After circulating his inner energy, Li Jian withdrew his palms and stepped forward to stand before the Demon of Qianzhong. With a faint smile, he said,
"Senior, how do you feel?"
The Demon of Qianzhong bowed with clasped hands and replied,"Many thanks, young hero, for using your internal strength to heal my injuries. I am deeply grateful."
Li Jian shook his head lightly."My earlier move was rash. I should not have acted so impulsively. I ask for your forgiveness, Senior."
Having been treated with inner energy, the Demon of Qianzhong felt gratitude welling in his heart. He said,"We are all men of Jianghu. In sparring, injuries are inevitable. You need not blame yourself. Your skills are extraordinary—I concede wholeheartedly."
Just as he finished speaking, two figures slowly stepped out from behind him.
The crowd immediately stirred, thinking, This young man will surely invite further trouble.
Li Jian looked up and saw two middle-aged men, both in their forties. Their features were refined, their bearing elegant and composed—far removed from the ferocity of the previous fighters. He strode forward boldly, clasped his hands, and said,
"I am Li Jian, newly appointed Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. May I ask what guidance you two seniors might offer?"
At this moment, the Demon of Qianzhong spoke from the side,"Young hero, it seems two more champions have come to exchange a few moves with you. I shall take my leave."
With a slight bow, he turned and departed.
The two men approached.
The first spoke,"Your divine skill, young hero, has earned my utmost admiration."
He paused, took two steps forward, and recited:
"Beneath the cold moon, I drink in the wind—A jug of coarse wine, half remains."
"I am known in Jianghu as Cold Moon."
The second followed, saying:
"Beneath the vast heavens, a lone star flickers—Solitary and eternal."
"I am called Lone Star."
Cold Moon and Lone Star were no ordinary wanderers. Both possessed literary refinement—they were failed scholars, men of ambition with no outlet. Though full of passion, they had found no place in the world and thus drifted into Jianghu.
Though hidden among the martial world, their attainments in both martial arts and poetry were profound. In years past, a single poem of theirs had once made their names known far and wide. Yet failing to achieve success in the examinations, they turned to the martial path, seeking a realm where they might belong.
Cold Moon spoke again, his voice ringing clear:"Young hero, your skill is peerless. You have defeated three of our Righteous Alliance in succession—truly admirable. May I ask under which great master you were trained, to produce such a remarkable youth?"
Li Jian replied,"I have never formally apprenticed under any master. I merely learned some family martial arts from my grandfather. My skills are quite ordinary. Only by chance did I meet Hall Master Wu, who passed on his teachings to me."
At these words, the crowd was greatly astonished. They had all assumed the young man must be from a prestigious lineage or trained by a famed master. None had expected him to be of humble origins.
Lone Star, too, was taken aback, but soon nodded."Such fortune in your life is enough to make all under heaven envious."
Cold Moon added,"With your abilities, young hero, and your righteous actions today, your name will surely shake Jianghu. If the Righteous Alliance were to withdraw now, they would only become a laughingstock."
His words rang true.
How could the Righteous Alliance simply retreat? Though Li Jian had defeated three fighters, many more stood ready to take their turns. Hearing this, Li Jian felt a chill in his heart. After a moment, he said,
"Since I have taken upon myself the role of mediator, if the Alliance insists on taking turns, I have no choice but to face them. Complaints would serve no purpose—it is better to meet it calmly."
Lone Star smiled faintly and clasped his hands."Your bearing is truly admirable. We did not come seeking vengeance, only to witness your prowess. If you would exchange a few moves with us brothers, it would be our honor."
Li Jian pondered briefly, then said calmly,"In that case, I shall oblige."
Cold Moon nodded and stepped forward. With a gentle turn of his palm, a subtle force gathered, and the air in the arena shifted instantly. All present felt the tension rise.
"Please," Cold Moon said softly.
Li Jian's eyes sharpened. Sensing the depth of his opponent's inner strength, he dared not be careless. He stepped lightly, raised both palms, and prepared himself.
The atmosphere grew taut. Every member of the Righteous Alliance stared intently, awaiting the clash.
Lone Star suddenly asked,"In my view, young hero, you seem a man of letters. Why then did you step into Jianghu?"
Li Jian replied,"To be frank, I once served as a minor officer at a local yamen. But it was no proper post. I wished to travel to Chang'an—perhaps to find employment in an official household, or join an escort agency with my martial skills, or simply make my way in Jianghu. Anything would be better than remaining in that small county. Unexpectedly, I encountered former Hall Master Wu along the way."
As the saying goes:"Master both the civil and martial arts, and sell your talents to the emperor."
Cold Moon and Lone Star exchanged a glance and smiled faintly.
"This youth is no ordinary man," Cold Moon said.
Lone Star laughed bitterly."Unlike us, drifting without patronage—no benefactor to recognize us."
Cold Moon sighed,"A fine steed is often found, but a true judge of horses is rare."
He was alluding to the words of Han Yu of the Tang Dynasty:'A thousand-li horse may exist, but without a discerning eye, it will perish unknown in the stables.'
Indeed, talent is not scarce in this world—what is rare is one who can recognize it.
Lone Star raised his head and lamented,"A man may have towering ambitions, yet without fortune, he cannot succeed. A horse may run a thousand miles, yet without guidance, it cannot find its way. It is fate, destiny, and timing—not my lack of ability."
Cold Moon echoed with a sigh,"A bird with small wings cannot soar, a centipede with many legs cannot outpace a snake. It is fate—beyond our control."
Seeing the two men sigh to the heavens, Li Jian felt a sudden kinship with them.
Moved, he stepped forward and recited aloud:
"Where shall I seek the shrine of the Prime Minister?Beyond the brocade city, cypress trees stand deep.Green grass reflects the spring upon the steps,Orioles sing in vain behind the leaves.Thrice did he toil for the realm's great plan,Serving two dynasties with a loyal heart.Yet before his mission was fulfilled, he died—Leaving heroes ever drenched in tears."
His voice was firm at first, then gradually softened into sorrow.
Lone Star listened and murmured,"Unfavorable times, a life of hardship…"
Cold Moon added,"Feng Tang grew old too soon; Li Guang was never ennobled."
For a moment, both men were overcome with emotion.
After a long pause, Cold Moon fixed his gaze upon Li Jian and asked,
"Young hero, favored by heaven—now that you have assumed the position of Hall Master, what are your ambitions?"
Li Jian stepped forward boldly and declared:
"With but a humble life and the heart of a scholar, I cast aside the brush yet uphold loyalty and righteousness. I will press forward with resolve, never forgetting my purpose."
Hearing this, both Cold Moon and Lone Star were deeply moved.
"This youth," Cold Moon said quietly, "is destined for greatness. He will surely shake the world."
Lone Star nodded, then added with a smile,"Even so, today we must still test his martial skill."
Li Jian brought his left palm to his right fist and saluted."I beg you two seniors to grant me your instruction."