157: Chapter 157 The Invitation from the Ancient Martial Arts Family "Li Family": Martial Arts Exchange Meeting

A Mysterious Invitation: An Invitation from an Ancient Martial Arts Family

While preparations for the traditional martial arts and Wuxia culture festival were in full swing, a gold-stamped invitation lay quietly on the mahogany table in the Taiji Villa council hall, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding smart devices—the cover of the invitation was written with the five vigorous characters "Martial Arts Exchange" in brush calligraphy, signed by the "Ancient Martial Arts Li Family," and the edges were embroidered with a dark gold "Taiji Shape-Polarity Coexistence" totem, which faintly echoed the pattern on the bronze plaque in Chen Wu's camphor wood chest.

"What is the background of this 'Ancient Martial Arts Li Family'?" Lin Mo picked up the invitation and checked it repeatedly but found no modern markings. "There is no record of this Family in the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau's database; it is as if... they have been hidden for many years."

He pulled up the global traditional martial arts School map, but among the dense markers from Shaolin and Wudang to the overseas pyramid traditional martial arts teams, he could never find any trace of the "Li Family."

Only Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan frowned as he looked at the totem on the invitation: "I have seen this totem in the ancestral classics of Taiji Villa. It is recorded as the symbol of the 'Ancient traditional martial arts Guardian Families.' It is said that such families never engage in public activities and only appear when 'traditional martial arts are in danger.'"

Chen Wu gently touched the handwriting on the invitation, and a subtle fluctuation of Qi Energy suddenly came from his fingertips—not the Qi Energy of modern traditional martial arts, but an Ancient Martial Arts Qi Energy with a sense of "simplicity and profundity," which was of the same Origin as the Leyline Qi Energy of the Taiji Secret Realm but purer.

He injected Four Symbols Qi Energy into the invitation, and the totem on the cover suddenly lit up with dark gold light, and a line of small characters slowly emerged: "On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, at the Li Family Ancestral Home in Zhongnan Mountain, we shall discuss the grand plan to resist the Spirit-Devourer, and we hope you will bring the inheritance grass to the meeting."

"Zhongnan Mountain? A grand plan to resist the Spirit-Devourer?" Zhang Qiming's fingers slid quickly across the map. The Zhongnan Mountain area was marked as an "unexplored area for traditional martial arts." "The mountains there are high and the forests are dense, and it is rumored that there are ancient martial arts relics, but no School has ever dared to go deep into it. I didn't expect it to be the Li Family's ancestral home."

What was even more surprising was the requirement to "bring the inheritance grass to the meeting"—the Flower Girl walked in holding the inheritance grass, and the petals suddenly bloomed towards the invitation, dew rolling on the leaves, reflecting a blurry outline of the "Li Family Ancestral Home Qi Energy map."

"Elder Zhou said that the inheritance grass can sense the Qi Energy of the 'Ancient Martial Arts Guardian Families.' This Li Family must be the key force guarding the Origin of traditional martial arts."

The global live broadcast lens used holographic projection to display the invitation to global viewers, and the bullet comments instantly exploded— "An Ancient Martial Arts Family! This is a plot from a Wuxia novel!" "Zhongnan Mountain! Could there be reclusive Martial Forest masters?" "The inheritance grass is the key; the Li Family must know the secret of the fusion jade!"

Amir from Egypt sent a message: "The pyramid traditional martial arts team has ancient records that 'the Eastern Ancient Martial Arts Families possess supreme treasures to resist the Spirit-Devourer.' Perhaps the Li Family is the Family in the records!"

The Technical Department's "Ancient Martial Arts Clue Collection" channel had only been open for one hour and had already received 3,000 pieces of information about ancient martial arts legends from all over the world, 100 of which mentioned the "Zhongnan Mountain Li Family," all pointing to the setting of "guarding the Origin of traditional martial arts and fighting against evil forces."

