The next day, Deputy Leader Qiu Biao duly arrived with the Flying Eagle Gang's leader, Qiu Bao, just as agreed. The gang's disciples respectfully informed the temple monks. Upon hearing the news, Abbot Liaofan of Ruiguang Monastery, Daoist Master Xuanzhen, Wu Tong of the Loyalty Hall, and the others came out from the main hall.
Abbot Liaofan pressed his palms together, serene and composed."Amitābha. This old monk is Liaofan, abbot of Ruiguang. Deputy Leader Qiu has kept his word and returned—this greatly heartens me. For the Flying Eagle Gang and Ruiguang Monastery to turn blades into jade and silk would surely accord with the Buddha's will."
Qiu Biao cupped his hands and spoke respectfully by way of introduction."Abbot Liaofan, Daoist Master Xuanzhen, Lord Wu—this is our gang's leader, Qiu Bao."
The abbot nodded with gentle courtesy."Leader Qiu, your august presence honors our humble monastery. Let us enter and discuss matters in detail."
But Qiu Bao didn't accept the courtesy. In his early forties, thin of build yet carrying an heroic air between his brows—usually steady, shrewd, and restrained—he now frowned, eyes blazing, and snapped,"Not so fast! Monk, if not for Loyalty Hall's Lord Wu stepping in, what right would you have to discuss fees with me? Stand aside!"
Abbot Liaofan's brows knit slightly; displeasure stirred in his heart. He had expected reconciliation, not insult. Daoist Master Xuanzhen's anger flared; stepping forward, he said icily,"Abbot Liaofan has treated you with propriety. Leader Qiu's airs are excessive, and your words discourteous!"
Qiu Bao's gaze flashed like lightning. Fixing Xuanzhen with a mocking stare, he sneered,"Stuffy-nosed old Daoist, what skill have you? I'm a gang leader and must think for my brothers' livelihood! A hundred taels a month isn't much. Those corrupt officials donate far more to wash away their sins—your abbot knows it well. If you want a word with me, old Daoist, show me you've got skills first!"
Xuanzhen's face darkened. Fury boiling over, he barked,"Insolent wretch—your arrogance is intolerable! Come, let us test your mettle!"Proud and iron-willed, he had never abided scorn, and age had only hardened his temper. Before Wu Tong could intervene, Xuanzhen leapt forward, closing in on Qiu Bao.
Qiu Bao chuckled coldly and turned to Qiu Biao."Deputy Leader, this mangy-bearded Daoist has quite a temper for his years—he may have some skill. Go meet him and try his hand. We'll speak of fees afterward."
"Understood." A glint of battle-light flickered in Qiu Biao's eyes. He sprang forth and landed before Xuanzhen with perfect balance, clasping his fists."Daoist Master, by my leader's order I come to request instruction. Forgive the offense."
Xuanzhen gave a thunderous shout."Your leader looks down on others—how can this poor Daoist refrain from showing a trick or two!"He had long held his anger; now he found a vent. If this leader is so arrogant, we must show them their place—or they'll be even more brazen later. Today I'll let this Qiu Biao see what Xuanzhen can do!
Qiu Biao, for his part, remained calm, eyes steady. Though ordered to fight, he did not underestimate his foe. Xuanzhen's reputation preceded him—no ordinary opponent. The old Daoist, though aged, hasn't lost his edge; his cultivation is likely deep. I must be cautious—no carelessness.
They faced each other in taut silence; even the air seemed to congeal. Xuanzhen struck first—body like lightning, palms howling straight for Qiu Biao's chest. Qiu Biao slipped aside and countered with a backhand strike; his fist whistled toward Xuanzhen's face. They traded blows—sharp, fierce—until the courtyard blazed with motion.
This Qiu Biao is young, yet his skill is real, Xuanzhen thought with a hidden nod. Worthy of a deputy leader. But he did not yield; the fiercer the fight, the sharper his techniques.
Qiu Biao, too, was startled. The old Daoist is indeed formidable—seasoned skill, steady power. If I don't give my all, I won't take him. He dared not slacken, focusing wholly on meeting Xuanzhen's onslaught.
Dozens of exchanges passed with no clear victor. Onlookers watched, transfixed, each with private calculations. Abbot Liaofan frowned, worried. If this cannot be resolved peacefully, trouble will be endless. Wu Tong weighed the situation. With the Flying Eagle Gang's leader this hardline, today may not end well.
