MARD Chapter 21 Mei’s Dress

The street outside the boutique looked like a battlefield. Crates were smashed, tiles and various buildings cracked, windows destroyed, and dust still hung faintly in the air. A dozen cultivators lay scattered across the cobblestones, groaning or unconscious, their robes torn and faces swollen from punches, kicks, and headbutts. Some clutched their ribs, others their jaws, all of them thoroughly defeated.

In the center of it all stood Issei. His chest heaved as he struggled to catch his breath, sweat dripping down the side of his face. A shallow cut traced his cheek, another across his brow, and his knuckles were red and raw, his gauntleted hand still faintly smoking from the last exchange. The Boosted Gear gleamed in the sunlight for one last moment before vanishing in a flash of red light, leaving only his bloodied hands behind.

He flexed his fingers slowly, wincing. “Man… these guys don’t know when to quit.” His voice was tired, but there was a note of satisfaction underneath. ‘At least I kept them away from the shop.’

The crowd that had gathered earlier stayed at a distance now, whispering in awe and fear.

“Did he just… beat them all?”

“With his bare hands, mostly…”

“Is this the Spirit Weapon’s power?”

Issei ignored them. He wiped the blood from his mouth with the back of his hand, then turned toward the boutique.

—-----------------—-

The carved wooden door creaked as he pushed it open. The clerk was busy bringing more clothes and fussing over the fit. The place within seemed almost untouched, as though the battle outside had never happened.

Issei stood in the doorway for a moment, leaning against the frame, his shoulders rising and falling with every breath. His cuts stung, his muscles ached, but he was glad Mei wasn’t disturbed.

“Hey,” he said finally, his voice rough but carrying a smile. “You two almost done in here?”

It was then that the clerk noticed Issei and started to drag him closer to the changing rooms.

Issei rubbed the back of his head as the clerk ushered him toward the changing room, his brows furrowed. “Uh, wait—why are you dragging me in here? Shouldn’t Mei be—”

The words died in his throat the moment the curtain pulled back.

Mei stood there, framed by the soft lantern light, her posture stiff with nervousness. Her long brown hair had been carefully combed, no longer tangled, and a delicate white flower sat tucked above her ear with teal ornament pinned her hair on the same side, catching the light with every slight movement.

But it was the dress that truly stunned him.

The rich teal green fabric shimmered with golden embroidery that traced winding blossoms across the hem and bodice. The high collar, edged in black, gave her an air of quiet refinement, while the intricate knot fastenings added an almost ceremonial feel. Flowing white sleeves draped gracefully past her wrists, making her seem soft, ethereal—like someone out of a painting. And when she shifted nervously, the side slit revealed just enough of her leg to add a subtle touch of allure, elegant yet modest.

For a long moment, Issei could only stare. His mouth moved, but no words came out. His chest felt oddly tight, and warmth crept up his neck. ‘She looks… she really looks amazing.’

The receptionist clasped her hands together, beaming as she turned to him. “Well? What do you think, sir?”

Issei blinked rapidly, snapping out of his daze. “I-I think…” His voice cracked, and he quickly cleared his throat. “…I think she looks absolutely beautiful.”

Mei’s breath caught. Her cheeks flared red instantly, her eyes wide as she glanced down at herself, clutching the fabric as though it might shield her from the intensity of his words. “B-beautiful…?”

“Yeah.” Issei’s grin softened into something gentler, more sincere. “It really suits you, Mei. You look like… like a princess.”

Her heart stuttered, and she had to turn away before he saw the tears welling at the corners of her eyes. ‘No one’s ever said that to me before…’

The clerk, clearly pleased with his reaction, gave a polite nod. “I took the liberty of preparing several additional outfits as well, sir. Some are simpler for daily wear, others more formal like this one.” She handed him a slip of paper with the total price written in neat characters.

Mei leaned over, her eyes widening at the number. She winced, nearly dropping the slip. “I-Issei, this is far too much! We can’t afford this. I don’t need all these clothes, just—just one would be enough!”

Issei only chuckled, folding the paper casually and tucking it away. “Don’t worry about it. I said I’d take care of it, didn’t I?”

“But—!”

He waved her off, his grin boyish but firm. “Relax, Mei. You’re part of the family now. And family doesn’t have to walk around in rags. Consider this… my welcome gift.”

Mei’s throat tightened, her fingers curling into the embroidered fabric. Her face was still burning, but beneath the embarrassment was something warmer—an unfamiliar but wonderful happiness.

“…Thank you,” She whispered, her voice barely audible.

