The "Wine Beggar" Fei Jin let out a cold snort, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room. In a deep voice he said,"Just this measly bit of skill, and you dare come to my Beggar Sect to stir up trouble? You've ruined my drinking mood!"His words carried a commanding aura; those who heard them felt an invisible pressure bearing down upon them.
At that moment, the Four Elders—Qian He, Song Ren, Chen Yan, and Jiang Feng—stepped forward together, cupping their fists toward the Sect Leader and bowing. In unison, they said,"Our Sect Leader's martial arts are peerless. How could these petty scoundrels be our match? The Black Dragon Sect curs are only bringing disgrace upon themselves!"
Fei Jin nodded slightly, then shifted his gaze. His voice was low and powerful as he asked,"Where is the Transmission Elder?"
At once, a voice answered,"Here, my lord!"A sturdy figure strode forward. He appeared to be in his early forties, well-built, with bright, penetrating eyes and a commanding presence. This was none other than Jiang Fang, the Beggar Sect's Transmission Elder. He cupped his fists respectfully and stood solemnly before Fei Jin.
Fei Jin's eyes gleamed like lightning, his brows lifting sharply as he said in a deep voice,"Jiang Fang! As the Transmission Elder of our sect, your responsibility is great. You should be strictly ensuring that our disciples train diligently. How is it that today, mere small fry from the Black Dragon Sect were able to beat our disciples into such a sorry state? Is this not a disgrace to the prestige of the world's number one sect?"Though his tone was not overtly angry, it carried the weight of authority and a hint of displeasure.
Jiang Fang's face flushed with shame. He bowed his head and said sincerely,"The Sect Leader's teaching is correct! I have been negligent, failing to push our disciples to improve their skills, thus causing today's humiliation. I am deeply ashamed!"
He added firmly,"I will strengthen the training within the sect, implement regular assessments, and only those whose martial skills are truly outstanding will be promoted to branch leaders or elders. I will ensure that the prestige of our Beggar Sect never falters!"
Hearing this, Fei Jin laughed heartily and waved his hand in approval."Well said! From now on, do exactly as you've promised. See to it that our disciples train diligently so that we never suffer such disgrace again!"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over all the disciples present. With lofty ambition in his voice, he declared,"Our Beggar Sect disciples are spread across the land, all with hearts of loyalty and bones of steel! Now that the nation is in peril, with An Lushan's rebels plunging the realm into chaos, and the Black Dragon Sect aiding the enemy and harming the righteous, how can we sit idly by? On the day of the Grand Council to Suppress the Rebels, twenty days hence, every Beggar Sect disciple is to spread word to all martial brethren—let us join together to defend our nation, slay the traitors, and set the world right!"
His words ignited the spirits of the disciples. Voices rang out in unison:"Slay the traitors! The Beggar Sect will not shirk its duty!"The cries of righteous fury echoed through the Tengwang Pavilion, a tide of resolve surging toward the heavens.
Fei Jin's chest swelled with patriotic zeal. Loyal to the Tang Dynasty, he was the very image of a true hero. The Four Elders raised their Dog Beating Staves high, shouting,"Defend the nation! Punish the traitors!"
All the disciples followed suit, roaring in unison,"Defend the nation! Punish the traitors! Defend the nation! Punish the traitors!"Their voices shook the very beams of the Tengwang Pavilion, the force of justice soaring skyward.
Fei Jin raised his hand for silence. Instantly, the crowd fell still, all eyes on him. He said loudly,"Four Elders, Transmission Elder, Law Enforcement Elder—these next two days, focus on your training and preserve your strength! At the Grand Council, the battle will be fierce. Be on your guard!"
They replied in unison,"We obey the Sect Leader's command!"
Fei Jin laughed boldly."Good! This old beggar will take his leave now!"
He turned toward Wu Tong and his companions, his face showing a trace of embarrassment as he said,"Let you all see a fine joke today! The so-called world's number one sect nearly had its branch smashed by the Black Dragon Sect—what a loss of face!"
