"Huh?"
"Hmm?"
"Well, now!"
"Dragon Roaring Iron Shirt? What fine martial arts!"
Hearing the commotion from deep in the night, some were startled and suspicious, some marveled, and others remained silent. Still others sneered repeatedly, their eyes inscrutable, their intentions unknown.
The mountain was full of hidden masters now. Veterans of great renown and rising talents from the Northern and Southern Martial Arts World had all gathered here for the battle on Mount Lu.
Everyone believed that after this battle, someone would surely undertake a Fist Challenges the World campaign, testing true gold in fire.
The reason was simple.
Xue Hen, Gu Chan, and Gong Wuer were all outstanding figures of the younger generation, each dominating a region. Even veteran experts had to avoid their edge; their fame was unrivaled. Moreover, regardless of who won or lost this battle, they were certain to be severely weakened.
So, could they be allowed to leave the mountain alive?
Even if they did leave alive, who would willingly let two such formidable experts recover to their prime, advance along the Martial Way, and then test their fists on them someday?
Though the times had changed, the martial world would never lack flashing blades and treachery.
Never mind sworn enemies-even between two complete strangers, the unfortunate could envy and resent those whose lives went smoothly. The path ahead on the Martial Way was steeper and narrower still, like walking on thin ice. No one wanted to face such a formidable enemy.
Someone was bound to make a move.
Or perhaps this battle might well become the spark that ushered in the Age of Great Contention.
As for Lian Youming, the "Taiji Demon," although his fearsome reputation was considerable, few seemed to favor his chances.
He was simply too young.
That youth referred not to