After a day's rest, Pei Yan re-entered the Jiezhi Space for further training in preparation for the upcoming test. For this test, Summer Yu, who had once unlocked numerous potentials within him through their past encounters, was granted special permission to join.
The test's objective was simple: to have him once again showcase the astonishing learning ability he displayed that night!
Summer Yu stood before the now mechanized Pei Yan, stretching her limbs as she inquired what move he wished to learn. Pei Yan lifted his head and thought for a moment, "I want to learn that move you used to knock me down last time."
Chewing gum and stretching her wrist, Summer Yu replied, "Malay Martial Arts, is it?"
"Malay Martial Arts?" Pei Yan was taken aback, puzzled, as he had always thought it was Muay Thai.
"Yes, it's a self-defense technique derived from traditional Malaysian martial arts, with decent practical effectiveness in attack flow. I've only learned the basics without formal study, so how about I demonstrate some moves for you, or we could spar so you can experience it firsthand?"
"Let's go with sparring, like last time. You attack me! But this time, don't hit my head," Pei Yan joked, pointing to his own head in self-deprecation.
"No problem, and don't stab me with those strange spikes of yours either! Come on, attack me," Summer Yu laughed, spitting out her gum, wrapping it in paper, and putting it in her pocket, readying herself for combat.
"Alright!"
With that, Pei Yan didn't hold back, raising his fists as he slowly approached the vigilant Summer Yu. The moment he entered attack range, he extended his left fist, delivering a swift and fierce straight punch toward Summer Yu's head.
Summer Yu calmly timed her move, ducking and sidestepping, her left arm swiftly striking Pei Yan's mechanized forearm. With a muffled "thud," Pei Yan could clearly see a deep dent forming in his forearm. It dawned on him, had it been his flesh, that hit would've surely broken bones.
However, Summer Yu didn't allow him much time for astonishment. At the moment when his forearm was exhausted from the blow, she stepped in close, swung her right arm through his left mechanical elbow, pulling his body back, twisting his entire left arm behind and pressing down on his shoulder, swiftly kicking his left knee's shin with her right leg.
Under this barrage, Pei Yan finally lost his balance, falling to one knee. In an instant, Summer Yu drove her knee against his waist, wrapping her right arm around his neck, locking it with her left hand, tightening it twice. Pei Yan only felt a rush of blood to his head and shortness of breath while his neck's mechanical body automatically reacted, sprouting small spikes.
"Go back! Don't extend!" Pei Yan shouted hoarsely, his face flushed, forcibly suppressing the spikes from protruding from his neck.
At this moment, Summer Yu released her grip, letting Pei Yan kneel on the ground, gasping for fresh air.
"I found another of your weaknesses, even though your neck looks mechanical, you still need to breathe!" Summer Yu crouched in front of him, smiling brightly.
Coughing a few times, Pei Yan finally expelled the foul air, speaking with lingering fear, "Of course, I'm not actually a robot. So this is Malay Martial Arts? Indeed it's quite fluid!"
"So, did you understand it? Do you need me to demonstrate again?"
"No, but who should I practice on?"
"Still me, I'm the most suitable, that's why I'm here today."
"Isn't it inappropriate? I'm mechanical and don't feel pain, but you're flesh and blood, even with strong recovery, pain is inevitable."
"It's fine! Come on, I have a strong recovery ability. Although there are others similar to me in the bureau, if you hurt them, there would inevitably be complaints, affecting your future. I don't have these issues." Summer Yu shrugged and patted Pei Yan on the shoulder encouragingly.
Hearing Summer Yu's words, Pei Yan felt a warm gratitude, "Thanks, when my training's done and I earn a salary, I'll treat you to a meal!"
"Not just me, everyone! It wasn't my deep insight; it was your good roommate, Wang Wenze, who reminded me!"
"Yes! Everyone!"
After their exchange, they got back on their feet and re-engaged in the test, with Summer Yu now taking the offensive role. The previous moves were repeated, but as Pei Yan completed the first block, Summer Yu and the experts present frowned. When Pei Yan attempted the second move to seize Summer Yu's left arm, she easily slipped out of his grasp with a nimble sidestep.
"Don't hold back, treat me as an enemy and attack as you did earlier," Summer Yu reprimanded as she repositioned herself outside the circle.
"Alright!"
Once again attacking, Pei Yan was again outmaneuvered by Summer Yu. She approached him with her arms down, knocking on his forehead, "No, this doesn't feel right! Think it over carefully!"
Gu Shenghui turned his head, whispering to Elder Lin, "The girl's noticed. On that night, he almost flawlessly replicated Summer Yu's attack style, integrating it into his system. But today's attacks are sluggish."
"Is it a psychological issue? Pei Yan seems hesitant with her."
Gu Shenghui gazed at Pei Yan in the arena, mumbling to himself, "Perhaps that's part of it, but the main issue lies with him. Does his full potential only manifest when unconsciously controlled by his abilities?"
"Xiaogu, do you understand what you're implying? Haven't you seen enough examples of those corrupted by their abilities?" Elder Lin's face darkened, eyebrows knitted tightly, speaking in a severe, low voice. Seeing Gu Shenghui's guilty expression, he sighed rather than finishing his admonishment.
"Elder Lin, I realize my mistake; it was an emotional outburst. I'll be more careful in the future."
"As predecessors who've witnessed tragic precedents, we must set the right example and guide the youth, preventing them from straying."
"Yes, Elder Lin, you're right!"
As they spoke, Pei Yan and Summer resumed their combat training. Over two hours, from Malay Martial Arts to Muay Thai, Summer Yu demonstrated various attack methods to Pei Yan, but the teaching results left everyone unsatisfied.
Seeing Summer Yu sitting on the ground, puffing her cheeks, Pei Yan felt quite helpless. He had to admit she was a fighting prodigy, but not a good teacher, and the copy-like ability they all demanded wasn't felt by him this time.
Engineer Li, unfamiliar with combat, had been happily watching from the sidelines as Summer Yu relentlessly crushed Pei Yan. In his outside perspective, Pei Yan's learning seemed impressive. However, Instructor Miao informed him that Pei Yan's performance was considerably poorer than that night.
Having only checked the video after the fact, Engineer Li, comparing the differences, decided to test with the equipment prepared in advance for Pei Yan.
With that in mind, he stepped forward and shouted, "Let's take a break. I think I know what went wrong. Pei Yan, come over and check out the new gift we've prepared for you!"