Wu Tong, returning eastward from the Anxi Protectorate back to the Central Plains, came upon Qishan. Once past Qishan, Lingwu was already close at hand. Unexpectedly, near Qishan he encountered old acquaintances—Manichaean Dharmaraja Li Rui and Zoroastrian Dharmaraja Zhao Ke. Their faces were grave as they spoke of how Qishan Ghost Mansion had recently attacked the Manichaean temple, intending to seize it for themselves. The situation was tense. Upon hearing this, Wu Tong, chivalrous by nature, immediately pledged to lend his aid.
At dawn the following day, sure enough, Qishan Ghost Mansion led its men in a fierce assault. The monks of the Manichaean temple had long been prepared and stood ready to defend, arrayed in battle formation on the square, murderous aura filling the air. Dharmaraja Li Rui stepped forward, eyes flashing like lightning, and said sternly:"Honored guests from afar, what is your purpose here today?"
From the enemy ranks strode a black-clad middle-aged man, his voice booming like thunder:"This place shall belong to Qishan Ghost Mansion. If you know what's good for you, leave at once!"
This was none other than Ximo Xie Xian—"Western Demon Xie Xian"—one of the Four Mad Fiends of Qishan Ghost Mansion. Beneath the Ghost King of Qishan, Yin Wudi, served his four most prized disciples: Dongxie Wang Sheng, Ximo Xie Xian, Beiguai Bai Shuo, and Nan Dian Mo Shuo. Their infamy was known throughout the martial world; their domineering ways made them dreaded foes.
At that moment, another figure emerged from among the Ghost Mansion crowd—a bald man with hawk-like eyes, sharp gaze, and a cold, arrogant smirk. He cast his eyes over the Manichaean monks and said in a deep voice:"I heard yesterday that your sect's two Dharmarajas wounded many of ours. Since that is so, I, Dongxie Wang Sheng, have come today to test your skills!"
Having Wu Tong and Liu Yun at his side after yesterday's battle, Dharmaraja Li Rui was emboldened. He stepped out decisively, his gaze piercing, and declared:"Indeed, it was we who struck down your men! That you dare come to seize our temple is the height of arrogance! I am Li Rui, Dharmaraja of the Manichaeans. Today I will test your vaunted skills!"
With those words, he tapped the ground lightly, leaping into the center of the square like a soaring rainbow.
Dongxie Wang Sheng shouted harshly:"In the martial world, only the strong survive while the weak perish—that is an eternal law!"
Before his voice had faded, a sneering cry came from within the Ghost Mansion ranks:"Dongxie Wang Sheng, why waste words with them? Strike at once!"
The speaker was Nan Dian Mo Shuo—cunning, sly, and best known for twisting words and sowing confusion. His tone was sharp, his gaze venomous.
Then Beiguai Bai Shuo, refined in appearance with pale scholar's features, gave a faint, cold smile:"Strength decides all. We'll know who is stronger after a few exchanges. Words are pointless."
Ximo Xie Xian snorted coldly, arms crossed in disdain. His arrogant expression barely concealed his contempt as he said slowly:"Since we've come, we certainly do not fear a fight."
The four Fiends, insolent and swaggering, radiated menace. Anger flared among the temple defenders. Liu Yun's own fury surged; with a sharp snort she stepped forward and said firmly:"Dharmaraja Li Rui, fight him!"
Though her voice was clear, it carried unquestionable authority. She folded her arms, her gaze sharp as a blade, staring coldly at the Ghost Mansion ranks.
Dharmaraja Li Rui stood tall, his bearing commanding, and called out:"Which one of you will face me?"
His voice was deep, his inner force resonating so powerfully that the entire square seemed to tremble, kindling fighting spirit all around.
In that instant, Dongxie Wang Sheng leapt into the air, roaring:"Take this!"
Murderous intent blazed as his right palm swept out in full force. A violent gale burst forth, his strike surging toward Li Rui. The Dharmaraja braced his stance, robes billowing as he raised his sleeves and met the attack. Instantly, palm winds howled, fists surged like crashing waves, shadows of fists and palms whirled in a storm. The two men became shifting blurs, exchanging strikes at lightning speed, attack and counterattack like thunderbolts.
In the blink of an eye, dozens of moves were traded. Suddenly Wang Sheng's palm shot forward, fingers clawing straight for the pulse gate. Li Rui drew back, sidestepped in a flash, and thrust out a counterpalm, shouting:"Upright and Bright!"
A series of mighty strikes surged forward with boundless force, driving at Wang Sheng. Wang Sheng, not to be outdone, unleashed his body technique—"Swift as Lightning"—darting through the square like an arrow, appearing before Li Rui in a flash and blasting out both palms.
With a resounding boom, the two figures sprang apart. Wang Sheng said with grudging respect:"I did not expect Dharmaraja Li Rui of the Manichaeans to have such skill! Since you dare face me head-on, you must indeed have some confidence. I underestimated you."
Li Rui replied coldly:"Dongxie, your martial skill is formidable indeed. But the Manichaeans are prepared today. Do not press us further, lest you bring ruin upon yourselves."
Yet inwardly he thought: These Four Fiends are no common adversaries. Alone, I cannot hope to match all four. Best to parley first, then look for an opening.
Beiguai Bai Shuo, with his pale scholar's face, gave his usual faint smile and said:"Empty words are still empty. Let me be the one to test your skill next."
At that moment, Liu Yun stepped forward from the monks' ranks."Do not think the Manichaeans lack defenders! I shall stand forth today. Allow me to exchange some moves with you!"
Bai Shuo's eyes narrowed at the sight of a young woman. His voice was cold:"Girl, meddling in the affairs of the Jianghu only courts disaster. Best not to involve yourself!"
For those who walked the martial world, the rule was simple—do not interfere in matters that are not your own.
But Liu Yun drifted lightly into the square, her voice ringing with calm conviction:"As the Sage said: 'The man of virtue will not preserve his life at the expense of benevolence; he would sacrifice himself to fulfill righteousness.' Since I have entered the Jianghu, how can I stand idly by? To see wrong and do nothing would be a betrayal of honor. Life or death, I do not flinch."
The crowd stirred, astonished and moved by her courage. The Manichaean and Zoroastrian followers, beset by disaster, felt gratitude surge within them. Li Rui and Zhao Ke, the two Dharmarajas, were deeply touched, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
A flicker of murderous intent crossed Bai Shuo's eyes. He sneered coldly:"Such lofty words! But in the Jianghu, words mean nothing—only martial skill matters. You are but a young girl, inexperienced in our ways. Do not call it bullying when I strike. Very well—ladies first. Show me what you can do!"
Liu Yun stood calmly, eyes steady. Her voice rang out clear:"I will not be accused of failing to respect my elders. Please, you may make the first move."
Bai Shuo had intended to appear magnanimous by letting her strike first. But Liu Yun turned his words against him, invoking respect for elders to expose his arrogance. His face darkened instantly. Rage burned in his eyes. Proud as he was of his own skill, being belittled by this young woman made his blood boil.
"Impudent wretch—you court death!" he roared.
With that, his robes flared, his figure blurred, and in a flash he sprang forward, his body flashing like a shadow, surging straight at Liu Yun…