After the four marriages were joyfully concluded, the next day the Heaven-Revering Sect departed for their headquarters, Lü Qiang returned to Guangzhou, and the Beggar Sect set off on a special mission entrusted by their Chief. Thus, everyone parted ways. Yet Wu Tong and his three wives—Liu Yun, Zhao Rou, and Li Qian—being members of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, men and women of the wandering Jianghu, skilled in meeting heroes and adapting to circumstance, chose to accompany the Beggar Sect to Yongqiu, there to assist the righteous army in raising funds and delivering supplies.
That day, they journeyed across a stretch of hills until they reached a modest mountain ridge. Though not steep, its winding paths and tranquil air lent it an air of mystery. At the foot stood a massive stone stele, carved with five bold characters: Northern Dipper Seven-Star Mountain.
Following the mountain road for several miles, they suddenly espied, far ahead upon an open plain, banners snapping in the wind. Seven banners flew high, each inscribed with a star's name: Tian Shu, Tian Xuan, Tian Ji, Tian Quan, Yu Heng, Kai Yang, and Yao Guang. Beneath the flags, a great crowd had gathered, the atmosphere heavy with tension—as though some grave affair was at hand.
It was noon, and the travelers, weary and heated, stopped nearby to rest, take water and food, and inquire about the matter. From the crowd's midst a tall, broad-shouldered man, half his hair already white, spoke aloud:"Masters of the sects, today's contest shall be fought bare-handed. Victory or defeat shall be decided by skill of palm alone. Let this be a contest of gentlemen, with restraint, no more! Now, I call forth Master Wang Feng of the Tian Xuan Gate and Master Kang Zhiqiang of the Yu Heng Gate for the final duel!"
This man was none other than Zeng Cheng, Master of the Tian Shu Gate—one of the seven great leaders of the Northern Dipper Sect.
The Northern Dipper Sect was a famed and noble school. Its founder, True Mechanist, had astonished the martial world with his supreme arts and mysterious stratagems. But on his deathbed he named no successor. Instead, his testament decreed: the seven Gate Masters must contest by arms to decide the new leader and determine the final custodian of the Northern Dipper True Canon!
This Canon contained the essence of his life's studies—legendary skills such as the Seven-Star Footwork, the Linked-Stars Palm, and the Heavenly Gang Body-Shield. Whoever mastered it would be peerless under Heaven. Thus, this duel would decide not only the leadership of the sect, but also the fate of a supreme martial treasure coveted by all.
The seven Gate Masters, ranging from fifty to sixty years of age, stood in full vigor, spirits blazing. Today would mark the fiercest succession struggle in a hundred years, its victor destined to rule all seven Gates and carve a name eternal in the annals of Jianghu.
Wu Tong and his companions thought: Such a contest between masters will be a spectacle indeed! And so they lingered to witness…
The duel blazed on, palms and fists clashing, inner force colliding. Wang Feng's steps shifted like the stars themselves, fluid and circular, while Kang Zhiqiang answered with powerful, grounded strikes, his energy flowing steady as a mountain stream. After over a hundred exchanges, sweat poured, yet neither's spirit waned. At last Wang Feng found an opening, his inner strength pressing hard. With the move Seven-Stars Gathered Force, he broke through Kang's guard, forcing him back several steps.
Breathing deeply, Wang Feng withdrew his hand and declared:"Brother, your skill is fine indeed, yet you are a measure short."
Kang Zhiqiang, catching his breath, bowed in respect:"Second Brother's art is unsurpassed. I yield."
At this, Zeng Cheng proclaimed:"By the will of our late Master, the leadership passes to Wang Feng of Tian Xuan Gate. From this day, the Seven Gates shall share one root, branch out, and guard each other as one!"
All answered in unison:"We obey the Master's command!"
Thus, the sect fulfilled its founder's dying wish. Amid the glow of sunset, the ritual of succession began. The symbols of office—a whisk, the command token, and the True Canon—were borne forth. With reverence, Wang Feng received them.
But suddenly—a shadow streaked through the air, and in a flash the True Canon was snatched away!
"Impudent thief!" the seven Masters roared, converging in fury.
The figure landed laughing thunderously, the mountains shaking with the sound. Raising the book aloft, he cried:"Simaruun! The Black Wind Three Devils—the manual you seek is here!"
Faces blanched. The crowd erupted in shock. For this was none other than the notorious King of Black-Eating, Sima Lun! A bizarre rogue, infamous for preying on thieves and sects alike—not a killer or arsonist, but a self-absorbed scoundrel who thrived on being flattered. If praised, he might aid you; if slighted, he turned instantly treacherous.
And now, brazenly, he had stolen the True Canon before all eyes—and was calling the dreaded Black Wind Three Devils to claim it!
The mountain winds howled, leaves fell, and eerie laughter echoed from the shadows…