After an urgent discussion, the Chen Wu team decided to accept the invitation—a team would be led by Chen Wu, consisting of Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan, Lu Feng, the Flower Girl, and 5 representatives of martial arts fans (Wang Lei, Amir, Li Mengmeng, Xiao Juan, Mr. Zhang), who would carry the inheritance grass to Zhongnan Mountain; Zhang Qiming would stay at Taiji Villa to continue preparing for the culture festival and coordinate with special departments to provide "Qi Energy communication" and "emergency support."

"This exchange meeting is not only a dialogue between ancient martial arts and modern traditional martial arts, but also a key opportunity to resist the Spirit-Devourer," Chen Wu gripped the invitation tightly. "We must seize this opportunity to unite all traditional martial arts forces."

Unveiling the Li Family: Hidden Ancient Martial Arts Legacy and the Foundation for Resisting the Spirit-Devourer

To figure out the Li Family's background, the Chen Wu team read the ancestral classics of Taiji Villa and visited old traditional Martial Artists around Zhongnan Mountain, gradually piecing together the mysterious veil of the "Ancient Martial Arts Li Family"—this was an Ancient Martial Arts Family with a thousand-year Legacy.

Their ancestors were famous traditional martial arts masters in the Tang Dynasty who had once guarded the first generation of successors of the "Taiji Shape-Polarity fusion jade." Since then, they had lived in seclusion in Zhongnan Mountain, taking "guarding the Origin of traditional martial arts and resisting evil spirits" as their duty. They had appeared many times in history when traditional martial arts were in danger, but they never left their names, leaving only sporadic records of "Li Family Protecting the Pulse" in ancient books.

"The core Legacy of the Li Family is the 'Taiji Shape-Polarity Dual Energy'," Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan pointed to the illustrations in the classics. The image showed a Martial Artist in ancient costume simultaneously performing Taiji Soft Energy and Shape-Polarity Hard Energy, with the Qi Energy intertwining into a totem of "Yin and Yang Coexistence."

"It is more complete than the Fusion Energy Technique we practice now. It is said that it can completely purify Spirit-Devouring Energy and even destroy the 'artificial Qi Energy core' of the Spirit-Devouring Organization."

What was even more shocking was that the classics recorded that underneath the Li Family Ancestral Home, there was a "traditional martial arts Origin Qi Energy Pool," which could improve the purity of Qi Energy for traditional Martial Artists and repair damaged ancient traditional martial arts manuals.

"This is the confidence they have to invite us to bring the inheritance grass to the meeting—they have the ability to maximize the vitality Qi Energy of the inheritance grass to assist in resisting the Spirit-Devourer."

Grandpa Wang, an old traditional Martial Artist at the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, told the team a long-circulating legend: "Thirty years ago, 'black Qi Energy monsters' (presumed to be early Spirit-Devouring Puppets) appeared in Zhongnan Mountain. It was the Li Family who took action to solve it. At that time, I saw with my own eyes a Martial Artist in black using 'Dual Energy' to purify the monster in one blow. The Qi Energy was dark gold, as dazzling as the sun."

He also revealed that the Li Family never had contact with the outside world, but they would secretly observe the development of modern traditional martial arts. "When you cracked the Spirit-Devouring Seven Absolute Formation last year, there were Qi Energy fluctuations in the direction of Zhongnan Mountain. Perhaps it was the Li Family watching you."

Before the team set off, the Traditional Martial Arts Protection Bureau received an anonymous email with attachments titled "Li Family Ancestral Home Topographic Map" and "Ancient Martial Arts Etiquette Guide"—the topographic map marked "safe routes" and "Qi Energy trap areas," and the guide detailed that "when meeting the Li Family Sect Master, you must perform the 'cupped-fist salute,' do not touch the ancient weapons and objects in the ancestral home at will, and you must take the 'Origin of traditional martial arts' as the core during the exchange."

At the end of the email, it read: "The Spirit-Devouring Organization has already detected the exchange meeting, and there may be an ambush. We hope you will bring the power of actual combat to the meeting."

