The crowd of heroes stood utterly stunned by the two men's almost supernatural martial arts. Their mysterious and lightning-fast techniques left everyone dumbfounded. Such skill, such power—both profound and wondrous beyond imagination. Had they merely heard tales of these feats from others, none would have believed that such marvelous martial arts could truly exist. Master Wutian's supreme internal cultivation opened the eyes of all the heroes present. His movements were so strange and elusive that scarcely anyone could clearly discern his attacks.
Now that victory had been decided, a loud thud rang out as Master Wutian's right palm struck the Western Holy Mother once more in the abdomen. She immediately spat out a mouthful of blood, staggered backward, and collapsed to the ground. Wutian withdrew his hand and did not press the attack. His eyes flashed like lightning as he gazed at her and declared loudly:
"Heaven cherishes all living things. I shall not make matters difficult for you. So long as you admit your wrongs and apologize before the heroes of the realm, this humble monk will spare you further humiliation."
Truly, it was as the saying goes: When a dragon swims in shallow waters, even shrimp dare mock it; when a tiger falls to the plains, even dogs dare bully it.
A poem says:
Today the duel was fought in fairness,
Each displayed miraculous and peerless skills.
Sacred arts of their sects reached perfection's height,
Yet in sorrowful defeat remained resentment and rage.
The Western Holy Mother had always stood apart from ordinary martial artists. Under Master Wutian's deliberate manipulation, the Western Sacred Cult had gradually become regarded as a demonic sect in the eyes of the orthodox martial world. Wiping the blood from her lips, she sneered disdainfully:
"Kill me or torture me as you please. I care not!"
Master Wutian swept his gaze over her and said sternly:
"You have some backbone, demoness. But if you refuse to apologize, this monk shall show no mercy."
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out:
"Stop!"
A figure flashed into the arena. The newcomer wore a cloak and moved with extraordinary agility, clearly no ordinary fighter.
Startled, Master Wutian called out:
"Who goes there?"
The man replied calmly:
"One should show mercy when mercy may be shown. One should let go when the time comes to let go."
As he spoke, he removed his cloak, revealing his true face. Instantly, the crowd erupted in alarm:
"The Martial Demon!"
The newcomer was none other than the notorious Martial Demon, Chaos True Lord Wu Mo, whose real name was Wu Xiong. A bloodthirsty figure feared throughout the martial world, he was widely known simply as the "Martial Demon."
Master Wutian wondered silently why Wu Mo had come.
Casting a cold glance toward the monk, Wu Mo said displeasedly:
"Master Wutian, when Master Liaoyin slandered the Western Sacred Cult, he refused to apologize. Unable to endure such humiliation, the Western Holy Mother challenged him to settle the matter through combat. Thus the tragedy occurred."
Master Wutian felt a chill in his heart. Yet with heroes gathered from across the realm, how could he retreat now? Snorting coldly, he replied:
"So you are the Martial Demon. I have long heard your name. Indeed, your glorious deeds have spread far and wide. Today I finally see the man himself."
Wu Mo, known for his arrogance and unruly nature, replied:
"Master Wutian, your victory today is certainly worthy of congratulations. Yet why force another beyond reason? Why insist that the Western Holy Mother apologize before everyone?"
Refusing to yield, Wutian answered calmly:
"This monk may spare her life. Yet I stand here on behalf of Buddhist believers throughout the realm. In matters of right and wrong, she must apologize for killing Master Liaoyin. Only then will justice be satisfied."
As he spoke, his eyes blazed with righteous conviction while he looked toward the assembled heroes.
Wu Mo laughed toward the heavens, his expression filled with contempt.
"Your words are absurd. Tell me, who decides what justice is?"
Though Master Wutian knew he now faced the infamous Martial Demon, he clasped his hands together and chanted:
"Amitabha. Benefactor, your words are mistaken. In the martial world, right and wrong are seldom clear. Therefore disputes are settled according to martial tradition—through combat. The heroes gathered here witnessed everything. Had I lost, the Western Holy Mother would surely have taken my life. Yet now that I have won, I have spared her. I ask only for an apology regarding Master Liaoyin's death. Surely that is not excessive."
Wu Mo knew there was some truth in those words. Yet before so many witnesses, he could not afford to lose face. Was this bald monk truly unwilling to grant him even a little respect?
His brows furrowed as he demanded:
"Then you are determined to make her apologize for Master Liaoyin's death?"
To everyone's surprise, Master Wutian remained completely unmoved.
"That is correct."
Having entered the arena, Wu Mo had intended to intervene and secure mercy for the Western Holy Mother. Yet Wutian refused to yield in the slightest. Having already stepped forward, how could Wu Mo simply retreat now?
His voice deepened:
"Words should not be spoken too absolutely, nor matters pursued to the bitter end. I urge you to reconsider."
Many spectators believed Master Wutian ought to show moderation. Having already defeated the Western Holy Mother, it would be wiser to stop while ahead. Such restraint would neither be unfair nor excessive and would leave room for future reconciliation. After all, beyond every mountain lies another mountain, and beyond every master another master.
As the saying goes:
"Great undertakings are not accomplished by following the crowd."
Yet Master Wutian stood there with an air of sacred inviolability and declared:
"If, upon self-examination, I find myself in the right, then even against ten thousand men, I shall advance."
The gathered heroes were astonished and deeply shaken by his words.
Now that Wutian had spoken so decisively, leaving no room for compromise, Wu Mo's anger surged. His face darkened as he shouted:
"In that case, there is nothing more to discuss. Forced by circumstances, I can only seek instruction from your martial arts today!"
Master Wutian had long heard of Wu Mo's bloodthirsty reputation. Yet he showed no fear.
Coldly, he replied:
"This matter has nothing to do with you. Why must you act with such arrogance and tyranny, insisting on defending this demoness? Since that is your choice, this monk shall take the opportunity to rid the martial world of another scourge."
Hearing this, Wu Mo's fury exploded. A man of his stature and reputation could not tolerate such open contempt.
His fierce eyes widened as he roared:
"Then let us see what you can do!"
The instant the words left his mouth, Master Wutian stepped forward and thrust out a palm strike. This attack was even swifter and fiercer than before, carrying overwhelming force.
Wu Mo merely shifted his body slightly to the side, effortlessly evading the blow.