The four Tibetan disciples were hurled through the air one after another, crashing heavily to the ground before losing consciousness. Even the Dharma King Marpa was taken aback by the sight.
Standing at the edge of the arena, Beggars' Sect Chief Fei Jin burst into hearty laughter and strode forward.
"Marpa," he said, "you thought a mere branch chief of the Beggars' Sect possessed nothing more than mediocre martial arts. You couldn't have been more mistaken. The Central Plains have always been rich in talented heroes. Back in your master's day, your elders attempted to invade the Fire Worship Sect's strategic stronghold, yet they returned in utter defeat. Don't tell me you've actually mastered some unrivaled divine art?"
Marpa replied calmly,
"Old Chief, don't celebrate too soon. Your Beggars' Sect branch chief is indeed an extraordinary martial artist. I also acknowledge that the Central Plains are filled with exceptional talent. With the combined strength of Tibet and the Western Regions alone, our chances of success would indeed be slim. That is why we invited the Nine Heavens Palace to lend us its strength. Divine Lord Long Zhentian of the Nine Heavens—it's your turn."
Since his own disciples had proved so disappointing, he saw no reason not to let the Nine Heavens Palace take the field.
Divine Lord Long Zhentian stepped forward and said,
"Old Chief, you should leave while you still can."
Chief Fei Jin laughed scornfully.
"Long Zhentian, you were once a hero who ruled an entire region and whose name shook the martial world. Who did not admire you? How have you fallen so low? Surely you know that Tibet has coveted the lands of the Great Tang for years. Why would you disgrace yourself by aiding them for your own gain?"
Long Zhentian laughed aloud.
"After the White Lotus Sect Leader and I failed in our joint assault on the Black Dragon Sect, that vile woman, Chen Jinfeng of the Western Holy Sect, secretly poisoned me. The poison flares up once every month. When it does, it condemns a man to a fate where he can neither live nor die in peace. Fortunately, the Dharma King Marpa cured me and gave me a second life. We martial artists repay kindness with kindness and vengeance with vengeance. I merely repay the one who saved me. How can you call that selling out my country?"
Some time earlier, Chen Jinfeng had secretly poisoned Long Zhentian with a unique toxin created by the Western Holy Sect called Western Heaven Powder. The victim felt no discomfort at first, but once every month the poison erupted, inflicting unimaginable agony that made life unbearable while offering no release in death. Only by taking the antidote on schedule each month could the suffering be suppressed. Even the notorious overlord Long Zhentian had no choice but to surrender and submit to Marpa's command.
Fei Jin nodded.
"Long Zhentian, since you believe in repaying both favors and grudges, then let's waste no more words. The Beggars' Sect will send only our branch chief. Whom will your side send?"
Long Zhentian pondered for a moment.
If only Shen Er were still here, we wouldn't be so short of capable fighters.
If he sent the Four Envoys of Heaven, Earth, Wind, and Thunder—Zhou Da, Xu Er, Sun San, and Ma Si—they would probably fare no better than the Tibetan monks. Yet he could hardly dispatch his two trump cards, the Left and Right Cosmic Envoys, Li Han and Ling Yun. They were the Nine Heavens Palace's greatest hidden strength and could not be revealed so lightly.
Finally he said gravely,
"Elder Lin Ping of the Qilin Division, the Beggars' Sect has sent only a branch chief. Go and meet him."
The Black Tortoise Elder Shen Er and the Qilin Elder Lin Ping had never gotten along. During the Nine Heavens Palace's descent from the mountain some time ago, they had been ambushed by a band of black-clad assassins. Shen Er had single-handedly held off the attackers, covering the sect leader's retreat before disappearing without a trace. Rumors throughout the martial world claimed that he had withdrawn into the mountains to devote himself to the study of martial arts.
Lin Ping acknowledged the order and immediately leaped into the arena.
Lu Rou cupped his fists respectfully.
"I am Lu Rou, Branch Chief of the Beggars' Sect. I respectfully ask for your instruction, Senior."
Lin Ping smiled faintly and said sarcastically,
"How could a mere branch chief of the Beggars' Sect possess such extraordinary martial arts? Your sect must have spent many years cultivating you."
He simply refused to believe that someone of such humble rank could possess such remarkable skill. Although inwardly astonished by Lu Rou's abilities, his words remained dripping with ridicule.
Lu Rou paid no attention to the taunt.
"Our Beggars' Sect fears neither heaven nor earth. The only thing we fear is having nothing to eat. A few days ago, two brothers from the Fire Worship Sect invited me here to lend them a hand. I figured that as long as there was food to eat, there was nothing to be afraid of, so I came along. It wasn't our Chief who specially summoned me."
Lin Ping had always been proud and arrogant, looking down on everyone around him.
Although he had witnessed Lu Rou's impressive martial arts, he convinced himself that the Tibetan monks had simply been incompetent. Defeating a young upstart should be effortless. Besides, if he struck first against someone of the younger generation, even victory would bring him little honor.
With obvious contempt, he called out,
"Boy, make your move."
Lu Rou knew that he was facing the greatest opponent he had ever encountered.
Lin Ping's reputation in the martial world was legendary, far beyond that of the Tibetan monks he had just defeated.
Taking a steady breath, Lu Rou fixed his gaze on his opponent.
"Please forgive my presumption."
With a thunderous shout, he sprang forward. His left palm shot out as his body followed close behind, striking directly toward Lin Ping's right flank.
Lin Ping sidestepped lightly and countered with a powerful palm strike.
To his surprise, Lu Rou made no attempt to evade.
Bang!
Their palms collided head-on.
Both men staggered backward from the tremendous impact.
Lin Ping was inwardly astonished.
This young man's internal force is no weaker than mine. His astonishing cultivation may even surpass my own... In fact, I seem to have retreated one step farther than he did.
His expression turned serious.
"So a mere branch chief of the Beggars' Sect truly possesses such skill!"
Lu Rou replied humbly,
"Your guidance is an honor, Senior. I shall gladly receive every lesson."
Instead of appreciating the courtesy, Lin Ping felt insulted.
He barked,
"You have youth and strength on your side—that is your advantage. But when it comes to technique, you are not necessarily my equal!"
Lu Rou nodded respectfully.
"Senior speaks wisely. I shall remember your teaching."
As the old saying goes, one who accepts a small loss often gains the greater advantage.
Their shouts rang across the arena as they exchanged an unending stream of techniques.
Enraged, Lin Ping unleashed the finest martial arts of his lifetime, determined to teach Lu Rou a harsh lesson. Every attack was fierce and heavy, forcing Lu Rou into a frantic retreat. Lu Rou repeatedly leaped backward, twisting and dodging under the relentless assault.
Lin Ping shouted contemptuously,
"Boy! Just because you defeated a few Tibetan novices, don't tell me you've started believing you're the Chief of the Beggars' Sect himself—or that your martial arts are second to none!"