Issei smiled wider, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “Heh. You’re welcome.”

Mei turned, her purple eyes lighting up as soon as she got closer and noticed, her eyes widening in alarm. “Issei! You’re hurt!”

Her hands flew to her mouth, the fabric slipping from her fingers as she rushed toward him.

Issei raised his hand sheepishly, trying to downplay it. “It’s nothing. Just a few scratches. Don’t worry about it.”

But Mei’s gaze lingered on his cuts, her brows knitting tightly. Her voice was quiet, trembling with worry. “…You’re always saying that. But you fought… didn’t you?”

Issei chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his head. “Well, you know me. Trouble finds me whether I like it or not. Plus I didn’t want to disturb you.” He forced a grin.

Mei looked down at her clothes, her fingers curling tighter around it. Her heart twisted, guilt mixing with warmth. ‘He fought all of them… just so I could stand here in peace, trying on dresses…’

She swallowed hard, lowering her gaze. “…Thank you.”

Issei blinked, surprised by the weight in her voice. But before he could answer, the clerk awkwardly cleared her throat. “Well that be all, sir?”

Issei smiled tiredly, waving her on. “Yeah. Let’s finish packing Mei’s new clothes. That’s what we came here for.”

The receptionist, sensing the moment, clapped her hands lightly. “Shall we prepare the rest for wrapping, then?”

“Yeah,” Issei said, turning back toward her. “We’ll take everything.”

And as the clerk bustled away to gather the extra garments, Mei kept her eyes lowered, her heart still racing with the weight of Issei’s words.

—-------------------------------

The door to the boutique creaked open, and Issei stepped out first, holding it for Mei. She followed, her new dress flowing lightly with each step, her hair ornaments catching the sun. But the moment she looked beyond the door, her purple eyes widened in shock.

The street was littered with groaning bodies. Cultivators, a dozen of them, lay sprawled on the ground, some clutching their ribs, others rolling weakly from side to side. Their fine robes were torn and smeared with dust.

A crowd of townsfolk still lingered at a distance, whispering nervously, though none dared get close. The sight was so jarring, so brutal, that Mei stopped in her tracks.

“Issei…” she whispered, her hands tightening around her sleeves. “You… you did all this?”

Issei scratched his cheek with a sheepish grin. His face still bore a cut, and his knuckles were bruised, but his grin didn’t falter. “Yeah. They were persistent. Guess they didn’t take the hint the first ten times.”

Mei’s gaze lowered to the cultivators’ broken forms, guilt welling in her chest. “I’m so sorry… I must’ve caused you all this trouble. If it weren’t for me…”

“Oi.” Issei’s voice was firm, cutting through her words. He placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his grin softening into something warmer. “Don’t blame yourself. This kind of stuff just… happens to me. Trouble finds me no matter what. Besides—”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Between you and me… the money I used to buy your clothes? It was theirs.”

Mei blinked, stunned. “…What?”

Issei straightened, holding up a small pouch that jingled heavily with coins. “They attacked me, so I figured, fair game, right? Took their purses, their weapons, and… pretty much anything that looked shiny.”

Mei’s lips parted, caught between shock and laughter. “I-Issei! You robbed them?”

“Robbed? Nah.” He waved dismissively. “I call it… punishment. They came after me first. If you ask me, they’re lucky I didn’t take their clothes too.”

For a heartbeat, Mei just stared at him, her brows furrowed as if scolding him silently. But then her hand flew to her mouth as a laugh escaped—soft at first, then fuller, brighter. “You’re terrible,” she said, shaking her head. “So mean!”

Issei chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Hey, I’ve gotta pay for these fancy clothes somehow. And admit it—you’re glad I did.”

Mei looked down at the embroidered fabric hugging her frame, her cheeks warming. She couldn’t deny it. “…Maybe.”

He grinned wider, clearly pleased with himself.

The two stepped past the defeated cultivators, ignoring the groans and protests as they moved together down the street. Some of the fallen men muttered curses, but none dared rise. The townsfolk parted quickly to let them through, whispering as they passed.

And for Mei, walking at Issei’s side, the unease of the battle slowly faded, replaced with a quiet comfort—and the faintest, guilty spark of amusement at how casually he had turned their enemies into his personal wallet.

—------------------------------------

World Marble

The shimmering portal swirled shut behind them, cutting off the noise of Meihua Crossing. Instantly, the familiar warmth of the World Marble wrapped around Issei and Mei. The eternal golden light poured across the meadow, the air alive with the rustle of leaves and the distant cries of Wu Xiao’s animals at play.

