In the days that followed, the Tang soldiers' admiration for Wu Tong grew beyond words. Many came to revere him almost as a divine figure.
Before long, the Tang party arrived at a Taoist temple atop the Jade Maiden Peak of Mount Hua. Several young Taoist nuns, startled by the sudden arrival of imperial troops, hurried inside to report.
Moments later, Abbess Wushang Zhen emerged.
Wu Tong dropped to one knee and bowed respectfully."Wu Tong, Master of the Hall of Loyalty, pays his respects to the Immortal Lady."
Ling Xian'er followed suit."Ling Xian'er greets the Immortal Lady."
Wushang Zhen raised her hand gently."You may rise. Master Wu, what brings you here with the Tang army?"
Wu Tong replied respectfully,"By imperial command, we have come to deliver gifts from His Majesty."
Wushang Zhen was delighted."Feng'er!"
A young nun stepped forward.
"Lead the officers to the storehouse."
Wu Tong turned to Yang Gang."Captain Yang, please follow this Taoist sister."
(Among common folk, male Taoists are called qiandao, and female Taoists kundao.)
Yang Gang acknowledged and followed Feng'er as the soldiers carried the imperial gifts into storage.
Wushang Zhen then said,"Xiu'er, bring out some refreshments for our guests."
Turning back with a smile, she added,"Master Wu, Miss Ling—you have traveled tirelessly. Please come inside and rest."
Within the temple, Xiu'er served pastries and honeyed water. After they had eaten and refreshed themselves, Wushang Zhen spoke again:
"Now that your task here is complete, you must return to the capital at once to report, correct?"
Wu Tong nodded."Yes. With so many troops, we dare not linger overnight. We would not disturb your cultivation. Besides, I have other matters to attend to."
Wushang Zhen said warmly,"His Majesty's generosity is deeply appreciated. When you return, please bring him some spiritual lingzhi from Mount Hua. And as thanks to you, I have prepared several bottles of royal jelly—please accept them."
Wu Tong hesitated."This is far too precious—I am unworthy of such a gift."
Wushang Zhen smiled."No need for modesty. In the jianghu, such treasures may save your life in times of danger. And for elders, they bring health and longevity."
Wu Tong had intended to decline—but upon hearing this, he thought of his aging parents and his father-in-law's birthday.
At once, he knelt and bowed deeply."Then I accept with gratitude. Thank you, Immortal Lady."
After delivering the gifts and resting briefly, the Tang troops departed Mount Hua.
The next day, as they entered a small town, they saw groups of villagers armed with sticks and shouting:
"These villains are back again—seizing women to sell to the Yan army! Let's fight them to the death!"
The Tang soldiers were stunned.
Yang Gang stepped forward and asked an elderly man,"Sir, who are these villains? How can they abduct women in broad daylight? Where are the authorities?"
The old man sighed."Officer, you've come at the right time. It's not that the magistrate does nothing—every time officials come, they lose their lives. These are great demons of the martial world. No number of officers can stand against them."
Wu Tong stepped forward."Who exactly are they?"
The old man replied,"I'm not certain… but those who know the jianghu say it is the Four Fiends of the Swift Wind, working with local bandits."
Ling Xian'er nodded."I've heard of them. Their leader is Wang Bao, the youngest yet the strongest—known as the Blade King, master of the Asura Saber.Second is Qian Ming, called Money Fiend, obsessed with wealth, famed for his 'Half-Section Palm,' the Eighteen Palm Strikes.Third is Qin Hong, the Enchantress, nearly forty but still alluring—her 'Embroidered Hook Hand' is unmatched in acupoint strikes.Fourth is Xin Feng, the oldest yet ranked last—called Soul-Seizing Hand, whose techniques are vicious and lethal, leaving no survivors.The four have plagued the martial world for years."
Yang Gang frowned."And how skilled are they?"
Ling Xian'er's answer had already made it clear—they were no ordinary foes.
At that moment, the old man added,"Our town has invited a monk to help. I wonder if he has arrived yet. Since you are officers of the Tang army, why not lead your troops to rid us of this evil?"
Yang Gang glanced at Wu Tong.
Wu Tong gave a slight nod.
At once, Yang Gang's voice rang out with heroic resolve:
"Elder, do not worry! The Tang army exists to protect the people. Today, as your town faces danger, it is our duty to fight and defend our homeland!"
The old man's blood surged with passion."Well said! To serve the nation knows no age! Though I am past sixty, I once served in the Tang army—I will go with you!"
The soldiers were deeply moved. Their morale soared.
Yang Gang shouted,"Soldiers of the Tang! This is the moment to defend our people—advance!"
Every man burned with fighting spirit.
They quickly reached the main street—just in time to see bandits dragging women from their homes. Their cries filled the air.
Ahead, local militia clashed with the bandits.
But they were no match.
The outlaws were skilled fighters. Within moments, the militia's formation collapsed under the assault, their cries echoing as they fell back in defeat.
The situation was dire.
Yang Gang shouted urgently,"Form ranks!"
Forty Tang soldiers moved as one—disciplined, precise.
"Men—engage the enemy! Kill!"
Yang Gang charged forward, leading from the front.
"Brothers—attack!"