These two were no ordinary figures; the moment their palms met, each understood the depth of the other. They clashed like lion and tiger in mortal combat. Huangfu Song had not expected Long Zhentian, the Lord of the Nine Heavens, to possess such profound inner force—nor had he imagined that, even after battling fiercely for three full hours, the man could still wield such terrifying power.
Long Zhentian himself was inwardly startled. After such prolonged combat, had this been before the earlier battle, he would have feared no one—but now, in a single duel, he could not claim certain victory. The onlookers stirred with unease, all thinking: "To take advantage of exhaustion is no act of honor."
At that moment, a figure descended into the arena—it was Cui Fujun, the Chief Judge of the martial world, arriving to defuse the rising conflict.
"Gentlemen," he said, "today's contest has already concluded. Why not arrange another match on a later date?"
Long Zhentian nodded in approval. "The Chief Judge speaks wisely." Then, turning his tone, he added, "Master Huangfu's inner cultivation is truly extraordinary. Today's encounter has been most enlightening—but my appointed opponent was not you."
Huangfu Song, calculating within, let his cold gaze sweep across the field. "The Chief Judge is right. Let us settle this another day."
Just then, from afar came the piercing wail of suona horns, accompanied by resounding drums. A grand procession approached, fragrant incense trailing in the air. Before long, a carriage drew near, and from it stepped a middle-aged woman clad in flowing purple silk—elegant, regal, commanding.
Two of her attendants, Plum Blossom and Chrysanthemum, cried out in unison:
"The Holy Mother of the Western Sect arrives!"
It was the Western Sacred Cult, advancing with overwhelming presence. Their followers fell to their knees, chanting loudly:
"The world is void—who says it is not suffering?The Holy Mother descends, gracing the Western realm.Beneath Heaven's cover and Earth's support,The Western Sacred Cult endures for ten thousand ages.Rising like wind and water,Sweeping across the world,The Holy Mother aids all under Heaven,Hearing cries and delivering the suffering."
Because of Wu Tong, the Western Sect had long been at bitter odds with the White Lotus Sect—something known to all factions of the martial world.
Chen Jinfeng, the Holy Mother, floated lightly forward and landed before Huangfu Song.
"Master Huangfu," she called, "I did not expect such heroism from you—daring to challenge the Lord of the Nine Heavens!"
Huangfu Song replied coldly, "Holy Mother of the West—what brings you here?"
She cast him a sideways glance, snorting. "If you can come, why not I?"
Huangfu Song's heroic spirit surged. "I, Huangfu Song, have come to test myself against the victor of the Nine Heavens Palace and the True God Palace. What business have you here?"
Chen Jinfeng's expression hardened. "If you test your strength, then so shall I!"
Turning toward Long Zhentian, she declared, "Lord of the Nine Heavens—your display today was magnificent. The Holy Mother has come to seek your instruction!"
Long Zhentian, already wearied from consecutive battles, inwardly groaned. Though Huangfu Song would not strike a man at a disadvantage, others might not share such restraint. Yet how could he show weakness before all under Heaven?
Just as he was about to respond, Cui Fujun interjected again:
"Holy Mother, today's contest is over. Why not arrange another day?"
But Chen Jinfeng replied sharply, "Why wait for another day when today will do? Long Zhentian—let us exchange a few moves!"
Long Zhentian thought: If I refuse now, will not the heroes of the world look down upon me?
After a brief pause, he smiled faintly. "Since the Holy Mother insists, I shall not refuse."
With that, he strode into the arena, sleeves sweeping wide, his bearing towering with pride.
"Please—grant me your instruction!"
Chen Jinfeng felt a flicker of unease. She had intended only to intimidate and display her sect's prestige, but now events had turned against her. Still, she stepped forward with measured pace.
"I have long heard of the unmatched Nine Heavens Divine Art. Though unworthy, I come to seek your guidance."
From the crowd came murmurs:
"Did you hear? The Holy Mother consumed half a White Lotus Flower of Mount Hua—her power has greatly increased!"
"And Long Zhentian swallowed a Heavenly Snow Lotus from Tianshan!"
Such were the whispers of the gathered heroes.
Long Zhentian would not retreat. Stepping forward, he said, "I have heard that the Holy Mother has recently mastered divine arts. Admirable—truly admirable."
Chen Jinfeng's brows arched sharply. "Lord of the Nine Heavens—your power shakes mountains, your scripture reaches the heavens. Your art is the pinnacle of the martial world. Today, I humbly seek to exchange a few moves."
Long Zhentian's gaze turned cold, filled with killing intent. "Very well—excuse me!"
Before his words had fully faded, his body surged forward like lightning. In a blink, he was at her side, striking out with a palm.
Chen Jinfeng pivoted aside. "Well struck!"
Her right hand rose, meeting his palm head-on.
Boom!
Both were forced back several steps.
Without giving him time to recover, Chen Jinfeng seized the initiative—advancing like an arrow, unleashing her technique: "Orchid Jade Claw." Three strikes flashed out in succession, fierce and merciless.
Long Zhentian's robes fluttered as he evaded each attack.
Annoyed, he snorted coldly. "Chen Jinfeng, you seek trouble for no reason. Very well—I shall indulge you!"
She laughed sharply. "Then indulge me you shall!"
With a sudden punch, she struck forward.
Thus, as they fought and spoke, their voices rose and fell amid the roaring cheers of the crowd—
and the two masters were locked in a fierce and relentless battle.