Chapter 659: Martial Path Collision

The sudden clash between Ji Wu and Li Yi was something no one in the council hall had anticipated, yet none intervened, for this was merely a contest of martial intent between two warriors.

As long as no one was injured, they were quite pleased to see such a minor conflict arise.

Beyond adding a touch of amusement, it allowed them to witness the collision of different worlds, different people, and different cultivation methods; as evolvers and cultivators, they were all eager to observe the underlying principles.

But as the martial intent contest ended, the victor seemed to be Li Yi, for Li Yi took one step forward, while Ji Wu from the martial world stepped back one step.

A single step's difference appeared to clearly decide the outcome.

Ji Wu stared at his own half-step backward, frozen for a moment, then suddenly lifted his head to glare at Li Yi: "I didn't lose in martial intent—why did this happen?"

He wasn't the only one with this question.

Others had it too.

Indeed, when their martial intents erupted and collided, they had stirred a storm of spiritual force—logically, they should have been evenly matched, so why did Ji Wu end up stepping back and losing the exchange?

Li Yi merely said calmly: "My martial path originates from a world called Four Seas and Eight Zones, where spiritual energy is scarce and life is hard; only martial arts can let a man rise from ruin. Warriors from such a world, when clashing, have one trait: once fists meet, you must crush your opponent—only advance, never retreat, for retreat means death."

"A world where a warrior must never retreat after throwing a punch?" Ji Wu's soul was shaken; his expression shifted wildly, for from these few words alone, he could feel how brutal warrior duels truly were.

One punch delivered decides both rank and life.

There is no retreat, no chance to rise again—your life is but one.

"How could such a world exist? Are you telling the truth?" Ji Wu, now doubtful, asked again.

Li Yi said: "Warriors have limited blood qi; they must decide victory or defeat in the shortest time. If they falter, they die instantly. So the moment they strike, both sides compete to crush the other with their fists, using martial intent to compensate for insufficient blood qi."

"Insufficient blood qi, limited punches—kill with martial intent?" Ji Wu's face twisted.

His own martial world was nothing like this: its resources were abundant, its martial virtue rich; to lose was merely an opportunity to refine oneself, plug gaps, and advance further.

Thus, many did not seek victory—they sought defeat.

Only through failure could one truly improve.

If you became invincible, your martial path had reached its end—nothing more to advance, your life lost meaning.

Ji Wu had come to Earth precisely because few worthy opponents remained in his world, seeking enemies from other realms—only to meet Li Yi and learn of a martial world where fists never retreated.

The nature of warriors in this world had overturned everything Ji Wu had once believed in his martial path.

Ji Wu could easily imagine the ferocity of warriors forged in that world: every punch was a fight for survival; those who lived were surely invincible veterans of a hundred battles. Even if martial arts limited their power, they would surely cultivate an invincible martial intent—an unyielding, forward-charging warrior spirit.

This was precisely what he lacked.

"Li Yi, if stepping back after a clash means a death sentence, that's ridiculous," Jiang Bin frowned, unable to hold back his skepticism.

Li Yi sneered: "You could try to strike back after your punch—if you can't, you'll be forced to spit your heart's blood and fight again."

"Heart's blood? What's that?" Ji Wu demanded sharply.

"Once a warrior reaches a certain realm, a core essence of blood hides in his chest. When his blood qi declines, he can no longer match fists—or when aged and weak, facing a powerful foe—he draws forth his heart's blood to briefly return to his peak and fight for his life. But once the heart's blood is spent, the warrior will almost certainly die. It's a desperate, life-forcing technique," Li Yi explained calmly. "Good. Warriors should be this way—how can they let age and weakness drain their realm, only to be overthrown by juniors?" Ji Wu exclaimed, deeply admiring the warriors of Four Seas and Eight Zones.

A martial world capable of producing such a technique could not be ordinary.

In his own martial world, countless elders had been defeated by successors after their strength waned, their dignity shattered.

Had they cultivated even a single drop of heart's blood, they would never have suffered such humiliation.

"Li Yi, I want to see that warrior world of yours. Take me across dimensions—whatever the cost, I'll pay it if I can." Ji Wu spoke with solemn sincerity.

He felt his deficiency in martial arts wasn't strength, but this purity of the warrior spirit—he wanted to journey to Four Seas and Eight Zones to make up for this shortcoming.

Li Yi immediately refused: "I won't tell you the location of that warrior world. Give up the idea. I exchanged martial intent with you only because we're both warriors—not so you could steal my dimensional coordinates."

Ji Wu's face flushed crimson.

He knew Li Yi's words were a reminder—he had gained much from this exchange but had nothing to offer in return. Logically, he shouldn't ask for more.

Yet he couldn't help himself.

!

He desperately wanted to see that warrior world, to understand the spirit and vigor of its warriors, to undergo a true transformation of his soul.

"If you want to exchange and spar, do it privately later. This is the council hall, where important matters are discussed. If your little spectacle is over, don't waste everyone's time," Jiang Bin said slowly, interrupting them.

Li Yi frowned, about to speak.

But Wu Dao, nearby, narrowed his eyes: "Exchange and sparring among cultivators is beneficial. I've gained insight from this clash of two martial worlds. Why stop it? And you lack the strength to lecture here. If you're bored, go hunt a few Heavenly Demons."

Jiang Bin would never tolerate being scolded—but when he saw it was Wu Yong speaking, he could only lower his head in silence.

He glanced again at Li Yi.

Why did Wu Yong favor this Li Yi?

Wu Yong was a true master, comparable to a Great Demon—his presence on the frontline was vital. Without a warrior of his caliber holding the line, the Demon God Realm's defense would be a joke.

In truth, Jiang Bin didn't know that Wu Yong, Li Yue, and the Bald Daoist were all Three Flowers cultivators Li Yi had brought from the End-Dharma Dao world.

Though they seemed occupied with their own affairs, they all answered to Li Yi's command.

Li Yi sparring in martial arts was a cultivation matter—they were glad to see it.

As for time or place? Nonsense.

Li Yi's growth was what truly mattered.

(End of Chapter)