At this moment, five men took turns besieging a single opponent. Yet Li Jian, wielding the Northern Abyss Palm, held his ground with calm precision. By his own estimation, another twenty or thirty exchanges would suffice for him to gain the upper hand.
Heaven's Cripple and Earth's Ruin—one deaf, the other blind—moved with uncanny coordination. Relying on wind-sense and positional awareness, they attacked and defended as though a single body. In the blink of an eye, the three had already exchanged seven or eight lightning-fast moves.
Suddenly, Li Jian let out a clear whistle and sprang into the air, bounding away in several swift leaps. But Heaven's Cripple and Earth's Ruin were astonishingly quick. One swept in from the left, the other from the right, encircling him mid-flight. Their palms turned to fingers, and with terrifying speed, their index and middle fingers shot forward like spears.
Li Jian dared not take them lightly. Raising his palms, he met their strikes head-on. Though the situation was tense, he still spoke calmly: "Seniors, fists and feet have no eyes—pray take care!"
No sooner had he spoken than his palms thrust out, two streams of force surging forth. The pair hastily twisted away and leapt back.
At that instant, the Wine-and-Meat Monk and the Asura Maiden roared in unison, springing forward with ferocious speed. Their attacks came like howling wind—swift and ruthless.
Li Jian did not even turn his head. His body pivoted sharply, his hands flowing into counter-techniques. In no more than two or three exchanges, his palms suddenly rose like drawn blades—striking with speed beyond lightning, fierce as a gale over mountain ridges.
Pa! Pa! Two strikes landed.
The monk and the maiden were sent flying instantly upon receiving the blow.
Heaven's Cripple and Earth's Ruin shouted and lunged in again. The three clashed in an instant.
Seizing the moment, Liu De launched a sneak attack from behind, his palm crashing forward. Li Jian stepped two paces to the left just in time—the force instead struck Heaven's Cripple, causing the two to collide palm to palm.
In that fleeting instant, Li Jian moved with blinding speed, unleashing three consecutive strikes. Forced to meet him, all three exchanged palms—only to be hurled backward, landing pale-faced, blood seeping from their lips.
The five men stood stunned, exchanging silent glances. Li Jian cupped his fists respectfully and said, "Thank you, seniors, for your instruction."
His tone was courteous, yet carried an unmistakable authority.
Though unwilling to concede, the five could say nothing. They returned the gesture stiffly.
At that very moment, a figure stepped forth from the crowd.
It was none other than the Unaging Demon.
His gaze was like lightning as it fixed upon Li Jian, a cold smile curling at his lips.
This youth can defeat five at once… Only I can suppress him now, he thought.
He advanced slowly, each step heavy as though bearing a thousand pounds, an invisible pressure radiating outward.
Li Jian felt a slight stir within but remained composed. Bowing, he said, "Senior Unaging Demon, I have long heard of your name. May I ask your guidance?"
The Unaging Demon sneered. "Guidance? Hardly. I merely wish to test your skill."
Though his voice was light, it carried a chilling killing intent.
Li Jian knew well that this foe was far beyond the five just faced—but he did not retreat. Instead, he smiled faintly. "If senior has such interest, this junior shall accompany you."
The Unaging Demon laughed. "Boy, your skill is extraordinary. All my men have fallen. Let us speak plainly—if you can pass my test, then the grievances between the Three Sects, Shaolin, and my Alliance of Justice shall be wiped clean. What say you?"
Li Jian's heart leapt with joy. "Senior, this would be a blessing to the martial world."
The Unaging Demon's eyes narrowed. "Do not rejoice too soon. When I fight, I spare no lives. That girl may soon be left to collect your corpse."
His killing aura burst forth, chilling all present. Tan Wei's heart sank as she looked toward Li Jian.
A cold wind swept across the hill.
Li Jian stood unmoving, solemn and resolute. Suddenly he declared:
"Where my heart inclines, there righteousness shall lead; where the Way resides—though ten thousand stand against me, I shall go forth!"
In his heart, there was no hesitation.
Life and death are decreed by fate; wealth and honor lie with Heaven.
Hearing these words, the gathered heroes felt their blood surge. All were moved, silently praising his heroic bearing.
This youth is no ordinary man, they thought. Such greatness—truly worthy of the title Hall Master of Zhongyi.
Even the Unaging Demon grew solemn. "Your bearing is worthy of emulation by all under heaven. I admire you greatly. Come—make your move!"
As the saying goes: Without enduring bitter cold, how can one enjoy the fragrance of plum blossoms?
Li Jian's eyes flashed, sharp as blades. "Then forgive my offense!"
With that, his body shot forward like lightning. Midair, he twisted, wrists turning as both palms came crashing down.
The Unaging Demon showed no alarm. "Good!" he barked.
Before the body arrived, the force had already reached.
Invisible waves of energy tore through the air, whipping the demon's hair and robes.
The spectators held their breath, unwilling to miss a single moment of this rare duel.
Though young, Li Jian's skill had reached astonishing heights. Against this seasoned demon, he did not fall behind in the slightest.
The Unaging Demon was inwardly shocked—but his experience soon showed. His attacks grew fiercer, seeking to overwhelm Li Jian with sheer inner power.
Li Jian reacted instantly. With a flash of movement, he evaded a deadly strike and countered with a palm aimed at the demon's flank.
The Unaging Demon snorted coldly, his body slipping away like a phantom, and struck again.
Back and forth they fought, movements too swift to follow. The air roared with force, energy surging wildly.
Li Jian struck toward ten vital points in rapid succession, his fists and palms like swinging war-hammers. The Unaging Demon ducked and weaved, countering fluidly—then suddenly, within the flow of his palms, he unleashed a killing move, a finger thrust aimed straight at Li Jian's throat.
Li Jian's palm changed in an instant, deflecting the attack just in time.
The Unaging Demon pressed on relentlessly, unleashing seven rapid palm strikes. Li Jian retreated three steps, then arched backward and leapt away like a bird in flight.
But the demon followed like a shadow—Strike the Snake Along the Staff! In the blink of an eye, he closed the distance again.
His fists and palms rained down. Li Jian spun like a windmill, shifting rapidly, blocking with urgency. A palm strike came crashing toward his chest—Li Jian deflected it diagonally and countered in the same motion.
The Unaging Demon guided with his left, struck with his right.
Their palms met.
Bang!
To everyone's astonishment, Li Jian's force was vast and immovable. He stood firm as a mountain—while the Unaging Demon was sent flying backward, landing only to stagger several steps before regaining his footing.
It was a loss of face beyond measure.
As the saying goes:
"Even the Sage feared those who came after—A true man must never belittle the young."
The Unaging Demon narrowed his eyes.
"Boy… your inner power is this profound? No wonder you defeated so many of my men!"