It is often said that heroes rise from among the young. In those days, the Tang and Yan factions each produced a prodigious youth, and the martial world spread a famous saying: "In the North, Jia Yong; in the South, Wu Tong." The two were considered rival luminaries of their age, known throughout the realm.
Yet fate dealt them different opportunities.
Wu Tong roamed the rivers and lakes, fierce against evil yet principled in his conduct. He did what should be done and refrained where honor demanded restraint. Righteousness guided his heart, and loyalty filled his breast. He aided the volunteer armies on many occasions and won renown through his chivalrous deeds. In those early years, when he assisted Han Zhen and his wife, he earned the deep appreciation of Han Zhen, the eleventh master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall. Upon Han Zhen's recommendation, Wu Tong became the twelfth master of the Hall, and when the nation fell into crisis, he entered court service.
Jia Yong, on the other hand, was drawn into the ranks of the Black Dragon Sect upon his first venture into the martial world. Murong, the Sect Master, valued his talent—and Jia Yong indeed fulfilled expectations. At the Suppression Assembly he displayed astonishing skill, defeating Master Yuantong and Master Yuanguang of Shaolin, shaking the entire martial realm. His fame soared, rivaling that of Wu Tong.
Murong cherished such rare talent, yet Jia Yong—flushed with victory and pride at such a young age—grew arrogant. In the capital, he was incessantly invited by treacherous nobles who feasted and drank day and night. Although the two chief dharma protectors of the Black Dragon Sect repeatedly admonished him, Jia Yong's pride was unrestrainable. Thus, at the Xuzhou Suppression Assembly, he was knocked from his pedestal by Wu Tong.
Later, at the Mount Song Assembly, Wu Tong was startled to see how bloated Jia Yong had become—clearly he had neglected his martial training for too long. This allowed the newly risen talent Wang Yun to seize opportunity, and with two palms struck Jia Yong to the ground. Blood spurted from his mouth; he could not rise for a long while.
The watching crowd praised Wang Yun's skill, unaware that Jia Yong had long ceased striving, sinking into wine, women, and wealth. Even Shi Yong, the "Tiger Among Men," could no longer bear to watch.
Though Jia Yong possessed excellent martial foundations, he lived off the Black Dragon Sect as a mere retainer, yet failed to conduct himself with dignity. He was repeatedly slighted within the sect. Even though Sect Master Murong advised him many times—facing the once-unrivaled youth who had defeated two great Shaolin masters—nothing changed. Murong finally sighed and dismissed him with gold, setting him free.
Murong Gui then bowed desolately to Wu Tong and his companions."My thanks for your noble conduct. I shall take my leave. I beg Madame Wu to release the Left Dharma King Meng Ming's pressure points."
Ling Xian'er stepped forward with airy grace, dispelled the acupoint seal, and gave a respectful bow."I beg your forgiveness for earlier offenses."
Moments later the three of them mounted their horses, snapped their reins, and galloped away, disappearing beyond the horizon.
Arrival at the Uyghur Capital
Wu Tong and his two companions remounted and rode into the Uyghur capital. Upon hearing that envoys of the Tang court had arrived, the Khagan of the Uyghurs summoned them at once.
Wu Tong entered the palace and immediately knelt."Your servant Wu Tong, Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, comes by order of His Highness the Prince of Han, Li Yu. The Princess of Ningguo has been surrounded by Yan forces on the road, and we have come to seek military aid. This is His Majesty's decree."
The Khagan—also called the Brave Prince—was a man of advanced years. After reading the edict, he said:
"Where is Yabghu?"The Crown Prince stepped forward. "Yabghu is present."
The Khagan replied:"I order you and General 'Ide' to lead ten thousand troops to accompany Master Wu in rescuing the Tang Princess."
Thus, Crown Prince Yabghu and General Ide gathered their forces. At dawn the next morning, Wu Tong and his companions led the Uyghur army in grand formation toward the mountain stronghold.
The Great Rescue
After a day's march, by the hour of the serpent they arrived within two li of the Zhelai Fort. Wu Tong instructed General Ide to fire the signal bamboo rocket.
Soon, a bamboo tube shot into the air—bang!—and burst like fireworks. This was the agreed signal between Wu Tong and General Pugu Huaien: the Tang soldiers would charge out once the rocket was seen.
Wu Tong, the Crown Prince, and General Ide led the Uyghur troops in a thunderous charge. Pugu Huaien threw open the gates and surged out with five hundred Tang soldiers. The clash shook heaven and earth—hooves thundered like storm clouds.
The Yan troops were caught in utter shock: wolves before them, tigers behind. Five hundred Tang soldiers in front, ten thousand Uyghur cavalry to the rear.
The Uyghurs were unparalleled horse archers; before the armies had even met blade to blade, volleys of arrows flew with a whistling shriek, cutting through the sky. Many Yan soldiers fell before they even understood what struck them. Their formation dissolved; they fled the stronghold in panic.
With Tang and Uyghur forces advancing from both front and rear, the Yan army collapsed entirely. By midday, the battlefield was a rout—enemy heads fell like rain, countless banners and horses were seized.
General Linghu Chao of the Yan attempted to flee with the remnants of his men. Pugu Huaien pursued relentlessly, riding him down. With a single thrust, he pierced Linghu Chao through the heart, casting him from his horse. Leaderless, the Yan soldiers could no longer resist. The battle ended in a decisive victory; the enemy was completely annihilated.
After the Victory
Wu Tong rode toward the stronghold and said:"General, you have shown unmatched bravery; truly a hero born for the age!"
Pugu Huaien laughed with delight."The credit is entirely yours for securing reinforcements!"
Wu Tong introduced:"This is Prince Yabghu."Pugu Huaien bowed. "Your Highness."
Wu Tong then said:"And this is General Ide."Pugu Huaien replied: "An honor, an honor."
Wu Tong continued:"Come, let us enter the fort and receive the Princess."
Inside the stronghold, Prince of Han Li Yu emerged to greet them. Wu Tong made the introductions. Li Yu said:
"I am honored to meet Your Highness the Prince. His Majesty commanded me to escort the Princess for marriage to the Khagan, but unforeseen events delayed us."
Yabghu replied:"Your Highness has protected the Princess tirelessly; my father is greatly pleased. He sent us expressly to receive the Princess of Ningguo."
After proper formalities, Li Yu ordered his attendants to present gold, silver, and jewels to sub-hall master Liu Xiong as imperial reward. Soon afterward, the marriage envoy retinue—escorted by both Tang and Uyghur troops—set forth toward the Uyghur capital.