All the onlookers were struck dumb by Ling Xian'er's astounding display of martial prowess—even the Salt Guild members forgot to cheer.Xian'er said coolly,
"You struck the Salt Guild twice, so I've returned two palms. Fair's fair."
Her meaning was clear: earlier, she had demanded that Pili Thunder-hand Ge Long apologize. Instead, he had arrogantly refused and attacked her, only to find himself struck down. Thus, in a single battle, Xian'er avenged both the Salt Guild's humiliation and her own.
Ge Long clutched his chest, blood and energy churning violently inside.Thanks only to his deep internal strength did he manage to suppress the turmoil in his chest through sheer willpower and breathing control.When he could finally speak again, he growled through clenched teeth:
"Girl… that palm technique of yours—was it the Feather-Plume Palm? What is your relation to Ling Yu?"
Xian'er smiled faintly.
"You refused the wine of courtesy and chose the cup of punishment! At least you've some eyes in your head—Ling Yu is my grandfather."
At the name Ling Yu, the entire crowd gasped.For in years past, "Feather-Plume Wanderer Ling Yu" had been a name that shook the martial world—his reputation so fierce that outlaws trembled at its mention.His Feather-Plume Palm was renowned for its grace and deadly subtlety: fluid as silk, yet concealing lethal force within.Now his granddaughter had inherited his art and brought it to perfection—no wonder Ge Long had suffered so humiliating a defeat.
Realizing he had kicked an iron wall, Ge Long's heart sank.He muttered bitterly,
"This debt will be repaid in full another day. We're leaving!"
And with a cold snort, he turned away.
A short poem was whispered among the crowd:
Salt Guild fought fiercely, — level, level, level, oblique, oblique.Thunder-palms flew swift, — oblique, oblique, oblique, level, level.Not a common maiden, — oblique, oblique, level, level, oblique.Blade poised, horse upright— level, level, oblique, oblique, level.
(Rhyme: "-wei," upper tone)
The Aftermath
Ling Xian'er's appearance had left the entire gathering in awe and the Salt Guild in reverent admiration.Her calm bearing and graceful movements reflected the poise of a true master.Even those who had doubted her strength now whispered her name with respect.
Pili Thunder-hand Ge Long, though seething inside, had no choice but to retreat with the Dock Guild's Zhang Cheng and the Martial Guild's Yang Lin-zhong.He glanced back coldly, thinking,
"This humiliation will not go unanswered…"Yet he knew full well that with Xian'er's power—and the backing of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness—revenge would not come easily.
Gratitude of the Salt Guild
When the aggressors departed, Salt Guild Master Zeng Yong and his son Zeng Qiang hurried forward, bowing deeply.
"If not for Lord Wu of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, our guild would have been doomed today!"
Wu Tong replied solemnly,
"The rebel armies act with greed and cruelty, despised by all righteous men.Today's attack is only the beginning; they will surely strike again.Master Zeng, you've long walked the rivers and lakes—you know well that An Lushan cannot rule the realm for long.The Tang forces will soon counterattack. When that time comes, your guild's aid will be crucial."
Indeed, caught between two warring powers, the Salt Guild had tried to stay neutral, content to conduct its trade peacefully.But trouble had found them all the same.Had Wu Tong not intervened, the guild would have perished that day.
Zeng Yong sighed heavily:
"The rebels are no better than bandits.The Salt Guild shall rise again from the ashes—there's nothing more to say!"
Zeng Qiang added indignantly,
"That Zhang Cheng of the Dock Guild and Yang Lin-zhong of the Martial Guild—what kind of heroes are they?Their actions shame the whole brotherhood! We want nothing to do with men like that!"
Wu Tong laughed heartily.
"Spoken like true men of honor!We walk the path of righteousness—why waste time squabbling with the corrupt?"
His words, warm yet dignified, stirred admiration.Zeng Yong clasped his hands and said sincerely,
"Lord Wu, your insight and conduct are truly admirable.Come, let us drink inside and celebrate this newfound brotherhood!"
An Alliance Formed
Just then, Li Qian, Liu Yun, and another of Wu Tong's companions arrived.Liu Yun teased,
"Did we miss all the excitement?"
The two Salt Guild leaders were momentarily stunned by the sight of the beautiful ladies.Wu Tong, slightly embarrassed, said,
"These are my humble wives."
The four women gracefully bowed.
"We pay our respects to the Salt Guild Master and his honored son."
Zeng Yong chuckled warmly.
"Heroes and fair ladies—truly a match made by heaven!"
With laughter and camaraderie, all entered the guild hall for a round of wine.
Plans for the Righteous Cause
Over several cups of yellow wine, their talk turned serious.Wu Tong said,
"Our Righteous Army's leader, Liu Mengzhu, has decreed that on the twentieth day of the fourth month,the Phoenix Guild under Qiu Feng and the Xuzhou Guild under Xu Li will escort supplies gathered from Jiangnan via the river routes to Xuzhou's docks.From there, the Beggar Sect will relay them to the defenders at Suiyang.Would the Salt Guild be willing to join us as an escorting force?"
Zeng Qiang, a man of impetuous spirit, declared,
"You stood by us in our hour of need—how could we not repay that kindness?We of the Salt Guild are men of the jianghu.We repay virtue with virtue and wrongs with justice.To aid the righteous army is an honor and a duty! We shall join you!"
Wu Tong raised his cup, smiling.
"Two heroes of loyalty and courage—Wu Tong salutes you both!The times are dire, the path ahead uncertain, but with allies such as you, the Tang cause shall yet prevail."
At this critical juncture—on the eve of the great war between the Yan rebels and the Tang loyalists—the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness sought to unite all virtuous forces.Only through such unity could the dream of reclaiming the empire be fulfilled.
The Assembly at Xuzhou
On the morning of April twentieth, a gentle breeze swept the docks of Xuzhou.The rising sun cast a warm glow across the river.
A voice called out,
"Guild Master! Lord Wu of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness has arrived!"
Another shouted,
"Guild Master, another company approaches as well!"
Wu Tong strode forward and bowed deeply:
"Wu Tong of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness and his wife pay respects to Elder Fei, the Chief of the Beggar Sect, and the Four Elders."
Fei Jin, the "Wine Beggar," laughed heartily.
"You've come far, my friends! It's good to see you safe and sound."
Just then, Zeng Qiang, the Salt Guild's deputy master, arrived with his men.Wu Tong quickly said,
"Elder Fei, the Salt Guild has come to aid us as well!"
At once, the beggar disciples made way for their allies.Zeng Qiang bowed respectfully:
"I've long admired Elder Fei's wisdom and fame. To meet you today is my greatest honor."
Fei Jin returned the salute with equal warmth, then turned to Wu Tong and said admiringly,
"Boy, you've done well! With even the Salt Guild joining our cause—how can we not triumph?"