At first, Master Wutian had been exceedingly arrogant. After disciplining the Five Immortals of the White Lotus Sect earlier that day, he had clearly regarded them with utter contempt. Witnessing their master display such overwhelming power, his three disciples finally dared to act so insolently and recklessly at the Gathering of the Canal Brotherhood Heroes, believing their sect's martial arts would now become renowned throughout the realm.
Yet at this moment, when Beggar Clan Chief Fei Jin proposed that he fight Li Jian, Master Wutian's confidence faltered slightly and some of his sharpness faded. He knew very well that the young man before him was no ordinary youth. Over these past days, this young hero had defeated numerous martial arts masters in succession. Should he make even the slightest mistake, he would become the laughingstock of the martial world.
He thought to himself, "That old fox Fei Jin is clearly trying to have this boy humiliate me before all these heroes!"
Under the watchful eyes of the assembled warriors, Master Wutian had to preserve both his dignity and reputation. Though he understood that only the weak obsessed over appearances while the truly strong cared about substance, face was still the hardest thing to let go of—and often the most useless as well. Thinking this, his gaze drifted toward Cui Fujun, Chief Judge of the Judges' Guild.
Seeing the look, Cui Fujun immediately chuckled and said, "This matter is nothing serious—merely a misunderstanding."
But Beggar Clan Chief Fei Jin only laughed heartily and shook his head.
"Master, Judge Cui, I merely spoke on a whim. My words were wild and fanciful; please pay them no mind. Today's exchange is simply martial artists testing and learning from one another—a good thing indeed. Surely the great Master Wutian is not afraid of this young man? Judge Cui, why not lay down the rules for the match?"
Cui Fujun deliberately glanced at Master Wutian before speaking.
"This junior unintentionally offended Master Wutian today and naturally deserves punishment. According to the customary rules of the martial world, if Hall Master Li can withstand fifty moves from Master Wutian, then the master, in his magnanimity, shall forgive this offense. What does the master think?"
Master Wutian replied, "The young are ignorant and thus not guilty. Yet since he injured disciples of my sect, if I do nothing, the martial world will say the Wutian Sect fears him. Public opinion is a fearsome thing indeed. Since Judge Cui has set the terms, I shall comply. If he can survive fifty moves under my hands, today's grievances shall be erased."
Fei Jin laughed again.
"Exactly. Young men roaming the jianghu often act out of righteousness and passion—they are not evil people. Ignorance excuses the offense. I only hope the master will show mercy and restraint."
Hearing this, Master Wutian was secretly delighted. Before the gathered heroes, both his pride and reputation had now been preserved. His tone immediately changed. Snorting coldly, he put on an imposing air and said heavily,
"What Chief Fei says is correct. A young man's actions today must carry consequences…"
Pausing, he raised his eyes toward Li Jian, his face darkening as he barked,
"Boy! Fifty moves shall decide it. Make your move!"
At this point, Master Wutian's actions were entirely reasonable. Had the matter simply been dropped, it would instead have become the greatest humiliation of the Wutian Sect.
Fei Jin and Cui Fujun both stepped back, clearing space in the center of the grounds.
Though inwardly tense, Li Jian cupped his fists respectfully and said,
"I am but an inexperienced junior. I ask the master to show mercy."
These words were spoken with great courtesy and seemed almost a gesture of submission. Master Wutian was greatly pleased to hear them; the young man had given him sufficient face. He strode forward noiselessly, his feet stirring not even a grain of dust. His expression remained cold and emotionless.
"Boy, since you injured my disciples, I shall show no mercy. If you can endure fifty moves from me, today's enmity shall be settled."
Li Jian bowed slightly.
"Please instruct me, Master."
Master Wutian narrowed his eyes and asked, "Who is your master?"
Li Jian answered, "I have no master. Since childhood I studied my family's martial arts, but through fate I encountered former Hall Master Wu Tong. He taught me his skills and rebuilt my life anew, though he was never formally my master."
The crowd was astonished. Such fortune was almost impossible to encounter. Though Wu Tong had not formally accepted him as a disciple, the former Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty had personally transmitted martial arts to him—effectively no different from master and student.
Upon hearing this, Master Wutian finally understood why the youth's abilities were so extraordinary. Anyone personally guided by Wu Tong could hardly be ordinary. He silently admitted that this young man truly counted as the disciple of a great master, and he instinctively harbored a measure of caution.
Though he no longer dared underestimate Li Jian, neither did he fear him. His eyes flashed like cold lightning as he examined the youth from head to toe. Without another word, he shouted,
"Receive my move!"
His right hand rose, accompanied by fierce rushing wind as he struck out with a palm.
Faced with such a situation, Li Jian dared not be careless. He pushed both palms forward simultaneously to receive the strike. Yet Master Wutian's hand suddenly dipped low, slipping beneath Li Jian's guard and driving directly toward his chest.
The move was both bizarre and lightning fast.
This exquisite technique was one of Master Wutian's ultimate arts, known as "Boundless Buddhist Power." The palm strike contained his full strength, without the slightest reservation.
Startled, Li Jian instantly altered his move. His right arm curved sharply downward in a swift reversal, intercepting the incoming strike with a counter-palm.
Bang!
Their palms collided, and both bodies trembled violently.
Master Wutian had struck with terrifying force, yet Li Jian's speed in changing techniques was utterly unbelievable. Even more shocking was the youth's inner power. Deeply alarmed, he thought,
"This boy is truly no ordinary man! At such a young age, his internal energy is already so profound—utterly monstrous!"
Master Wutian's face turned solemn.
"You may be the Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty, but by meddling in others' affairs today, you should have known the consequences. Today this master shall broaden your horizons!"
Having received the force of that palm, Li Jian immediately realized that Master Wutian's internal cultivation was astonishingly deep—perhaps even surpassing the Undying Heavenly Demon himself.
Thus he replied,
"Many thanks for the senior's guidance. This junior shall remember it well. Today I have indeed gained greater insight. Please allow me to receive a few more of the master's techniques."
Though Master Wutian spoke arrogantly, he no longer dared harbor any contempt.
"Good! Worthy indeed of being Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty. Your courage is exceptional. Then as you wish—take this!"
As the words fell, another palm strike roared toward Li Jian's face. Li Jian quickly shifted aside to evade.
Master Wutian's palm techniques were extraordinarily strange—alternating between advance and withdrawal, flickering unpredictably and impossible to read. Suddenly, another palm shot toward Li Jian's chest.
Li Jian's heart tightened. In that instant, how could he dare be careless? He immediately circulated his internal energy and thrust his left hand outward.
Master Wutian's palm force was overwhelmingly fierce. Li Jian's left arm shook violently from the impact. At the very same moment, he raised his right leg and launched a powerful kick straight toward Master Wutian's chest…