Chapter Ninety-Six: Another Story

Since Link had already said as much, Lin Xi didn't insist on the so-called rules of her sect any longer. For this brother in name, her heart was full of guilt. Subconsciously, she felt she would agree unconditionally to whatever request Link made, a sentiment she herself hadn't noticed. So, following Link's request, she began to demonstrate the martial arts of her sect in public.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lin Xi moved to the open space, assumed her stance, and began performing the Dreamlike Spirit Martial Arts. As she moved, Link realized that this martial art, with its ethereal name, was quite different from those of the Kingdom of Stars or even the entire Aure Continent. It resembled more the martial arts from the Yunshan Continent.

The world of Solaora consisted of three continents: Aure, Adimen, and Yunshan. Each continent had its own distinguishing features. Aure Continent was akin to ancient Europe, the home of the Kingdom of Stars. Yunshan Continent represented the East, ruled by the Eastern Cloud Empire. Although this empire didn't conquer the entire continent, its influence reached every corner of it. As for Adimen, it was occupied by foreign races, and Link knew little about it.

The map of these three continents was somewhat similar to Eurasia and Africa on Earth. Aure lay to the right, adjacent to both other continents, separated only by seas and mountain ranges. Aure and Adimen were connected by a narrow land bridge, much like the Isthmus between North and South America. Between Yunshan and Aure, endless mountain ranges stretched for thousands of miles, effectively isolating them. Thus, in Aure, the Eastern Cloud Empire of Yunshan was known as “the Empire Beyond the Clouds and Mountains.”

Lin Xi’s Dreamlike Spirit Martial Arts bore the distinct characteristics of Yunshan’s martial traditions. On Aure, martial arts emphasized force and grandeur; most techniques were visually spectacular and overpowering, designed to strike fear into an opponent as well as deal damage. Yunshan martial arts, by contrast, focused on subtle change and killing with restraint. In simple terms, they prized skill over spectacle—attacks that seemed unimpressive could actually conceal immense power.

Both systems had their strengths; neither dominated the other. There was no such thing as certain Eastern martial arts suddenly becoming invincible in the West, as in some exaggerated stories. Their histories were equally long and had been developed to perfection. The outcome depended on the martial artist’s own abilities.

Dreamlike Spirit Martial Arts was a testament to Yunshan’s style: full of transformations, outwardly lacking in force, but—perhaps because it was performed by a beauty—imbued with an indescribable grace. It felt less like a demonstration of martial prowess and more like a dance.

For a long moment, everyone watched, utterly captivated by Lin Xi’s powerful yet graceful display.

Eventually, Ling Feng called out, “That’s enough, Lin Xi, you can stop now. I’m already certain.” As she spoke, she and the other two Cardinal Bishops exchanged wry smiles, their gazes complex as they settled on Lin Xi.

Under their scrutiny, Lin Xi felt ill at ease and could not help but ask, “Your Graces, what is it that you’re so certain of?”

Ling Feng pondered a moment before replying, “I am certain that what you used is the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist—though it has been modified.” She sighed softly. “It’s been over two hundred years. It’s not surprising that a martial art passed down outside would be altered. Who would have thought I’d see a descendant of this style today? Is this what they call fate?”

Her words left Link and the others baffled. Link asked, “Bishop Ling Feng, what do you mean? Did Sister Xi’s martial art originate from the Celestial Spirit Sect?”

“In a manner of speaking…” Ling Feng nodded, her gaze earnest as she looked at Lin Xi. “I heard that your previous name wasn’t Lin Xi. Your master must have given you this name, right? Lin Xi, Lin Xi—it should actually be Ling Xi. It seems your teacher inherited the wishes of your sect’s ancestors, unable to let go of what happened, yet unwilling to abandon the past of the Celestial Spirit Lady Martial Saint entirely.”

“Celestial Spirit Lady Martial Saint? What’s that?” Link was more bewildered than ever, furrowing his brows.

He pressed further, “Your Graces, could you please explain more clearly?”

The three bishops exchanged glances. Ling Feng finally nodded. “Very well. The Celestial Spirit Sect is gone now, so these so-called secrets no longer matter. I can tell you. The Celestial Spirit Lady Martial Saint was the personal bodyguard of the High Priestess of the Celestial Spirit Sect, and the sect’s mightiest warrior. She inherited the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist. Combined with the High Priestess wielding the Yin-Yang Jade, they could unleash unparalleled power. Three hundred years ago, the fifth-generation High Priestess and the Lady Martial Saint, while both only fifth rank, once defeated a peak seventh-rank foe.”

