The gathered heroes were stunned.
Two figures had descended—a young man and a young woman.
The youth's face still carried a trace of boyish innocence, yet his bearing was composed and refined. He stepped forward slowly toward Cui Fujun and Murong Gui, cupping his fists respectfully.
"Junior Li Jian—newly appointed Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty."
Cui Fujun and Murong Gui returned the salute.
But Huangfu Song scoffed loudly:
"So you've gone to such lengths? Hiring a mere boy to play the role? This farce grows amusing."
Long Zhentian Song strode forward, pointing directly at Li Jian.
"You. Who sent you here?"
Li Jian answered calmly:
"I come under the former Hall Master's orders. I seek only to persuade both sides to lay down arms. No one else commands me."
A ripple of shock passed through the crowd.
All eyes fixed upon him.
Huangfu Song sneered:
"Confess now—did Cui Fujun pay you to impersonate this title? Admit it, and I may spare your life."
Murong Gui turned, smiling faintly.
"So—the boy has truly come. Whether he is genuine or not… I cannot say. Why not test his skill?"
He studied Li Jian carefully.
The youth's features were refined, his gaze sharp as lightning.
For a fleeting moment—
He saw the shadow of Wu Tong in him.
He nodded.
"The Hall of Loyalty has not fallen. A new eagle spreads its wings. Hall Master Li—this matter may rest upon you."
Long Zhentian's voice cut in coldly:
"Boy—whether real or false, this is not your concern. Do not overstep."
All eyes turned toward Li Jian.
In this moment—
Before hundreds of warriors—
He stood alone.
Yet he did not retreat.
His voice rang clear:
"What the elder says is true. Since I stand here on behalf of the Hall of Loyalty, I must act impartially. If you seek vengeance, then fight one-on-one—openly and honorably. Victory and defeat shall decide it. But no lives should be taken."
Laughter erupted.
Long Zhentian roared:
"Who do you think you are? The Martial World's overlord?"
Huangfu Song added:
"You dare preach to us?"
The name of the Hall of Loyalty had been built over years of blood and honor.
It was not something inherited overnight.
And now—
Li Jian stood at the beginning of his own path.
Before him—
Mountains yet to be climbed.
He raised his hand.
"Then forgive my presumption. I ask for instruction."
Huangfu Song's eyes flashed with disdain.
"You are beneath me."
He turned his head.
"Long Xianren—step forward."
A man leapt out from the White Lotus ranks.
"I am here!"
Huangfu Song said coldly:
"This boy claims to be the new Hall Master. Test him. Do not hold back. If he dies—it is his own doing."
Long Xianren stepped forward, voice sharp:
"Boy—life and death are in Heaven's hands. Do not blame me."
The crowd fell silent.
All knew—
This was no mere sparring match.
This was a trial by life and death.
Li Jian's eyes gleamed.
Instead of fear—
There was only rising spirit.
"If I fall to one blow—then it is my fate. Please—make your move."
A roar—
Long Xianren struck first.
His palms surged forward in relentless waves—like crashing tides.
Blow after blow—
Unceasing.
Li Jian leapt aside—
Then—
His own qi surged.
Both palms rose—
And struck.
BOOM—!!!
The two clashed.
The sound echoed like thunder across mountains.
Wind roared.
Dust spiraled.
They moved like shadows—
Strikes colliding in rapid succession.
Each blow carried the force of storm and sea.
Then—
Long Xianren's eyes narrowed.
He is young. His inner power must be weaker.
He gathered his strength.
A full-force strike.
A killing blow.
His palm descended—
Li Jian did not move.
He inhaled—
Qi surged through his entire body—
Then—
He struck.
A single palm.
Like a tidal wave.Like a collapsing sky.Like thunder and storm in one.
BOOM—!!!
A figure flew backward—
Crashing into the ground.
It was—
Long Xianren.
His body lay limp.
Breath faint.
Unconscious.
Silence fell.
The crowd stood frozen.
They could not believe what they had seen.
A direct clash of strength—
No tricks.
No deception.
And yet—
The youth had won.
In a single strike.
A murmur spread through the crowd:
"Where… did this boy come from?"
Confusion. Shock. Awe.
And somewhere within it—
A realization began to take root.
The name of Li Jian—
Had just entered the jianghu.