Chapter 26: Chapter 26: A Wild Crossbones Appears (Edited)
Nalan Long, observing Clark's heavy-duty training, lectured him about moderation but internally admired his spirit. He even used the opportunity to inspect Clark's training progress to teach him a few tips on exerting force.
A true master's advice can be worth more than thousands of books.
A casual tip from the elder felt like an enlightenment to Clark, deepening his understanding of the Shaolin Twelve Tan Legs.
After having dinner with the Nalan family, Clark's relationship with them grew closer, distinguishing him from the other students who paid for their training.
After dinner, Clark voluntarily helped wash the dishes before activating his BGM and running home with the wind.
Standing by the window, Nalan Long watched Clark disappear at the end of the street with a satisfied smile, admiringly saying, "Clark Lee is the most outstanding student I've seen in years. Not only is he exceptionally talented, but he's also willing to endure hardship. He's far better than you, my son!"
The last remark was directed at Nalan Qing by his side.
Chided by his father, Nalan Qing could only respond with a sheepish smile, "He himself said it's all thanks to your excellent teaching."
"Don't try to butter me up!" the elder retorted, unimpressed, "I've put more effort into teaching you than I have in giving him pointers. Yet, if I were to let him fight you now, I'm sure you'd be the one to lose!"
Nalan Qing was inwardly frustrated; comparisons to others could be so annoying! "Ah, no good!" Suddenly, a cry of alarm interrupted the father-son daily lesson. Turning around, they saw Nalan Bai holding a Walkman, anxiously stating, "Clark forgot his Walkman when he left."
Nalan Qing looked oddly at the headphones plugged into the young girl's ears, who then explained, "I was just curious, so I borrowed his Walkman to listen. But he forgot to ask for it back when he left."
Nalan Long couldn't help but chuckle, "It's just a Walkman. If you don't come back this weekend, just leave it at the gym, and Qing can return it to him when classes resume."
"How could that be okay?" Nalan Bai protested, "He really loves his Walkman!"
"No, I'll go and return it to him right now."
"Let me do it," Nalan Qing finally spoke, "That guy runs like a rabbit. How could you possibly catch up? I can get there faster by car."
"I want to go too!"
"Alright, let's go together."
...
Clark hadn't given the Walkman a second thought, nor did he cherish it as much as Nalan Bai claimed. It was merely a cover for his golden finger.
Carrying 400 kg of weight, Clark breezed past the same alley again and encountered the same group of thugs who had attempted to rob him before, blocking his path in the same formation.
Seeing this, Clark couldn't help but smile mischievously, preempting them by asking, "Did you bring money today?"
Receiving impression points from Dick Walker +6, Tom +7, Jerry...
...and from Brock Rumlow +23!
After a series of familiar names, a new one emerged, significantly surpassing the limits of ordinary people. This notification immediately put Clark on alert.
His smile fading, Clark quickly recalled the name Rumlow. With an impression score far beyond that of an ordinary person, it indicated that Rumlow must be a character from the Marvel universe, likely related to the thugs' newfound boldness.
Considering this, Rumlow must be either a supervillain or a superhero. "How interesting. I didn't expect you to be so vigilant. But I wonder if your strength matches your caution."
As Clark heightened his vigilance and pondered the stranger's identity, he saw a burly man with a skull mask slowly emerge from behind the row of thugs. The emblem on his chest resembled the X-Men logo but was a ghastly white.
Recognizing the man's attire, Clark finally matched the name Brock Rumlow to a notorious villain in the Marvel world.
Crossbones! Crossbones, real name Brock Rumlow, was Hydra's top enforcer. His strength was at the peak of human capabilities, a man who could go toe-to-toe with Captain America!
Clark had not expected his low profile to attract Hydra's attention so soon, but facing Crossbones, he was undaunted.
As he methodically removed his coat and weights, Clark casually said, "It looks like you're the new boss of these thugs. What, taking office and trying to establish your authority over an innocent civilian in front of your minions?"
"You guessed right. That's exactly what I plan to do." Crossbones, confident in his strength, made no move to stop Clark from removing his weights. After Clark had taken everything off, Crossbones spoke again, "Are you ready, Easterner?"
Clark raised an eyebrow, "Do you look down on Asians?"
"No, no, no!" Crossbones waved his hand as the thugs cleared a path, approaching Clark while saying, "I had a twin brother, not inferior to me in strength, but recently, he was defeated by a Chinese special forces soldier in Africa. With such a vivid lesson before my eyes, how could I possibly underestimate the Chinese?"
Crossbones has a brother? Since when? As Clark was momentarily distracted, Crossbones launched a sudden attack, aiming a punch straight at Clark's face.
Direct and efficient! Clark hadn't expected Crossbones to start with a sneak attack, disregarding any semblance of honor among fighters.
Caught off guard, Clark could only block with his arm, retreating three steps from the force of the punch, only to hear Crossbones's taunt, "Didn't you eat, kid?"
Caught by surprise, Clark was a bit frustrated but didn't complain.
After all, this wasn't a martial arts world.
Crossbones's fighting style might lack the dignity of a strong fighter, but it was very Marvel! Rubbing his slightly sore arm, Clark nonchalantly responded to Crossbones's question, "I just had a meal. Caught a nine-headed venomous snake this afternoon, breaded and fried until golden on both sides. The neighbor's kid cried with envy!"
Receiving impression points from Brock Rumlow +777!
"Kid, you're asking for it!" Apparently triggered, Crossbones roared and charged at Clark.
Clark also activated the BGM "Be a Man" and met him head-on.
His earlier mocking of Hydra only yielded impression points from Crossbones, indicating no other Hydra members were nearby.
He had encountered a wild Crossbones! At this moment, Clark entertained a bold idea.
What kind of butterfly effect would killing Crossbones in this alley produce?
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone