Chapter 1: Triple Fear

Jingtai Year 32, Tatar Weng Jin City, Third Day of the Ninth Month, Overcast

What is fear?

Fear is a timid and cowering mother, a neighbor crying loudly…

Fear is the most useless emotion in the world.

Just like shame and sorrow, fear is so useless, so contemptible… It brings no benefit to success, no benefit to victory, only aids in clinging to life and bowing in submission…

Zhe’er Dan, the foremost master of the Tatar nation, taught his disciples thus.

Since losing his mother at age six, the fifty-seven-year-old Zhe’er Dan had never shed another tear, nor felt a moment’s confusion or fear. He was the Khan’s most relied-upon general, the most revered father figure in his disciples’ hearts. He was the most formidable fighter among the northern Xiongnu – nine feet tall with sinews of copper and bones of iron, his temples prominent and fierce.

“The fearless are invincible!”

When Zhe’er Dan roared these words in powerful Altaic, his figure seemed to embody the war god himself.

This was Zhe’er Dan, the invincible warrior of the northern frontier battlefields.

There came a strange sound.

Click, click-click, click-click-click…

How eerie it was, as if some wild beast were crunching human bones. Dense killing intent permeated the surroundings. That chewing sound came from far to near, from dim to clear, accompanied by the low weeping of distant soldiers. In the darkness, it seemed as if Rakshasa had arrived, descending upon Weng Jin City.

Rakshasa – the fierce deity of the western Buddhist kingdom, man-eating demons. When it entered the palace city, this place would become a living hell, a bloody slaughterhouse of wails and cries that the surviving people would never forget.

Rakshasa’s arrival was not far from the palace gates.

When the demon king descends, who in heaven and earth can stop it?

I can stop it. My name is Zhe’er Dan.

In the darkness, Zhe’er Dan stood tall at the main gate, his piercing gaze like two bright lamps illuminating the terrified Weng Jin City.

Before the palace gate in the pitch darkness, the death god stepped over the corpse-strewn ground and weapons, walking step by step toward Zhe’er Dan.

A thousand soldiers, hundreds of guards – no one could stop the demon’s infiltration into the palace city. The only barrier remaining was Zhe’er Dan’s pair of iron fists. Zhe’er Dan understood his mission clearly. As the final line of defense, he must use these iron fists to guard the Khan’s divine authority and the consorts’ chastity.

Endless darkness, low wailing, facing demons alone – such circumstances would make one despair.

Perhaps ordinary people would cower because of this, but the man standing here was called Zhe’er Dan – the foremost person of the northern desert, Mongolia’s greatest master, the most formidable fighter of the northern Xiongnu frontier. He had countless titles. Even if the newcomer were a true demon, he had no reason to retreat.

In Mongolia, he was absolutely invincible!

The approaching figure stopped three zhang away, finally halting and staring directly at him with beast-like copper bell eyes.

Very tall, very strong, with shoulders as broad as a standing ox – not quite human in appearance. Zhe’er Dan’s tiger eyes blazed with power as he glared back at the demon before him. Nine feet tall with a ghost-like ugly face – upon first sight, it would indeed make one think of a demon king.

Would he be afraid? Unfortunately, he happened to also be exactly nine feet tall, not even an inch different. The difference was that he, Zhe’er Dan, was not a standing ox – he was a walking male lion, the strongest male lion from the Taklamakan to the Gobi.

“Halt!” A resonant roar emerged from Zhe’er Dan’s throat, short and powerful, enough to make all enemies’ hearts tremble.

The newcomer stopped, as if responding to Zhe’er Dan’s roar, and a hissing sound came from his throat.

In the darkness, the copper bell eyes gleamed with strange light, and beneath his lips, snow-white teeth were revealed, still stained with bits of flesh, making him look even less human. Not even like an ox – only like a monster.

Zhe’er Dan looked at the monster and asked, “Want to live?” He pointed into the distance and said coldly, “Scram.”

Concise and direct, with no room for negotiation – this was Zhe’er Dan’s way of speaking.

In the dark night, the opponent split his mouth in a grin, his brownish-red gums making one want to vomit.

A cold laugh, a mocking laugh, a contemptuous laugh. The opponent showed no retreat, which was provocation. Zhe’er Dan’s voice tore through the eerie night sky with earth-shaking resonance: “If you want to fight, then let us fight!”

Mongolia’s greatest master shouted Genghis Khan’s famous words with the force of thunder. In an instant, overwhelming true qi surged forth from within his body with explosive power. Zhe’er Dan stepped heavily forward, his fierce and unparalleled palm force striking out. His momentum was strong enough to tower over dozens of northern nations.

Boom! Giant forces collided, sand and dust flew. The opponent’s body swayed, and Zhe’er Dan also swayed.

The opponent did not fall. What about himself?

Zhe’er Dan looked down at the ground beneath his feet, where deep indentations had appeared. These footprints were left by him – impressions in the stone floor over an inch deep, traces that only a supreme master could tread.

However, only someone forced to retreat would leave such marks.

Zhe’er Dan was enraged. He roared and struck out with his second palm.

Palm struck palm. In the tremendous sound, a strange force surged forward, deflecting Zhe’er Dan’s right palm, and he felt pain in his ankle. That inexplicable power continued to attack forward. In an instant, depression filled the chest and abdomen of the Tatar nation’s greatest master – he had to expel the stagnant qi.

Wanting to regulate his breathing, his opponent gave no respite and actively attacked again with another palm strike.

The third palm exchange produced another thunderous crash. This time Zhe’er Dan had to channel strength into both legs, or he would fall. Another palm – he was gasping for breath. Yet another palm – he wanted to bend over. Finally, after the fifth palm exchange, Zhe’er Dan reached up to cover his chest.

“How can this be…” The invincible warrior bit his teeth and asked himself.

In the lightless dark night, except for his own heavy breathing, he could hear nothing else. The demon king hissed with cold laughter, still walking forward – ten feet, five feet, three feet, finally within arm’s reach. The scene before his eyes gradually blurred. At fifty-seven, with both martial arts and physical strength at their peak, if he could not stop the demon before him, who in the world could?

Zhe’er Dan’s face had turned iron blue. His palms began to sweat… his heartbeat gradually quickened… the corners of his mouth trembled slightly…

What was this feeling? When he was nine years old, following his father on his first hunt, seeing a black bear on the mountain path – was it like this? No time to think further, another palm came – this was the sixth palm…

Zhe’er Dan heard a strange sound – it was his own voice coughing up blood.

What was happening? Scenes of heaven and hell kept floating in his mind?

What was happening? Tears continuously flowed from the corners of his eyes?

What was this feeling? Was it humiliation? Or shame?

No! No! This familiar feeling was…

Was it fear?

It was fear!

At forty, he had sworn to heaven that even if Mount Tianshan collapsed before him, he would not fear it. At fifty, stepping on the body of Goryeo’s strongest fighter, he suddenly felt that nothing in the world could make him afraid anymore.

At this moment before death, he was actually afraid?

Looking at that demon possessing boundless divine power, Zhe’er Dan experienced for the first time the smallness of being human – helplessness, fear, sorrow, pleading… all these emotions overwhelmed him… like a whirlpool constantly drawing him into an endless sea of suffering…

In that instant, Zhe’er Dan looked up to the sky and howled wildly. He tore his clothing, and with a tremendous roar, he pressed both palms forward with combined force.

“The fearless are invincible!”

What could overcome the fear in his heart was only the belief he had held faithfully throughout his life. When his diligently cultivated internal power surged from his dantian like an overwhelming mountain, he no longer thought of his own life or death.

Honor, duty, a martial artist’s aspirations – all were contained within his twin palms.

As the guardian god of women, children, and the weak, as the Great Wall spanning thousands of li on the northern frontier, at this moment Zhe’er Dan bore the responsibility of protecting the traveling palace and the imperial presence. He had reasons he could not be defeated.

Third day of the ninth month… This night, Weng Jin City of the Tatar nation was like a battlefield…

A brutal and inexplicable battle…

Jingtai Year 32, China’s Juyong Pass, Twenty-Second Day of the Ninth Month, Light Rain

Few practice swordsmanship without knowing Zhuo Lingzhao. No one practices boxing without recognizing Shaolin’s Ling Ding. Just as those who practice calligraphy must have heard of Wang Xizhi, and those who chant Buddhist scriptures surely know Jiumo Luoshi. Over thousands of years, every profession has always produced a few top figures for you to see. Even barbers and noodle makers will mostly produce one or two renowned, far-famed individuals – this is what “every profession produces its champions” means.

The champions of martial arts each possess unique skills and grand aspirations.

Ning Bufan practiced martial arts seeking completeness in martial dao and the ultimate peak of personal martial prowess.

Zhuo Lingzhao practiced swordsmanship seeking to defeat all under heaven, to laugh proudly in the martial world and look down upon all heroes.

“Heaven and earth follow me alone, mighty beyond any obstacle” – that was Fang Zijing’s realm. “Save oneself and others, create and transform all things” – that was the great aspiration of Shaolin monks. In summary, the perfect pairing of heroic heart and martial arts was indispensable.

