At this time, the land was fractured by regional warlords, and banditry ran rampant. After An Lushan's rebellion, men of strength and valor either joined the Tang army, defected to the Yan forces, or seized strongholds to proclaim themselves kings. The realm was in utter chaos—yet for some, it was an age of opportunity.
A Tang officer dismounted and called out in a clear, commanding voice,"I am Captain Yang Gang of the Tang army. We are on official duty. Why do you block the road?"
The chieftain of Niutou Mountain, Hu Yu, a solidly built man exuding savage vigor, glared fiercely and sneered,"So what if you're government troops? Su Hong, introduce me to these fine officers—tell them of my name and glorious deeds!"
One of the bandits stepped forward and said loudly,"Commander, it seems you fail to recognize greatness. Our lord is Hu Yu, whose name is known across a hundred li. There is even a folk rhyme:
When Heaven sees Hu Yu, sun and moon lose their light;When Earth sees Hu Yu, grass and trees cease to grow;When men see Hu Yu, nine out of ten lose their lives.
You'd best keep your eyes open. Don't bring trouble upon yourselves by provoking the tiger!"
This rhyme alone revealed the extent of Hu Yu's tyranny—and the people's deep hatred.
But Yang Gang refused to yield. His voice turned cold:"We are on duty for the Tang court. State your purpose for blocking the road!"
Hu Yu burst into laughter."From what I see, your mission must be worth quite a sum. I won't make things difficult—leave your valuables and be on your way. Otherwise… you'll be seeking death."
The air instantly froze.
Yang Gang's face hardened like frost."I have spoken with restraint. If you still refuse to yield, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"
Hu Yu's expression darkened, his lips curling into a cruel grin."Pan He, Meng Hua, He Hong, Su Hong—teach this overconfident Tang officer a lesson!"
The four men stepped forward with heavy blades. Tang soldiers moved to support their commander, but Yang Gang raised a hand.
"No need. Mere bandits are beneath my notice."
Before the words faded, he leapt forward.
Landing before the four, Yang Gang drew his saber. The bandits instinctively stepped back in shock.
"Surround him!" Meng Hua shouted.
They closed in from all sides.
"Attack!" He Hong barked.
In an instant, He Hong and Su Hong lunged forward, their blades flashing like lightning—fast, precise, and ruthless, intent on killing in a single strike.
But Yang Gang showed no fear. His saber whirled into motion, cutting arcs through the air with the force of a tiger. Steel clashed, ringing sharply again and again.
Suddenly, his blade shot forward—striking straight at Su Hong's center.
At that moment, Pan He and Meng Hua rushed in to intercept. Yang Gang spun, blocking with ease. The four attackers split into pairs, striking in waves.
After several exchanges, Yang Gang's saber flashed again—swift and ingenious. With a single motion, he hooked He Hong's blade aside and slashed across his thigh. Blood burst forth.
Without pause, he deflected Su Hong's strike and countered—another slash landed across Su Hong's back. A scream tore through the air as blood sprayed.
Pan He and Meng Hua charged again. Yang Gang parried with the scabbard, then struck in rapid succession. Blades flashed, blood flew, and cries of agony echoed as all four men fell, clutching their wounds.
Yang Gang pointed his saber at Hu Yu and roared:"Stand aside! The Tang army is not to be challenged by mere bandits!"
Hu Yu had not expected such skill. Realizing the danger, he thought quickly.
"A wise man does not fight when the odds are against him," he muttered inwardly.
Then aloud:"Brothers—let them pass! We'll settle this later!"
The next day, after traveling five li along the road, the Tang party saw dust rising ahead like a storm. Soon, a large force appeared—over a hundred men, divided into three groups, blocking the path.
Hu Yu had gathered reinforcements.
He stepped forward, eyes blazing."Captain Yang Gang! We're here to reclaim yesterday's humiliation. Leave your belongings and go, and we may spare your lives!"
Yang Gang calmed his restless horse, dismounted, and stood tall. His eyes shone with fierce resolve.
"Captain Yang Gang of the Tang army stands here. I spared you yesterday, yet today you gather more bandits. Do you think numbers alone will win you this fight?"
Hu Yu laughed loudly."Your name carries weight in the Tang army, and your skill is decent. Yesterday, you wounded four of us—but only because our numbers matched yours. Today… things are different."
Yang Gang's voice turned sharp."So you rely on numbers to win?"
At that moment, a burly, bearded man in his thirties stepped forward—his fierce gaze like that of a wrathful deity.
"Chief Hu, this Tang officer clearly looks down on us!" he roared.
Another equally powerful man added,"That's right! He doesn't take us seriously at all!"
These were the chiefs of Tiger Head Mountain and Horse Head Mountain—Ruo Hu and Qiang Jiang.
Hu Yu raised a hand to silence them, then smirked."Commander, your skills are decent—but in the martial world, you still lack experience. The three of us could defeat you barehanded. Do you believe it?"
Yang Gang's anger flared."I am a captain of the Great Tang—how could I fear petty bandits like you?"
He stepped forward boldly."Yesterday I fought four alone and crushed you utterly. Was that illusion? Since you boast so loudly, I'll put down my weapon today. One-on-one, barehanded. Let's see if you truly have the skill you claim!"