Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhou Fugui successfully ransoms his daughter from Black Wind Mountain Stronghold with the help of Xiang Yang's guidance.
• Xiang Yang receives the 'Hua Shan Iron Finger Technique' as a reward from the Wordless Book for his successful mission.
• Xiang Yang begins practicing the Iron Finger Technique, starting with the 'Unraveling Knots' stage using a hemp rope.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang's strength, energy levels, and senses have improved due to practicing the Iron Crotch Technique.
• Xiang Yang's manhood has also seen improvement, becoming harder and larger.
• Xiang Yang's martial arts skills are limited, but he's eager to learn and master the Iron Finger Technique to increase his combat effectiveness.

Significant Themes

• Patience and Persistence: Xiang Yang understands that mastering the Iron Finger Technique takes time and doesn't rush his training.
• Preparation and Planning: Xiang Yang is patiently preparing for Hu Qiang's descent, aiming to increase his chances of victory through meticulous planning and surprise.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang's interaction with the Wordless Book leads to him receiving the Iron Finger Technique.
• There's no direct interaction with other characters in this chapter, but Xiang Yang's actions are influenced by his desire to avenge Xiang Da Niu and his anticipation of Hu Qiang's descent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Fu Da Chun informs Xiang Yang that the expert hired by the Giant Bear Gang, Hu Qiang, has arrived.
• Xiang Yang plans to visit the Giant Bear Gang's pleasure district to confirm Hu Qiang's presence.
• Xiong Da and Xiong Er entertain Hu Qiang at the Spring Breeze Restaurant.
• Hu Qiang reveals his desire to capture and torture Xiang Yang for revenge.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang shows determination and resourcefulness in pursuing Hu Qiang.
• Hu Qiang is portrayed as ruthless, vengeful, and ambitious, seeking to expand his influence beyond the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold.
• Xiong Da and Xiong Er are revealed to be cunning and power-hungry, willing to use Hu Qiang for their own gain but also wary of his potential threat to their leadership.

Significant Themes

• The corrupt and exploitative nature of the underworld, as seen in the Giant Bear Gang's control over the pleasure district.
• The consequences of past actions, as Hu Qiang is bound to his life as a bandit due to his early choices.
• The complex dynamics of power and alliances within the underworld, as seen in the relationship between Hu Qiang, Xiong Da, and Xiong Er.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang's determination contrasts with Hu Qiang's ruthlessness, setting up a potential conflict.
• The dynamic between Xiong Da and Xiong Er shows their differing levels of cunning and their shared ambition.
• Hu Qiang's interaction with Xiong Da and Xiong Er reveals his desire for revenge and his ambition to expand his influence, which could potentially disrupt their power balance.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang, disguised, visits Flower Alley to gather information about Hu Qiang and the Giant Bear Gang.
• He meets an older woman who used to serve Hu Qiang and learns about the alley's operations and Hu Qiang's habits.
• The woman reveals a secret escape route through a dog hole in the second courtyard.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his strategic thinking and caution in planning his revenge.
• The woman shows unexpected kindness and perceptiveness, providing Xiang Yang with valuable information and a potential escape route.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of life in Flower Alley, where women are forced into prostitution.
• The power dynamics between the Giant Bear Gang and the women in Flower Alley.
• The theme of trust and deception, as Xiang Yang wonders if he can trust the woman's information.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with the woman, using his charm and a silver coin to extract information.
• The woman, moved by Xiang Yang's appearance and perhaps her own past, provides him with detailed information and a secret escape route.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang infiltrates the Giant Bear Gang's territory, Flower Alley, to investigate Hu Qiang.
• He discovers a hidden dog hole leading to a small wild park behind the alley.
• Xiang Yang attempts to rent a room but is redirected to another due to the gang's preparations for distinguished guests.
• Hu Qiang, unaware of Xiang Yang's presence, enjoys a banquet with Xiong Da and Xiong Er, planning to visit Crimson Tower later.
• Xiong Da and Xiong Er suspect the Little Knife Society and Green Wolf Gang in the murders of Zhao Shan and Li Qian.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his increased strength and agility from practicing the Iron Crotch Technique.
• Hu Qiang shows arrogance and disregard for his injury, prioritizing his lustful desires.
• Xiong Da reveals his strategic thinking and desire to eliminate rival gangs.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and the lengths Xiang Yang is willing to go to achieve it.
• Power dynamics and the influence of the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold.
• The corrupting influence of wealth and pleasure on Hu Qiang's judgment.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with a horse-faced middle-aged man from the Giant Bear Gang, renting a room and revealing his martial arts skills.
• Hu Qiang interacts with Xiong Da and Xiong Er, planning his evening and discussing the murders of Zhao Shan and Li Qian.
• Xiong Da and Xiong Er discuss their suspicions about the Little Knife Society and Green Wolf Gang, deciding to eliminate them later.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang sees Hu Qiang, the target of his mission, drunk and injured, providing an unexpected opportunity to strike.
• Xiang Yang decides to act immediately instead of waiting two days as originally planned.
• Hu Qiang entertains five women from Crimson Tower, giving Xiang Yang the chance to sneak into his courtyard.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his strategic thinking and adaptability by changing his plan based on the new opportunity.
• Hu Qiang shows his reckless and indulgent nature, underestimating the danger he's in.

