Wu Dingyuan’s life hung by a thread, his heart filled with indescribable grief and anger. He immediately looked up and roared wildly at the sky. That fatty’s hand slowed slightly as he laughed lewdly: “It’s just chopping off a head—what are you shouting about? I’m not forcing myself on your sister!”
Just at this moment, suddenly a small figure flew into the scene, blocking in front of Wu Dingyuan. This figure came so urgently and quickly that everyone present was stunned.
“Amitabha!”
A compassionate Buddhist chant rang out. That fatty’s obese body flew into the sky, his long sword breaking into several pieces. The fatty spat blood from his mouth, his fat body flying toward that group of white-robed guests. A tall, thin white-robed guest extended both palms to catch the fatty. But the momentum was too urgent—that white-robed guest’s body couldn’t help swaying backward.
Wu Dingyuan escaped death. His mouth hung open as he turned to look, seeing a kind-faced, short-statured old monk standing beside him. Further back stood several middle-aged monks, some holding discipline blades, some carrying dharma staffs—all chanting Buddhist names with solemn, mournful voices.
Wu Dingyuan remembered Qi Bochuan saying before his death that Shaolin’s eminent monks were already in Xiliang—these must be those masters.
That short old monk, ignoring the strong enemies surrounding them, walked over directly: “Are you Constable Wu?”
Wu Dingyuan quickly nodded. The old monk said: “Where is Bochuan? This child hastily left a note on the table saying he was going to Mawang Temple—why don’t I see him now?” This old monk didn’t know Qi Bochuan had died and was still craning his neck to look around, searching for his figure.
Wu Dingyuan felt great sorrow and immediately knelt on the ground, pointing at that group of white-robed guests and crying loudly: “It’s all my fault for failing to protect him! Young Escort Leader died at the hands of these thieves!”
The old monk was shocked: “What? Even Bochuan… how could this be… this…” Though his Buddhist teachings were profound, at this moment he too was agitated beyond self-control. The white-robed guests only sneered coldly, their manner supremely arrogant, not taking the few of them seriously at all.
The old monk helped Wu Dingyuan up and said sorrowfully: “What vicious hearts you benefactors have! You wouldn’t even spare the Qi family’s last bloodline! So cruel and heartless—do you still regard our Mount Song Shaolin Temple?” Then he gave a clear whistle and shouted loudly: “All disciples, take up your weapons! When else shall we subdue demons and protect the dharma?” The Shaolin monks, filled with grief and anger, shouted and charged toward that group of white-robed guests.
The white-robed guests, seeing the Shaolin Temple monks charging desperately, all leaped onto the roof eaves—everyone’s lightness skills were excellent, clearly all first-rate experts. A tall, thin man waited until everyone had left before leaping up himself—clearly the leader.
Seeing the tall, thin man already standing on the roof eaves and about to float away, suddenly that old monk gathered his energy and leaped, his figure flying forward, reaching that person’s back within three feet in the blink of an eye. He said in a deep voice: “Get down!” A mountain-toppling, sea-overturning palm force struck out toward that person. That person joined both palms together and with a grunt forcibly received the old monk’s fierce palm. With a “bang” sound, that person lost his footing and immediately fell from the roof eaves.
The white-robed guests, seeing their leader captured, immediately rushed back to surround and protect their leader.
The old monk glared at that leader-like person and said sternly: “You Kunlun Mountain have such vicious methods! ‘Sword Shadow’ Qian Lingyi—tell your sect leader to come see me!”
That leader Qian Lingyi, seeing the old monk recognize him, immediately changed color and couldn’t help snorting.
The old monk said no more. He immediately concentrated energy in his dantian and struck out with one palm, his true force enveloping Qian Lingyi’s vicinity. Qian Lingyi didn’t dare receive it directly and kept moving to avoid the Lingyin palm force. Wu Dingyuan saw that though the old monk was aged, his movements were agile—not inferior to a young person. In a moment he had already forced Qian Lingyi to be unable to defend properly and retreat repeatedly.
Though this old monk had a great advantage, the Shaolin disciples over there were encountering danger repeatedly. The monks’ martial arts were comparable to the white-robed guests’, but they numbered only five or six people—far fewer than the white-robed guests’ superior numbers. They could only barely fight to a draw with the white-robed guests by relying on their grief-filled desperate fighting. Wu Dingyuan, fearing the Shaolin monks would be defeated, also leaped into the scene to join the battle group, fighting fiercely with the white-robed guests.
After over ten moves, that old monk saw his disciples at a great disadvantage. Fearing that if time dragged on, many would be severely wounded on the spot, he knew prolonged battle was disadvantageous and wanted to kill the leader “Sword Shadow” Qian Lingyi to resolve everyone’s crisis.
With this thought, the old monk took a deep breath, then joined both palms and slowly pushed out—exactly his famous ultimate technique “Great Compassion Demon-Subduing Pestle,” transforming pestle technique into palm technique, a Buddhist true energy for subduing demons and eliminating evil surging forth.
