Meanwhile, Phags-pa and Lichimei had begun hunting down Guo Jing and the others. Since their targets had already been fleeing for some time, the two decided to split into four groups and search in different directions.
Phags-pa, together with his disciple Yang Lianzhen and several Tantric experts, took one route; Lichimei led Demon Master Palace experts down another; Nachen led Qonggirat Tribe experts and soldiers along a third; while Golden Wheel Monk and the Fourth Prince's Mansion's men took the last route.
Perhaps enemies were fated to meet on a narrow road. In the end, it was Golden Wheel Monk's group that found their trail. Guo Jing had been placed under a restriction and severely tortured, Hong Qigong was badly wounded, and Da Xiaowu had an arrow in his leg. Naturally, they could not run very fast, so being caught was only to be expected.
Golden Wheel Monk burst into laughter. "Guo Jing, Yang Guo, you will not escape today. For the sake of our past acquaintance, if you are willing to surrender, I can plead with the Great Khan on your behalf. We can all serve the Great Khan together."
"Pah!" Zhou Botong spat. "You may want to be a lackey, but we do not."
Golden Wheel Monk flew into a rage, but Yang Guo spoke up. "Thank you for your care these past days, Golden Wheel Monk. Unfortunately, those who follow different paths cannot work together. I hope you understand."
That at least sounded reasonable. Golden Wheel Monk's expression softened slightly. "Since that is the case, do not blame this old monk for showing no mercy." After the earlier delay, he had already figured out that Yang Guo's palm technique was merely strange and unusual, not that Yang Guo's strength far surpassed his own. Moreover, he had come