The Black Dragon Sect's Bitter Defeat
The Black Dragon Sect had suffered a crushing defeat. As the Left Dharma King, Meng Ming bore the greatest blame. To fall in less than a single exchange was humiliation enough—but to drag the Heavenly Kings down with him, nearly leading to their annihilation, was a shame he could not endure. If not for Wu Tong's restraint, all of them would have perished under his saber this very day.
Meng Ming's pride was trampled into the dust. Rage and humiliation churned within him, his fists clenched so tightly they trembled, his entire body quivering on the brink of madness. That he yet breathed was sheer fortune, spared only by his opponent's mercy.
At that moment Wu Tong stepped forth, voice ringing like a bell, eyes blazing with unshakable authority:"Brothers of the Canal Guild, all of you are men of honor. Let us spare these villains their dog lives today and give them a chance to reform. What say you?"
His tone was calm yet carried an invisible weight, compelling all to hold their breath.
But the Canal brothers' fury still smoldered. They had nearly been slain by treachery, struck at even after a fair defeat. How could such base villains be forgiven? Voices rose in outrage:"Beaten, yet they still tried to kill! Worse than pigs and dogs!""Despicable curs—kill them and feed the dogs!""Shameless rats—how can we let them go free?"
Then Qiu Feng, mistress of the Phoenix Gang, stepped forward. Her gaze was steady, her voice firm and righteous:"Wu shaoxia is right! The Black Dragon Sect, steeped in wickedness, will destroy itself in time. We Canal folk claim to be righteous. If we slay them now for vengeance alone, are we any different from the heretical sects we despise?"
Her calm bearing, like an orchid in the storm, revealed the magnanimity of a great leader. Even the hardest hearts softened with admiration.
Xu Li, the "Thunderhand," raised his voice with thunderous conviction:"Why do we practice martial arts? To uphold justice, to rescue the helpless, and to defend the weak! If we abandon righteousness for petty grudges, what worth has our code of honor?"
His words struck the crowd like hammer blows. Murmurs of agreement rippled through the gathering:"Master Xu speaks true!""The way of chivalry cannot be cast aside for private vengeance!"
The anger of the masses eased.
Wu Tong looked at Qiu Feng and Xu Li with sincere respect, nodding deeply."Two leaders who repay evil with virtue—your magnanimity humbles me. You embody the true spirit of xiá!"
His voice carried no falsehood. In that instant, he was not only a fearsome young saber master, but a man of gratitude and honor—worthy indeed of the title hero.
Yet an older boatman, uneasy, spoke aloud:"Young brother, is this not like releasing a dragon to the sea, a tiger to the mountains?"
Others echoed:"Such wolves will never change! Spare them now, and they'll surely seek revenge later!"
Wu Tong understood well. To kill them would provoke the Black Dragon Sect to all-out war—blood would flow without end. Where there is jianghu, there is enmity. Mercy today was not weakness but wisdom: to temper steel with restraint, to leave a path open for future turns of fate.
Resolute, he raised his voice:"Brothers! Today, we stay our blades. But hear me—if the Black Dragon Sect dares seek revenge for this day—"
He suddenly leapt skyward, bounding toward a towering pine nearby. With a flash of steel, the Wolong Saber cleaved through the trunk. With a thunderous crash, the great tree toppled to the earth.
Gasps and cheers erupted from the crowd. Wu Tong returned, saber still gleaming, his voice thundering across the square:"If the Black Dragon Sect dares return for vengeance, I swear by this saber—I shall annihilate them with my own hand!"
The crowd roared their approval. Truly, before them stood a hero among heroes.
The old boatman bowed his head."Then we follow the young hero's lead!"Others echoed:"The Black Dragon Sect will not dare!"
The mob parted, leaving a path for Meng Ming and the Heavenly Kings. Yet curses still flew from every side:"Defeated cowards!""Base villains!""An Lushan's dogs!"
The five Black Dragon leaders staggered away, supporting one another, bleeding and broken. Though resentment boiled within, they dared not linger, for today they were but rats scurrying through the streets, jeered and reviled. To stay would be death; to plot revenge now, folly. Wu Tong's vow had burned itself into their hearts like fire.
Thus, in the moment of dire peril, it was Wu Tong who had risen like a dragon from the clouds, saving the righteous sects from slaughter. All present felt a deep gratitude that would not soon fade.
When the Black Dragon Sect had gone, Xu Li, the Thunderhand, and Qiu Feng, mistress of the Phoenix Gang, stepped forward and clasped fists:"Our thanks, young hero, for your timely aid."
Wu Tong replied evenly,"A trifle, not worth mention. The Hall of Loyalty teaches: give freely, seek nothing in return."
Just then Zhao Rou, Deng Ling the "Wind Bell," and Fang Xiong the "Man Among Men" approached. Wu Tong quickly introduced them:"My wife, Zhao Rou. Brother Fang and Lady Deng, worthy companions both."
Xu Li and Qiu Feng saluted them warmly:"An honor indeed!"
By then the sun was sinking, twilight painting the horizon. Xu Li clasped fists respectfully:"Today we have truly met a young hero of rare talent. Please, be our honored guests. A humble feast awaits."
Wu Tong bowed in return."Your gracious invitation is an honor. Lead the way."
They entered the grand hall. Servants stood ready, bowing low to greet the guests. The feast was laid, wine and dishes prepared. Xu Li gestured courteously:"Your presence brings light to our humble hall. Please, be seated."
Once all were settled, Xu Li and Qiu Feng raised their cups together:"Our Phoenix and Xu Zhou gangs owe you great thanks. With this cup of humble wine, we salute the young heroes before us!"
All drained their cups.
Qiu Feng laughed lightly:"Crude wine and simple fare, yet offered with sincerity. Please, drink freely!"
Wu Tong's spirit soared. He lifted his cup high:"Masters Xu and Qiu, Brother Fang and Lady Deng—all are paragons of our age. I salute you with this cup!"
They drank deep. Conversation flowed like the wine, tales of the martial world shared freely. Wu Tong spoke of the upcoming Anti-Rebel Assembly on the ninth day of the ninth month. All pledged to attend, lending their strength to the cause. Xu Li, overjoyed, pressed more wine upon his guests.
That night, the banquet rang with laughter, and host and guests alike rejoiced until the stars lit the heavens.