Significant Themes

• Opportunity and adaptability: Xiang Yang's ability to seize the moment and adjust his plans.
• Vulnerability and timing: Hu Qiang's most vulnerable moment is after his indulgence, which Xiang Yang plans to exploit.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang observes Hu Qiang from a distance, planning his attack.
• Hu Qiang interacts with the five women from Crimson Tower, unaware of the danger lurking nearby.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang discovers a woodcutter's knife in the courtyard, which he sees as a sign of destiny.
• He observes Hu Qiang fighting against five opponents through a window.
• Xiang Yang decides to capture Hu Qiang alive to interrogate him about the mastermind behind the recent events.
• He ambushes Hu Qiang during his intimate moment, killing one of the women in the process.
• Xiang Yang wounds Hu Qiang and threatens the remaining women to keep them silent.
• Hu Qiang's shouts for help go unanswered, and Xiang Yang seizes the opportunity to disarm and temporarily blind him.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates strategic thinking, calmness under pressure, and improved combat skills.
• Hu Qiang shows his formidable strength and speed but is ultimately overpowered due to his weakened state.

Significant Themes

• Destiny and luck: Xiang Yang sees the woodcutter's knife as a sign of destiny.
• Power dynamics: Hu Qiang's tyranny and fearsome reputation prevent his subordinates from helping him.
• Adaptability: Xiang Yang adapts his plan based on the situation, showing quick thinking.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang and Hu Qiang: Their combat interaction highlights Xiang Yang's growth and Hu Qiang's vulnerability.
• Hu Qiang and the Giant Bear Gang members: Their lack of response to Hu Qiang's cries for help underscores his isolation and tyrannical nature.
• Xiang Yang and the women: Xiang Yang threatens the women to ensure their silence, showing his ruthlessness when necessary.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang ambushes and captures Hu Qiang, the third chief of Black Wind Mountain Stronghold.
• Xiang Yang tortures Hu Qiang to extract information about who ordered the murder of Xiang Da Niu (Xiang Yang's father).
• Hu Qiang reveals that he was ordered by a mysterious masked handler and suspects three people: Wang Ying, Steward Fang, or Qian Fu.
• Xiang Yang executes Hu Qiang after learning what he needed.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang: Demonstrates exceptional combat skills, intelligence, and ruthlessness in interrogating Hu Qiang.
• Hu Qiang: Reveals his cowardly nature under pressure and provides valuable information about the mysterious handler.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Xiang Yang's primary motivation is to avenge his father's death.
• Power and Weakness: Hu Qiang's strength and bravado crumble under Xiang Yang's torture, revealing his true nature.
• Information and Knowledge: Hu Qiang's information about the mysterious handler is crucial for Xiang Yang's next steps.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang and Hu Qiang: Their interaction is one of power dynamics, with Xiang Yang dominating and Hu Qiang submitting to avoid further pain and death.
• Xiang Yang's relationship with his father is implied through his desire for revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang kills Hu Qiang for revenge, completing his mission.
• Xiang Yang spares the lives of four unconscious women, reflecting his personal code.
• The Giant Bear Gang discovers Hu Qiang's death and begins investigations.
• Xiang Yang returns home, washes up, and begins practicing the Hu Family Saber Technique, which he earned as a mission reward.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his moral code, sparing the lives of innocent women despite his ruthless nature.
• Xiang Yang shows excitement and dedication to mastering the Hu Family Saber Technique.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: Xiang Yang's primary motivation throughout the chapter.
• Moral Code: Xiang Yang's personal standards and limits, despite his ruthlessness.
• Profound Martial Arts: The significance and power of advanced martial techniques, as exemplified by the Hu Family Saber Technique.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with the four women, choosing not to kill them.
• Xiang Yang interacts with the Wordless Book, receiving the Hu Family Saber Technique as a reward.
• Xiang Yang interacts with the Hu Family Saber Technique itself, learning and practicing it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang kills Hu Qiang, avenging Xiang Da Niu and obtaining the Hu Family Saber Technique.
• Xiong Da and Xiong Er discuss Hu Qiang's death and the potential fallout with the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold.
• Xiong Da decides to cover up Hu Qiang's visit and eliminate those who know about it, including four women from the Crimson Tower.
• Xiong Da suspects the Little Knife Society and the Green Wolf Gang of being involved in Hu Qiang's death and the disappearance of their own members.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang: Successfully avenges Xiang Da Niu and obtains a powerful technique.
• Xiong Da: Shows his ruthless and cunning side, willing to eliminate those who pose a threat to his gang's secrecy.
• Xiong Er: Reveals his lewd and cruel nature, eager to eliminate the women from the Crimson Tower.
• Mr. Wu: Demonstrates his analytical skills and loyalty to the Giant Bear Gang.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences.
• The ruthless nature of the underworld and the lack of trust among its members.
• The importance of secrecy and the elimination of potential threats.

