The two crossed blades again and again, advancing and countering for more than twenty exchanges. Wang Yun, having already seized the initiative, suddenly let out a clear whistle; his right hand thrust the sword forward, while his left formed a sword-seal. In that instant he unleashed the technique called "Autumn Maple, Autumn Fall" — steel rained down like a storm of leaves. Wei Fu raised his sword to parry, sparks and clangor bursting one after another, never once ceasing.
The twin blades collided, cold gleams flashing; the breath of sword-wind pressed outward, forcing those watching at the perimeter to involuntarily retreat a few paces.
Wang Yun's swordplay was airy and exquisite, as though petals in the wind; his footwork sometimes swift, sometimes languid — advancing and withdrawing unpredictably, like a cloud-crane threading the forested mountains. By contrast Wei Fu's sword was heavy and restrained, rooted like a mountain, every stroke sealing vital lines. Though his stance was somewhat timeworn, it remained steady and tight.
Again the two exchanged more than twenty moves. Wang Yun, having gained full purchase in heart, suddenly whistled once more. His right hand thrust, his left hand sealed; at once "Autumn Maple, Autumn Fall" descended once again — rain-like swordlight. Wei Fu met it edge-on, steel ringing in ceaseless peals.
Within the ring the sword-glow raged, techniques spun and reversed as though lightning and thunder entwined.
Wang Yun moved like lightning, his sword-force like a rainbow arcing in mid-air. His steps interlaced in shifting patterns, ever-changing and traceless. Each stroke came swifter than the last; the point of his blade clung to Wei Fu like a shadow, exhaling threads of chilling air.
At first, Wei Fu could still withstand the pressure, but before long his breath grew ragged; on several occasions he nearly yielded and was almost cut by the cascading edge.
All of a sudden Wang Yun loosed a technique called "Twin Phoenix Pierce the Grove" — sword-light split in two, two mirrored shadows stabbing at Wei Fu's ribs on both sides. Wei Fu twisted his wrist in haste to parry, barely dissolving the threat in the nick of time.
Wang Yun then closed the distance, darting forward in a blur. From above he dropped a descending cut — "Clouds Scattering on Chaotic Peaks" — the angle slanted and oblique, shattering the air with a breaking-wind howl. The force struck before the steel itself had arrived.
Wei Fu roared in anger and swept his blade across to meet the blow head-on — but the shock drove straight through his arms; his tiger's mouth split, his hands went numb.
Steel crossed against steel, and sparks burst in scattered showers, whirling like a swarm of fireflies in flight. The onlookers watched with pounding hearts, scarcely daring to breathe lest they miss the slightest turn.
In the turn of an eye, two hissed flashes split the air; the long sword flared open and swept toward three of Wang Yun's vital points — Heavenly Penetration, Purple Palace, and Central Hall. At the height of the duel, Wang Yun suddenly shot his right arm forward, blade probing in a stabbing thrust. The move "Branch and Leaf in One Stroke" burst forth — thrust after thrust chained together, flashing toward Wei Fu's hand, foot, chest, and head.
Wei Fu blocked in frantic succession. At that instant Wang Yun followed with "A Leaf to Blind the Eye", driving in like a dart. Wei Fu reversed his blade behind him to guard, steel meeting steel — and Wang Yun's sword-hook snapped, lifted, then stabbed straight toward the Middle Palace of the chest.
That one thrust shot out — the entire crowd gasped aloud, crying "Ah!" Certain that Wei Fu's life was forfeit and that the sword would run him through.
Yet in the flash between life and death, Wang Yun's mind lit like lightning — the thrust was guided aside, the tip only skimming lightly across the Shanzhong acupoint, then turned and stabbed once more — this time sinking into Wei Fu's shoulder. Blood surged forth at once.
A single metallic cry rang out — ding! Wei Fu's sword fell and rolled several zhang away. His face turned ashen pale. Wang Yun drew back his sword, clasped his fists and bowed, voice steady:
"Deputy Chief Wei — this junior Wang Yun has offended much."
Wei Fu had only just found his footing when — without warning — he launched himself forward again, hurling a palm straight toward Wang Yun's brow in a venomous sneak-strike. The attack came sudden as a snake from grass.
At that very brink of peril — a flick of sleeve and a thunder-clap sound — PONG!Wei Fu's body was hurled backward as though struck by a ram, smashing to the ground heavily.
Wu Tong's voice cracked across the hall, cold as iron:
"Your dog life has been spared once — now crawl!"
Dark blood gushed from Wei Fu's lips in thick spurts; the injury was grave beyond doubt. He could no longer rise, though he was not doomed to die outright. The men of the Flying-Sand Gang rushed forth and bore him away in shame.
Just then someone recited dryly with a sneer, as though sealing the matter with verse:
提親生怨懟 — hatred is born of proposals,忿恨氣難消 — resentment knows no rest,比試來刀劍 — so blades are summoned forth,誰知狗命饒 — yet even a cur is spared.
Wang Yun's heart still hammered against his ribs; the chill of near-death had not yet faded. Recalling that instant — the blade poised at a single hair's breadth between life and the void — a cold sweat stirred beneath his robe. Had Wu Tong not intervened with thunderous wrath, his lifeless body might already be cooling upon this floor.
Drawing a steady breath, he bowed low and said with deep feeling:
"Chief Wu — you raised your hand with righteous grace and pulled me back from the very edge. The debt is carved upon my bones and shall never be forgotten."
