The scene depicts an intense confrontation between the Beggars' Gang and the notorious Four Fiends of the Gale, interrupted by the arrival of Li Jian and Tan Wei from the Zhongyi Hall.
Below is the English translation of the martial arts narrative:
The Duel and the Confrontation
Wu Cheng, though only in his thirties, was already a high-ranking elder of the Beggars' Gang and one of the top masters in the martial arts world, possessing exceptional internal and external cultivation. He had exchanged over ten moves with Xin Feng, known as "Soul-Chasing Hand." Palms flew and fists blurred as the two moved like streaks of lightning, kicking up clouds of dust in their heated battle.
Seeing Xin Feng's fierce palm techniques and overwhelming internal energy, Wu Cheng dared not be careless. He channeled his strength into his palms and lunged forward with a thunderous shout: "Excellent palm technique!" Before his voice faded, he kicked off the ground and closed the distance, his palms moving like drifting clouds—combining hardness with softness—aiming straight for Xin Feng's vital points.
Xin Feng's eyes flashed with a cold light. With a chilling sneer, his momentum surged as he unleashed nine consecutive strikes. Each palm was ruthless and heavy, crashing down like a tidal wave. This "Soul-Chasing" style was incredibly swift, leaving the opponent breathless and struggling to defend.
As the saying goes: "Internally, one trains the breath; externally, one trains the skin and bone." Both men were masters of both realms. Their strikes carried a surging internal force that vibrated through the air like crashing waves.
Seeing the barrage approaching like a violent storm, Wu Cheng struck directly at Xin Feng's face. Xin Feng snorted and tilted his body slightly—a feigned evasion that hid a lethal intent. He intentionally left his left chest exposed to lure Wu Cheng into a trap.
Thinking it a golden opportunity, Wu Cheng delivered a rapid succession of three palms and three punches toward the opening. However, a smirk played on Xin Feng's lips. He pulled back his right palm, spun his body, and effectively locked Wu Cheng's right fist while his left palm shot out like a bolt of lightning!
Panic surged through Wu Cheng; he realized he had been baited. The strike was too fast to dodge. At the critical moment, he let out a great roar, gathering all his strength into his left palm to meet the blow head-on. Not daring to take the full force of a desperate counter, Xin Feng released his grip and retreated, his left palm colliding with Wu Cheng's in mid-air.
"BOOM!"
The collision of their internal energies sent a shockwave through the area, the gust of wind whipping the robes of the onlookers.
The Reinforcements Arrive
As they both staggered back, Xin Feng sneered, "Elder Wu, your skills are impressive. No wonder you became a Beggars' Gang elder at such a young age."
Wu Cheng's face paled slightly as he steadied himself. Taking a sharp breath to calm his nerves, he cupped his hands and said, "The 'Soul-Chasing Hand' Xin Feng lives up to his name. I nearly fell for your trick!"
Xin Feng's expression darkened. Internally, he was shocked; his signature "Soul-Chasing Ruthless Hand" rarely met its match, yet Wu Cheng had neutralized it. He realized this man was a top-tier martial artist. "The Beggars' Gang may be the world's largest sect," Xin Feng said sternly, "but you alone cannot stop us. Leave now, lest you humiliate yourself!"
Suddenly, three figures leaped from the Beggars' Gang crowd. "We are not a gang of only one elder!" they shouted. These were the elders Zhang Feng, Li Wu, and Song Ming, whose skills rivaled Wu Cheng's. Zhang Feng sneered, "The Four Fiends of the Gale are arrogant indeed. Do you think our gang is empty of talent?"
In response, three more figures leaped from the opposing side. Their leader laughed, "The Beggars' Gang thinks highly of themselves, but do not forget—the Four Fiends always move together!"
The Four Fiends of the Gale:
Wang Bao ("Blade King"): The youngest but the leader. His Asura Blade Technique is legendary for its lethality.
Qian Ming ("Money Slave"): Obsessed with wealth. His Half-Step Eighteen Palms are known for their bone-shattering vibrations.
Qin Hong ("Elegant Third Madam"): Nearly fifty but appearing forty. She specializes in the "Embroidery Hook Hand," a deceptive style involving pressure-point strikes.
Xin Feng ("Soul-Chasing Hand"): The eldest but ranked fourth. Known for his ruthless, lethal strikes.
The Intervention of Zhongyi Hall
Suddenly, two figures arrived like the wind: Li Jian and Tan Wei. Li Jian announced, "I am the new Master of Zhongyi Hall, Li Jian. I am passing through on my way to visit the Chief of the Beggars' Gang." He turned to the Four Fiends and added, "Seniors, one travels the world based on righteousness, not just force!"
Wang Bao's eyes turned murderous. "A brat claiming to be the Master of Zhongyi Hall? Do you know the grudge we hold against your predecessor?" Years ago, the Four Fiends had been humiliated and punished by the former Master, Wu Tong, after they were caught kidnapping women.
Qian Ming snarled, "Even if you are the Master, Wu Tong's debts shall be paid by you today!"
Tan Wei retorted sharply, "I suspect you were up to no good back then! Master Wu Tong followed the path of righteousness; he wouldn't hold a grudge against honorable men." Her words clearly stung, implying the Four Fiends were nothing but petty criminals.
Enraged, Qin Hong (Elegant Third Madam) stepped forward. "Little girl, you have a sharp tongue! Disaster comes to those who speak too much. I, the Third Madam, will see what you are made of!"
Tan Wei gave a dry laugh. "I have heard of your 'Embroidery Hook Hand' and its peerless pressure-point strikes. Let us see it!"
Qin Hong, used to being feared, was incensed by the girl's insolence. She lunged with a palm strike carrying a powerful gale. Tan Wei, having learned much from Wu Tong, was prepared. She slipped to the side, but Qin Hong's palm flipped mid-air, targeting Tan Wei's chest with a lethal, deceptive angle.
The "Embroidery Hook Hand" was erratic and unpredictable. Tan Wei found herself hard-pressed, forced into a defensive stance using her "Eight Styles of Cloud Hands." Within the time it took to finish a cup of tea, the two had already exchanged over eighty moves in a blur of combat.