It was a heart-stirring, soul-shaking battle.
Li Han, the Left Envoy of the Qiankun Sect, truly deserved his reputation as a top-tier martial artist. His strikes were swift and ruthless, his fists raining down in a blur, arms weaving a flurry of motion as if he launched dozens of punches simultaneously. His offense was like a whirlwind sweeping up fallen leaves, thunder crashing amidst flashing lightning — an overwhelming force that pressed down with terrifying momentum.
Elder Hu (Wang Tao), too, was no ordinary opponent. A seasoned veteran of countless battles, his style was steady and fierce. At times, he would leap into the air to strike; at others, he would pounce from above, his palm winds booming like thunder and his movements fierce as a hunting leopard. The two exchanged blow after blow without pause, their movements so rapid and elusive that even the keenest eyes among the spectators struggled to follow. Onlookers were left breathless by the storm-like intensity of their duel, unable to restrain their awe and admiration.
Suddenly, Wang Tao sidestepped three feet away. His body tensed, and leveraging the force of Li Han's palm, he bent his waist and shot upward like a swallow, soaring eight feet into the air. In a flash, he unleashed a move of his own creation — "Guest Without Wine". His palm struck like lightning, crashing forth in rolling waves, seven strikes in rapid succession — each one lethal, each one denying his foe a moment to breathe. Before Li Han could regain his footing, Wang Tao followed with "Wine Without Dishes" — a strange-named move laced with mockery, yet its power was no joke. It came swift and savage, drawing gasps from all who watched.
Sensing danger, Li Han quickly retreated two steps and spun around, thrusting a palm strike so fierce it cleaved the air like an axe. The wind screamed through the trees as he launched "Furious Sands in the Wind" — a storm of flying grit and howling gales that left no gaps. Yet Wang Tao advanced rather than retreat. His left palm drew an arc, transforming defense into offense in one fluid motion. His palm force turned razor-sharp, and in an instant, a barrage of overlapping palm shadows erupted like thunder and fire. The sound of their strikes colliding echoed like firecrackers, each impact shaking the ground.
The two were evenly matched, neither yielding an inch. Wang Tao planted his feet like mountains, then suddenly surged forward with a fierce palm strike aimed at Li Han's chest. Even before the force landed, the ground trembled, pebbles leaping from the impact. Li Han's eyes flashed — summoning his inner energy, his body floated aside like smoke. He darted back several yards, then slammed both palms into a boulder behind him, anchoring himself like a coiled dragon, exuding an aura of steadfast power and focused strength.
He paused for a breath, then called out loudly, "Elder Hu, it seems we are evenly matched today. Why not lay down arms for now and resume this another time?" Though his words suggested retreat, there was not the slightest trace of fear.
Wang Tao raised his eyebrows and gazed sharply at him. "Qiankun Left Envoy, you and your men intercepted the gathering of heroes — all in vain. Your master, the True Lord of Nine Heavens, was defeated long ago. The martial world has moved on. Why stir the waters again?"
Li Han replied sternly, "Elder Hu, we act on the command of our lord. We bear a mission and must give our all. Victory or defeat is not ours to choose — only loyalty defines a true man of honor." His voice rang with resolute pride, unwavering in spirit.
At that moment, Elder Long (Qin Wei) suddenly gave a cold snort, his voice cracking like ice. "You dare harm men of our True Divine Palace and think to walk away unscathed? Take a few of my palms first!" With that, his figure shot forward like a falcon, arms outstretched. A wave of force exploded outward, tearing leaves from trees and splitting the air. His palm wind ripped through the forest, aimed straight at Li Han.
Suddenly, a long laugh split the air. A figure shot forth like an arrow, intercepting the attack mid-flight — a diagonal palm strike meeting Qin Wei's head-on. It was the Right Envoy of Qiankun, Ling Yun. The two clashed in midair, their energies booming like thunder. Both landed in a whirlwind, shaking the surrounding forest.
Ling Yun said coldly, "We come and go as we please. Elder Long, you think you can stop us? I fear you overestimate yourself." Before he finished speaking, he launched several palm strikes, each one fierce and sweeping, like wind chasing away clouds. Qin Wei let out a furious roar and charged, his twin palms countering with earth-shaking force. Their strikes collided in a deafening storm, trees quaking, air bursting — a clash of mountains and rivers.
The two fought fiercely, their robes billowing, their fists and palms forming a torrent of energy. Suddenly, Qin Wei let out a mighty cry, his palm striking at Ling Yun's wrist. Ling Yun tried to block but was caught off guard. Qin Wei's twin palms surged forward like a flood, and Ling Yun was sent flying seven or eight yards before hitting the ground. As he landed, he roared, "Retreat!"
Seeing his comrade injured, Li Han's heart clenched. Instantly, he performed his "Cloud Dragon Eight Steps" lightness skill, his figure flickering as he darted to Ling Yun's side, and together they vanished into the misty forest with blinding speed.
The crowd was left stunned, the echoes of the fierce battle still hanging in the air. Wang Tao watched them go, fury lingering in his eyes, but made no move to pursue. He slowly exhaled and said, "The Art of War says, 'Do not obstruct a returning army, and do not chase a cornered enemy.' They were lucky this time." With that, the crowd fell into a heavy silence, none speaking — all still dazed by the awe-inspiring battle they had just witnessed.
Elder Long, Qin Wei, turned to the assembled martial artists and declared, "Friends from all corners of the realm, thank you for braving the journey here. The True Divine Palace welcomes you all to the Mount Song Grand Assembly. To ensure safe travel, and prevent further harassment from Nine Heavens Palace, we shall assign escorts along the way."
Just then, Elder Hu (Wang Tao) caught sight of a figure and approached quickly. "Is that not Lord Wu of Zhongyi Hall?"
Wu Tong could not avoid the encounter. He stepped forward with a bow and replied, "The two Elders of Dragon and Tiger are truly unmatched. Just now, you routed the Left and Right Envoys of Nine Heavens Palace with unmatched skill!"
Wang Tao smiled, clearly pleased. "Lord Wu, they say the true masters are often the most discreet. I see the saying holds true."
Elder Long (Qin Wei) approached and asked, "Lord Wu, where do you journey to?"
Wu Tong replied, "I just passed through Suiyang, and now return to Lingwu. Since the Flying Eagle Sect is attending the Mount Song assembly, I thought I'd join the procession. I wonder if your esteemed palace would welcome our presence?"
Wang Tao said, "It would be our honor to have Lord Wu of Zhongyi Hall grace the Grand Assembly. Let it not be said that the True Divine Palace has anything to hide. This event welcomes all martial sects of the realm, and we are honored to have you among us."
Wu Tong then introduced his companions: "This is Deputy Leader Qiu Biao of the Flying Eagle Sect, Wang Yun, escort of the Capital Escort Agency, and his fiancée Qiu Ting."
Elders Qin Wei and Wang Tao both said, "To travel alongside the Lord of Zhongyi Hall is honor enough. Anyone in his company is worthy of respect. They shall be treated as honored guests."
Just then, one of the Palace agents stepped forward and reported, "Elders, the rear support troops of the True Divine Palace have arrived!"
It was none other than Li Qi, one of the Four Envoys of the palace. A large contingent of sword-wielding warriors followed. The Four Envoys — Li Qi, Bai Mu, Wang Ben, and Zhao Li — led the way, forming a defensive rear guard for the various martial sects now marching with the palace.
As dusk fell and darkness crept in, the grand procession halted along the official road and made camp in the open wild. The moon rose high, and dozens of sects lit their lanterns, set up their pots and stoves, and settled in for the night beneath the stars.