Meanwhile, two figures shot forward like streaks of lightning, diving straight toward the Ice Demon, Bing Tian. The three exchanged a flurry of palm strikes, their shadows overlapping as surging currents of force collided midair. After only a handful of moves, they broke apart and retreated.
Bing Tian called out loudly, "Who goes there?"
The two cupped their fists in greeting."I am Dharma King Hu Tian of the Manichaean Sect!""And I am Grand Dharma King Jian of the Manichaean Sect!"
The sudden intervention of the two Dharma Kings eased the crisis at once. Meanwhile, disciples of the Fire Worship Sect rushed forward to help Zhou Yu Dharma King and Chu Ping Dharma King sit upright. One disciple cried out in alarm, "Their bodies are ice-cold—what should we do?"
Another hastily loosened their robes, only to gasp in shock. On each man's ribs was a deep, blackened palm imprint. Threads of chilling energy seeped out from the wounds, coiling like poisonous mist that refused to dissipate.
At that moment, Zhao Ke Dharma King of the Fire Worship Sect stepped forward, his expression grave. The disciples carefully supported the two injured men as their teeth chattered and their bodies trembled violently—the frigid palm force had clearly invaded deep into their meridians.
Taking a deep breath, Zhao Ke sat cross-legged and placed both palms upon the "Lingtai Acupoint" at their backs. Instantly, two streams of pure yang inner energy surged into their bodies like a rushing torrent, clashing against the invading cold. Though the frost began to weaken, it remained stubborn—testament to the sinister power of Bing Tian's Frost Palm.
Just then, Li Rui Dharma King of the Manichaean Sect descended into the arena, his robes fluttering in the wind, his gaze sharp as an eagle's.
Bing Tian snorted coldly. "Another one? Do you intend to fight three against one?"
Li Rui smiled faintly. "I am Li Rui, Dharma King of the Manichaean Sect. Since this is a contest of martial arts, it should end with restraint. Your methods are excessively ruthless—must a duel in the jianghu always end in death? Heaven cherishes all life. I urge you to stay your hand."
At these words, the Fire Demon, Huo Ming, strode forward angrily, eyes blazing. "Spare us your hypocrisy! Back then, did not you so-called righteous men drive the Martial Demon to his death, forcing him off a cliff?"
Li Rui's gaze darkened slightly, though his tone remained calm. "I did not witness those events personally. But the Martial Demon slaughtered fellow martial artists and sowed chaos throughout the jianghu. As defenders of righteousness, should we not uphold justice and eliminate evil?"
Huo Ming sneered. "Justice? That's merely what you choose to call it! Today, our 'Alliance of Justice' has just been established, and yet you arrive uninvited. What is your intention? Since you are here, speak plainly before all!"
His words dripped with sarcasm, sharp as hidden blades.
At that moment, a resounding Buddhist chant echoed across the field: "Amitabha!"
Behind Li Rui, an elderly monk stepped forward. Tall and dignified, with long earlobes and a serene countenance, he pressed his palms together. His presence radiated solemn compassion—it was none other than Master Liaoyin of Shaolin.
Master Liaoyin sighed softly, his voice calm yet heavy with the weight of years. "In the past, the Martial Demon ravaged the jianghu, inciting endless bloodshed. Had it not been for Hall Master Han Zhen of the Hall of Loyalty, who united heroes to stand against him, the martial world might have long since drowned in blood. Such a man—how could he be spared?"
Though his tone was gentle, each word rang like iron.
Huo Ming refused to yield. "So what? The victor writes the truth! Back then you besieged him; today he returns, and our 'Alliance of Justice' stands firm. By what right do you interfere?"
Master Liaoyin lowered his gaze. "Your heart still harbors resentment. Yet karma governs all. The Martial Demon returns not to repent, but to seek vengeance. Such intent defies the will of heaven."
The tension in the arena grew taut as a drawn bowstring. Both sides stood on the brink of conflict.
