The leaders of the Dockside Gang, Zhang Cheng, and the Xingwu Gang, Yang Linzhong, had racked their brains and exhausted every scheme. Earlier, Zeng Qiang had already fought two fierce bouts in succession, yet neither of those two gang leaders had uttered a word. Now, with the Xingwu Gang's second-in-command He Yong stepping forward to issue a challenge—so uncharacteristically polite and meticulous in his manners before the assembled heroes of the martial world—it was plain to see that his courtesy concealed blades. His words were honeyed, his intentions malignant; a weasel paying respects to a hen—ill intent through and through.
Leader Xu Li could not afford to lose face. He replied courteously, "Brother He, your martial skill is formidable. For you to seek instruction now, I scarcely dare accept. If Leader Zhang has yet to recover his vital energy after that fierce battle, why not allow him a brief rest? We can resume the contest shortly."
When one's fame grows too great, enemies will stop at nothing to bring him down. The opposition had long marked Zeng Yong, Xu Li, and Qiu Feng as thorns in their sides. How could they allow Xu Li to pass unchallenged? He Yong said, "Leader Xu's chivalrous reputation is known throughout the martial world. His skill is exceptional. This humble brother, unworthy though he is, wishes to exchange a few moves."
At this juncture, circumstances left Leader Xu with no choice. He said politely, "Brother He, why must you insist on a bout?"
He Yong grew animated. "Leader Xu, we are all martial artists—why all this fuss?"
Pressed by He Yong's insistence, Xu Li raised his hand slightly and said, "Brother He, since you are determined, let us exchange a few moves—point of contact only. How does that sound?"
He Yong laughed loudly. "Leader Xu is a hero of his time. For someone as insignificant as myself to exchange hands with you today is the greatest honor!"
How could Xu Li fail to see He Yong's scheme? Facing the gathered heroes, he declared loudly, "In martial contests, the most important thing is to meet friends through skill. Let us exchange moves—point of contact only!"
He Yong had no intention of heeding such counsel. With his objective achieved, he said no more and stepped into the arena.
In the martial world, exchanging hands means testing strength and probing skill—stopping at contact to avoid needless injury while determining superiority. Soon enough, the two stood in the ring. Before making contact, they assumed their stances: bow steps, hands upright before the chest, ready to test. When their eyes met, Xu Li said, "Brother He, since we are merely exchanging hands, this is a friendly contest. We will not use heavy techniques—point of contact only."
A glint flashed in He Yong's eyes. "Enough talk—receive the move!"
As soon as they made contact, Xu Li set his feet, left hand forward, right hand guarding, torso slightly inclined. A faint, feral smile curled He Yong's lips. The instant their hands met, he released force with a palm strike straight at Xu Li's chest. Xu Li had anticipated this—he shifted aside and avoided it cleanly.
"Brother He," Xu Li said, "since we are exchanging hands, there's no need to release force."
He Yong's palm struck empty air. "Martial artists strike hard!" he retorted, spinning to unleash two roaring palm strikes at Xu Li's face.
The onlooking heroes were stunned and indignant, shouting, "No martial virtue!" "Despicable!" "Shameless!"
Back and forth they went for more than ten exchanges. Xu Li's movements seemed casual, yet he already had the outcome in hand. He Yong suddenly roared and hurled four consecutive punches. Xu Li's arms alternated in sweeping arcs; his palms flew—pointing, chopping—never daring to slacken.
"Brother He," Xu Li said gravely, "today's exchange should stop at contact!"
He Yong was already blood-mad. "Spare me the sanctimony!" He raised both hands, fists and feet moving together, dropped into a low bow stance, and roared, "Take this!" He advanced with a flurry of punches, each aimed at Xu Li's chest.
Seeing this, Xu Li knew he had shown enough forbearance. There was no need for further courtesy. He stepped back to open distance, lifted his left arm to brace, no longer evading—and struck! A palm cleaved downward, swift as thunder, with astonishing force. The air shuddered as if spring thunder had cracked. Bang! A body flew backward and crashed to the ground. Wah!—a mouthful of blood spilled forth.
Before long, disciples of the Xingwu Gang carried He Yong away. At that moment, a figure flashed into the arena—Meng Cheng of the Dockside Gang. Pointing at Xu Li, he shouted angrily, "Leader Xu preaches benevolence and righteousness! You agreed to merely exchange hands—how could you strike so viciously and leave a man gravely injured?!"
Xu Li's gaze burned like a torch. He did not retreat an inch. Fixing Meng Cheng with a cold stare, he said, "Do not spew slander with blood in your mouth. The heroes here witnessed everything—there is no room for your fabrications and malicious defamation!"
He Yong had schemed himself hoarse and trampled martial virtue. His grievous injury was nothing but self-inflicted.
Meng Cheng had come prepared. He raised his voice. "You rely on superior skill to bully the weak. I, Meng Cheng, though unworthy and outmatched, will come and seek instruction!"
At that moment, Qiu Feng, leader of the Phoenix Gang, sprang into the air and descended lightly into the arena. "Meng Cheng," she said, "today's Canal Heroes Assembly is attended by heroes from all paths, local notables, Senior Fang Wei of Xuzhou—the 'Invincible Divine Palm,' Fang Xiong, Deng Ling and his wife of the 'Bell in the Wind,' the Beggars' Sect leader, and even the Court's Loyal Hall Master. In the exchange just now, He Yong violated martial virtue—this was seen by all present. You must not malign Leader Xu. Even if Leader Xu is not the paragon of benevolence, he has shown utmost righteousness. If you seek revenge, can it not wait until your Leader Zhang has faced Leader Xu?"
Meng Cheng, however, had his own calculations. He shouted, "No! Brothers! He Yong and I are as sworn brothers—bound by oaths. We share fortune and hardship, wine and meat alike. If I do not avenge him, I am unworthy to be called a brother!"
At once, the Dockside Gang and Xingwu Gang disciples roared together:"Revenge!" "Revenge!" "Revenge!"