Yan Qing forms close friendship with Li Kui. On one occasion, he travels to Tai'anzhou (泰安州; present-day Tai'an, Shandong), accompanied by Li, to challenge one Ren Yuan, who claims to be invincible in wrestling in the Song Empire. Indeed Ren has been winning contests in Tai'anzhou. Although much smaller in size, Yan Qing beats the burly guy on stage with his skill and agility. When Ren‘s students rush to snatch the prizes, they break into a fight with Li Kui, who is immediately recognised by some spectators as an outlaw from Liangshan. A stampede ensues while soldiers arrive to arrest Li. Yan and Li fight their way out and return to Liangshan safely.