In contests of martial skill, victory is ultimately decided by the depth of one's inner power. One must understand that such power is inseparably tied to the length and rigor of one's training—it is never gained overnight. Thus, none present could have imagined that Tan Wei possessed such formidable cultivation. Even more astonishing was the sudden reversal: though Wei Hong and Yu Xian had fought her to a standstill, the balance shifted in an instant.
Yet Tan Wei had not intended to wound them. In the urgency of the exchange, pressed hard on all sides, she could not attend to every detail. Forced into action, her twin palms struck out—sending the two women flying, blood spilling as they collapsed. It was an outcome born of necessity, not malice.
A sharp rush of wind was heard. The Depraved Scholar, Liu De, leapt into the arena. Pointing at Tan Wei, he shouted harshly, "Shameless girl! You dare injure two senior figures of the martial world—have you no fear of heaven or earth?"
Tan Wei started in alarm. At the same moment, another figure descended—Li Jian. Striding forward with head held high, he declared in a clear voice, "Senior, your words are mistaken. In sparring, mishaps are unavoidable. So long as one harbors no intent to kill, and acts with benevolence and righteousness, one's conscience remains clear."
Liu De sneered. "Fine words indeed! Yet you, the Hall Master of Zhongyi Hall, twist right and wrong. These two women lie injured before all under heaven's gaze. Justice is plain to see—was it I who struck them?"
His tone was aggressive, his gaze sharp as blades, pressing directly upon Li Jian.
Unmoved, Li Jian replied calmly, "Senior Liu, exchanges of martial skill are common, and accidents do occur. Tan Wei had no intention of harming them—she merely acted in self-defense under pressing circumstances. To condemn her for a moment's misstep would be unjust."
His voice rang firm and steady, his eyes resolute—unshaken by Liu De's intimidation.
As the saying goes:
To quell disputes and call for peace once words are done,Yet when strength runs thin, counsel goes unheard.Who knew a single strike would send them flying,Only to draw harsh rebuke thereafter?
As the Master said: "The gentleman does not blame others for what they cannot achieve, nor compel them beyond their ability, nor burden them with what they do not desire."
But the martial world is a place where dragons and serpents mingle. Just as there are elegant figures like Cold Moon and Lone Star, there are also despicable men like the Depraved Scholar. Known for his foul tongue, Liu De was infamous for speaking without virtue.
Tan Wei raised her voice to the assembled heroes. "With so many present, you cannot twist the truth at will! Since you speak without honor, I need not show you courtesy. Enough words—let us settle this with strength!"
Liu De replied, "A man does not fight a woman. I will not duel you."
Tan Wei sneered. "Or perhaps you lack the skill? Fear not—I can show mercy."
Liu De flushed with anger. Never had he been so humiliated. Though reluctant to act, his pride would not allow him to swallow the insult.
"You insolent girl! Very well—I shall teach you a lesson!"
"Enough talk," Tan Wei retorted coldly. "Make your move!"
Yet Liu De suddenly reconsidered. He had come today on behalf of the Alliance of Justice, seeking to confront this young man—not to be distracted by a mere girl. Forcing down his anger, he softened his tone.
"Do not be hasty, young lady. You must wait your turn. First, we shall test this young hero."
Pausing, he turned to Li Jian and said loudly, "Young master, your divine skills are said to be unmatched. Here stand several experts of our side to exchange moves with you. Allow me to introduce them—Heaven's Cripple and Earth's Ruin, the Wine-and-Meat Monk, and the Asura Maiden."
Four men and one woman stood beside him.
Li Jian bowed respectfully. "I have long admired your reputations. To receive your instruction today is this junior's honor."
His tone was humble yet dignified—neither arrogant nor frivolous.
At this moment, the Wine-and-Meat Monk stepped forward and shouted, "Boy! The four of us shall test you. But the Depraved Scholar says that facing four reveals your skill—ha! I say facing five would prove your true ability. What say you?"
Having received the teachings of Wu Tong, Li Jian bore heavy responsibility as the Hall Master of Zhongyi Hall—to uphold justice and preserve its reputation. Though the situation was perilous, he showed no fear.
"Since I have come as a mediator, I must abide by the rules of the martial world," he said firmly.
Tan Wei scoffed, "To bully one with many—what kind of heroes are you?"
The Asura Maiden, Yang Zi, though a middle-aged woman, was strikingly beautiful. At this, her brows shot up in anger. "He asked for this himself! Do not accuse us of relying on numbers—come!"
"Enough talk—attack!" Liu De shouted.
Amid cries of alarm, Liu De sprang forward, his left palm sweeping out with a blast of force. Li Jian shifted aside—bang!—the strike shattered a great rock behind him, sending sand and stones flying.
The sheer power of Liu De's palm left the gathered heroes aghast. Even Tan Wei was visibly startled.
The remaining four attacked in succession. Heaven's Cripple and Earth's Ruin struck with lightning speed. Li Jian's hands moved fluidly, guiding and neutralizing their force with perfect control. Suddenly, his palms crossed and struck back. The two leapt away to evade.
At the same moment, the Wine-and-Meat Monk and the Asura Maiden rushed in. Li Jian turned sharply, his palms splitting to meet them. Upon contact, they felt the depth of his inner power. A flurry of strikes forced them into disarray, driving them back.
Seeing this, Liu De rushed forward to assist, launching another attack. Li Jian pivoted and struck—bang!—Liu De staggered backward several steps. Heaven's Cripple and Earth's Ruin hurried to his aid, barely stabilizing the situation.
The onlookers were stunned. Surrounded by five opponents, Li Jian still displayed such overwhelming might.
Focusing intently, Li Jian studied their techniques. The five attacked in concert—fists and palms from all directions. The spectators could scarcely follow the flurry of movements. In the blink of an eye, the battle had raged on for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.
Watching anxiously, Tan Wei saw Li Jian pressed hard on all sides. The encirclement tightened, danger mounting with each passing moment.
"He must focus on reading their timing," she thought.
Then another thought struck her:
"If I intervene now, I may only distract him. That would do more harm than good. I must not become his burden."
Thus she held herself back, though her heart burned with worry.