The Martial Fiend shouted, "Claw Form!" His voice rang with overwhelming force as he suddenly spread the fingers of both hands before curling them inward with explosive power. A series of sharp hissing sounds filled the air as he unleashed one claw technique after another—the Tiger Claw, the Eagle Claw, the Praying Mantis Claw—each flowing seamlessly into the next.
Li Jian immediately changed his tactics and calmly recited, "When executing a fist technique, one must understand the principles of absorbing and releasing force. To absorb is to draw in the chest, expand the back, circulate one's inner qi, and store it within before allowing it to flow outward. To release is to issue crisp explosive power through the palms and fingers, striking the opponent's vital acupoints."
As he recited the internal cultivation verses of the Crab Fist Manual, Li Jian performed the Crab Fist. His footwork circled swiftly to the side before darting forward. Although Crab Fist was considered an ordinary martial art, Li Jian's profound internal energy elevated every movement beyond recognition. What had once been a common boxing style now possessed the power and elegance of an entirely new school.
The Martial Fiend looked astonished once again.
"Boy, what kind of martial art is that? Could it actually be... Crab Fist?"
Li Jian smiled politely.
"Senior, I fear you may laugh at me, but yes—it is indeed Crab Fist."
The spectators were utterly spellbound. Had they not witnessed it with their own eyes, none would have believed that an ordinary youth could contend against the Martial Fiend using nothing more than Praying Mantis Boxing and Crab Fist. Many renowned martial artists among the crowd specialized in various styles of boxing, yet even they could only stare in amazement and admiration.
Hearing Li Jian's answer, the Martial Fiend flew into a rage.
He had never imagined that the Eight Forms of Purple Cloud Palm, a supreme martial art upon which he had devoted the painstaking efforts of an entire lifetime, could be matched by such commonplace styles as Praying Mantis Boxing and Crab Fist.
Grinding his teeth, he growled,
"Boy, are you mocking me? Every form of the Eight Forms of Purple Cloud Palm represents the culmination of my life's research! How could those vulgar, ordinary techniques possibly be compared with my supreme art?"
Although the Martial Fiend burned with indignation, Li Jian's heart remained as immovable as a mountain and as tranquil as the surface of a still lake. Unable to understand why the old man was so enraged, he replied gently,
"Senior, please calm your anger. I never intended to use either Praying Mantis Boxing or Crab Fist. I merely responded instinctively according to the circumstances."
Every word he spoke came sincerely from the heart.
The Martial Fiend roared,
"Lightning Form!"
Both palms swept through the air with explosive force. His body shot forward like a bolt of thunder as his palms whistled fiercely through the wind. Three devastating strikes came crashing toward Li Jian in rapid succession.
Li Jian's expression turned solemn. Seeing the tremendous force behind the attack, he knew he had no alternative but to employ the Eight Forms of Cloud Hands.
One after another, he executed "East Comes, West Goes," "South Comes, North Goes," and "Looking East, Looking West." Through these mysterious movements, he escaped every attack while remaining constantly within the Martial Fiend's reach without ever truly disengaging—a profound secret hidden within the Cloud Hands techniques.
As Li Jian continued evading every assault, the Martial Fiend shouted angrily,
"Hiding and dodging all the time is hardly the conduct of a true hero!"
Li Jian answered calmly,
"Senior's martial arts are extraordinary. Naturally, I must avoid your attacks."
Even as they exchanged words, Li Jian effortlessly evaded several more lightning-fast assaults. At last the two exchanged palms. With a resounding impact, both were forced backward and landed near opposite edges of the arena.
The Martial Fiend had long harbored deep hatred toward the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Snorting coldly, he sneered,
"Enough of your act! The leaders of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness speak endlessly of loyalty and justice, yet all they truly pursue are fame and profit. I've seen plenty of your kind."
His eyes and voice dripped with contempt.
Li Jian's expression darkened.
"Senior, do not slander my Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Victory in martial combat depends solely upon one's skill. If you cannot strike your opponent, then your own ability has fallen short."
The Martial Fiend replied,
"Your evasive skills are indeed impressive. But if you think you can defeat me through fists and kicks alone, you're dreaming."
Li Jian answered,
"No one can predict the outcome of a duel. I am far younger than you, Senior, and perhaps my martial arts are indeed inferior. But my loyalty is sincere, and I have no shame in bearing the name of righteousness."
The Martial Fiend burst into wild laughter.
"So this is the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness! Forever preaching loyalty and justice. How utterly laughable!"
Li Jian replied firmly,
"I seek nothing for myself. I fight only for justice within the martial world. Senior Martial Fiend, I ask that you withdraw from Huangshan Palace."
The Martial Fiend snorted.
"The rules of the martial world are simple—the stronger fighter prevails. I refuse to believe I cannot defeat a mere youngster like you!"
A sudden idea flashed through Li Jian's mind.
"Since neither of us can gain the upper hand with empty-handed combat," he said, "why don't we settle this with weapons?"
The moment those words were spoken, the entire assembly gasped in shock. A wave of astonished murmurs swept across the crowd.
The Martial Fiend's face immediately darkened.
He knew the famous saying that had spread throughout the martial world:
"When the Crouching Dragon Saber is drawn, all demons are powerless before it."
His expression grew grave as he said,
"Boy, you and I bear no personal grudge. A contest of fists is sufficient. Why draw swords and risk our lives?"
Li Jian's gaze became razor-sharp.
"I mean no disrespect. But I have exhausted every peaceful persuasion, and you refuse to withdraw. Since words are useless, then for the honor of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, I have no choice but to unsheathe the Crouching Dragon Saber."
Slowly, he removed the legendary saber from his back.
If it has come to this, he thought, then so be it.
Though ruthless and fearless by nature, the Martial Fiend felt his heart tremble upon seeing Li Jian's unwavering resolve.
This brat truly dares?
His expression instantly changed. A warm smile spread across his face as he laughed good-naturedly.
"We have no deep blood feud between us. This was merely a friendly exchange of martial arts. Why should we cross blades?"
Li Jian nodded.
"Excellent. Then why not rest for today, Senior? Withdraw from Huangshan Palace, and we may meet again another day."
Just as he had expected, everything unfolded according to his calculations.
Intimidated by the legendary reputation of the Crouching Dragon Saber, the Martial Fiend had no choice but to back down.
At last the Martial Fiend burst into hearty laughter, his face beaming with friendliness.
"Excellent! A promising young man indeed! We shall meet again in the future. There is no need to settle everything today."
With a flourish of his sleeve, he turned without another glance and strode away.