Suddenly, Wu Tong's blade twisted sharply, his body drifting upward like a gust of wind, stepping in close. With his left palm striking forth out of nowhere, inner energy surged into his palm and burst outward with a thunderous force!
"Peng!" A muffled crash resounded as the palm power slammed straight into the chest of "Thunderblade" Gao Jin. Gao Jin groaned, his body staggering back several steps, feet unsteady, until at last he swayed and collapsed to the ground!
The "Jade Rakshasa" Tang Yan let out a startled cry, instantly leaping forward to catch him. Her expression was both anxious and full of care; seeing his pale face but realizing he was not gravely harmed, she finally allowed a faint breath of relief.
Wu Tong, witnessing this, immediately clasped his fists in salute, his voice earnest:"Two seniors, this junior has offended you much—pray forgive me! Yet I must offer a word of counsel: after today, why remain entangled in the endless strife of the jianghu? Grievances never cease. Why not retreat to the mountains, cut ties with the dust of the world, and find a quiet place to live out your remaining years in peace?"
At these words, "Thunderblade" Gao Jin seemed suddenly awakened, as if enlightened in an instant. His heart surged with emotion, filled with profound reflection. Looking at the young hero before him, he knew every word struck true. After a long silence, he slowly turned, gazing deeply at the "Jade Rakshasa" beside him, and spoke in a low but steady voice:"Yan-mei, what the young hero says is right. Life passes like a fleeting horse's shadow, all glory but a dream. When will the bloodshed ever cease? Will you follow me into seclusion, never again to meddle in the affairs of the jianghu?"
At his words, Tang Yan's heart was overwhelmed. Decades of wandering and turmoil welled up into tears that broke free at last. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with sorrowful light, her lips trembling as she cried softly:"Jin-ge… how old am I now? For so many years I have followed you through the rivers and lakes, sharing life and death—do you still not know my heart?"
Before her words were finished, tears streamed down her cheeks.
Gao Jin, struck with both shock and joy, gazed at the woman who had stood beside him all these years. Only now did he truly comprehend her heart. Without further hesitation, he spread his arms and pulled the "Jade Rakshasa" into a tight embrace. For a long while they held each other, hearts surging with unspeakable emotion.
Through years of storms and slaughter, they had long been companions of life and death—only never voicing what was in their hearts. Now, after treading the edge of death, he realized what he truly desired was never the fame of the martial world, but the woman willing to journey the ends of the earth at his side.
When their hearts finally settled, Gao Jin and Tang Yan stepped forward, bowed deeply to Wu Tong, and said with utmost sincerity:"We are grateful for your mercy, young hero, and for your words of awakening today. You have shown us what truly matters in life. From this day forth, we shall no longer meddle in jianghu strife, but retreat into the mountains together, leaving the world behind!"
Their words moved everyone present.
How many in the martial world, after a lifetime of struggle, still cannot escape the cycle of vengeance? Who would expect that these two once-feared masters would, in this moment, see through it all and choose seclusion? That very instant, under the serene moonlight, their entwined shadows seemed to bear witness to a love story that had finally, after decades, come to fruition.
Wu Tong nodded slowly, saying:"That the two of you could awaken thus, departing the jianghu with wisdom and peace—this life shall not have been in vain."
In truth, both Gao Jin and Tang Yan had long borne a knot in their hearts. Gao Jin knew she once admired the fearless Lü Qiang, and sought glory in the martial world to measure against him. Tang Yan, too, had her own designs. For years they were ensnared by this knot of fame and ambition. Today, Zhao Rou happened to touch upon it, and Wu Tong by chance unraveled it—not that his insight was unusually profound, but the time and fate were right.
Gao Jin and Tang Yan then strode to "Stone-Crushing Demon Palm" Yin Li and the "Jade Guanyin," saying:"Today we were bested in combat. We shall henceforth retire to the mountains. This is farewell!"
With that, they clasped their fists, mounted their steeds without waiting for reply, and vanished in a swirl of dust—leaving Yin Li and the "Jade Guanyin" dumbfounded.
Truly, fate has its timing. When the moment arrives, water flows naturally. But if destiny is absent, even bloodied struggle is futile. Is life itself not the same?
At this moment, Hall Master Han Zhen of the Loyal Brotherhood called out in a resonant voice:"Brother Yin, we are no longer young. You and the 'Jade Guanyin' have roamed the jianghu for years. Perhaps it is time for you too to withdraw. To be frank, this mission shall be my wife's and my final undertaking."
"Stone-Crushing Demon Palm" Yin Li knew well his forces were lacking, unable to continue the fight, with no chance of victory. He sighed:"Hero Han, you and your lady have served the court with great merit, famed throughout the realm—you deserve to rest. But for us wandering souls of the jianghu, fate is not so kind. We still must sell our lives. Let us withdraw for tonight—there will be time enough to fight again."
