A sudden wind arose, rippling the tranquil surface of spring waters.
The assassination trades of the Blade Fiend Sect and the Sword Fiend Sect had once prospered smoothly, thriving without hindrance. Yet all was thrown into turmoil after Wu Tong slew two top experts from each sect. Not only had both factions lost their finest killers, but worse still, Western Holy Mother Chen Jinfeng spread slander far and wide, tarnishing the martial reputation of both sects. This was an insult no man could endure.
Ling Xian'er said, "No wonder Senior Situ, the Madman of the West, always says Chen Jinfeng is a vicious woman. Her schemes run deep, and her heart is darker still."
Judge Cui replied, "Madam, there is no need to worry. Hall Master Wu is a man of loyalty and righteousness. Heaven will surely protect him."
Wu Tong laughed. "What is meant to come will come. What must be resolved cannot be avoided. Neither escape nor hiding will help. Come, seniors—let us drink a few more cups!"
Thus Wu Tong and the three elders drank together.
Just then, a commotion arose outside.
"Someone's fighting at the temple gate! Let's go take a look!"
Wu Tong, ever fond of involving himself in matters of the jianghu, said, "Please enjoy your wine, seniors. We enjoy a bit of excitement—let's go have a look."
The two raised their cups in farewell, settled the bill, and departed.
At the temple entrance ahead, a fight was indeed underway.
One voice rang out, "Master Gu of the Mighty Wind Gang, the western district belongs to our Four Directions Gang. We have kept to our own territories—why cross the line?"
The speaker was Xiao Xiong, leader of the Four Directions Gang—a pale-faced man of about forty, with an average build.
Gu Yi, leader of the Mighty Wind Gang, replied, "Master Xiao, since when did the western district belong to you?"
Gu Yi was a burly man with a powerful build, tiger-like brows, and imposing presence, also around forty.
Xiao Xiong sneered, "If not ours, then is it yours?"
Gu Yi shot back, "Last night, your men smashed up our Apricot Blossom House. This grudge must be repaid!"
Xiao Xiong laughed coldly. "You accuse first to cover your own guilt. Why not mention how your men wrecked our Moonlight Pavilion the night before?"
The two gangs had long clashed within the county, disputes flaring without end.
Gu Yi declared, "According to jianghu rules—single combat!"
As the saying goes: Without rules, there can be no order. Jianghu rules, though unwritten, were the code that kept the martial world from descending into chaos.
Xiao Xiong nodded. "Very well. But shall we stop at the point, or…?"
Gu Yi replied, "If one refuses to yield, then death is only proof of inferior skill."
Xiao Xiong smiled. "Naturally. But where is the witness?"
Even a duel required a respected witness acceptable to both sides.
Gu Yi said, "Today's witness is Shi Tian, Chief Escort of the Dragon-Tiger Escort Agency."
A tall, middle-aged man stepped forward and cupped his fists. "Shi Tian of the Dragon-Tiger Escort Agency greets both masters."
Shi Tian was a well-respected figure in the martial world. Xiao Xiong returned the salute. "With Chief Escort Shi as witness, I am at ease."
Shi Tian said, "Both sides have brought many men. Why not have each gang send out a representative first, while the two leaders conserve their strength?"
Xiao Xiong nodded. "Agreed. Our gang will send Deputy Leader Ding Qiang."
Gu Yi said, "And we will send Deputy Leader Xiao Zhuang."
Such contests were necessary to maintain balance among the jianghu factions. A full-scale clash would cost both sides dearly, so the duel was chosen instead.
With Shi Tian as witness, the crowd fell silent.
He announced, "Let Ding Qiang of the Four Directions Gang and Xiao Zhuang of the Mighty Wind Gang step forward."
As the saying goes: Those who wander the jianghu cannot avoid the blade. In this world, one must abide by its rules. Those who ignore honor may shine briefly, but cannot endure.
Ding Qiang and Xiao Zhuang entered the field.
Ding Qiang cupped his fists. "Brother Xiao, I seek your guidance."
Xiao Zhuang returned the salute. "Brother Ding, please instruct me."
The surrounding gang members withdrew to watch.
Both men were top fighters within their factions.
With a roar, Ding Qiang launched a swift punch straight toward Xiao Zhuang's chest. The strike was lightning-fast, yet Xiao Zhuang did not evade—he reached out to seize the fist. Ding Qiang transformed his strike into a claw, and the two exchanged rapid blows. Suddenly, Ding Qiang locked onto Xiao Zhuang's wrist, but with a flick of internal force, Xiao Zhuang sent a surge of numbness through Ding Qiang's arm. Startled, Ding Qiang released his grip and struck out with his palm.
Xiao Zhuang met him head-on.
With a loud crash, both felt a tremendous force collide. They staggered back two steps before regaining their footing.
"Impressive skill!" Ding Qiang said.
Xiao Zhuang smirked with pride. "You flatter me."
He struck again, his palms whistling through the air with fierce force. His movements were swift and unpredictable, his palm techniques powerful and refined.
Ding Qiang raised his palm defensively. Their clash grew ever more intense—sometimes swift as lightning, sometimes circling like flowing water—an extraordinary display.
Suddenly, Ding Qiang stamped his feet and lunged forward, his fists raining down like shooting stars. Xiao Zhuang responded with nimble footwork, retreating like wind and lightning. After several exchanges, he countered with a powerful palm strike that cut through the air with a sharp whistle.
Ding Qiang chose not to meet it head-on. Drawing a breath, he executed the technique Shifting Shadows, his body darting with agile precision.
In the blink of an eye, the two had already exchanged over a hundred moves.