C46 Bickering

"By the way, Tian Er, are you planning to compete in the Soaring Dragon Martial Meet at the end of the year?"

"The Soaring Dragon Martial Meet? What's that?"

"You really don't know?" Hanyu Yi brought her hand to her forehead in disbelief, her petite and delicate face showing a look of utter exasperation.

Once Hanyu Yi had finished explaining the Soaring Dragon Martial Meet to Hanyu Xiaotian, he seemed intrigued. "It sounds like the perfect chance to gauge the strength and potential of our generation. I imagine that's why the family is holding such an event, right?"

Hanyu Yi pursed her lips. "I'm not sure about the family's reasoning. What about you? You're not thinking of skipping it, are you? The top ten finishers receive substantial rewards. Considering no remarkable talents have emerged in the last two meets, the family is really emphasizing it this time. I've heard they're offering divine weapons, Pei Yuan Dan, and Energy Origin Stones as prizes for the top three! Though your chances of making the top three... well, even the top ten are slim, you should at least give it a shot!"

It seemed Hanyu Yi was oblivious to Hanyu Xiaotian's history. And by the way she was egging him on to join the competition, it appeared she was more interested in the prospect of seeing this detestable kid embarrass himself.

Hanyu Xiaotian, apparently missing the mocking undertone in Hanyu Yi's voice, casually asked, "What about you? Are you going?"

"I... Of course, I'm not participating. I have no interest in martial arts!" Hanyu Yi's face tightened, then she quickly defended herself with conviction.

"But you're aware that I can't cultivate Ancient Martial Arts, right?"

"What? You're not into martial arts either?"

"It's not a matter of liking. I simply can't!" Hanyu Xiaotian clarified.

"What... What? You... can't cultivate Ancient Martial Arts? Seriously? You must be joking with me," Hanyu Yi said, her disbelief evident.

Then something seemed to click for her. "Wait a minute! I've definitely seen you in the Scripture Pavilion before! How could you possibly be unable to cultivate? You're clearly pulling my leg, you rascal!"

Hanyu Xiaotian gave her a dismissive glance. "I, Hanyu Xiaotian, am honest and upright. If I say I can't practice martial arts, then I can't. Why would I lie? Is there any honor in that? How many people, unlike a certain someone, have the ability to practice martial arts but choose to neglect their duties in favor of studying dubious arts?"

"What dubious arts? It's the weimen!" Hanyu Yi shouted back, frustration boiling over from being constantly chided by Hanyu Xiaotian for her lack of dedication.

"Fine, fine, the weimen. Alas, it seems you're blissfully unaware of the world beyond your books of sages. To think you've been in the family all these years and still don't recognize the renowned name of Hanyu Xiaotian."

"It's not the weimen, it's the weimen!" Hanyu Yi insisted, her frustration mounting.

"And why should you be so well-known within the family? Why should I have heard of you? Humph, don't get cocky. I'll ask my father when I get back. Then we'll see if you've been lying to me."

What have I got to be smug about if I can't even master Ancient Martial Arts? Hanyu Yi's bizarre train of thought left Hanyu Xiaotian dumbfounded. He truly couldn't fathom where Hanyu Yi got the idea that he was feeling self-satisfied.

In the midst of their heated argument, Elder Yuan made his way back.

He seemed utterly indifferent to the squabbling of the two youngsters. Handing over a piece of leather parchment to Hanyu Xiaotian, he said, "Age hasn't been kind to my memory, and it took me quite a while to locate this. Here is the original manuscript of the Tianmo Force Field, as recorded by our family's ancestors. Have a look."