Without conviction, one becomes a brute, a demon or ghost who kills without blinking. For this reason, masters in the martial world all carefully guide their disciples, examining character before entry and earnestly instructing before descending the mountain, all requiring martial practitioners to maintain heroic hearts.

What would martial arts without heroism become?

Have you heard the two characters “Sa Mau”?

There was such a person who practiced martial arts only to kill, only to rape and pillage, with no one able to stop him. What led this person time and again to stand in the cold wind and exercise his fists and feet was actually to experience the infinite pleasure of killing and the gratification of rape and violence.

To know about him, one need only cross Juyong Pass and ask any armed person. That person would surely jump up and roar: “Who are you! Why ask about Sa Mau?”

All who were born in Mongolia and practiced martial arts or swordsmanship, upon hearing these two characters, would raise their eyebrows, suck in a cold breath, then be filled with killing intent and great wariness.

This Sa Mau – usually if one was unlucky enough to glimpse him from afar, it would be considered two lifetimes of bad luck. Who would have known that today, by sheer misfortune, our An’dao Jing would be blessed to encounter this gentleman, and would have to travel alongside this demon for ten days to half a month.

“Damn it! This monster is ‘Sa Mau’? How did I encounter him?”

An’dao Jing sat on his horse with a bitter, fat face, the corner of his eye glancing at the prison cart behind him.

Autumn wind and slanted rain, overcast skies. A large group of Embroidered Uniform Guard experts came along the official road. Though hoofbeats rang out, not a word of conversation could be heard. Even An’dao Jing had put away his lazy demeanor, his hand not leaving his blade hilt.

The party totaled sixty-two people, arranged in three circles guarding a prison cart. The outermost circle had thirty people, all mounted with reins and blades, slowly advancing. The second circle of experts walked slowly, scattered around the prison cart. They were all barehanded with steel cables at their waists, each wearing a grave expression.

The innermost circle had only three people, each mounted close beside the prison cart. These three wore official robes, with the leader having a face like red dates astride a fine horse – this was An’dao Jing.

Sixty-three skilled men escorting one person, with even the Embroidered Uniform Guard commander present – this showed the importance of the prisoner in the cart.

The prison cart’s top had a square opening, and the criminal’s head protruded from this opening. That head was covered with black cloth so the face couldn’t be seen, but seeing how large the head was like a bushel, he must be an enormous giant. Inside the prison cart, iron chains wound tightly around the massive body. Except for the head protruding outside the cart, everything else was firmly bound by iron chains.

The cart’s steel bars were as thick as teacups, and the iron chains were thumb-thick. Without such measures, they probably couldn’t contain such a bear-tiger.

Though the defenses were strict, if this demon king should break free from the iron chains and bend the steel bars to break out of the cage, that would be extremely troublesome. For this reason, there was another layer of protection beside the cart. Should this monster make any rash move, two great masters were ready to kill him with one stroke without mercy.

To the left and right of the great cart stood one person each, four gazes cold as ice. On the left was “North China’s Fastest Blade” Chen Xuan, an envoy. This man came from Kongtong and was called “Drawing Blade to Cut Water, One Slash Breaks Void” – a great general personally requested by Jiang Chong from the “Zhili Regional Military Commissioner”. On the right side of the prison cart stood a strong man, the “Meridian Gate Neck-Breaking Master” Liu De, the most ruthless executioner under the Ministry of Justice. This man was tall and strong as an ox, claiming he could execute standing on his head or with eyes closed, able to decapitate under any difficult circumstances. He was a hero voluntarily lent by Minister Zhao of the Ministry of Justice – definitely not comparable to ordinary executioners.

On the left the fastest blade, on the right the neck-breaking master. Should there be the slightest movement, two blades would scissor down like sharp shears with no possibility of mercy.

But the more strict the defenses, the more they revealed the party’s outward fierceness masking inner timidity. Just who was this villain that he possessed such terrifying presence, making all sixty-three people tremble with fear?

Sa Mau, the villain with overwhelming evil, was precisely the prisoner being escorted on this journey.

Nine feet tall, able to lift a thousand jin, a madman who killed without blinking. It was said that on the night of the third day of the ninth month, this person relied on his divine martial arts to disguise himself as an imperial guard and infiltrate Weng Jin City of the Tatar nation to commit violence. Not only did he kill countless elite imperial guards, he also severely wounded the renowned Zhe’er Dan, then rampaged through the palace, burning, killing, and raping, forcing the Khan to flee in panic.

What deep hatred and great enmity required such challenge to the Khan’s divine authority?

According to Zhe’er Dan’s later account, Sa Mau had no reason – he had simply practiced a new set of divine martial arts and wanted to kill people for practice. Ordinary civilians were no match, so he went to the palace to find opponents.

This was not just lawlessness – it was complete madness!

Thousands of firearms, tens of thousands of troops, the furious Khan personally invited heroes from all mountains and lakes across the realm to take action. Under heavy rewards there would surely be brave men – even several venerable masters from the Central Plains were invited to head north to Mongolia to hunt down Sa Mau.

But Sa Mau was cunning by nature. Though pursued by masters, he still escaped calmly, weaving through the Western Jurchen, then passing through Duolun, Kaiping and other places. Wherever he went, he slaughtered soldiers, civilians, and women with brutal methods and wanton behavior. Finally he came to China’s northern frontier fortress, Juyong Pass. Once this person entered the pass, the Central Plains would surely face devastation. The Juyong Pass commander, hearing the news, urgently requested aid from the court, and thousands of troops stood ready in strict formation.

Whether fortunately or unfortunately, this villain faced the Chinese garrison and actually offered no resistance, being captured alive.

Getting such a great bargain for nothing, the Chinese garrison was naturally overjoyed. When news reached beyond the pass, the Khan immediately wrote a letter hoping China would consider the friendship between the two nations and escort this person back to the northern kingdom. The Khan wanted to personally decapitate him to vent his fury and console his beloved consort who had died tragically and innocently.

Seeing how much the Khan hated this person, this villain instead became extremely valuable. Grand Tutor Jiang Chong was deeply calculating – how could he willingly hand over the goods for nothing? With such a precious commodity available, Jiang Chong hatched a scheme, preparing to escort this person into the capital’s imperial prison to make a great deal.

It was for this reason that An’dao Jing was ordered to escort the villain and bring him back to Beijing.

“Report to the Commander – that fellow hasn’t eaten for ten days. Should we give him some food?”

Night had fallen, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards sat in circles around the fire, each warming themselves. Hearing a subordinate come to report, An’dao Jing didn’t even raise his head and angrily cursed: “Bullshit! If we feed him too much venison, it will inevitably increase his strength. When he breaks out of the cage, will you stop him?”

He cursed twice, lowered his head to chew fragrant venison, and added with a cold laugh: “Starving this villain to death would also count as carrying out heaven’s will – the people would be grateful to us.”

That subordinate, hearing this, shook his head and said: “Commander, before departure Grand Secretary Jiang carefully instructed that the prisoner must be brought back to the capital completely intact, didn’t he? We can beat him, but we can’t actually starve this fellow to death.”

Hearing “Grand Secretary Jiang,” even though An’dao Jing had vast experience, he couldn’t help but feel a chill, his mind conjuring a smiling face with a short beard. That face usually smiled very cheerfully, and even when delivering that famous line “Drag the useless thing out and chop him,” the face always wore that treacherous smile. That smiling face was so eerily unpredictable, as if it wanted to laugh away your seven souls and six spirits – just thinking about it made one irritated.

An’dao Jing looked back at the prison cart, where that head covered in black cloth still protruded pitifully from the cart. The “North China’s Fastest Blade” held venison in one hand while eating, a treasured blade in the other for defense, still not daring to be careless. An’dao Jing huffed twice and had to say: “Fine! You just take two pieces of venison over and feed him properly!”

Seeing the subordinate walk away, An’dao Jing cursed twice and just lowered his head to eat meat. Suddenly hearing footsteps, someone walked behind him and called: “Commander An.”

An’dao Jing turned around and saw a strong man standing before him – it was the “Meridian Gate Neck-Breaking Master” Liu De. This “Neck-Breaking Master” had a tiger-like build but now showed a weary expression, as if he had something to say.

An’dao Jing knew Liu De came from the Ministry of Justice and was definitely not comparable to his subordinates, so he couldn’t be rude. He stood up and nodded: “What is it? Brother Liu, do you have advice?”

Liu De shook his head and said: “Commander An, we agreed on three shifts for night watch, taking turns guarding that prisoner. Why did Magistrate Chen come earlier saying you have other important matters tonight and can’t take your turn?”

Among the sixty-three people on this journey, the innermost circle consisted of three great masters jointly guarding. Among these three, An’dao Jing had the highest martial arts and most prominent position, but he was also the laziest in conduct. During the day was fine, but at night, if he had to stay awake all night guarding the prison cart closely, it would kill him.

Hearing Liu De’s words, An’dao Jing just made an “oh” sound and squinted with an indifferent attitude.

