The arena was packed black with people. After several rounds of combat, Li Jian's movements had grown even more fluid and refined than when he had first stepped forth. He said,"Senior, please take care."
Though his words carried a warning, his tone remained exceedingly courteous, without the least trace of arrogance or disrespect. In his bearing as a gentleman, Li Jian was in no way inferior to his predecessor, Wu Tong. As for Xuanwu Elder Shen Er, he too was a man of iron spirit and unbending pride. He understood Li Jian's meaning well enough, yet in the midst of a contest between foe and foe, before the eyes of all present, he could only answer in a voice like a great bell:
"Young Hero, there is no need for restraint. If I win today, I must win fairly; if I lose, I must lose with full conviction."
No sooner had he spoken than Shen Er launched his attack with his full strength. With a sharp cry of "Take this!", he circulated his true qi. His left hand feinted, while his right palm, carrying a gust of fierce force, struck straight toward the vital acupoints on Li Jian's chest. Li Jian instantly raised palm and fist to parry. Shen Er shifted to the side and attacked Li Jian's lower abdomen at a slant. Li Jian moved with nimble footwork, meeting simplicity with ingenuity, weaving and turning as he unfolded his techniques.
The exchange was astonishingly swift. To those watching from outside, the two men's palms seemed to blur through the air, palm winds whistling and reaching several zhang beyond them. It was truly beyond belief. Their bodies spun at tremendous speed, and in the blink of an eye they had already exchanged more than thirty moves—meeting attack with defense, defense with attack, locked in a furious struggle.
Suddenly Shen Er let out a clear whistle, and his palm technique transformed without warning. The movements became flickering and unpredictable. Li Jian had never before seen such a palm art. At once he sank his shoulder to evade, not daring the slightest carelessness. Channeling his inner power, he thrust out his right palm to withstand the incoming force. Their contest had reached its critical point, each displaying his finest art. Shen Er's move came from such a strange angle that it seemed utterly inconceivable—this was a palm technique of Shen Er's own creation, and now that he unleashed it, it proved truly difficult to defend against.
"Excellent palm art!" Li Jian praised.
He turned sideways to evade, his body revolving several times as he returned three palms in succession, for the moment using defense as offense. The two moved with incredible speed. Then Shen Er suddenly sprang forward, rushing straight upon Li Jian as both palms struck in a linked series. The two engaged in close-quarter palm combat. Shen Er's body swayed ever so slightly—so fleetingly that it was almost imperceptible. Li Jian, however, merely smiled faintly, withdrew his palms, and leapt back, saying,
"Senior's palm technique is exquisite indeed. My admiration!"
Shen Er also drew back and collected his stance.
"Young Hero, your martial skill has entered the realm of the divine. Truly you stand foremost beneath Heaven. This old man is ashamed of his inferiority. Shen Er concedes with both heart and tongue!"
The slight sway in Shen Er's frame a moment ago had in truth arisen because his opponent was simply too strong. He had already exhausted every ounce of thought and effort, yet had found no way to prevail. The outcome had already been decided. That tiny falter in his body had come only because Li Jian had shown mercy, brushing past him with two light palms. Had he truly exerted full force, Shen Er would most likely have lost his life. But Li Jian had moved so swiftly that those present saw only Shen Er's slight stagger before both men had already withdrawn their palms.
Though they had crossed hands in contest, they had also found in one another a worthy counterpart; theirs was truly a gentleman's struggle. Though victorious, Li Jian showed not the least smugness, but instead expressed deep admiration for Shen Er's attainments in martial study. Shen Er, for his part, understood well the mercy Li Jian had shown. Inwardly he felt profound respect, seeing that this youth possessed not only transcendent martial skill, but also a righteous and upright heart. All who watched beyond the arena were shaken by this duel. Whether orthodox or unorthodox, all gave heartfelt praise to such a fair and honorable match.
It was indeed as the verse says:
With brushing palms and flying forms they fought,While all the gathered heroes cried in awe.Beneath unbroken chains of fierce assault,Yet mercy still was hidden in the palm.
Then Xuanwu Elder Shen Er walked over to Long Zhentian, knelt on his right knee, and said:
"True Lord, that young man's martial skill is outstanding beyond compare. I am truly no match for him. I beg the True Lord's forgiveness."
Long Zhentian's face had turned iron-blue.
"You have my thanks, Xuanwu Elder Shen Er. You have labored hard."
Shen Er bowed deeply, then rose and withdrew.
Long Zhentian regarded his defeat by a single palm in years past as the greatest humiliation of his life. He had always considered it a shame engraved upon his heart. And now this youth had appeared out of nowhere, obstructing him at every turn. How, then, was this old grievance ever to be avenged?
