Betraying the Commandery Princess, Li Xian Confessed All; Trust Was Lost, and the General Severed Ties

As Luo Jiake spoke, a sharp gleam lurked in his eyes. He raised his hand and struck, his palm wind rushing into Li Xian's face. The attack was powerful and swift, displaying considerable mastery. Already on guard, Li Xian met it with Mysterious Water Palm. Their palms collided, their palm qi clashing. Neither technique relied on brute, crushing force, however, so there was no eruption of towering waves-only a muffled humming.

Luo Jiake's expression froze. Planting both feet, he pushed his palm forward and unleashed a stronger surge of qi. Li Xian remained immovable as a mountain, meeting the pressure head-on with Mysterious Water Palm while simultaneously employing Stone-Pushing Palm Method. His palm bore down like a crushing boulder. Startled, Luo Jiake abruptly sank his weight and retreated several steps, visibly straining. His martial realm was higher, however. Secretly employing Python-Bear Force, he maintained the deadlock as waves of qi rolled around them. After struggling briefly, Luo Jiake wanted to withdraw his palm. Li Xian snorted inwardly. This man serves the commandery princess. Should I kill him now? He seems to be in the third realm, with refined martial skills unlike the other Flower Cage Sect elders. My martial realm is a level below his. Even if I can defeat him, I may not be able to kill him. Even if I can, it will take some work. Whether to kill or fight depends on the circumstances and the opening. He glanced toward the pavilion halfway up the mountain, fearing Jin Feng might notice. Turning his palm into a claw, he caught Luo Jiake's wrist, pushed off with both legs, and used his lightness skill to drag him into the fenced courtyard.

There happened to be trees in the courtyard, screening them from view.

Upon entering the courtyard, Luo Jiake