Thus it was that "Tiger Among Men" Shi Yong and the Beggars' Sect Chief Fei Jin, unable to restrain their tempers, clashed outright!
Watching from the side, the Black Dragon Sect's Master Murong Gui gave a cold sneer. "These two are ordinarily comrades, yet now, because of mere words, they fight each other bitterly. All the better for me—saves my Black Dragon Sect the trouble of striking. Let them exhaust one another. Borrowing the knife to kill—what finer tactic could there be?" Content to sit back, he folded his arms, enjoying the spectacle.
The duel between dragon and tiger could not be avoided. The gathered heroes held their breath, their eyes riveted on the field where the two masters faced off.
Though of the same generation, Shi Yong and Fei Jin had never been able to see eye to eye. Each considered himself a peerless master of the age. Now that fists had met, neither would yield an inch! Empty-handed, their movements were swift as lightning, their footwork ever-changing, their palm winds sharp enough to rend the air. In an instant, fists and shadows intertwined, inner energy surged, the clash resounding like thunder.
Fei Jin charged forward, his qi soaring, loosing a piercing cry. He unleashed the move "Earth-Shaking Thunder"—a strike from the Sixteen Palms of Dragon and Tiger. In a single burst, tremendous force surged outward, aimed straight for Shi Yong's chest! The power was thick and heavy, the wind of the palm keen as steel, like thunder splitting the heavens. The onlookers felt their hearts quake.
Shi Yong stood firm, not flustered. His right palm darted out to meet it head-on.
Boom!Palm met palm—inner force collided. Dust rose in waves, the ground shuddered, and the onlookers felt a humming in their ears as the shockwaves rolled past.
Both men were first-class masters of the era; not only were their strikes overwhelming, but their changes subtle and elusive. Fei Jin sidestepped, turning defense into attack—he took four palms and returned two. Shi Yong would not fall behind; his palms shifted into layered shadows, fast as lightning. The two bodies whirled and intertwined, fists and palms clashing endlessly. In but moments, dozens of moves had been exchanged, neither side gaining advantage.
The fight raged on. Every palm split the air, every fist carried force enough to crack stone. After three hundred exchanges, still no victor emerged. The intensity dazzled the crowd; they scarcely dared to blink. Within the circle, fists met palms, chops met kicks, knees and elbows struck, bodies leapt and spun—the roaring of the fist wind made even the spectators' hearts tremble.
Yet, splendid though it was, the spectators suffered. The sun dipped west, twilight descended, and this place being a Taoist temple, the heroes could not tarry into the night. One by one, they bowed to Liu Xuan, Master of the Celestial Veneration Sect, then departed.
Though they missed the outcome, much had been accomplished. During the duel, Liu Xuan's lieutenants had already secured agreement with the gathered heroes: lines of communication, strategies to harass the Yan army in their rear, plans to aid Tang troops in city defense and logistics—all settled. Murong Gui, though calm on the surface, seethed within. His scheme to disrupt the anti-rebellion congress had stirred the waters, but failed to shatter the alliance.
As the assembly dispersed, Murong's eyes gleamed. The purpose of this visit has been met; it is time to withdraw. The moon rose high, silver light spilling over the temple. Only the forces of Celestial Veneration Sect, Black Dragon Sect, and the Beggars' Sect remained.
Murong Gui's gaze was cold, tinged with resignation. He called out, "Honored seniors, pray cease your contest!" His voice carried no threat, yet the authority of a sect master could not be gainsaid. He had no wish to see his side's strength diminished by private quarrels.
Liu Xuan stepped forth smiling. He bowed slightly: "Masters, today before the world's heroes, you have displayed arts to astonish the martial realm. The juniors who witnessed it will carry awe in their hearts for life. Yet the fight drags on, and dusk has fallen. To disturb the temple's peace further would not be fitting."
The words broke the tension. Shi Yong and Fei Jin met each other's eyes. With reluctant sighs, they released their locked energy and stepped back, knowing the duel must end unresolved.
Only now did Fei Jin look around, realizing all the other heroes had long since gone. Embarrassed, he barked, "Shi Yong—it's all your fault! You've ruined the whole anti-rebellion conference!"
Shi Yong threw back his head and laughed. "Old Fei, who threw the first insult? Don't heap it on me!"
