Lu Junyi is conned by Wu Yong, the chief strategist of Liangshan Marsh, to travel to the vicinity of the stronghold, which is eager to recruit him for his consummate fighting skill. Lu is lured into the marsh where he is captured in the water. The outlaws treat him with respect despite his refusal to join them and retain him for months. However, they release Li Gu first, the steward who has come along with Lu, lying to the man that they have convinced his master to join them. Yan Qing is not involved in the trip.