Such a romantic setting was perfectly suited for young lovers to hold each other close, savoring the sweetness of their affection.

Qin Fen felt utterly stifled looking at the four martial arts masters who had suddenly appeared. It would have been one thing if they showed up for a spar, exchanging techniques to mutually advance their martial progress.

Today? Qin Fen couldn't help but feel these four masters were spoiling the mood, yet he had no real ground to object. Besides the pretext of a sparring session, they had another agenda: to gauge the strength of Song Jia’s prospective husband.

In a way, these four masters were all elders to Song Jia. Therefore, as her future spouse, a certain level of necessary politeness had to be maintained. Moreover, the four carried no malice whatsoever. As martial arts masters, hearing that a young man had gained the temporary acknowledgment of the Qilin, they naturally wanted to witness the rumored fiercely rising prodigy.

As a fellow martial arts master, Tun Fen deeply understood their motivations.

Understanding, however, did not equate to full agreement. Qin Fen sighed repeatedly, lamenting inwardly, I understand you all, but you need to understand me too. Tomorrow, Shi Xun is coming and then I'll leave. To have people pick apart my romantic life at a time like this seems a bit too impatient.

"Esteemed seniors," Qin Fen said, bringing his hands together in a slight bow, pushing them forward, "I invite you."

The four martial arts masters exchanged confused glances. Who was this "I invite you" directed towards? Why was this young man speaking so vaguely?

"...Kid, your words make no sense whatsoever," Chi Lei suddenly clenched his fists, crimson Zhenqi flame spitting out between his knuckles, causing the air around his fists to vibrate slightly. "There are four of us. You need to be clear about who you want to spar with first, otherwise, are we going to start fighting amongst ourselves just to decide who goes first?"

"Exactly!" Yao Guang’s voice held a trace of ice. "Be clear about who goes first!"

Qin Fen shook his head with a wry smile, blaming himself for not being clearer. His intention was for them to attack all at once, but the four had clearly misinterpreted his previous statement.

Situ Nan nodded lightly without speaking. A duel between martial arts masters of the same star level was only fair when both parties were at their peak. If someone fought Qin Fen after he had already engaged with the others, they would be fighting an already depleted Qin Fen, which was not only unfair but would also offer no real challenge or satisfaction. The fight might end too easily.

Qin Fen placed his arm in front of Song Jia, gesturing for her to step back. He offered a slight apology, "Seniors, perhaps I was misunderstood. What I meant was, to save time, and to allow for a better exchange and sparring session, why don't the four of you come at me together?"

The mountainside fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the cool breeze sweeping through the peaks.

The expressions of the four masters were as rigid as stone. In their careers, they had never heard such arrogant words! Duels between Star-Level Martial Arts Masters were almost always one-on-one. Any warrior capable of reaching the Marrow-Washing and Nirvana stages was no pushover; they all possessed a profound understanding of the martial way. The strengths and martial understanding of same-star-level masters were usually quite similar, making any outcome a distinct possibility.

The four masters had heard about Qin Fen's battle at Mount Halla. From that, they could deduce that although Qin Fen’s strength was considerable, he had been severely depleted—even to the point of exhaustion—after fighting Ji Zhen Hao Tian in the second battle.

Chi Jia’s two fiery red eyebrows knitted together like twin dragons. Reaching his current level at such a young age was indeed outstanding, but to then boast of taking on four opponents of the same star level was simply too arrogant!

Situ Nan remained silent, his face grim. One against four? This young man was boundless in his conceit! Among same-star-level masters, few dared to take on two opponents simultaneously, let alone three. A claim of one against four would make almost any martial master laugh out loud.

Yao Guang’s face showed clear displeasure. His gaze softened slightly as he looked at Song Jia, before his lips slowly parted to address Qin Fen, "One against four? Young man, you might not grasp the situation clearly. In standard conditions, a Martial Arts Master facing four others of the same star level is certain to lose, let alone facing the four of us?"

Lian Wugao proudly lifted his head, gripping his Iron Fu Ju even tighter, and snorted coldly through his nose, expressing his clear displeasure.

Qin Fen nodded gently, his expression maintaining the appropriate respect, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Seniors, you must have an accompanying combination array, correct? Senior Chi’s entire body is like fire, even his fighting intent feels like it’s burning and boiling. Senior Situ wields a long staff, moving with swiftness akin to a gale. Senior Yao's every move is slow and steady like a forest, while Senior Lian is broad and strong, his Iron Fu Ju a heavy weapon, giving off the feeling of an immovable mountain in even a casual stance. Combined, you perfectly embody the image of Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain."

