The two rode on, following a winding path as the mountain breeze brushed against their faces and birdsong echoed through the forest. At last, the trail came to an end. Before them, the dense trees gradually gave way to a secluded valley, ringed by green mountains and threaded with a murmuring stream. It was a place of perfect stillness and peace. From horseback, they gazed down into the valley: scattered cottages nestled among towering ancient trees, wisteria vines climbing over walls, a stone table set before one house with an unfinished game of chess still upon it, smoke curling lazily from the kitchen, and in the air, the mingled scents of cooking rice and medicinal herbs—unmistakable signs of human habitation.
At that moment, an elderly couple emerged slowly from the house. Both were silver-haired yet carried themselves with vigor and quiet dignity, their eyes bright with wisdom and composure—clearly not ordinary country folk.
Wu Tong quickly dismounted, cupped his hands, and bowed deeply. "We are but two travelers, wandering the mountains in search of scenic beauty. We did not mean to intrude upon the secluded home of esteemed elders. I beg your pardon." His tone was sincere, devoid of the arrogance often found in wandering swordsmen.
The couple studied the young man and woman before them. The youth was refined and upright, every gesture suffused with a natural air of chivalry. The young woman, clad in deep-red riding garb, was of striking beauty, with a heroic gleam between her brows. Both breathed evenly, moving with the ease of seasoned martial artists—clearly rare talents in the martial world.
The old man smiled faintly and said, "Is it not a joy to have friends come from afar?"
The old woman added, "To pass through the Yin-Yang Five Elements Formation is no small feat. Since you have come, it is fate—please, come inside and rest."
At her words, Wu Tong and Zhao Rou exchanged a startled glance. The Yin-Yang Five Elements Formation? Could it be that the strange twists and turns of the forest they had just traversed were in fact a deliberate array? Thinking back on the confusing paths and subtle shifts in the terrain, they realized it was no accident. Without strong internal strength and nimble footwork, they might never have found their way through.
Sensing this was no ordinary place, they dismounted without further ceremony and followed the couple inside. The wooden gate creaked open, revealing an interior both simple and tastefully ancient—ink paintings hanging on the walls, a treasured sword mounted in pride of place, its sheen muted by years of quiet care.
The old woman smiled warmly. "We have nothing but plain tea and simple fare. Since fate has brought us together, let us share a meal."
The four sat together. The food was humble—steamed rice, fresh greens, a bit of wild herb broth—but delicious in its simplicity, carrying the wholesome taste of a life far removed from worldly clamor.
When they were seated, the old man said calmly, "We have lived in seclusion here for more than ten years, and never has anyone reached this valley—until today. Truly a rare thing."
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou were taken aback. They realized these elders were likely martial experts of the past, choosing to retire here and ward off the outside world with such a clever array. As the poet says:
From curling smoke the hearthlight glows,Through grassy maze the traveler goes;A winding path to hidden home—Awaiting the fated one who knows.
Night deepened beyond the window; crickets sang, and the murmur of the distant stream filled the quiet air. This valley seemed untouched by the dust of the mortal world, filling the heart with peace. Yet, who exactly were these mysterious elders, and what secrets did this valley hold?
Wu Tong ventured, "If I may be so bold—before your retirement, did you too once walk the rivers and lakes?"
The old man's gaze softened, as if recalling his youth. "I am Luo Jing. In my younger days, I roamed the martial world much as you do now. In time, I gained some renown as a young knight-errant and was invited to join the Loyal and Righteous Hall, eventually becoming its tenth hall master. I traveled to the Western Regions on secret missions entrusted to me by the court. It was there that I met the love of my life, Gulnazar." He turned toward his wife with deep affection.
Zhao Rou, taking a closer look, realized the old woman's features were indeed unlike those of the Central Plains. Gulnazar smiled gently. "I am of the Huihu people. I met Luo Jing when the Tang army allied with the kingdoms of the Western Regions against Tubo." Though the couple were well into their years, the memory of their meeting seemed fresh as yesterday.
Recalling the baffling forest they had passed through, Zhao Rou asked, "Why did you set the Yin-Yang Five Elements Formation in these mountains? We truly thought we might never leave that strange wood."
Luo Jing's lips curved into a faintly mysterious smile. "It is a long story. After passing the position of hall master to the eleventh master, Han Zhen, I journeyed here with my wife to find a place to retire. On the way, we encountered a singular figure—a wandering seer known as Qian Kunzi, famed throughout the land. He could name me at a glance, knew I had just handed the Loyal and Righteous Hall to Han Zhen, and told me this place was his own place of cultivation. He offered it to us on one condition: that we wait here for a peerless young hero to arrive.
"At the time, I half believed, half doubted. Still, the surroundings were serene, ideal for retirement, so I agreed. Before parting, Qian Kunzi said with great earnestness that the Tang Dynasty would one day face a great calamity, and that at its moment of peril, a young man and a young woman would pass through his Five Elements Formation to this place. This man would be Wu Tong of Guangzhou in Lingnan, the future twelfth hall master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall, and he would bear the weight of a vital mission in the Western Regions."
To seek seclusion was my wish,to live unmoved by dust and wind.Yet that day I met a sage,who spoke of one to save the realm.
And so Luo Jing had waited, year after year, for more than a decade—until tonight, when the prophecy was fulfilled.
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou were stunned. They had heard of the eccentric seer Qian Kunzi—Wu Tong's own father had once paid him handsomely for a reading—but such words still seemed unbelievable. Could his fate truly be thus?
Wu Tong said gravely, "Your words are extraordinary, elder. I can only reserve judgment for now. But there is one thing I must ask—what exactly is the Loyal and Righteous Hall? Is it a family lineage?"
Luo Jing shook his head. "It is no family clan, but a secret organization founded by Emperor Taizong himself during his campaigns in the Western Regions. Branches in various states worked covertly to gather intelligence for the imperial court and the Protectorate of the Western Regions. The Hall forged ties with martial heroes, aiding the weak and punishing the wicked. In times of crisis, those same heroes would rally to the court's call."
Gulnazar added, "Simply put, the Loyal and Righteous Hall was the emperor's own intelligence service, answering to him alone."
Now Wu Tong and Zhao Rou understood: this was no mere ancestral hall, but an imperial secret service. And Luo Jing, after decades of service, had waited in this hidden valley for the youth fate had promised.
Luo Jing's eyes shone with old fire. He brought out a treasured bottle of Western Region grape wine and a set of luminous cups, filling each to the brim. "Come, let us drink together!"
The four raised their cups and drained them in one draught. Though the food was plain, the wine rich, and the company rare, it was one of those moments that tasted of life itself—when peace, purpose, and friendship make the simplest fare a feast.