To their surprise, the martial gathering at Huangshan Palace had drawn the rivalry of many factions. At that moment, Wu Tong and his companion, together with Beggar Sect Leader Fei Jin, stepped forward from the crowd.
Fei Jin spoke aloud,"Everyone, today's contest ends here. Let the drums cease and the troops withdraw! If any wish to test their ultimate skills, we may do so another day."
Speaking with righteous candor, Fei Jin showed no favoritism toward any faction, maintaining fairness and impartiality.
Murong Gui, hearing this, immediately replied,"Leader Fei speaks wisely. The Black Dragon Sect is not ignorant of Jianghu etiquette. I had no intention of fighting—yet the Nine Heavens Palace pressed too aggressively. I was left with no choice but to act."
Long Zhentian's carefully laid plans had been utterly disrupted. Already injured, he burned with anger, yet found himself unable to speak.
Wu Tong then said,"Today, five masters of unparalleled skill have displayed their arts, giving us all a spectacle worthy of this grand gathering. It has not been in vain that heroes from every corner have come together, fortunate indeed to witness such brilliance."
Liu Yun added with a smile,"It is said that shared joy surpasses solitary pleasure. Since heroes from all paths wish to demonstrate their abilities, why not set a time and place, gather the finest fighters, and hold a grand martial tournament? In this way, heroes may meet through combat—would that not be most delightful?"
Tuoba Xingge, True Lord of the True Divine Palace, having recovered somewhat, stepped forward.
"Well said, Madam Wu. We are all people of the Jianghu—none willing to yield to another. Let us settle it in the arena and decide who is truly worthy!"
Beggar Sect Leader Fei Jin burst into laughter.
"Excellent! Excellent! Since all are willing, why not have Cui Fujun choose a date and organize a grand martial assembly? This would be a great event for the Jianghu!"
Cui Fujun, Chief Judge of the Jianghu, raised his voice:
"Leader Fei's proposal is most fitting. What do you all think?"
He swept his gaze across the crowd. Tuoba Xingge, Long Zhentian, Huangfu Song, Chen Jinfeng, and Murong Gui—all silently agreed, nodding in approval.
Cui Fujun then declared loudly:
"Very well. From this day forward, the Judge's Guild shall begin preparations for a grand martial assembly. Invitations will be sent in due course. Thank you all for your enthusiastic participation today—until we meet again at the great assembly!"
One by one, the assembled heroes cupped their fists in farewell and departed.
At that moment, two figures stepped out from the crowd—
They were none other than the Heavenly Venerable Ding Ren and the Earthly Venerable Wei An.
Liu Yun, upon seeing them, was startled.
"Heavenly Venerable! Earthly Venerable! What brings you here?"
Both men bowed respectfully.
"Miss!"
Ding Ren stepped forward, holding an invitation, and addressed Beggar Sect Leader Fei Jin with courtesy:
"Leader Fei, our sect will host the fiftieth birthday celebration of our Sect Master, Liu Xuan, next month. We respectfully invite you and the four elders of the Beggar Sect to attend."
Fei Jin exclaimed,
"At fifty, one comes to know the Mandate of Heaven! Sect Master Liu's fiftieth birthday is indeed a joyous occasion. The Beggar Sect shall certainly attend!"
Wu Tong asked shyly,"I must apologize—I do not even know when my father-in-law's birthday is."
Wei An replied kindly,"No offense taken, Hall Master Wu. No offense."
Ding Ren added,"The celebration will be held on the twenty-fifth day of the fifth month."
Hearing this, Liu Yun was struck with sorrow. Having not seen her father for years, she had not even known the date of his birthday. Tears streamed down her face.
"I, an unfilial daughter, am truly ashamed…"
Wu Tong comforted her gently.
"In recent years, your father and Leader Fei have rendered great service to the court in organizing the righteous army. They deserve honor and reward. I shall memorialize the throne—the Emperor will surely bestow plaques of honor. This birthday banquet must be held in grand splendor."
Fei Jin chuckled.
"You two are so filial it moves Heaven itself. But this old beggar is starving! The day grows late—let us find an inn and fill our bellies!"
Thus, Wu Tong and his party descended from Huangshan Palace, found an inn, and feasted heartily before taking lodging for the night. The next day, they parted ways, agreeing to reunite later for the birthday celebration.
After returning to the official residence in Chang'an and resting for several days, Wu Tong entered the imperial court to report.
He spoke passionately of the righteous army's great contributions. Sect Master Liu Xuan of the Heavenly Venerable Sect, as alliance leader, and Beggar Sect Leader Fei Jin, as deputy leader, had rendered outstanding service and deserved reward.
The Emperor, greatly pleased, immediately ordered Eunuch Li to issue an imperial decree:
Both Liu Xuan and Fei Jin were to be awarded a thousand taels of gold each, along with honorary plaques.
Wu Tong knelt in gratitude.
Using his father-in-law's birthday as reason, Wu Tong requested leave from the Emperor. The request was granted, and an imperial plaque was also bestowed for the celebration.
Wu Tong said,
"Your Majesty's grace is boundless. I have no means to repay it."
The Emperor replied,
"Recently, my aunt sent rich gifts from Mount Hua. I have prepared return gifts—deliver them on my behalf."
Wu Tong bowed in thanks and withdrew from the palace.
The next day, a small contingent of Tang soldiers arrived with the imperial gifts for Princess Yuzhen. Wu Tong and Ling Xian'er mounted their horses and set out toward Mount Hua.
Along the official road, dust suddenly rose in great clouds, whipped by the wind. Before long, a large group blocked their path.
At their head stood a burly man of about forty, with thick brows and a powerful build.
He raised his voice and shouted:
"I am the King of Ox-Head Mountain! Leave your valuables behind—or do not expect to pass!"
A storm was about to break once more.