Han Zhen laughed heartily:"Then I shall not see you off!"
Yin Li pursed his lips and whistled. At once, his troops mounted their horses, and with a hand signal, they all galloped away into the night.
The Journey Continues
On the eighteenth day of the eighth month, Hall Master Han Zhen's party finally reached Penglai County. After days of arduous travel, they headed straight for the harbor. Scouts reported that the ships bound for Japan were ready, provisions and supplies being loaded with great haste. Han Zhen ordered his men to rest at a nearby Daoist temple, conserving their strength for the voyage.
Before long, a retainer hurried in to announce:"Hall Master, the County Magistrate of Penglai, Lord Wu, has arrived!"
Han Zhen, together with his wife, Wu Tong, and Zhao Rou, immediately went out to greet the guest. Just as they stepped outside, they met Magistrate Wu Xun entering the temple. Han Zhen clasped his fists and said with a booming voice:"Lord Wu, your arrival is an honor. Forgive me for not welcoming you sooner!"
Wu Xun returned the courtesy with a smile:"Upon hearing that Lord Han bears so great a responsibility, I came especially to pay my respects."
Han Zhen then gestured aside and said with a grin:"Lord Wu, could it be this young man behind me is your younger brother?"
At this, Wu Xun finally noticed Wu Tong and was startled:"Brother, what are you doing here?"
Wu Tong, brimming with joy, stepped forward quickly and saluted:"Elder brother, I obtained leave from our parents for a thousand-mile journey, and passing through here, I could not miss the chance to see you."
Hearing this, Wu Xun's heart swelled with joy. Years of war had made family letters scarce; he had received no word for so long. To see his brother suddenly before him was a delight beyond measure. Laughing, he said:"Lord Han, I have already prepared wine and dishes. Pray, let us enter and continue our talk."
The group moved into the eastern chamber of the temple, a secluded and tranquil place lit with flickering candles.
Wu Xun invited all to sit, then personally poured wine, raising his cup:"Lord Han, Lady Han, my younger brother, Miss Zhao—let us drain this cup together!"
Han Zhen lifted his own cup, smiling boldly:"Lord Wu, we are in your debt for your aid on this mission. I am most grateful!"
Wu Xun drank in one draught, speaking sincerely:"Lord Han, you and your wife have escorted this journey through countless dangers and hardships. This cup is to honor you both for your toil."
The five shared drinks together. After several rounds, Han Zhen set down his cup, his expression turning solemn:"Lord Wu, there is something I must say—though I do not know if it is proper."
Wu Xun straightened and replied:"Please, Lord Han, speak freely."
Han Zhen's eyes grew deep as he said slowly:"Your younger brother, though still young, holds lofty ambitions. His martial skills are exceptional, and his heart is righteous. To merely wander the jianghu would be a waste. If he could serve the nation, he could truly fulfill his aspirations and render great service to the court."
Wu Xun was struck, his heart stirring. He knew Han Zhen admired Wu Tong greatly. Yet official posts required examination and patronage; how could one so easily gain rank? He frowned slightly:"Lord Han's esteem for my brother honors me deeply. But even should he wish to serve, the path of the examinations is arduous, and without support in court, he may achieve little."
Han Zhen smiled faintly:"You worry too much, Lord Wu. Your brother's martial ability marks him for another path. My wife and I, when this mission is complete, shall retire from the world. The position of Hall Master in the Loyal Brotherhood must pass to another. I believe your brother, with his virtue and spirit of chivalry, is fit to bear that mantle. What say you?"
Wu Xun was taken aback, joy and astonishment mingling. The Loyal Brotherhood was one of the most revered righteous sects of the martial world; the post of Hall Master was a prize countless heroes coveted. For Wu Tong to inherit it would not only shape the balance of the jianghu but also bring immense honor to their family.
Wu Xun, struck speechless, turned to his younger brother with eyes full of expectation and pride:"Brother… what say you?"
Wu Tong's heart trembled! From childhood he had dreamed of chivalry, and since entering the martial world, he had weathered countless storms—yet never had he imagined the possibility of becoming Hall Master of the Loyal Brotherhood. At this moment, seeing Han Zhen's earnest gaze, he knew this was no empty courtesy but true intent to entrust him with the legacy. A thought stirred within him—perhaps he really could shoulder this responsibility, and truly accomplish great deeds for both the martial world and the common people.
That night, beneath the flickering temple candles, the five sat drinking and speaking of the future. And in that quiet chamber, Wu Tong's destiny quietly turned a new page.