Comparing ages, the Ancient One had lived for at least five hundred years and as for Bayonetta, the duel she had with Jeanne before being sealed also took place 500 years ago.
Comparing combat abilities, Bayonetta excelled at both close and ranged combat and the Ancient One wasn't far behind either.
After all, her base was in Asia and over the centuries besides having the most contact with Chinese martial arts, she had also mastered other fighting techniques including yoga, Muay Thai, karate, and more.
Combined with her unique spatial magic, she was equally an all-around expert capable at both close and long range.
Comparing their "cheats" or special advantages:
The Ancient One possessed the Eye of Agamotto, which was the Time Stone, her nemesis Dormammu served as her power source, and she had magical artifacts confiscated from various dimensions.
And Bayonetta? The World Eye effectiveness was no less than the Time Stone, Madame Butterfly who resided in Hell had signed a contract with her, and she carried a bunch of weapons and tools made from angelic or demonic essence.
The fighting styles they displayed in combat were vastly different, but honestly speaking, if you set aside these superficial aspects and analyzed their fundamental nature, the two were actually quite similar in every aspect.
If one had to rate them and determine who was superior...
The Ancient One was better at utilizing grand strategy for AOE attacks, somewhat like the wise generals described in legendary tales who excelled at burning connected camps and flooding armies.
Bayonetta on the other hand, specialized in one-on-one assassinations, more like the fierce generals who could behead enemy commanders and capture flags from within ten thousand troops.
Each had their strengths, making it truly difficult to conclude who was more formidable.
When exceptional talents meet worthy opponents, this encounter battle was fought with incredible intensity.
If the Ancient One hadn't timely deployed the Mirror Dimension, forget about the rooftop garden—the entire building might not have survived intact.
Well, it was precisely because the Ancient One deployed the Mirror Dimension that Shi Xiaolei found the opportunity to stop the two from continuing their fight.
He took out a long wooden staff from his backpack.
This was new merchandise he had found while browsing the system store yesterday when he was bored alone after the three women left.
Although it was only blue-tier equipment and not the type barbarians typically used, seeing the 'Level 15 Summon Meteor' spell attached to this staff, Shi Xiaolei thought it might come in handy in certain special situations.
Looking at the price, which wasn't too expensive, Shi Xiaolei decided to purchase it.
"Both of you, stop!"
Raising the staff, Shi Xiaolei shouted loudly.
After merging with the barbarian bloodline, he had only used various skills from his main class and didn't know what magic-class skills would look like in the Marvel universe.
Feeling that Bayonetta and the Ancient One were strong enough that any commotion he created would be too small to divert their attention if it wasn't significant enough.
Gritting his teeth with determination, Shi Xiaolei simply used up all the spell charges stored in the staff at once.
Fifteen castings summoned far more than just fifteen meteors.
In an instant, the sky filled with a large cluster of red-hot bright spots that, as if equipped with automatic guidance systems, came whistling down.
The smaller ones were the size of millstones, while the larger meteors could match a family car in size.
Combined with their sheer number... even the well-traveled Ancient One and Bayonetta were stunned by this apocalyptic disaster-like scene before them.
Not daring to be careless, the two exchanged glances, ceased their mutual combat and transferred all their attention to dealing with the meteors.
Bayonetta switched to her most powerful quad-barrel rocket launcher and fired over a hundred rockets in one burst toward the falling meteor cluster.
Meanwhile, the Ancient One waited until Bayonetta finished her attack, then spread both hands above her head, creating a magical shield covering several square kilometers.
The meteor fragments shattered by the rocket explosions streaked across the sky like beautiful fireworks, creating countless trails of fire, while those that slipped through the net slammed into the magical shield like heavy aerial bombs.
"Boom! Boom boom boom boom!"
The bombardment lasted nearly a minute.
The sky above the magical shield was completely obscured, entirely shrouded in flames and dust.
Finally, when the smoke cleared, the Ancient One lowered her magical shield and turned her gaze toward the instigator with a speechless expression.
Almost simultaneously, Bayonetta also put away her equipment, crossed her arms, and looked over with an amused expression.
"Well..."
Feeling somewhat embarrassed and trying to explain while gesturing, Shi Xiaolei noticed he was still holding the 'evidence' and quickly stored the staff away: "Aha, ahaha~ Nice weather, isn't it?"
"It certainly is—we even had a meteor shower."
Striding over with her long legs in a model walk, Bayonetta leaned half her body against Shi Xiaolei arm: "I never expected you could use magic too. Was it because of that wooden stick just now? Don't put it away—let me take a look."
"Indeed quite surprising."
The Ancient One also slowly approached: "Rock, you've once again exceeded my imagination."
"Uh, well..."
Since Bayonetta had already spoken, he'd inevitably have to take out the staff anyway, so Shi Xiaolei simply told the truth: "Actually, it's the staff ability."
"The craftsmanship doesn't look particularly impressive. Hmm? These patterns are quite interesting—are they magical runes?"
"I don't know either."
Shi Xiaolei spread his hands and shrugged.
"They should indeed be magical runes. Judging from their extension patterns, they're clearly not added to make the grip more comfortable, and they're not particularly attractive either..."
After studying the staff for a moment, the Ancient One reached a logical conclusion: "Besides magical runes, I can't think of any other explanation."
They had been fighting like mortal enemies just moments ago, but now they were chatting together?
However, surprising as it was, the current situation perfectly aligned with his wishes.
"This is how it should be! If there's something to discuss, sit down and talk calmly—why start with fighting and killing right away?"
Looking at Bayonetta, Shi Xiaolei finally found the opportunity to make introductions: "Bayonetta, this is Master Ancient One, the leader of Kamar-Taj."
"Hello, I am the Ancient One."
Whether maintaining the image of a sage or having figured out Bayonetta temperament during their battle and determined she wouldn't shake hands, the Ancient One simply smiled and nodded at Bayonetta without any intention of offering a handshake.
"Bayonetta."
Arms crossed and neck tilted proudly, Bayonetta gave her response with a somewhat arrogant air.
"Now that we've greeted each other, we're acquainted! Come, come, let's go inside and sit down to chat properly. Speaking of which, I still don't know what the house looks like inside. Bayonetta, have all the things you bought been delivered?"
As Shi Xiaolei spoke, the Ancient One dismissed the Mirror Dimension.
The rooftop garden, which had been in complete disarray, returned to its pristine condition.
Meeting Bayonetta slightly surprised gaze, the Ancient One smiled gently: "Just a small technique. If you're interested, we could exchange knowledge. By the way, may I come in for a cup of tea?"
"...Hmph."
"Sorry about that, Master Ancient One, don't mind her. Bayonetta is just..."
"I understand."
Interrupting Shi Xiaolei words, the Ancient One suddenly winked playfully: "She and I are the same type of person. There was a period when I was very much like she is now... not just in temperament, but even our hairstyles were somewhat similar."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)