Eunuch Li Fuguo himself rose to greet Wu Tong as the latter entered the palace hall."Lord Wu, please, take a seat," said Li Fuguo courteously.
Wu Tong bowed deeply. "My thanks, Your Excellency."
Once he was seated, Li Fuguo's tone grew solemn. "What are your thoughts on the recent duel at Huangshan Palace?"
Wu Tong replied, "In that battle, the Lord of the True God Palace, Tuoba Xingge, defeated the Lord of the Nine Heavens Palace, Long Zhentian. He now basks in triumph—no doubt he seeks to dominate the martial world."
Li Fuguo nodded slightly, speaking with meaning. "Your insight matches that of His Majesty. The court watches this matter closely. His Majesty decrees that you, Lord Wu, are to observe quietly for now. If it is merely a struggle for supremacy among martial sects, let it be. But should there be signs of collusion with rebel forces, such treachery must not be tolerated."
Wu Tong clasped his fists. "Your Excellency's words are just. I shall act with utmost caution."
Li Fuguo then changed tone. "His Majesty is preparing for the campaign to retake Chang'an. Two missions are entrusted to you."
Wu Tong said respectfully, "It is my duty to obey, and I shall not fail!"
Li Fuguo continued, "The Emperor has learned that the righteous army is sending a shipment of military supplies from Jiangnan to reinforce the defenders of Suiyang. His Majesty commands that you assist in this task. The success of this mission may determine the fate of the Tang counteroffensive—it must not fail."
Wu Tong bowed. "I have already established contact with the righteous army. I will personally escort the supplies to Suiyang and ensure their safe delivery."
Li Fuguo nodded, then added mysteriously, "That is the first mission. As for the second, His Majesty will inform you personally once this one is complete."
Wu Tong was taken aback. The Emperor himself would summon him? His heart trembled slightly. "Your Excellency," he asked, "forgive my boldness, but might you reveal what this second mission concerns?"
Li Fuguo gave a faint smile. "There is no need for worry. To tell the truth, even I am unaware of the details. His Majesty places great trust in the Loyalty Hall and in your talents, Lord Wu. For now, focus on the task before you—aid the righteous army and deliver those supplies to Suiyang."
Wu Tong saluted. "By your command."
Li Fuguo waved his hand. "Then return to your quarters and rest. At dawn, depart for Xuzhou to meet the righteous army."
Thus, Wu Tong and his three companions rested several days, preparing their horses and gear. When the first light of dawn broke, they rode forth, hooves thundering, dust rising like mist.
After two days of hard travel, they heard a commotion ahead on the official road. Looking closer, they saw two armed groups facing each other tensely, weapons drawn, the air thick with hostility.
"Release the woman you've taken and leave now—we'll let you go unharmed!"A commanding voice rang out—calm yet iron-hard.
A mocking laugh answered. "What a joke! His Majesty of Great Yan granted me, Prince Danba, ten noblewomen from Chang'an and Luoyang. Who dares to stand in my way?"
Wu Tong narrowed his eyes. The man confronting Prince Danba was none other than Chen Hao, chief escort of the Capital Escort Bureau. Dressed in travel armor, Chen stood like a pine tree in winter, his gaze sharp and steady.
He called out, "And tell me, Prince, why would the Emperor of Great Yan bestow the daughters of noble families upon you? By what decree and through what means?"
Prince Danba threw back his head and laughed. "I traveled from the Western Regions to present ten beauties to His Majesty of Great Yan. The Emperor was delighted and, before his court, issued an imperial edict allowing me to select ten ladies from Chang'an and Luoyang as a reward. A sovereign's favor—what crime is there in that?"
Chen Hao's eyes gleamed coldly. "You may be guiltless, but those women are the daughters of high officials. Their families have paid dearly to hire us to bring them home."
At his signal, the escorts drew their blades. Steel flashed beneath the sun—gleaming arcs of light filled the road.
Prince Danba's expression darkened. "And who are you to defy an imperial decree?"
Chen Hao laughed heartily. "I am Chen Hao, chief escort of the Capital Escort Bureau! But you, Prince, are already a hundred li beyond Chang'an's border. Tell me—does the Great Yan Emperor's edict still protect you here?"
For the first time, Prince Danba hesitated. He realized he had long since left the empire's borders—no royal seal could shield him now. Still, he kept up his pride. "What is it you want?" he demanded.
"Release the captives," Chen Hao said firmly, "and we'll forget this ever happened."
Prince Danba's eyes flashed. "Such arrogance! Darius, teach these fools a lesson!"
A towering warrior leapt from horseback with a thunderous roar. He landed like a boulder, his presence radiating raw power. Muscles like forged iron rippled beneath his armor—this was Darius of the Onion Range, Prince Danba's strongest champion.
He sneered, "Darius is here! Who dares face me?"
Just then, a sharp whistle split the air—a flash of cold light shot down the road. A graceful figure descended like a falling petal.
She landed lightly before Chen Hao, her lilac robes fluttering. Though youthful and beautiful, her posture exuded confidence and martial grace. Her phoenix eyes shone with resolve.
She bowed slightly. "Chief Chen, be at ease. I, Ling Xian'er, shall deal with this brute."
Prince Danba's eyes widened—desire overtaking reason. "What a beauty! My princess from heaven itself! Come with me to the Western Regions, and I shall make you my queen."
Ling Xian'er's voice turned icy. "Hmph! A lecherous fool like you? I'd sooner die!"
Prince Danba only laughed, eyes glinting wickedly. "Darius, don't hurt her too badly—I'll be taking this one home myself."
The giant laughed coarsely. "Don't worry, my prince. I'll handle her gently."
As he spoke, Ling Xian'er flicked her wrist—a streak of silver light burst from her sleeve, slicing through the air like a meteor.
Darius roared, tearing off his outer cloak to reveal corded muscle and scarred flesh. With a thunderous shout, he clapped his palms together, meeting the oncoming silver strike head-on.
Steel clashed with flesh, and the battle erupted—the clash of justice and greed, of honor and desire—on the open road of the martial world.