KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

Time flies, and it's already dawn. At the summit of Wudang Mountain, which soars into the clouds, mist swirls, creating a scene like a fairyland. A flock of white cranes soars through the air, their wings fluttering gently as they dance gracefully.

Amidst this beautiful scenery, a black-haired boy dressed in a simple white robe and black trousers sat cross-legged with his eyes closed. He emanated a pale blue light, occasionally flashing with a golden flame. He blended seamlessly with his surroundings, as if he were a part of this world.

As the sun rose, its warm rays bathed the summit of Wudang Mountain. At that moment, the fair-skinned, gentle-tempered, and handsome young man slowly opened his golden eyes. The golden pupils shone softly in the sunlight, like two dazzling gems. His gaze was deep and serene, revealing an extraordinary and refined air.

"Finally, it's not dark anymore! Yay!" Yan Yue opened her eyes, overjoyed to discover that she had begun to regain her sight. Although she couldn't see clearly, she could already perceive light.

In the blink of an eye, Yan Yue had turned sixteen. Four years had passed since the Flying Thief Sect suffered its calamity. During this time, the world's technology had developed exceptionally rapidly. The initial simple keypad mobile phones gradually became widespread, becoming necessities in people's daily lives. Their own Eight Extremes Sect also kept pace with the times, installing basic electrical appliances such as telephones, televisions, and refrigerators, making life within the sect more convenient.

During these four years, Yan Yue, Shun Ying, and Ming Tianjun went down the mountain to study at a school. However, thanks to his knowledge from his previous life, Yan Yue quickly completed his studies and graduated successfully. At the same time, his meridians were fully repaired, and his body returned to normal. Tang Fulu even taught him the [Ladder Cloud Leap] technique, which greatly enhanced his strength.

The Cloud Ladder Leap, as a peerless lightness skill, requires extremely high physical constitution and profound internal strength to master. For Yan Yue, who possesses a special physique, the Cloud Ladder Leap was practically tailor-made for him. In a very short time, Yan Yue mastered this peerless martial art and soon wielded it with ease.

Yan Yue's strength has advanced by leaps and bounds, making him even more formidable than Tang Fulu. As time goes by, he becomes increasingly convinced of his understanding of the Qi Cultivation Technique and the Flowing Water Rock-Shattering Fist. He also discovers an affinity for the creatures of nature, as no bird or beast has ever shown him fear or harm. Yan Yue also begins to wonder about his origins.

However, Yan Yue didn't see Xiao Long or Duo Long again during this time. It was as if the Flying Thief Sect had vanished from the face of the earth. Yan Yue had long realized he truly loved Xiao Long, and he would occasionally mention her when chatting with his junior brothers. His junior brothers were also curious about what kind of person their senior brother liked. Yan Yue could only say she was a gentle and kind girl, whose appearance he couldn't see. Therefore, Yan Yue couldn't help but worry about the safety of the siblings. Duo Long should be alright for now, but he wondered if Xiao Long had completed his apprenticeship by now.

Yan Yue leaped down from the mountaintop and landed lightly on the ground. He stretched, enjoying the fresh air, and then headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for everyone.

After everyone finished their meal, Yan Yue began packing his luggage, preparing to descend the mountain. He carefully checked each item to ensure nothing was forgotten.

"You two, remember to take good care of the old man while I'm gone. I've taught you all the housework," Yan Yue said sternly to her two junior brothers. Ming Tianjun and Shunying nodded in understanding.

Yan Yue then earnestly instructed, "If a sister named Xiaolong or a brother named Duolong comes up the mountain, be sure to treat them well! This is extremely important!"

"Senior brother, what does Sister Xiaolong look like? You can't see her, but you seem to know her very well," Shunying asked curiously.

Yan Yue smiled as she recalled Xiao Long's appearance: "Athena said he was very beautiful, with long, silver-white hair in a long braid, and he liked to wear long, light blue clothes. He was a very gentle person."

The image of Xiaolong appeared in his mind, as if he could see her beautiful smile and gentle eyes.

