The Almighty Martial Arts System

Listening to Xuanjizi’s words, Jiang Fei felt somewhat bewildered.

There was no doubt that his martial arts skills were indeed impressive, and he certainly had the ability to protect the Tui Bei Tu. But why was it that the more extraordinary one’s destiny, the greater the chance of comprehending the secrets of the Tui Bei Tu? And as for the term “fate”—Jiang Fei still didn’t quite understand it. How exactly did fate connect him and this enigmatic Xuanjizi?

Noticing the confusion on Jiang Fei’s face, Xuanjizi seemed to read his thoughts. After a pause, he continued, “Young friend, do you know why I’ve come to Huacheng this time?”

Jiang Fei shook his head. “No idea.”

“My purpose in coming here is actually the same as yours.”

“To kill Miyamoto Kazuma?”

“Even if I don’t kill him, I’ll make sure he’s crippled. But when I arrived in Huacheng, I heard about your duel with Miyamoto Kazuma, the top master of the Nitoryu school. That’s why I observed your fight with him at the Eastern Dojo today.”

Xuanjizi chuckled. “The matter I intended to handle, you took care of before I could. And by chance, I became a spectator. After the battle, I followed you here—that’s the fate between us. Moreover, when you saw Miyamoto Kazuma wreaking havoc in our land, slaughtering innocents, you stepped forward without hesitation and issued a challenge, defending the dignity of our Chinese martial artists. This shows you possess martial virtue. And within you flows the blood of our Yan-Huang descendants! These two qualities alone prove that, despite your youth, you are already worthy of inheriting the leadership of the Tianji Sect and guarding the Tui Bei Tu.”

“To be honest, I didn’t originally plan to kill Miyamoto Kazuma. It’s just that he first challenged a friend of mine, severely injuring him, and then listed me as his next target. That’s why I traveled all the way to Huacheng to finish him…” Jiang Fei admitted sheepishly.

“No need for modesty. I could tell from the start that you have a chivalrous heart. That’s something you can’t hide from me,” Xuanjizi said with a knowing smile.

Jiang Fei sighed inwardly. So, I really am a hero at heart—no matter how hard I try to hide it, people can see right through me.

With no further questions from Jiang Fei and nothing else to ask, Xuanjizi had already made up his mind. He had chosen Jiang Fei as the successor of the Tianji Sect, and Jiang Fei’s agreement brought him immense satisfaction.

Jiang Fei then called over a server and booked a private room. Conducting a master-disciple ceremony in public would seem too frivolous. As for the cost—though he was out of cash, he still had his bank card.

These days, what shop doesn’t accept card payments?

After Jiang Fei swiped his card, the waitress, who had initially dismissed the ragged-looking Jiang Fei and the robed, wooden-sword-carrying Xuanjizi, now regarded them with newfound respect. She couldn’t help but wonder—Are these two like the hidden masters from wuxia novels? Their appearances may be unassuming, but they’re actually peerless martial artists!

“What happened to this tea table?” the waitress gasped as she led them to the private room, spotting the severed corner of the table—cleanly sliced off earlier by Xuanjizi.

Jiang Fei quickly explained, “My master just performed a magic trick. Don’t worry, I’ll compensate for the damage.”

The waitress gave them a strange look. Neither of them carried any tools like saws or knives. Examining the cut, she realized even an ordinary blade couldn’t have made such a clean slice. Her earlier suspicion grew stronger—They really must be martial arts masters!

Perhaps that wooden sword on Xuanjizi’s back isn’t just wood, but an unbreakable, razor-sharp treasure blade—capable of slicing through a thick tea table as effortlessly as cutting tofu.

——————————

“Master, please accept this disciple’s bow.” Jiang Fei performed the traditional disciple’s salute with genuine sincerity.

Though he knew there might still be things he didn’t fully understand—that accepting the role of Tianji Sect leader could bring unforeseen troubles, schemes, and hardships—it was too late to back out now. For the sake of his main mission, Jiang Fei had to bow to Xuanjizi as his master. Resistance was no longer an option.

