In but an instant, Li Jian had already evaded four consecutive palm strikes from Long Zhentian.
At that very moment, a shadow darted in—whoosh!—a palm shot straight toward Li Jian's face. The attacker was none other than Huangfu Song. Treacherous to the core, he had seized the perfect moment, intending to kill Li Jian with a single blow.
Even as Li Jian was fully engaged with Long Zhentian, he suddenly sensed a silent surge of palm force descending from above. Startled, he shifted his body at once, drifting seven feet to the right to evade.
But how could Long Zhentian let such an opportunity slip? With a sharp motion of his right hand, wind roared through the air as his force surged forward, striking directly at Li Jian's chest.
The crowd, witnessing such underhanded tactics from the White Lotus Sect Master, erupted in outrage. Shouts of anger and condemnation rose without end.
Though Li Jian's Ren and Du meridians had been opened, and his internal strength had advanced by leaps and bounds, his mastery of martial techniques was not yet fully integrated. The Sixteen Palms of the Northern Abyss, though profound, still felt unfamiliar in true combat.
Fortunately, having already faced numerous challengers earlier, Li Jian had honed his movement, timing, and defensive awareness. Thus, he was not left helpless.
The three now fought with blistering speed.
Huangfu Song's palm techniques were swift and insidious, soft yet deadly. Long Zhentian's were strange and unfathomable. Facing such exquisite arts, Li Jian felt both admiration and caution. Their palm forces carried a chilling, sinister cold, pressing in from all sides.
Fists and palms intertwined, shadows filled the air. Their movements were dense, rapid, ever-changing—like illusions without form. The spectators could scarcely follow with their eyes. Yet all were awed by the sheer brilliance of the three combatants, applauding and shouting in admiration.
On the hilltop, palm shadows crisscrossed like a storm. In mere moments, the three had exchanged over a hundred moves.
Suddenly, as Li Jian pivoted and shifted his stance—
Two palm forces struck simultaneously from left and right!
In a flash, Li Jian twisted his waist, both palms shooting out. His right hand met the strike from the right; his left intercepted the one from the left.
With twin shouts, Long Zhentian and Huangfu Song each unleashed their full power.
Four palms collided against Li Jian's two.
BOOM! BOOM!
The impact echoed like thunder. All three staggered backward several steps.
Long Zhentian sneered coldly."Boy, stepping forward like this—you are courting death!"
Huangfu Song added sharply,"You think to drag this into a prolonged exchange? Not a chance!"
Li Jian stood calmly at the center of the arena, clad in blue-and-white robes. One hand formed a palm, the other clenched into a fist. His gaze burned like fire.
Though besieged by two supreme masters, he showed no fear—only calm precision, evading lightly and waiting for the moment to strike.
Long Zhentian, dressed in black, moved with heavy, forceful steps. His palm techniques were fierce and explosive. With a roar, he unleashed "Splitting Stone Palm," sending dust flying as his force surged forward.
Huangfu Song's palm energy streaked like meteors, sealing off Li Jian's retreat.
Li Jian spoke calmly:"Seniors—what will it take for this to end?"
Long Zhentian scoffed."To make peace with Murong Gui now? Impossible! You must pay the debt he owes the jianghu!"
These two were long-renowned masters, their skills unmatched. Their purpose today was not only revenge—but domination of the martial world.
Li Jian replied:"This contest was meant to resolve enmity. If I have offended, I ask your forgiveness. Since neither side holds advantage, why not withdraw now?"
His proposal seemed reasonable. After all, he faced two opponents and still held his ground.
But Long Zhentian's eyes burned with fury."Debts in the jianghu must be repaid! Forget Murong Gui—today you injured many of our people. That debt must also be settled!"
Huangfu Song's anger surged as well."That's right! Today you cannot escape your fate. I'll send you straight to the Western Heaven!"
With that, he struck like lightning.
Li Jian drew a breath, stepped forward, and met the strike.
"Hatred begets hatred—when will it ever end?"
"Enough nonsense!" Long Zhentian roared, lunging forward with another strike.
Huangfu Song followed with rapid palm attacks."Take this!"
Li Jian raised his right hand, his palm force surging as he unleashed "Across the Rivers and North and South."
The three clashed again—over twenty more exchanges in an instant.
At last Li Jian spoke, voice steady:"I will not repeat myself. Withdraw now, and you may yet leave intact… otherwise—"
"Die!" Huangfu Song roared, stabbing toward his Shanzhong acupoint.
Li Jian swayed aside.
At that instant, Long Zhentian leapt into the air, striking down toward Li Jian's crown."Die!"
At last, Li Jian's patience broke.
"You bring this upon yourselves! Heaven's sins may be forgiven—but self-inflicted doom cannot be escaped!"
With that, he unleashed his full power.
Stamping his foot, he soared into the air and executed "Flying Swallow Enters the Sea." His body spun downward like a diving hawk—swift, unstoppable.
Long Zhentian and Huangfu Song scrambled, raising their palms to defend.
Before they could recover—
Li Jian followed with "Crossing Mountains, Crushing Seas."
Six consecutive palm strikes descended like thunder.
His form flashed like lightning. His palms moved like a storm.
There was no escape.
BOOM! BOOM!
The two were blasted backward, flying several zhang before crashing to the ground.
They tried to steady themselves—but the world spun before their eyes.
"Wah—!"
Blood burst from their mouths. Their injuries were severe.
They collapsed, unable to rise.
At the edge of the arena, the gathered heroes were struck dumb with shock.
Not a single voice spoke.
All were utterly stunned.