The surrounding heroes, seeing this, were all struck with shock and dread. Many drew in a sharp breath, astonished at Wu Tong's overwhelming inner strength—able to send the Boundless Eccentric flying with a single palm. The Black Dragon Sect's Western King, Xiao Cheng, felt a chill in his heart, his expression shifting darkly. This boy's martial skill is already terrifying. If he continues to grow, there may be no one under Heaven who can restrain him!
As for his mastery of martial arts, though the youth had yet to reach flawless perfection, his brilliance of technique and ingenuity in adapting moves already placed him above most in the martial world. Had it not been for the Boundless Eccentric's deep reservoir of inner force, that palm—heavy as a mountain and carrying the force of ten thousand catties—would have sent any ordinary man to the Western Paradise to see the Buddha.
That day, Wu Tong displayed divine might, felling the Boundless Eccentric with a single blow. The gathered martial artists were stunned, but also could not help feeling awe and admiration. Had they not seen it with their own eyes, the Black Dragon Sect's followers would never have believed such a youth could exist in the world. His skill, even if not yet peerless under Heaven, was rare indeed.
Wu Tong now reached to his waist, drew out a folding fan, and with a flick, opened it. Shaking it lightly, he walked forward at an unhurried pace.
Zhao Rou, seeing this, was delighted. She called out, "Is there any other expert who wishes to test his skills?" Her voice was tinged with disdain, making the Black Dragon Sect's men glare in anger—yet none dared step forward. The air grew heavy with tension.
As Wu Tong strode toward them, the Black Dragon Sect members instinctively backed away. Their leaders and followers glanced at one another in silence. The Eastern King, Yang Chao, ever shrewd, did not dare utter a sound. Even the Western King, Xiao Cheng, who had earlier spoken provocations, held his tongue.
Wu Tong's gaze swept proudly over the assembly. He spoke in a clear voice: "Today's exchange of blows was not my wish. Worthy heroes, this place is not fit for lingering. If there is no other matter, please take your leave." He raised his right hand and made a courteous gesture of invitation.
The Black Dragon Sect men kept their lips pressed shut. They knew there was no advantage to be gained today. The Boundless Eccentric had sought to defeat Wu Tong and win glory, offering his victory to Sect Master Murong Gui—but instead, he had been humiliated and lay unconscious. Their attempt to seize the manual had failed, and they had suffered losses. To fight on now would be folly. Better to retreat and seek revenge later.
Yet they had to preserve some face. The Western King, Xiao Cheng, called out loudly, "The green hills remain, the flowing waters endure. Wu Tong, today's enmity will be repaid another day!" With a sweep of his sleeve, he turned on his heel, and the Black Dragon Sect's men departed in a swirl of robes, without looking back.
Once they had gone, Wu Tong turned and clasped his fists. "Guo Daxia, forgive me for not appearing sooner to pay my respects." The first two times Guo Yuan had called, Wu Tong had held back out of humility. Only upon the third, urgent request—seeing the Black Dragon Sect's covetous eyes—had he revealed himself with a burst of lightness skill.
Just then, Zhao Rou led up the horses. The Loyal and Courageous Blade, Guo Yuan, sighed. "This is Heaven's will."
Wu Tong said, "To receive such an honor from your late master humbles me deeply. I feel unworthy."
Guo Yuan, knowing Wu Tong was modest and not covetous of the Crouching Dragon Blade Manual, replied, "Heaven's will cannot be defied. Please, both of you, enter the manor."
Wu Tong said, "Guo Daxia, why not come in with us?"
Guo Yuan's face grew solemn. "My late master commanded that none but you, young hero, and this young lady may enter. Only once you two have gone in may I depart."
Wu Tong hesitated. Seeing this, Guo Yuan spoke earnestly, "This is my master's repeated command—you must not refuse."
Zhao Rou added, "Brother Tong, for Heaven's sake, do not decline. If this manual were to fall into evil hands, it would bring disaster to the martial world!"
Guo Yuan nodded. "The young lady speaks truly—this was also my master's concern. Please, no more hesitation!"
Wu Tong had meant to decline again, but Zhao Rou's words left him with no choice. He nodded. "I am unworthy of such an honor, but since Heaven wills it, I accept."
Guo Yuan said, "The Crouching Dragon Blade Manual lies upon the incense table of our sect's leader. My late master instructed that it be given to you. Our sect wishes no longer to be embroiled in worldly strife over this manual. As the saying goes: 'A man of virtue is blameless, yet possessing treasure invites thieves.'"
His tone grew even more respectful. "Please enter the manor, to comfort my master's spirit in Heaven. With this skill, you may one day walk the martial world upholding his legacy—striking down evil and spreading justice." He gestured invitingly.
Fearing Wu Tong might yet refuse, Guo Yuan pressed the matter. Wu Tong still felt uneasy, never having sought such a prize, but Guo Yuan's tone suddenly sharpened: "Young hero, are you looking down upon our sect's martial arts?"
Wu Tong quickly replied, "Guo Daxia, we will enter in a moment. You may return first."
Guo Yuan's face hardened. "If you do not enter, I will not leave!"
Zhao Rou, seeing the tension rising, said gently, "Brother Tong, it's Heaven's will—let's go in." She took the reins and led him toward the manor.
Wu Tong sighed deeply. The two mounted their horses and rode into the estate. At first, there was a single path, then it branched into two. At the fork, wildflowers marked the way—yellow blossoms to the left, apricot trees to the right—just as they had seen on their last visit. Following the Five Elements' cycle—metal gives birth to water, water to wood, wood to fire, fire to earth, earth to metal—they walked and rode through four such forks before the path ended before a small house.
They dismounted and approached. Upon the doorway hung a couplet:
Left: "Nurture Heaven and Earth's vast, righteous qi."Right: "Cast aside life and death, leave a fragrance for ten thousand ages."Horizontal inscribed board: "Walk the Great Way."
Wu Tong, seeing this, could not help but admire, The master of this manor is a man of lofty virtue, far removed from the dust of the world. Truly, "Here is real meaning; words fail before it."
Inside, upon the sect leader's incense table, lay a single manual, its cover inscribed Crouching Dragon Blade Technique. Zhao Rou lit incense, and together they bowed three times before placing the sticks in the holder.
Zhao Rou took up the manual. "Since this is Heaven's will, we must follow it."
They opened to the first page:
"To reach this place is Heaven's will.The Crouching Dragon Blade Technique is peerless under Heaven.Its foundation is loyalty and righteousness,Its heart is benevolence and virtue.Only one who possesses both may learn it.Master the art, walk the Way of Heaven,Strike down evil, champion the good,Do what must be done—thus fulfilling my Dao, thus fulfilling my wish."
Reading this, Wu Tong was suddenly reminded of a day long past.
"Master, what is chivalry?" he had once asked.
It was a question of great weight. The White Cloud Immortal, hearing it, sighed. "To be a xia is to be one who has the ability, and uses it rightly. Yi—righteousness—is the foundation of being human. Without righteousness, one is no more than a beast.
"What is chivalry? To aid the poor and relieve the distressed; to punish evil and uphold the good; and, seeing injustice on the road, to draw your blade and lend your aid!"