During the late Qing Dynasty, the renowned martial artist Guo Yunshen practiced Xingyi's Five Element Fists while shackled in prison. Confined by leg irons, he could only take half-steps, thus creating the legendary "Half-Step Crushing Fist." Now, Huo Xuan moved with similarly constrained yet devastating power, his compact steps unleashing unstoppable force.
But his footwork employed Xin Yi Ba's Yi Shen Ba (Shifting Body Stance)—deceptively simple steps concealing profound mysteries. Combined with Jin Jun Pi Ba Chui (Advancing Splitting Hammer Strike), he charged the remaining four guards.
Thud! Thud!
Before the guards could even register his movements, they were sent flying, collapsing with pained groans, completely immobilized.
Looking down at the five fallen men, Huo Xuan said coldly, "To deliver the 'Power-Breaking Rod' punishment, you'd better have the skills to back it up."
The commotion drew outside guards rushing in. Strangely, they showed no surprise at the scene, as if such incidents were routine. A swarthy man in his fifties stepped forward, studying Huo Xuan intently. "Not bad, kid. Let's see how long you last."
Huo Xuan raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"
The man explained, "As a pre-trial detainee here temporarily, you shouldn't be housed with the hardened convicts. But assaulting guards? That changes things. You're too dangerous—you'll join the general population now."
Huo Xuan smirked. "By all means. I'd like to see how many true dragons this prison really holds."
"Bold words!" The guard actually chuckled approvingly. "Let's hope you live long enough to regret them."
With that, he turned and ordered, "Take him to the Compound."
The "Compound" was indeed just that—a vast enclosure with rows of buildings, complete with gardens, a boiler room, showers, even a basketball court and movie theater.
At first glance, it resembled a well-equipped small town. Only its residents—extremely dangerous criminals—betrayed its true nature.
Huo Xuan traversed a hundred-meter tunnel, passing twelve successive iron gates before a final half-foot-thick steel door admitted him into the Compound.
Stepping inside, he almost doubted his location. This was Prison No. 4's interior?
In the distance, a dozen figures—young and old—swung hoes to till vegetable plots or carried watering cans. Though they noted the newcomer's arrival, none reacted, continuing their tasks with eerie focus.
Surveying his surroundings, Huo Xuan noted the Compound was encircled by smooth, thirty-meter-high walls. Guard towers equipped with armed sentries stood every ten meters along the perimeter, the entire top edge lined with high-voltage wires.
His heart sank. Escape from this place would be impossible—even with wings.
After a moment's observation, a loudspeaker atop a nearby pole crackled to life: "Prisoner Huo Xuan, your designation is 4137. Cell 313 will be your living quarters."
As the announcement ended, a red laser dot appeared at his feet and began moving forward. Glancing up, he spotted a sniper in one of the towers using his rifle's laser sight to guide him. Nodding, Huo Xuan followed the dot until he reached a row of buildings.
Before him stood a door marked "313"—clearly his assigned cell. Just as he reached for the handle, a shaven-headed man in his thirties approached. The man's wolf-like eyes gleamed an unsettling blood-red, sending chills down the spine.
"New fish," the bald man said icily. "Dragon Head wants to see you."
Huo Xuan asked, "Who is Dragon Head?"
"Dragon Head is god in this Compound," the man replied. "Holds power over life and death. One word from him, and you're dead."
Huo Xuan nodded. "I'll go."
Led by the bald man, they walked past long rows of cells until reaching Cell 001. The door stood open, flanked by over a dozen prisoners whose cold stares regarded Huo Xuan as if he were already a corpse.
"You may enter," the bald man said. "Dragon Head awaits."
As Huo Xuan stepped forward, a middle-aged prisoner less than a meter away suddenly struck. A blade flashed—the man thrust a dagger toward Huo Xuan's kidney with the precision of a trained assassin.
Freed from shackles now, Huo Xuan sidestepped effortlessly and countered with a lightning-fast punch—an evolved form of Taiji's Jin Bu Ban Lan Chui (Advancing Blocking Hammer).
The attacker retreated swiftly, his failed strike leaving him standing ten meters away, watching Huo Xuan coldly.
Huo Xuan snorted in understanding. That was a test. Had I failed to dodge, I'd be dead—unworthy even to enter.
Upon entering, Huo Xuan encountered a towering figure blocking his path—a two-meter-tall behemoth with bulging muscles and eyes like bronze bells.
Huo Xuan sighed inwardly, recognizing another test. He assumed the True Martial Stance, ready to engage. But then a deep, aged voice echoed from within: "Big fellow, that's a genuine True Martial stance. You're no match. Let him pass."
The giant stepped aside, revealing an elderly man—at least sixty with graying hair—seated on a wooden bed. Though aged, his eyes shone with piercing clarity.
Flanking him stood a dozen men of varying ages, all heads bowed in silent reverence.
"Young man, approach," the elder commanded.
At these words, the attendants stiffened visibly. The Dragon Head hasn't received newcomers in years. Why take notice now? Just because of his skills?
Huo Xuan advanced slowly. With each step, an overwhelming pressure—emanating from the elder—threatened to crush his breath. Yet paradoxically, his pace quickened.
When within five meters, two elderly attendants suddenly barked: "Kneel before the Dragon Head!"
Their voices struck like thunder, vibrating Huo Xuan's eardrums painfully. Studying the elder closely now, he perceived an astonishing vitality radiating from the man.
This old master's cultivation must be at the pinnacle of Hua Jin level. I'd stand no chance against him.
Unshaken, Huo Xuan responded calmly: "Apologies. I kneel only to god and my parents."
A dangerous glint flashed in the elder's eyes. Just as he seemed poised to strike, the seated Dragon Head interjected: "Old Hu, let me question him first."
The chastened attendant immediately lowered his head. The Dragon Head studied Huo Xuan intently: "You carry an unusual aura. Young man, who are you?"