"This must have been sent by someone from the Li Family!" Lin Mo quickly verified the source of the email and found that the IP address was hidden deep in Zhongnan Mountain. "They want to unite with us, but they are also testing our strength and sincerity."

Chen Wu immediately adjusted the preparations for the meeting—equipping the team with "Qi Energy enhancement equipment" (anti-Spirit-Devourer alloy blades, Qi Energy defense shields), letting the martial arts fan representatives conduct "Ancient Martial Arts Qi Energy simulation training" in the smart training ground in advance; the Flower Girl put the inheritance grass into the "vitality Qi Energy incubator" to ensure the petals were in the best condition when arriving at the ancestral home.

Wang Lei touched his newly equipped alloy blade and said excitedly: "I can finally see a real Ancient Martial Arts Family! If I can learn a few moves of 'Dual Energy,' I will be more confident in fighting the Spirit-Devourer!"

Preparation for the Meeting: Collaboration and Preparation between Modern traditional martial arts and Martial Arts Fans

The preparatory work for the team was in full swing in the smart training ground—on the one hand, they had to adapt to "Ancient Martial Arts Etiquette," on the other hand, they had to improve their "actual combat ability," and they also had to take into account the "protection of the inheritance grass." No link could go wrong.

Ancient Martial Arts etiquette training was led by Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan—he took the "Ancient Martial Arts Etiquette Guide" and taught the team members to perform the "cupped-fist salute": "Make a fist with your right hand, cover it with your left hand, with your thumbs aligned, raise it to your chest, and bow slightly. This is the 'Equality Salute' of the Ancient Martial Arts Families; if facing elders, you need to bow 30 degrees, which is the 'Respect Salute.' You must not make mistakes, otherwise, it will be regarded as disrespectful."

Xiao Juan learned the fastest, holding her small hands in a fist at her chest, her movements standard and cute. Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan smiled and said: "Ancient Martial Arts Families value 'sincerity' the most. Xiao Juan's seriousness will surely make the Li Family like her."

Actual combat training was led by Lu Feng—he simulated "Zhongnan Mountain Qi Energy traps" in the training ground, setting up scenes such as "hidden energy trigger zones," "Qi Energy maze," and "Spirit-Devouring Puppet surprise attacks" to improve the team members' ability to respond in actual combat.

Amir was once lost in the "Qi Energy maze," but relied on "Pyramid Qi Energy induction" to find the exit along the Leyline Qi Energy; Mr. Zhang used "Light-Body Leaping Step" to avoid attacks during the "Puppet surprise attack," while using "Hard Energy push-block" to protect Xiao Juan.

Their actual combat score improved from 60 points initially to 85 points. Lu Feng nodded and praised: "You already have the ability to deal with sudden situations. When you arrive at the Li Family Ancestral Home, remember 'do not provoke trouble, do not fear challenges'."

The protection of the inheritance grass was the top priority—the Flower Girl cooperated with the technical team to upgrade the "vitality Qi Energy incubator," adding an "Ancient Martial Arts Qi Energy adaptation module," which could automatically adjust the Qi Energy concentration to adapt to the ancient martial arts environment of Zhongnan Mountain.

She took out the inheritance grass every day and nourished it with Dantian Qi Energy, and the color of the petals gradually turned from light green to dark gold, getting closer and closer to the color of the totem on the Li Family invitation.

"The inheritance grass is becoming more and more compatible with the Li Family's Qi Energy," the Flower Girl gently touched the petals, "When we arrive at the ancestral home, it should be able to activate the 'Origin Qi Energy Pool' and release stronger vitality Qi Energy."