“Two people at fifth rank beating a peak seventh-rank? Is that even possible?” Link was shocked. The seventh rank was a world apart from the previous levels. Unless you reached seventh rank, you could never truly appreciate its strength. While he and Saga could now defeat higher-ranked opponents, if they faced a seventh-rank powerhouse, they’d be doomed. Even with peak sixth-rank strength, they couldn’t win. The gap wasn’t just in power; it was in the understanding of force itself. Upon reaching seventh rank, both magicians and martial artists began practicing magic and martial arts in tandem, making seventh-rank experts fundamentally different from those at lower levels.

There was even a saying among the common folk: only a seventh-rank or higher could defeat a seventh-rank!

Though this was something of a generalization, it wasn’t far from the truth; seventh-rank powerhouses were truly on another level. The fact that the fifth-generation High Priestess and Lady Martial Saint could defeat a peak seventh-rank foe was as astonishing as someone suddenly claiming that Elia was actually descended from the Holy Spirit.

Glancing at Lin Xi, then at Ling Meng, Link couldn’t help but ask, “Bishop Ling Feng, are you saying that if Sister Xi and Ling Meng joined forces, they could take on a seventh-rank foe?” Now that Ling Meng could wield the power of the Yin-Yang Jade at fifth rank without harming herself, and Lin Xi was also at the peak of fifth rank—wasn’t this just like three hundred years ago? No wonder Link asked.

Ling Feng nodded, “In theory, yes. However, two hundred years ago, the seventh-generation Lady Martial Saint fell out with the Celestial Spirit Sect over a man, and the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist was lost. Like the High Priestess, the Lady Martial Saint also had a sacred relic within her, through which the martial art was passed on. Though we have records of the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist, no one has been able to learn it since.” She looked to Lin Xi, “Lin Xi, since you inherited the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist, your teacher must have given you that relic, correct?”

Lin Xi was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Yes, there is such an item, but I haven’t used it. It’s just an external object. My teacher said it should only be used as a last resort. Also, I’m not sure if the Dreamlike Spirit Martial Arts is actually the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist, but it doesn’t need the relic to function; it relies entirely on oneself—my strength is all thanks to my own effort.”

“Effort, is it?” Ling Feng nodded in understanding. “It seems the Dreamlike Spirit Martial Arts truly is a refined version of the Celestial Spirit Divine Fist. As expected of the Lady Martial Saint—even if it took several generations, to perfect a martial art that once required a sacred relic is no small feat.” She smiled. “You needn’t worry about these old grievances. The enmity between the Lady Martial Saint and the Celestial Spirit Sect is in the past. There is no Celestial Spirit Sect anymore—we are all members of the Church of the Father now. Let all grudges end here.”

Lin Xi gazed deeply at Ling Feng, then smiled faintly. “Gladly. To be honest, my late teacher did mention our lineage had a grudge with some sect, but I never cared much for it and never thought of vengeance, so I didn’t realize she meant the Celestial Spirit Sect. Resolving things this way is a relief.”

“That’s good,” Ling Feng replied with a smile. Then, curious, she asked, “By the way, what was your teacher’s name?”

At this, Lin Xi hesitated, looking somewhat embarrassed, arousing everyone’s curiosity. When Link and Elia also looked at her expectantly, she finally replied helplessly, “My teacher’s name was Lin the Invincible…”

“Lin the Invincible?” Everyone was speechless. What kind of ridiculous, over-the-top name was that? Who would come up with such an outrageous name? Saying it aloud was like inviting mockery. Was there really someone who would use such a tasteless name in this day and age?

Looking at Lin Xi’s mortified expression, it was obvious she found the name just as embarrassing. No wonder she had hesitated. Anyone else would have changed the subject or simply made up another name—it would surely sound better than “Lin the Invincible.”

Seeing Lin Xi’s discomfort, Link suppressed his laughter and changed the subject for her, sparing her further embarrassment. Afterward, some amusing anecdotes were exchanged. The three bishops, seemingly wishing to make amends for the wrongs done to the Lady Martial Saint, spoke with Lin Xi at length. Afterward, Ling Meng’s attitude toward Lin Xi improved considerably—though for someone as reserved as Ling Meng, her “improved attitude” would still seem cold by most standards.

The resolving of old grievances also allowed Elia to once again treat her as family. While it could never be as close or dependent as in childhood, she began to smile as a young girl should.

This pleased Link greatly. For months, Elia had been forcing herself to study all sorts of things to qualify as a Saintess. Her girlish smile had become a rare sight, replaced by a stern demeanor that made her seem unapproachable. At times, even Link felt pressured in her presence.

But now, with another relative—an elder sister with whom she could confide—Elia finally had someone to share her feelings with. The burden she had placed upon herself began to slowly lift.