Council in the Fortress
Once the Tang army had entered the mountain stronghold, a war council was convened. Present were:
Liu Xiong, Branch Master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall in the Western Territories
Prince of Han, Li Yu
General Pugu Huai'en
Wu Tong and his two wives
Prince Li Yu spoke first:
"I hadn't expected the Yan army to know of our route. General Pugu — what strategy do you propose?"
General Pugu Huai'en replied gravely:
"Breaking out is not difficult for Tang troops… but the Princess and her retinue…"
Wu Tong cut in:
"We're surrounded here. Even if we force a breakout, the cost in lives would be devastating. That's not a viable solution."
At this, Liu Yun spoke up:
"I may have a plan!"
All turned to her in surprise. Prince Li Yu said with interest:
"If Lady Wu has a plan, we are eager to hear it."
Liu Yun explained:
"Wu Tong and I, along with Lady Ling, are willing to break through the siege and ride to the Uyghurs to request reinforcements."
Prince Li Yu brightened:
"An excellent idea! But the Yan forces surround the stronghold…"
General Pugu Huai'en declared:
"I will lead a diversionary assault. The three of them can escape in the chaos!"
Wu Tong considered that the Uyghur capital wasn't far, and added:
"At most, a five-day round trip. General Pugu, I entrust these five days to you — defend, but do not attack."
Liu Xiong spoke with resolve:
"Worry not, Lord Wu. Zhelai Stronghold is easy to defend and hard to assault. If need be, every man and woman here will take up arms!"
Wu Tong was deeply moved:
"Master Liu, your patriotism puts me to shame."
It was agreed that upon Wu Tong's return, he and General Pugu Huai'en would coordinate an internal-external pincer strike.
Midnight Breakout
Night fell. Under a starless, moonless sky, the Tang troops suddenly flung open the gates.General Pugu Huai'en led a thunderous cavalry charge. Horses pounded the earth.The Tang soldiers stormed forward with earth-shaking momentum, weapons flashing, roars echoing.
The Yan troops, caught off guard while preparing their evening meals, scrambled in panic.In disarray, their formations crumbled — they had no time to mount a defense.Helmets fell, armor scattered, and chaos reigned. The Yan soldiers, terrified and disoriented, broke ranks and fled.
In the ensuing chaos, Wu Tong, Liu Yun, and Ling Xian'er slipped away, galloping into the night across the desert.
Night Ride Across the Sands
They rode through the moonlit desert at the third watch (around midnight).The stars sparkled, the air was bitterly cold despite it being spring.
By dawn, they reached the border town of the Uyghur Khaganate.The next day, they resumed their ride toward the capital.
Ambush on the Road to the Uyghur Capital
As they rode, a voice suddenly called out:
"Wu Tong — it is you!"
Wu Tong's eyes narrowed.Four shadows emerged by the roadside — the notorious Four Heavenly Kings of the Black Dragon Sect:
East King: Yang Chao
South King: Hong Qi (once had an arm severed by Wu Tong himself)
North King: Wei Chang
West King: Xiao Cheng
Wu Tong dismounted, unfazed:
"So… this is who blocks the road. I wondered what great 'deities' dared to ambush me.What business do the Four Kings have?"
These four were elite martial champions hired by the Yan court to stop the diplomatic mission.The North King Wei Chang sneered:
"You think requesting aid will be that easy?"
Wu Tong's gaze turned icy:
"The four of you are no match for me. Step aside."
Liu Yun added coldly:
"Where's your Sect Master? What of the Left and Right Dharma Kings?"
Wei Chang replied:
"They're waiting somewhere ahead. But first, you'll have to get past us."
Suddenly, Wu Tong leaned sideways from horseback and launched into the air —with a whoosh, he struck downward with his palm.Wei Chang met him blow for blow — a thunderous boom followed.Wei Chang stumbled back five full steps, shocked by the force.
Nearby, Ling Xian'er laughed mockingly:
"If you're already losing in palms, what hope do you have with swords?"
The remaining three flinched inwardly — but orders from their Sect Master could not be disobeyed.
South King Hong Qi, still bitter over his lost arm, snarled:
"Wu Tong! Today I'll repay the debt of my severed limb!"
Liu Yun scoffed:
"How shameless! Shall I take the other arm for good measure?"
Hong Qi turned pale, unconsciously retreating several steps.
Duel Against the Four Kings
The Four Heavenly Kings of the Black Dragon Sect were proud and arrogant men.But with no retreat left, East King Yang Chao roared:
"Enough words! Let us draw blades and settle this with blood!"
Liu Yun stepped lightly from her horse. She glanced at the four with disdain:
"Very well. If you're so eager to fight, I'll entertain you.Come then — let me see what the swordplay of the Four Heavenly Kings is worth!"
With no path back, the four kings drew their swords, surrounding Liu Yun.
Yang Chao, the infamous East King, lunged first with a lightning-fast thrust.But Liu Yun was no longer the novice from a year ago.
With a glance, she invoked the "Limitless Sword Style" of the Nine Mystical Scriptures — a supreme technique of 81 forms.In a flash, she unleashed the move "Sword Comes from the West."It struck like thunder and lightning.
Yang Chao's eyes widened. He had never seen such a sword in all his battles.Clang! Clang! Clang! — three rapid strikes.His abdomen nearly pierced — only a last-second dodge saved him.He flipped backward in panic, wounded.
From the side, Ling Xian'er warned:
"Blades show no mercy. Think carefully — lest you die far from home, unknown and unmourned."
West King Xiao Cheng shouted in fury:
"You've gone too far! We'd rather die than submit. Brothers — strike together!"
The four charged as one, swords flashing, surrounding Liu Yun.
She stood calm, eyes icy:
"I won't hold back. Ready your blades!"
The Black Dragon Sect knew the stakes. The Yan court had ordered the Princess must not reach the Uyghurs.Failure was not an option.
And so, with no choice left — the Four Heavenly Kings launched their assault.