Qian Lingyi only felt a mountain-toppling, sea-overturning great force attacking, covering all directions, making movement impossible. Seeing escape was impossible, he immediately gathered all his body’s energy to forcibly receive that old monk’s palm. At this time a white-robed guest, seeing that old monk’s palm force too strong and fearing Qian Lingyi couldn’t withstand it, also pushed out both palms to jointly resist the Shaolin divine monk’s profound palm force.
Only hearing a loud sound, the three people’s palm forces met. The old monk’s body swayed slightly, Qian Lingyi retreated four or five steps, and the other person spat blood—this person had earlier caught Wu Dingyuan’s “Flying Silver Shuttle” with two fingers and his martial arts were quite strong, but in this direct palm force confrontation he was already shown to be inferior.
The Shaolin disciples on both sides, seeing their grand-master gaining advantage, quickly rushed forward, raising their weapons to strike at those two people.
Qian Lingyi sneered: “Taking advantage?” He pressed his hand to his sword hilt—with a “whoosh” sound the long sword immediately left its sheath.
The old monk was greatly alarmed and quickly said: “Everyone retreat quickly!”
But Qian Lingyi’s sword momentum was too fast. Though the old monk warned them, it was still a step too late. Only hearing the disciples cry out, in an instant they all fell with sword wounds.
Qian Lingyi laughed heartily: “The master is formidable but the disciples are worthless. Shaolin Temple’s great reputation is nothing more than this.” Speaking thus, he flew up and leaped onto the roof eaves.
Wu Dingyuan, seeing Qian Lingyi’s strange swordsmanship, was horrified. Looking up, that Qian Lingyi still stood on the roof eaves with an arrogant expression. In the moonlight, his sword blade seemed transparent—appearing extremely eerie.
The old monk said tremblingly: “What a ‘Sword Shadow’! How ruthless Kunlun Mountain is!”
Just as everyone was about to pursue, Qian Lingyi had already led his people far away. Wu Dingyuan quickly helped everyone up and bandaged their wounds. Lingyin sighed—in this battle, every Shaolin disciple was wounded, yet they couldn’t keep even one white-robed guest. It could be called a great defeat. At least no one was killed—this could be considered great fortune in misfortune.
Wu Dingyuan, seeing everyone had left, walked toward that old monk and cupped his hands: “Master’s power is extraordinary. I don’t know your dharma name—how should I address you?”
The old monk said: “This old monk is Lingyin.”
Wu Dingyuan exclaimed “Ah!” and quickly said: “So it’s the Discipline院 Dean of Shaolin Temple who has arrived—how disrespectful!”
Shaolin Temple was full of experts, having the so-called “Four Great Vajras”—this Discipline院 Dean Lingyin was one of them, together with Abbot Lingzhi, Luohan Hall Dean Lingding, and Pagoda Forest Guardian Lingzhen, collectively called “Zhi Ding Yin Zhen.” There were still forty or fifty other high monks of the Ling generation, but the “Four Great Vajras” had the highest martial arts and deepest cultivation. In the martial world there was an old traditional song: “Three holy treasures in Damo院, Four vajras before Luohan Hall”—speaking of these monks in Shaolin Temple. Since Lingyin was one of Shaolin’s vajras, his martial arts were naturally formidable. Wu Dingyuan had just seen him act and indeed his power was extraordinary—his respect increased even more.
Though Lingyin’s Buddhist teachings were profound, at this great change he was also sad and regretful, weeping: “Bochuan ah Bochuan! This child was the Qi family’s last bit of bloodline… it’s all this old monk’s fault for inadequate prevention, allowing him to suffer poisonous hands again…”
Wu Dingyuan felt uncomfortable and was about to speak consolingly when suddenly the sound of horse hooves rose greatly—dozens of riders urgently galloped toward Mawang Temple. The monks, seeing strong enemies had just retreated but not knowing others were coming, quickly picked up their weapons to defend against enemies.
Wu Dingyuan gazed into the distance and saw the newcomers wore official constable clothing. His heart relaxed as he said to Lingyin: “These people are my subordinates—it’s fine.” Hearing this, all the monks relaxed.
Wu Dingyuan waved and called: “I’m Constable Wu—come over quickly.”
Old Li’s voice came from the crowd: “Constable Wu, excellent! You’re indeed here.”
The constables quickly dismounted and walked toward Wu Dingyuan and the others. Wu Dingyuan ordered: “These are masters from Shaolin Temple—quickly help the masters go rest.”
The constables, hearing Wu Dingyuan’s instructions, only agreed verbally but their feet didn’t move at all.
Wu Dingyuan found this strange and couldn’t help exclaiming “Eh!” Since becoming head constable, no one dared disobey his words. Now seeing everyone’s expressions somewhat peculiar, he could only repeat his words again. But the constables seemed not to hear his speech and still no one moved.