Liu De coughed and pressed the matter again. An’dao Jing pulled his collar tight, yawned, and said awkwardly: “You must understand – it’s not that this official won’t help, but this humble one carries important duties and must review documents every night. I really have no time to supervise, so I can only trouble you two to bear more responsibility.”

Liu De stared with bloodshot eyes – he had heard these words ten days ago. Because he couldn’t object then, he ended up unable to sleep well night after night. Thinking of having to endure another long, cold night of stabbing needles in his legs to stay awake, he became angrier and could no longer endure. He roared loudly: “Surnamed An! Stop this nonsense! I, Liu De, belong to the Ministry of Justice and am not your Embroidered Uniform Guard subordinate! If you keep being so lazy and evasive, don’t blame me for explaining everything clearly to Minister Zhao when we return to the capital!” Saying this, he glared angrily at An’dao Jing, ready to turn hostile.

When Liu De made this scene, the “Capital’s Fastest Blade” in the distance immediately sensed it. Chen Xuan quickly finished his venison in two or three bites, casually wiped the grease on his clothes, then stood up and glared fiercely at An’dao Jing. With two colleagues like this, An’dao Jing knew that if he wanted to dodge, he’d need some new tricks. He just dry-laughed a few times without responding.

Liu De angrily said: “Well? We agreed on three-person rotation – will you do it or not?” An’dao Jing coughed lightly and spread his hands, about to reluctantly agree, when he suddenly saw a subordinate pass by carrying roasted venison – this was to feed Sa Mau.

An’dao Jing looked at the venison and suddenly had an idea. He immediately grabbed the man and called: “Wait!”

That subordinate stopped upon hearing this, and before he could ask, An’dao Jing hastily snatched the venison, then took a packet of powder from his chest and sprinkled it all over the meat. The powder was yellowish-brown in color and had a clear fragrance when smelled, though its origin was unknown.

The subordinate was startled: “What? Sir, are you seasoning it for him?” An’dao Jing cursed: “Season your granny’s male! Where did you get that idea? This is knockout drug – guaranteed to make Sa Mau sleep soundly until dawn after eating it.” He glanced sideways at Liu De and dry-laughed: “There! Tonight I’ll take my share of the hard work. You two gentlemen can sleep soundly – how about that?”

Liu De, seeing this, couldn’t help feeling both resentful and envious, watching how clever this An’dao Jing was, hiding knockout drugs and waiting until he himself stepped up for guard duty to drug the monster unconscious, so this lazy fellow could also sleep peacefully. Liu De looked resentful and cursed himself for lacking foresight. He cupped his hands and said: “Then thank you very much.” But in his heart he decided that once they reached town, he would also go to a black shop to buy several packets of knockout drugs, absolutely not letting An’dao Jing have all the glory.

An’dao Jing was smug and followed his subordinate over to personally see the monster eat the knockout drug. The two walked to the prison cart, and the subordinate held the venison and called loudly: “Friend, we’re going to feed you meat. Please open your mouth.”

He called twice but saw no movement from that head. The black mask covered the five features so facial expression couldn’t be seen, making it look doubly eerie.

The subordinate shook his head and reached to the head’s mouth corner, slowly lifting the mask to stuff the venison over.

Just then, a scream tore through the sky – the subordinate’s right hand was actually bitten hard! He immediately cried out in pain, wanting to pull his arm out, but the demon bit extremely tightly. For a moment, blood sprayed and splattered, staining the prison cart red.

In the screaming came crisp cracking sounds – the subordinate’s hand bones were actually being crushed by the monster’s bite! An’dao Jing was greatly alarmed and urgently shouted: “Chen Xuan! Why don’t you act!”

Chen Xuan gave a light whistle and his fast blade flashed out. In an instant, he had severed that person’s right arm at the elbow. The subordinate screamed and wailed, clutching his severed arm and rolling on the ground. Everyone rushed over to bandage his wound.

In the midst of the chaos, clear crisp sounds came from under the black mask.

Click… click-click… click-click-click… The head under the black mask chewed continuously, as if swallowing sweet, juicy chicken feet.

An’dao Jing was extremely horrified and roared: “Damn it! Beat him!”

The Embroidered Uniform Guards were all fierce men. Seeing Sa Mau’s outrageous behavior, actually daring to bite off a comrade’s arm, they were furious. They all grabbed fire-and-water sticks and gave that person’s head a thorough beating. Dozens of wooden clubs crashed down with continuous banging and crackling sounds.

Everyone beat until they were covered in sweat, when suddenly light sounds came again.

Click… click-click… click-click-click…

That head was still swallowing…

The subordinates were terrified and scattered in retreat. An’dao Jing’s face was also ashen, his mouth corners trembling. If he had to guard this monster alone, he would rather die than comply.

“Damn it! You underestimate your grandfather!”

Facing such a vicious prisoner, An’dao Jing did not retreat. Roaring to the sky, he immediately took out a magical treasure from his bundle to properly deal with the monster.

An’dao Jing’s eyes blazed with divine light as he took an iron tube from his traveling pack and strode toward the prison cart. Everyone saw that the iron tube was black and dull, less than a foot long and unremarkable – they didn’t know its purpose. Chen Xuan on the side saw An’dao Jing’s face full of rage and worried he might beat the monster to death on the spot. Remembering this person’s importance, he was about to step forward to stop him.

Just as he was about to advance, he heard An’dao Jing coldly laugh: “Since you won’t eat the knockout drug, I’ll reward you with two tubes of intoxicating incense!” He aimed the tube opening at the mask and blew toward the bottom end. Wisps of white smoke were sent in with a rich fragrance – it was indeed the soul-stealing incense used by flower-picking rapists. Seeing that the iron tube had such a purpose, the subordinates showed surprised expressions and stared foolishly.

An’dao Jing felt no shame and desperately blew the intoxicating incense. After working hard for a long time, the monster’s mask was filled with the intoxicating smoke. Where the remaining smoke reached, all the surrounding people became drowsy with sleepy eyes. Even Chen Xuan and Liu De, with their deep martial arts skills, couldn’t help yawning continuously. An’dao Jing was secretly pleased – look how powerful this intoxicating incense was! Even if this monster were ten times stronger, he would still fall unconscious.

After a short while, sure enough, that head tilted to one side as if falling into deep sleep. An’dao Jing let out a long breath and smiled at Chen Xuan: “There! This official sympathizes with everyone’s hardship. You two can go rest – I’ll guard this place for you. I guarantee nothing will go wrong.”

Chen Xuan and Liu De muttered something – whether in gratitude or secret disdain was unclear. They shook their heads and each found a clean place to lie down. Having been unable to rest for ten days, as soon as they lay flat, they were snoring like thunder, dead asleep.

Exhausted from the arduous journey and guarding such a major criminal, the Embroidered Uniform Guards were already weary beyond measure. Now that the major criminal had been drugged unconscious, they inevitably relaxed. An’dao Jing even more boldly took a soft cushion, spread it on the ground, and lay flat to enjoy some comfort.

The autumn night was quiet, the autumn moon bright. Except for the footsteps of distant guards walking back and forth on patrol, there were no other sounds.

At this moment, Liu De and Chen Xuan were already fast asleep. The subordinates by the fire didn’t dare to slack off and still maintained three shifts of rotating patrol. An’dao Jing felt relieved and also closed his eyes, snoring into sleep. In his dreams, a faint intoxicating fragrance drifted over, like the ethereal mists of immortal mountains beyond the seas, floating at his nose.

Smelling the fragrance, An’dao Jing suddenly had lustful thoughts, and his mind felt dizzy. Just as he wanted to turn over and embrace the lover in his dreams, he suddenly felt alarmed: “This smell is very evil – isn’t this my soul-stealing incense? How did someone take it out to burn?”

He held his breath and opened his eyes, looking around. He saw that the camp was covered in thick fog, hazy and dim. Many subordinates had all fallen to the ground in sleep – they had been affected by the soul-stealing incense. An’dao Jing coldly laughed. It seemed that definitely some subordinate had unclean hands and wanted to take the opportunity to drug everyone so he could commit theft. An’dao Jing thought: “External thieves are easy to deal with, but internal thieves are hard to guard against. Let me catch this scoundrel.”

Just as he turned his head, he suddenly saw clouds and mist swirling around the prison cart. Countless wisps of intoxicating incense were not coming from anywhere else, but slowly emerging from under the black mask. An’dao Jing was greatly shocked: “So it’s this demon causing trouble!” He quickly pondered – this person must have practiced turtle breathing secret techniques, actually holding a long breath to suck the intoxicating incense into his lungs, then exhaling it after everyone’s minds relaxed.

At this time, everyone in the inner circle was fast asleep. Except for the outer circle guards, all other personnel had no combat ability. An’dao Jing slept beside the prison cart and would naturally bear the brunt. If Sa Mau escaped, he would surely be the first to be killed. An’dao Jing was both shocked and afraid, only wanting to get up and act, to strike first while the monster was still in the prison cart and kill him with one blow.

