Sun Bole wished to kill Chong Yuwu quickly while Wang Chongyang was away. Guan Zumei disagreed, fearing Wang Chongyang's reaction and that he might be alienated from the Wei Wu Alliance. Even if he didn't join the Yang Wu Gang, the Wei Wu Alliance's reputation, already damaged, would suffer further. Sun Bole, with his persuasive words, had his own way of convincing him. Inwardly, he hoped that this blow might drive Wang Chongyang back into seclusion in the mountains. Meng Hanguang held a different view: thinking that Chong, a man driven by profit, could be bought with a combination of kindness and coercion. Sun Bole rejected this idea, citing the principle of not partnering with a tiger for its skin, and insisted on his original plan. However, outvoted two to one, Guan Zumei's proposal to escort Chong Yuwu back to Xiangyang to be dealt with by the central authorities without waiting for Wang Chongyang's return, prevailed.
As they reached the area between Shuangxi Waterfall and Guan Sheng Waterfall, they encountered members of the Yang Wu Gang demanding the release of Chong Yuwu. Chong Yuwu, anticipating the possibility of capture whether his assassination attempt succeeded or failed, had instructed Shi Weigeng, one of his advisors, to gather forces nearby and come to his aid if he did not return by morning. Rong Kuan stepped forward to negotiate, stating, "Chong Yuwu launched a sneak attack last night, intending to kill the righteous Gong Liang to destroy evidence of his collusion with the Jin dogs. Gong, the righteous one, was gravely injured, and Chong Yuwu was apprehended on the spot. He is currently being escorted to Xiangyang for trial by the central authorities." Shi Weigeng retorted, "Slander! Gang Leader Chong was invited to a meeting last night to discuss resistance against the Jin, but you conspired to frame him!" Meng Tiankai, from within the Yang Wu Gang contingent, then rushed forward, pointing at Guan Zumei and the others, and berated them, "You group of greedy, treacherous old scoundrels! You are the ones who injured him and are trying to frame our gang leader. What? You think your superior martial arts give you the right to bully us! Hmph, 'Resist with martial prowess, sweep away injustice'!" Fang Di, standing beside Shi Weigeng and slightly older, then shouted to the crowd, "Do you think you are officials? What authority do you have to judge? Release him quickly! Don't try to cover the sky with one hand and monopolize power as you have in the past!" Rong Kuan replied, "The martial world has its own rules. If you are not at ease, you may send your own representatives to Xiangyang, and we can all discuss the matters clearly." Meng Tiankai looked at them with disdain and spat, "Pah! Who wants to abide by those evil laws? We will set new rules based on justice. I command you to release him immediately!" The Yang Wu Gang members not only shouted continuously but also began to charge towards Guan Zumei's group. Meng Hanguang and Sun Bole were itching for a fight, but Guan Zumei kept signaling for restraint. Cong Yan, with his assistants, stepped forward to block the charge with their staffs. Fang Di pushed several young women forward; they cried out in pain, yet continued to press against Cong Yan's defensive line.
Wang Chongyang, seeing them from the mountain holding banners that read "Release Immediately" and "Resist Injustice," guessed they were from the Yang Wu Gang. Wishing to observe their methods, he secretly followed them back. At this moment, worried that the young women would suffer broken bones and torn sinews if they were further pressured, he quickly appeared, leaping between them and Cong Yan's group, and intervened.
Sun Bole and Meng Hanguang exclaimed in unison, "Let go!" Just then, Fang Di and the other women grabbed Wang Chongyang and shouted loudly, "Assault! Assault!" In his panic, Wang Chongyang employed the technique from the "Golden Boy Swordplay" for "Quick and Light" of the Dark Swordsman, which involved releasing hidden weapons. He flicked his wrist, sending several small stones flying, all hitting the Qi Hu acupoint below their collarbones simultaneously. The women immediately gasped for breath, their hands going limp. Meng Tiankai then seized the opportunity, calling out to his companions, "This lecherous rogue has acted indecently and wantonly injured people. We will never let this go!" Wang Chongyang tried to defend himself, "Nonsense! My actions were only to prevent them from being in danger." Laughter echoed from within the Yang Wu Gang ranks, "They are in danger because you acted!" "He uses his superior martial arts to arbitrarily prey on women." Shi Weigeng issued a command, "Charge! Charge! Let them know we will no longer be bullied. Charge! Rescue our gang leader!" Suddenly, a stern shout rang out, "Take one more step forward, and I will behead Chong Yuwu!"
Everyone looked up at the rocky outcrop and saw Sun Bole holding a sword to Chong Yuwu's neck. Meng Tiankai pointed and cursed, "You little dog Sun, how dare you be so arrogant and tyrannical, disregarding human life and law! Release him quickly!" Sun Bole laughed heartily and said, "I am arrogant, I love to do as I please, what can you do about it?" He lowered his head to Chong Yuwu and said, "Don't worry, your brothers and sisters in the gang are all passionate youths, they will definitely avenge you." The sword's edge lightly grazed the skin of his neck. Chong Yuwu cursed inwardly, *You damned madman, what a way to go.* He forced a smile and said, "A misunderstanding! It's purely a misunderstanding. Everyone calm down! Let's talk slowly." Meng Hanguang said, "Chong Yuwu, if you consider yourself a man, ten days from now in Xiangyang city, our two families will discuss this matter properly, how about it?" Chong Yuwu immediately agreed, "Good. True gold fears no furnace fire. We dare to uncover the truth of the matter." Sun Bole called out to the Yang Wu Gang members, "After exiting the valley through the Chuan Shan Cave, we will hand over the man surnamed Chong to you." Shi Weigeng said, "No. You are known for going back on your word, and you are not to be trusted." Sun Bole sneered, "Then forget it."