Wu Dingyuan was furious and shouted: “Are you deaf? I told you to help the masters go rest—what are you still standing there for?”
Old Li and Xiao Jin looked at each other, both looking troubled as if wanting to speak but stopping.
Wu Dingyuan guessed something was wrong and was about to question them when he suddenly heard someone sneer: “Constable Wu, what are you shouting about? Always showing off but without any real ability.”
Wu Dingyuan, hearing these words, was so angry his whole body shook. He looked angrily and saw it was the newcomer A’San being presumptuous again. Wu Dingyuan didn’t want to handle domestic affairs in front of Lingyin and said in a deep voice: “Old Huang, Old Chen, take the masters down to rest.”
Old Huang and others responded: “Yes!” but their feet didn’t move.
Wu Dingyuan was full of suspicion and was about to inquire when suddenly horse hooves sounded—several more horses arrived. From afar someone shouted: “Magistrate has arrived!”
The constables quickly moved aside and all knelt on the ground. One person dismounted with two personal guards beside him—who else but Magistrate Lu Qingzheng?
Wu Dingyuan, seeing the magistrate suddenly arrive, felt alarmed and quickly bowed: “This subordinate greets Magistrate.”
Lu Qingzheng, seeing him bow, ignored him and only snorted coldly: “Wu Dingyuan, do you still acknowledge me?”
Wu Dingyuan was startled: “What wrong has this subordinate committed? Please speak plainly.”
Lu Qingzheng said: “What are you doing here in the middle of the night?”
Wu Dingyuan said: “This subordinate received a secret report that Young Escort Leader Qi was here. Not daring to delay, I quickly came to investigate the case.”
Lu Qingzheng sneered: “Investigating a case? I think you came to commit a crime!”
Wu Dingyuan was shocked, not knowing why Lu Qingzheng said this, and quickly said: “This subordinate truly came to handle a case—these masters can testify.” He pointed toward Lingyin. Lingyin, seeing the chaotic scene, momentarily didn’t know how to exonerate Wu Dingyuan.
Lu Qingzheng sneered: “These monks don’t know where they came from—probably your accomplices.”
Wu Dingyuan didn’t know why Lu Qingzheng was so angry and was about to defend himself when he heard A’San’s voice ring out from the temple: “Found Qi Bochuan!” He hurriedly ran out and said to Lu Qingzheng: “Reporting to Your Honor, Qi Bochuan has been killed—his body is in the temple.”
Lu Qingzheng was furious and roared: “Bold Wu Dingyuan! You knowingly broke the law and killed Qi Bochuan—what else do you have to say!”
Wu Dingyuan was both shocked and frightened. He immediately jumped up and said quickly: “Qi Bochuan wasn’t killed by me—please investigate clearly, Your Honor.”
Lu Qingzheng said loudly: “Wu Dingyuan, I’ll tell you honestly! This official received intelligence tonight saying you covet Yanling Escort Agency’s wealth, killed their whole family, and tonight you plotted to kill the only witness Qi Bochuan. Such heinous crimes—what else do you have to say?”
Wu Dingyuan’s mouth hung open—he really couldn’t believe his ears. He had always been law-abiding and had even traveled everywhere for the Yanling Escort Agency case—this was witnessed by all. How could someone frame him like this? Wu Dingyuan’s whole body trembled, his mind in chaos, thinking urgently: “What’s going on here? Who wants to frame me?”
Lu Qingzheng, seeing Wu Dingyuan standing dumbly without speaking, immediately sneered: “Wu Dingyuan, quickly surrender! Don’t make more mistakes!” He waved his hand and shouted to the constables: “Come! Arrest him!”
The constables shouted and all rushed forward. Wu Dingyuan, seeing none of his subordinates willing to stand up for him, felt both desolate and pained. He roared: “Who dares touch me!”
Everyone was startled. Under their former superior’s accumulated authority, momentarily no one dared move a step. Old Li and others even retreated far away, their faces full of difficulty.
Wu Dingyuan, seeing the urgent situation with subordinates too timid to help and no one willing to speak for him, only the old coroner Huang Ji was loyal and wouldn’t abandon him. He loudly said: “Your Honor, I’m truly wronged! Please summon coroner Huang Ji and you’ll understand this subordinate is being framed!”
Lu Qingzheng said coldly: “Wu Dingyuan, if I wanted to see Huang Ji, would I need you to teach me?”
Lingyin, seeing the situation take a sharp turn and knowing Wu Dingyuan must be framed, quickly said: “This official, Young Master Qi wasn’t harmed by Benefactor Wu—the real killer is someone else. Please investigate clearly.”
Lu Qingzheng said coldly: “What monk are you? By what right do you speak to me?” He shouted to the constables: “What are you waiting for? Arrest him quickly!”
The constables wanted to move forward but didn’t dare—they only surrounded Wu Dingyuan, shouting loudly but no one truly dared come forward to fight.