An’dao Jing pretended to sleep soundly, his fingers just touching the blade handle when he suddenly heard strange joint sounds from the prison cart, as if a martial arts master was using bone-shrinking divine skills to gather all his body’s bones together. An’dao Jing was greatly alarmed: “It’s over! This monster is coming out!”

Glancing over, he indeed saw Sa Mau’s massive body in the prison cart gradually contracting. In an instant, the iron chains on his body could no longer bind him and actually fell to the ground.

An’dao Jing was extremely horrified. He knew Sa Mau’s martial arts were extraordinarily high. If he rashly moved his body now, he would definitely be noticed and be beaten into a pile of mush before even making a move. He lay on the ground not daring to move slightly, only slowly reaching out to pick up a pebble from the ground and soundlessly threw it toward where Chen Xuan and Liu De were sleeping, thinking that with three people joining forces, they might not necessarily lose.

The pebble fell and hit Liu De right on the head, but that “Neck-Breaking Master” seemed to have lost his brain and was still snoring loudly.

An’dao Jing cursed silently and was about to throw a second pebble when he suddenly heard two clicking sounds – the iron bars of the prison cart had been snapped by monster strength. In the firelight, a black-hooded head slowly rose, and an immensely tall body was emerging from the prison cart, looking like death itself descending.

An’dao Jing was scared out of his wits. In the darkness, Sa Mau slowly walked forward and came to his side. With this person’s deep martial skills, just one stomp would leave no organs intact. An’dao Jing was so frightened his whole body went limp. He closed his eyes tightly, praying to all ancestors in his heart, just hoping to safely get through tonight.

Sa Mau gave a low laugh and squatted down beside An’dao Jing, not knowing what he intended to do. An’dao Jing was covered in cold sweat, wishing he could faint. Suddenly, two ice-cold fingers touched his throat. This time An’dao Jing could no longer hold back – his crotch became wet and hot as he was scared into soiling himself, thinking silently: “Alas! My life is finished!”

Thinking that after his death, his beautiful wife at home would surely cuckold him, he couldn’t help but have teary eyes and sigh countless times in his heart.

Just as he was about to close his eyes and await death, those fingers didn’t crush his throat but moved up to his nose, as if examining whether he was truly asleep. An’dao Jing’s thoughts raced – knowing there was still a chance for survival, he pretended to be deeply asleep and muttered in his sleep: “Wife… don’t touch anymore…” Summoning all his remaining courage, he directly hugged Sa Mau’s foot and pursed his lips to kiss it.

This risky performance indeed fooled Sa Mau. Hearing the monster sneer twice and lift his foot, An’dao Jing couldn’t help but have teary eyes, silently thanking heaven’s protection. It seemed he had done many good deeds, which allowed him to luckily escape with his life.

Just as he was feeling emotional, he suddenly heard chewing sounds in the distance, as if someone was eating something. An’dao Jing quickly opened his eyes and was startled to see the monster squatting by the fire with remaining venison in his hands, opening his mouth wide to chew.

An’dao Jing was puzzled and thought: “This fellow finally escaped from the cage – why doesn’t he flee but stays here eating? Could he be faint from hunger?” In his haste, he couldn’t think carefully and casually grabbed a pebble to throw forcefully at Liu De.

The pebble flew out with a smack, hitting Liu De right on the forehead and making blood flow. Liu De, being attacked in his sleep, immediately became furious. He cursed twice and sat up. Opening his eyes, he saw a giant man eating by the fire – who else could it be but Sa Mau?

Liu De was scared out of his wits. Just as he was about to shake Chen Xuan, he heard Sa Mau give a low roar and turn his head to look in his direction. Liu De screamed inwardly and immediately fell backward, letting blood flow down his face while maintaining a peaceful sleeping posture.

An’dao Jing was extremely cunning. Seeing Liu De’s death-like appearance, he knew this fellow was playing deaf and dumb, definitely pretending to be dead. He cursed incessantly in his heart: “Dead boy, at this critical moment only seeking to save his life – what kind of martial arts master is he!”

He knew the situation was critical. If Sa Mau went mad, everyone would inevitably die miserably on the spot. At this moment, he absolutely couldn’t panic. He calmed down and listened carefully, only hearing Sa Mau make an “mm” sound and burp – probably full from eating. Then he heard light footsteps as if searching through people’s belongings. In a moment, he found a bag of wine and immediately raised his head to drink wildly, gulping it down.

Suddenly someone shouted: “Who’s there?” Sa Mau’s behavior was too outrageous and was finally noticed by soldiers in the outermost circle. One person shouted a question and ran over quickly. Before taking three steps, Sa Mau leaped up, and a large pool of fresh blood had already spilled on the ground – that person was actually torn in half by the monster. Seeing this, An’dao Jing knew Sa Mau’s martial arts far exceeded his own and was even more frightened, his whole body going limp, not daring to move.

Sa Mau coldly laughed, picked up the two pieces of corpse, and flew up a tree to hide the body in the grove. After a short time, he returned to the prison cart. With light bone sounds, Sa Mau actually used bone-shrinking divine skills again and returned to the cart.

Seeing the monster treat the prison cart like a residence, An’dao Jing couldn’t help but be extremely puzzled, not knowing what conspiracy he had. An’dao Jing guessed and thought, suddenly becoming greatly alarmed: “This fellow has such audacity – he actually intends to go cause trouble in Beijing!”

Previously, Sa Mau had caused great havoc in Weng Jin City just to test his own martial arts level, randomly breaking into the Tatar Khan’s traveling palace, killing over a hundred elite fighters and raping and killing more than ten concubines. With this monster’s martial arts so high, how could the Juyong Pass garrison possibly capture this person? It seemed that with the Khan’s pursuit too tight, Sa Mau simply allowed himself to be captured to use the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s prison cart – first to avoid the pursuit of northern masters, and second to safely reach the capital. It could be considered killing two birds with one stone.

The more An’dao Jing thought about it, the more afraid he became. If the monster really entered the capital, there would be bloody storms in the Imperial City – who knew how many would die? Thinking that his whole family was in the capital, his heart kept panicking, only wanting to find a way to send a message back so everyone could be prepared.

But the situation was extremely difficult. The monster in the prison cart was both cunning and cruel. If he acted rashly, he would definitely alert the enemy. With this monster’s high martial arts, he could kill An’dao Jing at any time. An’dao Jing cried bitterly in his heart and could only pretend not to know, continuing to suffer through pretending to sleep.

Finally enduring until dawn, An’dao Jing quickly got up. His eyes were dark, but he still pretended and loudly called: “What a good sleep! Really refreshing!” As soon as he finished speaking, the subordinates opened their eyes, rubbed them, and climbed up, all shouting: “Good sleep! Last night really slept comfortably!”

Each subordinate had dark eye circles and pale faces – how did they look like people who had slept well? From this observation, eight or nine out of ten of these fellows hadn’t been knocked out by the intoxicating incense and were all pretending to sleep, afraid that if they weren’t careful and Sa Mau noticed, they’d be torn in half alive.

Liu De, with blood all over his head, was still shouting about how comfortable it was. An’dao Jing was both angry and resentful, quickly walking over and kicking at his face. Liu De quickly dodged and smiled apologetically: “Commander got up early!” At this time, Chen Xuan had also gotten up, rubbing his eyes and saying: “What’s wrong? Is there something?” Looking at his sleepy appearance, only he had slept peacefully, completely unaware of the danger.

An’dao Jing snorted and nudged his mouth, signaling Chen Xuan to look at the pool of blood on the distant ground. Chen Xuan suddenly saw it and was immediately shocked, about to shout loudly when Liu De, quick-eyed and quick-handed, quickly covered his mouth, signaling him not to speak loudly.

Chen Xuan was also perceptive – his heart filled with shock and doubt, he just looked at An’dao Jing waiting for his instructions.

An’dao Jing lowered his voice: “Big trouble – that monster has long since unlocked the prison cart’s iron chains and can kill at any time.”

As An’dao Jing spoke, he kept glancing at the prison cart’s movements, afraid the monster would hear and be forced to act early.

Chen Xuan’s face turned pale and he said in a trembling voice: “Then what should we do? Attack immediately and fight to the death?”

An’dao Jing shook his head: “This person’s martial arts are extraordinarily high. We must not fight hard. Let me send a message by carrier pigeon to inform Grand Secretary Jiang first, and wait for reinforcements to arrive before acting.” An’dao Jing had always been shrewd and knew that Jiang Chong had countless capable people under him. As long as he delayed properly, the court would definitely invite great masters to subdue the demon and protect the law. When these important figures arrived, why would he need to fight hard himself? He could naturally preserve his life and continue eating.

Afraid that Sa Mau would notice, An’dao Jing ordered his subordinates to pack their luggage and pretend to be busy. He himself secretly took out a pigeon cage, got paper and brush, and wrote a note asking Jiang Chong to send people for assistance. Whether it was Luo Moshi coming or Zhuo Lingzhao taking action – in any case, all would be better than himself. After working for a while, the three secretly went to the forest before daring to release the pigeon to fly high.

