On the ridge, the setting sun sank westward. A cold wind carried the blood-red glow of dusk, painting the world in a desolate, tragic beauty.
Facing the man's icy pride, Wu Tong's lips curved faintly in a helpless smile."In that case—make your move!"
The Snow Saber King of the Western Regions, Hu Tian, had roamed the deserts unmatched with his Thirty-Six Snow Saber Forms. Arrogant and aloof, he regarded all others with disdain. His eyes narrowed, glinting with cutting frost."Hu Tian never strikes first. You attack."
Wu Tong laughed aloud."If you truly value honor, then why did you strike from the shadows at this young lady just now?"
At those words, Hu Tian faltered, his brows tightening, caught speechless for the moment.
Liu Yun gave a light laugh."Brother Tong, you don't know? Fighters of the Western Regions are all swollen with pride. Their reputations are dearer to them than life. A single insult to their 'titles' is enough to make them fight to the death."
Her words hit the mark. In recent days she had seen firsthand how Western warriors cherished face above all else.
Hu Tian's rage flared."Nonsense! I, Hu Tian, am no coward who strikes from ambush! Cease your slander—now you shall witness the true might of my saber!"
With a shout, he sprang into the air, his saber howling down like a storm of snow and wind, crashing upon Wu Tong.
Wu Tong stood unmoving, both hands on the hilt. The Crouching Dragon Saber's essence—still as a virgin, sudden as a startled hare. At the instant Hu Tian's edge descended, Wu Tong drew. The blade flashed, steel sang, and sparks burst through the air!
Blades clashed, iron against iron, the two figures weaving a blizzard of saber-light. Wu Tong held steady, warding his body with the move "Wild Geese in Order," rooted like a mountain. Hu Tian pressed hard, the Thirty-Six Snow Saber Forms pouring down like endless snow, bitter as ice.
Strike followed strike, each echoing like thunder on a frozen plain. Wu Tong, instead of striking to kill, allowed the Snow Saber King to unfurl his entire repertoire. His eyes gleamed—he was studying, waiting for the flaw. Yet even in defense, the Crouching Dragon Saber coiled like a wyrm, fierce and precise, every stroke sealing the gaps.
Hu Tian's heart trembled. "Impossible—he's dissolving all thirty-six forms with ease. Has he merely been testing me?"
Grinding his teeth, he roared and shifted his blade once more, desperate to regain the upper hand.
Wu Tong raised his voice:"Hu Tian, you and I share no blood feud. Why not end this here and walk away?"
But Hu Tian thought of his honor. To withdraw now would stain the name of the Snow Saber King forever. His eyes blazed."Without victory, there is no retreat! Unless you yield, there can be no peace!"
Wu Tong's gaze sharpened."So be it. Let the sabers decide!"
His stance lowered, body coiled. With a sudden surge he launched "Clouds Rise, Rain Falls." The saber stormed like a monsoon, countless strikes flooding in from every direction. Hu Tian staggered, forced back step after step.
Wu Tong pressed on. With a cry he unleashed "Riding Lightning with the Blade." Snow on the ground whipped up in torrents as qi and steel became one. The saber blazed like thunderbolts splitting heaven and earth.
Hu Tian's defenses shattered. With a piercing clang his snow saber flew from his grip. In the same instant Wu Tong's blade swept across his abdomen—blood burst forth, his scream echoing into the dusk.
With saber in hand, the lone man stood—Proud King of Blades, unyielding, fierce.To ride the storm, to wield the lightning—No foe beneath the heavens could resist.
Wu Tong returned the blade to its scabbard in one smooth motion, his voice ringing out:"If any brother here remains unconvinced, Wu Tong stands ready to receive your challenge!"
His strike had been measured—enough to spill blood and shock the bandits, yet not to take life. Dismayed, they gathered up the fallen Snow Saber King and fled.
Wu Tong and Liu Yun continued on with the caravan, parting ways the next day at Turfan. The traders sold their wares, and the two companions went their own road.
Later, at a wayside inn, they sought rest and a meal. From afar came the sounds of combat—shouts, steel, cries. A crowd of ruffians besieged four travelers and a small girl. Though the four fought well, they were overwhelmed by numbers. Two fell bleeding; the little girl, only five or six, sobbed heart-rendingly:"Mother… Father…"
As she stumbled to the ground, the assailants closed in. Wu Tong and Liu Yun leapt forward. Liu Yun shielded the child; Wu Tong raised the Crouching Dragon Saber and unleashed "Clouds Rise, Rain Falls." The clash of steel rang without end, and screams followed.
"Use hidden weapons!" someone cried.
A storm of darts and knives whistled through the air, blotting out the sky. Wu Tong spun his blade, steel blossoming into a shield. Metal clanged, men screamed. The wounded couple collapsed under the poisoned rain.
Wu Tong's eyes blazed."Leave now, or face slaughter!"
With that he roared, unleashing "Pacifying the Central Plains." His saber stormed forth, qi howling. Four foes fell with shrieks, their bodies twisting to the ground. Wu Tong advanced like lightning, cutting down a dozen swordsmen in swift succession. Soon only three leaders remained.
"Poison!" Liu Yun's voice cut the air. "Their weapons are poisoned!"
Wu Tong's face hardened."Hand over the antidote, and you may yet live!"
One man sneered, voice dripping malice."There is no antidote. Prepare for death!"
Wu Tong's mind raced. He recalled the Centipede Wine of Plum Blossom Village—a cure for a hundred venoms."Yun-mei, don't panic. Bring out the Centipede Wine!"
Then he leveled his blade, his tone like iron:"Who dares commit murder in broad daylight? Speak—what manner of fiends are you?"