Zhao Ke, Dharma King of the Zoroastrian Sect, also cautioned, "That Western Holy Mother is by no means benevolent, and the Martial Demon is ever waiting for his chance. As the head of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, you must remain vigilant at all times. Do not be careless."
Li Jian respectfully replied, "Yes, sir. I will bear your words firmly in mind."
Although it was Li Jian's first meeting with the various Dharma Kings, they found one another remarkably congenial. Their trust and expectations weighed heavily upon him, deepening his sense of responsibility. After descending the mountain, the various sects bid farewell with a wave of the hand and parted ways.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the ridge beneath Ziyun Mountain gradually emptied, leaving behind only silence and stillness. The martyrdom of Master Liaoyin seemed to have drawn a close to the conflict—yet at the same time, it planted the seeds of future storms in the martial world.
By dusk, the two riders mounted their horses and sought a place to rest. A gentle breeze brushed their faces as they arrived at a small town along the banks of the Yangtze River. Finding an inn, they settled in. After days of travel, both retired early for the night.
Early the next morning, they went downstairs for breakfast. The inn was lively, filled with travelers. Suddenly, an elderly man in a green robe remarked:
"Not long ago, people from Shaolin, the Jingjiao, the Manichaean sect, and the Zoroastrian sect went to Ziyun Mountain to eliminate the Martial Demon. But who would have thought the opposing side had such a formidable figure?"
Another elderly man in a blue robe replied, "Those sects are no ordinary martial forces—each filled with masters of great skill. Who could this person be?"
The man in green leaned closer and said, "Who else? It was the Unaging Demon!"
The man in blue widened his eyes. "Rumor has it that the Unaging Demon is nearly sixty years old, yet retains the appearance of a young man. They say it's due to his cultivation of the Unaging Demonic Art—a most terrifying technique. If so many sects attacked together, I doubt they gained any advantage."
At this point, the diners in the inn leaned in, ears perked. The man in green nodded, then paused deliberately.
"Old Li, don't leave us hanging—go on!" urged his companion.
Old Li pointed at the wine pot on the table. The other immediately called out, "Waiter! Two pots of wine and a plate of beef!"
Clearing his throat, Old Li continued:
"When the righteous factions reached Ziyun Mountain, both sides faced off on the ridge. That day, the Unaging Demon fought with unmatched ferocity, holding his ground against all challengers. He drove the combined forces of Shaolin and the three sects into disarray. In the end, they resorted to five against one—the scene nearly descended into madness. Even so, the Unaging Demon stood like an unstoppable force, overwhelming all before him.
"The battle was fierce beyond words. At one point, the Unaging Demon's killing intent surged, and he roared, 'None of you will leave here alive today! I shall deliver all of you into the underworld!'
"Just as the Dharma Kings Jia De and Aruos of the Jingjiao, and Li Rui, Hu Tian, and Jian Da of the Manichaean sect found themselves on the brink of defeat, a swift figure suddenly appeared. Faster than the eye could follow, he leapt ahead of Hu Tian and Jian Da and struck directly at the Unaging Demon with both palms!
"The crowd was stunned. The Unaging Demon, already consumed by killing intent, paid no heed to who had arrived. With a roar, he thrust both palms forward, shouting, 'I'll send you to the Western Heaven!'
"The two met head-on without altering their moves—each determined to clash with full inner force. Their four palms collided with a thunderous explosion. Sand and stones flew everywhere. To everyone's shock, the Unaging Demon staggered back several steps—while the young man descended lightly from midair, landing before him!"
The man in green exclaimed, "This youth must be incredibly skilled and bold! Who could he be?"
The surrounding guests, now thoroughly captivated, murmured excitedly, "Such a young hero cannot be ordinary!"
Old Li took a sip of wine as the other man added, "Since ancient times, heroes have often emerged in youth. This one must be no unknown figure!"
Old Li nodded. "Old Qian, do you know who he is? That young man is the successor personally chosen by Wu Tong, the head of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness!"
At this revelation, the entire inn gasped in astonishment.
A middle-aged man spoke up, "Speaking of Wu Tong—he too was a hero in his youth. After taking over the Hall, he rendered great service to the court and upheld justice in the martial world. His deeds are known to all."
Old Li nodded approvingly. "Well said! Wu Tong accomplished countless great feats, but after so many years, it is only natural for him to retire. This young man is his chosen successor."
Wu Tong's legendary deeds were known far and wide—praised by all.
Old Qian, however, shook his head. "This boy dares to challenge the Unaging Demon—he's courting death!"
Old Li continued:
"The Unaging Demon raised his gaze and coldly sized him up. 'Boy, what's your name?'
"The youth clasped his fists and declared, 'My surname is Li, given name Jian—the newly appointed head of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness.'
"The Unaging Demon's expression hardened. 'So young, yet already a leader—you must have some skill. But stay out of this. These people brought this upon themselves. They will all die here today. Don't play the hero—leave now!'
"But how could the Unaging Demon allow such a threat to go free?
"Instead, the young man stood firm, his eyes blazing. He replied, 'Do not be so arrogant. Mercy should temper strength. What you are doing has gone too far. I ask that you let these people leave the mountain.'
"At this, the twin fiends of ice and fire were enraged. The Ice Demon sneered, 'Boy, who do you think you are?'
"The Fire Demon stepped forward. 'I am the Fire Demon, Huo Ming. Allow me to test your skill!'
"In an instant, he advanced with a coiling step, striking out with both palms. The wind from his strike whistled sharply through the air…"