Shooting the Eagle: Starting from Iron Palm Peak

Wanyan Kang led the way, a smile plastered on his face, uttering polite words. Peng Lianhu, Lingzhi Shangren, and Liang Ziweng followed on either side, their eyes sweeping back and forth between Lin Qi and Guo Jing.

Lin Qi walked beside Wang Chuyi, his mind racing. He knew this trip to the Wang residence in the original story was fraught with danger—Sha Tongtian was going to stand up for his disciple, Lingzhi Shangren would secretly poison him, Peng Lianhu and Liang Ziweng were both cunning old foxes, and Wanyan Kang was a wolf in sheep's clothing. What worried him most was another person: Ouyang Ke. This man's martial arts were comparable to his own, he was cunning and lecherous. If he were also here, things would become even more complicated.

The Zhao Prince's Mansion was vast. The group passed through several hanging flower gates, circled a rockery, and arrived at a spacious flower hall. A charcoal fire burned brightly in the hall, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A banquet had already been laid out on the long table. Wanyan Kang invited Wang Chuyi to take a seat, which Wang Chuyi accepted without hesitation. Lin Qi and Guo Jing sat at the lower end, while Huang Rong, disguised as a servant, stood behind Lin Qi.

Wanyan Kang raised his wine cup and said with a smile, "Uncle Wang, it's a rare treat for you to come to Zhongdu. This disciple toasts you."

Wang Chuyi took a sip, put down his cup, and glanced around the hall. Several people sat opposite him—a short, stout man with a bald head and bulging red eyes, none other than the Ghost Gate Dragon King Sha Tongtian; beside him sat a burly man with a fleshy growth on his forehead, the Three-Headed Flood Dragon Hou Tonghai. Also present were Peng Lianhu, Lingzhi Shangren, and Liang Ziweng. Among these people, a young man in white stood out. He was about thirty years old, with a handsome face, red lips, and white teeth, holding a folding fan, exuding a refined and elegant air. Beside him stood four women in white, each with beautiful features and a submissive demeanor.

Lin Qi felt a chill run down his spine—Ouyang Ke.

As expected, he arrived. Lin Qi's gaze lingered on Ouyang Ke for a moment before shifting away. He knew Ouyang Ke had extremely sharp eyesight and couldn't let him see that he was deliberately paying attention to him.

Sha Tongtian suddenly spoke, his voice hoarse like sandpaper grinding iron: "Master Wang, I heard that this young man beside you is Guo Jing from Mongolia?"

Wang Chuyi nodded: "Exactly."

Sha Tongtian put down his wine cup, his gaze turning cold as he stared at Guo Jing: "Guo Jing, do you still remember my worthless disciples?"

Guo Jing was taken aback, unsure how to respond. Lin Qi, however, already understood—Sha Tongtian was referring to the Four Devils of the Yellow River. Those four had been defeated by Guo Jing in Mongolia, and Sha Tongtian had come seeking revenge.

"Has my disciple offended me in any way?" Wang Chuyi asked.

Sha Tongtian snorted: "My four disciples were working for Prince Zhao in Mongolia, and this brat beat them up and ruined our important plans. This score must be settled today."

Wang Chuyi glanced at Guo Jing and said calmly, "In the martial world, victory and defeat are common occurrences for soldiers. If Chief Sha is going to make things difficult for a junior over such a trivial matter, aren't you afraid of being laughed at?"

Sha Tongtian's face darkened: "Master Wang, I respect you as a highly accomplished member of the Quanzhen Sect and do not wish to cause you any trouble. But you'd better not interfere in this boy's affairs."

Wang Chuyi put down his wine cup, stood up, and walked to Guo Jing's side: "Guo Jing was brought by me, so naturally I must protect him. If Chief Sha insists on making things difficult for him, I will have no choice but to accept his challenge."

Sha Tongtian also stood up, his red eyes flashing with a fierce light. Hou Tonghai followed suit, reaching for the large, ghost-headed saber at his waist. Peng Lianhu, Lingzhi Shangren, and Liang Ziweng remained seated, holding wine cups, smiles on their faces, but coldness lurking in their eyes. Ouyang Ke, fanning himself with a folding fan, watched everything with a half-smile, as if enjoying a good show.

