Han Zhen and Yang Mi stepped forward slowly, both wearing expressions of relief and admiration as they fixed their gaze on Wu Tong. Han Zhen's voice was steady, tinged with respect:
"Young Hero Wu, to be entrusted with the Wolong Saber by Master Li Wenzhong himself is proof enough that you are a man of virtue and innate chivalry. Having witnessed your conduct tonight, we see that your reputation is no exaggeration."
Yang Mi, too, inclined her head slightly and said softly:
"The Wolong Saber commands awe across the martial world. Only one who carries the people in his heart can truly wield it. You, young sir, possess not only unmatched martial skill but also a heart of righteousness. You are its rightful master."
Wu Tong's expression grew even more humble. His eyes rested upon the Wolong Saber in his hands; under the cold moonlight its blade gleamed with a solemn, dignified aura. He drew a long breath, feeling the immense weight of responsibility it carried. A surge of stirring emotion rose within him.
"This is the late Master Li Wenzhong's great trust in me. With this saber I must bring aid to the world, punish evil, uphold the innocent, and never fail the charge entrusted to me."
With these words, he held the saber respectfully before him and gave a solemn bow, silently vowing in his heart never to tarnish its name.
At that very moment, the still night was shattered by the thunder of approaching hooves. A troop of riders charged through the dust, torches flaring. At their head was none other than Penglai County Magistrate, Wu Xun!
The soldiers dismounted and lit the darkness with their flames. Wu Xun himself leapt from his horse, robes disheveled, clearly having ridden all night without pause. Han Zhen immediately went forward, clasped his fists, and spoke with gratitude:
"Our deepest thanks, Lord Wu, for your covert aid. Without the secret support of your men restraining the enemy's reinforcements, we could never have triumphed so smoothly tonight. Truly, the credit is yours."
But Wu Xun waved his hand, replying humbly:
"You overpraise me, Master Han. This is but my duty. As an official of the Tang, it is my obligation to uphold justice and rid the land of villains. What little I did is hardly worth mention."
Han Zhen smiled faintly.
"Lord Wu, your loyalty and righteousness are without peer. You are a true blessing to the people."
Wu Xun's eyes turned toward his younger brother. A glimmer of astonishment and pride flashed within them. He had thought Wu Tong came merely to visit, never dreaming that his brother would be swept into such perilous storms of the jianghu—and now stood wielding the Wolong Saber, bearing the burden of defending justice.
Overcome with feeling, Wu Xun stepped forward, placed a hand on Wu Tong's shoulder, and said warmly:
"Little brother—you have truly grown up."
Wu Tong laughed lightly, with a hint of jest:
"Elder brother, what worth have I to deserve such praise?"
Yet his eyes shone with unwavering resolve.
At that moment, Han Zhen spoke again:
"Lord Wu, with tonight's mission fulfilled, my wife and I must now return at once to report to the court."
Yang Mi nodded:
"Yes, the court awaits news. We dare not delay."
Han Zhen then turned, his gaze deep as he addressed Wu Tong:
"And you, young hero—where do you intend to go next?"
Wu Tong's reply was firm, his tone resounding:
"After a few days here with my brother, I will travel to Xuzhou in Henan for the Grand Martial Assembly to Suppress the Traitors on the ninth day of the ninth month! This gathering will decide the fate of the martial world—I must be there."
Wu Xun frowned:
"The Assembly? That will draw heroes from across the realm. The righteous and the wicked will clash without end—danger lurks at every step. You must take utmost care!"
Wu Tong laughed boldly:
"Do not worry, elder brother. I have faced blades and perils aplenty in my wanderings. Since this matter concerns the fate of the martial world, how could I, a man of the jianghu, stand idly aside? Whatever storms await, I will face them head-on!"
Han Zhen's eyes gleamed with admiration.
"Good! Courage and vision—truly a hero in youth! But beware—dark forces such as the Black Dragon Sect, the Sun-Moon Alliance, and the Heavenly Demon Gang may well appear. Be vigilant."
Yang Mi added softly:
"The martial world is treacherous, human hearts unpredictable. Think thrice before each step."
Han Zhen nodded and turned to Wu Xun with solemnity:
"Lord Wu, in these troubled times, to have a brother such as yours rise to aid the Tang is fortune indeed."
From her robes, Yang Mi drew forth the emblem of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness and handed it to Han Zhen. He lifted his voice:
"Let Heaven and Earth bear witness! Before the stars and moon, with Lord Wu as witness, Wu Tong—heed the command!"
Wu Tong stepped forward and bowed deeply:
"I await your order."
Han Zhen's tone rang with authority:
"By my authority as the Eleventh Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, I hereby appoint you, Wu Tong, as the Twelfth Master. You are commanded to travel to Xuzhou, unite the heroes of the land, and uphold the Tang."
Blood surged in Wu Tong's chest; his spirit soared.
"I accept! I will not fail this charge!"
Han Zhen presented the emblem. Wu Tong knelt, bowing thrice with resounding knocks of his head upon the earth, then received it with both hands. Tears welled in his eyes. Since boyhood, he had longed to follow in the footsteps of heroes; now at last, his vow was fulfilled.
Wu Xun came forward, clapped his shoulder, and said warmly:
"Congratulations, little brother. Thanks to Lord Han's recommendation, you are now Master of the Hall. May you bring honor to our family and the Tang!"
Wu Tong bowed his head:
"I am unworthy of such favor, but will serve with all my heart."
Han Zhen spoke with solemn gravity:
"Remember, the Hall's duty is to befriend the heroes of the realm, aid the weak, strike down oppressors. When the empire falters, these heroes must be rallied to defend the nation."
Wu Xun added:
"An Lushan has raised rebellion, consorting with villains of the jianghu, plotting to usurp the Tang. As Master of the Hall, you must gather the righteous to resist him."
With Yin Li and his band driven off, campfires soon crackled, and supper was prepared. Yang Mi set out the tables and called cheerfully:
"Everyone must be hungry—come, eat and drink!"
Zhao Rou poured wine for all. Han Zhen raised his cup:
"My thanks to the Wu brothers and Miss Zhao for your aid. Let us drink this humble cup together!"
They drained their cups in unison.
Wu Xun then suggested:
"Master Han, the night grows late. Why not rest at the yamen and depart at dawn?"
But Han Zhen shook his head.
"We must hasten to report, and declare to the court that Wu Tong has been installed as Twelfth Master. Delay would be ill."
He turned to Wu Tong:
"Though you now bear an official title, your true duty lies in the jianghu. Carry the name of Loyalty and Righteousness with honor."
Wu Tong bowed:
"I shall remember."
Yang Mi smiled, turning to Zhao Rou:
"From now on, the Master will often be entrusted with perilous missions. He will need your steadfast support."
Zhao Rou blushed, nodding eagerly:
"Of course. Such is my duty."
Wu Xun chuckled:
"As elder brother, perhaps I should arrange your marriage now?"
At this, both Wu Tong and Zhao Rou flushed scarlet. Wu Tong laughed lightly:
"I have only just taken up the Master's mantle. My foremost duty is to serve. Matters of the heart can wait."
Han Zhen roared with laughter:
"Well spoken! A hero indeed! Come—let us drink to Master Wu!"
They raised their cups once more. The moon smiled down upon them, veiled by drifting clouds. Heaven bore witness, earth stood as covenant, as a new generation of heroes took their place. That night, they feasted beneath the sky. And when the banquet ended, the two parties parted ways—each bound for their own destiny.