Amid the internal strife of the Baihuo Cult, Wu Tong had arrived at just the right moment—averting Dharma King Shi Ming's attempt to usurp the position of Cult Master and preventing the sect from being used as a tool of the Yan rebel forces. Seizing this critical moment, he analyzed the broader political landscape, appealing to the righteousness of the situation with bold clarity.
Now was the time to raise the banner of justice for all under heaven!
As the Hall Master of Loyalty Hall, Wu Tong had long pledged his life to forging alliances with righteous heroes and defending the Tang Dynasty. There was no need for him to say more—his actions spoke louder than words.
It is written:
Reading the signs of the realm,Cursing traitors with fury,Calling the righteous to arms,Stirring all hearts to rise.
That night, in the inner sanctum of the Baihuo Cult, Wu Tong and the Cult leaders discussed national affairs deep into the night. At last, Cult Master Li Ning insisted he stay and rest. The next morning, they parted ways.
After bidding farewell, Wu Tong and his two companions remembered that on the 20th of the ninth month, a martial gathering would be held near Dongda Temple not far from Huangshan Palace. So, they set off in that direction.
Along the way, they noticed many outlaws and wandering fighters galloping past on horseback. Their expressions were calm and composed, yet something about the scene was off.
Zhao Rou whispered:
"Brother Tong, those men look suspiciously composed. They must be up to something. Should we follow?"
Wu Tong nodded:
"That was my thought as well. We'll follow in secret. Stay hidden—don't reveal yourselves."
So the three trailed the riders quietly.
As night fell, they reached a dense pine forest on a hillside. The winding path led to a summit where a large number of rogue martial artists had gathered. The three grew uneasy.
Among the crowd were many from notorious sects—familiar faces like Yuan Rong the Fiend, Hong Qi the Butcher, Wu Ren the Old Demon of Tianshan, Wang Yu the Dread Specter, Bai Chang the Mad Ghost, and the Gluttonous Monk.
A registration tent had been set up on the hill. Each fighter reported their name and received a heavy pouch of silver, then proceeded to a nearby campfire.
Soon, four burly men carried a soft sedan chair into the gathering. A voice called out:
"The Dharma King has arrived!"
Amid the firelight, the Dharma King stepped out—none other than Shi Ming.
He swept his gaze across the crowd, clearly pleased.
"Friends," he declared, "I am Dharma King Shi Ming of the Baihuo Cult. Tonight, I have gathered you all for one purpose—to undertake a great task together!"
He paused, then added with pomp:
"Our Emperor of Yan, mandated by heaven, has risen against the corrupt Tang court. Across the land, cities and provinces surrender without resistance. But there remain stubborn loyalists plotting with the fallen Tang—such rebellion cannot be tolerated!"
At that moment, two familiar figures leapt onto the stage—the "Black and White Duo", Xie Guo (Black Piece) and He Qian (White Piece).
He Qian addressed Shi Ming with flattery:
"Dharma King Shi Ming is loyal and patriotic—an honored servant of the court."
(The "court," of course, referring to the Yan rebel regime.)
But Xie Guo, wearing a puzzled scowl, barked out:
"Who are these traitors that dare defy the court?!"
Shi Ming sighed:
"The court is gravely concerned. As of now, it knows not what to do."
Someone in the crowd shouted:
"Doesn't the court have strange martial experts under its command?"
Another chimed in:
"The Black Dragon Sect's leader Murong Gui is a mighty warrior—surely he can serve the court!"
Shi Ming shook his head again:
"You are not aware—Murong Gui has left the court to pursue other ambitions. This has left the court deeply troubled. Though I am but a humble servant, Lord Yan has entrusted me with a vital task: to sabotage the Jingjiao (Nestorian) Assembly scheduled for the fifteenth of this month on Mount Song!"
At that moment, Hu Mao, the Twin Blade Assassin, stepped forward. He faced the crowd and dramatically drew his blades:
"My friends, I, Hu Mao, pledge my life to the court!"
Then came Qin He the Silver-Hook Judge and Wu Sheng the Long-Browed Eye, stepping forth.
Qin He shouted:
"I, the Silver-Hook Judge, pledge myself to the court!"
Wu Sheng added:
"I, the Long-Browed Eye, pledge myself to the court!"
Then Xie Guo and He Qian followed suit:
"We are friends of Dharma King Shi Ming. We all pledge ourselves to the court!"
Soon, voices echoed across the hill:
"For the court!""For the court!""For the court!"
Shi Ming raised a hand—and silence fell.
He called out:
"Bring wine for the heroes!"
His men brought out wine jugs and poured drinks for everyone.
Under the moonlight, as cups were raised, Shi Ming declared:
"Friends! Though we've just met, let us drink as comrades. From this day on, we shall share blessings and bear hardships together!"
"Cheers!" he shouted.
"Cheers!" the crowd echoed back.
More wine was poured. Then:
"For the court—cheers!"
"For the court—cheers!"
Then again:
"To destroy the Jingjiao sect—cheers!"
"To destroy the Jingjiao sect—cheers!"
Shi Ming was now basking in triumph, his face glowing with satisfaction.
"Prepare food and drink!" he commanded.
His aide Bai Bing repeated the order:
"Prepare food and drink!"
Soon, a celebratory feast was underway. All around, rogue martial artists drank freely, laughing and toasting.
Shi Ming walked through the crowd, drinking every cup offered, his spirit soaring. All praised him:
"Dharma King Shi Ming is bold and heroic—worthy of respect!"
Little did they know, Wu Tong and his companions had witnessed the entire event, hidden in the forest.
Quietly, they left, retrieved their horses, and rode under the starry sky.
Ling Xian'er, her brow furrowed and face filled with worry, said:
"Brother Tong, this is serious. These people mean business."
Zhao Rou added:
"Shi Ming has become a pawn of treachery. He's utterly shameless."
Wu Tong's heart was heavy.
"Regardless, we must go to the Jingjiao Assembly on Mount Song on the fifteenth. Let's observe carefully when the time comes."
With that, the three leapt onto their horses and galloped into the cold night.
Their minds were troubled. A great battle was brewing. The Tang army was about to launch a desperate counterattack—and the Yan forces would not go down without a fight.