Xu Tian called out loudly, "Brother Duan, please stop. Do not force the matter any further, and cease troubling Miss Nie."
The moment Duan Zixiong exchanged palms with him, he already realized that Xu Tian was no ordinary opponent. Yet with such a beautiful maiden standing before them, how could he allow himself to appear weak? He immediately let out a cold snort and said, "Xu Tian, do not rely too heavily on your martial skills. My Liangxi Clan is no insignificant faction. Today, I shall show you a few of my true abilities!"
The two men glared fiercely at one another. Their words had clearly failed to find common ground. In an instant, their figures flashed like arrows loosed from a bow as they struck out once more, palms colliding in rapid succession. Every clash of their hands stirred fierce gusts of wind, causing their hair to flutter wildly and their robes to billow in the air.
A fierce current of force suddenly swept forward. Having already witnessed Xu Tian's formidable skill, Duan Zixiong dared not underestimate him. He hastily employed the newly learned "Cloud-Piercing Steps," though he had yet to fully master them. With a move called "Clouds Emerging from the Peaks," his body flickered aside, narrowly evading the incoming strike.
Xu Tian said, "Brother Duan, receive three palms from me!"
Duan Zixiong replied coldly, "This young master happens to have nothing better to do. I shall test your palm strength!"
Xu Tian thrust out his right palm, unleashing a roaring gale like a violent storm. Duan Zixiong raised his left hand, releasing a sharp whistling force toward Xu Tian. The two distinct streams of palm energy collided with a thunderous boom. The crashing qi shook the air itself. For two young martial artists to unleash such profound inner force at once was a rare sight in the martial world, and the power was extraordinary.
Though Duan Zixiong's face remained expressionless, inwardly he could not help but admire his opponent. In a deep voice he said, "Brother Xu, young though you are, your martial arts are truly exceptional. No wonder you have won the heart of such a beauty."
After several exchanges, Xu Tian himself also began to admire Duan Zixiong. A true hero naturally cherishes another hero. He said, "Brother Duan, let us simply exchange techniques. Victory or defeat is secondary. Let us make friends through martial arts and stop short of causing injury."
Nearby stood Nie Fang, beloved daughter of Nie Yun, chief of the Jiangdong Clan. Seeing the two men locked in battle, she could do nothing but quietly observe from the side.
Duan Zixiong and Xu Tian exchanged move after move, attacking and defending in swift succession as the fight grew increasingly intense. After several rounds, Duan Zixiong spread his protective qi throughout his body and gathered true energy into both palms. Stepping in a linked circular pattern, he unleashed powerful gusts with every strike, every move direct and forceful.
The two fought faster and faster until only blurred shadows could be seen.
At that very moment, Duan Zixiong suddenly swept out his right hand, releasing a palm force like crashing mountains and overturning seas toward Xu Tian. Xu Tian did not evade. Raising his right hand, he received the attack head-on.
Their powers were nearly equal. Xu Tian's body trembled slightly, though he remained standing where he was. Duan Zixiong gave a loud shout, rushed forward, and struck again with both palms extended.
Xu Tian dared not be careless. Channeling his internal strength, he met the attack with both palms of his own. Their palms collided with explosive force. Xu Tian was pushed back two steps, while Duan Zixiong staggered backward four or five.
Who had won and who had lost was plain for all to see.
Duan Zixiong cupped his fists respectfully and said, "Brother Xu comes from an illustrious martial lineage and surpasses me in skill. I, Duan, willingly admit defeat."
Xu Tian likewise returned the salute respectfully. "Brother Duan conceals his abilities deeply. Both your inner and outer martial arts are remarkably refined. Xu truly admires you."
After their fierce exchange, the hostility between them faded, replaced instead by mutual admiration. Truly:
"Heroes and great men each stand beneath their own skies;Their lofty spirit rises beyond the clouds."
Duan Zixiong said, "Brother Xu possesses extraordinary talent. Miss Nie indeed has a discerning eye for heroes. I am convinced. From this day onward, I only hope you will cherish the fine lady beside you."
Hearing these words, Xu Tian was both startled and delighted. He quickly replied, "Many thanks. Brother Duan is the true hero of our age."
Duan Zixiong gave a slight salute and turned to leave.
Just then, a cheerful voice rang out:
"Nie Fang, I never expected to meet you here!"
Nie Fang turned her head and saw a graceful young woman approaching with a smile. It was Gao Manqing, daughter of the Huai'an Clan Chief.
Nie Fang teased her immediately. "What wind has blown you here? Let me guess—it must be either Young Master Zhang Hao of the Dockside Clan or Young Master Tie Xiong of the Huaiyang Clan, am I right?"
Pretending to be angry, Gao Manqing replied, "Nonsense! Clearly it was two great young masters fighting over Miss Nie here. I'm not blessed enough to inspire such devotion!"
The daughters of two major river transport clans had unexpectedly met here.
Nie Fang asked, "Manqing, have you also come to attend the Heroes' Gathering of the River Transport Clans?"
Gao Manqing laughed. "Of course! Who would have thought that before the gathering even begins, the young masters of two clans would already start fighting over a beauty?"
At that moment, Xu Tian approached and said, "Fang-mei, Duan Zixiong is truly a remarkable man. After our duel, he simply turned and left."
After a brief pause, he respectfully asked, "I am Xu Tian of the Xuzhou Clan. May I ask who this young lady is?"
Nie Fang replied, "Brother Xu, this is Gao Manqing, daughter of the Huai'an Clan Chief."
Upon hearing this, Xu Tian's heart stirred slightly. "So it is Miss Gao. You are truly as beautiful as an immortal maiden. I have heard rumors in the martial world that Young Master Tie Xiong of the Huaiyang Clan and Young Master Zhang Hao of the Dockside Clan recently went to your clan to propose marriage?"
Nie Fang was greatly surprised and burst into laughter. "Manqing, that is wonderful news indeed! Which young master has won your heart?"
Gao Manqing looked both amused and exasperated. "No, no! One day my mother and I went to a temple to pray, and we encountered two strange bandits from the martial world. Fortunately, a mysterious hero appeared and rescued us. After returning home, how could I possibly think about marriage? So I politely declined both marriage proposals."
Then she smiled slyly and added, "But in my opinion, Xu Gongzi and you are perfectly matched—a talented man and beautiful woman indeed!"
Xu Tian, standing nearby, secretly rejoiced upon hearing this.
Nie Fang blushed shyly and said, "There is still nothing certain between us. It is far too early to speak of marriage."
Gao Manqing nodded. "Nie Fang, as your sister and friend, I shall speak frankly. I truly believe you and Young Master Xu are heaven-made for one another. He possesses powerful martial arts, upright character, generosity, and a strong sense of justice. Heroes like him are exceedingly rare in the martial world."
After speaking, Gao Manqing glanced meaningfully at Xu Tian and said with a playful look, "Brother Xu, may I say something? Such a wonderful girl must never be neglected. You should quickly inform your parents and formally seek Miss Nie's hand in marriage. If you delay too long, another young master may seize the opportunity first."
Hearing this, Xu Tian's heart filled with joy, though for a moment he hardly knew what to say. He hurriedly answered, "Miss Gao speaks wisely. Once this Heroes' Gathering concludes, I shall choose an auspicious day and send a matchmaker to formally propose marriage. I only hope to bring Fang-mei home as my wife as soon as possible."