The Defying Heaven Sect stood on a plateau atop Howling Wolf Hill, the former stronghold of a bandit gang. When those bandits faced the sect, resistance was futile. They lost their base, and their forces were entirely absorbed into the sect's ranks. This newly established Defying Heaven Sect thus became a terrifying presence in the martial world.

  The sect was led by Patriarch Shi Moyong, the Descendant of the Stone Fiend, and Vice Patriarch Ouyang Laoxian, The Carefree Laughing Elder. Assisting them were four Law Enforcers: Verdant Dragonfly Zhou Xingxuan, Tiger Frog Huang Sakong, The Blood Spider Tian Yihui, and Azure Squirrel Yang Qianlian.

  Additionally, two vital positions known as the Two Envoys existed: the Right Envoy, One Word Ends Life Ouyang Laobai, and the Left Envoy, Sword Slave. Below them served Branch Leaders, comprised of former sect masters and clan chiefs who had sworn allegiance.

  Though its reputation struck fear into martial artists and caused turmoil, the Defying Heaven Sect did not actually pursue wickedness. The sect operated under strict rules and severe punishments originally established by The Demonic Doctor Di Jiao. These laws focused on cultivating good karma, offering a second chance to former criminals and unorthodox martial artists. The harsh regulations kept their behavior in check, ensuring they never reoffended.

  In the past, despite absorbing countless unorthodox martial artists, virtually none returned to a life of crime. Back then, The Stone Fiend Shi Wusha, the ultimate master of the unorthodox faction, recognized Di Jiao's vision. He merged his forces into the Defying Heaven Sect, creating an overwhelming power that terrified the orthodox factions. Years passed without incident, until Heaven-Equaling Peak Han Zhaoming infiltrated the sect and exposed a technique that turned people into living corpses. This revelation drove the martial world to unite with the Virtue Association to destroy the sect. Now, the Defying Heaven Sect was rebuilt, but the Virtue Association was gone. Only the Supreme Martial Pavilion remained. A duel between their leaders was set for the fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month to decide the martial world's future.

  The Carefree Laughing Elder, Ouyang Laoxian, was once a ruthless demonic lord who rampaged across the Southern Seas. He never could have guessed the historically brutal Defying Heaven Sect would adopt such an orderly structure. Being integrated into this system left him frustrated and stifled. He had originally intended to use this opportunity to plunder the immeasurable wealth of the Central Plains. Instead, he found indiscriminate looting and killing strictly forbidden. Their recent raids targeted only the Virtue Association in the north, sparing mountain bandits and forest outlaws.

  Having just emerged from seclusion with a newly mastered supreme technique, Ouyang Laoxian was itching for a fight. Serving as Vice Patriarch, he wanted to represent the sect and test his skills against his old nemesis, the Blood Eagle Diao Zhufan. But with Patriarch Shi Moyong insisting on handling the matter personally, what was left for him to do? Lately, Ouyang Laoxian lived in bitter resentment, complaining of his grievances every night to One Word Ends Life, Ouyang Laobai.

  Ouyang Laobai, the most outstanding grandson of the Ouyang family, had shifted his life's path after a single defeat at the hands of Jin Tianwang. Not only had he sworn brotherhood with Shi Moyong, but his once ruthless nature was now governed by reason and strong principles. Day by day, he displayed sharper intellect and deeper prudence. His martial arts had advanced remarkably, nearly matching his grandfather's. Despite enduring Ouyang Laoxian's daily complaints, he constantly urged the Vice Patriarch to act in accordance with the sect's rules.

  Yet, Ouyang Laoxian's biggest headache was Verdant Dragonfly, Zhou Xingxuan. This First Law Enforcer seemed specifically assigned to monitor him. Though still retaining much of her beauty, she was fiercely dutiful and rigidly enforced the rules. Furthermore, her martial arts and poison techniques surpassed most. Whenever Ouyang Laoxian even entertained a thought of his usual wicked fun, she promptly reprimanded and suppressed him. What frustrated him most was the lingering sense of awe and apprehension he secretly felt toward her.

  Howling Wolf Hill was a lush mountain, abundant with flora. At this time of year, countless flowers bloomed, bursting with color and spreading their fragrance through the forest. Numerous animals roamed the trail leading up the hill. At this hour, the morning mist still lingered as a man walked the path, heading straight toward the Defying Heaven Sect.