Wu Lan was already waiting nearby, seated on the porch of the small wooden house with a book in her lap. Her head lifted the moment the ripple of energy announced their arrival. She rose gracefully, her long hair flowing behind her as she hurried toward them.

“Issei. Mei.” Her voice was calm, but the relief was clear in her eyes. Then, as Mei stepped fully out of the portal, Wu Lan froze.

Her eyes softened. “Mei… that dress.”

Mei shifted awkwardly, her cheeks warming under Wu Lan’s gaze. “D-does it look strange?”

Wu Lan shook her head, her lips curving into a small smile. “No. It suits you perfectly. You look… lovely.”

Mei’s blush deepened, and she dipped her head shyly. ‘Even Wu Lan thinks so…’

But Wu Lan’s smile faltered the instant her eyes fell on Issei. The dried blood along his cheek, the cut above his brow, the bruises across his hands—her serene expression gave way to sharp worry.

“What happened to you?” She demanded, stepping close to check his wounds. “You’re hurt!”

Issei raised his hands quickly, flashing a grin to ease her panic. “Relax, Lan. I’m fine. Really. The World Marble’s already patching me up.”

“That’s not fine,” She countered, her brows knitting as she touched lightly at the corner of his brow, careful not to press the wound. “You look like you’ve been through a battle.”

“…That’s because I have.” Issei sighed, lowering his voice as he glanced at Mei. “We had a little… encounter. Seems like the mayor of Meihua Crossing doesn’t like me very much and sent a bunch of cultivators after me in broad daylight.”

Wu Lan’s breath caught. “The mayor?”

“Yeah. The father of Yao.” Issei rubbed his neck, his grin fading into something more serious. “Apparently, he thinks the Boosted Gear’s some kind of ‘Spirit Weapon.’ Now he wants it for himself.”

Wu Lan’s fingers tightened against her sleeve, her calm expression cracking. ‘Those greedy men… always drawn to power.’

Without another word, she turned sharply toward the house. “Stay here. I’ll get Ying and Xiao. This isn’t something we can ignore.”

Mei blinked, startled. “Wu Lan?”

But Wu Lan was already gone, her robe sweeping behind her as she disappeared inside. The sound of hurried footsteps soon echoed, followed by Wu Lan’s raised voice as she called for her sisters.

Issei exhaled, running a hand through his hair. ‘Guess the peaceful shopping trip’s officially over.’

Beside him, Mei looked down at her new dress, guilt tugging at her heart. ‘He fought so many for me… and now, even the mayor…’ She bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. “I’ve only brought more danger…”

Issei glanced at her, then placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Hey. Don’t think like that. We’re in this together, remember?”

Mei met his gaze, her eyes shimmering, and for a moment the weight on her chest eased.

Then the door burst open, Wu Ying storming out with her arms crossed, Wu Xiao trailing behind reluctantly. Wu Lan followed close, her expression grave.

“All right,” Wu Lan said firmly, her eyes sweeping over them. “Tell us everything.”

—-----------------------------------

The meadow was quiet, bathed in the warm, eternal sunlight of the World Marble. Around the campfire pit—unlit for now—the group sat on sturdy logs dragged into a loose circle. The pile of confiscated weapons Issei had tossed in earlier gleamed nearby, a chaotic mound of blades, spears, and talismans.

Issei sat forward, elbows on his knees, recounting everything in a steady voice. “After Mei and I left here, we went back to the inn first. But the room… it had already been ransacked. Furniture smashed, drawers torn out, someone was looking for us. Right after that, two cultivators ambushed us. Managed to catch one, and… Mei was able to knock out the other.”

At that, Mei shifted nervously, her hands folded tightly in her lap. Wu Ying’s sharp eyes flicked toward her, but she didn’t comment.

Issei continued, “Later, when we went to buy her clothes, I was cornered outside the boutique. A whole group of cultivators, probably a dozen at least. Third and Fourth Stage mostly.” He exhaled, lifting his bruised hands slightly. “Though they’re not going to be bothering anyone anymore. I gave them quite the beating.”

Wu Xiao leaned back, her short legs swinging off her log. Her eyes lit up with understanding. “Ohhh! That explains the random pile of weapons in the Marble. I thought they just fell out of the sky or something.” She grinned, poking a bent spear sticking out of the heap.

Wu Ying pinched the bridge of her nose, exhaling heavily. “And this—” she waved toward the pile, “—is exactly why I told you not to cause a scene.”