Wu Tong was secretly impressed by his spirit and cupped his fists in respect."We came to lend a hand and saw firsthand the Sect Leader's unrivaled skill—this junior is truly in awe."
Fei Jin laughed heartily."Young brother, you are gifted, with fine natural talent and a heroic heart. You are no ordinary man. My sworn brother 'Fearless' Lü Qiang once said that before long, a peerless young hero would rise in the martial world. It seems you are the one he spoke of!"
Wu Tong quickly returned the salute."This junior dares not accept such praise. In the past, 'Fearless' Senior looked after me as if granting me a new life. I will never forget that kindness."
Fei Jin slapped Wu Tong's shoulder and laughed."Good lad—loyal and true. This old beggar salutes you as a man!"
Wu Tong smiled faintly, then suggested,"Senior, on such a fine day, why not take this chance to share a few more cups and speak of the chivalrous life?"
Fei Jin's eyes lit up."Ha! I was just thinking the same thing!"
Wu Tong grinned."Then I must trouble you to lead the way to a worthy place for such a drink."
Thus, the group made their way to the famed Drunken Immortal Pavilion, known far and wide for its fine wines, frequented by nobles and heroes alike.The "Heavenly Venerable" Ding Ren and the "Earthly Venerable" Wei An departed first to arrange lodging for the Heavenly Venerable Sect's leader, while Fei Jin himself led Wu Tong and his party to the pavilion.
Just as they reached the entrance, a burly guard blocked their way, his eyes showing impatience."Hey, old beggar—wrong place, isn't it? Not just anyone can come in here. This is for rich young masters only!"
Fei Jin narrowed his eyes and gave a cold smile, but before he could speak, Wu Tong stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said with a smile,"My good man, I have invited this senior here for a drink today. Please grant us passage."
The guard noticed Wu Tong's fine clothes and noble bearing and immediately changed his tone, bowing respectfully."So you're a young master! Forgive my poor eyes for not recognizing you. Please, this way!"
Fei Jin snorted,"If you'd been this polite earlier, we wouldn't have wasted time."He strode in with swagger, followed by Wu Tong, Zhao Rou, and Liu Yun.
The proprietress hurried over to lead them upstairs and seat them. Wu Tong said,"Bring the finest food and wine. The wine should be Shaoxing Zhuangyuan Hong!"
She laughed."Of course, young master. Would you like me to call a few ladies to accompany you?"
Wu Tong kept his smile steady."Madam, unless your establishment has ladies more beautiful and refined than the two at my side, there's no need."
One look at Zhao Rou and Liu Yun left her stunned. Such beauty and grace were far beyond any of her house's entertainers. She laughed awkwardly,"Young master jests—these two are peerless beauties! How could my girls compare?"
"Exactly," Wu Tong said. "Just bring your best food and wine—Shaoxing Zhuangyuan Hong."He produced five taels of silver, which the proprietress accepted with delight.
Soon, a table was laden with delicacies. Zhao Rou poured for the four of them. Wu Tong raised his cup."This junior toasts you, senior!"
Fei Jin drank it in one gulp."A fine wine—but not as fine as the aged vintage at your home, Wu Shaoxia!"
Wu Tong smiled."I could not carry much of it while traveling. I beg your pardon, senior."
Fei Jin glanced at Zhao Rou and Liu Yun with a teasing smile."These two must be your beloved companions—heroes and beauties, a perfect match!"
Zhao Rou quickly protested,"Senior jests. I am Zhao Rou—you may call me Rou'er. I am merely a servant at the young master's side, not his beloved."
Fei Jin shook his head firmly."I don't believe it. Any man would be drawn to such a lady. Wu Shaoxia is gallant and refined—clearly you are a match made in heaven."
Rou'er's heart leapt with joy, for she had long harbored feelings for Wu Tong, though she did not know his own mind. She tested the waters,"I am alone in the world. The day I sold myself to bury my father, I was harassed by thugs. Luckily, Brother Tong came to my aid, paid the burial costs, and thus I entered the Wu household as a bonded servant for three years. Yet Brother Tong has lofty ambitions to roam the land, and the lady of the house asked me to accompany him and see to his needs."