Several temple monks raised their staffs and shouted,"Today is the Buddha's birthday! Don't cause trouble here! Take one more step, and we won't show mercy!"
The intruder sneered, "I came precisely to cause trouble. What are you going to do about it?"
He was a man in his forties, tall and powerfully built, holding a saber in his right hand. Thick beard whiskers stretched from his temples down to his chin. His name was Qiu Biao, deputy leader of the Flying Eagle Gang. With swaggering steps, he strode forward. The monks retreated in alarm but still shouted, "Don't come any closer!"
Qiu Biao advanced, his voice thundering:"I am coming closer! What can you do about it?"
One monk, unable to bear it any longer, swung his staff down hard upon Qiu Biao's head — a strike carrying the force of a collapsing mountain. But faster than sight, Qiu Biao raised his left hand — crack! The wooden staff shattered in two. His eyes widened fiercely."I've already spoken kindly enough," he barked. "Don't mistake mercy for weakness! Call out your abbot!"
The leading monk replied, "The abbot is not someone you can summon at will! And on this sacred Buddha's birthday, he has no time for you!"
Qiu Biao laughed coldly. "If he refuses to appear, then I'll beat all you bald donkeys until he does! Men—move in!"
At his command, the Flying Eagle Gang members roared and charged like wolves and tigers toward the ten temple guards of Ruiguang Monastery. The monks raised their staves, whirling them with fierce wind, ready for a desperate fight.
A flurry of shouts erupted as both sides clashed. Though the monks fought bravely, the Flying Eagle Gang fought barehanded, their strikes brutal and efficient. Within half a cup of tea's time, the ten monks were all beaten to the ground, groaning in pain.
Qiu Biao looked around proudly and bellowed,"Abbot! Do you think your monks are Shaolin's warrior monks?"
At that moment, Abbot Liaofan of Ruiguang Monastery emerged from the main hall, accompanied by Daoist Master Xuanzhen and Wu Tong.
The abbot pressed his palms together."Amitābha. I am Liaofan, abbot of this monastery. Deputy Leader Qiu, why do you come here beating our monks without cause?"
Qiu Biao's face darkened. "I am Qiu Biao, deputy leader of the Flying Eagle Gang. Our gang already notified your temple that a monthly protection fee of one hundred taels is due. The time has come, and I've come on my leader's orders to collect."
Abbot Liaofan replied calmly, "Our temple has no silver to offer. Please, Deputy Leader, don't trouble the Sangha further."
Qiu Biao's eyes narrowed. "Master Liaofan, don't refuse a friendly drink only to swallow a bitter one! A hundred taels a month is nothing. Look at you monks—fat-faced, well-fed, living in luxury—while my brothers risk their lives daily in the jianghu, skin and bones, bleeding for a meal!"
His gaze swept toward Xuanzhen and Wu Tong."What's this? You've brought outsiders to back you up?"
The abbot said, "Men of the Sangha are exempt from worldly taxes by Dharma and law. What right do you have to demand this 'fee'?"
(Historically, during the Tang dynasty, monks held land and paid no taxes. Many temples grew rich from rents and donations, and monks often lived in ease.)
Qiu Biao snapped, "Exactly! That's why corrupt officials donate their silver here—to buy your blessings and cleanse their sins! You monks sit on riches you don't deserve!"
Abbot Liaofan smiled faintly. "If you desire such wealth, Deputy Leader, you may have it."
Qiu Biao blinked, surprised. "What do you mean?"
The abbot's expression grew solemn."Simply shave your head, take the vows, and live by the Buddha's teaching. All of Ruiguang Monastery's wealth will then be yours. Tell me—will you accept?"
Qiu Biao realized he'd been mocked."Bald fraud! You dare make a fool of me? If I can't collect this fee today, I'll drive every worshipper out of your temple!"
Xuanzhen Daoist stepped forward."Deputy Leader Qiu, calm yourself. The Sangha is exempt by law. Your gang's demand is unjust."
Qiu Biao glared. "Daoist, are you set on meddling in this?"
Then Wu Tong spoke up."The abbot and the Daoist both speak reason—and so do you. Perhaps, instead of insisting on the full fee, your gang's leader might consider lowering it?"
Both Xuanzhen and Liaofan turned to Wu Tong, startled, unsure of his intent. Wu Tong weighed the situation carefully; a man of the martial world must listen broadly and act flexibly. As Mencius said: 'A great man's words need not always be true, nor his deeds constant—only righteousness matters.'
Qiu Biao, too, was momentarily surprised. Then he looked closely at the elegant young man in fine robes and said with a softened tone,"Well said, hero. But the hundred taels are my leader's order—I merely follow command. May I ask your name, sir?"
Before Wu Tong could answer, Li Qian interjected:"This is Master Wu Tong, head of the Loyalty Hall."
Qiu Biao froze in shock. He had not recognized the famed name before. At once, he bowed slightly."So it's the renowned Lord Wu of Loyalty Hall! My apologies. Yet, the rule was set by our leader—I cannot overstep my station."
Wu Tong said calmly, "Then let us settle it the proper way. If I lose, the monastery shall pay the hundred taels. But if you lose, your leader must come himself tomorrow to discuss this fee—fair and square. Agreed?"
Qiu Biao pondered briefly, then broke into a smile. "Lord Wu's reputation shines across the land. I accept! Duty compels me, and I'll gladly exchange a few moves with the famed master himself. Win or lose, it will be an honor!"