Pili Thunder-hand Ge Long struck harder and harder, unleashing the full might of his "Thunderbolt Palm."His palms roared like thunder, the wind howled with every blow, and dazzlingly fierce moves poured forth one after another.Each strike carried the power to crush mountains and seas, all aimed squarely at Wu Tong's vital points.
Yet Wu Tong remained calm and unhurried.He flowed from one exquisite technique to another—Cloud-hand Eight Forms, Thirteen Palms of the Soaring Heavens, Northern Sea Palm, the Six Phantom Palms—each a rare and subtle martial art, his transitions unpredictable, his footwork light as the wind.Every attack from Ge Long was dissolved like waves breaking upon rock.
Ge Long, unable to break through after so long, was secretly alarmed."Who is this fellow? His skill is terrifying. If I can't finish this within a hundred moves, the tide may turn against me."He knew his Thunderbolt Palm drained inner energy rapidly—he must win quickly or lose once his strength waned.
Growing anxious, he pressed even harder, launching deadly strikes that forced Wu Tong back several paces.He barked, "Boy, keep out of others' affairs!"Though he looked fierce, his heart wavered; he hoped to shake Wu Tong's spirit with bluster and win without a fight.But Wu Tong, ever steadfast, replied coldly,
"This concerns the fate of the Tang realm. The Salt Guild upholds the law—how could we bow to traitors?"
Ge Long was startled by his composure.At that moment the Dock Guild master Zhang Cheng spoke:
"Brother Ge, this man is a loyal hound of the Tang court. He's thwarted our plans before—take care."And Yang Lin-zhong of the Martial Guild added,"With him here, the Salt Guild has had its warning. We can destroy them another day."
Wu Tong's anger flared.
"The Dock and Martial Guilds both belong to the river-transport brotherhood! How can you act so dishonorably?So long as I, Wu Tong of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, still draw breath, whoever harms the Salt Guild is my enemy!Ge Long struck them twice—if he won't apologize, he shall repay two palms!"
Ge Long's face darkened. "You arrogant whelp!"Just then Ling Xian'er flipped lightly to the ground, graceful as a swallow, and said sharply,
"Old man, apologize and be gone!"Zhang Cheng bristled at being rebuked by a girl."Impudent child!"But Xian'er only sneered,"If you're unhappy, step forward and try me!"
Unable to endure the humiliation before so many, Zhang Cheng leapt to attack.Xian'er slipped aside like a breeze and countered with a palm strike to his chest.The seasoned guild master staggered back in shock—"How can this girl possess such skill!"
Wu Tong's heart eased; he called out,
"Enough! Anyone who still dares trouble the Salt Guild will answer to me!"The Salt Guild men cheered, grateful to Wu Tong and Xian'er, while Ge Long and Zhang Cheng exchanged bitter looks.
Xian'er snapped, "Who asked you to butt in? I'm right here!"Furious, Zhang Cheng lunged again, striking fiercely from mid-air toward her forehead.Xian'er twisted away, her hands flashing toward his temples and crown with deadly precision.Caught off guard, Zhang Cheng dodged frantically, stumbling to keep his footing.Seizing the moment, Xian'er advanced with twin palms—one feint, one real—her final blow landing squarely on his chest.He reeled backward, breathless and humiliated, while she said coolly,
"A mere lesson—take it as a warning."
Ge Long roared, "Girl, don't go too far!"Xian'er only laughed.
"Have you forgotten your own words? 'Press on—might makes right!'You said so yourself. If you've any courage, step forward instead of hiding behind others!"
Her mocking tone stung.Ge Long's eyes blazed; he snarled, "Insolent brat! Apologize now or—"Before he could finish, rage overcame him.He sprang forward, striking with all his might.
Xian'er met him with dazzling grace.She dodged and pivoted, her move "Feathered Fan and Silken Scarf" carrying her past his heavy blows.Each of his palms hit only air as she brushed by like drifting gauze.Then, with a twist of her wrists, she countered—"Melting Gold, Shattering Jade."A surge of inner force roared forth; even Ge Long was startled by her strength.He thought, "This girl's skill is extraordinary—if I don't finish this quickly, I may lose!"
But humiliation burned hotter than reason.They traded blows in a blur until Xian'er suddenly leapt skyward with "Ascension of the Immortal,"then descended with "Feather-Arrow Flurry," her palms flying like arrows.Ge Long, overwhelmed, could only block and retreat, step by step.At last Xian'er turned her hands into blades—"Horizontal Blade, Upright Horse."Her right palm slashed, he dodged; her left palm followed through—crack!—and then another—crack!Two solid hits sent him staggering back, groaning in pain, his organs churning as if struck by hammers.Only by retreating three steps with each blow did he manage to disperse half the force,yet his chest throbbed and blood surged upward.
The mighty Pili Thunder-hand Ge Long had been beaten back—and before all present, the legend of Ling Xian'er's swift palms was born.