Lu Qingzheng, seeing none of the constables dared step forward, immediately roared angrily: “What are you doing? Want to rebel together with this Wu?”
Wu Dingyuan, hearing the magistrate say this, understood and realized Lu Qingzheng intentionally wanted to deal with him, but didn’t know what dissatisfaction he had with him. Wu Dingyuan was both sad and angry, shouting loudly: “Your Honor! I, Wu Dingyuan, have toiled for Xiliang’s people—if not meritorious, at least I’ve worked hard. You… why do you wrong me! Why?” He had always acted steadily—who knew tonight’s events would happen? Full of grievances, tears already filled his eyes.
Just as he was crying out in grief and anger, he suddenly heard someone behind him sneer: “Wu Dingyuan, you killed people and committed crimes—what more do you want to babble about? Obediently surrender!”
Wu Dingyuan heard this voice full of mockery and was furious. He suddenly turned back to see the speaker was exactly A’San—clearly this person, new to the yamen, wanted to show off before the magistrate and establish merit.
A’San sneered: “What are you glaring at me for? Don’t you know you’re finished?” He reached out to grab him with an extremely contemptuous manner. Wu Dingyuan was furious beyond measure—having traveled the martial world for many years, how could he regard someone like A’San? He roared and with both hands flung A’San flying away.
Lu Qingzheng was angry: “Wu Dingyuan! How dare you resist arrest?”
Wu Dingyuan looked up and cried: “Your Honor, you only rely on mere accusations to fabricate charges against me? How… how can you expect me to accept this?”
Lu Qingzheng, seeing the constables didn’t dare act, immediately looked back, then clapped his hands and shouted: “Come! Arrest this Wu Dingyuan!”
As soon as the words finished, two personal guards behind him responded and walked toward Wu Dingyuan.
Wu Dingyuan saw these two people had steady steps—their martial arts seemed not weak. He was secretly shocked and quickly concentrated his mind, thinking: “How does the magistrate have such experts under him? How did I not know before?”
He was fully alert, not knowing what was strange about these two people. He only saw them walk a few steps, then suddenly their figures flashed and they attacked him with lightning speed. Wu Dingyuan was already prepared—his Flying Silver Shuttle shot out. Those two people’s martial arts were extremely high—one extended his finger to flick the shuttle, immediately deflecting its aim, while another drew his sword. Wu Dingyuan only felt a cold energy assault his face and quickly recalled his shuttle to block.
When the two weapons met, in an instant that person’s sword transmitted an extremely cold internal force. Wu Dingyuan, oppressed by this cold energy, inexplicably shivered all over. His heart trembled, knowing he’d encountered a rarely seen expert.
That person, seeing Wu Dingyuan block the long sword, further urged his internal force repeatedly. Wu Dingyuan wanted to resist, but the cold energy attacked his heart—suddenly his whole body became weak, his chest energy stagnated, immediately feeling completely exhausted and collapsing on the ground.
Lingyin was shocked and quickly rushed to protect Wu Dingyuan, saying sternly: “Your swordsmanship is Kunlun Mountain’s ‘Sword Chill’! How should I address you and your relationship with Zhuo Lingzhao?”
That person said coldly: “Master has good eyesight! I am Jin Lingshuang, dao name ‘Sword Chill’—Sect Leader Zhuo is my senior brother. That one is my third junior brother Tu Lingxin, known in the martial world as ‘Sword Gu.'”
Though Wu Dingyuan had collapsed, hearing the enemy admit his identity, he couldn’t help being shocked. He quickly turned over and got up, focusing his gaze on those two personal guards. He saw that person was about sixty years old with brilliantly shining eyes—this was “Sword Chill” Jin Lingshuang. The other man was short with an extremely ugly face full of scars—nicknamed “Sword Gu.” Wu Dingyuan remembered what Fang Zijing had said—this must be the person who used this sinister sword technique to kill eighteen escort guards.
Wu Dingyuan looked toward Lu Qingzheng and said tremblingly: “Magistrate, these people are exactly the suspects who killed Yanling Escort Agency’s whole family. You… how can you be with them?”
As soon as these words were spoken, Old Li and several old constables looked at each other. These old people had originally felt something was wrong and feared the magistrate intended to frame Wu Dingyuan. Hearing this, they immediately became solemn. Though everyone was suspicious, the current scene was extremely chaotic—each person only sought to safely get through tonight, quickly lowering their heads and not daring to make a sound, fearing to bring trouble on themselves.
Lu Qingzheng smiled slightly: “Who said they’re suspects? Don’t be a thief calling to catch thieves and randomly frame righteous people.”
Wu Dingyuan felt half his body go cold, his heart already completely clear as he thought: “So that’s it! Kunlun Mountain’s people have actually colluded with the magistrate—no wonder they want to deal with me… but how can this be?”
