Before long, the followers of the Lama Sect also arrived. On the side of the Fire-Worship Sect, Dharma King Zhao Ke stood at the front, draped in a deep-red robe, wearing a crown embroidered with flame motifs. His expression was solemn, his gaze sharp as a torch. Behind him stood a group of Fire-Worship disciples, all firm-faced, gripping their ritual implements, forming a vigilant formation. Zhao Ke Dharma King stepped forward and said in a steady, powerful voice:
"Honored guests, you have traveled far to visit this temple. May I ask the purpose of your arrival?"
Opposite him, the Lama Sect contingent exuded fierce momentum. At the forefront stood Master Geleba, clad in a bright-red monk's robe and a yellow hat, a prayer wheel in his hand, his face stern and imposing. Behind him stood dozens of Lama Sect disciples, all with grim expressions and unyielding eyes. Master Geleba spoke in a booming voice:
"This place shall soon fall under the sphere of influence of the Lama Sect. I request your sect withdraw immediately. Do not resist, and my sect shall permit you to leave unharmed."
Zhao Ke Dharma King furrowed his brows and said gravely:"Reverend, you too are a cultivator of the Way. Why act with such arrogance, leaving no room for other faiths?"
At this moment, Geleba's chief disciple, Marba, stepped out from the crowd, wearing a brown monk's robe, his expression proud and cold. He said:"My master, the great Geleba, has already spoken with great magnanimity. He asked politely—so leave this place, do not resist, and our sect will let you depart in peace."
Li Rui Dharma King of the Fire-Worship Sect gave a cold snort and countered:"Fine words indeed. Then allow me to request your sect to leave at once! This temple is where our disciples gather and practice."
Marba's face darkened at these words. With a cold fury, he barked:"If you will not heed persuasion, then do not blame my sect for showing no mercy!"
The atmosphere grew taut as a bowstring. The air of the square seemed frozen. Fire-Worship disciples clenched their implements, while the Lama disciples assumed battle stances. Their eyes clashed like sparks flying from flint. In the distance, dark clouds pressed low, thunder rumbled faintly, as if even Heaven and Earth trembled at the impending clash.
At this moment, Wu Tong stepped out from the crowd and said:"Within the borders of Great Tang, all men have freedom of faith. Yet your sect bullies the weak and forces its will upon others—such conduct cannot win hearts."
Wu Tong recalled the words of the Analects: 'When righteousness subdues evil, the people's hearts submit; when evil subdues righteousness, the people's hearts will never submit.' Seeing the Lama Sect oppress others with numbers, as Lord of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, Wu Tong could not remain silent.
Disciple Gemaba sneered:"And who are you, sir, to interfere? This is a matter of the martial world. Even the imperial court has no say here!"
Wu Tong cupped his fists and replied:"I am Wu Tong, Lord of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
The Lama disciples were taken aback. After all, their sphere of activity was not in the Central Plains. Geleba Master himself was startled, exclaiming:"Is not Han Zhen the Lord of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness? How has it changed hands?"
Wu Tong bowed respectfully:"By the recommendation of Elder Han Zhen and appointment of the imperial court, I now serve as the twelfth Lord of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
Master Geleba said:"Young man, to hold such a title at your age, you must have skill beyond ordinary men. Since you insist on standing up for the Fire-Worship Sect, do you mean to cross blades with my sect today?"
Wu Tong said calmly:"As Lord of the Hall, it is my duty, both public and private, to uphold justice in the martial world. I cannot stand idly by."
Master Geleba retorted:"Then enough words. Let us see the truth beneath our palms!"
Wu Tong replied:"Senior, please bestow your instruction!"
At this, Marba could no longer contain his anger."This brat dares demand my master's hand? I shall test him first!"
With a swift leap, he landed in the center of the ground, his lightness skill remarkable. Wu Tong saluted courteously:"Let us duel unarmed then—please!"
Marba focused his energy into his palms, thrusting forward with Prajna Palm, the move "Origin of Prajna," striking directly at Wu Tong's head, stepping boldly to close distance. Wu Tong thought to himself, Good move! Without arrogance, he raised his palm to parry, suddenly sidestepping, and struck toward Marba's chest with lightning speed. Marba, caught off guard, hastily withdrew to evade.
"Youngster, you've some skill!" he admitted. Then, stepping forward again, he roared: "Take a few more of my palms!"
In a flash, palm winds surged, his body darting forward with relentless attacks. The Lama disciples cheered loudly, certain that Wu Tong would be overwhelmed. Yet Wu Tong received every strike calmly, his footwork agile, turning defense into offense. In a blink, his palm nearly reached Marba's face. Marba quickly used the move Entering Emptiness, a most subtle technique, causing Wu Tong's strikes to miss. Marba rejoiced inwardly: This boy knows nothing of the mysteries of Tibetan martial arts!
He immediately unleashed Thus Have I Heard, his palms flowing like a storm, pressing fiercely at Wu Tong's chest. For a moment Wu Tong felt as though peering into fog—this style was entirely foreign. He countered with Eight Cloud Hands, "East to West," withdrawing and dodging. Marba followed with Path of Charity, his palms falling like rain. Wu Tong answered with "Rivers North and South," steady and composed, suddenly leaping forward, his palms breaking open Marba's strikes, seizing the initiative.
Just then, disciple Gemaba rushed in from the side. Wu Tong's twin palms shot forward unexpectedly—Boom! The three men all staggered back from the force.
Li Qian cried out:"Two against one? Do you seek victory in numbers alone?"
Gemaba replied coldly:"Girl, Wu young hero is too strong; we've no choice but to join hands!"
Wu Tong declared sternly:"Today, as Lord of the Hall, I stand for loyalty and righteousness. I will not allow you to run rampant. Leave this place at once!"
But Marba retorted coldly:"We came with resolve. This temple's geomancy is ideal—our sect shall use it as the base to march into the Central Plains!"
Wu Tong's eyes sharpened:"In that case, unless you are taught a lesson today, you will surely return. Then I have no choice but to draw my blade!"
With that, he leapt to Li Qian's side, drew the Crouching Dragon Saber, and sprang back to the field. At this moment, the Tianshan Nun stepped forward and sighed:"Master Geleba, all are seekers of the Way. Why bring trouble upon others? This Wu Lord's skill is formidable. Blades and sabers know no eyes. For your sake, turn back while there is still time!"
Marba snapped:"Nun, spare your words! Our sect's march into the Central Plains is inevitable. In time, we will clash with your Buddhist sect as well. This battle is crucial—and next, there is Shaolin itself!"
He had scarcely finished when a shadow suddenly appeared, striking with a palm. Marba dared not neglect it—he lifted both palms to block. But the nun's Phantom Palm was wondrous; her hand dipped low, flashing beneath his guard, and—Bang!—struck his chest squarely.
Marba staggered back, tumbling twice, before spitting out a mouthful of blood.
The Tianshan Nun said coldly:"Young fool! You know not the height of Heaven nor the depth of Earth! The Central Plains' martial world is full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. It is no place for you to come and go at will!"
The Lama Sect disciples were utterly shocked. Could Central Plains martial arts truly be so fearsome? One single palm from this nun had already left their senior brother vomiting blood!