Lin Qi noticed that Ouyang Ke's gaze kept falling on Huang Rong—although Huang Rong was disguised as a beggar, Ouyang Ke seemed to have already noticed something. Lin Qi's heart tightened, and he became secretly on guard.

Wanyan Kang quickly stood up and waved his hand, saying, "Please hold your hands! I invited Uncle Wang and all the heroes to this banquet today. If we were to ruin the harmony, wouldn't that be my fault?"

He turned to Sha Tongtian and said with a smile, "Chief Sha, Brother Guo is a junior. Why do you have to lower yourself to his level? Why not sit down and have a drink for my sake, and we can talk about it slowly?"

Sha Tongtian snorted and sat back down. Hou Tonghai also sat down, but his hand remained on the hilt of his knife.

Wanyan Kang then turned to Wang Chuyi, smiling obsequiously, "Uncle-Master Wang, I invited you here today for two reasons: first, to receive your teachings; second, to have you assess my martial arts progress over the years. Furthermore, my father is currently recruiting heroes from across the land to join him in this great undertaking. Uncle-Master is a highly respected figure in the Quanzhen Sect; if you would be so kind as to offer your assistance…"

Wang Chuyi glanced at him and said indifferently, "I am a person outside the secular world, used to living a carefree life, and have no interest in the affairs of the court."

Wanyan Kang's smile remained unchanged as he nodded repeatedly: "What you say is true, Uncle-Master. I was just mentioning it casually, Uncle-Master doesn't need to take it to heart."

Wang Chuyi stood up: "Since Your Highness has nothing else to say, I shall take my leave." He glanced at Guo Jing and Lin Qi, "Let's go."

The three stood up, with Huang Rong following behind, and were about to walk out.

Sha Tongtian suddenly slammed his fist on the table and stood up: "Wait! Guo Jing can't leave!"

Hou Tonghai also stood up and blocked the doorway. Peng Lianhu put down his wine cup, slowly stood up, and joined Lingzhi Shangren and Liang Ziweng to surround them. Ouyang Ke didn't move, but simply shook his folding fan, watching with great interest.

The five people spread out in a fan shape, completely blocking the hall door.

Wang Chuyi stopped, turned around, and his gaze swept over the crowd before finally landing on Wanyan Kang.

"Young Prince, what does this mean?"

Wanyan Kang looked troubled and sighed, "Uncle-Master, I only invited you to be my guest, but Chief Sha and the others... I can't stop them." He said he was in a difficult position, but he didn't move. He even took a step back slightly to make room for them.

Lin Qi understood perfectly. This whole charade was orchestrated by Wanyan Kang from beginning to end—inviting Wang Chuyi to the palace was a trap, Sha Tongtian's attack was a test, and his feigned reconciliation was just a show for Wang Chuyi. He wanted to drag Wang Chuyi into the mess and make him serve Wanyan Honglie.

Wang Chuyi had clearly seen through it all. He sneered, ignored Wanyan Kang, and walked straight towards the door.

Sha Tongtian roared and struck out with a palm, aiming straight for Wang Chuyi's chest. Wang Chuyi raised his hand to meet the blow, and both men took two steps back. Sha Tongtian's martial arts were surprisingly evenly matched with Wang Chuyi's; the force of his palm strike was so powerful that it caused the candlelight in the hall to flicker. Wang Chuyi frowned, realizing that he had met a formidable opponent today.

Hou Tong charged forward with his sword, followed by Peng Lianhu, Lingzhi Shangren, and Liang Ziweng. The five attacked Wang Chuyi simultaneously, and even with Wang Chuyi's superior martial arts, he gradually became overwhelmed fighting five against one. Lin Qi and Guo Jing were held back by two guards and unable to escape.

Guo Jing was sweating profusely with anxiety, while Lin Qi calmly observed the situation. He quickly calculated in his mind: a direct confrontation was definitely not an option; the enemy outnumbered them, Wang Chuyi was already injured, and Guo Jing and Huang Rong's martial arts skills were limited. Although he was capable of fighting, he couldn't fight against so many opponents. He had to use skill to escape.