Character Interactions

• Xiong Da and Xiong Er: The brothers discuss their next steps, with Xiong Da acting as the more rational and calculating one, while Xiong Er is more impulsive and cruel.
• Xiong Da and Mr. Wu: They work together to analyze the situation and come up with a plan, showing mutual respect and trust.
• Xiong Da and the gang members: Xiong Da shows no mercy towards those who might pose a threat to his gang, ordering their deaths without hesitation.

Chapter Thirty: Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang focuses on practicing the Hu Family Saber Technique, Iron Finger Technique, and Iron Crotch Technique to improve his skills and safety.
• He suspects three individuals—Wang Ying, Steward Fang, and Qian Fu—of being involved in Xiang Da Niu's murder, with Qian Fu being the most suspicious due to his mysterious background and Internal Energy Cultivation.
• Xiang Yang masters the rope-untangling skill and achieves the first level of the Iron Finger Technique, attributing his rapid progress to the Wordless Book.
• In the Black Wind Mountain Stronghold, Poison Scholar Chen Ning reports Hu Qiang's prolonged absence to Big Beard, suggesting they relocate the stronghold due to potential danger.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang becomes more determined and ambitious, driven by his desire to improve his martial arts skills and uncover the truth behind his brother's death.
• Poison Scholar Chen Ning demonstrates his cautious nature and concern for the stronghold's safety.

Significant Themes

• The importance of diligence and hard work in improving one's skills and abilities.
• The dangers of underestimating one's enemies and the need for constant vigilance.
• The consequences of keeping secrets and the importance of open communication among allies.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang reflects on his interactions with Wang Ying, Steward Fang, and Qian Fu, trying to determine which one might be involved in his brother's murder.
• Poison Scholar Chen Ning interacts with Big Beard, showing deference and respect for his leader's authority while also demonstrating his own strategic thinking.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang wakes up early, dons his constable uniform, and heads to the County Yamen.
• He meets the senior yamen runner, Old Ren, and the magistrate, Li Zhizhi.
• Magistrate Li rewards Xiang Yang with 30 taels of silver and promises to recommend him to the Divine Constable Gate in Qingjiang Prefecture.
• Xiang Yang meets Captain Wang Ying, who explains his duties and the nature of a constable's work.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang shows respect and gratitude towards the magistrate and Captain Wang.
• He understands the nuances of his new role and the potential for extra earnings.
• Xiang Yang is determined to avenge his father and join the Divine Constable Gate.