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Upon learning that the team would participate in the Ancient Martial Arts Exchange, fans spontaneously organized the "Global traditional martial arts Support"—Old Zhao led his fellow construction workers to create a banner that read "Traditional Martial Arts Benefiting the People" and asked Wang Lei to bring it to the Li Family, saying, "Tell them that modern traditional martial arts can not only be used for actual combat, but also benefit the people"; Nurse Emily in London prepared a "Qi Energy Recovery Manual," hoping to exchange "Ancient Martial Arts Healing Techniques" with the Li Family; even overseas traditional martial arts Schools sent fragments of their own ancient martial arts to the team, hoping they could be repaired at the exchange. The global livestream's special "Meeting Preparation" page real-time broadcasted these heartwarming actions, and the bullet chat was filled with messages like "Go team!", "Meet the ancient martial arts families on behalf of global fans!", and "You must bring back a way to resist the Spirit-Devourers!"

The day before departure, the team held an "Oath-Taking Ceremony" at Taiji Villa—Chen Wu handed the "Taiji Guardian" bronze plaque to the Flower Girl, saying, "The inheritance grass and the bronze plaque are from the same source and can sense each other at critical moments"; Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan distributed "Origin Qi Energy Bottles" from Taiji Villa to everyone, saying, "If you encounter a shortage of Qi Energy, you can inject this into your body for emergencies"; Zhang Qiming launched the "Qi Energy Communication Satellite" to ensure the team could maintain contact even deep within Zhongnan Mountain. "We represent not only ourselves, but also all the modern traditional martial arts practitioners in the world," Chen Wu raised the invitation, "We must let the Li Family see that modern traditional martial arts has the ability and determination to join hands with ancient martial arts to resist the Spirit-Devourers!"

Section 4: Heading to Zhongnan Mountain: Undercurrents and Trials on the Road

On the morning of the fifth day of the seventh lunar month, the team set off for Zhongnan Mountain in a "Qi Energy Off-road Vehicle" from the special department—the vehicle was crafted from "Anti-Spirit-Devouring Alloy," capable of resisting attacks below the level of Internal Energy, and was equipped with "Leyline Qi Energy Navigation" to avoid dangerous areas in the mountains. Outside the window, the scenery gradually shifted from the bustle of Taiji Villa to the tranquility of Zhongnan Mountain; the mountain road became increasingly rugged, and the ancient martial arts Qi Energy in the air grew denser.

As they reached the foot of Zhongnan Mountain, the vehicle suddenly stopped—the road ahead was blocked by a fallen ancient tree, its trunk shimmering with a pale black Spirit-Devouring Energy, clearly a man-made trap. "The Spirit-Devouring Organization is here indeed!" Lu Feng immediately got out of the car, gripping his Qi Energy Armor-Piercing Gun as the Four Symbols Qi Energy expanded around him. "Everyone, stay alert! This trap is definitely an ambush!"

As soon as he spoke, five pale black Spirit-Devouring Puppets rushed out of the woods and lunged at the vehicle—the Puppets' Qi Energy intensity had reached the Late Stage of Brute Force, stronger than those encountered before, clearly sent by the Spirit-Devouring Organization specifically to intercept them. Chen Wu was the first to strike, unfolding his Fusion Energy Technique; his pale golden Hard Energy struck the Puppets' Qi Energy cores, while his pale green Soft Energy purified the remaining Spirit-Devouring Energy. Amir coordinated with Wang Lei, one using "Pyramid Qi Energy" to restrain the Puppets, the other using an alloy blade to attack their joints; Li Mengmeng took Xiao Juan and used "Light-Body Leaping Step" to circle behind the Puppets, using "Qi Energy Ribbons" to interfere with their vision.

The most surprising was Mr. Zhang—using "Light-Body Wall Leaping" techniques, he jumped onto a tree and used "Hard Energy Projectile" to hurl stones from above at the Puppets' eyes. He hit them with precision, creating an opening for Chen Wu to attack. "Mr. Zhang is improving so fast!" Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan said with a smile. "This is the power of actual combat; it's more effective than practicing a hundred times on the training grounds."

