When Wu Tong announced his honored name, Fu Di, the second-in-command of the Money Gang, was struck with shock and was momentarily at a loss for words. The members of the gang began murmuring among themselves. Liu Yun stepped to Wu Tong's side and said in a solemn tone, "This man is indeed Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness! Do not doubt it!"
Upon hearing this, Fu Di felt hesitant. He carefully sized Wu Tong up and thought to himself that this man possessed an extraordinary bearing, heroic spirit, and eyes that flashed with inner power—clearly a master of internal martial arts. It was unlikely to be false. He quickly cupped his fists and said, "My apologies, my apologies. So you are Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. I have long admired your reputation."
Liu Yun raised her voice slightly and said, "Second Leader of the Money Gang, your hall master dared to forbid Beggar Clan brothers from begging in the city. I struck him because he deserved it. How dare he offend the Beggar Clan!"
At that moment, the crowd parted to make way for someone. A man strode forward with head held high. He had the look of a leopard-headed warrior with round eyes, a swallow-like jaw, and tiger-like whiskers. His build was powerful and imposing. This man was Fu Tian, the chief leader of the Money Gang.
Fu Tian asked, "Fu Di, who are these people?"
Fu Di quickly replied, "This man claims to be Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. From what I can see, his words are very likely true."
Fu Tian glared and carefully examined Wu Tong. Then he said, "As the saying goes, what one hears may be false, but what one sees is true. I, Fu Tian, have roamed the martial world for half my life, and I have always respected true heroes. Since you claim to be Hall Master Wu Tong and must possess extraordinary skills, today I am fortunate to meet you. Our gang can take this chance to exchange a few moves!"
Before his words had fully settled, Liu Yun stepped forward two paces and smiled. "Does Gang Leader Fu intend to personally step forward and exchange a few moves?"
At these words, Fu Tian hesitated. He thought it would be better to first have Fu Di test the man's true ability. Thus he said, "Fu Di, you go and test Hall Master Wu Tong's skills first!"
Fu Di acknowledged and stepped out immediately. But Liu Yun spoke again, "Hall Master Wu Tong is a man of great status. Why not let me go first?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she had already stepped forward. Fu Di felt somewhat annoyed and could not help but say, "A good man does not fight a woman. Who are you?"
Seeing that Liu Yun did not grow angry, but instead remained composed and graceful, she cupped her fists and said, "My name is Liu Yun. I am the wife of Hall Master Wu Tong of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Today I will step forward to exchange a few moves. Surely that will not disgrace you, Second Leader?"
At these words, the members of the Money Gang were greatly stirred, and whispers spread everywhere.
Fu Di froze for a moment. He had heard rumors in the martial world that several of Wu Tong's wives possessed remarkable martial skills. If the wife fought, it would indeed not be a disgrace to him. He looked toward Gang Leader Fu Tian, who nodded. Fu Di then said, "Please excuse me!" and suddenly leapt forward. His fists shot out like arrows, striking directly at Liu Yun.
Liu Yun slightly turned her body to evade, guiding his attack aside with her left palm while striking with her right. One advanced, the other dodged—one attacked, the other defended. Liu Yun recited aloud:
"The startled-bow steps conceal profound mystery,Treading through eight directions, the stance becomes a prison."
With that, she neutralized Fu Di's move. Fu Di shook both arms and instantly changed techniques, turning fists into claws. Liu Yun drew her arms inward, transforming palms into hooked hands. Her sweeping palm hooks, knee lifts, and striking motions were all perfectly timed and precisely placed. She continued:
"A shallow dragon moves upon water's waves and shore,Swiftly advancing with countless transformations."
Fu Di secretly marveled at the wondrous variations in Liu Yun's footwork. At the same time, he spun around, swinging both arms, and used the technique "Stealing from the Pocket" to strike toward her face. Liu Yun crossed her hands, suddenly withdrew her palms and launched a lightning-fast punch toward his chest. Fu Di was greatly alarmed, but being alert and agile, he swiftly sidestepped and countered with the move "Climbing the Dragon, Supporting the Phoenix," attempting to seize both her arms.
