Over ten years ago, the world-renowned master Qian Kunzi happened upon Li Wenzhong, the leader of the Crouching Dragon Sect. The two spent days together, discussing the world, the ways of the martial realm, and the Dao of life. Their conversations were so harmonious that they became sworn friends. Learning that Sect Leader Li, out of caution for the Crouching Dragon Blade Technique—a style so vicious it could not be taught indiscriminately—was searching for a worthy heir, Qian Kunzi spoke of a youth who would one day pass this way: a young man of virtue and talent, righteous in heart and noble in bearing. Thus, the two elders forged the destiny that would bring Wu Tong here today.
When the Black Dragon Sect's Western King Xiao Cheng suddenly saw Wu Tong and his companion, his heart jolted. How could this boy be here? This is far too uncanny. He said coldly, "Wu Tong! You again!"
Wu Tong turned to him and replied, "Western King, it's been weeks since we last met. I trust you've been well. I truly can't fathom why every vile deed in the martial world seems to have the Black Dragon Sect's hand in it!"
Xiao Cheng, still nursing the humiliation from the Tengwang Pavilion incident where Wu Tong had struck him several times, felt his resentment deepen. He had long sought revenge but knew his skills were still insufficient. Forced to swallow his pride, he planned to settle the score later. Unexpectedly, fate brought them together again today—and Wu Tong's mocking words only made the wound sting deeper. He retorted, "Don't think that just because you're called the number-one young hero of the realm, you can spout whatever you like about my Black Dragon Sect!"
Zhao Rou snorted. "If you're really that capable, why don't you step forward and show us a few of your so-called supreme moves instead of hiding in the crowd?"
She had struck the mark. Though Xiao Cheng was said to be the most skilled among the Heavenly Kings, he knew full well from their last encounter that he was no match for Wu Tong. He hesitated, unsure how to respond—until the Boundless Eccentric stepped in. "Western King, this boy defeated two of our men before and now thinks his skills are unmatched! Let me teach him a lesson and cut that arrogance down to size!"
The Boundless Eccentric had come precisely to seize such an opportunity to gain favor. A seasoned schemer, he prided himself on his vast experience in the martial world. To him, Wu Tong was merely an overconfident junior. Xiao Cheng, having been publicly challenged and unwilling to lose face, was relieved to have the Boundless Eccentric step forward. "Be careful, senior," he said.
In the martial world, most gain respect through force rather than virtue. That's why fighters often announce their names before striking—to let their reputation weigh upon their opponents, sometimes enough to make them back down.
Facing the provocation, Wu Tong remained calm, but Zhao Rou's voice carried a trace of anger. "Brother Tong, sometimes only a villain can deal with a villain—let me teach him a lesson!"
Wu Tong, noticing the man's bald head, said, "But this bald fellow came looking for me, so I'd better oblige him!" He stepped forward, and the Black Dragon Sect members instinctively backed away. Wu Tong couldn't help but smile at this and said, "Didn't the bald one want to test my skills?"
The Boundless Eccentric's famed skill was the Boundless Divine Power, a form of immense inner strength often pitted directly against an opponent's force. He hated anyone mentioning his baldness, so Wu Tong's words stoked his anger. Stepping forward with eyes blazing, he declared, "Junior, daring to be insolent before your elders! I am the renowned Boundless Eccentric of the martial world!"
Wu Tong, knowing the man's reputation, replied playfully, "As the saying goes—'A petty man is no gentleman, and without venom, one cannot be a true man.' Your name certainly stands out."
The Boundless Eccentric scoffed. "Every man lives for himself—that is Heaven's law. Those who don't will be destroyed by Heaven and Earth!" Before his words had faded, he struck with a mighty palm, the force surging like a tidal wave.
Wu Tong dared not be careless. He met the attack with the first move of the Northern Darkness Palm, "North and South of the Great River"—a mysterious defensive form, steady and unyielding. His palms drew a subtle arc, guiding the strike away so the Boundless Eccentric's blow met nothing but air. Wu Tong then countered with "Turning Rivers and Overturning Seas," unleashing a chain of fierce palm strikes. As the Boundless Eccentric leapt back, Wu Tong sprang sideways, delivering a pair of rapid kicks.
Within just two moves, the Boundless Eccentric found himself forced onto the defensive.
Suddenly he shouted, "Boy! What is your relation to Han Zhen, the leader of the Loyal Justice Hall?"
He had recognized Wu Tong's techniques as nearly identical to Han Zhen's. Wu Tong was momentarily surprised, then replied, "This skill was taught to me by an eccentric master of the martial world—it did not come from Han Zhen."
The Boundless Eccentric was shaken, jealousy flashing in his eyes. "Why is your fortune so great, that so many great masters have passed their arts to you?"
Wu Tong answered solemnly, "Eradicating evil, aiding the weak, and keeping a kind heart—good fortune will naturally come."
Guo Yuan, the Loyal and Courageous Blade, watched their exchange in admiration. Hearing Wu Tong's words, he thought, No wonder my master waited over ten years for this youth.
Zhao Rou called out, "Boundless Eccentric, if you're scared, step down!"
Her taunt stung. Though he knew Wu Tong was formidable, the Boundless Eccentric's pride could not allow him to be belittled. He sneered, "Boy, do you think beating a few nobodies makes you invincible? I've roamed the martial world for decades and defeated countless foes. In skill and experience, you're far beneath me!"
Wu Tong said firmly, "Then please, senior—grant me your instruction." His stance shifted, his aura retracting inward like a blade sheathed, poised to strike.
The Boundless Eccentric frowned—this youth's composure was exceptional. Watching from the side, Xiao Cheng's eyes gleamed with malice. He whispered to a subordinate, "This one will be a threat in the future. No matter what, we must kill him today." The man nodded and slipped into the crowd, making unseen preparations.
Zhao Rou, seeing the Boundless Eccentric hesitate, mocked, "What's wrong? Weren't you boasting just now? Why don't you attack?" Her eyes glittered with challenge.
The Boundless Eccentric's face hardened. With a cold snort, he stepped forward, body shooting ahead like an arrow. His twin palms created a blur of afterimages, the wind from them carrying a faint, eerie chill—it was the dreaded Soul-Shattering Yin Wind Palm!
Wu Tong's eyes narrowed. With a light step, he evaded like a drifting shadow, then closed in with "Dragon's Claw Reaches Out," fast as lightning. The clash of their palm forces stirred clouds of dust, and the crowd held its breath.
"Boy, take this!" roared the Boundless Eccentric. He leapt, unleashing a storm of palms at close range, hoping to engage Wu Tong in a direct contest of inner strength where his Boundless Divine Power could dominate. Wu Tong's fists and palms moved in seamless coordination with the Six Illusory Palms, each exchange faster than the last.
Then came "Deceiving Heaven to Cross the Sea"—Wu Tong's chest appeared wide open. The Boundless Eccentric's eyes lit up. Got you now, boy! He drove his palm straight into the opening without hesitation.
But Wu Tong had been waiting. Drawing strength from his dantian, he suddenly shifted sideways, diverting the incoming strike with his left palm, and unleashed "Mountain Collapsing, Sea Crashing" with his right—a palm brimming with overwhelming power.
The two struck palm-to-palm.
"Boom!" The impact roared like a great bell, echoing into the sky. The Boundless Eccentric was hurled backward, crashing to the ground. Blood spurted from his mouth before he collapsed, unconscious.