Li Jian and his companions entered Huangshan Palace. At that moment, the palace was overflowing with people. Whether martial artists from across the jianghu or local gentry, all had gathered to witness the long-awaited confrontation between Master Wutian and the Western Holy Mother. The arena and its surroundings were packed shoulder to shoulder, and the crowds had nearly filled the entire palace to capacity. After all, a duel between these two legendary figures was one of the greatest events in the martial world and had already caused a sensation long before it began.
Both sides had arrived earlier and taken their places. As the hour of Chen approached—the Dragon Hour, traditionally associated with the rising of dragons and the coming of rain—the atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
At the second quarter of the early Chen Hour, the sudden sound of a gong rang through the arena.
Three men stepped into the open space at the center of the grounds. They were members of the Martial World Judges Guild: Chief Judge Cui, Judge's Brush Li Yan, and Judge's Blade Sun Tian.
Chief Judge Cui announced in a clear voice:
"We are Chief Judge Cui of the Martial World Judges Guild, Judge's Brush Li Yan, and Judge's Blade Sun Tian. Today we shall serve as referees for the duel between Master Wutian and the Western Holy Mother. We now invite both contestants to enter the arena."
The moment he finished speaking, excitement rippled through both camps. Thunderous applause erupted from the spectators.
As wave after wave of cheers echoed through the grounds, the followers of the Western Holy Cult entered in magnificent procession. Their ranks were vast and imposing, and they chanted in unison:
"The world is full of suffering—who can deny it?
The Holy Mother descends among mortals from the West.
Beneath Heaven's canopy and upon Earth's foundation,
The Western Holy Cult shall endure for ten thousand ages.
The Western Holy Cult rises with fortune and destiny.
The Western Holy Cult shall roam the world unmatched.
The Western Holy Mother brings salvation to all under Heaven.
The Western Holy Mother hears all cries and relieves all suffering."
The crowd turned to look.
The Four Holy Maidens—Peach Blossom, Plum Blossom, Peony, and Orchid—exchanged glances and then recited together:
"May all who hear the Holy Mother's sacred name
And behold her blessed form
Board the precious vessel of wisdom.
May all who honor and follow her
Enter the fearless forest of compassion."
At that moment, the Western Holy Mother, Chen Jinfeng, stepped gracefully from her grand sedan chair. Surrounded by the Four Holy Maidens, she emerged before the assembled crowd with all the bearing of a supreme religious leader.
Just then, the sounds of flutes, strings, drums, gongs, and bells arose from the distance.
Another grand procession entered the arena.
Disciples marched in front carrying magnificent banners embroidered with the words:
"Master Wutian"
"Boundless Buddhist Power"
"Miraculous Divine Teachings"
"Might That Shakes the World"
The procession advanced into the arena and split into ranks on either side.
A sedan chair was carried into the center. When it was gently lowered, a middle-aged monk stepped out.
His appearance was solemn and compassionate.
Immediately, his disciples began to chant:
"Master Wutian hears the cries of the suffering.
Compassion dwells within his heart.
No suffering is beyond his power to remove.
Merciful when mercy is needed,
Majestic when majesty is required.
Master Wutian possesses boundless Buddhist power.
Neither born nor destroyed,
Coming from nowhere,
Going nowhere."
Accompanied by his three chief disciples—Wutian, Wudi, and Wuren—Master Wutian slowly walked toward the fighting ground.
By now the arena was packed with spectators. Heads filled every available space, and countless people craned their necks in anticipation of the coming battle. The atmosphere resembled a grand festival celebration, lively and electric.
Master Wutian appeared to be in his early forties, in the prime of life. Tall and powerfully built, he carried himself with immense dignity.
In a booming voice, he declared:
"Today the heroes of the world are gathered here. Let no one say that I am bullying the Western Holy Cult.
You slew Master Liaoyin, and the entire realm grieved. Followers of Buddhism everywhere mourned his death with heavy hearts. The spirit of his self-sacrifice and devotion to righteousness shall endure between Heaven and Earth forever.
As members of the Buddhist community, how can we stand by and remain indifferent?
Therefore, I shall not hesitate. I shall seek justice for all Buddhist disciples beneath Heaven."
The Western Holy Mother merely sneered.
"Master Wutian, do not paint yourself as some noble champion. You and I are cut from the same cloth. Stop pretending to be the embodiment of righteousness.
Isn't your true purpose simply to gather the support of Buddhist believers throughout the land?"
Master Wutian's expression darkened.
"How dare you utter such nonsense before the heroes of the world!
You murdered a revered Buddhist saint. There is no excuse you can offer.
Acting in accordance with Heaven's will, I have no choice but to avenge him today!"
The fierce exchange only excited the spectators further.
Some cursed the Western Holy Mother as a vicious witch who had murdered a holy monk without the slightest remorse.
Others cared little for right or wrong. They had come simply to enjoy the spectacle—to see who truly possessed superior skill.
Some even hoped to watch a loud-mouthed braggart suffer defeat and become a laughingstock.
In the jianghu, many believed that truth mattered less than victory.
The winner became the strong.
And the strong defined justice.
The Western Holy Mother's eyes flashed with murderous intent.
"Enough words. Let today's duel settle everything."
Her expression plainly said:
"Let's see what you're truly capable of."
Master Wutian snorted.
"When victory is decided today, I shall show mercy and spare your life."
He understood well that if he lost this battle, not only would he fail to gain the support of the martial world, he would become an object of ridicule. Some might pity him, but the law of the jianghu remained unchanged:
The victor is king.The strong are honored.
To many, strength itself was justice.
The weak, no matter how righteous their cause, often found no one willing to uphold it.
The Western Holy Mother replied bitterly:
"My fate belongs to me, not to Heaven.
Evil monk, today you seek your own death. I shall show no mercy."
Master Wutian glared back.
"Wicked woman, accept your destiny! The karmic retribution you deserve has finally arrived!"
The hatred between them had accumulated for years.
Now they exchanged insults openly, and the atmosphere grew increasingly explosive. The spectators around the arena were equally stirred.
Seeing that the moment had come and the crowd had begun shouting impatiently, Chief Judge Cui leapt into the arena.
In a ringing voice he declared:
"Today's contest shall be fought barehanded.
Since both competitors have stepped onto this platform, life and death shall be left to fate."
After speaking, Chief Judge Cui exchanged nods with Li Yan and Sun Tian.
The two referees stepped forward, cupped their fists respectfully, and raised their right hands toward the designated starting positions.
"Please."
The Western Holy Mother and Master Wutian took their places.
Once both stood ready, Chief Judge Cui raised his voice and proclaimed:
"Let the duel begin!"
The instant the words left his mouth, he sprang from the arena, leaving the two formidable opponents facing one another as the entire martial world watched in breathless anticipation.