His gaze could not help but turn toward Huangfu Song. At that moment Huangfu Song strode forward, let out several cold laughs, and said loudly:
"Boy, your skill in empty-handed combat is not bad at all. Heh—now let us see you fight with real steel. Blades have no eyes. If you are afraid, then stop playing the hero and turn around while you still can!"
At that instant a venomous scheme arose in Huangfu Song's heart. He thought to himself that this battle today simply had to be won. If one expert after another wore this youth down in succession, then even should none prevail outright, no master beneath Heaven could fight so many opponents without becoming utterly exhausted. When at last he stood at the end of his strength before the foremost experts of the age, defeat would surely be written on his face.
Li Jian bowed with cupped hands, addressing Huangfu Song with the utmost courtesy:
"Senior, there is no deep enmity between me and any of you. Why must we resort to blades and swords?"
Huangfu Song, however, flared with anger.
"It would have been better had you not spoken of it! Now that you do, it only stirs greater rage in me. Tiger Immortal, Ox Immortal, Horse Immortal, Goat Immortal—draw your swords and take his head!"
The Four Immortals answered at once and stepped forth with weapons in hand.
Tiger Immortal was built like a mountain, broad-shouldered and thick-backed, his full beard standing stiff as steel needles. His eyes shone fiercely, his frame was that of a tiger and bear, every muscle knotted with strength. His presence was overwhelming. Each step he took was solid and heavy, like a tiger descending the mountain. In his hand he held a heavy-backed broadsaber, awe-inspiring in its might.
Ox Immortal possessed a powerful physique, as though forged from bronze and iron. His face was square and stern, his features chiseled like carved stone, thick brows flying outward over deep-set eyes. He stood steady as a mountain, his voice low and resonant. In his hands he wielded a pair of heavy iron-ring sabers. Each footstep carried the weight of earth itself.
Horse Immortal was lean and long-limbed, swift beyond compare. His handsome face bore a trace of arrogance, his eyes flashed like lightning, and a cold smile forever lingered at the corners of his mouth. The longsword in his hand was slender and light, its blade thin as a cicada's wing, clearly suited to rapid assassination.
Goat Immortal wore a gentle appearance. His white hair fell over his shoulders, and his expression seemed kind, yet within his eyes lurked a strange cold gleam. His body was nimble and agile, his lightness skill superb. He excelled in subtle and ingenious swordplay. In his hand was a thin flexible sword, supple and lively, faintly exuding an eerie and unpredictable menace.
The Four Immortals answered the command and advanced with drawn swords. Li Jian gave a quiet sigh, yet boldly declared:
"Today, as Master of the Hall of Loyalty, I have no road before me but to fight with all my strength!"
At this, the onlookers were stirred with indignation at the White Lotus Sect's sheer arrogance.
At that moment, Murong Gui, Cult Master of the Black Dragon Sect, stepped out from the crowd and called aloud:
"Hall Master Li—will you use a saber or a sword?"
Today, Li Jian had gone to great lengths on behalf of Cult Master Murong Gui. Yet now, the mediator had become a principal in the conflict, and in so doing had formed a deep grudge with both the White Lotus Sect and the Nine Firmament Palace. While the two sides had been fighting, Murong Gui had been watching their moves carefully. Seeing that Li Jian was unarmed, he at once ordered one of his disciples to fetch a large saber.
Li Jian answered,"A saber."
From among the Black Dragon Sect, a disciple promptly brought forth a broad blade and rushed it to Li Jian. Li Jian accepted it respectfully and said,
"I am grateful for Cult Master Murong's kindness."
Then he turned to face the Four Immortals. For a moment, hot blood surged in his chest. Rather than waiting, he strode forward first and said,
"Make your move!"
His tone was immensely heroic. He held his head high and chest proud as he advanced, eyes blazing like torches, his whole person radiating an indomitable spirit. Those who watched could not help but look at him anew. In their hearts they sighed with admiration. This youth was truly extraordinary. Facing the combined might of four great experts, he showed not the least fear; instead, his will to fight only grew firmer.
Whatever the outcome of this battle, Li Jian had already secured his footing in the martial world. Henceforth, all the heroes beneath Heaven would have to regard him with new respect.
The Four Immortals of the White Lotus Sect, seeing Li Jian's soaring spirit, did not dare underestimate him. The four exchanged glances, quietly circulating their inner power as they prepared for a battle with all their might. Beyond the field, the gathered heroes held their breath in anticipation.
For in the martial world, strength is still sovereign—
and only the victor may stand beneath Heaven.