Wu Dingyuan saw Lu Qingzheng smiling as if confident, his mind turning rapidly as he pondered: “Why would this magistrate collude with these fierce criminals? What benefit does he get?” Suddenly his heart moved as he thought of that jade sash and awakened, saying in a deep voice: “Magistrate, you also want this jade sash, don’t you?”
Lu Qingzheng, seeing Wu Dingyuan reveal his intentions with one statement, immediately laughed heartily: “Constable Wu, ah Constable Wu, seeing you so clever, you’re truly talented—it would be a pity to kill you.”
He paused and pointed at Wu Dingyuan’s belt: “Currently this official wants to take the jade sash from your waist. As long as you’re willing to offer it with both hands, this official will not only spare your life but guarantee you a lifetime of smooth advancement and limitless wealth and honor! How about it!” He looked up and down at the jade sash around Wu Dingyuan’s waist, his expression extremely greedy.
Wu Dingyuan smiled bitterly—indeed as he had guessed, this magistrate had also come for this jade sash. He looked down at his waist and pondered: “What exactly is this jade sash? It could actually mobilize a fourth-rank official to act personally. Qi Bochuan said this jade sash relates to the world’s fortune—what’s that about?” It seemed the Kunlun sect members had just overheard his conversation with Qi Bochuan, which leaked the information and drew the magistrate here.
At this moment his heart was in chaos, with no time to think much—he only lowered his head in silence.
Lu Qingzheng, seeing him still hesitating, continued: “Constable Wu! As the saying goes, those who understand the times are outstanding talents! You send these monks away and obediently hand over the jade sash—we’ll have a good drink and become close friends. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Old Li nearby, being on good terms with Wu Dingyuan, seeing the magistrate’s tone soften, quickly said: “Lord Wu, just listen to Lord Lu! Don’t make things difficult for us.” Another person said: “Yes! Constable Wu! Magistrate Lu is our superior—his rank is high and his learning is great. Listen to him and you can’t go wrong!” The speaker was Xiao Jin. Everyone’s words melted gold—all wanting Wu Dingyuan to comply.
Lingyin hadn’t spoken deeply with Qi Bochuan and didn’t understand the case circumstances. Not knowing that jade sash was of great importance, he remained silent at this time, quietly observing the changes.
Wu Dingyuan saw his subordinates all wanting him to compromise, and Lingyin also said nothing—for a moment his mind was in turmoil. Thinking of how he was originally going to be promoted to Chief Constable of Shaanxi-Gansu Province, but now was inexplicably involved in a blood case and accused of being the murderer—all because of this jade sash. It seemed that as long as he offered up the jade sash, not only would promotion be promising, but with Magistrate Lu Qingzheng’s strong support in the future, his achievements would definitely be extraordinary.
He tremblingly wanted to untie his belt when his heart suddenly shook—he immediately remembered the heavy trust of the Qi father and son before their deaths, the tragic scene of Yanling Escort Agency’s women being raped and killed. His heart hesitated again, and in extreme anguish he really couldn’t decide…
The world’s constables are divided into two types. One type is those who say “yes” when superiors say “yes” and “no” when superiors say “no.” Such people needn’t have any thoughts or care about heavenly principles—what they do is merely fulfill their superior’s wishes. The other type is destined to die—these people have their own insights, saying “yes” when Heaven says “yes” and “no” when Heaven says “no.” If such people cultivate virtue in government offices, they will ultimately walk the path of “using martial arts to break prohibitions.”
Wu Dingyuan wasn’t the first type—he didn’t have such base servility. But he also wasn’t the second type because he also lacked that kind of fierce courage. He was neither a petty person nor a knight-errant—he was just a very simple constable, a constable faithful to his duties.
With his temperament, asking him to disobey his superior was harder than killing him. But any person with flesh and blood who saw the Yanling Escort Agency case couldn’t help being moved. If Wu Dingyuan abandoned the trust of the wronged victims, that would also be extremely difficult. At this moment Wu Dingyuan’s heart was torn between heaven and man, with good and evil thoughts swirling endlessly.
Death or surrender—you must make a choice. Wu Dingyuan, ah Wu Dingyuan, what should you do?
Everyone stared blankly at Wu Dingyuan, all waiting for his decision. Lu Qingzheng felt quite impatient and said: “Constable Wu, I don’t have time to waste with you. Quickly hand over the jade sash to avoid everyone losing face.”
Several constables urged: “Yes! Everyone should talk nicely—don’t hurt the harmony.”
Hearing everyone’s persuasion, Wu Dingyuan turned his head to look toward the temple gate. Suddenly tears filled his eyes as Qi Bochuan’s grieved and angry expression before death appeared before his eyes. Wu Dingyuan looked up at the sky and thought: “Wu Dingyuan, ah Wu Dingyuan, if you bow your head today, will you have the face to meet the Qi father and son after death? If you lose your conscience, can you still be reborn as a human in the next life?” He saw the Big Dipper twinkling as if proclaiming a clear path to him—in an instant his heart already had an answer.