Guan Zumei glanced at Wang Chongyang and said to Shi Weigeng, "Your gang members go first, with Envoy Sun, Chong Yuwu, and yourself in the middle, and my brothers at the rear, how about it?" As Shi Weigeng pondered, he winked at Meng Tiankai. Meng Tiankai pointed at Wang Chongyang and asked, "How should this lecherous rogue be dealt with?" Rong Kuan immediately asked the women in succession, "How should he be dealt with? How should he be dealt with? How should he be dealt with?" The women, lacking internal cultivation, would not recover for at least a short while and could only gasp for breath. Rong Kuan said to Shi Weigeng, "They know they are in the wrong and cannot pursue the matter." Shi Weigeng, fearing further complications, simply wanted to remove this concern and said, "Send him to the very back of the line, so we don't have to see his disgusting face." Wang Chongyang originally wanted to leave in a huff, but seeing Guan Zumei's pleading look and considering that leaving would make him appear even more guilty, he temporarily endured the humiliation and stood at the rear.
The great crowd rejoiced in Chong Yuwu's release, beating gongs and drums, and embracing each other. Chong Yuwu turned back and offered a grateful smile to Shi Weigeng, who seemed moved by the scene. He had worried that they wouldn't come to rescue him. Did he see the messenger from the Southern Sect that night? "I didn't expect it to go so smoothly," Chong Yuwu said, only realizing what he meant when he heard the words and casually replied, "They are all good-for-nothings." Shi Weigeng laughed heartily, "A bunch of good-for-nothings with strong martial arts but who only want to do nothing." The two laughed heartily.
Guan Zumei arranged for lodging at an inn so everyone could rest and regroup.
Sun Bole stepped out of the inn's back courtyard, to the left of the kitchen wall, and saw Wang Chongyang standing as if contemplating the setting sun. A few chickens pecked around nearby. He thought to himself, *Why would Chao Ying fancy such a wretched man?* After a slight hesitation, he approached and greeted him, "Brother Shixiong, it is only now that I have the chance to reminisce." She was completely different from the person he remembered. Why hadn't she regretted it yet?
Wang Chongyang smiled slightly, "I have lived in the wilderness for too long; even a small town inn makes me feel uneasy all over."
"Don't mind the nonsense spouted by those brats. Many seniors and brothers have been slandered and vilified by their false words." Seeing his head droop again, after repeated hesitation, he finally spoke, "This matter was planned by Chao Ying. Why don't you go find her, to question her or blame her." Wang Chongyang couldn't help but show surprise: he had called her by her given name. Sun Bole couldn't hide his pleased expression and said, "We have experienced many incidents together, so our feelings are naturally extraordinary." Though he felt a touch of defiance, he had to admit the fact, saying, "Her thoughts have always been focused on you." Seeing that expressionless face, his temper flared, and he said, "Have you calmed down your anger over the past two days? The perpetrator should be found. Why don't you go find her and ask clearly? Go find her!"
He clutched the sachet in his怀, pondering what mood to face her with. Suddenly, hearing his agitated urging to find her… his tone was a bit strange. Wang Chongyang suddenly realized as he turned his thoughts. He asked, "What happened? Where is she now?" Seeing Sun Bole's eyes drift into the distance and his mouth quirk to one side, he said, "You want to know, but it's not my will to tell you." *She must have set some strange rules for you.* He said urgently, "Yes! Yes! Yes! You were coerced by me and unintentionally let it slip… it wasn't voluntary."
Sun Bole put away his playful demeanor and said seriously, "I received a secret report." *It's better not to explain and let that excessively arrogant devil tell him.* "There was a rebellion in Youxu Cave. The Grand Tutor who favored the Jin, with the assistance of Jin soldiers, forced out the cave master and imprisoned the remaining Grand Tutors and their confidants. Her grandmother was one of the Grand Tutors. I informed her of this. Although she was extremely worried, she did not leave immediately. Instead, she was busy planning this matter for you and wanted to see you one last time."
That look that night, it was reluctant parting. I misunderstood it as… Wang Chongyang said, "She has already left? Which route did she take back to Longzhou Magic Peaks?" Sun Bole said, "I don't know. Before she left, she made me swear: not to tell you about this." Wang Chongyang felt touched. She didn't want me involved, to avoid danger and protect my reputation.
Sun Bole continued, "Gou'er and your junior brother chased after her half a day late, fearing they would be discovered and sent back by her." A flash of inspiration struck him. "You want to infiltrate the enemy lines, investigate the Jin's intentions, and seize an opportunity to disrupt them, right?" Wang Chongyang paused for a moment. Sun Bole continued talking to himself, "That is truly more difficult and more important than reconciling the Wei Wu Alliance and the Yang Wu Gang. Brother Shixiong, you are truly worthy of this task, and only with your high martial arts can you accomplish it." *Let's go. After this incident, you should not even think of becoming a mediator between the two sides; it's better to accompany her to Magic Peaks. Even if you can't help, you can comfort her heart.*
When Guan and Meng heard from Sun Bole that Wang Chongyang had gone to Longzhou to investigate the internal strife among the demons and the Jin's schemes, they were worried about his safety but felt it was very appropriate. They exchanged a glance with Sun Bole, and then the three discussed the aftermath of the Xiangyang meeting.