Chapter 163 Sparring

After the meal, Miao Yunyou and Luo Xinglan took the two of them on a tour around the mountain. As they walked and talked, they learned that, originally, the higher authorities had considered having Wu Kexin represent the country in the International Martial Arts Exchange Conference.

However, because of the presence of people like them—whose abilities defied common sense—she stepped back and instead took on the responsibilities of event security and overall coordination.

When they reached the area near the plum blossom stakes, Wu Kexin looked at Miao Yunyou and suddenly said, “I understand that in terms of strength, I definitely can’t compare to any of you.”

Her gaze was sincere, her tone filled with genuine passion for martial arts.

“However, I’ve practiced martial arts for many years, and I’ve always wanted to spar with true experts, to personally feel the gap and understand my shortcomings. That way, I can improve in the future. I wonder if Boss Miao could grant this request and allow me to spar with one of the masters here?”

Su Yutang chimed in, “Yes, yes! Our team leader started learning martial arts at the age of three—she’s very skilled!”

“Uh…” Miao Yunyou subconsciously looked at Luo Xinglan.

Mainly, she couldn’t really tell what level Wu Kexin’s martial arts belonged to.

Seeing Miao Yunyou look at Luo Xinglan, both Wu Kexin and Su Yutang also looked at her expectantly.

Unexpectedly, Luo Xinglan said very directly, “I won’t fight her. The gap is too large—it wouldn’t benefit her.”

Miao Yunyou: “…”

…There was really no need to be that direct.

Su Yutang blinked, completely impressed by Luo Xinglan’s aura. “Wow, so cool.”

Wu Kexin didn’t mind Luo Xinglan’s bluntness at all. Instead, she smiled calmly and nodded. “That makes sense. If the gap is too large, sparring indeed has little meaning.”

Miao Yunyou scratched her cheek and asked Luo Xinglan, “Then pick someone suitable to spar with Team Leader Wu?”

The same thought applied—since they had come all this way, it wouldn’t be right to disappoint them.

Their philosophy here was to make guests feel at home.

After all, they would still rely on the National Security Bureau for various certifications in the future…

After a moment of thought, Luo Xinglan said, “Wei Zijun.”

Miao Yunyou nodded. “Alright.”

Wei Zijun’s martial arts were not weak, and he excelled in close combat. He was also on the participant list for this competition, so it would be a good opportunity to test things in advance.

Moreover, since higher authorities had once considered letting Wu Kexin represent the country, it meant she was already at the top level of modern martial arts.

Miao Yunyou was somewhat curious—at the level of modern martial arts, how many moves could one withstand against these “ancient masters”?

A phone call was made, and Wei Zijun quickly arrived.

“What are your orders, Sect Leader?” Wei Zijun still had his usual shy demeanor.

Miao Yunyou said, “Accompany Team Leader Wu for a few sparring exchanges—point-based only.

Let’s do it at the newly built arena.”

After all, the arena was right next to the plum blossom stakes—convenient and nearby.

Wei Zijun nodded without hesitation. “Alright.”

Wu Kexin said, “Much appreciated.”

At this moment, there were quite a few visitors resting nearby in the open-air arena. Hearing that a martial arts sparring match was about to take place, they gathered around, found seats, and whispered among themselves, their eyes full of anticipation.

Wu Kexin and Wei Zijun stood at the center of the arena, cupping their hands in mutual greeting. Without any unnecessary small talk, they immediately entered their states.

With Su Yutang’s excited shout of “Begin!”, the two moved at the same time.

Wu Kexin, coming from a martial arts family, had standardized and precise techniques. Her punches were sharp and fierce, each move reflecting solid fundamentals—fast and powerful strikes, agile footwork, and professional transitions between movements.

Wei Zijun, on the other hand, remained calm and composed. His steps were steady, and although his movements appeared relaxed, he was always able to precisely neutralize Wu Kexin’s attacks. His defense was airtight, and when he counterattacked, his force was controlled—neither harming his opponent nor concealing his own strength.

The two exchanged blows back and forth, fists and feet colliding as wind whistled through the air. Their figures intertwined as they fought evenly matched, their techniques flowing smoothly like water. The spectators watched without blinking, occasionally erupting into cheers, with applause and exclamations rising one after another.

Su Yutang stood at the side, fists clenched, watching intensely while continuously cheering them on.

Miao Yunyou also watched with great interest.

As the saying goes, insiders watch the technique, while outsiders watch the spectacle.

At the very least, as an outsider, she found the spectacle quite engaging.

Time passed second by second, and before long, five minutes had elapsed.

Wu Kexin gradually began to tire. Fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, her breathing became uneven, and her footwork started to falter. Her once sharp attacks slowed down, and she could no longer withstand Wei Zijun’s offense. With a misstep, she staggered and dropped to one knee, supporting herself with one hand on the ground while gasping for breath. Then she calmly raised her hand, cupped her fists toward Wei Zijun, and said sincerely, “I concede. My skills are inferior.”

Wei Zijun, though still young and somewhat influenced by traditional notions of gender propriety, subconsciously wanted to help her up but didn’t dare step forward. He only made a gesture from a distance and said modestly, “You honor me.”

The spectators around the arena immediately erupted into enthusiastic applause and cheers, praising them one after another—

“Those two are incredibly skilled!”

“New NPCs?”

“No way, that lady is dressed in modern clothing, right?”

“Who cares—exciting is enough!”

“Yes, yes! That was amazing. Even though the lady lost, she’s still very impressive!”

“It really felt like a duel between masters straight out of a martial arts film!”

Su Yutang rushed over to help Wu Kexin up, still full of admiration. “That was so awesome just now, Team Leader—you’re amazing!”

Wu Kexin chuckled. “You’re praising me even though I lost?”

Su Yutang replied, “Ah, winning or losing doesn’t matter. In my heart, Team Leader, you’re always the best!”

Wu Kexin let out a soft sigh, her gaze filled with both admiration and reflection. “I don’t know about anything else, but I do know this—the outcome of this martial arts exchange conference… is secure for our country.”