Chen Yu’s heart raced. That’s bad. Real bad.

He couldn’t afford to hesitate. With a deep breath, he called upon the element of lightning, feeling its electric pulse course through his veins. His reflexes heightened, time seemed to slow as his body buzzed with energy.

The woman released her attack—a massive gust of wind that tore through the ground and sent shockwaves through the trees. The sheer force of it nearly knocked him off his feet.

But Chen Yu was ready.

“Raijin!” he shouted, summoning his lightning spear. The crackling weapon formed in his hand, its power vibrating with deadly intent. He lunged forward, using the full power of his lightning-enhanced reflexes to slip past her attack, the spear aimed directly at her chest.

Her eyes widened in shock. She tried to dodge, but the slippery water beneath her feet made it impossible to react in time. The Raijin struck true, piercing through her defenses and sending an arc of lightning through her body.

“AGH!”

The force of the blow sent her crashing to the ground, her flute clattering from her hand as the lightning left her body paralyzed, convulsing from the shock.

Chen Yu stood over her, panting, the Raijin dissipating in his hand. His chest heaved, the adrenaline still coursing through him. He’d barely won, and he knew it.

The woman lay there, struggling to move, her expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. “You… You actually defeated me,” she whispered, her voice weak but laced with astonishment. “You can wield all five elements... That’s… that’s impossible…”

The woman struggled to her feet, her body trembling as the effects of the lightning still coursed through her. “You… you actually managed to hit me,” she muttered, her voice filled with disbelief. “Five elements… lightning, earth, fire, water, wind. How is this possible?”

Chen Yu wiped the sweat from his brow, smirking despite the exhaustion. “What can I say? I’m full of surprises.”

The woman’s expression softened, the anger in her eyes slowly fading. She glanced at the Azure Sky Sect insignia at his side, and for the first time, hesitation flickered across her face. “You… didn’t kill them, did you?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost regretful.

Chen Yu shook his head, lowering his hand as the Raijin dissipated into the air. “No, I didn’t. I found the emblem on one of your fallen disciples, and I was trying to figure out what happened to them.”

The woman remained silent for a long moment, her gaze distant as she processed his words. “I attacked without listening,” she murmured, shaking her head. “I should have known better. My anger blinded me.”

Chen Yu shrugged, though his body still hummed with tension from the fight. “Hey, no harm done. Well… mostly. Anyway, can we call it even?”

The woman nodded slowly, her expression softening further. “Yes. I’m sorry for doubting you. If you had wanted to harm my sect, you wouldn’t have fought so earnestly. I see that now.”

She straightened herself, though her body was still trembling from the effects of the lightning. “I am Li Mei, core disciple of the Azure Sky Sect,” she introduced herself, her voice filled with a new sense of respect. “And it seems I owe you an apology, Chen Yu.”

Chen Yu grinned, giving her a casual wave. “No hard feelings, Senior Sister. Just… maybe next time, ask a few questions before trying to kill me.”

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“I do apologize for that,” Li Mei chuckled, though there was still a hint of embarrassment in her eyes. “But, you bested me in combat. Please, I don’t think it’s right for you to call me Senior-”

“No, thank you. If it’s okay with you, I would like to continue calling you Senior Sister,” Chen Yu suddenly said, with fire in his eyes.

“O-Okay then,” Li Mei smiled mischievously. “Follow me then, junior brother. I will take you to the Azure Sky Sect. It seems we have much to discuss.”

Chen Yu just smiled. One Senior Sister in the bag.

*

As they climbed higher into the Jade Peak Mountain Range, the air grew colder and thinner. Chen Yu could feel his breath coming in short bursts, but he kept his pace steady, following closely behind Li Mei. Despite the strenuous hike, a spark of excitement flickered within him. The Azure Sky Sect was one of the most prestigious sects in this world, known for its profound knowledge and powerful cultivators. For Chen Yu, who had practically stumbled into this world with little more than his wits and a mysterious system, the chance to learn from such a place was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Li Mei led the way with ease, her movements graceful and effortless, despite the steep terrain. Every so often, she glanced back at him, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“So, Junior Brother Chen Yu,” Li Mei said, breaking the silence with a playful lilt in her voice, “you managed to surprise me back there. Not many can handle my wind techniques, let alone counter with something as rare as five elements at once.” She raised an eyebrow, curiosity gleaming in her expression. “Where did you learn to fight like that?”

Chen Yu scratched the back of his head, flashing her a sheepish grin. “Oh, you know,” he said, trying to sound casual, “just picked up a few tricks here and there. I’ve got a bit of a talent for getting into trouble and figuring things out before I get killed.”

Li Mei chuckled softly, clearly entertained by his response. “You’re certainly different from most I’ve met. Usually, cultivators your age are either too arrogant or too timid, especially when they’re as strong as you are. But you’ve got an interesting mix of confidence and humility,” she teased, her eyes narrowing playfully. “It’s… refreshing.”

Chen Yu shot her a sideways glance, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Well, what can I say? I try to be versatile,” he said, leaning into the banter. “Gotta keep things interesting. Besides,” he added with a wink, “being too serious all the time adds wrinkles. You wouldn’t want that, would you, Senior Sister?”

Li Mei raised an eyebrow, clearly amused but not taking the bait too easily. “Oh? So you’re saying I should keep you around for the laughs? Maybe you’ll help keep me young?”

Chen Yu grinned, his confidence growing. “I mean, you’re already flawless,” he said, gesturing toward her with a casual sweep of his hand. “But, yeah, I’d say having me around could make life a bit more fun. Consider me your personal entertainment package—comes with lightning spears and a charming personality.”

Li Mei laughed, shaking her head at his antics. “Lightning spears and charm, huh? Quite the combination. And here I thought you were just good at dodging wind blades.”

“Hey, I’ve got layers,” Chen Yu said, his tone mock-serious. “Like an onion. Or, you know, a cake. Peel them back, and you’ll find nothing but more surprises. But hey, no rush. We’ve got time, right? You’ll get to know all my flavors.”

Li Mei smirked, clearly enjoying the banter but refusing to let him off too easily. “Oh? And what flavors would those be, Junior Brother?” Her tone was light, teasing, but there was an undercurrent of challenge in her gaze. “You must have something to offer if you’re bold enough to flirt with me after I almost killed you.”

Chen Yu chuckled, unphased. “You say ‘almost killed,’ I say ‘intense sparring with a beautiful Senior Sister.’ Glass half full, right? As for flavors, well…” He paused, rubbing his chin dramatically, as though thinking deeply. “Let’s see. I’d say I’m a blend of quick wit, lightning reflexes, and just the right amount of roguish charm. Oh, and I make a great training partner. Very flexible.”

Li Mei shook her head, her laughter bubbling up again. “You’re impossible, Junior Brother.”

“Impossible’s just another way of saying ‘memorable,’” he quipped, flashing her a grin.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re certainly memorable, I’ll give you that. But I hope you’re not all talk. You’ll need more than charm to survive at the Azure Sky Sect.”

“Don’t worry,” Chen Yu replied, his tone shifting slightly, though the playful edge remained. “I know when to get serious. Charm and wit are just the appetizers. The real feast is what I do in a fight.” He winked.

Li Mei smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “I see. But no more flirting once we’re inside the sect grounds. I’d hate for you to get in trouble with the elders.”

Chen Yu laughed. “No promises, Senior Sister.”

Li Mei shook her head but didn’t reply, leading them onward up the mountain.