateral damage he was doing, and Shun answered that he did not care about other people, he would do whatever it took to win. Intrigued by Shun, Mogul reached out, but Shun dodged and sent a Demonic Chain Punch at the Prime Aspect, who absorbed the punches easily. Shun, then dodged another swipe, sending a flying side kick at Mogul's face, generating yet another shockwave from the impact, however Mogul was completely unaffected. Hiiro told Shun that Mogul's durability was far beyond any power he could generate, even with his Oni power. Shun leapt back, and stubbornly charged again, saying that he had grown strong. He was no longer the weaker twin, and if he could defeat Mogul he would prove that, as he had gone beyond his limits against Master Leung. Shun, confident in his ability, launched another punch, but to the Remnant's shock, Mogul dodged the strike and weaved backwards with ridiculous speed, creating a large distance before Hiiro could even react. Hiiro continued begging Shun to call the fight off, but Mogul beckoned the fighter forward, as Shun, his ego bruised, rushed forward recklessly, only for Mogul to dodge another strike, then land a punch square in Shun's face. Shun flew backwards and smashed into dozens of houses, creating a massive canyon in the street, ending the fight.