Significant Themes

• The importance of fitting in and understanding the unspoken rules of the workplace.
• The complexities of maintaining integrity in a corrupt system.
• The potential for upward mobility through diligence and hard work.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with Old Ren, showing respect and appreciation for his former mentor.
• He meets Magistrate Li, demonstrating deference and eagerness to please.
• Xiang Yang meets Captain Wang Ying, who guides him and shares insights about his new role.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Ying warns Xiang Yang about the three underground gangs in Anyuan County and advises him not to clash with them unless provoked.
• Xiang Yang learns about Zhou Fugui's influence and the legal status of gangs in Great Zhou.
• Wang Ying leaves Xiang Yang to patrol the streets alone, while he handles a complex case.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang shows interest in solving Wang Ying's case, demonstrating his curiosity and initiative.
• Xiang Yang accepts bribes from shopkeepers but refuses money from poor common folk, showing his understanding of his role and compassion.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and bribery in the constabulary, with Xiang Yang accepting money from shopkeepers.
• The power dynamics between the constabulary and the underground gangs.
• The class divide between the wealthy and the common folk, as seen in Xiang Yang's interactions with shopkeepers and street vendors.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with Wang Ying, learning about the county's underworld and receiving guidance.
• Xiang Yang meets various shopkeepers and vendors, accepting bribes from the wealthy and refusing money from the poor.
• Xiang Yang's interactions with the common folk show his empathy and understanding of their struggles.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Little Knife Society's blacksmith shop is harassed by the Giant Bear Gang, who deliberately buy faulty ironware and return to cause trouble.
• Xiang Yang, dressed as a constable, witnesses the incident and intervenes.
• He mediates the conflict, ensuring the Little Knife Society compensates the Giant Bear Gang, and the gang leaves without further trouble.
• Xiang Yang secretly uses his strength to injure the Giant Bear Gang leader's hand, warning him not to cause more trouble.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his strength and authority, earning respect from the Little Knife Society and fear from the Giant Bear Gang.
• The Little Knife Society shows restraint in the face of provocation, suggesting they are not as powerful or reckless as the Giant Bear Gang.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics between gangs and the common people.
• The role of authority figures (constables) in maintaining order and justice.
• The consequences of reckless behavior and provocation.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang shows disdain for both gangs but ultimately helps the Little Knife Society due to his duty as a constable and personal dislike for the Giant Bear Gang.
• The Little Knife Society and the Giant Bear Gang display mutual animosity and a history of conflict.
• Xiang Yang's intervention changes the dynamics of the conflict, showing that he is a force to be reckoned with.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang, a new constable, encounters the Little Knife Society, a local gang, being harassed by the Giant Bear Gang.
• The Little Knife Society's leader reveals they've been involved in human trafficking, including the kidnapping of Mr. Lan's son, a high-profile case.
• Xiang Yang learns that the county yamen is under pressure to solve this case due to Mr. Lan's influence.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang: Shows bravery, quick thinking, and a pragmatic approach to his duties, considering the potential benefits and losses of getting involved in the case.
• Little Knife Society Leader: Struggles with the gang's criminal activities, seeking a way out and considering Xiang Yang's help to improve their situation.

Significant Themes

• Corruption and political influence: The case's importance is tied to Mr. Lan's influence, not the number of victims.
• Pragmatism vs. idealism: Xiang Yang considers the practical implications of his actions rather than acting solely on moral principles.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang and the Little Knife Society: Xiang Yang initially dismisses the gang but later engages with them, learning about their involvement in the kidnapping case.
• Xiang Yang and Wang Ying (implied): Xiang Yang considers the potential consequences of his actions on Wang Ying's investigation and his own career.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang meets with members of the Little Knife Society who want to betray Boss An and leave the society.
• They reveal that Boss An is likely behind the kidnapping of Mr. Lan's son and offer to help Xiang Yang find the hidden location in exchange for protection.
• Xiang Yang is presented with two missions by the Wordless Book: rescue Mr. Lan's son to obtain the Divine Steps Shifting Form technique, or help the people before him to get the Golden Dragon Whip Technique.
• Xiang Yang decides to focus on rescuing Mr. Lan's son to gain recognition and expand his network.

Character Developments

• The young man from the Little Knife Society is torn between his desire for a better life and his loyalty to the society. He becomes increasingly desperate and contemplates killing Xiang Yang when he hesitates.
• Xiang Yang demonstrates his strategic thinking and deception skills, convincing the group to provide him with information while stalling for time.

Significant Themes

• Ambition vs. Loyalty: The young man's struggle between his personal ambitions and his loyalty to the Little Knife Society.
• Opportunism: Xiang Yang's willingness to use the situation to his advantage, prioritizing his own goals over those of the Little Knife Society members.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with the young man and his group, playing them against each other to extract information and further his own goals.
• The young man and his group interact with Xiang Yang, initially seeing him as a potential savior but growing impatient and aggressive when they sense his hesitation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang, a constable, is held captive by a group of blacksmiths who belong to the Little Knife Society, a criminal gang involved in human trafficking.
• Xiang Yang offers to help them escape government pursuit if they reveal the whereabouts of their boss, An, and the trafficked people.
• Xiang Yang reveals his plan: eliminate An and the trafficked people to prevent them from testifying against the blacksmiths.
• The blacksmiths are initially hesitant but eventually trust Xiang Yang and reveal An's hideouts.
• Xiang Yang betrays their trust, kicks their leader, and prepares to fight them, revealing his true intentions.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang: Initially portrayed as helpful and understanding, he reveals his true colors as a ruthless enforcer of justice, willing to use deception and force to achieve his goals.
• The Blacksmiths: They are shown to be remorseful about their actions but justify them due to lack of alternatives. Their leader is the most conflicted, showing a shred of humanity.

