Madam Gongsun smiled warmly, clasped her hands in salute."Since it is so, we of Black Eagle Fortress must offer our thanks!"
She turned and called out, "Third Brother, send men to carry these two whole roasted sheep back to the stronghold—let the brothers have a fine feast tonight!"
"Soul-Chasing Blade" Wang Yu acknowledged the order. Soon, the sheep were carried away, and the Black Eagle riders mounted up. Their column stretched long under the moonlight, dust rising with each pounding hoof, fading slowly into the night.
Under the silver glow of the moon, tables and chairs were already set outside the tents. Fine wine and rich dishes filled the place, even Persian carpets spread beneath—though in exile, the Precious Consort still traveled with all the grandeur befitting her station.
Hall Master Han Zhen raised his hand with hearty spirit."Master Ma, Madam Gongsun, please take the seats of honor!"
The two bandit leaders exchanged a smile, bowed, and sat. Han Zhen added with a laugh:"Mi-sister, young master Wu, Miss Zhao—please join us as well!"
The three stepped forward. Zhao Rou bowed toward Madam Gongsun with sincerity."Madam, I was brash with words earlier. If I offended, I beg your forgiveness."
Madam Gongsun, hardened by storms of the jianghu, only laughed and waved her hand."After a clash comes friendship. Such trifles aren't worth a thought!"
Her frankness won Zhao Rou's quiet admiration.
When all were seated, Yang Mi rose to pour the wine. Han Zhen lifted his cup."Master Ma, Madam Gongsun—today we fought, but now we meet as friends. Since I have come uninvited to your domain, let me punish myself with three cups as apology!"
He drained them in quick succession, bold and unhesitant.
Ma laughed heartily and raised his cup."I, Ma Qiang, have bowed to no man all my life. Yet to have crossed hands with Master Han today fulfills an old wish! Though I lost, I lost with joy. This cup, I drink to you!"
Their cups clashed, both drank deep. Heroes honoring heroes—the spirit of the jianghu.
Han Zhen smiled."Master Ma, Madam Gongsun—allow me to introduce two young heroes. This is Wu Tong of Lingnan, famed as 'South Wu Tong to match North Jia Yong,' and this young lady is his beloved, Miss Zhao Rou."
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou bowed politely. Madam Gongsun inclined her head, her eyes softening with approval."Miss Zhao, your eyes recognize true heroes. Earlier I was blind—please forgive me."
She raised her cup."Let me drink with you to make amends!"
Zhao Rou smiled, lifted her cup, and the two women drank together, smiling as past grievances dissolved.
Wu Tong then raised his own cup."Tonight, under fair moon and fine company, I am honored to behold the strength of two great heroes. My name is but an empty sound upon the rivers and lakes—yet let me offer this toast in admiration!"
Zhao Rou followed with her own words."I nearly spoiled Master Han's great affair today, reckless as I was. Let me too raise a cup to the honored elders before me."
Madam Gongsun's laughter rang bright."Then let us all drink! Come, cheers!"
"Cheers!" voices echoed, cups were drained. Wine flowed, spirits rose. They drank and spoke freely beneath the moon until the night was deep, parting only at the second watch—truly, a rare night of joy in the jianghu.
At dawn, the camp broke. The company set forth again, banners rising, toward Penglai. They marched all day, halting by evening at a riverside camp. Fires were lit, food prepared.
But suddenly the thunder of hooves came from afar, rolling nearer in a storm of dust. A troop of riders swept in, fierce and disciplined. At their head strode none other than "Stele-Cracking Demon Palm" Yin Li.
He dismounted slowly, men fanning into ranks, their aura grim and oppressive. Yin Li stepped forward and called out:"Master Han, you've labored long on this road. Today, I have come to greet you!"
Han Zhen walked forward as well, shaking his head with a sigh."Brother Yin, still unwilling to give up? This task of yours gains little and earns less. Why not abandon it?"
Yin Li's laughter was cold, his words sharp."Master Han, your name resounds across the jianghu. Surely you do not think we would simply let this matter rest?"
Han Zhen's brows furrowed. He saw the danger in Yin's eyes, then said quietly:"So, Brother Yin has come prepared. Why not introduce your companions?"
A tinkling laugh rose. The "Jade Guanyin" stepped forward, eyes gleaming, voice sweet as silk."Since Master Han insists, allow me. Here we have the Ripper Deng Chao, the Thunder Blade Gao Jin, the Demon Saber Envoy Yuan Ping, and the Jade Rakshasa Tang Yan."
Yang Mi emerged, face calm, voice sharp."So. With enough silver, even ghosts can be bought. The Tibetan king spends richly, hiring every fiend and demon of the jianghu—all for the sake of a single beauty!"
Yin Li's gaze grew cold, his mouth curling with mockery."Indeed. Master Han, this journey must have wearied you. But from here, you need not trouble yourself—the rest is ours to handle."
His words had barely fallen when loud laughter echoed. Wu Tong and Zhao Rou strode forth.
Wu Tong's voice rang like bronze:"Marvelous! Marvelous! How could there be a battle without me?"
Yin Li stiffened at the sight, his brows knitting."You again, boy! That roadside affair—I grant it was our fault. But today, must you meddle once more?"
Zhao Rou only laughed coldly, eyes flashing."We travel the rivers and lakes. When we see injustice, we draw the blade. What wrong is there in that? You bully with numbers, seeking to crush Master Han—can we stand aside?"
Yin Li's face darkened. Indeed, that was his intent. He had not expected Wu Tong and Zhao Rou still to be near, upsetting his plans. His mind turned swiftly."Then tell me—what do you two intend?"
Zhao Rou smiled faintly."In the jianghu, strength alone decides. Since you boast of numbers, why not prove yourselves in combat?"
Her words had hardly ended when the Jade Rakshasa Tang Yan leapt forth, light as a flying swallow. She landed in the circle, eyes like blades, staring at Zhao Rou with scorn.
"Pretty little girl, quick of tongue. Let us see if your hands match your mouth."
Zhao Rou's face did not change, though she knew this foe was dangerous. Calmly, she replied with a smile:"Madam, your skill must be formidable. If you insist on teaching me, I shall accompany you."
Tang Yan prided herself on her beauty, famed as one of the great enchantresses. To be called "old" was poison to her ears. Fury lit her face."Impudent child! I shall show you what true peerless skill is!"
Zhao Rou quipped, her eyes sharp:"And I shall see if your hands are as sharp as your tongue."
At that, Tang Yan trembled with rage, a roar bursting from her lips. A tide of killing aura surged from her, like a crashing wave. The very earth seemed to quake beneath its force.