Qiu Bao observed coolly, a thin smile at his lips. The old Daoist has real ability, but Qiu Biao is no slouch. Let's see who prevails. Then we'll bargain from strength.
The duel intensified—neither willing to concede an inch.
"Very well," Qiu Biao called, "then I shall boldly request a few pointers!"With a few bounding steps, he chopped downward with his palm. Xuanzhen, though elderly, was hale and strong; he pivoted and turned, answering with two roaring palm strikes. He circled and struck—left palm tearing the air, right palm suddenly darting out. The wind hissed; sleeves snapped; seven palms came in succession, each faster, each heavier.
Good! thought Qiu Biao, meeting all seven. As the eighth palm shot forth, he suddenly leapt—head down, feet up—and slapped down with his own palm from midair. Xuanzhen did not evade; he met it head-on. Boom! The two were blasted apart.
A glint flashed in Qiu Biao's eyes. So that famed Xuanzhen still has power, but age has blunted his strength. With that last clash I've tested his depth. If I win here, I'll raise the gang's prestige—and my leader will see me anew. He laughed, needling,"Daoist Master, your inner strength is impressive to have taken my strike. Allow me to show a few true techniques—mind yourself!"
He spun his palms into a blossom, body coursing like the wind. A slashing surge of qi blasted from his right hand as he streaked in like thunder, closing the distance in an instant. Xuanzhen was taken aback and retreated swiftly, shocked. So deep a cultivation! Far beyond what I expected. I took him for a junior—he's not so simple.Though alarmed, his face betrayed nothing. His palms shifted rapidly into a subtle, exquisite form. With thunderous momentum he counterattacked.
They clashed with dazzling ferocity. Xuanzhen calculated swiftly. He's young and strong, his strikes relentless. If I fight him head-on, I'll lose. I must win by craft. He suddenly unleashed two killer moves—No Road to Heaven and No Gate to Earth—sealing Qiu Biao's advance and retreat.
Qiu Biao snorted inwardly. The old Daoist has some doors indeed—but he won't win on that alone. With a blur he slipped free and reversed his palm.
Xuanzhen dodged left and right, then shot out his right palm. The crowd thought Qiu Biao doomed——but at the hair's breadth, Qiu Biao veered past, stamped, wheeled, and with a long cry launched his ultimate: Swift as Starlight. Palms poured forth in a rapid chain—each like a meteor, flashing faster than sight.Age will have its say: Xuanzhen's strength was spent. Smack! A palm thudded against his abdomen. He staggered back several steps, color changing.
Qiu Biao instantly withdrew his hand and cut his force—mercy shown—then bowed with fists together."My offense."
Pride warmed his chest. The Daoist is renowned, but our Flying Eagle techniques prevail. Today we raise the gang's standing—and I gain face before the leader.
Xuanzhen's expression shifted; he returned the salute."Deputy Leader Qiu's skill is superb. This poor Daoist concedes."Though unwilling, he had to admit the truth. We cannot take the Flying Eagle Gang lightly. Today will not end easily.
Abbot Liaofan fell silent, worry heavy on his brow. With Xuanzhen defeated, the gang's momentum grows. If Lord Wu cannot mediate, Ruiguang faces greater peril.
Qiu Bao's eyes gleamed; his tone was cold."Forgive the offense, Daoist Master. To stand in the jianghu, real skill is the only footing. If the Flying Eagle Gang lacked such skill, we wouldn't dare come. If not for Lord Wu of Loyalty Hall today, there'd be no haggling over a hundred taels a month!"
Wu Tong stepped forward, calm and unhurried. Qiu Biao hastened to introduce him."Leader—this is the famed Lord Wu Tong of the Loyalty Hall."
Qiu Bao lifted his gaze. Wu Tong's scholar's grace and striking poise made him pause. So this is the man—renowned for martial prowess and keen strategy. Why would he intercede for Ruiguang? Is there some deeper aim? Doubt rose, but his face remained unreadable."Lord Wu's name resounds under heaven. I truly don't know what virtue or merit this Abbot possesses to draw you into mediating on Ruiguang's behalf."
Wu Tong bowed politely."I am an old acquaintance of Daoist Master Xuanzhen. We met again by chance a few days ago, and I accepted his invitation. Yesterday I was fortunate to meet Deputy Leader Qiu and made a small wager with him. If I happened to win by a move or two, I asked that he return to invite your honored self to discuss the fee—turning blades into jade and silk. Today Deputy Leader Qiu has kept his word and led you here as agreed—this shows his loyalty and honor."