The three men continued eating and drinking. Before long, several groups of travelers entered the inn one after another. Soon, four men from the jianghu arrived, each dressed in tight-fitting garments. They walked straight in and seated themselves around a round table in the center.
A short, dark, burly man in his forties, the moment he sat down, shouted loudly, "Waiter, come here!" His accent was clearly not local, but from the south. His booming voice rang across the hall, drawing everyone's attention. Sensing this, he seemed to grow wary, especially after the elderly man seated beside him shot him a sharp glare. Realizing his impropriety, he lowered his head.
When the waiter hurried over, the white-bearded elder quietly gave a few instructions, in stark contrast to the earlier man's brashness. They ordered a few dishes, finished their meal, and then checked into the inn.
The next morning, after Li Jian and his two companions finished breakfast, they set off eastward toward Xuzhou. As they rode, Tan Wei remarked, "Those four ahead are the same men from the inn last night. Their behavior is suspicious. Should we follow them?"
Li Jian hesitated for a moment, but Situ Kong said, "Jian'er, Wei'er is right. As the Hall Master of the Zhongyi Hall, there are matters in the jianghu that must be investigated. Since we have encountered this, why not look into it?"
Li Jian nodded. "Thank you for the guidance, Senior. Let us follow them and see what is going on."
Thus, the three trailed behind. The four men rode swiftly ahead and soon arrived at a temple atop a hill. It seemed they were waiting for someone. Outside the temple stood a group of guards protecting a carriage, apparently awaiting the arrival of a distinguished visitor who intended to enter and worship.
This temple was exquisitely constructed, stretching along the forest for dozens of yards, winding and layered in design. It was a sacred Buddhist site of serene beauty—streams guided into flowing channels, wooden bridges arched over them, bamboo railings lined the paths, and soft grass carpeted the ground. With its gentle streams and fragrant flowers, it was named Purple Bamboo Temple, dedicated to Guanyin. Devout visitors often came here to pray for peace, blessings, health, and longevity.
At that moment, two women emerged from the temple. One was a richly dressed woman in her forties; the other, a graceful young lady in green. The abbot personally escorted them to the gate. They appeared to be in good spirits as the young woman held the older lady's arm and slowly descended the steps.
Just then, four figures leapt onto the temple courtyard. The guards had not expected that the moment the Madam of the Huai'an Gang stepped out, trouble would arrive. They hurried forward to protect her.
The four men strode forward. The leader had a fierce appearance—broad face, thick brows, and piercing eyes. His steps were silent, revealing exceptional lightness skill. He spoke loudly, "We four have disturbed the Madam and her daughter's peaceful outing. Please forgive the intrusion."
The woman was Lady Li Jing, wife of the Huai'an Gang leader. Though she no longer roamed the jianghu, she had done so in her youth. After sizing up the man, she asked, "Who are you? What business do you have here?"
An elder beside the leader stepped forward and said, "I am Zhu Feng of the Jiangnan Two Fiends. Madam, please come with us."
Lady Li cast a cold glance and commanded, "Men, drive them away!"
Her attendants responded at once, leaping forward and striking out. Zhu Feng's killing intent surged. One of the attendants shouted, "You're asking for trouble!" and struck with a punch—but Zhu Feng caught his fist, released it, and followed with a palm strike that sent the man flying with a scream.
Another attacked from behind; Zhu Feng ducked, struck left, and sent that attacker flying as well. Two more rushed him from front and back. Zhu Feng spun and struck with both palms—thud, thud—and they too were sent sprawling, coughing blood.
The remaining men hesitated, then one shouted, "Don't fear him! Draw weapons—attack together!" They drew sabers and surged forward again.
Zhu Feng laughed. "Come at me!"
Four attackers rushed him at once. One slashed downward; Zhu Feng seized the blade barehanded, disarmed him, and in a single fluid motion turned the weapon against its owner, wounding two men at once. The rest pressed in from all sides. Zhu Feng dodged the whistling blades, ducked, spun, and countered with sweeping strikes. Cries rang out as more men fell.
At last, he stood with the saber across his chest, then hurled it to the side. The blade embedded itself deep into the trunk of a towering tree, leaving only the hilt exposed. The Huai'an Gang members were stunned, their hearts shaken.
At this moment, Zhou Jie, the other of the Jiangnan Two Fiends, declared loudly, "Madam, with such useless men, I'm afraid you and the young lady will have no choice but to come with us."
Before his words had faded, a young woman stepped forward. Her eyes shimmered like autumn waters, her brows delicately arched—she was in the bloom of youth. Dressed in green, she was Gao Manqing, beloved daughter of Gao Tai, leader of the Huai'an Gang.
She spoke boldly, "Mother, this old man seems capable. Let me test his skills!"
Lady Li was about to stop her, but before she could speak, Gao Manqing had already flashed forward—her palm striking out in an instant…