"Thousand-Mile Solo" Liu Guang caught the longsword in one hand, flipped lightly into the air, and with three sharp swish, swish, swish strikes sent sword-light flashing in all directions. He flicked his wrist and released the blade with ruthless precision. His sword intent was fierce and venomous, drawing thunderous cheers from the followers and disciples of the Western Sacred Sect.
Liu Guang pressed the attack without mercy. Each streak of sword light shot straight for Wu Tong's vital points. Wu Tong knew well that "Thousand-Mile Solo" Liu Guang was no ordinary opponent. He leapt into the air, his figure blurring as he evaded and counterattacked in one motion. Swinging the Crouching Dragon Saber in his hands, blade-light surged forth as the saber cleaved horizontally through the air, its glow stretching several zhang. The saber force was vast and overwhelming, wave after wave crashing toward Liu Guang.
Though Liu Guang's footwork was exceptionally nimble, the instant his feet touched the ground he surged forward again, thrusting his longsword in a rapid series of attacks. Yet Wu Tong's saber strikes came faster and heavier—each blow tighter than the last, each force greater than before—multiplying into countless saber shadows. The technique was treacherous and uncanny, carrying the weight of ten thousand jun, with the power to split mountains and sever peaks.
In the blink of an eye, offense and defense reversed again and again. Liu Guang was already struggling to parry, danger looming at every turn. Forced back uncontrollably, he retreated in haste. Wu Tong swept his saber forward in relentless arcs—now stabbing, now cleaving—his saber moving like a raging wind. The Crouching Dragon Saber clung to Liu Guang like a shadow, never leaving the vital points of his body. The saber art was fluid and unpredictable, making it impossible for Liu Guang to discern from where the next strike would come.
Liu Guang was a proud and hot-tempered man by nature, bold and eager for battle. Yet this situation was far beyond what he had anticipated. With no other choice, he abruptly leapt backward and shouted,"Withdraw!"
His body shot away at an angle, twisting sharply, like an arrow loosed from the bow. In a flash, he traced a blazing arc through the air, swift as a thunderbolt tearing across the heavens.
Wu Tong watched as Liu Guang and Jia Yong fled at full speed. He had no desire to pursue. Calmly, he sheathed his saber without the slightest hesitation. At that moment, loud applause erupted behind him.
"Madman of the West" Situ Kong clapped enthusiastically and shouted,"Word in the jianghu says that when the Crouching Dragon Saber appears, demons scatter in defeat. Seeing it today, I know the rumor speaks true!"
Wu Tong turned at once, smiling faintly as he cupped his fists in salute."I dare not accept such praise. This junior must thank you, senior, for stepping in righteously and saving us."
Situ Kong, a man who valued loyalty above all else, replied,"Young brother, you possess a benevolent heart. Fortune favors the righteous. When one travels the jianghu, Heaven aids those who aid themselves. Thus calamity turns to safety."
Wu Tong said sincerely,"Today's danger was due to my own lack of experience in the martial world. I fell into an ambush. I am deeply grateful for your concern, senior."
Situ Kong turned to Ling Xian'er and said,"Xian'er, your skills are fine, but your inner strength is still lacking. When walking the jianghu, caution must come first."
Ling Xian'er answered respectfully,"Thank you for your guidance, senior. I will be careful."
Wu Tong suddenly recalled that he still had one Bee-Propolis Pill given long ago by Master Moonlight."I nearly forgot—this pill can instantly increase one's cultivation by ten years."
He took a small porcelain bottle from his chest, poured out a single pill, and said,"Xian'er, take this Bee-Propolis Pill."
Ling Xian'er did not know its origin, but she did not question him. She swallowed the pill at once. Wu Tong said,"Now sit and circulate your inner energy."
Ling Xian'er withdrew to one side, sat down, and closed her eyes in meditation. Before long, her qi and blood flowed throughout her body. Saliva gathered in her mouth, transforming into vital essence. Inner energy surged endlessly from her dantian to her limbs and bones, and in a short time her internal strength increased dramatically.
Situ Kong asked,"Brother, it's getting late. Where are you headed?"
Wu Tong replied,"We are on our way to Huazhou, to visit an old friend of Minister Zhang—an Assistant Commandant stationed there."
Situ Kong laughed."This old man has nothing better to do. May I travel with you? I've been meaning to visit Mount Hua as well."
Wu Tong answered with hearty enthusiasm,"If senior will join us, it would be an honor beyond words! Come—look how beautiful the sunset is! Let us find an inn to rest. We'll drink wine and admire the scenery together!"
Such leisurely joy was exactly what jianghu heroes lived for. Wu Tong offered his horse to Situ Kong, while he and Ling Xian'er rode together. As the sun sank in the west and the crescent moon rose, mountains glowed in slanting light, distant smoke curled beneath the fading sun, and the ancient road stretched into the western wind. Three people, two horses—off they rode.
When brothers are in trouble, one plunges blades into one's ribs without hesitation, facing death without fear. Such is the ideal cherished by jianghu heroes. In the martial world, clarity of gratitude and vengeance is paramount—repay kindness without fail, avenge hatred without mercy. Only then does one live true to the code of chivalry.
Since taking charge of the Loyalty Hall, Wu Tong had acted with boldness and ease, never betraying his own heart. He loved befriending heroes, roamed the jianghu freely, and upheld justice wherever he went—truly worthy of the word loyalty.
Early the next morning, the three left the inn and purchased another horse in the county town. Now each rode alone as they took the main road toward Huazhou. By afternoon, as they reached the foot of a hill, a loud bang echoed as a bamboo tube shot into the sky, exploding midair with a crack, shattering like fireworks.
All three were startled. Clearly, someone had sent a signal. On the road, numerous martial figures spurred their horses toward the hill at full speed. Realizing something major was unfolding, the three followed behind.
Upon reaching the hill, they found warriors from many factions already gathered. Quickly, they tied their horses in a concealed spot and crept forward carefully, avoiding detection. Two opposing forces were locked in combat atop the hill.
Wu Tong focused his gaze. Amid the clash, he heard the fierce god Yuan Rong shout,"Bai Bing! Though Dharma King Shi Ming is dead, he left behind vast gold and silver. Don't even think about swallowing it all! This wealth belongs to the Great Yan court—you have no right to claim it!"
Shi Ming's subordinate Bai Bing retorted coldly,"These are the assets of the Zoroastrian Sect. You've coveted them for a long time—but we are not fools! Dharma King Zhao Ke arrives today in support. If you have any sense, you'll leave now!"
These bandits had long harbored greedy intentions. As the saying goes, a man may be innocent, but a treasure invites guilt. With Shi Ming fallen in battle and the Yan forces withdrawn from Chang'an and Luoyang, their regime collapsing, the greenwood brigands began probing everywhere for the whereabouts of Shi Ming's treasure.
Knowing full well that this hoard was being secretly coveted, Bai Bing sent word to Dharma King Zhao Ke and Dharma King Li Rui of the Manichaean Sect to come and take possession. Five iron chests of immense value were prepared, to be transported back to the Zoroastrian headquarters along with the dispersed followers of the sect.
Dharma King Zhao Ke, a dignified and imposing figure, stepped forward, cupped his fists, and declared loudly,"Heroes of the greenwood, this treasure belongs to the Zoroastrian Sect. I ask you to show mercy and refrain from making things difficult for us."
No sooner had he finished speaking than a figure suddenly leapt into the air, both feet flashing as they launched a chain of airborne kicks straight at Zhao Ke—
to be continued…