  The young man wore snug yellow clothes, broken only by his black mid-calf boots. He strode steadily up the hill, his gaze sweeping the surroundings with a faint smile.

  Birds chirped, greeting the stranger along the path. A pair of little blue birds seemed particularly fond of him, fluttering after him and singing as if serenading his journey. They followed until a massive fortress bearing the Defying Heaven Sect plaque appeared. The young man met the birds' eyes, as if bidding them farewell. Understanding his intent, they soared back into the green forest. He watched them leave with a peculiar smile, then returned his focus to the sect.

  The fortress guards had spotted this early traveler long before his approach, dispatching someone to report inside before he even neared the gates.

  He arrived alone, his bright yellow clothes dyed from coarse fabric. The smile on his face conveyed nothing but friendliness. After stating his purpose—claiming to be an old friend of Patriarch Shi Moyong seeking a small favor—he stood politely waiting at the gate.

  Suddenly, the gates swung open. Two rows of martial artists marched out in orderly formation, flanking a plump, middle-aged man in vibrant, flashy clothes. Judging by the guards' respectful demeanor, this man held extremely high status within the sect. He scrutinized the young man. No matter how he looked at him, the visitor appeared to be nothing more than a destitute, somewhat foolish youth.

  "Paying respects to the senior. This junior seeks an audience with the Patriarch of the Defying Heaven Sect to ask an old friend for a small favor," the young man said, a foolish smile on his lips.

  "Get out of my sight," the brightly dressed man snapped, waving his sleeve dismissively.

  The young man refused to leave, keeping his head bowed in a gesture of respect.

  This middle-aged man was The Carefree Laughing Elder, Ouyang Laoxian. He glared at the youth, whose dull, stubborn demeanor showed no intention of retreating, until annoyance boiled over. He scoffed:

  "What do you pay respects to me for? Fine, if you bow, I’ll bow back. Now we’re even. Get lost!" He haphazardly rolled up his sleeves and gave a perfunctory salute, completely disregarding seniority or manners. This was simply the Carefree Elder's nature—acting on his whims and ignoring formalities.

  Ouyang Laoxian spun around, preparing to reenter the fortress with a hint of disappointment in his eyes. He had hoped to use this early morning intruder to stretch his limbs and relieve his boredom. Who would have thought it was just a foolish youth refusing to leave?

  "How could that be? This junior, Jin Tianwang, is merely a youth. How could I dare accept a salute from a senior?"

  The moment the name "Jin Tianwang" slipped from his lips, Ouyang Laoxian froze. His indifferent gaze sharpened. He realized this seemingly foolish young man was no ordinary person, but the master who had once defeated his grandson, Ouyang Laobai.

  His previous annoyance vanished, replaced by a surge of excitement. His blood boiled with battle lust, and a bizarre smile crept onto his face.

  In the same instant, he spun around. His sleeves snapped like a whip before his palm lashed out with blinding speed, giving his opponent absolutely no time to brace himself.

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  Jin Tianwang felt the crushing force of the qi, its pressure making his clothes flutter. He quickly shuffled his feet, retreating several steps in rapid succession. Yet, the middle-aged man transformed into a flashy blur, sticking to him like a shadow.

  In the blink of an eye, a profound palm technique was unleashed. Countless overlapping palm shadows formed multiple walls, crashing down relentlessly and cutting off all avenues of retreat.

  No matter how far Jin Tianwang retreated, he could not break free from the encirclement. Finally, he gathered his strength and threw a full-force punch directly into the wall of palms.

  "Bang!"

  The deafening clash echoed through the edge of the forest. The two figures violently broke apart. Nearby birds, startled by the shockwave, scattered into the sky.

  Ouyang Laoxian stared at Jin Tianwang as if he had found a priceless treasure. Although he looked middle-aged, Ouyang Laoxian was nearing eighty. Only his overwhelmingly tyrannical internal qi preserved his youth, making him appear no older than fifty or sixty.

  Having been relentlessly pursued, Jin Tianwang had countered with a single punch under immense pressure. Feeling the opponent's strength, he realized this elder was a rare supreme master. This frustrated him. He had intended to negotiate peacefully, only to end up offending a supreme master right at the doorstep.

