Situ Kong's bizarre yet exquisitely profound techniques were unleashed the moment he moved. Each strike was an ultimate move—swift beyond measure. In the blink of an eye, he shattered the four-man sword formation. Such a feat could truly be called unparalleled in the martial world, a sight rarely seen in an age.
Liu Yun stepped forward into the field and said, "May I ask whether the Xingwu Gang or the Nine Heavens Palace still has anyone who wishes to challenge us?"
Xingwu Gang's second-in-command, Yang Meng, looked deathly pale. He had come to the Phoenix Gang today fully prepared to cause trouble, yet human schemes could not match Heaven's will. Now, surveying the situation, his side was already riddled with wounded—how could they continue fighting? Still, to leave without uttering some words would damage the Xingwu Gang's reputation. He therefore said coldly, "Today's humiliation will be repaid another day!" With that, he shouted to the Xingwu Gang and Nine Heavens Palace members, "Leave!" The group hurried away, supporting their injured, without once looking back.
From behind, Liu Yun laughed lightly and called out, "If you want revenge against Senior 'Madman of the West' Situ Kong, I'm afraid there's no hope in this lifetime—try the next one!"
Tang Fei cupped his hands and said, "Tang wishes to thank all the heroes here for their assistance."
Wu Tong smiled. "We hardly had a chance to lift a finger. It was Senior Situ who truly gave the younger generation a lesson."
Tang Fei added, "Many thanks to Senior Situ for your righteous aid."
Situ Kong laughed. "These old bones still have some use—I just can't help meddling!"
Liu Yun said with a smile, "Those brats dared offend you, Senior. If you hadn't shown them a thing or two, wouldn't that have tarnished your lifelong reputation?"
As they were speaking, Phoenix Gang leader Qiu Feng returned. Before he arrived, his voice was already heard: "Did something happen at the gang?" As soon as he entered the forecourt, he ran into Xu Li. Xu Li greeted him, "Leader Qiu!"
Qiu Feng exclaimed in surprise, "Leader Xu, what wind has blown you here? Has something happened at my gang? I just saw Xingwu Gang members leaving in a panic, supporting their wounded."
Tang Fei stepped forward. "While you were away, Leader, Yang Meng of the Xingwu Gang brought people here to provoke trouble."
Seeing the bloodstains on the ground, Qiu Feng asked anxiously, "Were any of our brothers injured?"
Tang Fei replied, "Thanks to Senior 'Madman of the West' Situ Kong stepping in, none of our people were hurt."
Qiu Feng looked astonished. "Is it this senior here?"
Tang Fei answered, "Indeed!"
Qiu Feng immediately cupped his hands respectfully toward Situ Kong. "Thank you, Senior Situ, for your righteous assistance. I am deeply grateful."
Seeing Qiu Feng's courtesy, Situ Kong returned the salute with a smile. "It was merely a small effort—nothing worth mentioning."
Qiu Feng continued, "It is an honor for Hall Master Wu of the Loyalty Hall and his wife to visit our humble gang."
Wu Tong said, "Today, thanks to Leader Xu guiding us here to pay our respects. Leader Qiu has labored tirelessly for the righteous forces—the court greatly appreciates your efforts."
Qiu Feng smiled. "As subjects of the Great Tang, this is simply our duty—nothing to boast of." He paused, then said loudly, "Heroes, let us go inside and have some tea."
With a gesture, Qiu Feng led everyone into the Phoenix Gang's main hall. Near noon, the Phoenix Gang set a banquet to entertain the guests. The heroes took their seats, cups clinked, and food and drink flowed freely. Amid the lively chatter, after several rounds of wine, they discussed recent events in the martial world—from the struggle over the White Lotus Flower on Mount Hua, to the Nine Heavens Palace's attempt to seize the Royal Jelly, and then the upcoming Canal Heroes Assembly.
Wu Tong asked, "May I ask which candidate the two leaders favor for the position of chief leader at this year's Canal Heroes Assembly?"
Phoenix Gang leader Qiu Feng replied, "Last time, the chief leader was Zeng Yong of the Salt Gang. As for this time, in my view, Leader Xu of the Xu Zhou Gang—considering his age, martial skill, and experience—would be an excellent choice to contend for the position."
Xu Li responded, "Leader Qiu flatters me. In my opinion, Leader Qiu is a true heroine. Many times she has assisted the righteous forces by coordinating the transport of military supplies from the south via the canals. Time and again she has stepped forward. The position of chief leader should rightly be yours."
Wu Tong nodded and said, "Both of you are modest, which I deeply admire. The revival of the Great Tang is within sight, thanks to leaders like you who selflessly aid the Tang forces. Your loyalty shines as bright as the sun and moon. Allow me to speak on behalf of the court: my visit today is to convey the court's recognition of your merits. Beyond that, the court is also concerned about the contest for chief leader at the Canal Heroes Assembly. Frankly speaking, if Zeng Yong of the Salt Gang continues in the role, given the Salt Gang's support of the court, I would welcome it. If Leader Zeng has no wish to continue, or is excluded by other gangs, then Leaders Qiu and Xu should step forward. Otherwise, if the Xingwu Gang or the Dock Gang were to seize the position and manipulate canal-related interests, it would surely unleash another storm of bloodshed in the martial world."
Originally, the Salt Gang had remained neutral between the Tang and Yan forces. But under pressure from the Xingwu Gang and Dock Gang, and with Wu Tong's assistance, it repelled their coercion and ultimately chose to support the Tang. This shift broke the previous stalemate. Though the court's recovery of the two capitals and suppression of the rebellion was only a matter of time, canal transport concerned not only national security but also massive利益 groups coveted by martial factions. The Loyalty Hall had therefore come bearing the court's mandate.
Qiu Feng said, "That is precisely my concern. That's why today I went to Xu Zhou to visit Senior Fang Wei, the 'Invincible Divine Palm' of Henan Circuit, and to invite 'Man Among Men' Fang Xiong and 'Wind Chime' Deng Ling to attend the Canal Heroes Assembly. I fear the Xingwu Gang and Dock Gang may collude with outside factions to plot mischief."
Xu Li added, "Leader Qiu's caution is well-founded. These two gangs have long harbored ill intent. Bringing the Nine Heavens Palace along to stir up trouble today was certainly not a spur-of-the-moment decision. We should be on guard."
Tang Fei said, "If the Xingwu Gang and Dock Gang are colluding with outside factions, we can also seek assistance from other gangs."
Xu Li agreed. "Hero Tang is right. I will send word to the Beggars' Sect leader to come and support us when the time comes, so their schemes cannot succeed." As the saying goes, 'Virtue is not solitary; it is bound to have neighbors.' The Xu Zhou Gang and the Beggars' Sect had long fought side by side with the righteous forces and shared deep ties.
Wu Tong nodded. "Leader Xu speaks exactly my mind."
Liu Yun laughed. "No matter whom those two gangs seek out, they won't be our match. Don't forget—we have Senior Situ!"
Qiu Feng laughed. "Hall Master Wu's wife speaks truly. Come—let us all raise a cup to Senior Situ!"
The 'Madman of the West,' Situ Kong, lifted his cup and said, "This Canal Heroes Assembly will be quite lively. How could an old man like me miss it? I'll just join the fun. No need for everyone to worry—drink!"
The crowd drank, chatted, and laughed together, all in high spirits.