Significant Themes

• Betrayal of trust: Xiang Yang uses the blacksmiths' trust to gather information and turn against them. The blacksmiths also betray their oaths to the Little Knife Society.
• Lack of choices: Both Xiang Yang and the blacksmiths are driven by their circumstances, leading to their actions.
• Justice vs. Law: Xiang Yang is willing to bend the law to achieve justice, while the blacksmiths see the law as an obstacle to their survival.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang and the Blacksmiths: Initially, there's a sense of camaraderie, but it quickly turns hostile as Xiang Yang reveals his true intentions.
• Xiang Yang and the Blacksmiths' Leader: There's a tense standoff between them, with the leader trying to maintain his dignity and Xiang Yang pushing him to reveal more information.

Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang faces nine burly men from the Little Knife Society and defeats them single-handedly.
• He sends a vegetable vendor to notify the yamen and awaits the arrival of the constables.
• Wang Ying, Yu Fei, and Liu Feng arrive, and Xiang Yang recounts the events leading to the capture of the Little Knife Society members.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his martial prowess and strategic thinking, earning respect from the other constables.
• The leading young man from the Little Knife Society realizes Xiang Yang's capabilities and surrenders hope.

Significant Themes

• The importance of martial prowess in the role of a constable.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang and Wang Ying: Wang Ying shows approval and respect for Xiang Yang's actions.
• Xiang Yang and the Little Knife Society members: Xiang Yang outsmarts and defeats the burly men, causing them to surrender.
• Wang Ying, Yu Fei, and Liu Feng: The three constables discuss the case and Xiang Yang's role in it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang learns about An Qinglong's properties and the locations of the estates where trafficked people are hidden.
• Wang Ying suggests Xiang Yang investigate one estate alone due to the County Yamen's limited manpower.
• Xiang Yang decides to go to the estate near Encirclement Village.
• Wang Ying orders the execution of the nine captured men for attempted murder of government constables.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his combat skills and courage, earning Wang Ying's approval.
• Wang Ying shows his ruthlessness and willingness to use his power to protect the constables.
• Liu Feng and Yu Fei show concern for Xiang Yang's safety and acknowledge his potential.

Significant Themes

• The ruthless nature of the criminal underworld and the need for constables to maintain order.
• The importance of quick action in saving lives and solving cases.
• The potential dangers and risks faced by constables in their work.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang and Wang Ying: Wang Ying acknowledges Xiang Yang's skills and assigns him a dangerous task, showing a mix of approval and testing.
• Liu Feng and Yu Fei: They express concern for Xiang Yang's safety and discuss the dangers of the task ahead.
• Wang Ying and the captured men: Wang Ying orders their execution, showing his ruthless approach to maintaining order.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang decides to travel to Encirclement Village and An Qinglong's estate to investigate the whereabouts of Mr. Lan's son.
• He rents a horse from the horse market to save time and energy.
• Xiang Yang enters Encirclement Village and meets with the village chief to gather information about Anjia Manor.
• Disguised as a farmer, Xiang Yang approaches Anjia Manor with two baskets of red dates, carrying his Wild Goose Feather Saber hidden beneath.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates resourcefulness and strategic thinking, using disguises and careful planning to infiltrate Anjia Manor.
• The village chief shows pride in his knowledge of Anjia Manor's suspicious activities and willingness to help Xiang Yang.

Significant Themes

• Disguise and deception as tools for investigation and infiltration.
• The power dynamics between local officials, villagers, and criminal organizations.
• The importance of gathering information and intelligence before acting.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang interacts with the horse market owner, the village chief, and the men guarding the path to Anjia Manor.
• The village chief shares his knowledge of Anjia Manor with Xiang Yang, aiding his investigation.
• Xiang Yang encounters the men guarding the path to Anjia Manor, who suspect his intentions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Xiang Yang encounters three men and two vicious dogs from the Green Wolf Gang while approaching Anjia Manor.
• The dogs, trained to track scents, recognize Xiang Yang's saber, which he had used to wound many people at the Blacksmith Shop.
• Xiang Yang is forced to reveal his true intentions and engages in combat with the Green Wolf Gang members.
• He disables the two dogs and incapacitates the three men without causing serious harm.

Character Developments

• Xiang Yang demonstrates his martial prowess and strategic thinking, adapting his plan when discovered.
• He shows mercy to his opponents, reflecting his growing maturity and self-awareness.

Significant Themes

• The importance of caution and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponents.

Character Interactions

• Xiang Yang faces off against the Green Wolf Gang members, showcasing his martial skills and strategic thinking.
• The Green Wolf Gang members underestimate Xiang Yang, leading to their defeat.