In the desolate wilderness, the cold wind howled. A waning moon hung high at the edge of the sky, casting a faint silver glow upon the earth. The life-and-death struggle just moments ago had ended—three villains lay dead, their blood not yet fully soaked into the soil. Amid the stillness lingered the memory of flashing blades, whistling steel, and the iron scent of blood.
After a short while, one of Wu Tong's men hurried over, cupping his fists in salute."Master Wu," he reported, "we found five hundred taels in banknotes, twenty taels in silver, and two tokens on the bodies."He held them out with both hands.
Wu Tong took them, his gaze settling on the tokens. In the dim firelight, he saw the front of each bore the characters Tian Zun—"Heavenly Venerable." The backs were engraved separately with the titles Xuan Zun Zhe ("Profound Venerable One") and Huang Zun Zhe ("Yellow Venerable One"). His brow furrowed slightly. So…the Jiaoling Twin Demons were tied to someone called 'Venerable'? Could this matter run deeper?
He kept his expression neutral, thought for a moment, and quietly slipped the tokens away.
Turning, he swept his gaze across the scene. "Bury the three here. Say nothing of this."At once, the men began digging. Shovelful by shovelful, the soil rose and fell, covering the corpses. The earth was tamped flat again, as though nothing had ever happened.
When all was done, they returned to Wu Tong. One man saluted."Master Wu, the bodies are buried. Shall we leave?"
Wu Tong considered, then unfolded the banknotes, seeing each was in fifty-tael denominations. He looked at the faces before him—some of these men had committed wrongs, some were wanderers of the underworld—but now all stood at a crossroads.
"You have all seen it today," he said steadily, his voice ringing in the cold air. "Those who do evil meet an evil end. Life is uncertain. In this world, the only treasure worth keeping is a clear conscience. These silver notes come from the three we just buried. Each of you will take fifty taels. I ask only this—wash your hands clean, turn from wrongdoing, and do not walk the path of crime again. Only by reforming yourselves can you find true peace."
He handed the notes out himself, fifty taels each. The men received them in silence—some with gratitude, some in deep thought, others with a strange sense of release. At last, one stepped forward and bowed low."Thank you for your teaching, Master Wu. We understand."
The rest echoed their thanks. Then they drifted away, one by one, their figures swallowed by the vast night.
Wu Tong watched them go, sighing inwardly. There is no evil that is absolute; only chance and choice. He glanced down at the tokens in his palm, his gaze deepening. This "Heavenly Venerable" and the "Venerable Ones"… there was more to be uncovered.
✶ ✶ ✶
Back at the Wu residence, the grand hall glowed with warmth. Servants moved in an orderly rhythm, the fragrance of tea curling in the air. Outside, the night was still, lanterns hanging along the corridors, casting a golden light upon the opulent architecture.
Just as Wu Tong stepped over the threshold, the steward's voice rang out:"Madam, the young master has returned!"
Moments later, Wu Tong strode into the hall. In the place of honor sat his mother. He bowed respectfully, hands clasped."Mother, your son greets you."
Madam Wu, nearing fifty yet still well-kept and dignified, smiled with relief to see him safe."Tonger," she asked with gentle concern, "why has this trip kept you so long?"
Wu Tong smiled faintly. "I met a wandering master of the martial world along the way. That delayed me."
She nodded. "If that is the case, I will not press. Some days ago, I spoke with Master Li about marriage. His daughter is both beautiful and accomplished, well-bred and virtuous. The Lis wish to offer her to you in marriage—an equal match in every way. What say you?"
Wu Tong's brows drew together. My heart lies in the jianghu, upholding justice—how can I bind myself to a household by marriage?
Aloud, he said firmly, "Mother, this is not a good idea. I have matters of great importance still ahead. Tonight, I must discuss them with you and Father."
Though she was reluctant, Madam Wu nodded. "Very well. We will set it aside for now."
Then, as if recalling something, she added, "Oh, Tonger, do you remember the young girl you saved? Two days ago she came to the manor, wishing to repay you for burying her father. Why did you never mention this?"
Wu Tong's tone was casual. "It was nothing worth mentioning."
"Helping others is a good deed," she said warmly. "But this girl insists on not accepting your two hundred taels for nothing. She vowed to serve as a bondmaid for three years as thanks. I could not dissuade her, so I took her in to help with the household. She works diligently and can read and write. Her father was a poor scholar who died without achieving fame—a pitiful fate."
Wu Tong nodded. "If that is your wish, then let her serve you for three years."
Bowing, he added, "I'll retire to wash up. We'll speak later tonight."He turned and left before his mother could reply. She watched him go, sighing softly.
✶ ✶ ✶
The next morning, Wu Tong entered the hall to greet his parents as usual. Just as he was about to take his leave, Zhao Rou stepped in. Her face was composed, yet her eyes shone with gratitude.
She came before him, and suddenly dropped to her knees, pressing her hands to the floor and bowing low."Master Wu," she said softly but firmly, "this humble girl, Zhao Rou, thanks you for the kindness of burying my father."
Wu Tong was startled. He quickly reached out to lift her."Miss Zhao, please rise—such ceremony is more than I deserve."
As he extended his hand, she lifted her head, and their eyes met. For an instant, time itself seemed to still. The world faded away; only her gaze remained clear and close.
A sudden tremor stirred in Wu Tong's chest. His cheeks warmed, and he found himself at a loss. "This was but a knight's duty," he murmured. "Any man of honor would have done the same."
Her eyes glimmered with gratitude and a faint shyness. Rising gracefully, she said softly, "Your kindness, young master, will be remembered all my life."
All this Madam Wu watched in silence, the corners of her lips curving. She spoke with a gentle smile, her tone tinged with teasing affection."Rou'er, now that you've expressed your thanks, off you go—you'll only make the young master uneasy."
Zhao Rou's cheeks flushed. She bowed to all three, then withdrew, her steps light, though a trace of bashfulness and reluctance lingered.
Wu Tong watched her departing figure, a strange stirring in his heart—as though a seed had just been planted. Madam Wu saw it too, her smile deepening, her mind already at work.