It is often said: "A man's knees are of gold—he kneels only to Heaven and to his mother."But these two Tigers bore evil in their hearts. Their kowtows of repentance were but a sham, masking murderous intent, waiting for a chance to strike.
The Feng brothers, ever righteous and sworn enemies of evil, would not be deceived. To spare such villains would be to release tigers back into the mountains, leaving endless trouble and ruin in their wake.
Flying Tiger Du Sheng, seeing that pleas would not avail, roared in fury:"We have already bowed our heads in apology—why still seek our lives?"
Feng Shan's chest surged with anger. He shouted:"You speak glibly of aged mothers and hungry children. What of the innocent folk you have slaughtered—did they not have parents and families as well? Your crimes are countless. Do you think a single word of regret wipes all clean?"
The Tigers, their ploy laid bare, could no longer dissemble. Their faces darkened."If that is so," they snarled, "then we fight for our lives!"
Liu Yun, cool and stern, raised a brow:"Did you not claim repentance? Why not lay down your blades and turn from evil?"
Du Sheng only sneered:"Repentance? Hah! On the rivers and lakes, only the strong survive. Who would be fool enough to yield and wait for death?"
At this, Wu Tong stepped forward. His eyes gleamed with a steady fire, his voice low but commanding, like thunder before the storm:"Your sins are countless, your crimes beyond pardon. Today, I, Wu Tong, shall send you on your final road with this Crouching Dragon Blade, cleansing the jianghu of your stain!"
Du Sheng's heart quivered, but his rage only grew."Brother," cried Du Chang, "better to fight than wait for death! Let fate decide!"
With a shared glance, the two leapt together, blades flashing toward Wu Tong's vitals.
But before their charge could land, Wu Tong sprang from horseback. His long blade flashed like lightning. Steel clashed in a storm of sparks—clang, clang, shhhh! Then, in a heartbeat, the Tigers faltered. They staggered, blood blooming from their chests, staining the earth. Both fell lifeless to the ground.
Wu Tong swept his gaze over the bandits and thundered:"The Tiger Brothers lie dead. Do you still cling to wickedness? Repent, or face my blade!"
The outlaws quailed, faces pale as ash. None dared to speak.
Wu Tong turned to the Feng brothers:"Lead your men. Strike the Tiger Stronghold now—wipe them out, root and branch, lest they rise again to plague the land."
The brothers clasped fists:"Your words are just. If we do not rid ourselves of this scourge, the innocent will never know peace."
Wu Tong's eyes narrowed. He pointed his blade toward the bandit ranks."You two—guide us to your stronghold. The rest of you, throw down your weapons and begone! Defy me, and you will share the Tigers' fate!"
The bandits, shaken with dread, cast down their blades and scattered like frightened dogs.
Li Qian, glancing at the corpses, frowned."Drag these bodies away and bury them. Let not wolves or dogs gnaw them, fouling the forest."The surviving bandits obeyed in trembling haste, interring their fallen chiefs.
With the rabble fled, Wu Tong turned, voice ringing:"Now is the time. We march and burn out this den of evil!"
"Agreed!" cried the Feng brothers. "Let us purge them this day and restore peace!"
The company's spirits soared. Along steep paths they pressed on. Within an hour they reached the stronghold.
The gates were barred, guards posted above. A captain called out:"Who dares trespass at Tiger Stronghold?"
Wu Tong only laughed coldly. In a blur, he vaulted the wall. Within breaths the guards lay subdued, and the rest, terrified, opened the gates. The company stormed inside, cutting down resistance, room by room clearing the den.
In a dilapidated shed, Liu Yun, Li Qian, and Zhao Rou found over a dozen women captives—ragged, trembling, stolen from their homes. Liu Yun hurried forward, soothing gently:"Fear not. Your tormentors are slain. You are free."Tears of relief streamed down the women's faces as they bowed in gratitude.
Meanwhile, the Feng brothers uncovered the hoard of plunder—five great chests of gold and silver."Wu Shaoxia," Feng Yun asked, "what shall be done with these riches?"
Wu Tong thought a moment:"These were stolen from the people. One chest shall remain here, to rebuild your village. The other four—deliver them to General Zhang Xun in Yongqiu, to aid the Tang armies in their defense."
Feng Yun bowed deeply."Your heart is with the people, your wisdom unmatched. We shall see it done."
Wu Tong then proclaimed:"This lair must be burned to ashes, lest evil rise again. Any objections?"
"Burn it!" the company roared.
Torches flew. Soon the stronghold was a sea of fire, towers crashing, flames consuming all. Under the bright moon the Tiger Den perished in smoke and cinders. The company turned their backs, hearts heavy yet proud, and marched homeward.
That evening, the Feng brothers welcomed Wu Tong and his companions into their hall."Mother," Feng Yun said respectfully, "we bring before you Wu Tong Shaoxia, and his three ladies."
Wu Tong and his wives bowed together."Junior Wu Tong, with my wives, pays respect to the venerable lady."
The old matron smiled kindly."Rise, rise. I have long heard of Wu Tong's name. Now, knowing you bear the mantle of Loyalty Hall, my heart rejoices. Without your aid today, our village might have perished."
Wu Tong bowed humbly."Madam overpraises. Without your sons' bravery, I could not have acted. This was only the duty of a wanderer of the jianghu—to draw the sword for the helpless."
The matron admired him all the more."Such valor, such modesty. Tonight, stay and be honored guests."
Thus they feasted, villagers thronging to thank their saviors. That night, Feng Village slept in peace once more, Wu Tong's name echoing brighter through the rivers and lakes.
Next morning, the Feng brothers led stout men bearing the four chests of treasure toward Yongqiu. Wu Tong journeyed with them.
Reaching Zhengzhou, they entered the town on foot, leading their horses. Carefree, they wandered the streets. Suddenly a voice rang out:"Brother Wu Tong!"
Turning, Wu Tong beheld the Nestorian Hierarch Aros. Joy lit his face."Lord Aros! Half a year has passed since we last parted!"
The foreign priest looked around at Wu Tong's companions and chuckled:"Wu Shaoxia, I see you now have two more fair ladies by your side!"
Wu Tong flushed with embarrassment."Indeed, much has happened. I have taken Zhao Rou as my wife, and these two, Liu Yun and Li Qian, are also my wives."He introduced them. The women nodded politely.
Aros, delighted, saw Wu Tong thriving, heroes' aura about him, beauties at his side. Smiling, he said:"Young Wu, hero among men—you are truly the favored of Heaven and the beloved of women alike."