Wu Tong stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the scene. He saw General Guo Xin, a rider from the cavalry, standing tall and imposing, exuding the sharp, battlefield-hardened aura of a seasoned warrior. Wu Tong immediately cupped his hands in salute and respectfully said, "Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, pays his respects to General Guo!"
Guo Xin, noticing Wu Tong's poised demeanor and the heroic air about him, returned the salute with a smile, saying, "Hall Master Wu, a minister of the imperial court, how could I accept such a grand gesture?" His tone was sincere, devoid of any arrogance.
Huo Xue Dan Xin Han Zhen, hearing their exchange, laughed heartily, saying, "Both of you are great heroes of the Tang Dynasty. Today's meeting is a momentous occasion—heroes respect heroes, and warriors honor warriors! Hall Master Wu, this is General Guo Xin, the nephew of the great General Guo Ziyi!"
Wu Tong was momentarily surprised, thinking to himself, "Truly, the offspring of a noble military family!" Guo Ziyi was a renowned general who had played a pivotal role in pacifying the An Lushan Rebellion and was celebrated throughout the empire. To now meet his successor, Wu Tong was filled with admiration. He cupped his hands and praised, "I have long heard of the esteemed General Guo Ziyi's reputation, his name echoing like thunder. Today, I finally meet General Guo, and indeed, you live up to the legendary status of your family!"
Guo Xin smiled modestly and replied, "Hall Master Wu, you flatter me! I only hope to live up to my family's legacy and not disgrace the name. I've also heard of your heroic deeds, and your reputation for upholding justice and helping the weak is well-known. It is truly an honor to meet you today."
As the two continued to converse, the heroes around them nodded in approval, thinking, "Today, the imperial court and the martial world stand side by side. This is a blessing for the Tang Dynasty!"
At that moment, the sun began to rise in the east, casting its first light upon the snow-covered battlefield. A gentle breeze blew across the land, bringing the chill of the morning. After a night of fierce fighting, the warriors were all weary. Zhao Ke, the King of Fire, noticed this and called out in a loud voice, "Heroes, after such a long battle, you must be tired. Our sect has prepared food for you. Please, rest and eat before we continue our journey."
The group, feeling the pangs of hunger, eagerly agreed. They sat down on the ground, enjoying the delicious meal prepared by the disciples of the Fire Sect—roast lamb, buttered bread, tea, and wine. The warriors chatted happily, discussing martial arts and tactics, and the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and joy.
Later that day, after a hearty meal and pleasant conversation, the heroes retired to their rooms to rest and recover their strength. General Guo Xin, after a period of rest, began organizing his soldiers. He bade farewell to everyone, mounted his horse, and left, disappearing into the snow-covered distance. That day, full of both exhilarating battle and joyful reunions, was over. Yet, the storm of conflict in the martial world had not subsided, and the future still held many uncertainties.
The next day, each of the heroes departed for their own destinations. Wu Tong and his companions prepared to part ways with the leaders of the Iron Fist Sect, including Song, the leader of the Iron Fist Sect, and Qiu Feng, the leader of the Phoenix Sect. Wu Tong addressed them with respect, "Elder Fei and the four great elders, Leader Qiu Feng, and Leader Xu from the Xu Zhou Sect—please take care. Our paths may cross again in the future." Elder Fei of the Beggar Sect responded, "Tong'er, the road ahead is fraught with danger. Stay safe." Everyone waved their goodbyes, mounted their horses, and left, with dust rising in their wake.
On the other side, King Arros of the Mani Sect also bid farewell to the Heavenly Mountain Nun. He said, "Master Hui Xin, may you have a safe journey. We will meet again when fate allows!" The Heavenly Mountain Nun, holding the little girl, was moved by his words and replied, "I have been a nun for many years, and the world of mortals feels like a passing dream. We shall each walk our own paths, and I will return to my Water Moon Temple on Heavenly Mountain." With that, she gently mounted her horse, and the reins clicked as she rode away, leaving the world of dust behind.