Lu Qingzheng, seeing his eyebrows move, immediately smiled: “Have you figured it out? Quickly hand over the item!”
Wu Dingyuan felt completely desolate and shook his head: “Lord Lu, I can’t fight you. But as Xiliang City’s head constable, I can’t watch these beasts harm heaven and reason yet remain at large! Asking me to give up the jade sash—that’s forcing the impossible.”
Lu Qingzheng’s expression immediately changed upon hearing this, and he said grimly: “What exactly do you want?”
Wu Dingyuan’s blood surged as he roared: “As a court official, if you can’t uphold justice, that’s one thing, but you actually mix with murderers—what justice and righteousness is left in this world? I tell you plainly! As long as I, Wu Dingyuan, still draw breath, I cannot betray the wronged victims. Let’s all fight to the death!”
Lu Qingzheng snorted and said coldly to Jin Lingshuang: “Kill this person and take the item.” His manner was contemptuous—even killing pigs, dogs, and livestock probably wouldn’t be this cold.
Jin Lingshuang’s figure swayed, sword light flashed, already encircling Wu Dingyuan. In moments it struck toward his heart. The constables, seeing both sides starting to fight, all cried out in alarm.
Lingyin had been quietly observing. Though he didn’t understand the case circumstances, he knew Wu Dingyuan stood on the side of reason. Now seeing Jin Lingshuang attack, he also struck out with one palm. The Four Great Vajras indeed had extraordinary power—his palm force arrived first, immediately forcing Jin Lingshuang back one step. The other Shaolin monks rushed up to surround and protect Wu Dingyuan.
Lingyin entered the scene and said: “Lord Lu, Benefactor Jin, if you want to take Constable Wu away, you must ask whether this old monk agrees.”
Lu Qingzheng was angry: “What demon monk is this? Constables, arrest him quickly!”
The constables nearby, though understanding the magistrate was framing Wu Dingyuan, had to obey the magistrate’s orders. They drew their blades and shouted repeatedly, but knowing Shaolin Temple’s formidability, they didn’t dare act—only shouting loudly for a while. Despite Lu Qingzheng’s repeated urging, still no one dared step forward.
Jin Lingshuang and Tu Lingxin looked at each other. Jin Lingshuang said: “I’ll handle the old monk—you deal with the others.” He attacked Lingyin.
Lingyin wasn’t afraid at all and used his pair of flesh palms to shuttle through Jin Lingshuang’s sword light. The two fought extremely fiercely.
Jin Lingshuang’s sword light blazed with compelling cold energy, instantly producing dozens of sword strikes. Lingyin relied on his profound internal energy—each time he encountered danger, he joined both palms to use his great palm force to resolve the crisis. For a time he didn’t fall behind. After the two fought dozens more moves, Lingyin became increasingly alarmed, secretly thinking: “This Kunlun Mountain hasn’t appeared in the Central Plains for years, but it’s actually a hidden dragon, crouching tiger. Looking at this person’s swordsmanship, it’s quite formidable—probably not inferior to Wudang and Huashan’s sword experts.”
Kunlun Mountain’s martial arts had always been famous for swordsmanship. Since the sect’s founding in the Song Dynasty, hundreds of years had accumulated thirteen sets of sword techniques, among which two sword techniques were particularly known for their sinister nature—exactly this “Sword Chill” and “Sword Gu.”
These two sword techniques required deep internal energy as foundation. Especially this “Sword Chill” mixed strangely cold internal energy with bizarre sword moves, making it even more difficult to resist. If weapons clashed with it, those with slightly weaker internal energy often couldn’t last ten moves before suffering internal injuries. Now Lingyin relied on his pair of flesh palms to fight fiercely with “Sword Chill” Jin Lingshuang, completely depending on the supremely hard and yang “Great Compassion Demon-Subduing Pestle” palm force to circulate internal energy within three feet of his body, using invisible, intangible palm wind to force back “Sword Chill” Jin Lingshuang’s sword point—only thus protecting his internal organs.
At the height of battle, Jin Lingshuang raised his sword and thrust fiercely, concentrating all his body’s power at the sword tip. Lingyin shouted: “Well done!” He pushed with both palms, using “Great Compassion Demon-Subduing Pestle” with one move “Breaking Evil and Destroying Demons,” wanting to kill him under his palms before the Sword Chill’s blade arrived.
That Tu Lingxin, seeing his senior brother entangle Lingyin, wanted to take the opportunity to kill Wu Dingyuan and seize the jade sash. He wielded his long sword like a ghost, floating into the group of Shaolin monks.
Wu Dingyuan, seeing his dangerous approach, quickly used one move “Meteor Across the Sky,” striking toward Tu Lingxin’s forehead. Tu Lingxin grinned—his ugly face was truly frightening. He raised his sword to parry, deflecting Wu Dingyuan’s silver shuttle. Wu Dingyuan suddenly felt pain in his palm and felt an extremely fine, small internal force drill into his body through his palm like a mouse.