Surprise flashed in the eyes of the three men and one woman, impossible to hide. Analyzing each person's characteristics might not be difficult, but few considered how they would combine, let alone the possibility of a joint combat array.

In today’s martial era, almost all warriors preferred to push past their own limits, striving to develop everything within themselves. Few considered other methods, such as combining different martial arts into an entirely new mode of combat.

Situ Nan slowly nodded, his gaze holding three parts admiration and seven parts pride. "Young man, your observation is keen. The martial arts of our four align precisely with the characters of Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain. Because our arts complement each other, we pioneered a group combat technique called the 'Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain' array. Later, the Qilin saw our group technique and was very pleased, specially improving it for us. It can be said that in a four-on-four engagement among the Fifteen-Star Martial Arts Masters of this world, we consider ourselves unmatched in this era."

Chi Yu proudly swung his tightly clenched fist across his chest. "The Qilin once said that once the four of us activate the Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain Formation, even Sixteenth-Star practitioners would have no chance of victory."

The other two, though silent, held immense confidence in their eyes. Facing this Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain array meant confronting not just the four of them, but also the entity behind them: the Qilin!

This formation had been refined and improved by the divine beast martial artist, using his boundless martial capabilities! Within this four-person combined array, Situ Nan did not believe anyone in the world, save perhaps the Four Heavenly Kings who served under the Qilin and were equivalent to the Star Constellation Generals of other divine beasts, could overcome them.

Qin Fen bowed his hands slightly, pushing them forward gently. "Understood. I still request the four seniors to make your move."

Chi Yu’s crimson face seemed to turn ashen; the complexions of the other three were even worse. Setting aside the combined array, the martial skills practiced by each of them were legendary techniques. Even in casual spars against same-star masters, they usually emerged victorious more often than not.

After patiently explaining the might of their combined technique, even invoking the divine beast Qilin Song Wendong, they never expected the young man before them to still stubbornly insist on fighting all four at once!

His response sounded sincere and flat, devoid of any arrogant tone, yet the meaning behind his words was supremely overbearing.

Everyone perceived the martial way differently. Pei Chengjun and Ji Zhen Hao Tian, after reaching the Fifteenth Star and becoming Martial Arts Masters, chose to establish their own sects and become founding leaders.

But a portion of Martial Arts Masters believed that merely reaching the Fifteenth Star did not qualify one to establish a sect, become a leader, and enjoy worldly wealth.

Some Martial Arts Masters held no desire for worldly attachment; their hearts held even loftier ambitions! The four of Chi Yu were such people; their goal was to become Star Constellation Generals!

In this world, some aimed to become Divine Beast Warriors, while others aimed to become Star Constellation Generals. The Star Constellation Generals under each Divine Beast were not permanent. Theoretically, if someone’s strength surpassed that of a current Star Constellation General and they were willing to temporarily serve under the Divine Beast Warrior, they could replace the incumbent.

Those who aspired to become Star Constellation Generals were inherently extremely proud; such a goal represented the highest form of honor for countless warriors.

Now, these four warriors, whose future goal was the rank of Star Constellation General, were being told by a young man, recently ascended to the Fifteen-Star Martial Arts Master realm, that he would take on all four of them at once.

If not for Song Jia’s presence, someone would have already stepped forward to discuss with Qin Fen, "Such an insult to our four... perhaps we should change this 'sparring exchange' to a 'life-and-death duel' to wash away the insult of your arrogant words toward us four Martial Arts Masters."

The atmosphere suddenly grew heavy. Qin Fen looked at their displeased faces, slowly shaking his head and sighing as he raised his right palm. The True Gang force within his body instantly solidified throughout him, and the full might of his Sixteenth-Star strength erupted. The green grass within a radius of several hundred meters beneath his feet immediately bowed flat to the ground, as if paying homage to a monarch.

A powerful aura suddenly blossomed, flattening all surrounding vegetation. Qin Fen’s warrior uniform billowed like a drumskin, as if a giant hairdryer was blowing from all directions, causing his clothes to vibrate ceaselessly.

"Seniors, my apologies," Qin Fen said, his eyes carrying a hint of regret. "Not long before you arrived, I unexpectedly broke through my previous Fifteen-Star limit. I am now a Sixteenth-Star warrior."

The silent hillside suddenly became even quieter.

The four challenging Martial Arts Masters, whose faces had just been grim, instantly turned gray—a deathly gray color.

