Hearing Zhao Rou's pitiful tale, the Wine Beggar Fei Jin felt his heart tremble.This little girl… alone in the world, without kin, her life so full of misfortune…Before he knew it, tears welled up in his eyes. He said with a sob,"Rou'er, it's fortunate you met this young hero, who has the heart to aid others without thought of reward. Otherwise—how could one not worry for you?"
Wu Tong, hearing this, thought back on the road they had traveled together. His heart swelled with emotion, and he let out a long sigh."This is a long story. On the day I was to set out on my journey, my mother insisted that Zhao Rou accompany me. At first, I merely agreed out of convenience, intending to find a place to settle her so she could go her own way. But then, Rou'er told me to my face that she values her promises above all else—having given her word to my mother, she would not break it, even if it cost her life.
"At that moment, I was deeply moved. I promised her that, in that case, we would address each other as brother and sister, with no other intentions. When the three years were up, she would be free to leave without any obligation. From then on, Rou'er dressed as a man and traveled by my side."
Wu Tong continued,"When we passed through Jiaoling, we happened upon Miss Liu Yun of the Heavenly Venerable Sect, who, together with her entourage, was besieged by the Black Dragon Sect's Southern King. The situation was dire, so we stepped in to help. Little did we expect this would spark a chain of events—Miss Liu Yun, from that day, began to admire 'Young Master Zhao,' thinking of him constantly. When we took our leave, she even invited us to attend the opening ceremony of the Lingxiao Hall on Mount Jiuhua.
"We went as promised, but during the ceremony, an unexpected trouble arose—Ge Tian, the son of 'Thunder Hand' Ge Long, grew jealous, convinced that 'Young Master Zhao' had stolen Miss Liu's heart. He came to challenge her on the spot, and they fought. In the end, Ge Tian was knocked down by a single slap from Rou'er!
"But Miss Liu did not learn the truth—that 'Young Master Zhao' was a woman—until just a few days ago. She was stunned beyond words!"
Fei Jin stroked his beard and laughed, nodding repeatedly."Well now, that is quite the tale!"He looked from Zhao Rou to Wu Tong, his eyes glinting with mischief."Young brother, it seems your road has been anything but peaceful!"
At last, Fei Jin fully understood the relationship between Wu Tong and the two young ladies. Nodding to himself, he laughed heartily."Young brother, you two young ladies—since fate has brought us together today, this old beggar will drink a cup to the three of you!"
The three of them lifted their cups. They exchanged a smile and drank them dry. The strong wine burned down their throats, the warmth rising to their cheeks, and the air between them grew even more congenial.
Wu Tong set down his cup with a laugh."Senior, let us enjoy these fine dishes to the full—eat and drink our fill while we talk!"
The four of them took to the meal with gusto. Cups clinked, laughter rang out, and conversation flowed. They spoke of the state of the realm—how the Tang's past glory had given way to the chaos of An Lushan's rebellion—and all sighed in unison, heavy with shared sorrow.
Fei Jin suddenly shook his head with a smile."Young brother, you and my sworn brother Lü Qiang both come from scholarly families, born to wealth, skilled in both letters and arms, with a keen sense of justice. No wonder you became fast friends at first sight."He took a sip of wine, amusement lighting his face."The day Lü Qiang returned from Guangzhou, he could not stop boasting—he said he had met an extraordinary young hero named Wu Tong, destined to emerge from his cocoon and shake the martial world. I thought he was exaggerating—how could such a heaven-sent talent exist? But he swore it was true.
"He told me you two drank Zhuangyuan Red together, that golden nectar, a wine to free the spirit. You drank and made merry, matching verses and jesting, having the time of your lives. And—" Fei Jin tapped his cup with a sly smile, "—he said that before you parted, he gave you a 'Royal Propolis Pill' as a hangover cure."
Wu Tong raised an eyebrow."A Royal Propolis Pill?"
Fei Jin slapped the table, his expression turning solemn."Do you know that this pill is the king of kings? For a martial artist, a single one is worth thirty years of hard inner cultivation!"
At this, Wu Tong, Zhao Rou, and Liu Yun all stared in astonishment. None had guessed that Lü Qiang had given such a priceless gift in secret.
Seeing Wu Tong's expression, Fei Jin laughed and patted him on the shoulder."From the way Lü Qiang spoke, it's clear he thinks very highly of you. Young brother, this is a gift from the heavens—don't waste it!"
Wu Tong immediately cupped his fists and said solemnly,"This junior is deeply grateful to 'Fearless' Lü Qiang for lifting up the younger generation. In this life, I vow to aid the weak and uphold justice—let heaven and earth bear witness, let the sun and moon prove my heart."
Fei Jin nodded in praise."Young brother, you have the heart of a true hero."Then he turned to Zhao Rou and Liu Yun, his gaze steady and serious."In my life, I have met countless people. I do not speak lightly. The man before you is a hero without question—worthy of your trust and your hearts."
The two young women blushed deeply, their hearts fluttering. Wu Tong, embarrassed, said quickly,"Senior overpraises me. These two ladies are fair beyond compare, charming in every way. I do indeed hold them in affection, but I have been too shy to speak of it. Besides, this journey is long and dangerous—such matters can wait."
Though both women had already thought of entrusting their lives to him, they had not known his feelings. Now, hearing his words, their hearts skipped a beat, then warmed with joy. His candid admission was rare indeed. That he could put aside romance for the sake of the greater journey only made him more admirable in their eyes.
Zhao Rou said softly,"Brother Tong bears lofty ambitions—Rou'er admires you and wishes to travel the ends of the earth with you."
Hearing this, Wu Tong was moved to his core. Having suffered together in hardship, their feelings were already entwined. Looking into her eyes, he said simply,"With you by my side, what more could I ask for?"Those few words spoke more than a thousand could.
Liu Yun added,"Brother Tong's aspirations are high—Yun also admires you and would journey with you to the ends of the earth."
Wu Tong's heart swelled again. His eyes shone as he looked at her."With you by my side, what more could I ask for?"
Fei Jin roared with laughter."Young brother, young ladies—though we live in troubled times, fate has bound the three of you together. Today, this old beggar drinks to you all!"
They raised their cups and drained them, then Wu Tong said,"Rou'er, Yun—let us also drink to the senior!"
Thus they drank and laughed freely, without restraint, speaking from the heart.
✶ ✶ ✶
When they had eaten and drunk their fill, the four left the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. Fei Jin gave a small bow."My thanks for your hospitality. We will meet again at the Grand Council. This old beggar takes his leave!"
Before they could reply, his figure flickered and vanished into the night, leaving no trace.
Now, with the elder gone, the time was theirs. Wu Tong had declared his heart, and the two women had entrusted theirs to him. The sun was setting, the distant mountains wrapped in mist. They walked beneath the rising moon, the evening breeze soft upon them, their hearts warm with unspoken feeling.
Slightly tipsy, half in a dream, they strolled along the riverside until the path turned and they came upon a small pavilion by the water. Wu Tong took each of their hands and led them inside. They gazed out across the river, where gulls wheeled and the last rays of the sun gilded the waves.
In that moment, the wind was gentle, the beauties leaned close, and he held their hands. No words were needed—their hearts spoke more than voices could.
The moon above the willow tips, a meeting after dusk.
The river was like a painting, and they lost themselves in it. But time slipped away unnoticed—until suddenly, the sound of rustling robes approached. In an instant, all three awoke from their dreamlike reverie. Three figures appeared…