With the martial arts he learned from the staff at the Chinese Divine Skill Cliff, along with the boxing techniques they taught him, coupled with the quick-action hotkeys, and finally the "Tai Xuan" scripture he mastered—incorporating all those sword techniques, saber techniques, fist styles, footwork, internal energy methods, and chants—Shi Potian actually managed to fight Zhang Wuji to a standstill.
Of course, this draw wasn't because his abilities had reached their limit, nor was it because his potential was capped right there. It was simply because he had no desire to take anyone's life. The school of martial arts he learned did not support the idea of indiscriminately slaughtering the innocent. Besides, he found the other man rather agreeable and didn't really want to kill him. Therefore, Shi Potian chose not to strike again; instead, he respectfully executed a fist-and-palm salute and said, "You must be Zhang Wuji? Greetings, Brother Zhang. There is really no need for the two of us to fight to the death, seeing as we harbor no deep hatred or grudges between us. What do you say we call a truce and make peace?"
Zhang Wuji was moved by this, because Zhang Wuji himself represented Buddhist ideals. Throughout Jin Yong's trilogy—especially *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*, *The Return of the Condor Heroes*, and the later *Heavenly Sword and Dragon Saber*—different characters embodied distinct philosophies. If Guo Jing represented supreme benevolence, wisdom, trustworthines…
Chapter 191