As the saying goes, Life is like being forced into something—if you can’t resist, you might as well enjoy it. Since he was going to become a disciple, he might as well take it seriously. Fortunately, Xuanjizi was undeniably a true master—one even Jiang Fei, who now considered himself a hero, had to admit was far superior. So, he bowed willingly.

“Good. Very good.” Xuanjizi smiled approvingly, raising his hands slightly to help Jiang Fei up.

Just moments ago, he had called Jiang Fei “young friend,” but now Jiang Fei was his disciple—a whole generation’s difference!

From somewhere within his robes, Xuanjizi produced an ancient yet well-preserved booklet and solemnly handed it to Jiang Fei. “From this moment, the Tui Bei Tu is entrusted to your care. Study it diligently, seek to unravel its mysteries, and glimpse the truths of the universe. Guard it with your life—never let it fall into the wrong hands. If those with ill intentions obtain it, the consequences would be catastrophic.”

Jiang Fei accepted the booklet with reverence. Though he still had doubts about some of Xuanjizi’s claims, curiosity compelled him to see how this legendary version of the Tui Bei Tu differed from the ones he’d encountered before.

However, he resisted the urge to flip through it immediately, instead tucking it securely into his robes. “Don’t worry, Master. I can guarantee with absolute certainty that no one will ever steal this Tui Bei Tu.”

When it came to hiding things, Jiang Fei was second to none.

Because he had just stored the Tui Bei Tu in his inventory space—a place only he could access, whether he was eating, sleeping, or otherwise.

“Master, besides the Tui Bei Tu, is there anything else you’re passing down to me? Like a Tianji Sect leader’s token or something? Otherwise, if I go around telling people I’m the sect leader, who’s going to believe me?” Jiang Fei asked.

Xuanjizi chuckled. “This unique Tui Bei Tu is the sole token of the Tianji Sect’s leaders. Besides, there’s no need to announce your status to just anyone. Those who don’t know won’t care, and those who should know… will recognize you without a word.”

Listening to Xuanjizi’s cryptic words and observing his demeanor, Jiang Fei couldn’t help but think: This old man really knows how to act cool!

Maybe the most important thing I’ll learn from him is this effortless aura of mystique…

“Alright,” Jiang Fei nodded. “Now that I’ve become the Tianji Sect leader and taken over the Tui Bei Tu, what about you, Master? Why are you stepping down?”

Xuanjizi laughed heartily. “Because I’ve found a fated successor—you. As for what I’ll do next? Roam free as a wild crane, finally unburdened, traveling light and without restraint…”

Jiang Fei: “——————”

Why does it feel like this old man is just dumping his responsibilities onto me? Now that he’s tricked me into taking over, he’s free to walk away?

But if the Tui Bei Tu truly held the significance Xuanjizi claimed—if it was tied to the fate of China and the destiny of millions—then bearing its weight would indeed be an immense responsibility.

“Twenty or thirty years from now, or perhaps longer, when you find a suitable successor, you must pass the Tui Bei Tu on to them. The Tianji Sect’s legacy must never be broken!” Xuanjizi instructed. “Also, there’s one more thing I must warn you about.”

“What is it?” Jiang Fei asked warily.

“Miyamoto Kazuma was a formidable swordsman in Japan, but he was far from the strongest. Compared to a certain legendary swordmaster in Japan, Miyamoto was nothing. Now that you’ve killed him, others may come seeking revenge. Be on your guard.”

Xuanjizi’s tone was ominous. “Originally, this matter was mine to handle. But now that you’re the Tianji Sect leader, the responsibility falls on you. Consider it… a trial of your own.”

Jiang Fei’s heart skipped a beat.

There really are swordsmen in Japan stronger than Miyamoto Kazuma? Like the uncle Ryuu Chika mentioned?

If so, he’d have to be extra careful.

“Very well. I’ve said all I needed to say. It’s time for me to take my leave. May we meet again someday…”

With a final laugh, Xuanjizi turned and strode out of the private room. In the blink of an eye, he was gone—leaving behind a Jiang Fei who was both exhilarated and deeply unsettled, exhaling a long, heavy sigh.