The martial attainments of the two women were by no means ordinary, and Tan Wei dared not show the slightest negligence. With a light tap of her feet, her supple form darted backward, retreating over two zhang in an instant. Having exchanged more than a dozen moves, she quietly observed their patterns of attack and defense, discerning that their techniques concealed the principles of yin and yang and the Five Elements—now hard, now soft; advancing and retreating in shifting rhythms, left and right in seamless alternation. Their palm techniques flowed in an unbroken stream of exquisite precision.
After testing palms against them, Tan Wei had already gauged their strength. Though their techniques were refined, their inner force fell short of her own. Yet despite her superior internal power, it was no simple matter to gain the upper hand swiftly against the combined assault of the two.
With a casual lift of her palm to parry, she said, "Esteemed seniors, your martial skills are truly remarkable!"
Even as hands and feet moved without pause, Yu Xian, hearing the praise, allowed a faint smile to surface. Such discernment at so young an age, she thought. In a low voice she replied, "At least you have some insight."
Wei Hong gave a cold laugh. "Isn't your skill merely what Wu Tong passed down to you?"
Tan Wei answered calmly, "Indeed. But if you two would withdraw now, it is not too late."
At this, Yu Xian and Wei Hong felt a surge of indignation. If they were to retreat now, would they not become the laughingstock of the martial world? Two renowned seniors joining forces against a mere youth—and still unable to prevail—was humiliation enough.
"Do not think yourself invincible!" Yu Xian snapped. With a flick of her right hand, she lunged forward in close combat, executing the move Eagle Snatches the Hare—swift and ruthless. Against ordinary foes, such a technique would leave one scrambling in confusion, unable to defend both flanks at once.
But Tan Wei's extraordinary meridians had long been opened. She received and countered with ease. Suddenly, a heavy palm force surged forth as she said, "Senior, desist. The two of you are no match for me."
Though unwilling to admit it, Yu Xian and Wei Hong knew her words were true. Their techniques might be intricate, but their inner strength could not compare. Still, as veterans of the martial world, how could they yield so easily?
"Do not grow arrogant!" Yu Xian barked.
With a glance exchanged between them, the two women moved as one, their attacks turning even more ferocious.
"You think to outwit us?" Yu Xian shouted. "You cannot defeat us in skill!"
Wei Hong added scornfully, "Shameless girl! All talk and no substance. If you truly have ability, then strike us down!"
Tan Wei sighed inwardly but remained composed. She knew that with steady tactics, victory was only a matter of time. Her form turned, her palms flowing like surging tides, dissolving their attacks one by one. The three figures clashed in a blur of motion, the battle growing ever more intense.
After many exchanges, Tan Wei had fully grasped the essence of their Yin-Yang Combined Palms. Though no common art, after dozens of moves its patterns lay clear before her. She could break it at will—yet she hesitated, mindful of preserving the dignity of her seniors. Thus she repeatedly urged restraint, but her goodwill was mistaken for weakness.
At last, anger stirred within her. "Very well—do not blame me for showing no mercy!"
Wei Hong's brows arched sharply. Drawing a deep breath, she gathered her qi, stamped lightly, and soared into the air, shouting, "When Heaven and Earth unite, all things are born—!"
Yu Xian followed, "When Yin and Yang converge, transformation arises!"
Their bodies intertwined in motion, shifting with dazzling speed. In a flash, they closed in, striking with full force. Their combined assault fell like torrential rain—swift, fierce, and merciless.
Tan Wei, unwilling to harm them, fought with great restraint, her mind racing for a way to end the fight without causing undue injury.
Driven back, she relied on her unparalleled lightness skill, darting and weaving. Suddenly, two fierce palms bore down upon her. She met them, borrowing their force, and shot upward like an arrow released from the bow. Spinning swiftly in midair, she descended lightly as a falling leaf.
Wei Hong lunged again. Tan Wei parried, then pushed off the ground and flipped backward, soaring several zhang into the air. The elegance of her movement left the crowd spellbound. Cheers erupted as spectators marveled in astonishment.
Humiliated beyond endurance, Yu Xian and Wei Hong shrieked, launching themselves in a frenzied assault.
"Now you shall witness the true power of Yin-Yang Combined Palms!" Yu Xian cried.
Their technique was indeed profound—harmonizing inner and outer force, embodying the unity of opposites. Though they had only mastered the third level, its power was formidable. In an instant they split apart—Wei Hong to the left, Yu Xian to the right—executing Reversal of Yin and Yang and Discord of Yin and Yang. Their six variations descended in a sweeping arc from above.
Like arrows loosed from the bow, they surged forward, their force roaring like thunder. The crowd gasped in terror.
Tan Wei felt a rare flicker of tension. Her palms opened and closed with lightning speed, countering each strike. The three fought in a deadly whirlwind—too fast for thought, too perilous for hesitation.
The Yin-Yang Combined Palms shifted endlessly—now united, now divided; now attacking, now defending. Tan Wei unleashed two moves from the Sixteen Palms of the Northern Abyss—Calm Sea Unshaken and Boiling Waves Overturning the Ocean. With a push of her feet, she leapt back three zhang.
But Yu Xian was already upon her, striking downward, while Wei Hong attacked from behind. Front and rear, they pressed relentlessly. Palm winds howled; sand flew, leaves trembled. The crowd watched with bated breath.
At that critical moment, Tan Wei's body trembled slightly as she drew power from her dantian. Channeling her energy into both arms, her force surged like a raging tide.
Then—pa! pa!—two soft sounds rang out.
Yu Xian and Wei Hong were sent flying backward, tumbling through the air before crashing heavily to the ground. Blood spilled from their lips. They lay there, unable to rise.
The crowd stood stunned—utterly speechless at the sight.