Issei winced but didn’t argue. He could feel her glare digging into his skull.

After a moment, Wu Ying’s frown softened into something more thoughtful. She folded her arms across her chest, her voice firm. “…But I suppose we don’t really have a choice now.”

Everyone looked at her.

Wu Ying’s emerald eyes sharpened. “We’ll have to strike first. Take down the mayor before he sends more dogs after us. Otherwise, they’ll never leave us alone.”

The declaration fell heavy into the circle.

Wu Xiao, predictably, shot her fist into the air. “Yes! Finally something fun! We should’ve done that from the start!” Her face beamed, practically glowing with excitement.

But Wu Lan and Mei both stiffened, their eyes widening.

“Ying…” Wu Lan’s voice carried warning, her calm composure breaking with disbelief.

Mei’s hands tightened on her dress, her voice trembling. “B-but the mayor… he’s not just anyone. He’s a Sixth Stage Fighter! How can we even—”

Wu Ying cut her off sharply, her expression unwavering. “Then tell me what else we can do, Mei. Sit here and wait for him to come knocking? Pretend he’ll stop just because we hope he does?”

Mei fell silent, her heart sinking under the weight of the words.

Wu Ying leaned forward, her tone fierce. “Only through a show of force will they finally back off. If we don’t break the head of the snake, the body will keep crawling after us.” She glanced at Issei, her eyes narrowing. “We still have three days before the blacksmith finishes. Three days stuck in this town while the mayor’s greed festers. Do you think he’ll wait that long?”

Issei rubbed the back of his neck, uneasy. ‘She’s not wrong. He won’t stop. But… going after a Sixth Stage head-on?’

Wu Ying’s gaze softened just slightly, though her pride kept her voice firm. “Besides. He’s only at theSixth Stage. With the Boosted Gear, we can match that strength. Maybe even surpass it.”

Her words sparked a ripple of unease through the circle. Mei stared into her lap, chewing her lip. Wu Lan pressed her hands together, deep in thought, while Wu Xiao grinned ear to ear, practically vibrating with the idea of a fight.

THOOM… THOOM… THOOM.

A shadow fell across the campfire circle, the air rippling with heat as Ddraig’s massive red form approached. His emerald eyes glowed, his wings folded tightly against his back, each step sending a faint tremors through the grass.

The girls instinctively turned toward him. Even Wu Ying, who never flinched at anything, straightened and braced herself as though his presence alone pressed down on her shoulders.

Ddraig lowered his massive head, smoke curling lazily from his nostrils. His voice rolled like thunder across the meadow.

(I agree with Wu Ying.) The words alone made the air heavier.

(Partner,) The dragon rumbled, his eyes locking with Issei’s, (You were never meant to run from fights. Not with the Boosted Gear. Not with me by your side. You charge straight ahead. Into danger and battle. That is how you grow.)

Issei’s stomach twisted. Hearing it from Wu Ying was one thing. But from Ddraig—his partner, there was no room to wiggle out. He rubbed the back of his neck, his shoulders slumping. “…You’re both right.”

Wu Ying crossed her arms, smirking ever so slightly in triumph.

“But,” Issei added quickly, lifting a finger, “if we’re going to pick a fight with a Sixth Stage Fighter, then we should at least train a bit first. Going in unprepared would just be stupid.”

Wu Ying opened her mouth to argue, but then paused, considering his words. Her lips pressed together, and finally she nodded. “…Fair. Being reckless isn’t the same as being prepared.”

She pointed around the circle, her blue eyes sharp. “There’s plenty to improve. Mei needs to learn how to fight. Xiao needs to stop being lazy and get to the Second Stage. And I want to practice that ‘Transfer’ ability you unlocked.”

Wu Xiao immediately let out a dramatic wail, collapsing backward off her log. “Whyyy? Cultivating is so boring! I hate sitting still!”

“Then get used to it,” Wu Ying snapped, dragging her back upright by the collar. “I’m not carrying a First Stage fighter into battle.”

Mei blinked, her brows furrowed in confusion. “…Transfer? What’s that?”

Before Issei could answer, Wu Lan stepped in, her calm voice filling the gap. “It’s the second ability Issei unlocked from the Boosted Gear. It allows Issei to share his Boosts with allies.”

Mei’s eyes widened. “He can… give his power away?”

Wu Lan nodded. “Yes. The last time he used it, he transferred several Boosts into Ying. She became incredibly strong, stronger than I’ve ever seen her. But…” Her lips pressed into a thin line. “When the power wore off, Ying was completely drained. She couldn’t move at all.”

