At such a moment, the scene before them was almost beyond belief.
That a youth could, with nothing but his bare palms, strike both Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian until they spat blood and fell to the ground—such power surpassed even that of Wu Tong, perhaps even exceeding him.
Li Jian raised his voice and declared:
"Heroes of the realm! I am Li Jian, newly appointed Master of the Hall of Loyalty. Today, upholding the justice of the jianghu and acting under the command of my predecessor, I travel these lands to right wrongs and restore order. Yet the White Lotus Sect Master Huangfu Song and the Nine Firmament Sovereign Long Zhentian have cast aside all righteousness, seeking revenge through bloodshed. I offered words of counsel, but they refused to heed them. What you see now is but the consequence of their own actions—none else is to blame!"
As his words fell, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause. Even those known for cruelty could not help but shout their approval.
Seeing the people support him, Li Jian felt at ease. Observing the two fallen, he said:
"The White Lotus Sect and the Nine Firmament Palace are gravely injured. Attend to them at once."
Murong Gui watched in admiration.
This youth acted decisively, struck with resolve, and bore himself with upright dignity. His martial skill was extraordinary—rare even in an age of heroes. Had Li Jian not intervened today, the Black Dragon Sect might not have withstood the combined assault of Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian.
This youth… truly carries the bearing of Wu Tong, Murong Gui thought.His words are gentle, his actions firm, his character steady—worthy indeed of the Hall of Loyalty.
Moments ago, Huangfu Song had dismissed him as an impostor. Yet now, this very youth had displayed overwhelming might, defeating two of the greatest masters of the age.
The disciples of both factions were struck dumb with fear. None dared step forward to render aid—until Li Jian himself commanded it.
Only then did the White Lotus Sect and Nine Firmament Palace disciples rush forward in panic, crying out in distress. Senior members quickly examined their leaders' injuries, administering medicine and aiding them into seated meditation.
Before long, supported by their followers, Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian struggled to their feet and retreated in disgrace.
They had come seeking vengeance—yet were instead crushed by a youth.
What humiliation! What bitterness!
At that moment, three figures stepped forth from among the crowd.
They were members of the Judges of the Martial World.
They approached Li Jian and bowed.
"We are Cui Fujun, Chief Judge of the Jianghu; Li Yan, Judge of Life and Death; and Sun Tian, Judge of the Blade."
Li Jian returned the salute.
"This junior, Li Jian of the Hall of Loyalty, greets the three seniors."
Cui Fujun smiled faintly, nodding in approval.
"As the saying goes, heroes have arisen young since ancient times. Wu Tong once told me of an unparalleled youth traveling toward the Central Plains. I half believed him—now I see he spoke true."
Li Jian asked in surprise,"You have met the former Hall Master?"
Cui Fujun replied,"Near Dunhuang. He was journeying west with a caravan."
At that moment, Murong Gui approached, laughing lightly.
"Judge Cui truly has keen insight. I almost believed Huangfu Song—that this youth was an impostor you arranged!"
Cui Fujun laughed heartily.
"What nonsense! To appoint a false Hall Master—such a thing no gentleman would ever do!"
Li Yan spoke solemnly:
"The affairs of a gentleman are as clear as the blue sky—nothing need be concealed."
Sun Tian added:
"A gentleman's talents are like jade concealed within—yet not easily revealed."
Murong Gui laughed aloud.
"Well said! The Judges' Sect is upright and without deceit. Today we witness a worthy successor to Wu Tong—this youth is fit for great responsibility!"
The sun dipped westward, the crimson glow staining the sky like blood. Distant mountains shimmered with a golden edge, silently bearing witness to the turmoil of the jianghu.
When they had arrived, Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian had been awe-inspiring, their presence overwhelming—yet who could have foreseen that a single youth would defeat them both?
All within the Black Dragon Sect were filled with gratitude. They welcomed Li Jian and Tan Wei with great enthusiasm.
Murong Gui, impressed by Li Jian's skill and bearing, ordered a grand banquet prepared. Fine wine flowed, delicacies filled the tables, music and dance enlivened the hall.
Though Li Jian and Tan Wei initially hesitated, they could not refuse such sincere hospitality. They joined the feast, raising cups and laughing freely, until the night deepened. At last, the gathering dispersed in high spirits, and the two remained overnight at the sect headquarters.
At dawn the next day, beneath faint morning light, Li Jian and Tan Wei bid farewell and rode onward toward the Beggars' Sect.
By evening, they reached a roadside inn and took lodging. After supper, they retired early. The night passed without incident.
The following morning, the inn buzzed with voices. Travelers gathered in groups, discussing the latest events of the jianghu.
At a nearby table, a stout man in gray said:
"A few days ago, Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian sought to kill Murong Gui. Who would have thought Wu Tong sent a youth to mediate?"
A thinner man asked eagerly,"And what happened?"
The gray-clad man continued:
"That youth unleashed astonishing power—he beat both Huangfu Song and Long Zhentian until they spat blood and collapsed!"
The thinner man stared in disbelief."He's that strong?"
"Indeed! But that's not the most shocking part," the man said in a lowered voice."On their return, they were ambushed by a group of masked men in black. The White Lotus Sect and Nine Firmament Palace were thrown into chaos, scattering in all directions. The White Lotus Sect has since vanished, while Shen Er of the Nine Firmament Palace held off the attackers, covering their retreat."
"And what became of them?" the thinner man pressed.
"Fortunately," the gray-clad man replied,"the Western Sacred Mother Chen Jinfeng of the Western Sect arrived in time and saved them. Otherwise, they would have been annihilated!"
The thinner man frowned."Who sent those attackers?"
The gray-clad man sighed.
"Hard to say. Some claim it was the True God Palace, but both sects have made countless enemies. And those men were masked, moving like ghosts—no one dares draw conclusions."
The inn fell into hushed discussion.
The winds of the jianghu shifted unpredictably.
Behind this storm of blood and blades—
which hidden force truly lay at its heart?
No one could yet say.