Though Murong Zhan had an endless supply of underhanded tricks, Unenlightened's overwhelming strength left him no room to use them. That last punch had already inflicted a grievous injury.
By now, Hu Xiaotian was certain this Murong Zhan was an impostor. Watching Unenlightened advance on Murong Zhan, who had only just struggled to his feet, Hu Xiaotian bit his lip, then suddenly charged out of the darkness and punched toward Unenlightened's back. He had studied martial arts under Unenlightened and feared being recognized, so he wore black with his face covered and used the God-Demon World-Ending Fist Xu Lingkong had taught him.
Unenlightened had intended to kill Murong Zhan with a single punch, but suddenly sensed an invisible pressure closing in from behind. It was astonishingly powerful, the like of which he had seldom encountered in his life. Even with his current strength, he dared not take it lightly. He could only abandon Murong Zhan and turn to face the surprise attack.
Unenlightened punched to meet him. To rescue Murong Zhan, Hu Xiaotian had put every ounce of his strength into this blow. Having struck unexpectedly while his opponent was unprepared, he had seized the initiative completely.
Their fists collided, and both men swayed. Astonishment flashed in Unenlightened's eyes. He had never imagined that the Imperial Palace harbored crouching tigers and hidden dragons-someone whose internal power was no weaker than his own.
Murong Zhan seized the opportunity and fled into the distance. Unenlightened snorted. "Take another punch!" He raised his fist, preparing to attack.
Hu Xiaotian, however, turned and ran toward the Spirit Firmament Palace. Unenlightened paused briefly and glanced at Murong Zhan's retreating figure. He could only suppress the urge to pursue him and follow Hu Xiaotian instead.
Hu Xiaotian leaped into the Spirit Firmament Palace, only to see