Wu Tong strode forward as if strolling through a courtyard, calm and composed. His voice rang out, clear and resonant:"Before the eyes of all the heroes of the world, let us have a fair and upright duel—man to man!"
The words were like a great bell tolling, shaking the air. The assembled warriors could not help but look to him with respect.
Yet suddenly, Elder Qin Wei of True God Palace gave a long sigh. A strange light flickered in his eyes as his tone softened:"We have no true enmity. Why must it come to blades and blood, to fight until one of us perishes?"
The shift in his attitude startled the crowd. Murmurs spread as many exchanged astonished glances, baffled at this abrupt retreat.
Li Qian arched her brows in scorn and snapped coldly:"A moment ago Elder Wang Tao was so bold, threatening to cleave Wu Tong in half with a single palm. Now you prattle about peace and kindness? Where is that bravado now?"
Her voice was sharp as steel, every word a blade. Wang Tao's face blanched, exposed before all. For a moment he stammered, but at last thickened his skin and muttered:"Our True God Palace has its rules. When traveling abroad, one should seek peace and avoid needless duels."
The change in tone was a stark contrast to his earlier bluster, as though he sought a stair to descend by.
Wu Tong's heart sneered, but outwardly he remained composed. He inclined his head slightly:"If that is so, then the choice rests with you two elders. If you prize peace, heed my counsel, and let the matter end here. But if you will not yield, then let us cast aside all pretense and fight with blades beneath Heaven's gaze—even should it mean both sides shattered and broken!"
The declaration struck the crowd like a thunderclap. Many felt their hearts stir at Wu Tong's fearless bearing. Just as all held their breath to see how the Dragon and Tiger Elders would respond, a thunderous cry rolled across the mountain like heaven's own wrath:
"Who dares make trouble upon Huashan? To challenge them is to face me!"
The voice boomed like crashing thunder, the speaker unseen yet already awe-inspiring.
All turned. A white-haired Daoist drifted into view, robes billowing, his steps light as though borne upon the wind. His bearing was regal, his presence commanding. It was Grandmaster Quanzhi, Supreme Elder of Huashan, uncle-master to Zhenchang himself, a man of unfathomable skill and peerless authority.
Zhenchang bowed in haste, guilt heavy in his voice:"To disturb my uncle-master's quiet cultivation—this junior deserves death."
Zhu Feng too stepped forward, bowing low:"Disciple Zhu Feng greets Uncle-Master."
Quanzhi's eyes shone like eagles' talons as he swept his gaze across the crowd. His voice cracked like a whip:"What curs dare provoke Huashan? Do you think us without champions?"
His aura flared. In an instant he surged forward, palms flashing. His inner strength roared forth like a flood, strikes already upon the Dragon and Tiger Elders before they could breathe.
The two men reeled in shock. Twin waves of force pressed in from left and right without warning—his mastery of hidden energy was beyond comprehension! Hastily they flung up their palms in defense, bellowing,"Old Daoist, such insolence!"
The clash thundered, qi exploding, dust whirling high into the air.
Quanzhi sneered coldly:"Insolence? You came to sow chaos, and yet call me rude? Take a few of my palms and speak again!"
His form blurred like a phantom, darting in with uncanny speed. The two elders, startled and shaken, fell back and scrambled to counter. Palms crashed, inner force surged, the plaza resounded with their furious battle.
The crowd gasped in awe."Huashan indeed hides dragons and tigers!""Even at near a hundred years, this elder wields such fearsome might!""Now True God Palace has met its match!"
Quanzhi pressed harder, his bones crackling like firecrackers as his qi swelled. In a flash he unleashed eight strikes, so fast the eye could scarcely follow. Qin Wei and Wang Tao dodged desperately, counterstrikes lashing at Quanzhi's chest—but he slipped between them like smoke, their deadly palms falling upon empty air. Even he was faintly surprised, his piercing gaze acknowledging their skill.
But with a roar he surged once more, arms snapping wide. He unleashed Huashan's peerless Iron Finger Technique. Fingers lanced like steel, stabbing for their vital points. The elders blanched, leaping back in frantic retreat, their lightness skills straining to save them.
Quanzhi hounded them relentlessly, fists and palms alternating, his shadow clinging to theirs, strikes flowing like thunder. With a sudden shout he loosed another barrage—Boom! Boom!
Both elders were hurled back, crashing to the ground, blood spewing from their lips, grievously wounded and near death.
As the verse says:
Seeking to aid Chongxu in seizing the seat,Thrice they stirred strife, bringing only defeat.Knowing not Huashan hides dragons untold,They met the storm, and were shattered bold.
The assembly gaped at the fallen elders, shocked to the core. Huashan disciples erupted in cheers:"Huashan's Immortal! Invincible divine art!"
They hailed Quanzhi as Huashan's divine man. For years he had been like a dragon hidden in the clouds, seldom seen, yet a grandmaster of the age. Now, with Huashan insulted and shamed, his appearance and triumph gave the disciples long-suppressed pride a roaring release.
Then, with a whisper of cloth, another figure alighted in the square. He bowed deeply:"Senior, please stay your hand!"
Quanzhi barked,"Boy, who are you?"
Wu Tong clasped his fists."I am Wu Tong, master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. This junior has witnessed your divine skill and is awed beyond measure."
Quanzhi's eyes flashed."Stand aside! I will finish these two, lest they return to trouble Huashan again!"
Wu Tong smiled calmly, bowing with respect."Senior's might is unrivaled. I am convinced. The Dragon and Tiger Elders have already received their punishment—surely enough. Let mercy suffice."
Quanzhi frowned, suspicion in his tone."Boy, who sent you? Whose orders do you follow?"
Wu Tong's face grew solemn."I am master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. I act by loyalty and righteousness alone. No one commands me. I only beg senior—where pardon may be given, let it be. To spare is true strength."
Quanzhi snorted."Hmph! You would have me spare them? Then show me some true ability of your own!"
With that he rolled up his sleeves, his aura once more rising like a storm about to break.