Petty schemes need not be employed—but one must never be ignorant of them.As the saying goes: "Do not sacrifice great righteousness for petty gain; better to bear a thousand catties upon one's shoulders."
Xu Li was a man of upright character, filled with righteous qi and heroic resolve—steadfast as heaven and earth themselves. As a northern wind swept across the field, his robes fluttered as he strode forward with measured steps. His brows carried an authority that required no anger.
"Clan Leader Zhang," he said calmly, "we heroes of the canal routes have gathered here for one purpose only—to choose a supreme leader. Let us waste no more words. Let our palms speak!"
The assembled heroes could not help but be stirred by his forthright courage and commanding presence.
Zhang Cheng's expression shifted. The corner of his mouth curled upward into a cold, sinister smile as he replied softly,"Indeed—so long as the heart remains unchanged."
The martial world was perilous, and the human heart unfathomable. Xu Li, known throughout the jianghu as the Thunderwind Hand, knew full well that Zhang Cheng, leader of the Dockside Clan, harbored the ambitions of a tiger and the fangs of a wolf. At this point, there was no other path—one battle would decide all.
Fei Jin's earlier words echoed clearly: Draw the strong bow, wield the long blade; strike the horse before the rider, seize the king to capture the bandits.How could Xu Li not understand?
Zhang Cheng let out a sharp whistle. His figure blurred as he surged forward several zhang in an instant. Both palms cleaved downward in a move called "Twin Dragons Seize the Pearl," pressing in close. His left hand shot forward, two fingers stabbing straight for Xu Li's eyes—swift, vicious, and merciless.
Xu Li raised his hands, palms circling as he guarded his entire body. Zhang Cheng followed with his right hand, fingers splitting apart again to strike for the eyes. Xu Li flicked his wrist, suppressing the attack, while his leg swept low toward Zhang Cheng's base.
They traded techniques blow for blow—each move countered by another—shouts ringing out without pause. Attack and defense alternated in dazzling succession. The clash was brilliant beyond compare, and cheers erupted again and again from the surrounding heroes.
Zhang Cheng's face was filled with murderous intent as he clawed toward Xu Li's ribs. Xu Li shifted his stance, retracting his right fist into a blade-hand, twisting his waist and flipping his palm. He leapt and swept his leg in one smooth motion.
Their fists and palms collided repeatedly. Zhang Cheng advanced with "Nezha Probes the Sea," stepping in close, hooking the foot and pressing the attack. After several exchanges, Xu Li steadied his mind. He turned and guided the force aside, bowing into his stance as he executed "Wind Sweeps the Lotus Leaves."
He advanced relentlessly, palm winds surging. His hands flipped up and down, movements swift as drifting wind, every strike aimed at Zhang Cheng's vital points.
Zhang Cheng poured all his strength into the assault. With a sudden roar, he leapt skyward and struck with both palms from midair, his body and voice arriving as one. A crushing wave of palm force descended at once.
Xu Li's figure swayed—then surged forward to meet it head-on. Their palms collided in midair. Instantly, violent gusts erupted, sand and stones flying. Sleeves billowed as palms struck and withdrew in rapid succession.
Xu Li launched several lightning-fast strikes toward Zhang Cheng's face and chest. Zhang Cheng hastily drew his palms back to block, retreating in a tiger step. He narrowly avoided disaster—but cold sweat poured down his body, his face pale as iron.
So this is the Thunderwind Hand, he thought grimly. He has already fought four battles, yet he remains this fierce.
The position of supreme leader—his lifelong ambition—Zhang Cheng would not surrender so easily.
Suddenly, he withdrew his hands and spun back. Both palms traced arcs before his chest as he roared and unleashed "Treading the Edge of the Blade." His arms rose and fell in savage succession, attacking head-on.
Xu Li met the move without hesitation. Channeling his strength, he let out a sharp cry and answered with "Wind Howls, Thunder Roars."
Both men unleashed everything they had. Palm after palm carried roaring force; pa! pa!—explosions rang like thunder. Neither had any path of retreat.
Xu Li's strikes became ghostlike in speed—too fast to follow.
Bang!Zhang Cheng was blasted backward, crashing heavily to the ground.
Smack!Blood sprayed from his mouth. He lay utterly disheveled.
Xu Li withdrew his palms, settling his stance, and cupped his fists politely."Clan Leader Zhang—my apologies."
Instantly, thunderous applause erupted. The clapping came in waves.
Xu Li swept his gaze across the crowd and said,"Is there any other brother of the canal routes who wishes to test me?"
For a long while, no one stepped forward.
At last, the master of ceremonies—silent until now—raised his voice:"Congratulations to Clan Leader Xu Li of the Xuzhou Clan, newly appointed supreme leader of this year's Canal Heroes Assembly!"
The crowd exploded in cheers and applause.
Suddenly, a figure flashed into the arena.
"I am Li Han, Left Envoy of the Nine Heavens Palace," the man announced coldly."Clan Leader Xu wins the position by such despicable means—does that not make all heroes under heaven a laughingstock?"
Before Xu Li could respond, another figure darted in.
"Li Han," came a firm voice, "this Heroes Assembly was witnessed by all. Clan Leader Xu fought four consecutive battles and proved his unmatched skill. His appointment as supreme leader is the will of the people—who are you to wag your tongue?"
The speaker was Wu Tong.
At once, yet another figure appeared."I am Ling Yun, Right Envoy of the Nine Heavens Palace," he declared loudly."Wu Tong, do not think the Loyal Brotherhood Hall may interfere freely! We are heroes ourselves. This affair is unjust—we cannot stand by! Clan Leader Xu has feigned benevolence and injured Yang and others one after another. All present have seen it!"
Wu Tong snorted coldly."What? Has the Nine Heavens Palace grown so fond of meddling? The Canal Heroes Assembly chooses its leader—since when is that your concern?"
By speaking now on behalf of the official Loyal Brotherhood Hall, Wu Tong sought to prevent the Nine Heavens Palace from stirring further chaos and to formally confirm the appointment.
At that moment, Liu Yun stepped into the field. She cupped her fists toward the assembled heroes and spoke clearly:
"Esteemed heroes, today's contests were open and aboveboard. Does the Nine Heavens Palace come merely to provoke trouble? I have long heard that its Left and Right Envoys possess extraordinary skill. Though unworthy, I—Liu Yun—would like to exchange a few moves."
Then Fei Jin, leader of the Beggars' Sect, strode forward and nodded."A Heroes Assembly exists for experts to test one another. Could it be that the Left and Right Envoys of the Nine Heavens Palace are famed in name only?"
The two envoys had never expected such a turn. For a moment, they were at a loss.
Just then, a ragged old man came running over, shouting loudly,"If the Left and Right Envoys of the Nine Heavens Palace can't even beat a young girl, then the Nine Heavens Palace is nothing but hot air—and those envoys are nothing but cowards!"