Whirlwind Palms, Heroes Admire Heroes
Wu Tong leapt lightly into the air and landed upon the temple courtyard in a single bound, his movements agile and precise. He clasped his hands toward his opponent."Deputy Leader Qiu, please—let us begin."
At once, his feet slid apart into a firm horse stance. His right palm swept outward in a graceful arc.Qiu Biao, the Flying Eagle Gang's deputy leader, was no ordinary fighter; he gathered his breath deep into his dantian, gave a fierce shout, and shot out a blazing punch aimed straight at Wu Tong's face.
Wu Tong turned slightly aside, his left palm brushing gently outward. Qiu's punch struck nothing but air. The gang leader spun around, lashing out with his left fist, fierce and unrelenting. Wu Tong crouched low, dodging smoothly, then unleashed two palms in rapid succession.
Qiu raised both arms to block, but the moment their forces met, his arms went numb. Shock flashed through his eyes — this man's internal strength is tremendous!
Wu Tong's palms surged forward again like a storm breaking across the sea."Deputy Leader Qiu, your skill is formidable indeed!"
Qiu steadied himself, admiration rising amid the clash. To face such a hero was a rare honor. The two men exchanged blow for blow, each driven by respect as much as rivalry. The courtyard echoed with the roar of surging qi, each palm strike cutting through the air like thunder and lightning.
Suddenly, Qiu Biao sprang high into the air. From above, he hurled down two rapid-fire palm strikes, each howling with fierce wind.Wu Tong's eyes gleamed. What a mighty technique!
Without haste, he sidestepped, caught the force of the blow, and redirected it effortlessly. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he struck back with seven or eight consecutive palms — swift as lightning, fierce as a gale.
Qiu retreated rapidly, spinning to deflect the barrage, but Wu Tong's movements were unpredictable — alternating between feints and true strikes. Within moments, Qiu found himself cornered, unable to advance or retreat.
A surge of air pressure burst toward his chest — crack!
Wu Tong's palm landed squarely on Qiu Biao's left breast, but the force stopped short, perfectly measured — a strike of victory, not cruelty.
Qiu staggered back a step, realization dawning. The man had shown mercy. He immediately clasped his fists and bowed deeply."Master Wu, your skill is peerless. I, Qiu Biao, concede defeat!"
Wu Tong smiled, calm and unhurried."A good fight between men of honor. Deputy Leader Qiu, your strength commands respect. Tomorrow, as agreed, we shall meet again to discuss greater matters."
Qiu straightened and replied with sincerity,"Lord Wu of Loyalty Hall — a man of righteousness and grace! I will return to inform my leader. Tomorrow, we shall keep our word."
He turned and shouted, "We're leaving!"
The Flying Eagle Gang members withdrew swiftly, disappearing into the dark. The moonlight spilled across the courtyard; the earlier storm of violence faded into a solemn calm. Yet beneath that silence, the winds of the jianghu had only just begun to stir…
The Matter of the Monastery's Defense — Shadows Beneath Still Waters
Abbot Liaofan looked toward Daoist Master Xuanzhen, who gave a slight nod before asking gravely,"Lord Wu, about your words today — will you truly honor tomorrow's agreement?"
Wu Tong folded his arms and laughed heartily."Daoist Master, let's speak plainly. Tell me, what do you make of this Ruiguang Monastery's condition?"
Xuanzhen paused, swept his gaze across the temple grounds, and replied slowly,"Ruiguang Monastery stands on blessed ground outside Luoyang — tranquil surroundings, grand halls, and thriving incense trade. From nobles to commoners, all come to pay respect. The temple flourishes in wealth and devotion alike."
Wu Tong nodded faintly and turned to the abbot."Abbot, forgive my bluntness. To invite Daoist Master Xuanzhen here today — that must have cost you quite a bit."
The abbot blinked, momentarily speechless. Wu Tong continued evenly,"The monastery's coffers are full — but wealth draws greed. The Flying Eagle Gang won't be the last. Even if I deal with them now, more will come for this fat prize. That, I fear, will be endless trouble."
Xuanzhen sighed deeply. "Lord Wu speaks truth. I too have felt the same concern."
Abbot Liaofan frowned, thinking hard before finally saying,"This humble monk is ignorant. Please, Lord Wu, enlighten me."
Wu Tong smiled knowingly and glanced at the four women beside him."My ladies, have you any thoughts?"
At his words, each pondered for a moment before speaking in turn.
Li Qian said calmly, "My husband is right. The empire is in chaos — officials can barely govern their own provinces. Even if you report to the authorities, they'll do nothing. The monastery cannot rely on the court."
Zhao Rou gave a cold laugh. "And if you refuse the fee, they'll just block your gates. How will pilgrims enter then? Your incense trade will die."
Liu Yun nodded slightly. "Unless your temple guards are as strong as Shaolin's Eighteen Arhats, you cannot resist these gangs for long."
Ling Xian'er smiled faintly, her eyes glinting. "The problem isn't without a solution — though I wonder if the abbot is willing to hear a woman's counsel?"
The abbot's heart stirred. Of course I've thought of these things — but how to end the trouble once and for all? He bowed deeply."Please, young lady, speak freely. This old monk listens with humility."
Ling Xian'er pondered briefly, then said softly,"Every crisis carries an opportunity. If used wisely, this disaster may become a blessing."
The abbot raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And how might that be?"
She smiled."Deputy Leader Qiu's martial strength proves that his leader must be even more formidable. If tomorrow Lord Wu can reach an accord with the Flying Eagle Gang's leader, this conflict can turn into alliance. Let them become the temple's guardians — protectors in exchange for fair compensation. In short, hire them as the monastery's defenders.
They will guard Ruiguang Monastery from other bandits, while you keep the incense burning and the donations flowing. Mutual benefit — strength meets faith. Is that not ideal?"
At her words, all present fell into thoughtful silence.
Then — smack! Wu Tong clapped his hands and laughed."Excellent! Xian'er's plan is brilliant — this is the very solution!"
He turned to the abbot."Abbot, what do you think?"
Liaofan hesitated, then slowly nodded."It is indeed wise… though I fear the cost of such protection will not be small."
Wu Tong chuckled."'Amitābha,' Abbot — leave that worry to me. When the Flying Eagle Gang's leader comes tomorrow, we'll discuss the terms together. All will be resolved."
Hearing this, the abbot finally exhaled and murmured, "Good, good indeed… may peace prevail."
Outside, the night deepened. The lanterns of Ruiguang Monastery flickered softly in the wind, their light trembling like hidden waves. Beneath the calm surface, the undercurrents of the martial world were gathering once more.
Tomorrow — a new storm of negotiation was about to begin.