After Wu Tong slew the so-called "Maitreya True Lord," he entrusted the aftermath to Constable Li Lu and the other officials, then immediately set off northward with Zhao Rou.
The next day at noon, the two reached the foot of Crouching Tiger Ridge. The sun blazed overhead, and the journey had wearied them. By the roadside stood a post station, beside it a small eatery with a crooked signboard. Though shabby in appearance, it exuded a mouth-watering aroma of meat.
They stepped inside. The interior, though old, was neat. The innkeeper, seeing guests arrive, bustled forward with a grin and cupped his hands."Honored sirs, what would you like to eat?"
Wu Tong turned to Zhao Rou with a gentle voice."Rou'er, what would you like?"
She smiled softly, her gaze warm."I'll leave it to you, Brother Tong."
Wu Tong nodded and said to the innkeeper,"Bring us four buns and a plate of cooked beef."
Before long, a waiter carried out steaming buns and fragrant beef. As he set them down, his eyes lingered on the two travelers—well-dressed, armed with blades—and he ventured to ask:"Esteemed guests, may I ask where you are bound?"
Wu Tong, already lifting his chopsticks, replied casually,"We are on our way to Xuzhou in Henan Province, to attend the Martial Assembly against the rebels on the Double Ninth Festival."
At these words, the waiter's face shifted. His brows furrowed, as though struggling with some secret. Wu Tong set down his chopsticks and asked evenly,"Young man, do you have something on your mind?"
The waiter hesitated, then lowered his voice:"This road through Crouching Tiger Ridge… best not to take it!"
Zhao Rou's eyes sharpened, her willow-brows drawn together. Her voice was cool and steady:"Is it bandits that trouble the road?"
The waiter shook his head quickly, his face tense."Not common brigands, no. It is… a roadside inn, one that sells buns…"
Zhao Rou gave a faint, cold laugh."And what of buns?"
The waiter glanced around, swallowed hard, and whispered:"Their buns… are made of human flesh!"
Wu Tong's expression darkened, his eyes flashing."Is this true?"
At the words human flesh buns, Zhao Rou turned pale. Her gaze fell upon the steaming buns before her, and her stomach revolted. She clapped a hand to her lips, nearly retching.
Wu Tong waved the waiter closer."Change these buns for steamed bread, at once."
The waiter hurried to comply.
Wu Tong's voice grew deep and stern."Such monstrous evil—was it never reported to the authorities?"
The waiter gave a bitter smile."Reported, yes. But that inn is no ordinary place. Its owners are all skilled fighters, with a troop of cutthroats at their command. The government has sent men to destroy them more than once, but always returned with heavy losses. At last, no one dared interfere."
Zhao Rou's brows knitted, her eyes glinting with anger."And what other vile deeds have they done?"
The waiter sighed, fear trembling in his tone."The inn colludes with the mountain strongholds. Every day those bandits supply them with fresh human bodies. Their trade thrives! They rob travelers, despoil women—those of beauty are first ravished, then sold to brothels. Men are butchered on the spot, minced into filling for their buns. As for martial wanderers, they slip drugged tea into their cups—once unconscious, the guests are slaughtered without mercy. The cruelty is beyond words… Guests, if you must pass Crouching Tiger Ridge, beware. Step not into that den!"
When their meal was done, Wu Tong asked:"Do you know the inn's name?"
"'The Wild Flavor Inn,'" the waiter replied without hesitation.
Wu Tong thanked him. As they departed, the young man shook his head and muttered,"Knowing there are tigers in the mountain, yet walking straight into the tiger's den…"
The two rode up into Crouching Tiger Ridge. After five li, they spotted the inn, its banner reading boldly: Wild Flavor Inn. They hid their horses among the trees. Soon, a troop of riders galloped past.
The leader called loudly,"Madam Liang! Two hundred meat buns!"
From within emerged a voluptuous, wantonly dressed woman—her beauty laced with vulgarity. With a coy smile she replied,"Second Chief of Tiger Ridge Stronghold, I have only a hundred buns today. Few travelers have passed of late, so supplies run short. Come back in a few days for more."
The man accepted a large sack of buns and departed.
Wu Tong and Zhao Rou emerged from hiding and approached the inn. At that moment, a young couple walked ahead of them. Madam Liang's eyes gleamed with delight."Two pairs of young travelers—heaven itself delivers me new stock!"
She stepped forward, voice honeyed."Honored guests, come in, rest and have some tea."
Wu Tong nodded to Zhao Rou."Wife, the heat is fierce. Let us rest a while."
The young couple entered first. Wu Tong and Zhao Rou followed.
Inside, Madam Liang's gaze roved over Wu Tong's handsome face."What a fine young man! Such a waste to grind him into buns…"
The four seated themselves. The young couple ordered,"Four buns and a pot of cool water."
Zhao Rou spoke calmly,"Four steamed breads and a pot of cool water for us."
At once, the two "waiters" appeared—men in their thirties, with taut sinews, predatory eyes, and lethal footwork. No true servants, but killers in disguise.
Wu Tong thought grimly,"A black inn indeed."
The dishes arrived. Zhao Rou poured tea for her husband."My lord, please take some tea."
Wu Tong's brows shifted subtly."Wife, drink slowly, lest you choke."
They only feigned sipping. Moments later, the young couple beside them collapsed to the floor, unconscious.
Wu Tong groaned theatrically, pressing his temple."Wife… I feel dizzy…"
Zhao Rou clutched her brow."Ah! My head spins as well…"
Both slumped over the table.
From behind a screen, Madam Liang clapped her hands."Come out!"
The cook, Wang Han—thick-faced, brutish—strode forth with the two "waiters," Wei Xiao and Lu Qing. Wang sneered,"Two men for the bun-filling. As for the women…"
Wei Xiao leered, nudging Lu Qing."Let us have our pleasure first!"
Madam Liang's smile dripped with lust."Unfair! Why should only you two enjoy yourselves? This young gentleman is so comely—tonight I want a taste of him myself!"
At this, Cook Wang's eyes blazed with jealousy. He roared,"You whore! For years I've endured your trysts. But now you covet my bun-meat? Never! I'll carve him up this instant!"
He stormed into the kitchen and returned with a butcher's knife, raising it high over Wu Tong. Madam Liang waved her hands."Fool! What jealousy over mere meat? I'll have my pleasure tonight, and tomorrow he's yours to butcher!"
Though feigning unconsciousness, Wu Tong and Zhao Rou heard every sordid word. Amusement flickered between them. Zhao Rou thought,"Who would have guessed? My Tong-brother has become 'bun filling' desired by both man and woman alike! That cook's jealousy may yet cost him his life."
Wu Tong, for his part, sighed inwardly."What a faithless harlot!"