The Gathering Before the Anti-Rebel Assembly
The next day was the first of the ninth month. Autumn deepened; the morning breeze carried a chill, while the red sun rose in the east. Heroes of the martial world gathered in high spirits.
During their day's stay, Wu Tong, Qiu Feng the mistress of the Phoenix Gang, Xu Li the "Thunderhand," Fang Xiong the "Man Among Men," and Deng Ling the "Wind Bell" sparred within the courtyard. Blades clashed, fists met palms, inner force surged through the air. Each exchange revealed the true essence of martial cultivation.
Though still young, Wu Tong's attainments had already reached breadth and depth. Saber techniques fierce and domineering, swordplay subtle and peerless, fists and palms flowing between hardness and softness—all bore the mark of a consummate master. Qiu Feng, Xu Li, Fang Xiong, and Deng Ling humbly sought instruction in the subtleties of combat. Wu Tong answered without reserve, explaining with patience, each word precise and illuminating.
His companions felt as though struck by sudden enlightenment; their bottlenecks dissolved, their skills advanced with remarkable speed. Indeed, as the saying went: "In the rivers and lakes, one vital hint from a true master outweighs a decade of blind practice."
To return his guidance, Qiu Feng taught Zhao Rou her clan's "Soft Palms." She smiled:"Miss Zhao's very name bears the character 'Rou'—softness. Her fate and the five elements lean to water and wood; this art was destined for her."
Grateful, Zhao Rou applied herself diligently. Within days she had grasped the essence—her inner force flowed long and smooth, like an endless stream.
On the second of the ninth month, under a sky clear and boundless, Wu Tong and his companions made ready for Xuzhou to prepare for the Anti-Rebel Assembly. Fang Xiong and his wife warmly invited them to rest at the Fang family estate. Fang Xiong, son of the famed "Invincible Divine Palm" Fang Wei, was a renowned hero in his own right, well connected throughout the martial world. He hoped not only to extend hospitality but also to persuade his father to attend the gathering.
Wu Tong considered and agreed. The support of Fang Wei, a pillar of the jianghu, would lend great strength to the righteous cause.
By dusk, the sun cast golden light over Xuzhou's proud city walls. Within, the streets bustled, the people prosperous. At Fang Mansion, stone lions guarded the gates, displaying a house of power. At the threshold, Fang Wei and his lady awaited in person. His eyes were keen, his bearing commanding; though age had touched him, his heroic aura remained.
Fang Xiong hurried forward, saluting:"Father, Mother—today I bring honored guests: Wu Tong, twelfth hall master of the Hall of Loyalty, and his wife."
Wu Tong stepped up, bowing deeply:"I have long heard the name of the Invincible Divine Palm. To meet you in person is a fortune indeed."
Fang Wei smiled, returning the courtesy:"Please, be seated. For heroes of the jianghu to grace our humble home—what an honor!"
When all were settled, Fang Wei observed with surprise:"So young, and already hall master of the Hall of Loyalty. Remarkable!"
Wu Tong replied modestly:"In truth, I have only recently assumed the post. I am ordered to Xuzhou for the Anti-Rebel Assembly, to unite the heroes under heaven in support of the throne. I humbly entreat senior to lend your strength."
Fang Wei's expression grew solemn."For one so young to bear such resolve—this is the Tang's good fortune! With traitors rampant, the people suffer grievously. Since the crown prince has ascended at Lingwu, calling for the slaying of An Lushan the rebel, all men of honor rise to the cause. On the ninth day of the ninth month, I will certainly attend."
Wu Tong bowed:"Then, with senior's voice, the assembly is sure to succeed."
That evening, servants led the guests to their chambers. Wu Tong and Zhao Rou dined and rested.
Yet as the days drew nearer to the ninth, the couple thought often of Liu Yun, absent too long from their side. The Assembly was to be held outside Xuzhou, at the Temple of the True Martial Great Emperor in Xuanyuan Palace. Taking leave of Fang Wei and Fang Xiong, Wu Tong and Zhao Rou set out by horseback toward the southeastern hills. Soon the temple rose before them, solemn amidst the autumn sky.
At the gate, a young Daoist of thirteen or fourteen approached respectfully:"Honored guests, please light incense and make a vow, that your visit not be in vain."
Wu Tong asked,"Brother Daoist, might we stay a few nights in your guest rooms?"
The boy hesitated."This must be asked of the abbot. Please wait."
He returned shortly:"The abbot agrees—rooms are available."
Wu Tong smiled, producing a banknote."Here are two hundred taels as an offering."
The boy accepted and hurried inside. After the incense was lit, an elderly abbot with white beard emerged, light of step and smiling kindly."Welcome, honored guests. I, Daoist Ziyang, have prepared good tea—come, let us drink."
As they entered, he added:"Forgive my disciple's caution. Today the Heavenly Veneration Sect is also lodging here."
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou exchanged delighted glances."We seek precisely to meet them, in order to join the Assembly."
At that very moment, the boy announced:"Master, the Heavenly Veneration Sect has arrived!"
Ziyang rose at once:"Let us greet them!"
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou followed eagerly.
Within the grand hall, they saw the Heavenly Veneration Sect assembled. Its leader, Liu Xuan, greeted the abbot:"Daoist Ziyang—an honor indeed."
Ziyang chuckled:"Sect Master Liu—your presence graces this temple."
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou stepped forward. Wu Tong knelt on one knee:"Father-in-law, please accept your son-in-law's bow."
Zhao Rou bowed as well:"Senior, please accept this junior's respect."
Liu Xuan, the sect master, could not hide his joy. He raised them both:"The martial world is abuzz with your deeds—righteous acts and wondrous encounters. And Wu Tong, they say you are now master of the Hall of Loyalty—is it true?"
Wu Tong bowed once more."It is so. I have become the twelfth hall master, tasked to Xuzhou for the ninth-day Assembly, to rally the heroes of the realm in defense of Tang."