The Black Dragon Sect's leader, Murong Gui, never imagined that upon arriving at the gathering, he would, in front of countless heroes of the martial world, see his trusted aide struck dead with a single palm!If that were not enough, moments later a young man had stepped forth, publicly insulting the Xiongwǔ Emperor with cutting, merciless words.Before Murong Gui could respond, Chu Tianba "Wang Chong", standing at his side, had already been consumed with rage. He immediately stepped forward to teach this brazen youth a lesson—only to be repelled with a single palm, coughing blood and collapsing to the ground in utter humiliation!
The scene instantly fell into deadlock. Murong Gui now found himself in a situation where retreat was impossible.The young man stood tall in the center of the assembly, eyes shining like torches, his bearing extraordinary. Around him, the gathered heroes held their breath, every gaze fixed upon him.
Yet Murong Gui was no ordinary man; he was a cunning overlord with extraordinary poise.Though his heart blazed with fury, he suppressed the surging waves within and asked in a deep voice:"Boy, you dare to meddle and openly provoke me—under whose orders do you act?"
The youth's expression remained calm, utterly unafraid. His bearing was resolute, and a faint, almost indiscernible smile played on his handsome features. Then, his face turned solemn as he replied firmly:
"I, Wu Tong, have never been one to seek trouble, but when traveling the martial world, I cannot stand idly by before injustice.Today, your sect has come uninvited—already a grave discourtesy, which I might have ignored.But to twist truth and compare An Lushan's treason to the righteous campaigns of King Tang overthrowing Xia or King Wu toppling the tyrant Zhou—such perverse reasoning is intolerable!"
At these words, the crowd erupted into murmurs; many exchanged glances and quietly nodded in agreement.
Murong Gui's gaze sharpened, his expression easing slightly. After a pause, he said with deliberate weight:"Since ancient times, history is written by the victors. Young man, those who know the times are wise—why cling to futile ideals?"
Wu Tong laughed aloud, his eyes burning ever brighter, his voice resolute:
"Then hear me, Murong Sect Master—the affairs of the world rest upon one word: 'principle.'An Lushan is greedy without limit, blinded by desire. Though his momentum may seem mighty for now, his treachery pits him against the righteous of the realm. He will, without doubt, be crushed by the Tang army. This is the decree of Heaven and the will of the people!"
The words rang out like iron striking stone. Many in the crowd nodded in agreement; hearts stirred, respect quietly blooming for the youth.
Just then, a deep, hoarse voice emerged from the throng.A shadow leapt forth—agile, exuding a cold, menacing aura. The voice dripped with disdain and killing intent:"Sect Master Murong, this boy is arrogant beyond measure. No need for further words—let me test his skill and see what he's truly capable of!"
The crowd looked closely. The newcomer was a gaunt man in his fifties, his face sinister, eyes sharp as an eagle's, his presence steeped in a chilling aura.It was none other than the infamous Demon of Qianzhong, a figure whose name struck fear throughout the jianghu, notorious for his ruthless methods and countless murders.
Murong Gui nodded slightly, but still warned gravely:"Senior Qianzhong Demon, do not underestimate him. Just days ago he slew three of my top fighters—his skill is formidable. Please be cautious."
The air grew taut with tension. All eyes fixed on the arena; the atmosphere was thick enough to choke on. A storm was about to break.
The Qianzhong Demon—real name Qin Zhonglong—had long been a scourge in Qianzhong, his cruelty matched only by his disfigured, ghastly features. The martial world had long deemed him neither man nor ghost. Now, his eyes glinted with venom as he demanded:"Boy, give me your name!"
Wu Tong instantly recognized the danger—this was no ordinary foe. Surrounded by enemies, even a narrow victory would be hard-won; a single mistake could mean ruin. Yet his heart felt no fear. He stood tall and replied loudly:
"With my mouth I reach to Heaven, with my deeds I am versed in propriety.Sitting, I do not change my surname; walking, I do not change my name.I am Wu Tong!"
The Qianzhong Demon snorted coldly, his tone carrying threat:"The Xiongwǔ Emperor now seeks talent from all corners of the land. Sect Master Murong esteems you, hoping to bring you into His Majesty's service. I advise you to know what's good for you. What say you, young man?"
Wu Tong's eyes flashed cold as he answered:
"Those whose paths differ cannot walk together; those whose aims differ cannot be friends.To conduct oneself with shame means to never mingle with treacherous villains!"
The demon's face flushed red, fury surging to his brow. His eyes widened, murder boiling over."Boy! You refuse the wine of courtesy—you'll drink the wine of punishment!"
He sprang forward, twisting midair in a bizarre motion before striking down with a palm fierce enough to tear the air.Wu Tong shifted his stance, sidestepping quickly, but the blow was inescapable. He met it with a palm of his own—
Bang!The two forces collided, shockwaves bursting outward. Both men staggered back half a step—their internal energies evenly matched.
Wu Tong steadied himself and declared in a ringing voice:
"Mencius said: 'Shame is of great importance to a man. The one who schemes without shame has no place in virtue!'"
The demon's rage deepened."Bookworm! You prattle of morals while knowing nothing of life and death!"With a roar, he pounced again, palm strikes swift as lightning.
Wu Tong flowed with agile footwork, parrying each blow, his voice rising again:
"'Wealth and rank are what men desire; but if gained by unrighteous means, they should not be kept!'"
Dozens of exchanges passed in an instant, their duel a flurry of fists and palms, each clash like a drumbeat in the crowd's chest.The Qianzhong Demon barked angrily:"Damn brat! You've read many books and can talk well enough—but let's see if that saves you!"
The watching heroes were awestruck. Wu Tong, elegant in manner, unmatched in martial skill, and unyielding in principle, was truly both warrior and scholar—refined in speech, lethal in combat.
From the distance, Zhao Rou and Liu Yun fixed their bright eyes upon him.Their hearts surged with pride and admiration. At this moment, they knew:Though Wu Tong might not be the foremost under Heaven, he was unique in all the world—gifted in both culture and arms, and possessed of an unbending chivalrous spirit.To walk beside such a man in life was a blessing beyond compare.