Qin Zhonglong, the Demon of Qianzhong, raised his voice and declared,"The more arrogant the True Divine Palace grows, the less we heed them! If their Dragon and Tiger Elders would play peacemaker, why should we listen?"
Elder Qin Wei of the Dragon rank replied in a deep voice,"Brother Qin, your words cut too sharply—and show scant respect for our Palace."
Before them lay a tangled web of enmity. The Three Faiths and Shaolin had come seeking vengeance, yet now lay utterly defeated. Though the True Divine Palace sought to mediate, the outlaws—now gathered under the banner of the Righteous Alliance—were no small force. They would not easily yield. With but two elders present, how could peace be forged?
Seeing the tension mount, the Thousand-Armed Fiend hastened to smooth matters over."It is not that we slight the Divine Lord," he said. "Tuoba Xingge's founding of the Heavenly Way Alliance shows great ambition and vision. Yet today's affair may lie beyond its reach. We ask the elders' understanding."
Though his words were courteous, he spoke with calculation. The scales now favored his side—yet to provoke the Dragon and Tiger Elders might overturn that balance in an instant.
Li Jian's thoughts churned.
Though he possessed unparalleled martial skill—enough to stride the jianghu with pride—he lacked experience. This, he now understood, was why Wu Tong had sent him forth to temper himself in the Central Plains.
Raising his left hand, pressing his right palm upon it, he bowed respectfully toward the three men.
"Honored seniors," he said, "what terms would bring this matter to an end?"
Qin Zhonglong, the Boundless Freak, and the Thousand-Armed Fiend exchanged glances. After a moment's silence, Qin Zhonglong spoke coldly:
"If Wu Tong himself stood here, we of the greenwood would heed him without question, and this matter would end. But you—newly seated as Chief, fresh to the world—what standing have you? You may possess strength enough to uproot trees and lift cauldrons, yet you have no reputation. Why should we obey you?"
His words rang across the hillside like a tolling bell, each syllable striking deep.
Li Jian frowned slightly, weighing the forces at play. He knew mediation would not come easily. Yet to retreat now would cost him all standing in the future.
Before he could answer, the Thousand-Armed Fiend pointed at him and barked:
"Even the Dragon and Tiger Elders cannot sway us—and you think you can?"
Li Jian did not take offense. Instead, he nodded.
"You speak truly," he said. "Then tell me—what would earn your trust?"
The Boundless Freak gave a cold laugh, folding his arms.
"If you would have us stand down, then convince us! In the jianghu, strength speaks. Either defeat us and win our respect—or present terms we cannot refuse."
Li Jian's gaze steadied. After a moment, he stepped forward, gathering strength into his palms, and smiled faintly.
"Very well. I shall meet you in martial exchange. If I prevail, let this matter end. What say you?"
Qin Zhonglong snorted.
"A newborn calf that fears not the tiger! Since you have such courage—let us see it!"
The Thousand-Armed Fiend added coldly,"Show us your skill. If we cannot match it, we shall have nothing to say."
Li Jian drew a breath and spoke aloud:
"Heroes of the four seas gather here today—how could I compare? Yet though I am unworthy, I must attempt to mediate this matter—even at the cost of my life."
His words stirred murmurs throughout the crowd. Both the outlaws and the Righteous Alliance could not help but admire the youth's courage.
The warriors of the Three Faiths, Shaolin, and others had come to slay the Demon—yet all had been defeated by the Unaging Demon alone. Though none had conceded defeat, they stood on the brink of annihilation.
Suddenly, the Thousand-Armed Fiend burst into laughter—then stopped sharply.
"It is said: courtesy demands reciprocity! Since you have come, do not think to leave so easily! We repay kindness with kindness, enmity with enmity. These people offended first—none can blame us. Since you insist on playing mediator, I shall test you myself!"
With a clasp of hands, he shouted:"Receive my move!"
He sprang forward like a flash—"Ape Shaking Arm"—his fist roaring through the air, swift as lightning, aimed straight at Li Jian's chest.
Li Jian dared not take it lightly. Gathering his inner strength, he met the blow with his palm.
Boom!
Fist and palm collided like thunder, dust erupting in waves.
The Thousand-Armed Fiend—Hu Guang by name—was tall and gaunt, his arms hanging below his knees. His famed art was the Through-Arm Fist, whose maxim declared:
"Raise the hand, gather qi;No thought, no form—yet intent arrives.Shoulders and back in harmony,Square within round, round within square;Flow unbound, without obstruction—thus is perfection."
His figure flickered—"Arrow Step Piercing Left"—fists raining like meteors, iron-hard yet supple, swift beyond sight.
Li Jian moved like a dragon from the sea—calm, fluid, elusive. With subtle steps and shifting form, he dissolved each assault as though drifting clouds met the wind.
Suddenly, the fiend leapt high—"Splitting Mount Hua"—his palm descending with the force of thunder.
Li Jian's eyes sharpened. Drawing a deep breath, he raised both palms—and met the strike lightly.
BOOM!
A deafening crash shook the field.
The Thousand-Armed Fiend was hurled backward, stumbling upon landing, his face paling.My full force… undone by a single casual strike?
Before he could recover, Li Jian bowed deeply.
"I beg forgiveness, Senior, if my hand was discourteous."
The fiend, recognizing his restraint, replied quietly:"I dare not claim offense."
He withdrew.
"Boy, your inner strength is formidable," came another voice."The Boundless Freak will now seek instruction!"
All eyes turned.
Li Jian inclined his head respectfully.
"Senior, let us exchange but lightly—touch and withdraw."
The Boundless Freak stepped forward, laughing.
"Very well. Three palms—that shall suffice."
At once, Aruos the Grand Dharma King called out:
"Chief Li! This man's inner power runs deep—do not take him lightly in a contest of strength!"
Li Jian nodded gratefully.
"My thanks, Senior. I shall be cautious."