The leader of the Three Evils of the Black Wind was named Zhu Xing, nicknamed "Zhu the Evil." Of the other two, one was short and skinny, with sharp cheekbones like a monkey; his name was Hou Sheng, known as "Hou the Evil." The last was of average build, named Zeng Chang, called "Zeng the Evil." For years, the three had roamed the martial world, practicing wickedness and cruelty, their methods ruthless and vile. Their reputation was long infamous, striking fear wherever their names were heard.
Hou the Evil gave a sly, rasping laugh.
"Master Moonlight, just right—one pill each for the Three Evils of the Black Wind. We'll simply 'borrow' three of your Bee Resin Pills."
His voice was shrill and grating, dripping with greed and menace.
The Three Evils had plagued the jianghu for years. Master Moonlight would never give such precious pills to men like them, knowing full well that once "borrowed," they would never be returned. His tone remained calm but resolute.
"Amitabha. These three pills are meant for those with true karmic affinity."
Zeng the Evil's face darkened, his tone turning cold.
"Old monk, don't refuse the wine you're offered only to drink punishment wine! We three are the ones with affinity!"
Master Moonlight was unmoved.
"I have already given the King of the Bee Resin Pills to 'Fearless' Lü Qiang, for he acts with chivalry and serves the good of the martial world. Yet he refused to take it, saying he would save it for a young hero someday. The three that remain in my hand are also to be given to those with true affinity."
His words carried a hint of deeper meaning, as though quietly pointing toward someone present.
Zhu the Evil gave a cold snort, a flash of ferocity in his eyes.
"Master Moonlight, we asked politely, yet you refuse. This place is high in the mountains—far from help. Even 'Fearless' Lü Qiang couldn't reach you now!"
With that, he leapt forward, fist driving straight toward the abbot's face.
Master Moonlight shifted back a half step, raising his palm to meet the blow. Their hands clashed in a single strike; Zhu the Evil staggered back several paces, his face changing slightly. Steadying himself, he barked:
"Old monk, with no one to help you tonight, hand over the Bee Resin Pills at once!"
The three sprang in unison, palms lashing out in a rush of force—intent clear to seize the pills by violence.
Just then, two figures shot from the shadows—it was Wu Tong and Zhao Rou. In a heartbeat, they intercepted the attack, each engaging one opponent. The clash was sharp and brief; the assault of the Three Evils was broken, and the fighters drew apart, a tense silence settling over the courtyard.
Zeng the Evil's voice was cold.
"Gentlemen, stay out of this if you value your lives."
Zhao Rou's clear voice rang out:
"Three against one—is that the way of a hero? Why must Master Moonlight 'lend' you the Bee Resin Pills?"
Zeng the Evil flushed with embarrassment, then barked in anger.
"You look like a bookish weakling who doesn't understand the ways of the greenwood! In our world, taking what we want is the mark of a true outlaw—got it?"
Zhao Rou turned to Wu Tong with a teasing smile.
"Brother Tong, these three twist words to suit themselves—perhaps you should 'enlighten' them."
Wu Tong flicked open his folding fan, scholarly and at ease, his tone edged with mockery.
"If Master Moonlight cannot lend them the pills… might I, tonight, 'borrow' the three heads of the Black Wind Three Evils?"
The three exchanged glances. Hou the Evil shouted,
"Brat, how can heads be lent? You're looking to insult us! Name yourself!"
Wu Tong smiled faintly, fan in hand.
"Very well, listen well: Under heaven and above the earth, my surname and given name remain unchanged—Wu Tong."
The three frowned; the name meant nothing to them. Zhu the Evil sneered.
"Never heard of you."
Indeed, Wu Tong's slaying of the Three Ghosts of Lingnan had not been spread abroad—he himself had buried them, and only Patriarch Aros knew the full truth. The Black Dragon Sect may have heard whispers, but no word had been widely told.
Wu Tong's smile thinned, his words like a knife.
"Names aside—your brazen robbery shames you."
Zeng the Evil's eyes narrowed with anger.
"So, you think your skills are enough to fight the three of us?"
Wu Tong's gaze turned to steel.
"If you insist, I will meet you with all I have."
Hou the Evil suddenly leapt, both palms lashing forward in a rapid, vicious strike aimed straight at Wu Tong's head.
Wu Tong did not flinch. With the move Looking East and West, he spun aside, fan flicking open, gliding out of reach.
Zeng the Evil lunged in from behind, palm slicing toward Wu Tong's back. Yet Wu Tong moved as if with eyes behind him, shifting his steps in Gazing Left and Right—and Zeng's palm struck Hou the Evil instead. The two crashed together in confusion.
Wu Tong's voice rang out, calm but commanding.
"Three Evils of the Black Wind, hear me—robbing the weak is no mark of a hero. If you will not leave now, do not blame me for injuries."
The two who had struck found themselves hitting each other; the absurdity of it startled all three. A flicker of wariness crossed their eyes.
At that moment, Master Moonlight's voice came, deep and steady.
"It is late. You should leave."
Wu Tong followed smoothly.
"Indeed, it is late. You disturb the peace—best go now. If you truly want a fight, come in the morning; I will be here."
The three exchanged glances, calculating. They had expected an easy victory—three against one. But now, with Wu Tong and Zhao Rou standing beside the abbot, the balance was even.
After a moment, Zhu the Evil spoke grudgingly.
"Very well—tomorrow, we settle this."
With that, they leapt into the night, their shadows vanishing into darkness.
Wu Tong watched them go, mind alert—tomorrow would surely bring a hard battle. He turned to Master Moonlight and bowed.
"Forgive us for disturbing your peace tonight."
Master Moonlight smiled gently, pressing his palms together.
"Young hero Wu, your chivalrous heart gladdens this old monk. Without you two tonight, I might not have withstood them."
Wu Tong demurred.
"You flatter me, Master. This was but my duty."
He and Zhao Rou exchanged a look. Both understood: tomorrow's duel would be no small matter—but they were ready to meet it head-on.