His gaze swept over everyone in the hall—Sha Tongtian's martial arts were comparable to Wang Chuyi's; Peng Lianhu, Lingzhi Shangren, and Liang Ziweng were all renowned masters in the martial arts world; Hou Tonghai was slightly weaker but not to be underestimated. And then there was Ouyang Ke; although he hadn't made a move yet, once he joined the fray, the situation would be even more unfavorable.

The only breakthrough was Wanyan Kang.

Lin Qi shoved the guards in front of him away with a palm strike, his gaze falling on Wanyan Kang—the kid was hiding in the corner of the hall, a smug smile on his face, thinking he had the victory in the bag.

Lin Qi sneered inwardly. He moved swiftly and lunged towards Wanyan Kang.

Wanyan Kang was shocked. He flicked his folding fan and pointed it at Lin Qi's face. Lin Qi turned his head to avoid it, then reached out with his left hand and grabbed Wanyan Kang's wrist, while his right hand pinched Wanyan Kang's throat with two fingers. Wanyan Kang froze, too afraid to move.

"Stop!" Lin Qi shouted.

Everyone in the hall stopped what they were doing and looked at Lin Qi. They saw that Wanyan Kang was being restrained by Lin Qi, his face was deathly pale, and cold sweat was seeping from his forehead.

Peng Lianhu's expression changed: "Release the young prince!"

Lin Qi said calmly, "Make way for us. We'll release them once we're in a safe place."

He knew perfectly well that Wanyan Kang was Wanyan Honglie's only son, and these people had only allied themselves with the Prince of Zhao's mansion because of Wanyan Honglie's power. If something happened to Wanyan Kang, none of them could bear the responsibility. This was their greatest weakness.

Peng Lianhu glanced at Sha Tongtian, who in turn glanced at Lingzhi Shangren. The five men exchanged bewildered looks, unsure of what to do. Ouyang Ke suddenly spoke, his voice languid: "Interesting. This brother has quite the nerve. May I ask your name?"

Lin Qi glanced at him but didn't answer. He didn't want to talk to Ouyang Ke any longer; this man was too dangerous, and saying too much would only lead to more mistakes.

"Get out of the way." Sha Tongtian finally waved his hand.

The five men made way for them. Lin Qi, holding Wanyan Kang captive, followed by Wang Chuyi, Guo Jing, and Huang Rong, walked step by step out of the flower hall, through the corridor, and towards the main gate of the Prince's mansion. The guards and servants they encountered along the way, seeing the young prince being restrained, dared not approach.

After leaving the palace gates, Lin Qi escorted Wanyan Kang for another street before releasing his grip. Wanyan Kang staggered back a few steps, rubbing his wrist, his face ashen.

"We'll settle this another day," he said, turning and leaving.

Lin Qi ignored him and quickly caught up with Wang Chuyi. Wang Chuyi walked hurriedly, but his face grew paler and paler. After walking about a hundred steps, he swayed and grabbed the wall for support.

"Master Wang, are you injured?" Guo Jing quickly helped him up.

Wang Chuyi waved his hand, his voice weak: "Master Lingzhi's Poison Sand Palm... I've been hit by the palm force, the poison is taking effect... Quickly find an inn."

Guo Jing crouched down, hoisted Wang Chuyi onto his back, and hurried away. Lin Qi and Huang Rong followed behind, glancing around nervously, afraid someone would come after them.

Wang Chuyi whispered, "Find...find the most secluded little shop."

Guo Jing understood, lowered his head, and hurried off, heading towards places with few people and dilapidated houses. He finally found a small inn; the storefront and interior were small and dirty, but Guo Jing didn't care. He rushed into the inn and placed Wang Chuyi on the kang (heated brick bed). Wang Chuyi closed his eyes to rest for a while, then opened them and said, "Quickly find a large vat and fill it with clean water."

