Fei Jin said, "Four Elders, judging from the current situation, heroes from every corner of the martial world are rising one after another. Our newly appointed Beggars' Sect Chief still lacks sufficient internal strength. Jiang Feng, did you bring the tiger bone wine?"
Jiang Feng replied, "Reporting to Chief, I did."
Fei Jin continued, "Qian He, did you bring the bear bone wine?"
Qian He answered, "Reporting to Chief, I did."
The two jars of medicinal wine had been painstakingly brewed more than ten years earlier by the legendary Tiger-Slaying Hero of Phoenix Mountain. They had originally been presented as birthday gifts by Daoist Master White Brow and Master Zhenkong during the former Beggars' Sect Chief's birthday banquet. The tiger bone wine had been infused with numerous rare medicinal herbs and aged for over ten years. When consumed by a martial artist, it could increase one's internal power by more than a decade. The bear bone wine possessed similarly remarkable effects and was by no means inferior to the tiger bone wine.
Fei Jin said, "Let Lu Rou drink the bear bone wine first."
Moments later, Qian He brought out the jar of bear bone wine.
Fei Jin said, "Lu Rou, drink it."
Qian He uncorked the jar, and an intoxicating aroma immediately filled the air. Lu Rou raised the wine jar and gulped it down in great mouthfuls. Before long, he had drained every last drop.
Jiang Feng asked, "Chief, shall we let him drink the tiger bone wine as well?"
Fei Jin shook his head.
"The tiger bone wine is extremely potent. The bear bone wine alone is enough for today. After you return, meditate and regulate your breathing so that your body can properly absorb its medicinal effects. Understood?"
"Yes, Chief. Thank you," Lu Rou replied gratefully.
Fei Jin continued, "Tomorrow you'll accompany us. Have someone take over your branch headquarters before you leave, and get some rest tonight."
"Yes, Chief," Lu Rou answered.
The following day, Lu Rou arranged for another disciple to take over the management of the local branch. The beggars of the branch still knew nothing about his appointment as the next Beggars' Sect Chief.
Turning to a beggar of about the same age, Lu Rou said, "Che Lun, I'm accompanying Chief Fei and the others to reinforce the Fire Worship Sect. From today onward, you'll serve as the Branch Chief here."
Most members of the Beggars' Sect came from the poorest and least educated classes of society, and their names were often crude and unimaginative. The current Chief was named Lu Rou ("Braised Pork"), while the man succeeding him as Branch Chief was called Che Lun ("Wheel"), names that would have sounded almost absurd to outsiders.
One beggar exclaimed, "Lu Rou must have been promoted!"
Another chimed in, "He must be taking charge of a branch in one of the big cities!"
A third disciple, however, looked horrified.
"How can Che Lun become Branch Chief? Branch Chiefs are appointed by the Sect Chief himself! How can you presume to exercise the Chief's authority?"
Hearing this, the surrounding beggars all realized that Lu Rou's words had indeed crossed the boundaries of proper protocol. In ancient times, rank and etiquette were strictly observed, and any act of overstepping one's authority could even invite death.
Just then, Fei Jin and the Four Elders emerged.
Elder Song Ren announced, "Last night, Former Chief Fei officially passed the position of Sect Chief to Branch Chief Lu Rou."
Qian He added, "From now on, you should address him as Chief Lu Rou."
The moment those words were spoken, understanding immediately dawned upon the gathered beggars. They all dropped to one knee, cupped their fists respectfully, and said in unison,
"Greetings, Chief. We were blind and failed to recognize our new leader. We beg your forgiveness."
Lu Rou quickly replied,
"Brothers, please rise."
Fei Jin stepped forward, patted Lu Rou on the shoulder, then addressed the gathered disciples.
"Brothers of the Beggars' Sect, this old beggar is advancing in years. If misfortune should claim my life one day, the sect would be left leaderless. That would be disastrous. Therefore, last night I formally passed the position of Sect Chief to Lu Rou. From this day onward, he is the next Chief of the Beggars' Sect. However, since we must immediately travel to Lingzhou to reinforce the Fire Worship Sect, his inauguration ceremony will have to be postponed to another day."
Although Lu Rou had not yet officially assumed office, according to the traditions of the Beggars' Sect, an auspicious date first had to be selected. Notices would then be sent to all major sects and martial arts schools before a grand inauguration ceremony could be held to announce the new Sect Chief to the entire jianghu. After all, the Chief of the Beggars' Sect held immense authority and prestige. Only such a magnificent ceremony could properly demonstrate the dignity and influence of the greatest sect under heaven.
The two disciples of the Fire Worship Sect, who had come to request reinforcements, could not help feeling increasingly anxious. Lingzhou was in imminent danger, and they still did not know whether the various sects would arrive in time. Their hearts burned with worry.
One of them called out loudly,
"Heroes, our Fire Worship Sect is facing a great calamity. Reinforcements are needed as urgently as men rushing to extinguish a fire. Every moment counts."
Jiang Feng then reminded everyone,
"Chief, the two disciples from the Fire Worship Sect are still waiting for us."
Fei Jin burst into hearty laughter and patted Lu Rou on the shoulder once more.
"Good lad. Since everything that needed to be said has been said, let's set out. We mustn't keep our friends from the Fire Worship Sect waiting."
Turning toward Jiang Feng, he ordered,
"Let's go."
The beggars all waved farewell. Lu Rou had lived at the branch headquarters for more than two years and had formed deep bonds with his fellow disciples. He embraced them one by one before departing.
Che Lun said emotionally,
"Brother Lu Rou... no, Chief... may your journey bring you great success. And when we meet again, may nothing between us have changed."
Lu Rou and Che Lun had sworn brotherhood years before. Every day they had risen before dawn to practice martial arts together, begged for food side by side, defended themselves against bullies, and fought shoulder to shoulder. Che Lun was naturally overjoyed to see his sworn brother become the next Chief of the Beggars' Sect. Yet before they had the chance to celebrate, fate was already sending Lu Rou on a distant journey.
Deeply moved, Lu Rou clasped Che Lun's hands firmly.
"Brother Che Lun, continue practicing diligently. One day, you too will accomplish great things."
Both men were sincere and passionate members of the Beggars' Sect, and the depth of their brotherhood required no further words.
Afterward, the group purchased horses in the nearby town and immediately set off at full gallop toward Lingzhou, leaving a cloud of dust behind them.
Located in the northwestern frontier, Lingzhou—also known as Lingwu—was one of the Tang Empire's most important border strongholds. Its strategic value was immense. Situated on fertile plains, it was bordered by the Yin Mountains to the north and the Helan Mountains to the west. Blessed with rich soil, abundant water, and plentiful natural resources, the region had long been celebrated as the "Land of Fish and Rice Beyond the Great Wall."
During the An Lushan Rebellion, after Emperor Xuanzong fled to Chengdu, the Military Governor of Shuofang welcomed Crown Prince Li Heng to Lingwu, where the prince ascended the throne at the South Tower of the prefectural city, becoming Emperor Suzong of Tang.