In a blur of motion, blades clashed and sparks flew. A sudden cry tore through the din—"Ah!"—as blood sprayed into the air. The South Heaven King, Hong Qi, staggered and fell, his severed left arm spinning away. All eyes turned; there stood Wu Tong, long sword in hand, its tip stained crimson. With a deft twist of the wrist, his blade coiled like a spirit serpent, wrenching Hong Qi's weapon from his grasp and sending it spinning away. In the same breath, Wu Tong leveled his sword at Hong Qi's throat, his gaze cold and unyielding, pinning down the once-arrogant warlord.
Though grievously wounded, Hong Qi still lifted his chin, his voice ringing out:"Kill me or cut me down as you please! Hong Qi has roamed the jianghu for years and never once feared death!"His words trembled with pain, yet held the unbending pride of a man who refused to bow.
Wu Tong's eyes softened for but a moment. He understood such men—heroes of the martial world who would sooner die in battle than live in shame. Sheathing his sword, he said coldly,"I do not kill needlessly. Those who kill invite death; those who show mercy earn it in return. Go. And guard your path well in days to come."
A flicker of complexity passed through Hong Qi's eyes. Supported by his men, he rose slowly and limped away. His figure was battered, his steps uneven—yet his back remained as straight as a pine, a silent proclamation that though defeated, his spirit was unbroken.
At that moment, Zhao Rou and Liu Yun approached with the Heaven Sovereigns, Ding Ren and Wei An. They bowed with clasped fists."I am Liu Yun of the Heaven Sovereign Sect. These are the Heaven Sovereigns, Ding Ren and Wei An. We thank you, young hero, for saving our lives. Without your aid, we might not have survived this day."
Wu Tong returned the salute with humility."It was but an act of chivalry. In the jianghu, we should aid one another."Inwardly, he felt a quiet joy—his first true intervention in the martial world had won him the acquaintance of such formidable allies. He could not help but feel a surge of anticipation for the days ahead.
Ding Ren laughed heartily."Today we have witnessed your skill and bearing—it is our fortune indeed! Why not join us at the tavern, where we may drink and talk at leisure?"
Ever one to embrace camaraderie, Wu Tong readily agreed."Gladly! Lead the way."
The group made their way to a sizable inn in town. The sun hung low, bathing the sky in fiery crimson, the warm light painting their faces as they climbed to a window-side table on the second floor.
A waiter bustled over. "Honored guests, what will you have?"
Liu Yun smiled and turned to Wu Tong and Zhao Rou."Gentlemen, what shall we order? Please, speak freely—we will host you well today."
Zhao Rou glanced toward Wu Tong with a respectful tone."I'll follow Wu Gongzi's choice."
Her consideration warmed Wu Tong's heart."In that case, let us have fine wine and the best dishes!"
Wei An's booming voice carried across the room:"Two jugs of white spirit, four jin of braised beef, one plate of mutton, one of pickles, and five bowls of rice!"
Soon the table filled with the rich aroma of wine and meat. Cups clinked, laughter flowed. Liu Yun's eyes lingered on Wu Tong with open admiration."I never imagined Wu Gongzi and Zhao Gongzi to be such hidden dragons—your skills are extraordinary. Without you both, we could not have escaped unharmed."
Wu Tong felt heat rise to his cheeks under her gaze. The setting sun lit her features in warm gold, rendering her even more radiant. He bowed his head slightly."Liu Guniang overpraises me. To act for justice is the duty of any wanderer in the jianghu—it is nothing worth boasting of."
Her smile deepened as she turned to Zhao Rou."Zhao Gongzi, you are a man of both talent and grace. With such a sunset before us, would you not gift us a poem?"
Zhao Rou's heart gave a start, but she recovered quickly, lifting her cup with ease."Let us drink first, and I will recite after."
Liu Yun laughed lightly, filling each cup herself."Then this toast is for Zhao Gongzi, in thanks for your rescue."
They drank. Zhao Rou set down her cup, thought for a moment, then recited:
By day, misfortune strikes unbidden,Drawing the blade, I stride forth unafraid.Where slanting sun meets drifting clouds,I lift my cup and speak of lingering sorrows.
Applause rose around the table. Wine scented the air, and for a moment, the hatreds of the martial world seemed to dissolve into the evening haze.
Wu Tong was deeply impressed. Not only is she a master of the sword, he thought, her literary grace is rare indeed.
Then Zhao Rou's eyes gleamed with playful challenge."Wu Gongzi, would you not also honor us with a verse?"
Wu Tong feigned calm though his pulse quickened."This young lady knows how to test a man… Well then, allow me to try."
He rose and spoke:
Purple haze settles with the evening light,Noble spirit towers above the rest.Wild geese rise as sunset falls,And high resolve shall not be forgotten.
A murmur of admiration swept the table. Liu Yun's gaze sparkled."Wu Gongzi's verse is profound in meaning and flawless in form—truly marvelous!"
Ding Ren and Wei An thumped the table in praise. Zhao Rou's heart swelled with joy; her eyes shone with genuine respect.
They toasted once more, wine and laughter mingling in the fading light. Poet and swordswoman, swordsman and lady—no longer master and servant, but equals bound by shared admiration and the quiet stirrings of something deeper.