The Boundless Freak let out a cold laugh."Boy, do not wade into troubled waters. If fear grips your heart, you may turn and leave at once."
Li Jian smiled faintly."I may overestimate myself, yet I must play the peacemaker—even if it costs my life. Let us exchange but three palms. Senior, please strike."
With that, he stepped forward, silently circulating his inner qi, both palms raised before his chest.
"Very well—do not blame me!" the Boundless Freak replied.
With a sudden motion, he raised his right hand and struck. The palm-force howled through the air, cold and fierce, sweeping forward like a blade of wind. The very ground stirred, pebbles scattering under the violent current…
The Boundless Freak's palm came crashing toward Li Jian.
There was no avoiding it.
Li Jian dared not take it lightly. He raised his own palm, his protective inner force naturally surging forth. The two forces met—
Pa!
Each took a step back.
The Boundless Freak was startled.In years past, I matched strength with Wu Tong and was sent flying by a single strike. Yet this youth… his inner power rivals, even surpasses that of Wu Tong!
He spoke, his tone more measured:"Chief Li, a true hero indeed. Your inner strength runs deep—let us measure ourselves with restraint."
Li Jian bowed slightly."I am unworthy, yet I shall receive two more palms from Senior."
Strike while the opponent's footing is unsettled!
"Second palm!" the Boundless Freak shouted.
He advanced swiftly, left palm thrusting straight through the center. Li Jian raised his own palm to meet it—
—but in that instant, the Boundless Freak's left hand flickered, sinking low, while his right palm shot forward with lightning speed.
The direction shifted in a heartbeat.
Li Jian was momentarily startled—but his response was faster still.
With a swift pivot and shifting step, he withdrew his right palm and struck out with his left—
Pa!
The clash rang sharp.
Li Jian stood unmoved.
The Boundless Freak, however, was forced back two steps.
The speed of Li Jian's transformation of stance was beyond comprehension. Even the seasoned experts watching could not help but voice their admiration.
The Boundless Freak's feint—alternating concealment and release, drawing away his opponent's force before striking—was a pinnacle technique of internal martial arts. Yet this youth's adaptability surpassed expectation.
The Boundless Freak's face darkened.
"Boy, meddle no further. That strike—I used but half my strength!"
Li Jian bowed respectfully."Senior shows mercy. I am grateful."
Not wishing to speak further, the Boundless Freak shouted:
"Third palm!"
With a light step, he leapt into the air. Mid-flight, his body spun, diving down like a falcon, both palms thrusting forward—
The force surged like tidal waves crashing ashore.
Experience teaches wisdom.
Li Jian did not rush to meet it. Only when the twin palms neared his chest did he respond, pushing both hands forward at the perfect moment—
BOOM!
A thunderous explosion shook the ground.
To the astonishment of all present—
Li Jian did not move an inch.
The Boundless Freak was hurled backward, landing and retreating precisely three steps.
Three palms exchanged—no more, no less.
Li Jian lowered his hands and withdrew his stance. The onlookers stared in stunned silence.
The Boundless Freak was shaken to his core.
Such boundless inner power… truly, a hidden master reveals not his depth. This youth—worthy successor to Wu Tong—possesses even greater strength. I gave all I had, yet he held back… and preserved my dignity.
He nodded.
"Well done. You have received my three palms. This round is yours."
With that, he leapt away.
Suddenly, another figure stepped forth—it was Qin Zhonglong, the Demon of Qianzhong.
He cast a sideways glance at Li Jian."Boy, your righteousness today has earned my respect. But in the jianghu, reputation is forged through strength. Prepare yourself!"
With a flash, he struck.
Li Jian sprang upward, soaring four zhang into the air, then flipped and rose higher still. Qin Zhonglong followed, leaping after him.
Midair, they clashed—one advancing, one defending—palms and fists weaving in rapid succession. The crowd erupted in cheers.
Li Jian suddenly shifted to grappling techniques, seizing Qin Zhonglong's wrist. The latter withdrew instantly, countering with a barrage of low sweeping kicks. His form flickered like a phantom—hands striking in tandem, six kicks unleashed in the blink of an eye.
Li Jian retreated swiftly, then with a sudden turn of the hand, cut sharply toward Qin Zhonglong's wrist.
Startled by the force behind it, Qin Zhonglong dared not meet it directly. In a few swift exchanges, he was driven back several steps.
Li Jian called out clearly:"Senior, I seek only to exchange a few moves—I have no wish to be your enemy!"
Qin Zhonglong thought to himself:
Even if I cannot win, I must not fall too soon before all these heroes!
Seeing Li Jian's restraint, he was nevertheless displeased.
"Enough talk—let us decide victory and defeat!"
With that, he surged forward once more.
Li Jian shifted and maneuvered, guarding his center while seeking a way to withdraw without harm. Qin Zhonglong's palms came again, fierce and swift—Li Jian met them.
Then—
In the instant of contact, Li Jian reversed his palm and struck.
Qin Zhonglong could not withdraw in time—
Pa!
A soft yet decisive impact.
He staggered back—four, five steps—
—and suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood.
The gathered heroes gasped in shock.
Li Jian, alarmed, immediately clasped his hands in apology:
"Senior! I have struck too heavily—please forgive me! Allow me to aid your recovery!"
Without waiting for refusal, he stepped forward like lightning, moving behind Qin Zhonglong.
The latter was startled, instinctively seeking to resist—but his injuries left him powerless.
Li Jian's palms pressed against his back.
He circulated his qi several times, then released it—
A warm, gentle force flowed into Qin Zhonglong's body, sinking into his dantian. His meridians opened instantly, blocked channels clearing under the surging energy.
A deep comfort spread through his chest and abdomen—
The violent force broke through the obstructions, restoring the flow of his internal qi.