  "I hope your martial arts are better than this, kid. Otherwise, I will be terribly bored," Ouyang Laoxian smiled.

  "Senior, I did not come to cause trouble with the Defying Heaven Sect. I only wish to ask Patriarch Shi to spare the Supreme Martial Pavilion this once."

  "Bold little brat, pleading for the Supreme Martial Pavilion. Let’s see if you have the skill to back up that request." As Ouyang Laoxian finished speaking, he spun toward Jin Tianwang and lashed out with his palm once more.

  This technique was Ouyang Laoxian's Silk Palm of a Hundred Pounds (法手纱百斤 / Silk Palm of a Hundred Pounds). Its movements were flowing and graceful, but upon impact, one would realize the colossal, crushing weight hidden within.

  The palm force drifted like falling leaves, its continuous flow leaving no gaps. Jin Tianwang, specializing in swift and brutal strikes, had no choice but to rely on his expertise to force a break. He stomped his foot and thrust forward.

  "Bang!" Another clash erupted, but this time, Ouyang Laoxian was forced to step back.

  Ouyang Laoxian revealed a highly satisfied expression. The corners of his mouth curled up, and his narrowed eyes widened slightly.

  "That was a solid punch. Fantastic... Let's see if a brat like you can touch me again."

  With that, he shifted his footwork into a circle. His plump body spun like a top, his overlapping afterimages surrounding Jin Tianwang from all directions.

  Until now, Jin Tianwang still could not guess who he was fighting. The martial skills displayed were far beyond his expectations. He had to reevaluate the Defying Heaven Sect's strength; it seemed Shi Moyong was not the only one capable of defeating Wang Yi and Diao Zhufan.

  This thought flashed through his mind in a split second. He threw another punch, but before the force could even reach his knuckles, the spinning afterimage retreated swiftly, dodging half a step away.

  Even so, Jin Tianwang did not hesitate. He twisted his ankle, dropped his stance, and lunged forward like a hunting tiger, driving a left hook squarely into Ouyang Laoxian's abdomen.

  "Thud!"

  A heavy, muffled sound rang out as his fist struck flesh.

  Yet, Ouyang Laoxian showed no sign of pain. Instead, his stomach caved in, sucking the fist tight as if Jin Tianwang's hand had sunk into soft dough. His left fist was trapped, unable to be pulled back.

  The middle-aged man's eyes glinted fiercely. He clasped both hands above his head, arm muscles bulging, ready to smash his gathered power down onto Jin Tianwang.

  Jin Tianwang never expected to find himself in such a predicament, his left fist hopelessly buried in his opponent's stomach. But as Ouyang Laoxian gathered his strength to strike, Jin Tianwang did not hesitate. He channeled his internal qi and drove a right punch into the exact same area.

  Ouyang Laoxian could withstand the first punch, but the second was too devastating. Before the power gathered above his head could crash down, his body was sent flying backward, pain radiating through his entire frame.

  Ouyang Laoxian cried out in pain, blurting, "Ouch! You vicious little brat! Let's see if your fists can take my old life!"

  In his entire life, the Carefree Laughing Elder had only tasted defeat twice. The first time was in his prime, losing to The Magician From the Sky Gao Qingxin. He could not deny Gao Qingxin was a generational genius seen once in fifty years. Conceding defeat, he accepted his place as the second best in the realm.

  The second time, he challenged a younger master named The Stone Fiend Shi Wusha and suffered another defeat. He was forced to admit Shi Wusha was a peerless genius seen once in a century. After that loss, Ouyang Laoxian accepted his position as the third best in the land.

  However, during that defeat to Shi Wusha, Ouyang Laoxian was severely wounded. Unable to protect his pirate crew when the Blood Eagle Diao Zhufan invaded the South, he fled in disgrace. This birthed a lifelong grudge against Diao Zhufan.

  As time passed, Ouyang Laoxian fully healed and invented a technique similar to the Qi family's Nine Heavens Armor Art. He called it the "Eight Heavenly Dragon Scales Technique" believing it could not completely rival the Nine Heavens Armor Art. Yet, facing Jin Tianwang—a young master of his grandson's generation—he felt on the verge of his third defeat.