Wu Dingyuan was greatly alarmed and was about to circulate energy for defense when he suddenly felt pain in his shoulder—that fine internal force actually pierced out through his shoulder. Instantly blood spurted from the wound. Only now did he understand why those escort guards had such terrible death wounds—they were killed by this person’s sinister internal force entering their bodies, breaking holes and piercing hearts. Fortunately his internal cultivation wasn’t weak, otherwise he would have died on the spot.
The Shaolin monks, seeing Wu Dingyuan injured, quickly raised their weapons to greet Tu Lingxin. Tu Lingxin turned his sword to defend himself—clanging sounds rang continuously as he blocked all the monks’ weapons in one move.
Tu Lingxin grinned maliciously: “Lie down!” The monks only felt an incomparably sharp internal force transmitted from Tu Lingxin’s long sword. Everyone suddenly screamed miserably, blood flowing from their shoulders—all injured by Tu Lingxin’s sinister internal force.
This “Sword Gu’s” internal force technique focused on concentrating deep true energy at one point, using the moment when weapons clashed to penetrate the opponent’s protective internal energy with a sinister force, infiltrating their meridians. If not for Wu Dingyuan and the Shaolin monks having considerable internal energy foundation, that sinister force would have already penetrated deep into their bodies, breaking holes in their hearts and causing death—just like Yanling Escort Agency’s martial masters, not merely shoulder and arm injuries.
On the other side, Lingyin’s fierce battle with Jin Lingshuang saw another change in the situation. Lingyin relied on “Great Compassion Demon-Subduing Pestle’s” Buddhist divine skill, wanting to kill Jin Lingshuang before his sword point arrived. He immediately pushed one palm toward Jin Lingshuang’s chest. Jin Lingshuang, seeing this palm was no small matter, quickly extended his left palm to protect his chest and abdomen while his right hand still thrust the sword directly. Lingyin, seeing Jin Lingshuang change moves so quickly, was alarmed and thought: “Kunlun Mountain produces many experts—I was too arrogant this time.” When he wanted to withdraw his palm and retreat, it was already too late—the sword point had reached his chest. The situation was dangerous.
Lingyin had no choice but to take risks. He quickly joined both palms in one move “Child Worships Guanyin,” forcibly clamping Jin Lingshuang’s long sword. The two immediately turned to a contest of internal force. Lingyin only felt “Sword Chill’s” internal force was both cold and evil—deeply fearing internal injuries from prolonged battle. He immediately took a deep breath, circulating one hundred percent of his internal force, exerting all his strength with both hands. Only hearing a loud “clang,” Jin Lingshuang suddenly felt his tiger’s mouth go numb—his long sword was actually broken by Lingyin’s rigid force. He quickly floated back to retreat.
Lingyin was about to pursue when he saw several disciples bleeding—already wounded by “Sword Gu.” In his busyness Lingyin struck one palm toward Tu Lingxin. Tu Lingxin dodged sideways, formed sword gestures, and fought with Lingyin.
Lingyin shouted loudly: “Disciples! Quickly escort Benefactor Wu away!”
The Shaolin monks carried their wounded fellows and protected Wu Dingyuan as they charged out the door.
Lu Qingzheng shouted: “Wu Dingyuan! Think clearly! Once you leave this yamen, you’ll be a fugitive!”
Wu Dingyuan was about to rush out when he suddenly heard Lu Qingzheng’s words. His heart shook as he thought: “What Lu Qingzheng says isn’t false. If I escape so unclearly, I’m afraid I’ll really become a fugitive.” He stopped and said: “Lord Lu, speak your piece—what exactly do you want?”
Lu Qingzheng said: “Constable Wu, I sincerely advise you—if you leave this door, though the world is vast, you’ll have nowhere to go. If you want to oppose me, not to mention you’ll lose the lucrative position of Chief Constable of Shaanxi-Gansu Province—I fear you won’t even keep your life!”
Wu Dingyuan knew what he said was true and hesitated momentarily. The Shaolin monks, seeing the urgent situation, couldn’t allow him to consider carefully and repeatedly urged him to leave quickly. Many constables rushed up to block the way but were all forced back by the Shaolin monks. Wu Dingyuan, seeing he couldn’t delay further, gritted his teeth and charged out.
Lu Qingzheng was angry: “Wu Dingyuan! Your life is finished!”
Tu Lingxin, seeing Wu Dingyuan about to escape, quickly rushed forward to block him. He raised his sword and thrust urgently. A Shaolin monk held his staff upside down to receive this “Sword Gu” move for Wu Dingyuan. Tu Lingxin roared and raised his sword to chop wildly—wherever his power reached, that Shaolin monk spurted blood with each sword he blocked.
