Chapter Seventy-One: Supernatural Powers Versus Ancient Martial Arts

Chapter Seventy-One

The invitation extended by the Situ family to Mei and her companions was nothing more than a test, prompted by their close ties to the Ye family. The true focus remained the Ye family itself. Thus, after two bouts with Ye Jingnan, Mo Chen, though reluctant, ultimately agreed to the Situ family’s invitation.

Mei and the others, eager to witness the spectacle, naturally raised no objections.

The following day, the six of them arrived at the Situ residence as promised, accompanied by Ye Jingnan, who acted as their mutual introducer.

As a prestigious ancient martial clan, the Situ family’s grand estate was every bit as impressive as that of the Ye family. From the imposing gates to the main hall, the buildings were all constructed in a traditional style, exuding a classical elegance at every turn.

Mei, having never seen such architecture before, couldn’t help but gaze around curiously. The green bricks and red tiles, carved railings and painted pillars—all struck her as wonderfully novel.

As they approached the main hall, they saw an elderly man, hair white but spirit undiminished, sitting upright in his chair. Beside him, Situ Qing kept glancing toward the entrance, her eyes lighting up the moment Mo Chen entered.

Mei, noticing this, shot Mo Chen a teasing look, only to have her hand squeezed firmly in warning and to receive a sharp glance in return.

Thus admonished, Mei turned her attention to the elder in the seat of honor.

Ye Jingnan was the first to greet the old man. “Master Situ, it’s been a while, and you seem even more vigorous than before!”

“Ah, young Ye, you’re not doing badly yourself. It’s been some time, but I can see your strength has improved again!” The elder’s gaze was piercing, and with just one look, he discerned Ye Jingnan’s advancement.

“I’ve only just advanced after all this time—not worthy of your praise, sir,” Ye Jingnan replied with polite modesty, though his expression betrayed not a trace of humility.

“The Ye family has many pressing matters. It’s understandable if you have little time for cultivation. These must be the Reverse Mercenary Squad that Ahai mentioned?” Situ Chufeng’s words subtly alluded to Ye Jingnan’s recent activities, then he turned his gaze toward Mei and her companions.

Ye Jingnan shrugged indifferently and stepped aside to present the six behind him.

“I’m sure Situ Hai has already told you about them. This is my young master and his friends!” He then turned to Mei and the others. “Allow me to introduce the current head of the Situ family.”

Mei, unsure what to say, watched as Mo Chen and the others exchanged the usual courtesies—“It’s an honor”—before all were seated.

Ten rosewood chairs were arranged on either side of the hall, and the seven of them took seats on both sides. In addition to Situ Qing, Situ Hai, whom they had met previously, was also present as host.

After the introductions, Situ Chufeng’s gaze lingered on Mei. Though she appeared young and innocent, untouched by the ways of the world, he keenly sensed a trace of indifference in her eyes—not the cold detachment of the uninvolved, but a genuine unconcern, as if everything passed before her like fleeting clouds, leaving not the slightest mark on her heart.

Situ Chufeng was surprised. Though he could not fathom how someone so young could possess the gaze of one who had seen the world, he nonetheless elevated her in his estimation.

“This young friend is the only known Light Elemental Awakened at present?” Situ Chufeng asked, looking at Mei.

Mei blinked. “Are you talking about me, Grandpa? I am a Light Elemental, but whether I’m the only one, I don’t know.”

“I hear your archery is exceptional. Who was your teacher?”

Mei had never heard anyone ask in such a way. After a moment’s thought, she realized he was inquiring about her mentor.

“I don’t have a teacher. I taught myself,” Mei replied honestly, shaking her head.

At this, Situ Qing’s gaze flashed with disdain. In their family, lineage and mentorship were of utmost importance. She did not believe someone who was self-taught could be truly strong. Remembering that this girl was the only one her beloved truly cared about, Situ Qing restrained herself from speaking up.

Yet her expression did not escape Ye Jingnan and the rest of the squad. Mei was unconcerned, but the others took instant dislike to Situ Qing, though they did not show it outwardly.

Situ Chufeng, on the other hand, did not look down on Mei. Instead, he remarked, “To become skilled through self-study speaks to extraordinary talent. May I ask, what level is your ability?”

“I’m not sure. I was tested as Level Three back at the Moonlight Base, but haven’t checked since arriving here, so I don’t know,” Mei replied truthfully. There was no need to conceal it—after all, if the elder could discern Ye Jingnan’s advancement at a glance, hiding her own level would be futile.

“A true strong one is not only measured by martial prowess, but by the strength of the heart. You have achieved much at a tender age; though gifted by nature, in martial cultivation, one must hone form with strength, nurture spirit through form, and perceive one’s nature through spirit. Only when form, spirit, and nature are all cultivated can one walk the great path. The Situ family is rooted in martial arts, yet never forgets the cultivation of virtue. If you are interested, young friend, perhaps we could exchange pointers.”

