At that moment, Cai Hong, leader of the Zichen Sect, felt a surge of malice rise within him. With demonic intent emboldening his heart, he saw that the Wolong Saber was within reach. He immediately let out a cold shout and ordered the Four Sacred Guardians of Xuanwu to seize the blade.
Yet Situ Kong stood firm as a mountain—neither angered nor alarmed. Raising his hand slightly, he said calmly, "Wait. Do not act rashly."
Cai Hong snorted coldly. "Situ Kong, if you are afraid, then obediently hand over the Wolong Saber. You may leave as you wish. Do not fail to recognize what is good for you and bring trouble upon yourself."
Situ Kong laughed aloud. "You may be many, but do not assume this old man stands alone."
No sooner had he spoken than a figure stepped forward. His green robe fluttered in the wind—it was Lin Da, the Azure Dragon Sacred King. Folding his fists, he declared, "Zichen Sect Leader, you claim to descend upon the mortal world to bring salvation, yet you act with tyranny. How could Senior Situ stand idly by?"
Another stepped forward—Mo Chao, the Xuanwu Sacred King—who said coldly, "So, you do have help? Then call them out quickly and spare us the delay!"
Situ Kong merely smiled without reply. From within his robes, he produced a jade-green brocade pouch—the very one given to him by Wu Tong, the former Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty. Years ago, when Situ Kong had asked what strategy lay within, Wu Tong had only smiled mysteriously: "Heaven's secrets must not be revealed." In truth, it was a brilliant stratagem left behind by the eccentric master Qiankunzi, and now the time had come to use it.
At that moment, a white-robed middle-aged man stepped forward—Dong Sheng, the White Tiger Sacred King—who scoffed, "Hmph! You think a mere pouch can turn the tides?"
Situ Kong ignored him. Opening the pouch, he read aloud: "Far away in the heavens, yet right before your eyes!"
Mo Chao raised an eyebrow. "Your reinforcements have arrived? Why not show yourselves?"
Before his words had even faded, the air trembled. Two figures appeared like meteors streaking across the sky—one clad in red, the other in white—descending as if riding the wind.
The red-robed man bore the Vermilion Bird insignia—it was Song Jie, the Vermilion Bird Sacred King. He shouted sternly, "Who dares cause such disturbance here?"
The young man replied in a deep voice, "I am Li Jian, the newly appointed Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty!"
The young woman answered brightly, "And I am Tan Wei!"
The crowd erupted into an uproar. Whispers spread like wildfire:
"So this is the young hero who defeated the Ageless Demon atop Purple Cloud Ridge!"
"They say his battle shook the heavens and earth—even the invincible Martial Demon bowed to his palm!"
Amidst the astonishment, the situation shifted instantly. The winds of fate turned once more.
Situ Kong clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "You see? My allies have arrived!"
The Four Sacred Kings exchanged glances, their expressions tightening. If they were to retreat now, would they not become the laughingstock of the martial world?
Mo Chao said coldly, "Boy, if you dare call yourself Hall Master, you must have some skill!"
Li Jian cupped his fists. His voice rang like a bell. "Honored seniors, this Wolong Saber has long been the heirloom blade of the Hall of Loyalty. I have come today precisely for it. I ask for your understanding."
Before he could finish, a thunderous shout erupted from behind: "Why waste words? This brat dares insult us—let him taste my palm!"
In an instant, Lin Da struck, his palm force roaring like thunder as it shot toward Li Jian's back.
Yet Li Jian neither turned nor looked back. As if he had eyes behind him, his body shifted slightly, his steps flowing like shadows. With a swift movement, he evaded the fatal blow.
Tan Wei cried out, "A sneak attack? How can you call yourself a hero?"
Enraged, Lin Da struck again, even fiercer than before. But Li Jian remained calm. Turning gracefully, sleeves fluttering, he countered with a palm strike of overwhelming force.
The two forces collided with a deafening boom. Lin Da let out a muffled groan as he was sent flying backward, stumbling and collapsing in disgrace.
The crowd roared. Applause thundered across the field.
"Remarkable! Truly no false reputation!"
"With such power, no wonder he is called the revival of loyalty itself!"
Situ Kong laughed so hard his beard trembled. "Good lad! That Azure Dragon King was defeated in a single blow!"
Humiliated, Lin Da roared, "Old man! I'll settle this with you later!"
Dong Sheng added coldly, "Boy, we will have that Wolong Saber. Hand it over, or else…"
Tan Wei retorted, "How absurd! This saber belongs to the Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty—why should we hand it over?"
Li Jian again cupped his fists respectfully. "Seniors, I am the rightful master of this blade."
Song Jie's tone darkened. "You claim it belongs to the Hall of Loyalty? We refuse to believe it!"
Angered, Tan Wei snapped, "Do you intend to seize it by force?"
Dong Sheng sneered arrogantly. "This blade was never theirs—it belongs to the Wolong Sect!"
Li Jian and Tan Wei could only shake their heads at such shameless claims.
At that moment, Situ Kong suddenly spoke: "Enough! In my view, let this be settled by combat. If you defeat this young man, the Wolong Saber shall be yours!"
Both Li Jian and Tan Wei were taken aback.
Tan Wei exclaimed, "Senior! What is the meaning of this? We were sent by the former Hall Master to reclaim the blade—why must we fight for it?"
Situ Kong smiled shrewdly. "How do I know you truly come on Wu Tong's orders? Let the Zichen Sect test your strength. If Wu Tong's chosen successor cannot even defeat them, then he is unworthy of this blade."
Having roamed the martial world for decades, Situ Kong's mind was as sharp as ever. Not a trace of doubt showed on his face. What better opportunity to test the young man before him? If Li Jian could not even overcome these foes, how could he claim the Wolong Saber?
Thus it was said:
"When one speaks of origins,The tones fall level then oblique.This blade's true path and rightful claim,Must be proven through the clash of might."