Wu Tong merely smiled faintly, tone mild yet edged with steel:
"Think nothing of it. It was but the lift of a hand. These gutter-born curs grow fat on impunity — had this not been the Flying-Eagle Gang's own territory and a feast in progress, I would have slain him on the spot to spare the rivers and lakes further poison."
Though the words were spoken lightly, a killing frost lay beneath. Those who heard felt their spines prickle. Wu Tong wore a civilized smile and gentle carriage — yet beneath it lay an authority before which none dared linger in insolence.
At this time Li Qian, seeing that Wang Yun stood unscathed, finally let the stone in her heart fall. Her brows curved like new moons and a smile blossomed upon her face. Stepping forth with grace, she dipped in a soft curtsey and said with gentle mirth:
"Wang-shaoxia, one who survives a great calamity is destined for later fortune. Misfortune turns to blessing the instant Heaven wills it. Perhaps this very peril shall prove the turning hinge that allows you one day to enter the hall and take the seat within."
Wang Yun, hearing this, could not help but show a trace of shy mirth, though warmth rose quietly within his chest.
Just then a voice called out behind them:
"— Gang Leader!"
The tone was deep and resonant. All turned to look. One man strode forth with measured steps, his visage stern, his bearing composed — none other than Qiu Bao, chief of the Flying-Sand Gang.His eyes swept the assembly; though he had not intervened, it was clear he had marked every move and measured every heart.
He came to the center and laughed aloud with heroic ease:
"Chief Wu — what wind has blown you to my humble Flying-Eagle Gang? Such a guest is rare indeed!"
Wu Tong clasped his fists with a calm and confident smile:
"This time I come for two matters: one private, one concerning the approaching Assembly on Songshan. I hope that, when all is discussed, I may not disappoint the honored Gang Leader."
Li Qian seized the moment, stepping aside with a smile like rippling springwater. She lifted a delicate hand and gestured lightly toward Wang Yun:
"This is the young hero Wang Yun — newly risen to repute these recent years. His swordcraft is exquisite, and his conduct beyond reproach. Today, concerning the matter with our Flying-Eagle Gang's Qiu Ting, a bond of affinity seems already fore-ordained. Would not the Gang Leader agree this match is Heaven-sent?"
Qiu Bao's eyes flickered with keen light. He turned and studied Wang Yun carefully — seeing the star-browed, lion-shouldered youth whose aura stood bright and firm. He returned the salute with a cupped fist and said warmly:
"So this is Wang-shaoxia! I have long heard your name. Now that I behold you, the fame was not false. For my Flying-Eagle Gang to gain such a son-in-law — that is our good fortune indeed."
Wang Yun bowed deeply:
"Junior Wang Yun pays respect to the honored Gang Leader."
Qiu Bao laughed heartily, lifted his hand in a gesture of support, and clapped Wang Yun upon the shoulder with weighty goodwill:
"Young hero of the age — rare in bearing and in spirit. My Flying-Eagle Gang has heirs indeed!"
ChatGPT 說:
Qiu Bao could not keep himself from nodding again and again.
"Truly — heroes are born in youth! Madam Wu's eye is keen beyond compare."
Then he turned his head and called out:
"Ting'er — come meet the young hero Wang Yun!"
Qiu Ting answered from the side,
"Father — we have already met."
Qiu Bao cast her a meaningful glance. She blushed at once, feigning ignorance:
"Father… what do you mean 'how do I find him'? This matter has nothing to do with me. I am returning to my room!"
Before any reply could catch her, she had already turned and slipped away, leaving Qiu Bao momentarily startled in place.
But a heartbeat later, a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.He turned back toward the guests and said with hospitable ease:
"It grows late — all of you, pray come within. Let us dine together."
Wu Tong and his retinue entered the Flying-Eagle stronghold.They first strolled through the courtyard to admire the garden and stones.Li Qian purposely remained to the rear, while Wu Tong naturally walked ahead with Wang Yun toward the inner court.
Meanwhile, Li Qian spoke low to Qiu Bao:
"Gang Leader Qiu — is this not a son-in-law fit to take the eastern bed?"
Qiu Bao replied in earnest:
"Madam, my thanks. The youth's bearing is extraordinary, his skill peerless — truly a knight among men. To speak truth, my daughter is exceedingly pleased. Only I do not know whether Wang-shaoxia is already promised elsewhere…"
Li Qian smiled:
"That is of small concern. Leave this to Madam Li to settle. Gang Leader need only compose his mind and await the outcome."
At this same time, Wu Tong and Wang Yun walked beneath the trees of the garden.Wu Tong spoke frankly:
"Brother Wang — I am but a few years your elder. Permit me to speak plain. Tell me — have you a betrothal already arranged?"
At that moment, without knowing why, the image of Qiu Ting's bright countenance flashed across Wang Yun's mind. He started a little and for a while said nothing.After a long breath, he answered:
"For ten-odd years I have devoted myself solely to avenging my parents, sharpening my blade and bittering my heart. I have never turned my mind toward marriage. Even if I should now feel stirrings of regard toward someone — I know not how to speak of proposals."
For in the old days there was the saying: "By parents' command and via the words of go-betweens."Young men and women were walled apart by ritual; union required parental mandate and the tongue of a matchmaker.