It is said that Wu Tong and Liu Yun escorted the wounded master of Jiulong Fortress and his brothers back toward the Jiulong Mountain stronghold.
After traveling more than ten li for over two hours, they finally spotted a row of some twenty pine trees ahead. Delighted, the group urged their mounts forward and rode beneath the trees to rest.
At that moment, the sound of galloping hooves suddenly arose.
Turning around, they saw more than forty Yan soldiers charging toward them from behind. Waving their riding whips, the soldiers lashed at a group of young women, driving them forward like cattle.
Upon closer inspection, there were over a hundred women, all bound together with ropes and dragged along. Their sobs filled the air — a pitiful sight beyond words.
After An Qingxu had lost the two capitals and fled to Ye City, the Yan army had not abandoned its wolfish nature. In broad daylight they still committed such atrocities, abducting and humiliating innocent young women.
Even the brothers of Jiulong Fortress were filled with rage, their eyes nearly splitting with fury.
Liu Yun was the first to explode. She leapt onto her horse and galloped forward, shouting loudly:
"Hey! How dare you act so wantonly in broad daylight! Release these women at once, and I may spare your lives!"
The Yan soldiers were stunned.
Where had this woman come from? Had she eaten the gall of a leopard or the heart of a tiger, to dare interfere in the affairs of the Yan army?
Among the soldiers, a cavalry officer was holding a young girl in his arms. He squinted at Liu Yun and burst into laughter.
"Oh? Where did this beauty come from, meddling in my business? And so pretty too. Once I capture you, I will certainly cherish you well."
With that, he released the girl, sprang onto his horse in a single leap, clamped his legs, and charged toward Liu Yun.
Her brows knitted.
"Seeking death!"
As the officer rode up and reached out to seize her, Liu Yun suddenly sprang from her saddle. She spun gracefully in midair.
The officer grabbed nothing but empty space.
She landed lightly upon the ground.
The officer wheeled his horse around, dismounted, and sneered.
"Oh? You've got some skill. Men! Seize her!"
As he spoke, several figures rushed forward, garments fluttering in the wind. Three more Yan soldiers joined the fray.
With loud shouts, all four struck at Liu Yun with their palms.
She moved like drifting smoke, weaving and circling, her techniques shifting without pause.
Suddenly she murmured:
"Hide form, conceal trace — I follow the celestial steps. I see my foe!"
She slipped clear of their attacks and began using the Nine Palace Astral Footwork.
Facing their relentless assault, she dodged again and again. Then she suddenly advanced like lightning.
"No one knows me — when I move, all obey! Spirits follow my command!"
Her palm shot out.
It struck the officer square in the face.
With a muffled groan, he collapsed and died instantly.
The remaining three panicked and turned to flee.
But Liu Yun would not let them go.
Her palms flashed like thunder.
In moments, all three lay dead.
Seeing this, the brothers of Jiulong Fortress burst into cheers.
Suddenly—
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
A volley of arrows came whistling through the air.
The situation changed in an instant.
Everyone was shocked.
A figure shot forward.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of arrows being deflected rang without cease as feathered shafts fell to the ground.
It was Wu Tong.
He shouted loudly:
"I am Wu Tong of the Hall of Loyalty! Release these maidens, and I will spare your lives!"
The Yan soldiers turned pale with terror.
How could they not know Wu Tong's name?
He had fought alongside the rebel armies in many battles. His bravery and martial prowess had long made him a legend. Among the Yan ranks his reputation inspired dread — none had not heard of him.
How could these soldiers possibly be his match?
Just as they stood stunned—
A voice suddenly rang out:
"Wu Tong! You have ruined the affairs of the Immortal Empress Palace time and again. You have gone too far!"
Wu Tong looked up.
The speaker was Nangong Yan, mistress of the Immortal Empress Palace.
Behind the Yan troops stood Nangong Yan, along with her disciples Ouyang Jing, Yu Xian, and Wei Hong.
Wu Tong's expression darkened.
"You aid the Yan army in abducting young women again and again. Such vile deeds — how can you still show your face?"
Yet Nangong Yan felt no shame at all. She replied calmly:
"Someone has to do such things. The first time is strange, the second time familiar. If men can do it, why can't women?"
Liu Yun had never encountered such shamelessness.
"You shameless woman! What wrong have these girls done to deserve being defiled by the Yan army?!"
With that, she and Wu Tong dashed forward in a few swift leaps, positioning themselves before the captives.
The guarding soldiers scattered like startled birds.
Who would dare resist?
Seeing this, Nangong Yan could no longer restrain her anger.
"Wu Tong! I have tolerated you again and again. Do not fail to appreciate my restraint!"
Wu Tong's emotions surged.
"I am the one who has tolerated you! If you do not step aside now, I will begin a massacre!"
Nangong Yan said coldly:
"You cannot blame me for what comes next. Ouyang Jing — release the signal!"
Moments later—
Bang!
A bamboo tube shot skyward.
Then with a sharp crack, it exploded like fireworks.
Liu Yun's face changed.
"What signal was that?"
Nangong Yan smiled darkly.
"Since you are about to die, I might as well tell you. That firework summons the assassins of the Sword Fiend Sect and Blade Fiend Sect."
Liu Yun snorted.
"They were defeated before. If they come again, they will only die again."
Nangong Yan laughed loudly.
"I forgot to tell you — the Old Man of the Five Absolutes is coming as well."
Liu Yun felt a chill in her heart. She looked worriedly at Wu Tong.
"Do you need my help?"
Wu Tong only stared coldly at Nangong Yan and strode forward.
To her own surprise, Nangong Yan found herself retreating.
"Watch her," Wu Tong said calmly. "Do not let her escape."
Hearing this, Nangong Yan felt a tremor of fear — though she still said stubbornly:
"Just wait. The assassins will arrive soon!"
Facing a great enemy, Wu Tong merely rested his hands upon the hilt of his blade crossed before his chest. He walked forward at an easy pace, utterly composed.
"If you are not afraid of death, come."
Soon the sound of fluttering robes approached.
Eight figures arrived.
Four held sabers. Four held swords.
They bowed respectfully before Nangong Yan.
She was delighted.
But Wu Tong suddenly poured cold water upon her hopes.
"No need for introductions. Your time to see the King of Hell has not yet come. You still have to line up."
Nangong Yan said bitterly,
"You are so arrogant. Do you truly believe the Sleeping Dragon Saber Art is invincible?"
Wu Tong sighed.
"It is no ordinary blade technique. Today you are fortunate to witness it. Your lives will not have been wasted."
As he spoke, another figure arrived and bowed slightly to Nangong Yan.
It was the Old Man of the Five Absolutes.
Murderous intent filled his face as he stared at Wu Tong.
Wu Tong's gaze flashed like lightning. He smiled faintly.
"The King of Hell has opened court and marked the Book of Life and Death. Today the Old Man of the Five Absolutes will die here. None of you will leave unscathed. I have spoken — believe it or not."