"What about Brother Duolong?" Mingtianjun asked.

Yan Yue replied, "He is Xiao Long's older brother. His clothes are similar to Xiao Long's. He is a handsome man with long hair and black clothes."

Afterwards, Yan Yue looked at Tang Fulu and said solemnly, "Grandpa, don't worry, I will be careful."

Tang Fulu looked at Yan Yue. He knew this mission was fraught with danger, but he also believed that Yan Yue was capable of handling it.

"This trip to Nanzhen will take too long. Don't you really need to bring more money?" Tang Fulu asked with concern.

Yan Yue shook her head and said with a smile, "Grandpa, I've brought enough, don't worry."

"Grandpa, just wait and see how much money I make! Of course, it's legitimate money!" Yan Yue said confidently.

Tang Fulu smiled and said, "Okay, Grandpa looks forward to your success."

"Yan Yue, have a safe journey," Tang Fulu instructed.

"Senior brother, have a safe journey." Shunying Mingtianjun waved goodbye.

"Of course we'll be riding the wind all the way!"

[Nature Flow] Open!

After speaking, Yan Yue, carrying a backpack, used his "Ladder Cloud Leap" lightness skill, his figure flashing as he leaped off the cliff and landed steadily on a tree branch below. He lightly touched the branch and soared into the air again, flying away into the distance like a bird.

Tang Fulu watched Yan Yue's departing figure and silently prayed that everything would go well for him.

Yan Yue's eyes were resolute!

"This trip down the mountain is to clean house for the Wudang Mountain Bajiquan sect!" These were the words Tang Fulu said to Yan Yue a few days ago.

A few days ago, news reports on TV were broadcasting about the initial KOF (King of Fighters) tournament, but it wasn't a large-scale event. Location: Southtown, California. Organizer: Geese Howard.

That day, Tang Fulu told Yan Yue that he had once had three disciples, namely:

Jeff Bogard.

Geese Howard.

Chen Qinshan.

Jeff was an upright, kind, and honorable man, and Tang Fulu's favorite disciple. After completing his apprenticeship, he traveled far and wide, adopting two brothers, Terry and Andy, whose character was influenced by Jeff. Later, he was killed by Geese, and the Terry brothers witnessed their father's murder. Afterwards, the brothers found Tang Fulu. Terry learned Bajiquan martial arts at Wudang Mountain, with Yan Yue having previously cared for him. Andy, however, was not suited to learning Bajiquan and, after leaving the mountain, learned the Shiranui-ryu ninjutsu. The two brothers are now preparing a plan for revenge.

Geese Howard: No ordinary person; possesses demonic blood and is ruthless. After descending the mountain, his true nature was revealed, and he formed a gang in South Town. The gang grew in power and eventually infiltrated the local government. In his quest for power and to obtain the secret manual, he killed Jeff. He is no longer a disciple of the Eight Extremes Sect.

Chen Qinshan: After leaving the mountain, he fought in underground boxing matches with gangsters, engaged in match-fixing, swindling, and deception, damaging the reputation of the Bajiquan school. He was personally expelled from the school by Tang Fulu. This happened around the time Ming Tianjun went up the mountain to become a disciple. After that, Tang Fulu decided not to accept any more disciples.

This time, Yan Yue's initiative to seek out Terry and the others surprised Tang Fulu. His goal was very clear: to defeat Geese, avenge Jeff, and make money!

"The Legend of the Fatal Fury? I think Terry and the others will definitely participate, and it seems that the Sakazaki family will also be involved. In that case, it's a good opportunity to repay the kindness of Uncle Kusanagi and General Heidern." Yan Yue secretly plotted in her heart.

At this moment, Yan Yue had arrived at the airport and was about to board a flight to South Town, USA. He was filled with anticipation for this unfamiliar place: "South Town, USA...it sounds like a place full of freedom!" Muttering to himself, Yan Yue boarded the plane, beginning this unknown journey.

(Note: Original skills may appear in the novel.)