Daoist Master White-Brow and Master Zhenkong both knew that Wu Tong was no ordinary man, yet when they saw him casually take out two hundred taels, they were still astonished. They thought to themselves: This young man, elegant and heroic in bearing, has changed greatly in just a few months. His demeanor is entirely different from before—every gesture now resembles that of a high-ranking court official.
Everyone then sat down around the table. Although Daoist Master Danyang was a man of strange talents, never before had he seen such a generous patron. At once, he brewed the finest tea and said:"I am Daoist Danyang. To have the Loyal and Righteous Hall's leader visit this humble temple is a great honor indeed."
Wu Tong, calm and composed, replied with poise:"I was recommended by the former hall leader Han Zhen and entered the court's service. By fortune, I was granted an official post and appointed the twelfth leader of the Loyal and Righteous Hall. By imperial command, I now travel among the common people. To meet today with Daoist Master White-Brow and Master Zhenkong is an unexpected joy."
Daoist Master Danyang said warmly:"Hall Leader Wu, your presence radiates heroism. There's no need for modesty. Come, let us share this fine tea together."
With that, the group drank. The tea was sweet and fragrant.
Master Zhenkong laughed loudly:"Good tea! Such good tea! I've come with White-Brow to this temple many times, yet never drank anything like this. Old Daoist, why do you treat Hall Leader Wu so much better than us?"
Master Zhenkong, being straightforward and often quarreling with the Daoist, spoke so bluntly that Daoist Danyang felt rather embarrassed.
Zhao Rou quickly interjected:"He is a guest from afar. You two come often—how could you expect to drink rare tea every time?"
Daoist Master White-Brow added:"True, true. We often come and eat and drink for free. How could we understand the hardships of maintaining a temple?"
Daoist Danyang sighed:"An Lushan's rebellion has raged for more than a year now. The people are suffering, and every temple and monastery struggles to survive."
All knew this was true, and silence fell.
Daoist Danyang sipped his tea and said:"The world is in chaos. The people wander homeless, struggling to survive. How can they still afford offerings for temples? Even this small temple has suffered from shortages of grain, and we barely scrape by."
Daoist Master White-Brow stroked his beard:"Indeed. The martial world is not what it once was. Many sects hide away, and even temples cannot escape hardship. I have traveled widely, and everywhere I hear the people's cries—it breaks the heart."
For once, Master Zhenkong did not argue. He nodded solemnly:"Hmph! Though I dislike agreeing with this Daoist, his words are true. In such times, survival itself is difficult. Temples lack incense, monks and Daoists scatter, many forced to abandon their vows. This is not something we alone can change."
Wu Tong set down his cup and said steadily:"Master speaks truth. Yet it is precisely because of this turmoil that the Loyal and Righteous Hall must act. Though we arose from the martial world, we now bear the duty of protecting the people. If we can grant them even a single day of peace, we must give our utmost."
His words carried quiet but unwavering force, stirring the hearts of all present.
Daoist Danyang nodded with deep approval:"Hall Leader Wu, with such resolve, you are a pillar of the realm. I respect you greatly."
He poured more tea for all, saying sincerely:"Let this fine tea today serve as a prayer for the people. May the chaos soon end, and peace return to the Tang realm."
Zhao Rou smiled softly:"Indeed. In such troubled times, to sit here sharing tea is already a rare blessing. Let us take this tea as an offering of hope—for the people and for peace."
Daoist Master White-Brow chuckled:"Well spoken, girl. Then I too shall drink without restraint."
He drained his cup. Master Zhenkong snorted but followed suit:"Since this tea is for the people, I'll not bicker with this Daoist today."
All laughed, easing the solemn air.
Daoist Danyang said:"Good, good. Fate has gathered us here today. As kindred spirits, let us pledge that whenever we can act for the people, we shall not hesitate."
He turned to Wu Tong with earnest eyes.
Wu Tong nodded firmly:"Rest assured, Master. Wu Tong shall devote himself fully and live up to the name of Loyal and Righteous Hall."