The white pigeon soared into the sky. The three looked up and each prayed in low voices. Suddenly, a stone flew out from the prison cart and actually shot down the white pigeon – the accuracy was rarely seen in the world.

An’dao Jing cried out miserably and said in a low voice: “It’s over! This demon is very cunning and won’t let us contact the outside.”

Liu De’s face was pale and he said in a low voice: “What do we do? Are we just going to sit here waiting for death?”

An’dao Jing frowned and thought bitterly. This Sa Mau’s martial arts were too high – he could break out of the cart and kill at any time. On their side, there were only three decent fighters, and the other subordinates had limited martial skills. If they fought hard on the spot, they really couldn’t withstand this monster’s offensive. While his mind was thinking, his hands weren’t idle – he untied the bamboo tube from the dead pigeon’s foot and threw it into the gurgling stream at his feet, hoping some villagers would notice and could deliver the note to the post station.

Chen Xuan and Liu De, thinking of their lives hanging by a thread, both frowned deeply with very sorrowful expressions.

Seeing their fear, An’dao Jing suddenly said with a “hey” sound resolutely: “Everyone don’t panic – thirty li away there’s Eagle’s Peril Gorge with extremely dangerous terrain. The court also has a post station there with a full five hundred garrison troops. We’ll have a great battle at Eagle’s Peril Gorge!” Saying this, he heavily patted each of his two colleagues on the shoulder encouragingly: “Who dies at whose hand is still unknown!”

Seeing Chen Xuan and Liu De agreeing submissively, An’dao Jing made up his mind – once they reached Eagle’s Peril Gorge, he would grease his feet and slip away. As for the life and death of Chen Xuan and the others, they could only rely on their own fortune.

Jingtai Year 32, Eagle’s Peril Gorge, Twenty-Third Day of the Ninth Month, Overcast

Eagle’s Peril Gorge stretched thirty li and was a shortcut to the capital. Since this place was called a shortcut, merchants must gather here. Indeed, the gorge entrance was bustling with voices – those going to the capital to sell goods, visit friends, or seek office, with traveling merchants coming and going endlessly, filling the small town completely. The largest wine shop in town was called Little Oriole Tower. Occupying such geographical advantage, business was naturally booming with distinguished guests filling every seat.

Little Oriole Tower, as its name suggested, naturally had many orioles and swallows here. Near dusk, large groups of travelers lodged here. Everyone spent lavishly, drinking and singing cheerfully, showing their wealth.

This day, a strange guest suddenly came to town.

This person wore red clothes, had a massive and mighty build, with a yellowish-brown complexion – at a glance one could tell he was Mongolian. But even being tall and stout wouldn’t necessarily frighten people. The reason this person made hearts turn cold was really because of his eyes – they seemed inhuman.

When this person reached the door, the shopkeeper of Little Oriole Tower knew a terrifying figure had arrived. He had been running this business for decades and definitely had the eye for judging people. He kept praying in his heart not to let this person come in.

Unpleasant things in the world are always so many. Usually when wanting customers to enter, even kowtowing wouldn’t get anyone’s attention, but when fierce demons come knocking, they can’t be pushed away. When that strange guest stepped through the door and reached out to knock on a table, the shopkeeper cried out in his heart, feeling extremely unlucky, but couldn’t ignore it. He immediately hurried over with an upturned smiling face.

Suddenly, his feet seemed to step on something wet and sticky. He looked down at his feet and saw blood by his boots.

Gurgling blood was dripping from that strange guest’s red clothes, flowing all over the wine shop.

That wasn’t red clothing but blood clothing – red garments stained with blood.

The shopkeeper cried out in horror. Perhaps what was before his eyes wasn’t human but demon, devil, a fierce deity just crawled out of hell. He looked at the monster with teary eyes, only regretting his usual frugality and reluctance to eat better food, fearing he’d never get to eat again.

The shopkeeper lowered his head, his whole body trembling. The strange guest smiled coldly and reached out to caress his face.

Killing intent came, and the shopkeeper felt his heartbeat had stopped. He wanted to move his feet but lacked courage, wanted to bow and salute but had no strength. Finally, his knees went soft and he fell, saying with a crying voice: “Master, what do you want?”

The strange guest’s gaze was ice-cold. He glanced at the wine and meat in the shop, then looked at the girls in the shop. How could the shopkeeper not understand his meaning? He immediately kowtowed like pounding garlic and said repeatedly: “Yes… yes… I’ll send it up right away…” Saying this, he urgently ordered the kitchen to bring wine and food and all the girls to come sit with him.

The customers in the shop originally included strong and sturdy men, but seeing the strange guest’s terrifying appearance, who dared to say anything? In an instant, not one remained. The women in the shop were even more frightened pale, but with a monster at the door, who dared not comply? The women, with faces losing color, tremblingly walked over and stood by the table shaking.

The strange guest looked at his wine cup and gave a low roar. A girl, trembling all over, picked up a ceramic pot and filled the wine with fear and trepidation. The girl was extremely frightened and really couldn’t hold the wine pot steady. In an instant, the water didn’t enter the cup but the wine pot fell to the ground.

The strange guest gave a low roar. His left hand reached out to catch the wine pot, then his right hand reached out to press on the girl’s head, as if to punish her rudeness. The girl screamed and desperately tried to escape, but the monster was incredibly strong. With slight force in his hand like iron pincers clamping her skull, how could the small and weak girl escape? She immediately burst into tears and waved her hands continuously.

The monster lifted the wine pot and drank deeply with his head tilted back. Just waiting for the pot to be drained, he would crush this girl’s skull.

The shopkeeper saw this and was anxious in his heart, wanting to send someone to report to officials but not daring to move, only crying to heaven and earth.

“Shopkeeper, a seat!”

At this tense moment, a low voice came from the door. Everyone turned to look and saw a big man standing at the entrance. This person wore magistrate’s official colors, carrying a traveling bag in his left hand and wearing an iron glove on his right hand. Looking at his dignified appearance with a square face, he had an imposing presence – clearly a court official had arrived.

“Shopkeeper! A seat!”

The big man called twice, seeing everyone trembling but no one attending to him. He was completely puzzled, shook his head, and walked into the shop himself.

Just upon entering the shop, he suddenly saw everyone in the shop pale-faced, only staring at one table in the shop. The big man was slightly startled, his eyes drifting as he followed everyone’s gaze and saw a giant man sitting in the west corner, holding up his palm pressed on a girl’s head, seeming about to crush her to death.

The big man was shocked. As a court magistrate, he couldn’t sit by and watch. He immediately stepped forward, walked to the table, and said in a deep voice: “Let her go!” The strange guest ignored him and continued tilting his head drinking wine, slightly exerting force in his palm. The girl’s face showed pain and her eyes gradually bulged. Seeing the critical situation, the big man snorted and struck out with his iron palm toward the strange guest’s wrist.

The strange guest coldly laughed. His right hand still firmly grasped the girl while his left fist swung out, fiercely counterattacking the big man. This punch was powerful with fierce wind – the bowls and chopsticks on the table were blown up by the wild wind and immediately fell to the ground.

Suddenly seeing the strange guest’s martial arts were extraordinarily high, the big man was also shocked. Instantly, true qi surged out and his iron palm immediately increased power.

Fist met palm silently. Both men’s bodies swayed slightly – they were evenly matched. The strange guest showed a surprised expression and released his right hand. The big man, quick-eyed and quick-handed, immediately pulled the girl away three feet and signaled her to retreat to the side.

The girl screamed loudly and fell to the ground. Everyone in the shop was both shocked and afraid, quickly lifting her up.

The strange guest, seeing his killing mood interrupted, immediately gave a low roar, quite angry. But the big man was also unafraid. He shook open his official robe and sat down facing him, saying in a deep voice: “I am Wu Dingyuan, Beijing Magistrate under the Northern Pacification Governor. Dare I ask why you, a dignified man, bully a wine-selling girl?”

This person was full of official atmosphere and wore iron gloves – it was indeed Wu Dingyuan arrived. Two days ago, he had been escorting transported grain when he suddenly received official documents ordering him to come alone to Eagle’s Peril Gorge post station, saying there were important matters to assist with. Having rushed here with great difficulty, he hadn’t seen court post station personnel but encountered this strange guest and casually saved a girl.

The strange guest was silent, but his gaze was cruel and ice-cold. Wu Dingyuan, seeing he didn’t seem to be from the Central Plains, was just guessing his identity when he suddenly saw a fat man outside the door rushing over urgently, stopping at the entrance and continuously waving at him, seeming to signal him to leave quickly.

Wu Dingyuan’s gaze was sharp and he had already recognized the waving person as An’dao Jing. Seeing his disheveled appearance covered in blood, not knowing what tragic event had occurred, his heart was greatly puzzled. Just as he was about to stand up and inquire, suddenly the table in front of him shot forward rapidly. Wu Dingyuan was unprepared and was immediately struck in the waist.

With a loud crash, the table was already shattered to pieces. Wu Dingyuan was struck by giant force and flew backward, crashing through the brick wall behind him and falling into a pile of rubble, life or death unknown.

