Once again the two engaged. The Unaging Demon shot forward like a falling star, his force fierce and unrelenting, both palms striking viciously toward Li Jian's Baihui and temple points. Startled, Li Jian quickly stepped back, turning his body sideways to evade. With no time to think, he moved instinctively—his footwork shifting like the wind, his stance steady as a mountain. Advancing with method, retreating with control, he weaved, dodged, and defended from all directions with remarkable grace.
The heroes watching from the sidelines could not help but erupt in applause, gasping in admiration. Cheers and exclamations rose and fell across the arena, lingering for a long while.
Hearing the crowd's praise, the Unaging Demon grew furious. His eyes widened as killing intent surged within him."Today, I must kill this brat to extinguish my hatred!" he thought.
Originally intending only to teach the youth a lesson, he had instead lost face before all. In the entire world, there seemed no second person capable of humiliating him like this. In that instant, Li Jian became the object of his greatest hatred. His resentment deepened, and his attacks turned even more sinister.
Yet despite the ferocity of the Unaging Demon's techniques, Li Jian remained composed—countering each move with ease, balancing offense and defense with fluid mastery. His martial attainment seemed, if anything, to surpass that of his opponent.
As the saying goes:"The great roc rises with the wind in a single day, soaring ninety thousand miles into the sky."
The onlookers were stunned. The Unaging Demon had unleashed move after move, yet all were effortlessly neutralized. Every technique seemed wasted.
Li Jian reflected inwardly:"I have only just assumed leadership of the Hall of Loyalty, yet I am already caught in such a great conflict between good and evil. I came to mediate, not to make enemies. If I defeat him before all these heroes, what will become of the Justice Alliance's reputation? Yet to force him to retreat without humiliation seems nearly impossible…"
At that moment, Li Jian lightly struck the incoming palm, borrowing the opponent's force to propel himself backward through the air. Landing firmly, he called out:
"The Justice Alliance claims to uphold righteousness, yet your methods are cruel and unjust. In my view, why not let this be a friendly exchange—stop at the appropriate point? If you insist on continuing, fists and feet have no eyes. The danger to life is great."
But in the jianghu, pride runs deep.
The Unaging Demon had already defeated masters from the Three Sects and Shaolin. At the height of his triumph, he was suddenly disrupted by this young man—how could he not rage?
Cruel and arrogant by nature, he had no intention of listening.
"You dare interfere? Then death is your fate!" he roared, laughing wildly. His laughter echoed through the valley, sending chills into every heart.
Then his tone shifted."However… seeing your loyalty and courage, I will show rare mercy. Kneel now and beg, and I may spare your life!"
Li Jian was stunned.
He had already shown restraint out of consideration, even offering to withdraw—yet now he was being told to kneel and beg for his life. Rage surged within him.
"I have said all that I can," Li Jian replied coldly. "If you lose your life for this, do not blame me."
But the Unaging Demon, already intent on killing, took these words as further insult.
"Kneel now—and live!" he barked again.
The crowd erupted in murmurs.
From the Three Sects and Shaolin came whispers:"Who does he think he is, acting so arrogantly?""He's clearly no match, yet still so overbearing!"
From the Justice Alliance side:"The Demon's skill is terrifying—if the boy doesn't kneel, he'll surely die!""Poor lad… someone will have to bury him."
As the saying goes:"A thing must first rot before worms appear; a man must first disgrace himself before others insult him."
Facing relentless provocation, Li Jian finally said,"Stubborn, arrogant—what more is there to say?"
Still, the Unaging Demon pressed on:"Kneel now, or I unleash my ultimate technique!"
Before his words even ended, he struck suddenly, his palm wind sweeping forward.
"Avoid it!" shouted the Great Dharma King Aros.
Li Jian tilted his body and evaded, casting a sharp glance."Let us settle this with our hands—victory or defeat is yet undecided!"
With that, both leapt into motion. Their qinggong was extraordinary—they rose into the air, clashing mid-flight, fists and palms colliding as they fought for initiative. After several exchanges, they descended back to the میدان.
The Unaging Demon, proud to the core, had no path of retreat. For the sake of his reputation, he would stake everything.
They stood in silence, focusing intently.
Suddenly—he moved.
In an instant, he shot forward, his right palm carrying a fierce gale aimed straight at Li Jian's Shanzhong point. Li Jian deflected with his left hand. Missing his strike, the Demon followed immediately with his left hand, two fingers stabbing viciously toward the temple.
They exchanged blows rapidly. The difference in skill was becoming clear—but the Demon, consumed by rage, pushed his power to the limit. With a roar, he launched another flurry of palm strikes, winds howling, robes whipping violently.
Yet his techniques had already grown predictable.
Li Jian had seen through them all.
Still, he hesitated—until at last he made his decision.
The two continued without pause, faster and faster. The Demon's attacks were like a raging storm—but Li Jian seemed untouched, moving with effortless fluidity. He dodged five rapid strikes in succession, then suddenly pivoted—
And struck.
That single palm shot forth like an arrow released from the bow—swift beyond measure—landing squarely on the Unaging Demon's chest.
A scream rang out.
The Unaging Demon was sent flying backward through the air. With a heavy crash, he struck the ground, gravely injured. Blood poured from his mouth, and he could no longer rise…