The followers Shi Ming had brought, carrying their dead and supporting their wounded, now slowly withdrew. At this moment, Fire King Aros and Patriarch Luo Ke ordered those present to tidy the grounds so the Jingjiao Oath-Taking Assembly Against the Rebels could continue.
Suddenly, the crowd heard the pounding of hooves outside the Da Qin Monastery. A small detachment of Tang cavalry galloped toward the gate with urgent speed. All eyes turned as the riders halted sharply before the monastery. The leading officer was a young general. Wu Tong looked closely—and recognized him: it was the Yóuqí General, Guo Xin.
General Guo Xin led his men through the outer square. The believers gathered on the plaza instinctively parted to form a path. Patriarch Luo Ke, dressed in snowy white robes and bearing the sacred staff, stepped forth accompanied by Fire King Aros, Fire King Jade, and others to receive the Tang envoy. The two parties met in the center of the great square.
High Monk Is said softly,"Patriarch, this is the Yóuqí General, Guo Xin."
"General Guo Xin," he announced, "this is the Jingjiao Patriarch Luo Ke, Fire King Aros, and Fire King Jade."
After the exchange of greetings, both sides moved to the center stage of the gathering. A herald cried out:
"The Jingjiao Oath-Taking Assembly Against the Rebels now begins! Fire the salute!"
At once, drums and bells thundered, firecrackers crackled, and applause swept across the plaza like rolling waves. Once more, the great ceremony resumed.
Patriarch Luo Ke—white-robed, staff in hand—ascended the platform with Fire King Aros and Fire King Jade at his sides. The plaza had already grown into a sea of people, banners blotting out the sky. The Patriarch stepped forward and proclaimed:
"Faithful brothers of Jingjiao from all quarters! Though the proceedings of today's oath-assembly encountered turmoil, we have overcome all obstacles and crushed the treacherous schemes of the enemy. Thus our assembly may proceed as intended.
"The traitorous cur An Lushan has raised rebellion, usurped the Two Capitals, and plunged the people into suffering. Everywhere the common folk long for the Tang to be restored. At this very hour, the bugles of the Tang counteroffensive are sounding throughout the land. Our Church, entrusted with Heaven's mandate and supported by the hearts of the people, summons all Jingjiao believers to hold this Oath-Taking Assembly. From Heaven's will above to the people's yearning below, all align with our cause. Let every follower of Jingjiao fix in his heart the restoration of the Tang realm!"
At these words, Fire Kings Aros and Jade shouted together:
"Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!"
The Jingjiao believers roared in unison:
"Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!**"
Their voices surged like thunder, shaking the clouds above.
Patriarch Luo Ke raised his hand for silence. The multitude instantly fell still.
"Today's assembly," he continued, "would not have been possible had General Guo Xin not ridden forth in righteous support. Our Church owes him deep gratitude. Let us invite General Guo Xin to speak."
General Guo Xin mounted the platform and said in a resonant voice:
"Patriarch Luo Ke, Fire King Aros, Fire King Jade, Extinguishing-Fire King Zhao Ke, Mani King Li Rui, and all devout believers present—on behalf of the Tang army, I offer you my utmost respect and gratitude.
"The empire is in turmoil. Our sovereign has been driven from the capital. Treacherous ministers have betrayed the state; corrupt officials squeeze the people; misery spreads everywhere. His Majesty is burdened day and night by grief for the suffering of the common folk and has thus decreed that all forces under Heaven rise to punish the rebels. If the foe is not destroyed, how can the people ever know peace?
"I congratulate you all on the success of this great Oath-Taking Assembly. The restoration of the Tang is now within sight!"
The square erupted in cheers, thunderous and unrestrained.
Patriarch Luo Ke returned to the dais and declared:
"Today the court has also sent a hero—one whose martial prowess is unmatched, whose chivalrous spirit shines bright. Let us invite the Master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall: Wu Tong!"
Wu Tong strode onto the platform, radiating the vigor of a true Jianghu hero. He spoke loudly:
"Patriarch Luo Ke, General Guo Xin, Fire Kings Aros and Jade, Extinguishing-Fire King Zhao Ke, Mani King Li Rui, and all Jingjiao believers—I, Wu Tong, Master of the Loyal and Righteous Hall, offer my heartfelt admiration to the Patriarch and the Fire Kings, whose benevolence and righteousness are known throughout the land. The heroes of Jingjiao are truly remarkable, and General Guo Xin stands unmatched in valor.
"This Oath-Taking Assembly concerns the fate of all under Heaven. In such times of peril, how could we allow traitors to rampage for their own greed? Each of you has stepped forth for the sake of the common people—this alone commands my deepest respect.
"I congratulate you all on the success of today's assembly. The revival of the Tang draws near!"
Once again, Fire Kings Aros and Jade shouted:
"Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!"
The followers responded in a deafening chorus:
"Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!Join in the nation's peril! Punish the rebel traitors!**"
Thus the Oath-Taking Assembly reached its triumphant conclusion.
After the ceremony, Wu Tong conferred with Patriarch Luo Ke, the Fire Kings, and General Guo Xin, seeking to unite the heroes of the realm to bolster the Tang and to request essential logistical support for the army. At that moment, High Monk Is approached and said:
"General Guo Xin, Master Wu—may we speak privately inside the monastery?"
The two followed him into a small chamber, discreet and hidden from prying eyes.
"I bear urgent military intelligence," Is said gravely. "The rebels number one hundred thousand. The enemy commanders An Shouzhong, Li Guiren, and their marshal Zhang Tongru now encamp along the Feng River."
General Guo Xin replied,"Reverend sir, you may speak freely. This place is secure from enemy spies."
Is continued,"This comes from within the rebel ranks. Please look at this note."
He produced a folded slip of paper and slowly unrolled it on the table. The two men read the characters:
"Elite cavalry hidden east of main camp—will strike our rear."
Wu Tong and Guo Xin exchanged a sharp glance but made no sound, wary of eavesdroppers.
General Guo Xin said calmly,"This military matter must be reported to General Guo Ziyi. I trust the generals will devise the proper countermeasures."
Wu Tong, delighted, exclaimed,"Reverend sir, your assistance is invaluable! I have been traveling the Jianghu under imperial command to gather intelligence. To receive such vital information—Heaven itself aids us!"
Is bowed slightly."His Majesty carries the suffering of the people in his heart day and night. As followers of Jingjiao, it is our duty to ease his burdens where we can. Please deliver this intelligence to the Emperor and to the generals."
General Guo Xin said with heartfelt sincerity,"Reverend sir, your compassion for the people is a merit beyond measure."
Wu Tong added,"I shall return to court as soon as my work here is done and report this matter without delay."
The three left the chamber. Outside, a banquet had already been prepared. As Jingjiao followers ate only vegetarian food and drank no wine, the guests toasted one another with tea. The mood was joyous. Wu Tong, spirited and eloquent, discussed affairs of the empire, urging all to unite for the restoration of the Tang. A fervor for righteous service stirred in every heart.
The feast was filled with harmony; when it ended, the gathered heroes departed in high spirits.