The person outside the door was indeed An’dao Jing. Originally, at noon this day, as soon as the prison cart entered Eagle’s Peril Gorge, before An’dao Jing could escape, “Capital’s Fastest Blade” Chen Xuan couldn’t bear it and wildly slashed at Sa Mau with his blade. Sa Mau was already prepared and immediately broke out of the cart. The two sides engaged in fierce battle. Though Sa Mau was alone, his martial arts were both high and strange, and his attacks were extremely vicious. None of their fighters could withstand even half a move, and in an instant most were dead or wounded. An’dao Jing spent enormous effort and relied on his naturally cunning nature to repeatedly play dead, finally managing to escape from the tiger’s mouth. He thought the strange guest must have gone toward the capital and was about to flee back to town first, but heaven knows he encountered him here again.

Seeing Sa Mau slowly turn his head toward him with a cold smile, An’dao Jing went completely limp, not knowing what to do, only able to wave his hands continuously and retreat step by step.

Suddenly hearing Sa Mau roar wildly, the sound shaking the roof tiles, all the girls in the shop covered their ears and cried out, rushing outside. Sa Mau’s beast nature erupted as he charged directly at An’dao Jing. An’dao Jing screamed and hid behind a girl, hugging her legs and trembling there. The girl was so frightened she cried loudly: “You… you’re a grown man, don’t hide behind me!”

An’dao Jing’s heart and soul were shattered – how dare he come out from behind? Instead, he shrank his body further and hid under the girl’s feet. Sa Mau didn’t care about such clownish behavior. He hissed with cold laughter and swung his fist the size of a bushel basket to kill both An’dao Jing and the woman together.

Suddenly a purple light flashed. The iron fist like thunder struck forward, hitting Sa Mau right in the mouth corner. This punch was so heavy it made him bend backward, nearly falling to the ground.

A big man appeared with divine majesty, glaring angrily at Sa Mau – it was Wu Dingyuan returned!

A descendant of Tianshan, known as True Dragon – as the saying goes “Divine blood talisman of heavenly records, a generation of true dragons born from the sea.” Wu Dingyuan possessed the True Dragon body – how could he easily die? Everyone seeing Wu Dingyuan not only unharmed but able to fight back cheered, even An’dao Jing shouted approval.

Sa Mau, seeing his enemy wasn’t dead, attacked even more fiercely without words. Both hands immediately launched rapid attacks – left and right fists each struck eight times, totaling sixteen flying punches. The fist power was fierce enough to shatter mountains and move roads, yet also strangely unpredictable – this was precisely the supreme martial art he had used to defeat Tatar master Zhe’er Dan.

The fast punches attacked. Wu Dingyuan gave a “hey” sound and spread his horse stance, also swinging both hands rapidly – left and right each striking eight hand-blade techniques to protect all his vital points.

Hand-blades and flying fists clashed with each other, the crisp sounds of chopping and slapping continuous. Both men’s four arms swung rapidly, each using speed against speed.

Sa Mau was nine feet tall, a rarely seen giant. Wu Dingyuan was also very tall, only a few inches shorter than Sa Mau. Their fierce battle was like bears and tigers fighting. The inn’s workers and shopkeeper had long since fled without a trace. The tables and chairs in the shop were all shattered to pieces by the two men’s fist winds.

Though An’dao Jing had already escaped outside the shop, the fierce wind struck him and he still felt burning pain. Seeing Wu Dingyuan’s extraordinarily high martial arts, he couldn’t help being shocked and secretly thought: “Haven’t seen him for a few months – how has this surnamed Wu’s martial arts reached this level? Damn, that Shenji Cave really has some supernatural methods.”

Fighting to the climax, Sa Mau saw Wu Dingyuan’s movements were extraordinarily fast. If he wanted to use speed to counter speed, he really couldn’t gain the upper hand. He needed to use a different strange technique to win. As soon as this thought arose, he spun his body in a circle to avoid Wu Dingyuan’s hand-blade, then changed his fist to a claw and took the opportunity to twist Wu Dingyuan’s arm. This move was precisely his unique wrestling technique – Central Plains people had no way of knowing it, and indeed he succeeded in one move.

Wu Dingyuan relied on his great strength and wasn’t afraid, just about to turn and break free when suddenly Sa Mau squeezed forward, pressing close with both hands around the waist, knee against the tailbone, then exerted divine strength and actually lifted Wu Dingyuan up.

Wu Dingyuan hadn’t expected his opponent to have such a strange move. Caught off guard, he was already thrown heavily head-down, feet-up.

Though Sa Mau was murderous by nature, his martial arts were actually very profound. He had long since integrated wrestling techniques into advanced martial arts. This fighting method was completely different from the Central Plains’ delicate grappling – it took the path of grand openings and closings. Those hit would either have broken neck bones or shattered spines – it could be said to be unbearably tragic. This throwing technique was evolved from Mongolian wrestling, specially used in close combat. Though it lacked the dexterity of pressure point attacks, it was more destructive than pressure points and much easier to learn. Indeed, Wu Dingyuan’s forehead struck the ground and blood flowed freely. This impact was extraordinarily powerful – not only carrying the body’s weight but also Sa Mau’s profound internal power. If Wu Dingyuan hadn’t soaked in Fuxi’s precious pool and had a constitution greatly different from ordinary people, this impact would have already burst his brains and killed him.

Wu Dingyuan was knocked into confusion, not knowing up from down. Sa Mau didn’t relax at all, grabbing Wu Dingyuan’s head and lifting it to slam forcefully against the ground. In the banging sounds, bricks and stones all cracked, sand and stones scattered everywhere. Wu Dingyuan’s face was covered in blood and he had already fainted.

Sa Mau knew Wu Dingyuan was very durable and feared these few blows still wouldn’t kill him. His left hand reached out to fork Wu Dingyuan’s neck, lifting his body high, then heavily punched out, hitting right in the vital organs.

Receiving this punch, Wu Dingyuan’s body was like a kite with broken strings, rolling straight into the inn’s back hall.

Having defeated his strong enemy, Sa Mau immediately looked up to the sky and laughed wildly, then turned to walk toward An’dao Jing. An’dao Jing was shocked, afraid, urgent, and angry, shouting loudly: “Wu Dingyuan! How did you die so early? Aren’t you a damn Tianshan descendant? Quickly get up and fight back!”

At this moment, everyone in the shop had fled without a trace, leaving only An’dao Jing alone. Seeing no room for negotiation, except for drawing his blade to resist the enemy, there was no chance of survival. An’dao Jing steeled his heart and shouted loudly. In an instant, he revealed his treasured blade, prepared to fight desperately.

Sa Mau laughed coldly continuously, clasping his left and right hands together with finger joints crackling, his gaze unspeakably fierce. Seeing this ghostly appearance, An’dao Jing couldn’t help trembling all over. His earlier courage was again thrown to the ninth heaven, thinking: “What to do? Must I really fight hard?”

Watching the monster approach step by step, An’dao Jing suddenly showed joy on his face, pointing at the back hall and shouting: “Wu Dingyuan, quick! Quick! Quick, get up and beat him!” Hearing that Wu Dingyuan wasn’t dead, Sa Mau couldn’t help being startled and quickly turned to look. Where had Wu Dingyuan gotten up? He still lay on the ground motionless, as if dead.

Sa Mau turned his head back and saw An’dao Jing holding a knife, wanting to stab it into himself – this person was truly extremely cunning. Sa Mau smiled contemptuously and swung out a slap forcefully, immediately knocking An’dao Jing to the ground. This palm was so heavy it made An’dao Jing’s right cheek swell high, and he couldn’t even open his eye.

An’dao Jing lay on the ground. Seeing Sa Mau step over to kill him, he quickly spat out several teeth and smiled apologetically: “Master, lord, dear grandfather, don’t rush to kill me – look back, another beauty has come to the door.” While speaking, he still squeezed his eyebrows and made eyes, being very mysterious. Sa Mau knew his skills were exhausted – how would he fall for the trick again? He laughed strangely twice and his fist struck down.

Just as An’dao Jing was about to be beaten into a bloody mess, suddenly Sa Mau’s throat tightened – someone had firmly grasped it.

Sa Mau was both shocked and angry. Looking sideways, he saw Wu Dingyuan had actually gotten up, blood flowing down his face, his face full of fury, glaring directly at him. Sa Mau was startled – he never expected this person to be so hard to kill. He couldn’t help greatly regretting that he hadn’t taken the opportunity to break his neck earlier.

At this moment, Sa Mau’s throat was controlled, already tightly strangled by Wu Dingyuan’s elbow bend, extremely difficult to break free. In panic, Sa Mau braced both feet against the ground and his body crashed heavily backward, hitting Wu Dingyuan’s chest. Wu Dingyuan’s chest hurt and his wrist loosened. Sa Mau’s body lowered, grabbing Wu Dingyuan’s wrist and taking the opportunity to bend forward, instantly throwing him out.

