Martial Qi: Amazing

"Naturally, I'm aware of Elder Ming Xiang," replied Murong Changfeng, his eyes thoughtful. "It is said that he is in Taibai Academy, but few people can recognize him." He turned to his father and asked, "Father, why are you suddenly asking about him?"

Murong Wang's gaze turned cold as he replied, "Why would an elder from the Three Dynasties hide in an academy and not concern himself with worldly matters? There must be something amiss. According to rumors, the War Soul Army, or the souls, as they are called, are mysteriously hidden throughout Taibai Academy. Only the Emperor Taishang knows their true identities, and no one else can uncover them. However, one thing is certain: they must be within the academy."

"So, Father means that Eunuch Ming Xiang is a member of the War Soul Army?" Murong Changfeng's excitement grew as he made this speculation. "But since I've been at the academy, I haven't seen any elderly men who appear to be immortal and arrogant!"

"Eunuch Ming Xiang is known for being eccentric, always elusive. He may be disguising himself as a master within the academy," Murong Wang said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But regardless, he will be in the Youyuan. That is the primary location for recruiting members into the War Soul Army. Your task is simple: treat every master with respect. I have a feeling that when the new students are admitted to the academy, the guide from the War Soul Army will definitely reveal themselves."

In the northeast corner of the Shang Yuan, an old man with a hunched back swept fallen leaves from the ground with a broom.

This place was dedicated to the reading of college students, filled with numerous books and scrolls. However, none of the prestigious descendants who had been immersed in martial arts for countless years found this place worth visiting, except for one person—Helian Weiwei.

Ever since she lost her martial energy at the age of seven, there were many things she hadn't been taught. Even though she had the guidance of the underworld god, who enhanced her combat skills, systematic martial arts still required her own effort.

In the vast courtyard, there was only an old man sweeping and a girl reading diligently. The sunset's glow cast an indescribable sense of tranquility and serenity.

However, no one paid attention. When the old man raised his eyes, a glint of sharpness flashed in the corner of his eye.

Intentionally or unintentionally, he swept the broom in front of Helian Weiwei, coughed heavily twice, and pointed to a high bookshelf. "Little girl, it seems you're taller than me. Can you help this old man retrieve a book from there? I can continue cleaning."

Helian Weiwei, who had been focused on her reading, initially hadn't noticed the presence of the old man. However, realizing his inconvenience, she stood up, took the ancient book, and handed it to him before intending to continue studying.

But to her surprise, the old man in front of her suddenly vanished!

Helian Weiwei's eyes narrowed as she quickly glanced behind her.

The old man had changed his posture, his white hair suspended in the air. One hand rested behind his back, while the other stroked his beard. His sleeves billowed slightly, giving him an ethereal appearance, like an immortal in the mortal world. With a deep and resounding voice, he said, "I have been cleaning here for many years, and you are the first person willing to help me. You possess a kind heart, little girl."

"It was just a small gesture," Helian Weiwei replied with little change in her expression. She placed the ancient book down and revealed a faint smile at the corner of her mouth.

The old man's eyes brightened as he continued to speak, "Little girl, this old immortal never owes anyone a favor. Since you helped this old immortal, I shall also give you something in return." He pointed towards a nearby branch, and with a movement reminiscent of mountain twilight, he aimed it at Helian Weiwei. The branch appeared thick, peculiar, and intricate, resembling an army of thousands with the power to shatter mountains and rocks.

Helian Weiwei's eyes narrowed abruptly, and her figure became elusive, akin to a drifting shadow. She moved unpredictably, like a plum shadow swaying in the wind, easily evading the branch's assault with her Qi.

The old man's eyes lit up, and he continued his attacks. Just as he thought victory was within his grasp, Helian Weiwei utilized his previous moves against him!

At first, he was stunned, then he placed the bamboo branch down and smiled repeatedly. "Excellent, excellent! There exists such an intelligent girl in this world, truly marvelous!" Helian Weiwei also smiled, having spent years in the twenty-first century traversing black and white paths. Her superhuman memory had developed, enabling her to learn and adapt quickly. She could modify her moves on the spot based on the circumstances of real combat. Years spent climbing the mountains in Yunnan with a machine gun had trained her well. Now, wielding a branch felt like an extension of her arm, making her movements natural and graceful.

"Come, come! Let me teach you another set of the Fire Devouring Heaven technique!" The old man had waited for countless years, and finally, he had encountered a talented disciple to his satisfaction. His heart filled with excitement, and his face revealed an undeniable joy. He believed this girl would be able to learn his technique flawlessly.

Upon hearing the four words "Fire Devouring Heaven," Helian Weiwei's heart brightened. Even three-year-old children in the Battle Dragon Empire had heard of this peerless school.

It was said that this supreme school had been lost after the retirement of the third-generation Elder Gong Mingxiang.

Now, this old man intended to pass it on to her...

Helian Weiwei's eyes gleamed, and she naturally recognized the old man's identity. However, after a brief moment, she shook her head. "I don't wish to learn Fire Devouring Heaven. It doesn't align with my martial energy."

"You...?" Gong Mingxiang was shocked, wondering if she disliked waking up early like the boy in the palace.

Helian Weiwei's smile deepened. "Although I've only recently started martial arts, I've grasped a certain truth. Elder Gong's Fire Devouring Heaven technique is related to the fire element, and I've realized that my martial energy has no connection to fire."

"You!" Gong Mingxiang exclaimed, surprised that she had discerned his identity. After all, this young girl was exceptionally intelligent and perceptive.

He touched his chin and furrowed his brow in thought. "Your martial energy path is quite peculiar, as if you have suffered a significant injury. It seems incongruous. However, despite that, you've managed to win with surprising ease. Girl, what cultivation technique are you practicing?"

Helian Weiwei smiled and replied, "It's nothing extraordinary. My martial energy path differs greatly from the Fire Devouring Heaven technique. The world is filled with countless extraordinary martial arts, but learning too many may not necessarily be beneficial. Sometimes, one may struggle to control the fire element. As for me, I'm content with my current practice, which suits me well, and I can wield it effortlessly."

Hearing her words, Gong Mingxiang was momentarily stunned. Then, his eyes sparkled as he looked at Helian Weiwei. "Haha! I didn't expect it. Truly, I didn't expect that everyone who practices martial arts in this world cannot resist the lure of greed. Yet, you have realized this truth at such a young age. You are truly a remarkable individual!"

"It's merely the result of many battles," Helian Weiwei said with a slight smile as she gazed at the setting sun. "It's getting late. Eunuch, you should rest early. There's no need to sweep the same place all the time. It might expose your true identity."

Gong Mingxiang looked at the ground shining beneath his broom, his face filled with astonishment. After a brief pause, he stroked his white whiskers and spoke to no one in particular, his smile brimming with delight. "This girl... truly remarkable. I must check her identity in the Youyuan. She might be a suitable candidate for this year's War Soul Army."

Returning to his senses, he looked back in surprise. "Not in the Youyuan? Then which courtyard is she in? Which one?"

"Ahem," the figure coughed twice. "She's in the Mission Courtyard, and she is none other than the casual Miss Helian whom you've recently grown disdainful of."