Liu Yun said calmly:
"Spring's intent lies hidden in winter's path,Tai Chi transforms the suffering of all beings."
Fu Di's right palm suddenly caught her left wrist. Liu Yun's slender wrist flipped instantly. Unafraid, she countered move for move and suddenly chopped out with her palm. Fu Di had no choice but to contract his abdomen and retreat. The spectators, seeing the brilliance of their combat, loudly cheered.
At this moment, Fu Di let out a furious shout and leapt into the air like a falling star, striking down with a powerful palm. Liu Yun used a cloud-hand technique to dissolve the force and countered with a palm strike. Fu Di suddenly sprang backward, clasped his palms together, and in an instant traced arcs with both hands. With a flick of his wrists, gusts of wind seemed to arise from his palms. He unleashed several rapid strikes, his arm shadows flickering as if dozens of palms were striking at once. The assault was fierce and earth-shattering.
Yet Liu Yun calmly recited:
"Unaware how many hardships fill the mortal world,To adapt with ease—courage lies within."
Her figure drifted like mist, her steps strange and swift. She evaded five consecutive rapid attacks. Her footwork was so uncanny and fast that it was rarely seen or heard of.
With a clear cry, Liu Yun advanced, feinted slightly, and suddenly used the move "Guiding with the Square Step," driving straight into the center. Fu Di was forced back a step with every punch he threw. By the fifth step, Liu Yun's palm strikes grew fierce and incredibly swift. Fu Di became flustered, barely managing to defend.
Liu Yun stood steady as a mountain. Suddenly she struck with one palm. Fu Di had no room to evade. He hastily twisted his body and could only forcefully counter with both palms. With a loud bang, Fu Di's figure was shaken backward three or four steps!
His face turned pale. The victor and the defeated were obvious without words.
Liu Yun did not pursue further. She cupped her fists and said, "My apologies."
At this, Fu Tian, chief leader of the Money Gang, slowly stepped forward and said, "Madam Wu Tong's martial skills are truly exceptional. It is an eye-opening sight."
Wu Tong walked before Fu Tian and gave a deep bow. "This junior has not come today with malicious intent. The Beggar Clan disciples have heard that your gang forbids them from begging in the city. My companion and I have come under the orders of the Beggar Clan leader. We hope Gang Leader Fu can give us an answer."
Fu Tian felt a chill in his heart. The man who claimed to be Hall Master Wu Tong had not even made a move, yet this woman alone was already more than enough for the Money Gang to handle. If this matter were not resolved properly today, it would not end easily.
He said sternly, "Xiong'er! Get over here at once!"
His shout was thunderous and full of authority. Fu Xiong trembled, cold sweat breaking out across his back. He quickly responded and crept forward nervously, asking in fear, "Father… what is it?"
Fu Tian glared fiercely and scolded, "You brat! Causing trouble for me all day long! Why did you provoke the Beggar Clan? Speak now!"
Fu Xiong stammered, "These beggars beg in the streets every day. They affect our businesses—our shops and gambling houses. Customers often complain…"
Before he could finish speaking, two loud slaps rang out. Fu Xiong's cheeks immediately reddened and swelled.
"Brat! Kneel down!" Fu Tian roared.
Fu Xiong covered his swollen cheeks. He did not wish to kneel in front of so many people, especially with a crowd watching—it was humiliating. He asked timidly, "Father… why must I kneel?"
"I told you to kneel, so kneel! Did you hear me?!" Fu Tian was nearly driven mad with anger. His son had offended the Beggar Clan without even realizing the gravity of the situation. Such stupidity was unbearable.
Seeing the terrifying expression on Fu Tian's face, Fu Xiong dared not disobey. He could only grit his teeth and drop to his knees.