Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian were both startled once more. The Qilin Elder Lin Ping and the Xuanwu Elder Shen Er hurried forward, quickly examining Li Han and Ling Yun's pulses. Though their meridians had been shaken, the injuries would not cripple them for life. They had merely been struck unconscious by the force of a palm, yet their internal injuries were severe.
Members of the Nine Firmament Palace swiftly carried the two envoys away.
At that moment, Li Jian stood firm amid the mountain wind, his robe sleeves fluttering with a soft rustle. Facing the gathered heroes, he cupped his fists and bowed deeply, then spoke in a clear, resonant voice:
"Today, I act in accordance with the precepts of the Hall of Loyalty. I stand for righteousness and speak on its behalf. I shall take full responsibility for this dispute within the martial world. Let us value harmony above conflict, and lay down our grievances."
For generations, the Masters of the Hall of Loyalty had upheld honor and righteousness, earning widespread respect throughout the jianghu. In times of conflict, their authority often served to restore order.
Huangfu Song glanced at Long Zhentian. They had come here today seeking vengeance—how could they now withdraw in the face of a mere youth?
Long Zhentian gave a cold snort, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
"Boy, you carry yourself with great airs! The Nine Firmament Palace has come to settle old scores—what right have you to interfere?"
Li Jian found himself riding a tiger—unable to advance, yet unable to retreat. Still, he showed no fear.
"As the Master of the Hall of Loyalty, I cannot stand aside. Though unworthy, I must ask Senior for instruction."
Long Zhentian felt a chill stir in his heart. This youth was not only skilled, but possessed extraordinary courage. Yet his background and lineage remained unknown—he dared not act rashly.
Better to test him first, he thought.
Before all present, however, he could not remain silent without losing face. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon Shen Er.
"Xuanwu Elder Shen Er!"
Shen Er answered and stepped forward at once.
"Your martial skill is no less than that of the Yin-Yang Envoys," Long Zhentian declared. "You have long been underappreciated in my palace. Today, I entrust you with this task—fight with all your strength!"
Shen Er cupped his fists.
"The Divine Lord has treated me generously. I shall not refuse this duty."
With that, he leapt into the arena.
Shen Er bowed courteously.
"Young brother, I am Shen Er, Xuanwu Elder of the Nine Firmament Palace. I have come to learn from your skill."
Li Jian sighed softly, a trace of melancholy crossing his face.
"I truly do not wish to harm you, Senior. Why not exchange a few moves—let victory and defeat be set aside?"
Having already wounded three opponents, Li Jian had no desire to injure another—least of all when he had come as a mediator.
Shen Er responded respectfully:
"Your divine skill commands admiration. May this old man be permitted to learn a few of your techniques?"
Li Jian returned the courtesy.
"Fists and feet know no mercy. If I offend, I ask your forgiveness in advance."
At these words, all present were deeply impressed by the young man's integrity.
Shen Er replied solemnly:
"If I am injured, it is only due to my own lack of skill. Let us engage openly and fairly!"
Li Jian laughed boldly.
"Very well—receive this!"
He stepped forward and struck with a palm. Shen Er traced an arc in the air with his right hand and countered with a seemingly gentle strike. Yet his adaptability in combat far surpassed his former self.
A thunderous clash resounded.
Li Jian stepped back one pace—Shen Er retreated three.
Li Jian exclaimed,
"Senior's palm strength is truly extraordinary. I am impressed!"
Though Shen Er displayed the bearing of a master, Li Jian's internal force was vast and profound. Even with his supreme art—the Seven Absolutes Palm: "Yield to Resist"—he found the youth's power astonishing.
Cheers and cries of amazement rose endlessly from the crowd.
Shen Er said:
"Your skill is remarkable! Allow me to test a few more techniques!"
With a shout, he leapt forward. His hands pierced the air like clouds, his legs swept horizontally, and his strikes came from unpredictable angles. His movements flowed seamlessly—each step and palm perfectly coordinated.
This was the technique known as "Willow Mist Form", governed by eight principles:
rise, fall, advance, retreat, reverse, flank, gather, release.
His palms struck like a tiger pouncing, like an eagle seizing prey—swift, precise, and relentless.
Li Jian, newly accomplished in his skill, had never witnessed such profound technique. For a moment, he could not decipher it. Forced to evade, he shifted sideways and leapt back, observing carefully.
Shen Er pressed forward without pause, his assault unceasing.
The exchange grew intense.
Both men moved freely and fluidly—figures flashing through the air like lightning. Shen Er struck toward Li Jian's vital points, but Li Jian responded later yet arrived first, his hands already intercepting.
At that moment, Li Jian hesitated inwardly:
To defeat him would not be difficult… yet Shen Er surpasses the previous three. If I defeat him before all, I would shame him—and gain an enemy rather than a friend.
Thus, even as they exchanged blows, he spoke aloud:
"Senior's skill is exquisite—I am full of admiration. Today, let us meet as friends through martial arts, not risk life and death. What does Senior think?"
Shen Er knew well that he was no match for this youth. Though Li Jian held the advantage, he had shown restraint at every turn.
Deeply impressed, yet bound by loyalty, Shen Er replied:
"Young hero, please give your all. If I am defeated, I shall bear no resentment!"
Though locked in combat, the two displayed not only skill—but also the dignity, courage, and spirit befitting true heroes of the martial world.