The situation was critical. If Wu Dingyuan fell headfirst like an onion, he would inevitably expose all his vital points, and the enemy would certainly take the opportunity to strike a killing blow. He remained calm in danger, lifting his true qi in mid-air, his body flipping once with both feet toward the ground, falling steadily downward. Sa Mau was about to advance and attack but nearly got hit on the head by his heel. Greatly shocked, he quickly flashed backward.

Sa Mau stared blankly at Wu Dingyuan, seeming stunned by his strange techniques. He was dazed for a long while before roaring wildly and using wrestling techniques to grab at Wu Dingyuan again. Seeing his opponent seemingly unkillable, getting up again and again to fight, he was already extremely annoyed. If he didn’t use his lifetime’s ultimate skill to break Wu Dingyuan’s cervical vertebrae in one go, how could he vent this hatred?

The fan-sized hand grabbed forward, hiding countless dangerous follow-ups. Wu Dingyuan was in a dangerous situation, but his martial arts foundation was limited – how could he understand these unique wrestling techniques? Though An’dao Jing was experienced and knowledgeable, he also couldn’t guess Sa Mau’s moves. Wanting to warn Wu Dingyuan but not knowing the key points, he could only be anxiously helpless. In the life-and-death moment, Sa Mau’s figure flashed and was already before his eyes. Though Wu Dingyuan’s advance and retreat were like lightning, this person’s footwork was too unpredictable – left and right, he really didn’t know where to dodge.

While hesitating, Sa Mau had already come within five feet, his palm touching Wu Dingyuan’s back neck.

In his urgency, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t think of any ultimate technique to resist the enemy. He simply used his master-taught boxing technique, one move “Opening the Door to See the Mountain,” striking toward Sa Mau’s face.

This move “Opening the Door to See the Mountain” was mediocre and contemptible – even children just learning martial arts could use it. Using it in a master’s decisive battle was really too unseemly. Sa Mau looked up and laughed wildly, about to dodge sideways and then break Wu Dingyuan’s neck.

Suddenly hearing fierce wind rushing with tremendous momentum, the fist was shockingly fast – in the blink of an eye it was before his nose bridge. Sa Mau was greatly shocked – how could this fist be so fast? Looking at this fist’s power being so heavy, if it hit his face squarely, how could his five features be preserved? Even his eyeballs would be knocked out. In shock, he couldn’t care about breaking the neck and quickly released his hand and stepped aside.

Wu Dingyuan shouted loudly and again used “Opening the Door to See the Mountain,” once more attacking Sa Mau. This fist, accompanied by fierce wind sounds, was actually even more vigorous and fast than the previous punch. Sa Mau, seeing no way to block, could only rely on his unique footwork and snake-like side movements to circle around.

An’dao Jing stood aside watching. Seeing Wu Dingyuan consecutively force back his enemy, all relying on his fists and feet being extraordinarily fast. The martial arts itself was quite childish. Only because he possessed the True Dragon body, ordinary moves in his hands became thousands of times faster than normal people. Relying on this “fast” character, enemies naturally found it difficult to resist. Also because of this “fast” character, when he was on Mount Hua, even with Ning Bufan’s refined swordsmanship, he still couldn’t subdue Wu Dingyuan. An’dao Jing understood in his heart – he knew that no matter how strange Sa Mau’s techniques, he would have to take second place.

Only seeing Wu Dingyuan swing his fist again with another “Opening the Door to See the Mountain.” Sa Mau, having been repeatedly entangled by Wu Dingyuan’s strange moves, was already agitated. Seeing this “Opening the Door to See the Mountain” again, he couldn’t help being furiously angry. He had painstakingly practiced countless techniques – who knew they couldn’t match a mere “Opening the Door to See the Mountain”? He screamed strangely and also swung out, striking toward Wu Dingyuan’s fist.

Two fists collided – this was hard-against-hard true skill, absolutely no way to cheat. Sa Mau relied on his infinite strength, having never met an opponent in his life. If the opponent wanted to compete in strength, that was exactly what he wanted.

Before the two had even clashed, explosive sounds were already continuous – it was the air between their fists being rapidly compressed by fierce force, like the sound of bursting paper bags, showing how shocking the true power on their fists was.

The double fists collided with a thunderous boom. Only hearing Sa Mau’s fierce scream, his right hand’s five fingers sprayed blood everywhere – the finger joints were actually crushed to powder!

Sa Mau was naturally brave and fierce. Though seriously injured, he showed no sign of retreat. Only hearing his strange shout, he flew out with a kick straight toward Wu Dingyuan’s face. Wu Dingyuan dodged sideways. Suddenly Sa Mau gave a cold laugh, thrust out his chest, and over ten steel darts flew from his bosom, all shooting into Wu Dingyuan’s body.

This sudden change left An’dao Jing staring with his mouth agape. When Sa Mau was captured, thinking of his master status, they didn’t think he would secretly hide any hidden weapons and didn’t search his body. They didn’t expect this person to be so despicable by nature, actually hiding such tricks on his body – it was truly unexpected. Looking at these steel darts colored vermillion red and shaped like crosses, they were definitely coated with deadly poison. Poor Wu Dingyuan would surely lose his life.

At this time, Wu Dingyuan’s eyes were tightly closed, his body full of steel darts. An’dao Jing knew that when the lips are gone the teeth feel cold – the general situation was lost. Though he had conflicts with Wu Dingyuan, the two had jointly resisted a strong enemy this time, invisibly developing some friendship. He couldn’t help turning his head away and sighing.

Sa Mau laughed heartily. Though he had been beaten by Wu Dingyuan until his nose was bruised and face swollen, his heart was extremely hateful. But finally, he had used despicable tactics to defeat his strong enemy and greatly humiliated him – it could be considered satisfying. He stepped forward, according to Mongolian custom, to tear off Wu Dingyuan’s head as a war trophy.

Just about to act, he suddenly saw Wu Dingyuan’s eyes open with brilliant light shooting out, saying coldly: “Treacherous thief, you are so despicable and shameless – don’t blame me for being heavy-handed.” Sa Mau, seeing him hit by poisoned darts yet not dead, was like a monster. He was so shocked he roared continuously and jumped back a step.

Wu Dingyuan raised his head and roared to the sky. Where his internal power reached, the steel darts on his body were actually shaken off to the ground. An’dao Jing opened his eyes to look and saw Wu Dingyuan’s wounds were quite shallow – apparently he had internal power protecting his body and wasn’t injured in vital areas. This dragon-tiger struggle still had more to go.

Wu Dingyuan’s eyes blazed as he removed his iron glove and said fiercely: “Treacherous thief! Do you really think I don’t dare kill? Today let you see Wu’s true ability!” Near nightfall, Wu Dingyuan glared angrily at Sa Mau. Only seeing his right arm exposed, the purple arm gleamed with ghostly light like some monster. Sa Mau didn’t know the details of this purple arm and was stunned for a long while before advancing to attack again.

Wu Dingyuan looked up and shouted: “Void Purple!” After shouting these three words, his right palm swung out and a purple light left his palm – this was precisely the opening move “Void Purple” of “披罗紫气” (Purple Qi Draped in Gauze)!

The Tianshan descendant used authentic martial arts for the first time. Purple light flashed, and only hearing an “ah” scream, Sa Mau covered his face and rolled on the ground. An’dao Jing rubbed his eyes and stared in shock, not knowing what had happened. Wu Dingyuan stood to the side and said coldly: “Though I don’t know what divine being you are, you have repeatedly struck to kill with despicable conduct. If I don’t execute you on the spot today, I don’t know how many people you’ll harm.” While speaking, he raised his right arm, looking like a dragon’s claw.

At this moment, victory and defeat were already decided. With Wu Dingyuan’s iron hand on his body, Sa Mau was already no match – not to mention he had completely removed his shackles and the dragon claw was unleashed? Sa Mau knew the enemy’s martial arts far exceeded his imagination. He didn’t dare linger in battle and leaped toward the shop exit. How could Wu Dingyuan let him go? With a tap of both feet, he also chased after. An’dao Jing was a fence-sitter – seeing there was advantage to gain, he also quickly followed out of the shop.

Just outside the inn, Sa Mau casually grabbed and had something in his hand. Wu Dingyuan was stunned and had to stop. What Sa Mau held wasn’t some divine weapon or sharp blade, but an old man – a poor, innocent, elderly villager. Sa Mau smiled sinisterly and strangled the old man’s neck, his gaze extremely cruel. If Wu Dingyuan stepped forward one step, he would break this old man’s cervical vertebrae. This person’s despicable shamelessness was far beyond ordinary treacherous villains.

Sa Mau hissed with cold laughter, pointing at Wu Dingyuan and signaling him to retreat. Wu Dingyuan didn’t dare disobey and stepped back.

Sa Mau, seeing his scheme succeed, had a crooked smile, thinking of a dangerous move for surprise victory. Just then, An’dao Jing had also rushed out of the shop. Suddenly seeing that villager’s face, he exclaimed in shock: “Director Liu! How are you also here?”

Hearing “Director Liu” these three words, Sa Mau couldn’t help being slightly stunned. Just then, the old man in his arms laughed: “Commander An, long time no see!”