The battle lasted for fifteen minutes until all five Puppets were purified, and the Spirit-Devouring Energy on the tree trunk was dispelled by the life-force Qi Energy of the inheritance grass. The team continued forward but encountered a more peculiar trial halfway up the mountain—a pale golden Qi Energy barrier blocked their path, with ancient characters appearing on it: "None but the Guardians of traditional martial arts may enter." When Chen Wu brought the inheritance grass close to the barrier, the petals instantly bloomed with dark golden light, and the barrier slowly opened, revealing a stone staircase leading to the summit. On both sides of the stairs were inscriptions: "The Origin of traditional martial arts, Protection is the Heart."

"This is the Li Family's 'identity verification'," Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan said, stroking the inscriptions. "Only those carrying the 'Guardian Object of traditional martial arts' (the inheritance grass) can pass. Even if the Spirit-Devouring Organization finds the path, they won't be able to enter." At the end of the stone stairs, an ancient courtyard could be faintly seen, with black tiles, white walls, and upturned eaves—it was the Li Family Ancestral Home. Above the gate hung a plaque with four large characters: "Li Family Martial Hall," written by the same hand as the invitation.

The global livestream camera captured the image of the ancestral home, and the bullet chat was filled with anticipation: "They've finally arrived!", "It's so classical, it feels just like a Wuxia novel!", and "Will the Li Family be at the door to welcome them?" Chen Wu straightened his clothes, handed the inheritance grass to the Flower Girl, and led the team toward the gate—the gate slowly opened, and two youths in black ancient martial arts uniforms stood on either side, performing an "Equality Rite" with cupped fists: "Li Family descendants Li Qing and Li Lan welcome Mr. Chen Wu and our modern traditional martial arts colleagues."

Section 5: First Meeting with the Li Family: The First Dialogue between Ancient and Modern

Stepping into the Li Family Ancestral Home, the team members were awestruck by the sight before them—the courtyard was paved with bluestone, and on both sides stood ancient martial arts weapons (Saber, Sword, Spear, and Halberd), each shimmering with a pale golden Qi Energy, clearly treasures of traditional martial arts that had lasted a thousand years. At the entrance of the main hall stood an elder in a grey long robe, his hair and beard completely white yet full of vigor. Hanging from his waist was a jade pendant with the same totem as the invitation—he was the Li Family Sect Master, Master Li Xuan.

"Mr. Chen Wu, I have long heard of your name," Master Li Xuan performed a "Respect Rite," his voice as steady as a bell. "I am deeply gratified that modern traditional martial arts can rise in such a short time and even stand against the Spirit-Devouring Organization." His gaze fell upon the inheritance grass, and a hint of amazement flashed in his eyes. "I did not expect the inheritance grass to actually be in your hands; it is the symbol of the Origin of traditional martial arts and the key reason we invited you to this meeting."

Chen Wu returned the "Equality Rite" and got straight to the point: "Sect Master Li, we have come here first to learn the ancient martial arts Legacy, and second to unite against the Spirit-Devourers—the Spirit-Devouring Organization has already seized three treasures of traditional martial arts. If they obtain the Taiji Xingji Fusion Jade, the consequences will be unthinkable. We need the Li Family's help."

Master Li Xuan led the team into the main hall. On the stone wall was carved the "Traditional Martial Arts Anti-Spirit-Devouring Map," marking the locations of the "Seven Origin Treasures." Next to the entry for the "Taiji Xingji Fusion Jade" was written: "Hidden in the Pavilion of Supreme Treasures within the Taiji Secret Realm; requires Dual Energy to open." "I know the secret of the fusion jade," Master Li Xuan pointed to the map. "The Li Family has guarded the 'Dual Energy Opening Method' for generations. Without the dual energies of ancient martial arts, one cannot retrieve the fusion jade even if they find it. This is also why we invited you—only by modern traditional martial arts and ancient martial arts joining hands can we obtain the fusion jade and destroy the core of the Spirit-Devouring Organization."