At that, Wu Xiao burst out laughing, clutching her stomach. “Oh yeah, I remember! Ying was like a limp noodle on the ground! It was so funny!”

Wu Ying’s face flushed crimson. “Shut it!” She barked, swatting at her little sister.

She then turned her gaze sharply toward Mei, her embarrassment only fueling her determination. “Enough talk. Mei—get ready. You and I are going to spar.”

Mei stiffened, her hands clutching at the new fabric of her dress. “S-spar? With you?”

Wu Ying smirked, rolling her shoulders, her fists tightening with anticipation. “That’s right. If you’re going to fight beside us, then I need to know what you can actually do. Cultivation alone won’t help you in a fight. You must learn not to freeze up and be able to punch back.”

Mei’s heart thudded painfully in her chest as everyone’s eyes turned toward her.

—-----------------------------------

The meadow cleared quickly as the group shifted back, leaving a wide circle of open grass. Luna sat with ears perked, tail flicking, while the smaller critters scampered onto branches or rocks to watch from a safe distance.

In the center, Mei and Wu Ying stood opposite each other.

Mei’s hands trembled slightly as she raised them, her purple eyes darting between Wu Ying’s steady stance and the expectant gazes of the others. Her new dress had been set aside; she now wore simpler training clothes, but that didn’t lessen the weight pressing down on her chest.

‘I’ve never fought before. What if I hurt her? Or worse… what if I embarrass myself?’

Across from her, Wu Ying’s expression was sharp and unwavering. Her fists were raised, her body steady, every breath controlled. She radiated discipline honed through years of effort. She wasn’t going to coddle Mei—this was going to be a real test.

Issei shifted uneasily on his log. He could see the way Mei’s knees knocked together, how she clutched her hands like a frightened child. “Hey, Ying… wouldn’t it be better if I taught her instead? At least for the basics?”

Wu Ying shot him a glance, her emerald eyes narrowing. “No. If you train her, you’ll pull your punches. You always do.” She turned back to Mei, her stance tightening. “She’s a Fifth Stage Fighter. Plus against you, she won’t be in any real danger. The only thing that could threaten her is a Fifth Stage or higher. So she’s safe enough.”

“Safe enough?” Issei muttered, rubbing the back of his head. ‘She’s not wrong, but that’s still Mei we’re talking about…’

But Wu Ying didn’t wait. The grass swayed under her feet as she launched forward, her fist cutting through the air toward Mei’s chest.

“Eek!” Mei squeaked, stumbling sideways just as the punch grazed past her shoulder. Wu Ying spun on her heel, aiming a kick at Mei’s ribs. Again, Mei yelped, ducking low and scrambling away.

The pattern repeated—Wu Ying striking with precision, Mei dodging in panic. But soon, something became clear: Mei’s movements were far faster than Wu Ying’s. She didn’t block, didn’t counter, didn’t even think—she simply moved, and every attack slipped past her by sheer instinct.

Wu Xiao’s eyes widened as she tried to follow the blur of motion. “Wahhh! Mei’s like a rabbit! I can’t even keep up with her!” She stomped her foot in frustration, pouting with puffed cheeks.

Wu Lan glanced at her younger sister, her voice calm but firm. “Then cultivate more, Wu Xiao. If you want to see clearly, you’ll need to raise your stage. Strength comes from effort.”

Wu Xiao groaned loudly, flopping onto her back in protest. “But cultivating is boring! I wanna watch the fight!”

“Then you know what you have to do,” Wu Lan replied simply, her eyes never leaving the duel.

Wu Xiao pouted harder, crossing her arms. But after a moment she pulled herself up and sat cross-legged, muttering, “Fineee. I’ll cultivate. But I’d rather be watching.”

Out in the circle, Mei’s breath came fast as she darted around, barely avoiding another punch. Her heart thundered in her chest. ‘I-I’m not even trying! Is this… really me?’

Wu Ying, however, wasn’t smiling. Her frown deepened as Mei’s dodges continued. “Stop running, Mei! You won’t learn a thing if you only run!”

But Mei’s legs wouldn’t listen. They carried her, faster and faster, away from every blow, her body moving like water around stone.

From the sidelines, Issei scratched his cheek, his brow furrowed. ‘She’s fast. Way faster than Ying, and she doesn’t even realize it. But if she doesn’t face her, she’ll never learn how to fight back…’

Done. Tell me what you think and if I made any mistakes. Get ready for a raid.