Situ Chufeng’s words were veiled and philosophical, leaving Mei utterly perplexed.

She hadn’t understood a word of it!

She turned a pleading look to the others, her eyes clearly begging for an explanation.

“Master Situ is inviting you to spar—a friendly match,” Mo Chen explained, more adept at local customs than the outsider Mei, though he conveniently left out the part about Situ Chufeng wanting her to learn their ancient martial arts.

Mei’s face lit up with sudden understanding. So that was what he meant?

He simply wanted to test their strength before making any decisions!

Why not just say so? Why make it so convoluted? It left her utterly confused.

She grumbled inwardly about the elder’s roundabout way of speaking, but outwardly remained as innocent as ever. “So Grandpa wants to spar with me! Sure, I’d love to see what ancient martial arts are like.”

Situ Chufeng’s hand paused briefly as he stroked his beard, then he nodded. “Since you are interested in ancient martial arts, let us exchange pointers. Third, take them to the training grounds.”

At this, Situ Hai rose and answered respectfully.

He gestured for Mei and the others to follow him.

The training ground lay in the back courtyard of the Situ estate. While not as spacious as the Ye family’s, it was still sizable. In the center was a large character for “Martial,” and several wooden racks around the edges held a variety of weapons—all blunt, for practice and sparring only.

When Mei and the others arrived, two men were already engaged in a lively duel—blade against sword, their strikes drawing cheers from the onlookers.

Situ Hai led their group to the side of the arena and asked them to wait. He then approached a middle-aged man who bore a striking resemblance to him. After a brief exchange, the man signaled for the duel to end.

“All disciples, today’s assessment ends here. We have guests who wish to experience the Situ family’s ancient martial arts. You are all welcome to stay and observe for practical learning,” he announced to the disciples. Then, turning to Mei and her group, he clasped his hands and said, “At my father’s command, we are to exchange skills through martial arts and give you all a taste of our traditions. Out of respect, my senior disciple will first spar with one of you as a warm-up.”

As soon as he finished, a tall young man in his twenties stepped forward from the crowd, wielding an ornate staff.

Mei and her companions exchanged glances, debating who should go first. Ye Jingnan, representing the Ye family, could not take action today. Ye Jingxuan, though present as a member of the Reverse Squad, was the young master of the Ye family—it would be unseemly for him to fight. That left Mei, Mo Chen, and Lin Shaojie as suitable candidates. An Ziyou’s ability was unsuited for the occasion, and Qu Wenyuan lacked combat experience.

After some discussion, they decided Lin Shaojie should first test the opponent’s strength.

As a Wind Elemental, Lin Shaojie did not favor any particular weapon and usually used a dagger for close combat, aiming for stealth and precision under Ye Jingxuan’s tutelage. Facing an opponent with a long staff, however, he would be at a disadvantage up close, so he chose to keep his distance and rely on his ability.

Once on the field, the two saluted each other. At Situ Lin’s command to “Begin,” Lin Shaojie moved first—sending several wind blades toward his opponent, then using his speed to harry him in hit-and-run attacks.

The opponent’s staff spun in a tight defense, making it impossible for the wind blades to reach him. Yet he could do nothing to Lin Shaojie either; his powerful swings were rendered useless by Lin Shaojie’s agility.

Seeing his attacks fail, Lin Shaojie changed tactics, conjuring two whirlwinds and sending them spinning toward his foe. Unlike wind blades, whirlwinds were formless and couldn’t be batted away with a staff.

The man withdrew, staff at the ready, then clapped his hands together. Two earthen walls rose from the ground, trapping the whirlwinds between them before closing in and neutralizing the attack.

Lin Shaojie was momentarily stunned to discover his opponent also wielded earth abilities. Before he could attack again, the man slammed his staff into the ground, sending a crack racing toward Lin Shaojie’s feet.

He dodged quickly, but his opponent struck again and again. Each blow either split the ground open or sent spikes of earth jutting up, keeping Lin Shaojie in a frantic scramble.

His rhythm disrupted, unable to find an opening, Lin Shaojie’s face betrayed his agitation and unwillingness to yield.

Was he really going to lose like this?

No—he refused to accept it.

He had always worked hard, determined not to be a burden, striving to become more useful. How could he accept defeat so easily?

Dodging blow after blow, his eyes grew bloodshot with frustration.

His energy waned, but he gritted his teeth and decided to stake everything on one last attempt.

As he leaped to evade another attack, a powerful current of air gathered around him, holding him in midair for a moment. Then, a roaring cyclone spiraled skyward, the force so great his opponent couldn’t stand firm—and even the spectators around the arena were affected.

Mei and the others quickly raised a protective shield, watching in astonishment as Lin Shaojie unleashed a tornado. They looked at the Situ family with deep sympathy—this estate was unlikely to survive unscathed.