On the Eight Immortals table in the main hall, tea and snacks were already prepared. Li Qing and Li Lan poured tea for the team; the tea water was infused with a pale golden Qi Energy, tasting sweet and nourishing the Dantian's Qi Energy. Xiao Juan looked curiously at the ancient martial arts ornaments on the table. Master Li Xuan smiled and picked up a small wooden carved sword, handing it to her: "This is the Li Family's 'Qi Energy Sensing Sword'; it can help you feel ancient martial arts Qi Energy. When you practice lightness skills in the future, it will help you be steadier and faster." Xiao Juan took the small sword and said excitedly, "Thank you, Grandpa Li! I will practice hard and fight the Spirit-Devourers together with Teacher Chen and Grandpa Li in the future!"

The global livestream captured this heartwarming dialogue, and the bullet chat was full of comments like "The ancient martial arts Family is so kind!", "The Dual Energy Opening Method! There's hope for the fusion jade now!", and "Modern traditional martial arts and ancient martial arts joining forces—victory is certain!" Data from the Technical Department showed that the global viewership for this "Li Family First Encounter" exceeded 210 billion, and the topic "Ancient and Modern Alliance Against Spirit-Devourers" hit the top of global trending lists within ten minutes, with over 5 billion reads.

As the sun set, ancient martial arts Qi Energy and modern traditional martial arts Qi Energy intertwined in the courtyard of the Li Family Ancestral Home, forming a river of light in pale gold and pale green. Chen Wu and Master Li Xuan stood before the stone wall, studying the "Anti-Spirit-Devouring Map" together; Grandmaster Yang Mingyuan exchanged "Dual Energy techniques" with the Li Family's ancient martial arts descendants; the fan representatives, led by Li Qing and Li Lan, visited the Li Family's ancient martial arts scripture library. The Flower Girl, holding the inheritance grass, stood under an ancient tree in the courtyard; the petals and the ancient tree's Qi Energy resonated, blooming with a dazzling light—this light was not only a symbol of the Fusion of ancient and modern traditional martial arts, but also the light of hope for traditional martial arts to resist the Spirit-Devourers and protect the Origin.

"Tomorrow morning, we will hold the Martial Dao Exchange," Master Li Xuan looked at Chen Wu, his eyes full of determination. "I have invited five ancient martial arts Schools from around Zhongnan Mountain to discuss the great plan to resist the Spirit-Devourers. At that time, I will publicly reveal the 'Dual Energy Opening Method' to help you seize the fusion jade." Chen Wu nodded, the Four Symbols Qi Energy in his Dantian resonating strongly with the ancient martial arts Qi Energy: "With the support of the Li Family and the ancient martial arts Schools, we will surely thwart the Spirit-Devouring Organization's conspiracy and protect the future of traditional martial arts."

The final scene of the global livestream lingered under the night sky of the Li Family Ancestral Home—the lanterns in the courtyard were lit, the ancient martial arts weapons shimmered with pale golden light, and the inheritance grass bloomed under the moonlight. The team members and the Li Family descendants sat together, exchanging insights on traditional martial arts, their laughter and Qi Energy fluctuations interweaving into a beautiful picture of "ancient and modern traditional martial arts coexistence." The bullet chat scrolled with rows of uniform text: "Ancient martial arts appear to invite fellow daoists, modern traditional martial arts answer the call; dual energies join hands to resist evil, the Origin of traditional martial arts shall be passed down forever!"

Two hundred and ten billion viewers simultaneously lit up their screens, forming a "Traditional Martial Arts Light River" that crossed national borders and intertwined with the moonlight of Zhongnan Mountain, illuminating the new journey of the traditional martial arts alliance against the Spirit-Devourers. Chen Wu knew that this Li Family trip was only the beginning of the alliance between ancient and modern traditional martial arts. Tomorrow's Martial Dao Exchange would open a new chapter in the Legacy of traditional martial arts—and all of this would lay the most solid foundation for seizing the fusion jade and destroying the Spirit-Devouring Organization.