Guo Jing hurriedly left the room and instructed the innkeeper, then took out a silver ingot and placed it on the counter. The innkeeper was overjoyed and quickly carried a large vat to the courtyard, filling it to the brim with water.

Guo Jing reported that the matter had been handled. Wang Chuyi said, "Put me in the vat and don't let anyone else come near me."

Guo Jing did as he was told, carrying him into the vat, the water reaching his head and neck. He then ordered the waiter to keep out any bystanders. Wang Chuyi sat with his eyes closed, breathing rapidly and slowly. After about the time it takes to eat a meal, the vat of water gradually turned black, but his complexion regained some color.

"Help me out and change the water in the tub."

Guo Jing did as instructed, changed the water, and put him back into the vat. This was done four times, changing the water until it was no longer black.

Wang Chuyi stepped out of the vat and sighed, "This Tibetan monk's kung fu is so vicious!" He added, "My life is no longer in danger, but the poison in my internal organs has not been cleared. If it is not removed within twelve hours, I will inevitably be crippled for life."

Guo Jing was shocked: "What should we do then?"

Wang Chuyi instructed him to borrow a pen and inkstone from the counter, wrote out a prescription, and handed it to him: "Go to the pharmacy and buy these medicines."

Lin Qi took the prescription and glanced at it—dragon's blood, notoginseng, myrrh, bear bile, musk, and Panax notoginseng. He already had a plan in mind. In the original story, these herbs had been bought up by the Prince Zhao's mansion in advance, and they couldn't be bought at any pharmacy. Moreover, he had just seen in the mansion that Peng Lianhu and his men were well-prepared and wouldn't let them get the herbs so easily.

"Master Wang, there's no need to go to the pharmacy," Lin Qi said. "The people from the Zhao Prince's Mansion have probably already bought up all these herbs in the city. Going to the pharmacy will only be a wasted trip and will alert them."

Wang Chuyi was taken aback, then gave a wry smile: "You're right. Then... what should we do?"

Lin Qi said, "We'll sneak into Prince Zhao's mansion tonight and steal from their medicine storehouse. I'll go tonight."

Guo Jing said, "Brother Lin, I'll go with you!"

Huang Rong also said, "I'll go too!"

Lin Qi shook his head: "Brother Guo, you stay and take care of Master Wang. Little brother, you stay too. I'll go alone; I'll be a smaller target and easier to escape."

What he didn't say was that he already had a complete plan in mind. He knew the location of the Zhao Prince's medicine storehouse—a stone house on the east side of the back garden, the closest way to get in by climbing over the east wall. He knew the guards' shift change pattern—the shift changed at the second watch, when the guards were most lax. He also knew that Ouyang Ke was likely not near the medicine storehouse tonight, because according to the original story, he would be flirting with Huang Rong in the back garden—but now Huang Rong wasn't there, and the plot had changed.

But he had to go no matter what.

Wang Chuyi looked at Lin Qi with worry in his eyes: "Brother Lin, the Zhao Prince's Mansion is full of experts. It's too dangerous for you to go alone."

Lin Qi smiled and said, "Rest assured, Master Wang, I know what I'm doing. Besides, I've already witnessed their martial arts skills and I'm aware of their abilities."

Before Guo Jing could say anything more, Lin Qi patted him on the shoulder: "Brother Guo, you grew up in Mongolia and are not familiar with the martial arts world of the Central Plains. Let me handle this."

Guo Jing had no choice but to nod.

Lin Qi stepped out of the inn; it was already completely dark. The streets of Zhongdu were sparsely populated, with only night watchmen slowly passing by, banging their clappers.

He took a deep breath and walked towards the Zhao Prince's Mansion.

The night wind was cold, biting like knives against his face. Lin Qi pulled his collar tighter, silently thinking: he had to get his hands on the medicinal herbs from the Zhao Prince's pharmacy. This wasn't just to save Wang Chuyi, but also to build deeper trust with Guo Jing and Huang Rong. As for Ouyang Ke, as long as he didn't confront him directly, there shouldn't be too much of a problem.

If they really did run into each other… Lin Qi clenched his fist, his inner strength surging in his palm. Then he would fight.