The "Soul-Reaping Ghost" had just been struck down by Hong Hao, master of the Qinghai Sect. The followers of Yinshan Sect stood in grim silence, but when Heaven's End Soul-Chaser—known across the jianghu as "Unsaveable"—stepped forward to fight, a cold wind howled and killing intent surged. Excitement rippled through the Yinshan crowd. Suddenly, one of them shouted:
"Heaven's End Soul-Chaser—Unsaveable—is a fearsome figure! If even the master of the Sun-Moon Sect, Jiang Sheng, is his opponent today, then truly he cannot be saved!"
By now, Unsaveable and Jiang Sheng had already exchanged over fifty moves. Cheers and cries of alarm rose again and again from the gathered sects. Though no victor had emerged, it was plain for all to see that Unsaveable's reputation was well earned. Suddenly, he twisted in mid-air, body rolling sideways without touching the ground, and his palm lashed out. Jiang Sheng reeled back in shock, hastily raising his guard—only for Huang Qi, master of the Minshan Sect, to spring in. The three clashed briefly before breaking apart.
Huang Qi called out:
"Heaven's End Soul-Chaser! Your martial skill is superb, yet you abase yourself by serving Yinshan's master. Such a pity!"
The words were a rebuke: how could a hero stoop to act as the Yinshan Patriarch's lackey?
Unsaveable sneered:
"Spare me your preaching. If you have skill, then come test it with me!"
At that, Huang Jian, master of the Nanshan Sect, eyes blazing, laughed coldly:
"The path of men and ghosts diverges. If you will not heed reason, your fate is sealed. Tomorrow's battle—you truly cannot be saved!"
The pun stung like a blade. Rage flared in Unsaveable's chest.
"Do not push me too far!"
With a thunderclap he surged forward, palms striking like icy gales, straight at Huang Jian's face. Huang Jian darted back, sword flashing, silver light splitting the air as palm and blade collided. Internal energy exploded outward, winds shrieking across the field.
Just then, two figures glided onto the scene.
"Heaven's End Soul-Chaser, today is not yet the appointed day. The Master has ordered the true battle be left for tomorrow. But since Yinshan's Twin Ghosts are here, we may as well show a taste of our art."
They were the Yinshan Twin Ghosts—Right Ghost Envoy Cui Ming, black-faced, and Left Ghost Envoy Duan Hun, pale as death. Their eerie steps and sinister palms made the onlookers' blood run cold.
Huang Jian sneered:
"So the Twin Ghosts are here. Then let us see your skill!"
Cui Ming hissed:
"Would you dare face our Yin-Yang Two-Man Spin?"
Huang Jian replied scornfully:
"Two against one? You insult me, and overestimate yourselves."
Duan Hun gave a hollow laugh:
"You misunderstand. The Twin Ghosts' art is only complete when performed together. Without two, it is nothing. If you like, call another master to fight at your side—we'll make it two versus two."
But Huang Jian's pride flared.
"No need! I alone will test your so-called Twin Ghost Spin!"
He leapt to the center of the road, saluted, and shouted:
"Show me your best!"
The Twin Ghosts glided in, voices like whispers from the grave:
"Then keep your eyes open!"
Huang Jian's cry echoed as he lunged at Duan Hun. The left envoy met him head-on, while Cui Ming circled in. Their art, the Yin-Yang Two-Man Spin, drew on the five elements; with one move, Shifting Shape and Changing Place, they crossed and counter-crossed, palms flashing in uncanny rhythm. Huang Jian staggered under their bizarre coordination.
Then came the move Ghosts Guide the Way. Their palms struck from impossible angles, cold as the grave, forcing Huang Jian onto the defensive. At that instant, Huang Qi of Minshan flew in, blasting Cui Ming with a storm of palms. Four masters clashed in a blur of limbs and energy, then recoiled.
Huang Jian felt his palms numb and his heart chill—never had he faced such eerie force. Yet his spirit blazed.
"Your Twin Ghost Spin is no ordinary art. I underestimated it. Come again!"
Duan Hun sneered:
"You've courage enough. Then learn how deep the abyss goes!"
The Twin Ghosts pressed in once more, their five-element footwork weaving in deadly sequence: Water-Fire-Metal-Wood-Earth… The pattern whirled, bewildering their foes. The two sect masters found themselves out of step, hindered by each other, while the Ghosts moved as one mind, their technique flowing like water.
Blow after blow rained down. With a series of heavy impacts, both Huang Jian and Huang Qi were struck back, stumbling. At that perilous moment, a new figure soared into the fray. His movements were dazzling—spinning, crossing, palms striking left and right at once.
Boom! Boom!
With two resounding strikes, both Ghost Envoys were hurled back, crashing to the ground!