The old woman led the three of them out of the city. After traveling several li, they arrived at the Palace of the Fairy Empress.
Wu Tong looked around and saw that it was indeed a place of elegant tranquility. The surroundings were refined and secluded, the courtyards lined with winding paths, small bridges over flowing streams, flourishing flowers and trees, and rare plants neatly arranged—truly a scene like a hidden paradise. Yet as they walked on with the old woman, the atmosphere felt almost too quiet, causing an instinctive sense of caution to arise in their hearts.
Outside the palace gates, two women in fitted martial attire stood guard, long swords in hand, their eyes sharp with vigilance. When they saw the four approaching, they called out coldly, "Who goes there?" Their tone was frosty, revealing the strict discipline within the palace.
Wu Tong stepped forward, clasped his hands in salute, and said in a clear voice, "Wu Tong of the Lingnan Region, humbly requesting an audience with your Palace Mistress." His tone was respectful, but carried a note of firmness.
One of the guards frowned slightly, giving Wu Tong a measured look. "Wait here. I will report inside." She turned and disappeared into the palace. Before long, she returned, speaking in a low, firm voice: "Follow me."
Wu Tong, the two young women, and the old lady followed her inside, entering the main hall. The furnishings were exquisite, the air scented with sandalwood, lending an air of solemn stillness. In the center stood a woman of about thirty, with delicate features and a composed bearing. Her every movement radiated authority, clearly showing her high status. She swept her gaze over the group and said evenly, "I am Ouyang Jing. Our Palace Mistress is not in at the moment. May I know the reason for your visit?"
Ouyang Jing was Nangong Yan's senior disciple, in charge of all internal affairs. Any decision within the palace had to go through her approval.
Liu Yun stepped forward, clasped her hands in salute, and said directly, "This lady is searching for her missing daughter. We've heard your palace recruits beauties from all over and may be connected to the harem of An Lushan. Is this true?"
Ouyang Jing's expression did not change at the words, nor did her brows betray any flicker of emotion. In a calm tone she replied, "This is surely a misunderstanding. Our palace has always kept to itself and never colluded with outsiders, much less involved ourselves in such depraved affairs. This must be a false rumor spread in the martial world, perhaps deliberate slander. I ask that you judge carefully."
The old woman, unable to contain her grief, broke down in tears. "Many beautiful young women in Hongzhou City have vanished without reason. Many of the families appealed to Wu Feng, the Hongzhou branch leader of the Beggar Sect, for help in finding them. Wu Feng's men investigated in secret for days, and every trail led here, to the Palace of the Fairy Empress. That is why we have come to seek justice!"
Just then, a sudden commotion rose outside—shouts and hurried footsteps. Moments later, Wu Feng himself entered, leading a group of Beggar Sect disciples, all wielding dog-beating staffs and brimming with fierce energy.
The two gate guards rushed into the hall in alarm, reporting urgently to Ouyang Jing: "First Leader, the Beggar Sect forces have forced their way inside—we could not stop them!"
As the saying goes: Those who come in peace do not come in such a way; those who come in such a way do not come in peace.
Ouyang Jing's face darkened. One wave not yet settled, another rises—today will bring trouble, she thought. Regaining her composure, she waved her hand. "Stand down. Do not panic."
Wu Feng strode into the hall, followed by dozens of Beggar Sect disciples, each glaring at the palace women. When he saw Wu Tong and the two young women, he started in surprise, then clasped his fists. "Young Hero Wu, young ladies—you're here at the right time! This palace engages in vile acts. In recent days, many women in Hongzhou have disappeared. The Beggar Sect has long been investigating, and today we finally found that all evidence points here. Normally, this would be reported to the Sect Leader, but since you three are present, we can settle it here without troubling him further!"
His voice rang out loud and clear, righteous and unyielding. The Beggar Sect disciples roared in agreement, their anger boiling over. Ouyang Jing frowned, knowing a confrontation was inevitable.
