Yang Linzhong suddenly leapt into the air, his Crane Palm striking down from above with fierce wind, aiming straight for Zeng Qiang's face. Zeng twisted his body, changing his left-hand palm into a claw, and deftly neutralized Yang's attack, breaking his momentum. The two exchanged a move in the blink of an eye—Zeng stood firm, steady as Mount Tai, then launched a fierce counterattack, his strikes filled with force and precision. Each motion carried a rush of wind, his offensive swift and unrelenting, forcing Yang Linzhong to retreat again and again.
As the two figures darted back and forth, they traded several more moves. Their robes fluttered, their forms graceful as startled swans, moving with lightning speed and unpredictable changes. Yang Linzhong suddenly dove like a falcon, his palms slicing through the air toward Zeng Qiang's chest. Zeng met him head-on, unflinching. His arms swept outward—whoosh!—two palms shot forward with immense power, full of dominating force.
Yang Linzhong, reacting swiftly, spun his right hand and struck again toward Zeng's face—a ruthless, decisive move meant to finish the fight. But Zeng's palm techniques shifted suddenly, becoming even more fierce. His movements were fluid as a dragon, slipping past Yang's offense before launching a sharp counterattack. A loud smack! echoed as Yang took a direct hit to the abdomen, staggering back with a pained expression.
Zeng seized the moment, unleashing a flurry of palm strikes like thunder, each filled with crushing energy. Yang struggled to block, but could no longer withstand the assault—another smack! landed squarely on his chest. He stumbled back, breath knocked from his lungs, and spat out a mouthful of blood that stained his robes. Seeing this, Zeng stopped his attack and said coldly, "The Salt Gang has already declared neutrality. I advise both of you to take care of yourselves and not trouble us further."
Yang Linzhong, pale but defiant, wiped the blood from his mouth. "Master Zeng's skills are indeed formidable. I've learned much today. But though the Salt Gang claims neutrality, in times like these, who can truly remain untouched by the storm?"
Zeng frowned and replied evenly, "The martial world has its own code. The Salt Gang acts openly and honestly, unwilling to be dragged into pointless conflicts. If you insist on pressing us, don't blame us for showing no mercy."
Yang Linzhong gave a bitter laugh—he knew he could not prevail today. Zeng, not wishing to press further, repeated coldly, "The Salt Gang stands apart. Take your leave."
Suddenly, a tall, powerfully built man leapt forward ahead of Yang. His eyes shone sharply as he said, "Vice Leader Zeng—fine skills you have! Allow me to test them myself!"
Seeing this stranger, Zeng stiffened. Not knowing his intentions, he restrained his temper and said, "Who are you, sir? Why interfere in the affairs between river transport guilds? This matter does not concern you."
The man replied, "I am Thunder Hand Ge Long. I merely cannot bear to see injustice. Leaders Yang and Zhang came in good faith and were treated with courtesy, yet your Salt Gang answered with insults—and now violence! This cannot stand!"
Thunder Hand Ge Long was none other than Ge Tian's father—the same Ge Tian who, during the Lingxiao Hall dedication feast, had provoked Zhao Rou with arrogance and was humiliated on the spot.
Zeng frowned deeply at Ge Long's words—his tone sharp and accusatory. "Wolves ahead, tigers behind," Zeng thought. "This man comes with ill intent!" Unable to hold back any longer, he barked, "Your twisted reasoning is absurd! You're clearly here to pick a fight. Enough talk—let's see your skill!"
Though the two had no prior quarrel, the reason for this challenge was clear: the Salt Gang's refusal to join the Yan army. Today, the Dock Gang's Zhang Cheng and Xingwu Gang's Yang Linzhong had come to recruit them—and brought reinforcements. Ge Long's intervention was meant as a show of force.
Ge Long sneered, "Don't say we're giving you no face. I'll ask you once more—will the Salt Gang join our side or not?"
The Salt Gang's leader, Zeng Yong, hesitated to reply, but Zeng Qiang cut in sharply, "You and that traitor An Lushan are all of one nest—snakes and rats together! There's nothing to discuss. As the saying goes, 'The white lotus blooms from the mud, and fragrant orchids rise from the valley.'"
At these words, Ge Long's expression darkened. He forced down his anger and said, "The Great Yan Emperor raises his army to save the realm. Across the land, governors and magistrates have all submitted, offering their cities in loyalty. And yet your petty Salt Gang dares defy him? Don't say I didn't give you a chance—you haven't met a true master yet!"
Zeng laughed aloud. "Save the realm? An Lushan's treachery is known to all—he rebels only to seize the throne. Who believes such nonsense about 'blessings for all under heaven'?"
Ge Long's eyes flashed with fury. "How dare you insult the Great Yan Emperor! Very well—let me show you what real power is!"
Zeng said coldly, "If you insist, then Zeng shall oblige!"
With a sudden somersault, Ge Long landed before him, his movements swift as lightning. His palm came crashing down toward Zeng's head. Zeng stood unmoving until the strike was less than a foot away, then abruptly shifted aside, slashing upward with his own palm. The two forces collided with a boom!—Zeng was forced back two steps, startled by the man's strength.
Ge Long pressed on relentlessly, his twin palms striking in rapid succession, followed by a series of sweeping kicks—his upper and lower attacks interwoven seamlessly, a dazzling display of mastery. Zeng was forced into full defense, barely managing to block. Step by step he was driven back.
Seeing his deputy falter, Salt Gang Leader Zeng Yong shouted, "Enough!"
At his command, the two men broke apart, Zeng Qiang stumbling back seven or eight paces before regaining his footing.
Zeng Yong stepped forward and said sternly, "Thunder Hand Ge Long, you've taken our patience for weakness! The Salt Gang has endured much already—press us further and you'll regret it!"
Ge Long threw back his head and laughed wildly. "Regret? The strong rule the weak! If I lose, so be it—but will you call me dishonorable for fighting with my own hands? If you have any courage, step forward yourself! Don't just bark from behind your men!"
Zeng Yong's face darkened. "You've gone too far! Zeng Qiang, stand down—I'll deal with him myself!"
Ge Long sneered, "Enough talk—why don't you both come at once?"
At that, the Salt Gang members shouted in outrage:"How dare he cause trouble here!""Such arrogance!""He's gone too far!"