In the martial world, fame and profit are among the strongest desires of men. These two temptations most easily lead one into greed and vanity, drawing countless people into the whirlpool of self-glorification and hollow reputation. For who among the wanderers of Jianghu does not enjoy standing in the spotlight? Who does not seek fame and fortune? Thus, Buddhist scriptures describe "empty fame" as the Lock of Fame and "fleeting profit" as the Lock of Gain. In truth, Buddhism teaches that only by transcending worldly distinctions of right and wrong can one attain true freedom and liberation.
Yet any man who aspires to accomplish great things must possess his own vision, ambition, and convictions. Since the Venerable Wutian sought to dominate the martial world, the present moment was an opportunity beyond measure. Though he now faced a formidable foe, it was also a perfect chance to make his name known throughout the realm. Such an opportunity came but once in a thousand years. Wutian thought to himself, If I can defeat the Martial Demon before all the heroes gathered here today, the prestige of the Wutian Sect will soar across the land. Though the Martial Demon possessed astonishing martial skills, the sect's supreme divine art was displaying its full power today. It might not be invincible under heaven, but it was certainly not to be underestimated.
There was a Buddhist saying: "Every sip and every peck are predestined." With so many factions gathered here today, it seemed that fate itself had arranged this meeting. Before the day was over, rivers of blood might well flow across the martial world.
The Martial Demon enjoyed immense prestige throughout Jianghu. How could he tolerate the contempt and disdain in Wutian's voice? Before the eyes of the assembled heroes, Wutian's words had openly damaged his reputation. The Martial Demon, who had risen through the ranks of the Green Forest and become renowned among outlaws, was infamous not only for his ruthlessness but also for his savage brutality. Few among the underworld dared offend him, and years of fear and obedience from others had nurtured his arrogance and overbearing pride.
If he failed to respond today, how could he continue to lead the famed masters of the Justice Alliance?
Suddenly, the Martial Demon spun around. Gathering tremendous force into his right arm, he sank into a horse stance. Instantly, his sleeves billowed as a violent gust erupted around him. Sand and pebbles flew into the air, and everyone present felt their hearts tremble.
"What profound internal energy!" many secretly exclaimed.
The Martial Demon thrust out his palm.
Wutian's expression tightened. Knowing the attack was no trivial matter, he dared not meet it head-on. With a swift movement, he slipped aside, guiding the incoming force away with his left hand while circling his right arm and launching a counterstrike.
The two moved with astonishing speed.
To the spectators, it seemed as though two shadows intertwined and separated in endless succession. In the blink of an eye, they had already exchanged forty or fifty moves. Neither gained the advantage, and it appeared unlikely that a victor would emerge even after a hundred exchanges.
At that moment, both men launched attacks simultaneously. Yet their strikes served equally as retreats. They separated at once, gathering their energy before thrusting out their palms.
Two torrents of force shot forward like bolts of lightning.
Both were masters of peerless arts and possessed extraordinarily deep internal cultivation. Their palm power was fierce and overwhelming.
How powerful were these attacks?
The answer needed no explanation.
No practitioner of internal martial arts would dare confront such force directly. Human flesh and blood could never withstand it. Even steel itself might be shattered into fragments beneath such terrifying power.
A deafening roar split the air.
The two palm forces collided across a distance of more than ten feet.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
The thunderous explosions shook the heavens.
The assembled heroes stared in horror.
Both Wutian and the Martial Demon staggered backward three steps.
Wutian clasped his hands together and said,
"Your martial arts are profound indeed. Your cultivation is extraordinary. I am impressed."
The Martial Demon nodded.
"The Venerable Master's skills are equally astonishing. I admire them greatly."
Wutian pondered silently. This demon's techniques are bizarre and unfathomable, possessing power beyond imagination. Such martial arts are rarely seen in the world. Why not turn hostility into friendship?
At last he spoke:
"Since you have spoken on behalf of that Demoness, I shall take a step back. She need not apologize any further."
The crowd immediately erupted into murmurs.
Moments ago, Wutian had appeared determined to uphold justice. Now that righteousness seemed to have vanished entirely. He had originally insisted that the Western Holy Mother should publicly apologize for the death of Master Liaoyin.
Yet upon hearing these words, the Martial Demon burst into loud laughter.
Those who possessed peerless skills often carried immense pride.
His laughter suddenly ceased.
Turning to survey the crowd, he declared:
"Venerable Master, our contest remains unfinished. The heroes gathered here are thoroughly captivated. If we do not determine a victor, would we not disappoint them all?"
At once, thunderous cheers erupted from every corner of the gathering.
Wutian had intended to withdraw gracefully, but upon hearing these words, he froze.
His face darkened.
A cold light flashed from his eyes.
With a sneer, he shouted:
"Old Demon! I offered you respect, but you refuse it. Do not blame this monk for humiliating you now!"
Before the words had fully left his lips, he was already moving.
His attacks came in rapid succession, targeting the abdomen and shoulders with deadly precision.
Five strikes.
Yet within each strike were three hidden variations.
Five moves became fifteen.
Each linked seamlessly to the next, every movement concealing endless mysteries and subtle transformations.
Wutian had sought to spare the man's dignity, yet the Martial Demon mistook it for weakness. The misunderstanding ignited the monk's fury.
His attacks grew increasingly swift and ruthless.
The sound of rushing wind filled the arena.
At this critical moment, with danger hanging by a thread, the Martial Demon suddenly employed a mysterious footwork technique. Sliding aside, he inhaled deeply, drawing true qi into his dantian.
His arms spread wide.
With a light tap of his right foot, he soared upward.
His body rose more than twenty feet into the air.
As he descended, he struck.
Advancing explosively, he thrust out both palms.
A fierce gale immediately surged forth.
The attack forced Wutian backward.
The Martial Demon's movements were so clean and decisive that they left spectators speechless with admiration.
Never before had the gathered heroes witnessed such miraculous martial skill.
His composure under pressure and flawless judgment inspired awe in every heart.
The Martial Demon had been a notorious overlord of the underworld for decades.
Proud and arrogant by nature, he stood proudly in the center of the arena.
His heroic spirit surged.
In a ringing voice, he proclaimed:
"Venerable Master, your divine skills are truly worthy of admiration. But if we do not decide a victor today, how can this matter possibly end?"
Wutian's anger finally erupted.
"Old Demon! Your arrogance knows no bounds!"
His shout shook the air.
Before his feet had even touched the ground, both palms thrust forward simultaneously.
A hurricane of force roared outward with devastating power.
The Martial Demon recognized the danger immediately.
Daring not receive the blow directly, he shifted sideways in a blur, his right foot sliding outward as he crossed nearly six feet in an instant.
The deadly attack missed.
Suddenly he released a long, piercing whistle.
His body shot skyward from the ground.
Like a great roc soaring through the heavens, he leapt through the air.
Gathering power into both arms, he descended upon Wutian from above.
His sleeves whipped violently through the air.
Palm winds shrieked like raging storms as he launched his next devastating assault...