  The more Ouyang Laoxian stared at Jin Tianwang, the more frustrated he grew. This feeling dragged his mind back to the past, making him compare Jin Tianwang's demeanor to Shi Wusha and Gao Qingxin. Finding certain similarities, he blurted out in annoyance, "Why do all you foolish-looking brats possess such terrifying skills!?"

  Though Jin Tianwang heard him clearly, he didn't understand the underlying meaning. He simply maintained his stance calmly, in no rush to counterattack.

  The similarities between Gao Qingxin, Shi Wusha, and Jin Tianwang might have been perceived as mere foolishness by Ouyang Laoxian. In reality, that foolishness was not deception; it was a sheath hiding their accumulated sharpness. True supreme masters rarely flaunted their prowess. Despite their monumental achievements, they maintained a calm exterior. Ouyang Laoxian styled himself a supreme master, yet he mistook the modest demeanor of other experts for weakness and incompetence.

  Suddenly, the sky flashed brightly. A flurry of flying daggers shot toward Jin Tianwang from all directions with blinding speed.

  Jin Tianwang flicked his right sleeve once. A burst of internal qi shielded him from the daggers as he retreated. However, a blade still slashed open his left sleeve, exposing his elbow.

  A woman's voice followed closely behind. "I heard you have a fist technique called the 'Heaven-Piercing Fist,' kid. Mind testing it against this old woman's Hot and Cold Flying Daggers?" As the voice faded, Zhou Xingxuan appeared at the fortress gates, the other three Law Enforcers standing behind her.

  Ouyang Laoxian snapped out of his daze and yelled frantically, "You little brat! Why must you always do something so bizarre and try to steal my thunder?! If this kid has a Heaven-Piercing Fist technique, I must be the one to test it first! It's not your turn! I haven't lost yet! I haven't even used my Eight Heavenly Dragon Scales Technique to its fullest! How dare anyone steal this old man's opponent!" He rambled on, stomping his feet like a spoiled child.

  Verdant Dragonfly Zhou Xingxuan was already fifty-six years old. She was no longer a little girl. But standing before the nearly eighty-year-old Ouyang Laoxian, she would forever remain a "little brat" in his eyes.

  "Grandfather, please calm your anger."

  A young man's voice rang out as he stepped forward to block Ouyang Laoxian. The newcomer was a handsome youth in snug silver attire, his demeanor perfectly composed. He respectfully cupped his hands in greeting to Jin Tianwang. This was none other than Ouyang Laobai, the young man who had once valued victory above all else.

  Jin Tianwang hurriedly cupped his hands in return, recalling the past. Once, Ouyang Laobai had been arrogant and impulsive. Now, those traits had vanished, replaced by an unfathomable, profound calmness. Even Jin Tianwang could no longer accurately gauge the depths of his skills.

  "Pardon the intrusion, Brother Ouyang. I wish to seek an audience with the Patriarch of the Defying Heaven Sect," Jin Tianwang reiterated.

  Ouyang Laobai returned the gesture with honorable courtesy. "I'm afraid I cannot allow Brother Jin to see the Patriarch."

  The blunt answer gave Jin Tianwang pause. He hadn't expected that no matter how collected Ouyang Laobai had become, he could still refuse so absolutely.

  Ouyang Laobai continued politely, "It is not that the Patriarch ordered me to drive away an old friend like you, Brother Jin. It is simply that... the Patriarch is not in the fortress at this moment."

  "Not in the fortress?" Jin Tianwang repeated, as if asking himself.

  Ouyang Laoxian interjected loudly, "I told you to get lost from the start, but you wouldn't listen! Since you're here, let's fight until a victor emerges, even if one of us dies!" With that, he rolled up his sleeves, ready to strike again.

  Jin Tianwang paid no heed to the challenge. He simply asked slowly, "In that case... where has Patriarch Shi gone?"

  Ouyang Laobai shook his head slightly. "No one knows. We only found a letter last night. The Patriarch stated he was leaving alone and forbade anyone from following."

  "The fifteenth day of the fifth lunar month is still months away... Why..." Jin Tianwang muttered, trailing off before abruptly turning and leaping away.

  Jin Tianwang suddenly thought of Shi Moyong. What kind of person was he? Could they share the same kind of character? Both would never allow others to suffer in their place when facing danger—they would shoulder the burden alone. It was then that Jin Tianwang realized that, in many ways, he and Shi Moyong were quite alike.