The three had scarcely finished their laughter when, from across the field, another burst of laughter rose skyward. A man strode forth from the crowd, followed by three men and one woman.
His voice rang out:"So the new Chief of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness—truly remarkable."
At the same time, Leng Yue cupped his hands slightly and said,"Chief Li, mountains and rivers ensure we shall meet again."
With a final bow, he turned and departed.
Li Jian saw that the newcomer was a refined scholar in his forties—handsome, elegant, and composed. At once, he clasped his fists and bowed respectfully.
"May I ask this senior's honored name? What instruction do you offer?"
Though the man bore no fierce appearance, there was a subtle cunning in his eyes.
Aruos the Grand Dharma King spoke quietly:"This man is Liu De—known in the jianghu as the 'Shameless Scholar.'"
This Liu De was one who wore one face before others, and another behind their backs. Though he looked like a gentleman, his heart was steeped in deceit—outwardly righteous, inwardly ruthless. Hence his infamous title.
The Shameless Scholar let out a cold chuckle."Young hero, your divine skill has overwhelmed many of our side—even Leng Yue has bowed in defeat. I admire you greatly."
Li Jian felt a chill.Liu De… 'virtue retained'? I fear the opposite is true—this man is treacherous to the bone.
"Senior, what guidance do you offer?" he asked.
The scholar smiled slyly."With your unmatched skill, I daresay none of us could defeat you in single combat. But how, then, could your true prowess be displayed?"
Still inexperienced in the ways of the jianghu, Li Jian nodded."Then how would Senior propose we contest?"
The scholar's smile deepened, sinister beneath its charm."I have considered this well. Only if you face four opponents at once can your true ability be revealed. What say you?"
Li Jian's gaze flickered.
He knew this man was scheming, yet outwardly remained calm. He surveyed the four behind Liu De—each distinct, each formidable.
One was broad and powerful, clearly adept in brute force.Another thin and pale, fingers trembling faintly—likely a master of subtle internal force or hidden weapons.A third bore a short blade, steady and poised—his steps hinted at swift, decisive strikes.The last, a beautiful woman, moved with eerie silence, her eyes cold as frost—her lightness skill and strange techniques unmistakable.
Li Jian smiled faintly.
"Senior speaks wisely—but I have a proposal. Since this is a contest, fairness must be observed. I shall face four—but not all at once. Each shall fight me in turn. If I endure all four, then all present shall acknowledge the victory of myself and the Hall of Loyalty. What say you?"
The Shameless Scholar narrowed his eyes, then laughed.
"Excellent spirit! We agree—however…"He paused, his tone turning sharp."If you defeat three, yet fall to the fourth, would that not be lacking? Dare you swear—should you lose, you will withdraw from the jianghu forever?"
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Such a wager was ruthless.
Li Jian's eyes narrowed slightly.As expected—layer upon layer of traps.
Yet his fighting spirit surged.
"Very well," he said calmly. "I accept."
At that moment, a voice rang out from the crowd behind him:
"Do not fall for it! That man is called the Shameless Scholar for a reason—he never acts without hidden schemes!"
A young maiden stepped forward.
Clad in light green, her figure was lithe and graceful. Her presence drew all eyes.
The Shameless Scholar frowned slightly."This will not do. If the young hero insists on mediation, he must prove himself. And you, young lady—what is your name?"
She smiled lightly."My name is Tan Wei. I am a friend of this young hero. Your proposal is absurd. You call yourselves the 'Righteous Alliance'—yet your actions are anything but righteous. Unable to win in fair combat, you now seek to overwhelm him by numbers?"
The scholar's plot exposed, he did not anger, but instead replied smoothly:"A sharp-tongued girl indeed. But since he insists on heroics, the rules shall be ours to set."
Tan Wei scoffed."Enough talk. Why not you and I fight first—and let strength speak?"
The Shameless Scholar hesitated.
To fight her—victory was certain, yet defeat would be disgraceful.
"A gentleman does not contend with a woman," he said.
Tan Wei sneered."Then admit you are afraid, and I may spare you."
Stung, he flared in anger—then restrained himself.
Instead, he glanced back at his own side and smiled.
"If you insist, we have women to meet you."
"Then send them," Tan Wei replied coldly.
"Yu Xian, Wei Hong—you shall represent us."
The two stepped forth.
Disciples once of the Immortal Empress Palace, they now wandered the jianghu. One was delicate and refined, the other sharp-featured and resolute—yin and yang embodied.
They leapt into the arena.
"Girl," Yu Xian called, "if you wish to fight, we shall oblige."
Tan Wei answered calmly:"If you think to win by numbers, I do not fear you."
Wei Hong replied,"You misunderstand. We always fight together. Our art is called Yin-Yang Twin Palms. Take care."
Tan Wei stepped forward and cupped her hands.
"Please instruct me."
"Then receive our move!"
In an instant, both women rose into the air, attacking from left and right. Their palms swept forward in fierce succession, wind roaring with force not to be underestimated.
Tan Wei did not dare take them lightly.
Her left hand rose, her right followed—deflecting and dissolving their strikes. She did not counterattack, choosing instead to observe.
Her figure moved like drifting clouds—dodging, weaving, waiting.
Though she gained no advantage, neither did she falter.
After more than ten exchanges, the three crossed paths in a blur—
Suddenly, Tan Wei struck out with two palms.
Bang! Bang!
Yu Xian and Wei Hong were driven back several steps.
"Come then, both of you," Tan Wei said coolly.
The two women burned with anger.
This girl… no ordinary opponent!
With a glance exchanged, they shot forward once more—swift, fierce, relentless.
Yin and yang intertwined—their forms shifting, positions changing in an instant—
Unpredictable. Unfathomable.
The true battle had only just begun.