Wu Tong had been ordered to proceed to the Protectorate of Anxi. Though he was rewarded with riches and titles, he had little time to enjoy them; the great cause awaited, and he had to set out early. Before departure, Zhao Rou happened upon Chen Hao, the chief escort of the Capital Escort Agency, and invited him to the residence as a courtesy.
Zhao Rou, long away from home, suddenly felt a surge of homesickness. "It has been years since I last returned to pay respects at my ancestors' graves," she said softly. "This time I must go home to fulfill my filial duty." Li Qian shared the same wish, and the two decided to travel back together.
Wu Tong quickly made arrangements: he entrusted Chen Hao to escort the imperial rewards back to his family home in Guangzhou, and also donated five hundred bushels of grain and a thousand bolts of silk to the refugees gathered at the gates. The displaced people, overwhelmed with gratitude, fell to their knees and kowtowed.
At dawn the next day, Zhao Rou, Li Qian, and Chen Hao prepared their escort journey southward, while Wu Tong and Liu Yun readied themselves to ride west. Though they smiled, the air was heavy with parting sorrow. Zhao Rou teased, "Yun-mei, you've got the advantage this time. With us gone, you'll have Brother Tong all to yourself!" Liu Yun blushed faintly. "Sister Rou, why don't you come along with us instead?"
But Zhao Rou's face darkened, and she shook her head. "No. I must return to my parents' graves." Then, with a sigh, she murmured, "A stranger alone in a foreign land, my heart aches at every festival." Her words pierced with melancholy. Wu Tong sighed too. "I have also been away from home for long; even this year's Spring Festival, I could not return. Since you are going back, please look in on my parents as well."
Li Qian comforted him gently: "Brother Tong, Sister Rou and I will visit them on your behalf. But you and Yun-mei must be careful on your westward journey." Zhao Rou suddenly winked at Liu Yun and said playfully, "Yun-mei, take good care of Brother Tong!" Li Qian giggled, "That's right. Brother Tong, be sure to look after Yun-mei! And Yun-mei… remember, they say, 'Under the hibiscus canopy, the spring night is long and warm.' Treasure your companion well!"
At this, Liu Yun's cheeks flamed crimson. "Brother Tong, look how Sister Qian is bullying me!" Li Qian laughed until she nearly doubled over, pleased to avenge an old jest. Finally Zhao Rou cut in, "Enough teasing—we must set out. Chen Hao is waiting." The four shared one last smile, waved farewell, and went their separate ways: one road leading south to family and filial piety, the other westward in service of the nation.
Wu Tong and Liu Yun rode west, intent on finding a caravan to replenish supplies for their journey to Anxi. Yet as they entered the camel market, dust rose and cries of alarm rang out. A band of brigands had encircled several merchants and their camels. Wu Tong spurred forward at once, but before he could intervene, a harsh voice bellowed:
"Well, well—what fortune! Tread the earth in vain, only to stumble upon you here, brat!"
Wu Tong recognized the voice immediately. "Mo Lao-xian! Still alive, I see."
The old villain sneered. "Wu Tong, today you won't be so lucky as last time!"
Liu Yun's eyes flashed coldly. "So you've brought a few decrepit helpers to bolster your courage? Don't think you'll escape again today!"
Mo Lao-xian gestured to his companions. "Allow me to introduce—'Iron-Palm Bully' Master Chuanbei, and 'Yin-Yang Hands' Uncle Anpu. And this," he pointed, "is none other than Wu Tong of the 'Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness!'"
Chuanbei snorted. "Hah! Wu Tong? I see nothing but an overrated boy."
Before Wu Tong could reply, Liu Yun leapt forth like a swallow in flight, sleeves fluttering, palm aimed straight at Chuanbei's face. With a roar, Chuanbei met her head-on, palm against palm. The blast of force sent both staggering back, yet Liu Yun stood her ground. Chuanbei's eyes narrowed. "This girl's inner strength… extraordinary."
In truth, Liu Yun's cultivation had soared since taking the Bee-Wax Pill and practicing the Nine Profound Classic. Her lightness skill was ethereal, her palms brimming with power. She sneered, "For all your vaunted skill, your eyesight is poor indeed—mocking the famous Wu Tong!"
At that, the "Yin-Yang Hands" Anpu ogled Liu Yun with lewd delight. "Such beauty! Truly a flower I long to pluck."
Liu Yun's anger blazed. "Shameless old lecher! Do you dare test my palms?"
Anpu lunged with grasping hands, but Liu Yun flowed aside, body turning like a dragon in flight. Her palms struck with sudden force, but Anpu twisted, his twin palms weaving yin and yang. He sought to close in, to seize her, but Liu Yun's No-Trace Step spun her clear, leaving him clutching only air.
"You disgrace the martial world," she spat.
Anpu only laughed. "Old and shameless? Perhaps. But let's see how long you can evade!" He struck again, twin palms fierce as storm waves.
Liu Yun steadied herself. "Enough! If you insist on pestering me, I'll end your wickedness here and now!"