Master Ma raised his voice:
"Today, the province of Hebei is honored by so many heroes gathered together! With Master Han Zhen of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness present, surely he comes on the Emperor's command—such duties cannot be taken lightly, and we would gladly make allowance. But—"
He paused, sweeping his gaze across the field.
"My brothers must descend the mountains to live. Without spoils, how are they to eat? If we simply let you pass, how shall we sustain ourselves?"
Hall Master Han Zhen smiled faintly, clasped his hands."Your renown precedes you, Master Ma. I have long heard of your name. It is true, I am entrusted with the Emperor's business. I beg you, for the sake of duty and righteousness, grant us safe passage."
Ma nodded slightly, his tone softening."Well said! Since we are all men of the jianghu, let us follow its rules. We will settle this with skill—crossing hands in friendly contest. If you defeat me, I will release you without fail."
Han Zhen's voice rang out:"Once spoken, even four horses cannot chase the word! I shall meet you openly."
The duel was set—martial men always let combat prove worth, a way to resolve strife with honor.
Ma strode calmly into the circle; Han Zhen followed with steady steps. They bowed deeply to one another.
"Master Ma, pray bestow your instruction.""I have long admired your name, Master Han. Please enlighten me as well."
The crowd grew hushed, anticipation thick in the air. Dust swirled in the cold northern wind.
Suddenly Ma struck, both palms sweeping arcs, body leaning forward, fists and palms surging with fierce force. Han Zhen did not delay—inner strength surging, he countered with his right palm. Their powers clashed, shockwaves whipping the dust into whirling gusts!
Ma's palms were precise and strange, angles unpredictable, changes swift, strength unyielding. Han Zhen thought, So, this famed hero is indeed no pretender! He steadied his shoulders and answered with careful counters, each strike measured, each parry precise.
Ma pressed hard, step by step, his palm winds relentless. Then Han Zhen shifted like a dragon in water, sliding to the side. He found a fleeting opening—striking suddenly with 'Breaks Forth from the Void'. The strike shot like lightning!
Ma felt the force rushing upon him. His stance was not yet set; startled, he barely twisted aside, escaping by a hair. Gathering strength, he lashed back with both palms at once, fists and palms blended.
"Bang!" The two men's right palms slammed together, a wave of force erupting, throwing them both back several steps.
Ma steadied himself, then laughed boldly:"Indeed, I have heard that your Northern Sea Palm reigns supreme. Now I see it with my own eyes—it is no false claim! An honor indeed!"
Han Zhen replied:"Master Ma's Iron Sand Palms are famed across the land. To face them today is my privilege."
Both men had tasted each other's strength—deep reservoirs of inner power, not to be underestimated. A kinship was born even amidst combat.
Palm met palm, force against force. Their styles clashed, shifting like storms, each change revealing mastery. The crowd marveled—true masters of the inner schools!
Han Zhen then moved—palm whistling like thunder, his body darting with lightning speed. His strike carried the weight of mountains. Ma braced, his palms hard as tempered steel. He countered with 'Polish and Refine'—simple in shape, yet boundlessly fierce, driving his Iron Sand Palm to its peak.
Han Zhen roared and shifted—'Move Mountains, Fill Seas'! His twin palms pressed forward like walls of iron. Crackling blasts resounded as they struck again and again, over a hundred exchanges flashing past. Wu Tong watched from the side, eyes alight with admiration.
Suddenly Ma feinted aside, then unleashed 'Arrow Without Aim', a chaotic and formless strike. Han Zhen answered instantly with 'Stride Over Mountains, Press Down the Seas', leaping high, raining palm after palm like crashing waves. Ma reeled, forced to meet each strike head-on.
At last, Ma spun midair, body plunging down with a fierce overhead palm. Han Zhen's eyes blazed; with a shout, he unleashed 'Mountain Collapses, Seas Roar'! His body twisted, waist channeling power, both palms surging upward.
"Boom!" The crash shook the earth. Han Zhen stood unmoved like a mountain. Ma was hurled several yards back, falling heavily, blood spurting from his lips.
Han Zhen bowed at once."Master Ma, your skill is formidable. My victory is by fortune alone. Forgive the offense."
Lady Gongsun rushed to his side. Yet in the arena, all knew: fists and palms know no mercy, injuries are fate. None could complain.
Ma forced himself upright, breath ragged, but clasped his fists in return."In contest, injury is but natural. The fault lies in my own lacking skill. Defeated by Master Han, I submit willingly, without complaint."
Han Zhen laughed heartily."Master Ma, your frankness is admirable. Come—set a table of wine! I would drink with you to seal today's match."
Ma too laughed, turning to his men."Third Brother, take the men back to the fortress. Today ends here!"
The Black Eagle bandits, though reluctant, obeyed.
Just then, Lady Yang Mi stepped forward."Wait! Master Ma, Lady Gongsun, and all your brothers have traveled far. Surely you should not return empty-handed. Please, accept these two whole roasted sheep as a gift of goodwill—let us part on kind terms."
The bandits exchanged surprised glances. Lady Gongsun waved her hands quickly."Madam Han, how could we dare accept such generosity?"
Yang Mi smiled broadly."In the jianghu, we distinguish kindness and enmity. Today your great master has shown honor and restraint, avoiding needless bloodshed. Take these sheep as a token of friendship. May it be the start of better ties."
Ma laughed aloud."Madam Han, you are indeed magnanimous! Very well—we shall not refuse. Brothers, take the sheep back!"
The bandits bowed in thanks and departed, carrying the feast back to their mountain.
The night grew still. A breeze whispered across the camp. With victory decided, grievances ended, and peace restored, all hearts felt lightened. Truly—swords were sheathed, grudges dissolved, strife turned to harmony.