The youth stood there—graceful in bearing, refined in manner, his presence like polished jade.
The Unaging Demon raised his gaze and looked him over from head to toe, his eyes cold and probing."Boy—what is your name?"
There was no need to guess. The young man before him was none other than Li Jian.
With courteous composure, Li Jian cupped his hands and replied in a clear voice:"My surname is Li, my given name Jian. I am the newly appointed Chief of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
At these words, a flicker of unease stirred within the Demon.No wonder… such courage, such power.
Yet this was no moment for hesitation.
"Young though you are, to hold such a position—you must possess some skill," he said coldly. "But today's affair is none of your concern. These people have brought ruin upon themselves and shall soon perish. Do not play the hero—step aside!"
The killing intent in his voice was unmistakable.
Li Jian's brows rose, his eyes shining with steady resolve."One should not be so arrogant. Mercy begets mercy. Senior, your actions have gone far enough. I ask that you allow these people to descend the mountain."
As Chief of the Hall, it was his duty to uphold order in the martial world.
At this, Huo Ming of the Fire Fiend sneered, anger flashing in his eyes."Who do you think you are, boy?"
"I am Huo Ming," he declared, stepping forward. "Allow me to test your skill!"
With a coiling dragon step, he advanced in a blur, palms slicing through the air with a fierce gust.
Li Jian merely gave a cold smile.
Huo Ming's right palm fell—missing by a hair. His left followed—again striking empty air. Not even the hem of Li Jian's robe was touched.
A roar split the air—Bing Tian, the Ice Fiend, launched himself forward, descending like a tiger. His palm struck toward Li Jian's chest—swift, lethal.
Yet Li Jian only turned lightly.
Their attacks, though swift and coordinated, passed him like wind through shadow.
Enraged, the two fiends pressed harder—left and right, above and below, their assault relentless.
Then—
A sharp crack.
Bing Tian's palm missed—but in the same instant, Li Jian's hand struck his shoulder.
The Ice Fiend staggered back, pain searing through him, collapsing to the ground.
"Boy—die!" Huo Ming roared, striking toward Li Jian's chest.
Li Jian did not evade.
In a flash, he met the blow with a single palm.
Boom!
Huo Ming was thrown back, crashing to the ground.
Silence fell.
The gathered heroes stared, stunned beyond words.
The Ice and Fire Fiends were no ordinary men—yet both had fallen within moments.
Li Jian spoke coldly:"Know when to stop. If you persist, the true suffering is yet to come."
Cold sweat broke upon the fiends' backs.
At that moment, three figures descended into the arena.
The foremost raised his hand in salute."Chief Li, your skill is indeed formidable. I am Qin Zhonglong, the Demon of Qianzhong. This is the Boundless Freak, and that is the Thousand-Armed Fiend. We have come to seek instruction."
Li Jian turned his gaze upon them—each one sinister in appearance.
Before he could reply, two more figures arrived—
Qin Wei and Wang Tao, the Dragon and Tiger Elders of the True Divine Palace.
Elder Qin Wei spoke:"Qin Zhonglong, Chief Li is a rare talent. Since he has stepped forward to mediate, our Palace supports a peaceful resolution. Both sides have suffered losses—why not withdraw and spare further bloodshed? Should battle be desired, we shall meet you ourselves."
Qin Zhonglong snorted in disdain."Fine words! We have followed the rules, engaging the Three Faiths and Shaolin in fair combat. You two did not participate—yet now, seeing the tide turn, you rush in. Is this the conduct of heroes?"
Wang Tao replied calmly:"You misunderstand. Our Palace Master, renowned under heaven, sent us not to take sides, but to guide events and prevent needless slaughter. What fault lies in such intent?"
The Boundless Freak sneered:"In the end, your master seeks dominion over the martial world. Cloak it however you wish—it is hypocrisy!"
At this, Wang Tao's brows shot upward.
"Very well—let us test your inner strength!"
With a roar, he leapt forward.
The two clashed—palms meeting, inner power surging.
Both staggered back six or seven steps.
"Your skill is remarkable," said the Boundless Freak.
"And yours surpasses mine," Wang Tao replied. "Let us end this here."
But suddenly, a figure burst forth—
The Thousand-Armed Fiend.
"Hah! Since you bring it up, hear this well! We of the greenwood have shown restraint, yet your side pressed us without mercy. Now the Unaging Demon stands victorious—why not wipe you out entirely and prevent future revenge?"
At once, voices rose from the crowd:
"Wipe them out!""Wipe them out!""Wipe them out!"
The cry thundered across the hills, echoing through the valley like a storm.
Hearing it, the followers of the Three Faiths, the Fire Worshippers, the Manichaeans, and Shaolin alike felt their hearts sink.
For in that moment—
the tide of death had truly turned.