Wu Tong was startled. "Master, though I have met with such fortune, martial skill is built over years. How could I, in half a day, reach the level you have cultivated for decades?"
The White Cloud Immortal pondered for a moment. "Aside from drinking and receiving instruction from that master, did you eat or take anything else?"
Wu Tong thought carefully. Could it have been the aged Shaoxing wine? But apart from the wine and some dried beef—then suddenly it struck him. Before they parted, "Fearless" Lü Qiang had reached into his robe and produced a small pellet. 'Young brother, the aged Zhuangyuan Hong is strong in its after-effect—here, take this sobering pill.' Though Wu Tong could hold his liquor, he had drunk heavily that day and already felt a dull ache in his head. Accepting it with thanks, he swallowed it at once. Lü Qiang had smiled in satisfaction.
"That master gave me a sobering pill," Wu Tong said now. "I swallowed it on the spot. Could it have been that?"
The White Cloud Immortal nodded. "Heaven places a great responsibility on your shoulders. To meet such a man in our age, to be given a peerless art and a rare pill—such fortune is no light thing. There is no merit without service. This man holds you in high regard. Did he say anything to you?"
Wu Tong recalled. "He said, 'Young brother, you and I are bound by fate. The jianghu is a road of thorns—be cautious at every step. I will teach you the Eight Cloud Hands; learn it well. No matter how strong your opponent, you will have the means to protect yourself.'"
The White Cloud Immortal nodded again. "That is it. You met a great master, received his guidance and tempering, and your skill has grown. If you one day achieve renown, you will not have failed his expectations." He knew Lü Qiang hoped that Wu Tong, when roaming the jianghu, would uphold justice and aid the weak.
But Wu Tong, seeing the shadow in his master's expression, asked, "Master, to walk the jianghu, uphold justice, and protect the weak—this is the very essence of xia yi. Why then do you look so troubled?"
The Immortal's brows remained furrowed. "This is no small matter. Do your parents know of this?"
Wu Tong was taken aback, struck silent. He could not answer. The Immortal sighed. "It grows late. Sleep for now. This must be considered carefully—speak with your family before deciding."
Wu Tong felt a swirl of emotions. He understood his master's worry and the burden now resting on his shoulders. Bowing, he said solemnly, "Master, I understand your heart. Whatever lies ahead, I will remember your teaching—to act with chivalry, protect the weak, and never fail the trust you and Elder Lü have placed in me."
The Immortal was both comforted and pensive. Rising, he moved to the window, gazing at the drifting clouds beyond. "Tong'er, the roads of the jianghu are long, and men's hearts are hard to read. If you walk this path, remember—'The great knight serves the nation and the people.' Never lose your true heart for the sake of a moment's passion."
Wu Tong bowed deeply. "Your teaching will remain in my heart."
"Go, rest well. We will speak further tomorrow."
Wu Tong left the temple, the night wind on his face, stars scattered across the heavens. Looking up, he felt both expectation and responsibility. He knew that from this moment, his journey through the jianghu would not be an ordinary one.
✶ ✶ ✶
The next day, Wu Tong took his leave of the White Cloud Immortal, setting out into the world. His master reminded him that this was no small matter and urged him to consult his family before deciding. Though Wu Tong's heart was already set, he chose to honor the advice and return home first.
He rode back to Guangzhou, returned his horse to the post station, and began walking through the bustling streets toward his house. As he passed through a lively lane, a sharp voice rang out: "That's him!" The tone was laced with malice and glee.
Wu Tong's brow furrowed. Looking ahead, he saw a group striding toward him with hostile intent. At their head was none other than Liu Bao, the local bully he had humbled days before. A wicked smile curved Liu Bao's lips, his eyes glittering with vengeance. "Wu Tong, today you're dead!"
Wu Tong's expression stayed calm, his voice cold. "Little rat, itching for a beating? Show me what you've got."
Liu Bao sneered. "Too many people here in the city. Why don't we settle this outside the walls?"
Wu Tong's eyes narrowed. He knew there was trickery afoot. "Your three-legged-cat kung fu isn't worth the trouble—so you must have found help."
Liu Bao only grinned wider. "What's the matter, hero—afraid?"
Anger flared in Wu Tong, though his face remained composed. I haven't yet tested the techniques Lü Qiang taught me, he thought. Whatever help he's found, this is the perfect chance to try them. He snorted. "If I were afraid, I wouldn't be Wu Tong!"
Liu Bao's confidence swelled. "Good! We'll wait for you at the Forget-Return Pavilion outside the west gate. Don't you dare not show up!" With a wave, he led his men away.
Wu Tong watched them go, fearless. Straightening his robe, he strode toward the city gate.
When he reached the Forget-Return Pavilion, the place was empty save for the whispering wind and swaying trees. He called out, "Wu Tong is here—if you've got courage, come out!"
A burst of laughter echoed, followed by the rush of cloth through air. Two figures leapt from the shadows to land before him. One was tall and broad-shouldered, his face cruel; the other was lean as a monkey, his eyes darting slyly.
The tall one laughed. "Nameless whelp, bold as the sky, to come here alone!"
Wu Tong's voice was cool. "Where's that little rat Liu Bao? Hiding already?"
From the darkness, Liu Bao emerged, smiling with venom. "Wu Tong, the day you strutted with your fan, I let you live. Today, here outside the city, I'll cut you to pieces and be done with you. This will be your grave."
Wu Tong laughed, mocking. "I spared you once, but you learned nothing. You've already chosen your grave—speak your last words quickly, before I lose patience."
Liu Bao's face twisted in rage. "Jiaoling Twin Demons! This man is arrogant beyond reason. I've paid you handsomely—don't let me down!"
The tall one sneered. "Rest easy, Liu Bao. We've taken your silver. This boy will not live past today."
Wu Tong's expression did not change. He gathered his qi, ready for the fight. He knew—this would be his first true test in the jianghu. And he would not back down.