Keeping her tone steady, she said coldly, "Do you have any proof? Do not think to frame the Palace of the Fairy Empress without cause!"
Zhao Rou spoke up: "Since that's the case, let us search the palace openly—what's there to hide?"
Ouyang Jing's face hardened. "And what gives you the right to search our palace?"
At that moment, the old woman cried, "Give me back my daughter!"
Liu Yun said, "Don't cry, madam—we'll find your daughter today." She turned to Ouyang Jing and said coldly, "I'm going to search inside. What will you do about it?"
Ouyang Jing's eyes narrowed. "Then don't blame me for being rude."
Liu Yun stepped forward, but Ouyang Jing moved to block her. Liu Yun struck out with a palm, snapping, "Only the guilty hide! Clearly, you've done something shameful!"
Ouyang Jing retorted, "If you have skill, show it!" She thrust her fingers toward Liu Yun's chest at the Shanzhong acupoint, but Liu Yun blocked and countered with a flurry of punches and palms.
Ouyang Jing unleashed her famed Thirteen Flying Swallow Palms, leaping into the air with a move called Swallow Descends from the Sky, striking down with rapid palms. Liu Yun steadied herself with Seven-Star Steps, defending high and low while shifting her footing to deflect the strikes. She used Coming and Going Without a Trace, her body turning swiftly, causing Ouyang Jing's attacks to hit nothing but air.
Ouyang Jing then launched Swallow Skims the Field, shooting forward like a bird in flight, her palms clawing downward. Liu Yun shifted into Nine-Palace Steps, dodging to the southwest, forcing Ouyang Jing toward the southeast. Liu Yun countered with Graceful Hands, Stamping Feet, attacking high and low in one seamless flow.
Ouyang Jing abruptly changed to the Kirin Step, calling out, "Scales Hidden, Feathers Soaring!" Her movements alternated between offense and evasion, weaving a dance of attack and defense. The two whirled around each other, exchanging thirty fierce moves.
Then Ouyang Jing used Swallow Rises to the Clouds, her right palm tracing a circle before thrusting forward with a gust of wind. Liu Yun met it head-on with Measured Step, Guided Neck. The two collided in a blast of internal energy and sprang apart.
Ouyang Jing said coldly, "Your skill is good, but you still can't defeat me."
Zhao Rou stepped forward. "In that case, let me try."
Liu Yun stepped back. Zhao Rou leapt forward like an arrow, her speed and reflexes far beyond ordinary experts. She used Palm Within Fist, driving a punch toward Ouyang Jing. Ouyang Jing raised both palms to block, but Zhao Rou's punch dipped unexpectedly. Upon contact, it flowed into an open palm, slippery and swift, sliding through her defense to strike at her chest. Startled, Ouyang Jing leapt back, then countered with Swallow Skims the Field, diving in again.
Zhao Rou met her with Fist Within Palm. Ouyang Jing's claws reached to seize her, but Zhao Rou's palm rose unexpectedly, closing into a fist at lightning speed, slipping past to strike at her chest again. Ouyang Jing twisted aside and spun into Swallow Flies to the Sky, attacking once more in a blur.
Zhao Rou answered with Illusion is Truth, her palms and fists blending in a confusing mix of feints and strikes. Ouyang Jing's grasp closed on empty air. Zhao Rou's right palm darted toward her chest; Ouyang Jing blocked with both claws—only to realize too late that it was a feint. Zhao Rou's left palm shot forward, transforming into two fingers that jabbed precisely at her chest.
Ouyang Jing collapsed, her limbs weakened. Zhao Rou quickly stepped in, sealing her acupoints. "Sister Yun! Take the madam and Branch Leader Wu inside to search for the captives!"
They answered at once and rushed inside.
Before long, Liu Yun heard cries from women and followed the sound. In a hidden chamber, they found more than ten young girls imprisoned. She quickly freed them, among them the old woman's missing daughter.