Murong Gui, fearful the quarrel might flare anew, cut in smoothly: "Honored seniors, mountains do not move, waters still flow. Another day will come for a proper battle!"
Liu Xuan nodded. "Indeed. Gentlemen, surely you are both weary and hungry. Let us call this a meeting of friendship through arms—a tale for the annals of our world."
Murong Gui gave a courteous bow. "Master Liu, Chief Fei, valiant heroes—Black Dragon Sect has intruded long enough. We take our leave."
Liu Xuan returned the gesture. "Master Murong, safe travels. We shall not see you out."
Thus the storm passed. Both leaders knew the time for decisive battle had not yet come. For now, they must each consolidate power, recruit allies, and bide their strength.
Murong Gui led his followers away. Fei Jin turned and bowed low to Liu Xuan: "Alliance Leader, in my rashness I fear I have spoiled your plans. I await your chastisement."
Liu Xuan only laughed. "Chief Fei, what are you saying? You have rendered a great service!"
Fei Jin was startled. "A service? My rashness—how could it be merit?"
Liu Xuan explained: "The Black Dragon Sect sought to disrupt our conference. Had you not engaged Shi Yong, how could we have gained time to conclude our alliances?"
Fei Jin brightened. "Then the alliance is secured, despite Black Dragon Sect's interference?"
Liu Xuan nodded. "Our envoys have arranged all: communications, sabotage of Yan supply lines, support for Tang defenses and logistics—every matter resolved."
Just then, a Beggars' Sect disciple approached and bowed: "Chief, the evening meal is prepared."
Fei Jin, relieved that his rashness had not marred the cause, now felt light at heart. He laughed: "Enough of these petty matters—let us elders feast together! Alliance Leader, please join us!"
So they went, with Wu Tong and others, toward the Beggars' Sect encampment.
Under the night sky, they arrived. The four elders—Qian He, Song Ren, Chen Yan, and Jiang Feng—were already waiting. They saluted: "Chief, the Beggar's Chicken is ready!"
This dish was a sect tradition, born of a beggar who once wrapped a chicken in mud and roasted it in fire, feathers and all. When the mud cracked, the feathers came away, revealing golden skin and tender flesh, fragrant beyond compare.
Fei Jin laughed heartily. "Brothers, you must be starving. Eat without restraint!" The beggars cheered, tearing into the succulent chicken, drinking coarse wine from earthen bowls, their spirits soaring. Laughter, chatter, and boasts of the day's duel filled the night.
At that moment, Lü Qiang, famed as "Fearless Under Heaven", arrived with his daughter Li Qian. The crowd rose to greet them.
Fei Jin's voice boomed: "Today heroes have gathered! Here is none other than Lü Qiang himself—and beside him—" he gestured, bowing slightly toward Liu Xuan, "—the Master of the Celestial Veneration Sect, and Alliance Leader of the righteous anti-rebellion army!"
Lü Qiang at once clasped his fists. "Your reputation has long reached my ears. To meet you today is a blessing thrice over!"
Liu Xuan smiled and returned the salute. "If we ask who in this world is a hero, none surpass Fearless Lü! At the northern battlefields, your name shook the land. To meet you now—it is my fortune indeed."
The two men, giants of the martial world, admired each other openly. Their words brimmed with respect and heroism.
Now all knew: this gathering was not only for the alliance of arms, but also for a matter of marriage. The air grew warm, lighter with cheer.
Fei Jin laughed uproariously, clapping Wu Tong's shoulder. "Hahaha! Wu Tong—why do you delay? Pay respects to your father-in-law!"
Wu Tong froze, then quickly gathered himself. Straightening his robes, he dropped to his knees, bowing deeply. "Honored Father-in-law, please accept your son-in-law's obeisance!"
Lü Qiang's heart swelled with joy. He hurried to lift Wu Tong up, eyes shining. "Who would have thought that our meeting at the wayside pavilion would lead to this bond? Truly, all is destined!"
Wu Tong bowed again, deeply moved. "This son-in-law has much to learn."
Li Qian stood nearby, eyes moist, her face a blush of joy and shyness. Zhao Rou and Liu Yun exchanged knowing smiles. And so this gathering, filled with martial valor and the tenderness of human bonds, continued deep into the night, amid wine and laughter…