Before his words ended, the old man’s finger pointed out like lightning, directly stabbing toward Sa Mau’s lower abdomen. Sa Mau was shocked and couldn’t guard against it. In an instant, his lower abdomen was ambushed. This finger’s true power was strong and penetrated through the body. Even with Sa Mau’s deep internal power, he couldn’t bear it. For a moment, his face was like paper and both hands loosened.

No matter how deep Sa Mau’s schemes were by ten times, how could he expect this unremarkable poor old man to actually be the dignified Beijing Twelve Supervisors eunuch with unique skills, Liu Jing? In one moment of carelessness, he was immediately seriously injured and knelt on one knee.

Seeing Liu Jing about to attack again, Sa Mau was furious and roared, charging directly at Liu Jing. Wu Dingyuan was shocked, fearing Liu Jing couldn’t match him and was about to advance to assist. But Liu Jing smiled slightly and waved his hand at him. Just then, whooshing sounds came from the houses on both sides, black shadows flashed on the rooftops, and two bald men leaped down. Wu Dingyuan suddenly understood – Liu Jing had been fully prepared all along.

Those two ambush soldiers had extremely fast movement techniques. One left, one right, they joined Liu Jing in a three-person coordinated attack. At this time, Sa Mau’s right fist had already been shattered by Wu Dingyuan, with many finger joints broken. Many wrestling techniques were difficult to use, so his martial arts were greatly reduced. Those three people’s skills were extremely refined, with successive attacks like formations. Sa Mau had earlier received Liu Jing’s surprise finger attack and already had internal injuries in his chest and abdomen. After prolonged fighting, his whole body’s strength gradually failed. After several more moves, he was hit by palms continuously. He howled miserably, still fighting like a cornered beast. Liu Jing and the others didn’t relax at all, continuously attacking. Finally, Liu Jing’s palm struck Sa Mau’s chest, knocking him to the ground motionless.

Liu Jing knew Sa Mau was extraordinarily cunning. He immediately gave a look, and one bald man extended his finger to point at several vital pressure points on Sa Mau’s front chest and back to prevent him from pretending and violently attacking again.

In this battle, the Eastern Depot and Embroidered Uniform Guard acted simultaneously to capture the person. Who was higher and who lower was clear at a glance. An’dao Jing stood aside watching, also feeling amazed in his heart. He immediately smiled apologetically: “Director Liu’s divine skill covers the world – it really opened this humble person’s eyes.” Though he was a general under Jiang’s faction, as long as Jiang Chong wasn’t present, he was completely submissive and flattering to Liu Jing, afraid of offending even a little bit.

Liu Jing looked at him coldly and said: “Commander An, while Chen Xuan and Liu De were seriously injured, you ran away without a trace. Commander An’s lightness skill is truly getting better and better.” An’dao Jing’s face reddened, knowing his solitary escape had been exposed. He immediately bowed in salute and hurried back to Eagle’s Peril Gorge. But in a moment, when his remaining subordinates saw him return from escaping, in their anger they would inevitably surround and beat him. Then he would have to find another way to escape.

With the matter concluded, Wu Dingyuan breathed a sigh of relief. He wiped the blood from his face and asked Liu Jing: “May I ask Director Liu, was it you who sent word for this humble official to rush to this place?” Liu Jing smiled slightly and nodded: “Naturally. If it weren’t for you, this Tianshan descendant, taking action, who in the capital could stop this Mongolian monster?” Saying this, he patted Wu Dingyuan’s shoulder with a very intimate manner.

It seemed Liu Jing’s information was well-informed with eyes and ears throughout the country. It was still relying on this old eunuch’s methods that countless people in the capital were preserved. Jiang Chong’s forces, hearing this news, would definitely feel ashamed and inferior.

Wu Dingyuan had always been three parts respectful, seven parts fearful, and completely unable to fathom this eunuch’s depths. He shrank his body and bowed: “Since the criminal has been captured, this humble official’s duty is complete. I’ll return to the capital now.” Just about to turn and leave, he suddenly heard Liu Jing laugh: “Don’t rush to leave – how can your duty be so easily completed? Wu Dingyuan, have you forgotten the story in Tianshan?”

Hearing these words, Wu Dingyuan couldn’t help trembling all over and turned to look at Liu Jing.

Liu Jing smiled slightly: “May we speak privately?” Wu Dingyuan’s face was iron-blue as he made a gesture indicating he should speak plainly.

Liu Jing’s gaze swept over those two bald men, who immediately understood and quickly walked away to guard the surroundings. Seeing the Eastern Depot people being so cautious, Wu Dingyuan’s whole body broke out in cold sweat. Just now in his decisive battle with Sa Mau for a hundred rounds, though life and death were decided, he hadn’t been so nervous. This showed how much awe he felt for Liu Jing in his heart.

Cold wind rustled, fallen leaves scattered, the sky was gray and overcast. Liu Jing solemnly looked up to the sky and said: “Wu Dingyuan, our family wants to ask you to kill someone. This person sits high in the court. Without supreme martial arts, it would be absolutely difficult to get within three feet of him. I wonder what your intentions are?”

Wu Dingyuan stepped back and said in a trembling voice: “You want me to kill Jiang Chong?”

Liu Jing didn’t answer. He turned back to stare into Wu Dingyuan’s eyes. That gaze wasn’t like pleading but rather like a kind of expectation, a kind of encouragement. Wu Dingyuan found it extremely uncomfortable and lowered his head, actually breathing unsteadily.

Liu Jing slowly shifted his gaze away and said lightly: “Don’t be afraid. Our family is absolutely not one to force others. If you’re unwilling to do it, our family won’t make things difficult for you either.” Hearing these words, Wu Dingyuan was slightly relieved and bowed: “Thank you, Your Excellency.”

Liu Jing removed the villager’s clothing from his body, revealing the official robes inside. He bent to remove his clothes, not looking at Wu Dingyuan, and said directly: “Forget it, just go. But before leaving, our family will ask you one thing – you picked up this martial arts for nothing, even supreme masters from Mongolia can’t match you. Have you ever thought about what you want to do in the future? Just settling for a small magistrate position, escorting grain and rice daily? A Tianshan descendant bearing the way of heaven, yet becoming a running dog raised by the court. Don’t you think it’s laughable?”

Wu Dingyuan listened blankly to these words. Liu Jing walked over and patted his shoulder, smiling: “Well, just consider it our family talking too much. Perhaps the way in your heart is only that high. Why should I make things difficult for you?” Wu Dingyuan’s body trembled as he looked down at his right arm, his face pale as paper. Liu Jing, seeing him seemingly lost in thought, just waved his hand: “You may go.”

Wu Dingyuan raised his head, suddenly moved. He prostrated on the ground and bowed several times to Liu Jing, saying: “Lord Liu, Wu Dingyuan’s reading is limited and I don’t understand many principles. Wu Dingyuan’s small mind also can’t accomplish very difficult great things. But once I was born to uphold the law, I understand what I should do. Please rest assured, Lord Liu – I will absolutely not fail this martial arts.”

Liu Jing nodded: “Very good. Our family still gives you those eight words: ‘What righteousness demands, resolutely carry out.'” Hearing these words, Wu Dingyuan didn’t respond but kowtowed three times to Liu Jing before getting up.

Before parting, their eyes met. In that instant, Wu Dingyuan suddenly understood Ning Bufan’s thoughts. The rights and wrongs, good and evil, loyalty and treachery, black and white of this world were truly so difficult… Liu Jing, Jiang Chong – these people were all beyond his understanding. Perhaps even Liu Angtian and Yang Suguan were people he couldn’t comprehend… Perhaps being a small constable with that small ruler was the path he should take?

Wu Dingyuan sighed for a long time, slightly bowed to Liu Jing, and departed.

Seeing Wu Dingyuan slowly leave, Liu Jing watched without stopping him, only his facial expression was lonely, seeming somewhat weary.

A bald man walked over and stood beside Liu Jing, asking in a low voice: “Lord Liu, what are this person’s intentions? Is he willing to take this gamble?” Liu Jing gazed at Wu Dingyuan’s retreating figure and sighed.

The bald man frowned: “He’s unwilling to act?”

Liu Jing sighed: “If I really wanted to provoke him, he couldn’t escape my palm. However, Wu Dingyuan is too honest. This palace battle is extremely difficult – there absolutely cannot be any mistakes. Though his martial arts are high, his temperament doesn’t suit.”

The bald man pondered: “According to the testament left by Qin Baxian, without his successor joining the enterprise, the great matter would be absolutely impossible to complete. If Wu Dingyuan doesn’t participate, how does Your Lordship plan to proceed?”

Liu Jing closed his eyes and said lightly: “No matter. Without Wu Dingyuan, I still have one more move.” He opened his eyes and gazed toward the horizon: “This person is naturally rebellious, destined by fate. I just need to point out the key matter – I expect he won’t be able to avoid rebelling.”

The bald man seemed to understand yet not understand, but didn’t dare refute, only nodding repeatedly.