He raised his cup, and the others followed. The tea's fragrance lingered, each heart stirred with unspoken thoughts.
At this moment, Daoist Master White-Brow said:"The Heavenly Lord Sect's leader and the Black Dragon Sect's chief, Murong Gui, have clashed for long. Their forces will surely meet in battle. Yet, there is another great matter now stirring in the martial world."
Zhao Rou asked:"What great matter?"
Master Zhenkong replied:"Two mysterious sects—the Jiuxiao Palace and the True God Palace—are locked in fierce conflict. Their disciples slaughter each other. The True God Palace's chief, Tuoba Xingge, had his martial manual stolen by the Jiuxiao Palace's leader, Long Zhentian. In return, Tuoba Xingge's men seized Long Zhentian's Tibetan snow lotus. Their feud has grown bitter. Now, Tuoba Xingge has requested the Judgment Sect to preside as arbiters over a duel. The duel is set for the twenty-eighth day of the third month, at Huangshan Temple."
Daoist Danyang exclaimed:"Why choose Huangshan Temple? Such a matter must be reported to Abbot Danqing!"
Daoist Master White-Brow sighed:"As wandering hermits, we bring word of this to the Daoist master."
Zhao Rou suddenly smiled:"This is wonderful news for Huangshan Temple!"
Everyone was astonished. Even Wu Tong was puzzled.
Master Zhenkong asked anxiously:"Girl, how can this be wonderful?"
Zhao Rou's eyes sparkled with mischief as she explained:"Yesterday, passing by the Imperial Concubine's tomb, I saw countless visitors. A certain old woman in Xianyang had found one of the Lady's embroidered shoes. She charges one hundred coins for each viewing, and people flock to see it. They say she has grown rich!"
Daoist Master White-Brow frowned:"Is this right?"
Daoist Danyang, however, brightened:"The girl speaks true! Huangshan Temple struggles to survive. Many Daoists have already left in search of livelihood."
Master Zhenkong sighed:"If monks have no rice, they must disrobe!"
Daoist Danyang, now resolute, declared:"Then it is decided! Anyone who wishes to watch the duel at Huangshan Temple must pay one hundred coins. Tomorrow, I shall report this to Abbot Danqing."
Wu Tong shook his head with a wry smile:"A desperate measure indeed."
Zhao Rou laughed:"Since Jiuxiao Palace and True God Palace insist on fighting here, and the temple cannot stop them, why not turn misfortune into profit?"
Wu Tong replied:"Very well. Since I know the Judgment Sect, I will inform them. I believe they too will agree."
Daoist Master White-Brow nodded slowly:"A compromise born of necessity—yet perhaps the best way."
He quoted from the Book of Rites:
"The Way of wealth lies in balance: if many create wealth but few consume it, if work is swift but use is slow, wealth will always suffice."
Then he recited:
Visiting sacred peaks to seek the Way,On narrow paths, friends by chance we meet.Hardship of keeping halls, what can we say?With clever plans, all hearts agree.
The next morning, Daoist Danyang reported everything to Abbot Danqing. At breakfast, all gathered in the hall, dining simply on porridge, vegetables, and tofu. Entering with a pleased expression, Daoist Danyang frowned slightly as he addressed them:
"Friends, the girl's idea has been approved by the abbot and all temple heads. It is settled. Yet, we still need your help."
Daoist Master White-Brow said at once:"What is needed? This old Daoist will lend his hand!"
Daoist Danyang replied:"Daoist Master White-Brow, Master Zhenkong, we need you two to guard the entrance. Otherwise, some may try to force their way in without paying."
Master Zhenkong said confidently:"A simple task. Leave it to us. Any who refuse to pay and try to break in shall answer to us!"
Then Daoist Danyang turned to Wu Tong:"Since you are acquainted with the Judgment Sect, Hall Leader Wu, may I trouble you to inform them of this arrangement?"