Li Rui swept his gaze across the field and declared, "Since this contest has not yet reached a conclusion, why not send another fighter? Let us abide by the rules of the jianghu—the victor shall claim the right!"
Huo Ming let out a cold laugh and turned to Bing Tian. "It seems today's battle has only just begun!"
He then raised his voice, speaking with fervor. "Fine words are easy to speak! If not for the Martial Demon's overwhelming fame in the past, would you have dared accuse him of such crimes? We are all people of the jianghu—who among us has not taken lives? Today, the 'Alliance of Justice' stands for us outlaws, giving voice to those cast aside!"
At once, the bandits behind him roared in unison: "Alliance of Justice! Alliance of Justice! Alliance of Justice!" Their voices shook the valley.
With the Martial Demon now opposing the orthodox factions, his banner drew countless outlaws and renegades to his cause. The Ancient Heavenly Demon Patriarch declared, "Since our ideals differ, words are useless. Let strength decide—whoever is stronger holds the truth!"
Huo Ming added coldly, "The Ice and Fire Demons stand with the Alliance! Anyone who opposes us shall face my ultimate technique—the Blazing Flame Palm!"
Li Rui stepped forward calmly and cupped his fists. "Very well. I shall have the honor of testing your Blazing Flame Palm."
Huo Ming returned the salute. "I have long heard of your sect's Pure Wind Palm. It is my pleasure to exchange a few moves!"
No sooner had he spoken than Huo Ming struck. His right arm lashed out like lightning, a fierce palm strike surging forward with searing heat, as though the air itself might ignite.
Li Rui remained unhurried. His body drifted aside like a wisp of wind, evading the attack with effortless grace.
Huo Ming pressed forward, pivoting sharply as his left palm surged like a wave of fire, its scorching force aimed at Li Rui's flank.
Li Rui's eyes sharpened. His hands moved in tandem—one neutralizing the incoming force, the other subtly redirecting it. Their palm energies collided again and again as they exchanged a flurry of blows in the blink of an eye.
Back and forth they fought, the sound of clashing strikes ringing through the arena. In moments, dozens of exchanges had passed, yet neither gained the upper hand.
Huo Ming felt a flicker of shock. So the Manichaean Sect harbors such hidden masters…
He grew more cautious, focusing all his attention on the battle.
Li Rui's palm techniques alternated between expansion and contraction, attack and restraint—fluid as drifting willow leaves, yet carrying concealed strength.
Huo Ming was gradually forced back. With a sudden roar, he leapt into the air and unleashed a series of rapid kicks. One feint, one strike—his right leg shot forward like lightning toward Li Rui's chest.
Li Rui shifted lightly, evading with precision. His hands intercepted and deflected, then he withdrew without pressing the advantage, avoiding the follow-up attack.
Huo Ming narrowed his eyes, a trace of admiration flashing within.
"What a Pure Wind Palm…" he thought. "Both soft and firm, flawless in defense."
Suddenly, Li Rui let out a clear cry and sprang into the air, spinning before unleashing a sequence of strikes.
Bang! Bang! Their palms collided, and both were thrown back, landing several steps apart.
Li Rui steadied himself and smiled. "Your Blazing Flame Palm lives up to its name."
Huo Ming clasped his fists in return. "Your Pure Wind Palm is no less impressive. This match has been truly exhilarating!"
Though enemies, both were masters of the highest order, and each could not help but admire the other. Their duel was not merely a contest of skill, but a mutual recognition of mastery.
Around them, the gathered heroes held their breath, utterly captivated.
"Their inner power and techniques have reached perfection!" someone exclaimed.
"Though Huo Ming's fire palm is fierce and domineering, Li Rui's style blends softness with strength—truly marvelous!"
At that moment, the Ancient Heavenly Demon Patriarch spoke coldly, his voice like ice: "Since victory has yet to be decided, why not continue?"
His words fell like a stone into still water.
The arena plunged into silence.
Everyone knew—
this battle was far from over.