The Western Holy Mother had unintentionally killed Master Liaoyin, yet this single incident unexpectedly set off a series of storms throughout the martial world.
Originally, the matter had been quietly settled by Shaolin Temple itself. Outsiders had little right to interfere, for Master Liaoyin had first provoked the conflict by insulting the Western Holy Cult with his words. Feeling somewhat at fault, Shaolin had no desire for revenge. However, the ambitious Master Wutian seized upon the incident as an opportunity. Using the death of Liaoyin as a rallying cause, he sought to gather Buddhist followers under his banner. After all, struggles for supremacy had always been the driving force of the jianghu. Master Wutian excelled at manipulating hearts and minds, making others serve his ambitions and thereby expanding the influence of the Wutian Zen Sect. By raising the banner of justice today, he occupied the moral high ground. Not only would he be regarded by Buddhists everywhere as a champion of righteousness, but he could also win the support of the masses.
The Western Holy Mother had unknowingly committed one of the greatest taboos of the martial world by killing Master Liaoyin, giving her enemies a weapon against her. Though she had many grievances, she knew well that Master Wutian had come with hostile intentions. Having fought him before, she also realized that her internal energy was nearly exhausted, while Wutian's cultivation clearly surpassed her own.
Thus she said, "Master, your martial skills are extraordinary, and I deeply admire them. Master Liaoyin has already passed beyond life and death. Freed from the cycle of reincarnation, he has attained an immortal golden body. He is now worshipped by countless believers. Why must you continue to press this matter?"
After his death, Master Liaoyin's body had remained incorruptible. Having perfected the Vajra Indestructible Body, he became a true Flesh Buddha. Shaolin Temple covered his remains with gold leaf and enshrined him within a golden statue. Pilgrims traveled thousands of miles to pay homage, kneeling before him in reverence.
Master Wutian replied sternly, "Master Liaoyin was an upright and virtuous monk. What crime had he committed? The Western Holy Cult uses Buddhist teachings as a façade to deceive the world. This is no false accusation. Yet you killed a holy monk. What defense can you possibly offer?"
Hearing this, the Western Holy Mother grew furious. Her face turned ashen as she shouted, "You demon monk! Your sect is hardly any different from mine. If the Western Holy Cult deceives the people, does your sect not do the same?"
Master Wutian's gaze turned cold.
"Nonsense! My Wutian Zen Sect is a legitimate branch of Buddhist Chan. It is an honorable and righteous sect. How dare you slander us so recklessly!"
Convinced of his own righteousness, Master Wutian strode forward with an imposing presence. In his mind, the Holy Mother had killed a revered monk before the eyes of the world. The evidence was plain for all to see, leaving her with no room for argument.
Though outwardly defiant, the Western Holy Mother was inwardly shaken. Softening her tone, she said,
"All under Heaven are one family. All people are brothers and sisters. Our two sects spring from the same source and share the same Buddhist lineage. Why must you force matters so relentlessly?"
Master Wutian replied calmly,
"I am not forcing anything. If you will humbly admit your mistake and apologize before all the heroes of the martial world and the disciples of Buddhism, this matter shall end here."
As the leader of an entire sect, the Western Holy Mother possessed immense pride. Hearing these words, her anger flared once more.
"You and I bear no personal grudge. Why do you insist on pressing me so?"
Master Wutian answered,
"Apologize to the disciples of Buddhism throughout the world, and this matter will be settled."
The Holy Mother had tried to reason with him, but Master Wutian showed no mercy, openly undermining her authority before the assembled heroes. Such humiliation was intolerable.
With a cold snort, she declared,
"Demon monk! Our skills are evenly matched. Do you truly believe you can defeat me?"
Master Wutian's eyes widened in anger.
"Arrogant woman! Remember that righteousness has always prevailed over evil. The wicked can never triumph over the just. Refuse to apologize, and there is nothing more to discuss. Let us settle this by combat!"
Negotiations had completely broken down. Insults flew between them—each calling the other a demon. At this point, there remained only one path forward: battle.
The Western Holy Mother burned with resentment. Her supreme art, the Nine Heavens Celestial Force, was one of the greatest martial techniques under Heaven. She refused to believe she could not defeat this monk.
With no alternative remaining, she resolved to fight to the death.
Drawing upon the true qi within her dantian, she unleashed her full power. Her hands moved in a blur, generating roaring gusts of wind. Countless afterimages appeared around her arms, as though she possessed a thousand hands. The spectacle was breathtaking, awe-inspiring, and terrifying all at once.
This was her ultimate technique:
"Thousand-Hand Guanyin!"
"Foolish demon monk—take this!"
Like a swift swallow, she shot forward through the air.
Master Wutian felt a jolt of alarm.
"This woman has reached the pinnacle of martial cultivation. Her skills are truly formidable!"
Before he could finish the thought, she was already upon him. Her palms struck with lightning speed, aimed directly at his vital points. Her attacks came in a relentless flurry, forcing Wutian backward more than ten steps in rapid succession.
Though retreating, he remained calm and guarded, leaving no opening for his opponent.
Suddenly he planted his stance firmly.
His left palm deflected her strike while his right shot toward her abdomen.
The Holy Mother blocked and counterattacked instantly.
Seeing the danger, Wutian drew in a deep breath. With a thunderous roar from his dantian, he thrust out a palm of overwhelming force.
The Holy Mother's heart trembled. Realizing her depleted internal energy could not withstand such power, she dared not meet the blow head-on and instead leaped backward to evade it.
The spectators around the arena watched without blinking.
Then Master Wutian threw back his head and released a mighty roar.
The sound echoed like the cry of dragons and tigers, shaking the heavens themselves. Everyone present felt their ears ringing and their hearts quivering.
With another thunderous shout, Wutian launched a fierce assault. His left palm slashed toward the Holy Mother's shoulder while his right struck at her abdomen.
One attacked relentlessly; the other retreated desperately.
The Western Holy Mother had been driven into a corner. Her movements were slowing, and her steps had become unsteady.
"Apologize!" Wutian thundered.
The Holy Mother shouted back,
"Demon monk! If you have the ability, then kill me! I would rather die than submit!"
Though her words remained defiant, her confidence was rapidly fading.
With a loud impact, Wutian's palm struck her shoulder.
Though not a fatal wound, the pain was excruciating. She grimaced and clenched her teeth.
Wutian shouted once more,
"I have no wish to take your life. Admit your guilt and apologize!"
Her defeat was becoming increasingly apparent, yet she still refused to yield.
"Victory and defeat should be decided by martial skill alone," she retorted coldly. "Why waste so many words?"