As the Tang Dynasty entered a golden era, appointments for officials of the fifth rank and higher required a decree from the emperor himself to be formalized. Therefore, Wu Tong's appointment as the 12th Hall Master of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall also needed an imperial edict. At this moment, Han Zhen walked in, holding an official order from the Ministry of Personnel, with a solemn expression. Having previously recommended Wu Tong for the position, he had secured the emperor's approval. Now, with the decree in hand, he unrolled the scroll and read aloud:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor's edict: The former Hall Master of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall, Han Zhen, has served the state loyally, and his term is now coming to an end. As for the future, the court must appoint a capable successor. Therefore, I, the Emperor, appoint Wu Tong of Lingnan, from the city of Guangzhou, as the new Hall Master of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall. As the Book of Documents says, 'Examine men by their abilities, and choose those worthy of the task.' Wu Tong is a hero of the age, bold and loyal, renowned for his deeds, and his reputation spreads across the land. He will continue in the role of ceremonial envoy, and his previous honors shall remain unchanged. This decree is issued on the 20th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the Decree of Great Virtue."
As Han Zhen handed over the decree, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion. He was pleased that the hall would continue under capable leadership, and grateful for the emperor's trust. Wu Tong, receiving the decree with both hands, noticed the official seal of the Ministry of Personnel and felt a deep sense of responsibility. He respectfully bowed and said, "I humbly accept the decree and am truly grateful for your trust, Master Han. I will not fail this responsibility and will dedicate my life to the glory of the Loyalty and Righteousness Hall!"
Yang Mi, witnessing the moment, sighed with admiration, "As the ancients say, 'Blue is taken from the indigo plant, yet is bluer than the plant; ice is made from water, yet colder than water.' Hall Master Wu, your bravery and sacrifice in the battle against the Tibetans truly make you an unparalleled hero. You are indeed a gem recognized by Master Han's wise eyes!"
Han Zhen nodded approvingly and said, "Since Wu Tong has now taken office as the Hall Master, he must take the decree and go to Lingwu to meet the emperor, fulfilling his duties as a subject."
Wu Tong, his expression serious, cupped his hands and replied, "As you command!"
At this moment, Yang Mi's gaze turned distant, and she spoke lightly, "Since you have assumed the duties of Hall Master, we shall return to the martial world. If fate allows, we will meet again someday." Zhao Rou suddenly asked, "Masters, where are you going? May we visit?" Han Zhen laughed heartily and said, "It's not a problem. If you don't mind, you may accompany us."
The group happily agreed, and together with King Arros of the Mani Sect, King Zhao Ke of the Fire Sect, and Master Li Rui of the Mani Sect, they all bid each other farewell. The three kings saw them off for a distance, and after several miles, they parted ways. The group rode off, with the setting sun casting their shadows as they journeyed onward.
The poem goes:
The enemy stirs the dust, the mountains bend in shadow,
A hero rises in the world, facing the heavens below.
With grace unmatched, a legend in the making,
In his heart, pride and honor forever awakening.
The group set off with Han Zhen and his wife, traveling for several days. On this day, the couple changed into the attire of a distinguished couple. They arrived at a place just over ten miles from the county town, located by a mountain slope. There, they found a beautiful estate nestled between the mountains and a stream, a paradise far from the mundane world. The estate featured a large building with a prominent plaque on the door that read "Loyalty and Righteousness Hall."
As the sun hung low over the mountains and the weary birds returned to their nests, the group entered the estate. The housekeeper, upon seeing them, greeted them joyfully, saying, "Master and Madam, you have returned? It's been nearly a year since you last came home, we were truly worried!" Han Zhen smiled and replied, "Wang, this journey to Guangzhou in Lingnan was long and arduous. But this is the last business venture for me. From now on, I shall no longer travel far and will remain here to enjoy my old age. If there are any guests, prepare a banquet for them." The housekeeper responded, "Congratulations, Master and Madam!" He paused for a moment before calling out, "Prepare the grand feast!" A voice from inside the house then called out, "Prepare the grand feast!"
The group entered the estate, which was vast, with a pebble path leading to various parts of the garden, including the rockeries and guest rooms. Although Wu Tong came from a wealthy family, he was still amazed by the surroundings. Each person was in awe. The estate was surrounded by plum trees, with strange rocks, slender bamboo, and slanting pines. The gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers, and the garden was filled with numerous exotic plants. The natural landscaping created a serene and magical atmosphere, almost like a fairyland, leaving everyone mesmerized.
Li Qian could not help but express with delight, "This retreat of yours, esteemed seniors, is so quiet and elegant, like a dream, like a paradise on earth. It's truly a place where one would never wish to leave."