The fighters halted at once, all eyes turning sharply toward Wu Tong. A hush fell over the scene. Wu Tong's expression was calm, his voice ringing clear with a hint of mockery and provocation.
"The Three Ghosts of Lingnan? It's been a while—still alive, I see."
The Three Ghosts focused on him, and a chill ran down their spines.How could he be here? they wondered in shock. The eldest, the Great Ghost, felt his heart jolt. His voice trembled slightly as he asked,
"Is the 'Fearless' Lü Qiang nearby?"
It was a question edged with dread. Since that day, the Great Ghost had lived in terror of Lü Qiang—unable to eat or sleep in peace.
Wu Tong, unaware of just how deeply Lü Qiang's name haunted the man, smiled faintly, his tone carrying a bite of sarcasm.
"Fearless Lü Qiang? A man of his caliber—if he were here, you Three Ghosts wouldn't already be running for your lives?"
The words seemed to ease their hearts, their confidence swelling again. The Great Ghost snorted.
"Brat, if 'Fearless' Lü Qiang hadn't been there that day to shield you, you'd already be meeting the Buddha!"
The frost-faced middle-aged man spoke coldly.
"Great Ghost, you know this boy? Who is he?"
The Great Ghost straightened proudly.
"Let me introduce you. This is a name every soul in the martial world knows—the East Heaven King of the Black Dragon Sect, Yang Chao."
Wu Tong looked unimpressed, letting out a derisive snort.
"So that's all? If the East Heaven King's name were truly worth anything, would he need to join hands with the likes of you Three Ghosts to prey upon one man? Yang Chao may be a figure of the martial world, but he is no hero."
Yang Chao's face darkened like iron, fury boiling up at the insult.
"Such arrogant words. Name yourself! I, Yang Chao, do not kill nameless dogs."
Wu Tong's gaze was steady, his voice light but edged with pride.
"Since you insist—listen well. Under heaven and above the earth, I am Wu Tong. My surname and name remain unchanged whether I sit or walk."
Yang Chao gave a cold, mocking laugh.
"No matter if you can pierce the sky or burrow into the earth—today, having met me, you'll leave only as a corpse!"
With that, he leapt, crossing the space in an instant. His palm shot straight toward Wu Tong's chest, the strike fierce and meant to kill.
Wu Tong remained composed. Suddenly, his own palm lashed out. Their palms met with a sharp crack. Yang Chao staggered back two or three steps, his face tightening—he had not expected Wu Tong's inner strength to be so formidable.
Wu Tong smiled faintly.
"Oh, I forgot to mention—just a few days ago, your South Heaven King ignored my warnings. I cut off his arm with a single stroke."
A ripple of shock passed through all present. Yang Chao's heart lurched.Hong Qi's martial skill is no weaker than mine. Could this youth truly possess such power?
The Great Ghost quickly interjected.
"East Heaven King, the brat's kung fu is decent, but claiming he cut off Hong Qi's arm? Likely just boasting to scare us. Let me deal with him first!"
Yang Chao's temper cooled slightly.Let the Great Ghost test him—then I can act as needed.
"Fine," he said coldly. "He dares to boast of maiming the South Heaven King—cripple his arm first. Then we'll take our time with him."
Just then, the high-nosed, deep-eyed man spoke. His voice was solemn yet tinged with gratitude.
"Young friend, I am the Nestorian Patriarch, Aros. My thanks for stepping in. Beware—this Great Ghost's 'Yin Claw' technique is deadly."
Wu Tong inclined his head respectfully.
"So you are the Patriarch of the Nestorian Faith—an honor to meet you. These wicked rogues never change their ways. 'Fearless' Lü Qiang spared them once, yet they repented not. Now they conspire with the Black Dragon Sect—no good can come of it."
Aros's eyes sharpened.
"Today they are forging an alliance in secret, plotting with the rebel An Lushan to destroy the righteous sects aiding the Tang. This is no small matter—we cannot let them succeed."
Wu Tong's expression hardened, his voice booming like thunder.
"Three Ghosts of Lingnan—this is true?"
The three exchanged sly glances, then the Great Ghost laughed harshly.
"And if it is? You think you're Lü Qiang? Fool—heaven's road lies open, but you choose the gates of hell!"
Rage flared in Wu Tong's eyes.
"Rou-mei—my sword!"
His voice rang with deadly resolve.
Without hesitation, Zhao Rou tossed the sword.
"Brother Tong—catch!"
Wu Tong snatched it from the air, his voice cold as steel.
"Three Ghosts, I'll give you this chance—draw your blades. The King of Hell has called court early tonight."
The Great Ghost laughed loudly.
"You think you're really 'Fearless' Lü Qiang? My Yin Claw is no idle name. Come—show me what you've got!"
Wu Tong's snort was the only reply. He knew only a thunderbolt would serve the bodhisattva's mercy today. Suddenly, he launched the first move of the Thirteen Swords of the Soaring Sky. The attack came like lightning—faster than thought, aimed straight for the heart's guard.
The Great Ghost, his mental defenses already shaken, had in truth lowered his own walls. Thirteen strokes burst forth in a single instant, the sword light darting like serpents, dazzling the eye.
He dodged the first three by a hair—then with a hiss, the fourth pierced his left shoulder.
A scream tore from his throat; blood spurted in a crimson spray. He staggered back, his face draining of all color.