As the old saying of Lao Tzu goes:
"Misfortune is what fortune depends upon;fortune is where misfortune lies hidden."
In the past days, the two had endured a life-and-death ordeal—one that could well be called nine deaths and one survival. Yet the dark clouds had finally parted. Now, the dawn had come.
That day, Tan Wei said,"Jian-ge, we've eaten iron-backed fish for seven days already. Tomorrow, let's set out for the Beggars' Sect."
Li Jian thought for a moment. The poison within her body had been fully neutralized—it was indeed time to move on.
"Very well," he said. "Let's rest early tonight. We depart at first light."
The next morning, the two mounted their horses and set out for Junshan Island at Dongting Lake.
After more than ten days of travel, dusk approached once again. They found lodging at a small riverside town along the Yangtze. Exhausted from their journey, they retired early.
At dawn the following day, they went downstairs for breakfast.
The inn was lively with travelers.
Suddenly, an old man spoke:
"I've heard that recently the Jiuxiao Palace Master, Long Zhentian, has joined forces with the White Lotus Sect Leader, Huangfu Song. They are marching against the Black Dragon Sect—intent on wiping it out!"
Another old man leaned in."Long Zhentian truly means to destroy them?"
The first nodded."The Black Dragon Sect Leader, Murong Gui—his Seven Slashes of the Dragon Sky are unmatched. And his lieutenants—Meng Ming's Dragon Claw and Shi Kai's Thirteen Tiger Palms—all peerless skills. It won't be easy."
The surrounding diners all pricked up their ears.
"Old Zhong, stop keeping us in suspense!" one urged. "What grudge do they bear?"
Old Zhong gestured toward the wine on the table.
Moments later, more wine arrived.
He began:
"This feud goes back over a decade. Back then, the True God Palace Master, Tuoba Xingge, and Long Zhentian both sought to dominate the martial world. Long Zhentian defeated Tuoba Xingge—but was soon challenged by Huangfu Song and the Western Sacred Matriarch, Chen Jinfeng. Though neither could defeat him, they dared not oppose him directly.
"Then Murong Gui appeared—proposing the formation of the Heroic Alliance. This enraged Long Zhentian. But in their clash, Murong Gui struck him down with a single palm.
"From that day forth, the martial world split into three great factions—Heavenly Way Alliance, Sun-Moon Alliance, and Heroic Alliance."
Another man asked:
"And what of Huangfu Song's hatred?"
Old Zhong replied:
"Last year, the Longyang Sect Leader passed away. Huangfu Song seized the chance to seek revenge. The widow, He Mei, sought aid from Murong Gui. In their battle, Murong Gui defeated Huangfu Song. Since then, Huangfu Song has harbored deep resentment.
"When Long Zhentian approached him—well, the two immediately joined forces."
A heavy silence fell.
"If both forces attack together…" one muttered,"even Murong Gui may not survive."
"Perhaps," another said slowly,"he will seek aid—from the Hall of Loyalty… or the Beggars' Sect."
Old Zhong nodded grimly.
"If the Black Dragon Sect falls, the entire jianghu will descend into chaos."
Li Jian and Tan Wei exchanged glances.
Neither spoke—but both understood.
A storm was coming.
After breakfast, they left the inn.
Tan Wei said softly,"Uncle Tong is no longer in the Central Plains. As the thirteenth Hall Master of Loyalty… shouldn't you go and see what's happening?"
Li Jian's gaze hardened.
"This is precisely what Uncle Tong meant—training through the jianghu. If I am now the Hall Master, then who else should step forward?"
He tightened his grip on the reins.
"Let's go."
They rode toward the Dabie Mountains, where the Black Dragon Sect's headquarters lay hidden.
Before long, they noticed other martial artists heading the same way.
Following the crowd, they reached the stronghold.
The moment they entered—
They saw a vast plaza, filled with fighters.
Battle had already begun.
Two figures stood at the center—locked in combat.
Both unarmed.
Yet their palm strikes roared like thunder, their power palpable even to distant onlookers.
Li Jian narrowed his eyes.
"These are only their subordinates… and already such masters. If their leaders join the fight—this battle will be truly terrifying."
The Black Dragon Sect's champion was Right Dharma King Shi Kai.
His Thirteen Tiger Palms surged with ferocity—each strike like a tiger rending mountains.
Facing him was Li Han, Left Envoy of Jiuxiao Palace, wielding the Qian Trigram Palm.
Their movements were swift as lightning.
Suddenly—
Shi Kai roared, both palms striking forward.
Li Han met him head-on.
BOOM!
Four palms collided.
Both men staggered back several steps.
Shi Kai raised his voice, his tone steady yet powerful:
"You have come from afar to our sect—but for what purpose?"