Astonishment flickered across Aruos the Grand Dharma King's heart."This Unaging Demon… his power runs so deep that even joined with Jia De, we cannot suppress him!"
Drawing a slow breath, he spoke in a grave tone:"Unaging Demon, if you do not cease this instant, you will draw the combined wrath of the martial world. When that time comes, not even wings will save you!"
The Unaging Demon let out a cold laugh, his voice thick with disdain."Encircled? Hah! I have long lamented the lack of worthy foes! Today, I shall show you what true mastery of the martial path means!"
Before his words had faded, his figure surged forth once more. His palms roared like thunder, crashing toward Aruos and Jia De.
The air froze with tension. All present held their breath, eyes fixed upon this earth-shaking clash between righteousness and evil. The Demon's ruthless might sent chills through every heart, yet the desperate resistance of the Dharma Kings ignited a fragile hope of justice.
Still, the Unaging Demon fought on—undaunted, unconquered—driving the allied forces of the Three Faiths and Shaolin into utter disarray.
At that moment, three figures leapt forth—Li Rui, Hu Tian, and Jian, Dharma Kings of the Manichaean Sect.
"Demon!" Li Rui thundered. "The three Dharma Kings of Mani have come to test your skill!"
Opposite them, three shadows answered—the Ice and Fire Fiends, Bing Tian and Huo Ming, alongside the grim Wang Yu, known as Ghost-Fearing.
"Do not think the Unaging Demon stands alone," Wang Yu declared. "We three are more than enough for you."
Yet suddenly, the Demon himself spoke, bold and commanding:"No need. I alone suffice against five. Stand down."
The others obeyed at once—for his might was no empty boast.
Relief briefly touched Aruos, while Jia De's thoughts churned. This arrogance… is our chance.He spoke sharply:"Unaging Demon, do not accuse us of overwhelming you. These are your own words—blame none but yourself!"
Huo Ming bristled, but the Demon merely laughed, eyes flashing like lightning.
"Distinguished guests from afar, I shall not refuse such hospitality. Why choose another day? Come—display your arts!"
Then Li Rui raised his voice in chant:
"Pure Wind Palm—To overcome strength with softness;Form shifts, position mends;Inner and outer unite;Mind sinks, body steadies;Power unseen—thus is true skill."
With a sharp cry, he soared skyward, twisting midair before striking directly toward the Demon's dantian.
Palms clashed—swift, relentless, merciless.
Yet by the third exchange, Li Rui faltered, forced to retreat. In that instant, Jia De and Aruos struck from left and right, their movements ghostlike and precise. Hu Tian and Jian followed in a torrent of blows.
Five against one—the battle descended into frenzy.
The Demon snorted coldly."So-called righteous men—full of virtue in speech, yet united in numbers. Very well… I shall demon-deliver salvation today!"
Madness blazed in his eyes. His figure flickered like lightning, his strike—"Boundless Demon Palm"—unleashed.
In a flash, he closed in.
A thunderous clash—Jia De was hurled back, blood spilling from his lips.
Another exchange—Aruos and Li Rui were forced into retreat, pale and shaken, barely escaping death.
Hu Tian and Jian rushed forward despite themselves—yet their strength was insufficient. To advance was to court destruction.
And just as they moved—
A figure shot forth like lightning.
A youth.
He intercepted them, rushing straight toward the Unaging Demon. Without hesitation, both unleashed their palms.
"Die!" the Demon roared, striking outward.
Neither withdrew.
Four palms collided.
A deafening explosion shook the heavens.
Dust and stones flew—
—and to all astonishment, the Unaging Demon staggered back several steps.
The youth descended lightly, landing before him.
Verse:
Like thunder and lightning he arrives,In mortal clash where fate decides.The Demon's hand would reap all lives—Yet forth the youthful hero strides.