Suddenly, a figure flashed across the scene, somersaulting in midair before striking out with a sweeping palm. Uncle An, the Yin–Yang Hands, was startled; he whirled his body and hastily met the strike with a single palm. Bang! The two were both jolted back, each landing lightly on their feet. The situation shifted at once—every gaze on the field turned toward the newcomers.
Uncle An was a notorious lecher. When his eyes fell upon Li Qian—her limpid pupils glistening like autumn waters, her beauty radiant as though descended from the heavens, her graceful steps exuding poise and charm—lust filled his heart. His gaze clung shamelessly to her as he leered:"Fair maiden, might I know your surname?"
Li Qian answered sweetly, "This girl's surname is Li, with the single name Qian."Uncle An smirked: "Such beauty! If we fought, and you were injured, I, Uncle An, would be most reluctant indeed."
Disgust welled in Li Qian's heart at his lecherous tone. She spat, "So the famed Yin–Yang Hands is nothing but a lecher!"
He chuckled vilely. "Do not call me a lecher. I am a man of refined passions! Tonight, beneath the moon, would be the perfect night for pleasure. Once I seize you, we shall enjoy ourselves to the fullest."
Li Qian's eyes flashed coldly. "Shameless cur! Very well—let me show you a few tricks. I specialize in dealing with old lechers!"Indeed: Wine does not intoxicate—only the drinker is drunk. Lust does not delude—only the lustful are lost.
Uncle An laughed lasciviously. "Then here I come!"Before the words had finished, he leapt forward, hand reaching for her fragrant shoulder. Li Qian bent her knees, twisting aside with fluid grace, slipping past his grasp. In the same breath her palm shot out toward his chest. Uncle An spun, his "yin and yang" palms striking in tandem as he lunged again, desperate for her touch. But Li Qian's body floated like mist, movements peerless. Each of his fierce assaults met only empty air. He was secretly shaken.
Breathing hard, he admitted, "Little girl, your skill is no trifling matter!"Li Qian's lips curled in scorn. "Old lecher, if you have true ability, unleash it quickly. Soon, it will be too late!"
The two clashed, palms echoing with shouts. Uncle An twisted, leaping into the air, unleashing his twin palms like tigers bursting from a cage. But Li Qian's footwork traced the mysterious Step of the Dipper. She meant to toy with him. His palms slashed left and right—but her figure vanished like smoke. He faltered. In that instant, smack, smack! Two crisp slaps landed on his face.
Furious, Uncle An swung back, but Li Qian's nimble steps carried her behind him. A hook of her foot, a push of her palm—he stumbled forward, sprawling in disarray. She laughed: "Old lecher, that was a warning. Know your limits!"
"Witch!" he bellowed. "Using sorcery!"She only chuckled: "So bold in lust, yet trembling at shadows. I don't believe it!"
Rage consumed him. He gathered all his strength, a palm blasting out with crushing force. Li Qian only smiled: "Uncle An, what is this?" She lifted her jade hand, sending forth a stream of soft qi that unraveled his fierce strike. Her palms flowed in rapid succession, swift as lightning. He faltered again—smack, smack! Two more slaps rang across his cheeks, leaving his face swollen.
Howling in humiliation, he lunged once more—but Li Qian's movement cut directly into his center. Her palm landed with a resounding crack. Uncle An's qi churned violently; blood burst from his lips as he staggered back.
Stunned and enraged, he gaped in disbelief. How could this beautiful woman possess such terrifying skill? He, renowned across the rivers and lakes, had been utterly routed in but a handful of moves. Around them, the watching martial heroes gasped in shock. None had imagined that the famed Yin–Yang Hands would be reduced to such disgrace, bloodied and beaten by Li Qian before the eyes of all.
Just then Wu Tong alighted gracefully, saying with a laugh:"Roses bear thorns! The old lecher reaches for a flower, but this blossom pricks. Bitter wine is not easily swallowed."
"Iron Palm Brute" Chuanbei and Mo the Old Immortal exclaimed together: "Wu Tong!"Wu Tong cast them a sidelong glance. "You two are well past your prime. Why not retire from the martial world?"
Chief Zhang Cheng of the Waterfront Gang frowned, unease gnawing at him. So this is Wu Tong, famed throughout the land. If he joins the fray, we may win nothing here. His heart wavered, though his mouth held firm:"Oh? You two elders know him as well?"
Chuanbei and Mo exchanged grave looks. "This man's skill is extraordinary. He cannot be underestimated!"
Of course Zhang Cheng knew Wu Tong. His courage shrank at the thought. At last he muttered:"Today we shall withdraw. Tomorrow will be soon enough to settle this."
He knew well: though his side held numbers, morale was broken. To press on would only waste lives. Better to retreat and await another chance. He raised his hand. "Withdraw!"
The Waterfront Gang scrambled, gathering their weapons and scattering like the tide. In moments, the field was empty.
Li Qian pursed her lips in a smile. "At least they know when to quit."Wu Tong nodded. "For now they've retreated—but the grudges of the jianghu never end. We will meet them again."
All present marveled at Wu Tong and Li Qian's unmatched skill. Uncle An, on the other hand, had been utterly shamed—his heart seething with venom. Though this clash was over, darker storms loomed ahead.
When Zhang Cheng and his men had gone, Tang Fei of the Phoenix Gang stepped forward with his comrades, bowing deeply."I, Tang Fei, thank Brother Wu and Lady Li for their aid."
Wu Tong returned the bow. "We who walk the rivers and lakes must act when justice calls. In the future, should such matters arise, send word to Lingwu. Better that we stand together than let bandits plunder the cause."
Li Qian added, "Perhaps you do not know, Elder Tang—Wu Tong was recommended by the former master of the Loyalty Hall, and now serves as its twelfth lord, appointed by the court to unite the righteous armies with the imperial forces."
Tang Fei's face lit up with joy. "Congratulations, Brother Wu—no, Master Wu! Congratulations on entering the halls of power as a true leader of men!"
Wu Tong, who had just witnessed Tang Fei's unbending heroism, sighed with admiration. "Such integrity inspires me deeply. If all were like you, the Tang's restoration would be within reach. Together, striking down traitors, how could the cause fail?"
Tang Fei replied with dignity: "The great man need not cling to words, nor bind himself to promises. Today I act because righteousness demands it." His bearing was scholarly and unhurried, steeped in the wisdom of the classics.
Wu Tong bowed again. "To see your valor and calm devotion, Elder Tang, stirs true reverence in my heart. To face death with passion is easy; to embrace righteousness with composure—that is hardest of all."
A verse says:Heroes of the age go unrecognized,Yet crimson hearts stride forth serene.At eaves and rafters, their soaring wills are read,In open-hearted candor, the deeds of men resound.