As both parties heard the sound of galloping hooves, all turned their heads. Soon, a group of riders arrived. One of the newcomers gracefully dismounted—none other than the Palace Mistress of the Immortal Empress Palace, Nangong Yan. At the sight of the man before her, she cried out in shock, "Wu Tong?"Wu Tong's eyes lit up, equally stunned. "Palace Mistress Nangong Yan of the Immortal Empress Palace?"
Even the Thunder King, Lai Budé, was surprised and asked, "Hall Master Gan, why are you alone? Where are the others?"
There's no smoke without fire; every event has a cause and effect.
The "Fiend King" Gan Lu hesitated, seemingly reluctant to speak. Liu Yun, however, stepped forward and said loudly, "He doesn't dare say it, so I'll say it for him! They're all dead! Because of your so-called good deeds today!"
Thunder King Lai Budé's face darkened. "You court death!" In a flash, he moved like the wind, suddenly unleashing a palm strike toward Gan Lu. Gan Lu hastily met the attack, and the two exchanged blows. But Gan Lu had sustained internal injuries and a deep cut on his thigh. After only a few exchanges, he was clearly overpowered. He turned to flee, but Lai Budé pursued and struck with lightning speed—his palm landed squarely on Gan Lu's back.
Gan Lu screamed in pain, spun around to retaliate, but Lai Budé pressed the advantage. With one palm, then another, he struck in succession—Bang! Bang! Gan Lu was sent flying through the air, crashing to the ground with a thud, dead on the spot.Lai Budé's expression did not change. "Traitor. Death is too kind for you."
Liu Yun clapped and praised, then strode toward Lai Budé, declaring, "Such fine martial skill! However, today, all of you must surrender. Resist, and you'll be killed without mercy!"
Lai Budé responded with a loud voice, "Such bold words. Which sect are you from? You're meddling in matters that don't concern you!"
Liu Yun replied, "This is Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. We are not interfering at will. We are acting on the orders of the Khagan of the Uyghurs—to pursue those who abduct women unlawfully!"
Lai Budé was taken aback. The name Wu Tong of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness was renowned throughout the martial world. He turned to Mountain King Xie Xian, who said, "Palace Mistress Nangong Yan, today we must stand together and deal with this threat."
But before Nangong Yan could answer, Wu Tong said coldly, "What you're doing here today is utterly inhumane and devoid of conscience! Palace Mistress, this matter has nothing to do with you. Do not get involved. If you do, your life will be at risk!"As the saying goes: To die under the Crouching Dragon Blade is a worthy death.
Nangong Yan had crossed blades with Wu Tong more than a year ago. His power now far surpassed what it was then, and she felt fear in her heart. She glanced at the Yinshan Ghost Duo.
Liu Yun too caught sight of them—Ghost Right Envoy Cui Ming and Ghost Left Envoy Duan Hun—and warned, "You two walked through the gates of hell last time. Don't forget my skill. If you want to live, leave now. As the saying goes: Three times is too much. If you insist on interfering, you may not leave alive today."
The Yinshan Ghost Duo turned pale, fear evident in their eyes.
Having once fought Wu Tong and his companions, Nangong Yan and the Ghost Duo knew their strength well. The group huddled together, whispering. After a while, Nangong Yan spoke: "Honored Saint Kings, this is your grudge with Wu Tong. We will not get involved. Today's deal is off!"She turned and ordered, "Someone, go retrieve the four chests of silver."
Yu Xian and Wei Hong quickly dispatched men to fetch them. But the Western Sacred Sect's hall masters and henchmen weren't willing to let go of such easy treasure. One shouted, "If you won't help, fine! But you still want to take back the silver? Dream on!"
With a subtle look from Nangong Yan, the Yinshan Ghost Duo sprang into action.
Seeing this, Saint King Xie Xian barked, "Ghost Duo! The Western Sacred Sect has always respected you—are you now trying to take the silver back?!"
Ghost Right Envoy Cui Ming responded, "We thank you for your respect, but we've been hired. We cannot break our word. We apologize in advance!"
As he spoke, the Ghost Duo rushed forward. Mountain King Xie Xian struck suddenly, but Cui Ming warned, "Don't force me!"Xie Xian snorted, "You refuse wine but want punishment!"
He struck out with his palm, Cui Ming blocked. From the side, Duan Hun attacked. Xie Xian twisted aside and countered. Duan Hun's palm came fast, but Cui Ming took the opportunity to strike again. Though Xie Xian was skilled and brave, fighting the Ghost Duo alone was a tall order.
He had no idea their signature martial art—"Yin-Yang Rotation"—was so profound, based on the Five Elements and duality principles. In just a few moves, he was already struggling.
Suddenly, the Ghost Duo launched their "Body Shift Exchange" move—swapping positions, flowing smoothly. Their attacks and movements were eerily in sync, growing stranger by the moment.Xie Xian was shocked, his footwork unsteady, dodging left and right.
Just then, a shout rang out—"This is too much!" A figure flew in and joined the fray. It was Thunder King Lai Budé.
Duan Hun shouted, "Ghostly Possession!" The duo spun rapidly, movements becoming a blur.Suddenly, four palms clashed—Boom! Boom!—and the fighters leapt apart.
Xie Xian looked shaken, while Lai Budé had turned pale.
Cui Ming said, "We respect you both, so don't press us further. The deal's off—but our honor remains."
Duan Hun gave Liu Yun a meaningful look and said, "Don't forget—your enemies lurk behind, waiting to strike. That woman alone can defeat the two of us. You'd better be prepared."
With that, he led a group of men to retrieve the four silver chests and returned to Nangong Yan's side.Moments later, they mounted their horses, climbed onto the wagons, and disappeared into the dust.