Early the next morning, Wu Tong and his companions followed Xu Zhou Gang leader Xu Li to pay a formal visit to the Phoenix Gang. Under Xu Li's guidance, the group walked for about an hour through Xu Prefecture before arriving at the Phoenix Gang's headquarters. No sooner had they crossed the main street than they reached the Phoenix Gang estate. The great residence was imposing in scale, with a vast forecourt. Before they had even stepped onto the stone stairs, loud shouts and clamor could already be heard from the training ground inside. Suddenly a voice rang out:
"So the Xingwu Gang dares to come here and cause trouble? I'd like to see just who is so bold!"
Another voice replied, "Tang Fei, today I've brought several高手 to your esteemed gang for a friendly bout!"
At that moment, Wu Tong's group entered the Phoenix Gang estate, naturally cutting off the exchange. All eyes in the square turned toward them. The Phoenix Gang leader, Qiu Feng, had recently heard that both the Dock Gang and the Xingwu Gang were recruiting aggressively. Fearing these two gangs might act against the Phoenix Gang, he had planned to visit Deng Ling, the 'Wind Chime,' and Fang Xiong, the 'Man Among Men,' hoping the couple would attend the Canal Heroes Assembly—both to bolster morale and to prevent the Dock Gang and Xingwu Gang from colluding with others to monopolize canal transport.
Phoenix Gang's second-in-command, Tang Fei, was startled and overjoyed to see Xu Zhou Gang leader Xu Li leading Wu Tong and the others inside. He had been worrying that the opposing side had many capable fighters and had even invited experts to challenge them today. Just as he was at a loss, reinforcements unexpectedly arrived. He hurried forward and called out loudly, "Leader Xu Li of the Xu Zhou Gang, Hall Master Wu Tong of the Loyalty Hall—long time no see! What wind has blown you here?"
Wu Tong's group strode forward. Xu Li cupped his hands and said, "We have come to pay a visit to the Phoenix Gang today, but failed to notify you in advance. Please forgive our lack of courtesy."
Wu Tong's eyes shone with a sharp light as he swept a cold glance over the intruders and said in a low voice, "A crooked wind—an ill wind has blown us here."
Xingwu Gang's third-in-command, Yang Meng, broke into a cold sweat the moment he heard Wu Tong's name. His heart leapt wildly; the men who had come to provoke the Phoenix Gang today were from the Xingwu Gang, led by their second-in-command Yang Meng, along with several hired hands. Liu Yun raised an eyebrow and exclaimed, "Oh? Even the two Grand Elders and the four Envoys of the Nine Heavens Palace are here!"
The Qilin Elder Lin Ping stepped forward, his domineering aura unmistakable, and said in a deep voice, "If you can come, why can't the Nine Heavens Palace?"
Liu Yun chuckled. "Of course you can come. We're here to pay a visit to the Phoenix Gang. Then what brings the Nine Heavens Palace here?"
Lin Ping replied, "Naturally, we have business."
Yang Meng, his gaze fierce and hostile, thought to himself that if no fight broke out today, the trip would be wasted. He shouted loudly, "Tang Fei, I've brought several高手 today to spar with your gang! Are you afraid?"
Now bolstered by Wu Tong's arrival, Tang Fei felt confident. He laughed and said, "Yang Meng, if you're afraid, you can still leave now!"
Yang Meng snorted coldly. "Don't you know I've brought helpers with me? Why would I be afraid of you?"
Tang Fei replied, "Relying on outsiders hardly makes one a hero. Why don't you and I face each other and have a bout!"
Yang Meng sneered, "Old Tang, spare me your goading. I'm not foolish. I came fully prepared today precisely to fight you and see what you're really capable of!"
At that moment, an old man walked over toward Yang Meng, grinning mischievously. "A fight? Great! Who's first?"
Seeing a shabby old man approaching, Yang Meng assumed he was looking for trouble and grew annoyed. He said disdainfully, "Where did this old geezer come from? What are you doing here?"
The old man was none other than 'Madman of the West,' Situ Kong. Situ Kong laughed and said, "Didn't you say you wanted to fight? I'm here to fight. Well? Are we fighting or not?"
Provoked, Yang Meng grew furious, murderous intent flashing in his eyes. "Fine! I'll start with you, you wretched old man!" He suddenly shot forward like a hawk, crossing his palms and striking viciously toward Situ Kong's torso. The crowd gasped in surprise.
With a loud "Ah!" Situ Kong cried out, hollowed his abdomen, and staggered back, shifting his steps to evade. Despite the danger, he joked playfully, "Hey! Kid, that's pretty ruthless—attacking without even a greeting!"
The exchange had been lightning-fast, as if it occurred in the blink of an eye.
Yang Meng sneered, "Didn't you want a fight, old man? Well, here it is!"
Situ Kong laughed. "Even a fight should start with a greeting. You're nothing but a petty villain!" His words, half mocking and half scornful, sent Yang Meng into a rage. He felt this ragged old man was deliberately seeking trouble. As the saying goes, better to offend a gentleman than provoke a petty man.
Yang Meng pressed his attack without pause. "So what if I'm petty? Today I'll teach you a lesson!" He struck again like a flash of lightning toward Situ Kong's chest. Situ Kong leapt into the air to evade. Yang Meng sprang after him, attacking midair. Just as Situ Kong's feet touched the ground, a gust of force arrived from behind.
On the field, one chased while the other evaded; one attacked while the other dodged. Yang Meng, vicious at heart, suddenly unleashed killing moves—continuous chops and strikes. Situ Kong cried out in mock alarm, "Kid, you're hitting awfully hard! We've got no grudge between us!"
The onlookers nodded in agreement, finding Yang Meng's ruthless attacks distasteful.
Yang Meng snarled, "Today I'll send you straight to the Western Paradise!"
Situ Kong laughed. "I appreciate the thought, but when my time comes, I'll go naturally. No need to rush!"
"Die!" Yang Meng roared, launching a flurry of palm strikes. Situ Kong staggered back. Yang Meng advanced rapidly, pushing straight in with his palms. Just as it seemed Situ Kong was about to meet disaster, Yang Meng struck out with his right palm.
In a flash, Situ Kong's right hand snapped out like lightning, seizing the incoming palm. Yang Meng froze. His left palm struck next, only to be caught as well. Smack! Smack! Two sharp slaps landed on Yang Meng's face.
This sudden reversal revealed Situ Kong's exquisite skill and profound inner strength. A renowned master of the martial world, Situ Kong had been toying with Yang Meng all along. Calm under pressure, he seized both of Yang Meng's palms, then in an instant reversed his hands and delivered two resounding slaps.
The blows sent Yang Meng reeling, stars bursting before his eyes. He spun several times in the square, dizziness overwhelming him. His vision went black—and he collapsed to the ground.