Murong Gui, Master of the Black Dragon Sect, raised his voice:
"Today the heroes of the world are gathered here. If we confine ourselves merely to talk of rebellion and loyalty, would that not waste such a fine occasion? If each hero could display his true skill, then indeed we would be worthy of the name 'heroes of the age'!"
Liu Xuan, Grandmaster of the Celestial Veneration Sect, replied with measured calm:
"Since Master Murong is so spirited, it may well be that among these martial heroes there are talents unparalleled. If they wish to use this chance to show their prowess, so be it. Yet clashing blades and spilling blood may not be fitting. What contest does Master Murong propose?"
Murong Gui's lips curved coldly."Liu Master speaks wisely. The martial world overflows with talent. If each school could set aside prejudice, and contest one another in skill for friendship's sake, would it not be a noble thing?"
Each harbored his own schemes. Neither side yet wished to tear away the mask and descend into open slaughter. Better to probe one another's strength beneath the guise of "friendly exchange."
Murong Gui then declared:
"They say heroes arise in youth. In my ranks stands a young lion—Jia Yong!"
At his words, a tall youth of eighteen strode proudly into the center. His features were bold, his brows sharp as blades, and a fierce aura surrounded him. With arrogant air he clasped his fists toward the crowd.
Murong Gui's voice rang again:"This young man is unmatched in valor. At the Bianzhou Assembly, he struck down the Shaolin masters Yuanguang and Yuanming in succession. Today, he has come to meet the heroes of the age!"
With that, Murong Gui withdrew, leaving the youth to face the assembly alone.
Jia Yong's eyes glittered with arrogance as he declared:"I have heard that the river-guilds conceal many hidden dragons. On that day, our Black Dragon Sect's West Heavenly King and Left Dharma King were defeated by 'Wind-Thunder Hand' Xu Li and Phoenix Gang Master Qiu Feng. Therefore, I have come today to seek instruction from these two."
At once Xu Li stepped out, voice steady and resonant:"Xu Li, the 'Wind-Thunder Hand,' stands here. Come and test me!"
Not long before, Xu Li had humbly sought guidance from Wu Tong, who had freely instructed him, granting him new depths in his art.
Jia Yong, hands clasped behind his back, sneered:"So this is the famous Wind-Thunder Hand? To hear of you is less than to see you—yet seeing is far less than hearing! Show me if your reputation is deserved."
His disdainful tone made it plain he held Xu Li in contempt.
Xu Li's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained even:"Since you have come to test my skill, I shall not let you depart in disappointment. Come, strike!"
His voice carried hidden force, and his aura surged. The crowd felt the air itself stir.
Jia Yong gave a cold snort, refusing to move first."Strike if you dare. I shall receive it."
Xu Li, though angered, did not hesitate."So be it—take my palm!"
He leapt forward like lightning, his palm driving at Jia Yong's chest with the speed of thunder. The force was fierce, the wind of the blow cutting the air.
Jia Yong's eyes narrowed. He met the strike head-on—
"Crack!" The two palms clashed, currents of energy bursting outward. Jia Yong's arms went numb, his body jolted back several paces. Xu Li pressed on without pause, left palm flipping, right palm raining down like storm winds—
"Boom!" Another thunderous strike landed. Jia Yong reeled backward four or five steps, face paling, chest surging with roiling qi. Xu Li only yielded two steps before steadying, inner breath calm and secure.
A murmur of awe swept the crowd. They had thought Jia Yong would crush his foe with ease. Had he not defeated two Shaolin elders at Bianzhou? Yet in but a single exchange, he had already lost the upper hand!
Jia Yong's expression darkened. He realized his mistake in underestimating this man. Gritting his teeth, he steadied his breath and gathered his inner force.
Xu Li barked sharply:"Do not look down on others, boy! Take this—'Thunder Moves the Heavens'!"
His palms surged forth again. Before they landed, the very air cracked with explosive sound. The crowd felt their hair rise as though struck by lightning.
Jia Yong no longer dared to be careless. He retreated quickly, his footwork agile, his arms weaving in swift patterns, dissolving Xu Li's storm of palms one after another.
Now he no longer underestimated his foe. He guarded tightly, eyes fixed on Xu Li, biding his time for a counter. The duel surged like a tide, each move thrilling the crowd.
Jia Yong, heir of the Thunder God Lei Zhentian, suddenly turned his wrist and thrust forth his sect's fearsome art—"Thunder Shakes Heaven and Earth!" His palms roared like storm clouds, striking in relentless succession.
Xu Li yielded ground with lightning steps, garments fluttering, countering with "Sun and Stars Dimmed," a movement of avoidance and redirection.
Jia Yong pressed fiercely, unleashing "Wind and Rain Together," palms cascading like a torrential storm. Xu Li slipped aside, then counter-struck at Jia Yong's chest with "Thunder's Hidden Fury."
The battle blazed hotter. Xu Li soared into the air, his palms blazing like wind and storm, unleashing "Wind Howls, Thunder Roars." His figure spun like lightning and tempest combined, striking down with unstoppable force. Jia Yong gave ground hastily, unable to withstand the ferocity.
The crowd was awestruck—Xu Li's mastery was far beyond what they had imagined. Blow after blow, the two traded over a hundred moves, attack and defense flowing like rivers.
At last, Jia Yong slipped free of the entanglement, unleashing "Thunder Vaults the Clouds." His body surged like dragon amid storm, leg sweeping, palm thrusting in a sudden, cunning assault.
Xu Li's heart tightened. He countered instantly with "Cold Wind's Furious Roar." Palms clashed and broke apart, strike after strike, neither willing to yield.
Then Xu Li's right claw turned into a palm, stabbing forward. Jia Yong retreated, transforming claw to palm, striking back with both hands in rapid succession.
"Boom!" The sound echoed, but Jia Yong's power had weakened. Xu Li absorbed the blow and stepped back, dissolving the force.
At that moment Jia Yong raised his voice:"Wind-Thunder Hand Xu Li, famed throughout the land—this junior admits defeat!"
He clasped his fists in salute. Xu Li returned the courtesy, then turned and withdrew.
Though Jia Yong yielded, it was no true disgrace. The battle had shown all the world that the Wind-Thunder Hand's art was deep as storm and lightning, and his renown henceforth would soar to the heavens.