Fang Datong, known in the martial world as the Mountain Splitting Palm, possessed exceptionally formidable hand techniques. He had once slain a leopard with a single palm strike and captured vicious bandits barehanded. Though he was far from renowned throughout the martial world, he still had a measure of fame within certain circles.
But one who often walked by the riverbank was bound to get wet shoes eventually. His martial arts were not especially profound; he had only opened two of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians. To ordinary people, he was naturally an expert, but before true masters, he became the inferior one. At last, he fell beneath the palm of another established expert and nearly lost his life.
Fortunately, Li Zhizhi had stepped in at the time and saved him through his official status. Fang Datong returned the peach for the plum; a skilled internal martial artist willingly humbled himself to serve as steward in Li Zhizhi's residence, and he had done so for several years.
Under the moonlight, a silver sheen outlined Fang Datong's broad, powerfully built frame. His features were square and upright, while the inch-long stubble beneath his jaw lent him a hint of fierce valor. His palms were especially large, covered in thick calluses.
Beside Fang Datong stood four or five County Yamen runners, all dispatched by Wang Ying to keep An Qinglong under close surveillance, ensuring that the yamen would know of any stirring at once.
"Steward Fang, we have watched day and night. We can guarantee that An Qinglong is at home and has not stepped outside. But there are at least twenty strong men in his residence. Arresting him will be difficult. It would be better to wait for the county magistrate to send reinforcements."
"Exactly. An Qinglong's Little Knife Society has existed