Lingyin, seeing his disciple’s life in danger, immediately disregarded his grandmaster status and snatched the staff from his disciple’s hands. Circulating his divine skill, he also chopped and smashed wildly. Lingyin had been fighting empty-handed from beginning to end—now with a weapon in hand, his power was even more frightening. For a time no one could get within ten steps of him.
Lingyin shouted: “Why aren’t you leaving! Master will find you later!”
The Shaolin monks and Wu Dingyuan seized the yamen’s horses. Several constables tried to block them but were all knocked down with three punches and two kicks. Jin Lingshuang and Tu Lingxin could only worry anxiously but couldn’t break through Lingyin’s obstruction.
Everyone seized horses and fled toward the city outskirts. Wu Dingyuan sat on his horse looking back at this Liangzhou City where he’d grown up since childhood. This departure—who knew what year or month he could return to his hometown? He couldn’t help feeling sad. In just a few hours his life had undergone tremendous changes, all because of Yanling Escort Agency. Wu Dingyuan’s mind was in chaos—he didn’t dare think much and only tightened his horse’s belly to flee toward outside the city.
After everyone had galloped over ten li with no pursuing troops following behind, the Shaolin monks decided to wait for Master Lingyin. The group hid in the woods. Deep in the night they heard horse hooves—exactly Lingyin arriving. Everyone quickly went to meet him, seeing his expression tired—clearly having experienced fierce battle.
Wu Dingyuan quickly said: “Master, how is the current situation?”
Lingyin shook his head: “This old monk tried his best to escape and took small paths to circle around, which delayed so long. In this old monk’s view, Kunlun Mountain and Magistrate Lu definitely won’t let this matter rest—we need to travel through the night.”
Wu Dingyuan, seeing Lingyin willing to put down his status as a Shaolin divine monk and flee through the night with him, was moved: “Master, for my sake you…”
Lingyin smiled slightly: “Benefactor Wu made such great efforts for Yanling Escort Agency—this old monk is only slightly repaying Constable Wu’s kindness. Benefactor needn’t be so polite.”
After traveling half an hour, Lingyin pondered: “If we continue this way, by tomorrow we’ll definitely be caught up by Kunlun Mountain. When they have superior numbers, we’ll definitely suffer greatly. Constable Wu, you’re familiar with this area—do you know anywhere we can hide for several days?”
Originally Lingyin had fought fiercely with “Sword Chill” and “Sword Gu” and barely escaped with great difficulty, deeply knowing Kunlun Mountain’s strength. That “Sword Shadow” Qian Lingyi was only relying on strange weapons and peculiar moves. But Jin Lingshuang and Tu Lingxin absolutely couldn’t be underestimated. Especially that Jin Lingshuang—his martial arts were sinister and his internal energy long-lasting. Few in the martial world could match him. If sect leader Zhuo Lingzhao were added to fight against himself, he feared this old life would be lost here. If he died that would be one thing, but Wu Dingyuan and so many disciples would all die with him—how could his heart bear it? He could only find a place to hide for several days before making long-term plans.
But Wu Dingyuan shook his head: “I’m now a fugitive—my old friends can’t be relied upon. I’m afraid there’s no place willing to shelter us.”
Everyone felt quite disappointed and was about to continue traveling when Wu Dingyuan felt somewhat apologetic and suddenly thought of the pouch in his bosom. His heart was delighted: “Masters, wait—I have a pouch here. Let me look at it first!”
This pouch was given by Monk Zhi Guan of White Dragon Mountain, to be opened in times of crisis. Wu Dingyuan took out the pouch and quickly opened it, seeing inside was a short slip with writing: “When life hangs by a thread, go east thirty li. The iron sword’s proud bones should still be there, not betraying the Nucang brotherhood.” Beside it was drawn a mansion with “Iron Sword Manor” written in four characters, plus a simple map showing the way.
Wu Dingyuan’s heart was delighted: “Going east thirty li from here, there’s an ‘Iron Sword Manor.’ Everyone can hide in the manor and wait for reinforcements.”
Lingyin was shocked: “Iron Sword Manor? How does Benefactor know Manor Lord Li?”
Wu Dingyuan handed the slip to Lingyin and explained about Zhi Guan and the pouch.
After listening, Lingyin pondered silently. Wu Dingyuan asked: “Is there something strange about this Iron Sword Manor?”
Lingyin sighed: “The manor lord of ‘Iron Sword Manor’ is named Li Tieshan—his martial arts are supreme. Twenty years ago he used an eight-foot-long great sword to cut through a giant bell in Yunnan, becoming famous among officials and nobles, known as ‘Iron Sword Shakes the Southern Sky.’ With such a person’s help, we wouldn’t worry about anything. But… but…”
Wu Dingyuan said: “Master, please speak directly.”
Lingyin sighed: “Li Tieshan is from Nucang Mountain’s old forces—he rebelled against the court.”
Wu Dingyuan was also shocked: “No path forward, pursuers behind—what… what should we do?”
Lingyin considered for a moment: “The current situation is dangerous—we have no other options but to act according to circumstances.”