Sixteenth Star! They had diligently cultivated for years, never ceasing to wish for a breakthrough into the Sixteenth Star realm, yet they had consistently failed to reach this higher level of power.

This young man, according to rumors, had only entered the Fifteen-Star realm a very short time ago during his battles against Pei Chengjun and Ji Zhen Hao Tian at Mount Halla!

What? In the blink of an eye, he had reached the Sixteenth Star? This rate of progression was simply too fast! The three men and one woman exchanged stunned glances. No wonder his tone was so bold, demanding they attack together from the outset. It turned out the young man’s house had delivered joyful news—he had been promoted!

Bitterness filled the mouths of the four Fifteen-Star Martial Arts Masters, as if the world’s most bitter Coptis root had instantly flooded their mouths. There was nothing more tragic than coming full of confidence only to be told by the opponent, Sorry, bro just leveled up.

"Alas! So be it!" Situ Nan let out a long sigh tinged with helplessness, shaking his head slowly. "Since you have advanced your star level, we old bones truly stand no chance against you in a one-on-one fight."

The other three nodded in agreement. Under normal circumstances, setting aside the influence of bio-mechanical beasts and various medicinal aids, there was almost no point in a Sixteenth-Star warrior fighting a Fifteen-Star warrior.

"In that case," Situ Nan gently lifted his long staff, the highly flexible wood trembling faintly, "we four old bones will use the Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain Great Array to sample the martial techniques of this young prodigy."

Song Jia retreated another few hundred meters. Having witnessed the scene of Qin Fen fighting the Qilin at the Fifteen-Star level, she knew how terrifying the collateral damage could be when these Martial Arts Masters clashed.

The four masters spread out slightly, not adopting the typical formation of a mob surrounding a single target.

The distance between the four was small; they remained clustered together, only slightly altering their arrangement. Lian Wugao, holding the Iron Fu Ju, stood at the rear of the four. His heavy build paired with the weighty weapon vaguely conveyed an aura of the heavens collapsing and the mountains standing immovable.

Yao Guang stood quietly in front of Lian Wugao, his serene aura making him easy to overlook.

Situ Nan and Chi Lei stood at the forefront, flanking the sides. Currents of electricity crackled from the metal staff, while Chi Yu’s crimson palm blades spewed chaotic red Zhenqi, causing the air to carry a smell as if it were about to be scorched.

Four people, four distinct battle intentions! At that moment, however, they achieved a strange harmony, intertwining, colliding, and weaving together. Qin Fen felt he was facing not four individuals, but a massive, coordinated battle will infused with multiple powers.

Qin Fen nodded lightly. Although the fusion of these four battle wills was not completely flawless, it was remarkably skillful. To create such a combined combat method meant these four possessed deep martial foundations.

Sensing the surging battle will, Qin Fen slowly crouched, drawing his arms back in a bow stance. The veins hidden beneath his skin throbbed audibly; his skin and muscles began to turn pale, gradually shifting back towards the Ice-Jade state. The power of the Sixteenth Star instantly receded back to the Fifteen Star level.

Fifteenth Star! ? !

The four masters, brimming with surging intent, simultaneously started, their eyes shooting out beams of confused light.

P. A while ago, someone in the comment section told me that Chen Xiang was the one who split the mountain to save his mother, not Erlang Shen. I had no choice but to post a reply explaining Erlang Shen's story of splitting the mountain to save his mother.

Later, another group, who watched too much Japanese animation, insisted that Xuanwu was an Earth-elemental divine beast. Seriously! Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Xuanwu—these are things inherited from our Chinese ancestors, heavily altered by the Japanese. Don't start acting all superior by using things you learned from those little Japanese cartoons.

You can go to Baidu, search for the term "Divine Beast," enter the Baidu Encyclopedia, and see for yourself. It clearly states: Eastern Wood Azure Dragon. And Xuanwu is also clearly written: Water! Therefore, Xuanwu being a Water-elemental divine beast is correct. It’s good to show off your knowledge, but please don't quote things distorted by the Japanese to lecture me. To put it plainly, if you use Japanese-altered anime to lecture me today, fine, I might offer a brief explanation. But I truly fear the day you bring a Japanese re-edited textbook to tell me there was no Nanjing Massacre. If that day comes, I’ll truly lose my temper.

I bring up the above examples because today I wrote about the "Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain" formation. I don’t know if someone will jump out again to lecture me, so I’m stating this in advance. The Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain phrase first appeared in the Art of War by Sun Tzu. Thank you.