Quatrain
Tang Dynasty / Lü Yan
The immortals never speak the truth outright,Thus deluding tens of thousands upon thousands.They serve no lords, nor till the fields—When the sun is high, they still sleep hugging their zither.
Rising, they casually conjure gold to spend,Never using the money earned by mortal toil.From the ends of earth and seas, people seek them—Yet reaching the world's end, they find no one there.
A group of people arrived at the abbey where the abbot resided. As soon as they entered the Daoist temple, they saw Daoist Danqing, dressed in a flowing yellow Daoist robe with wide sleeves. He possessed an air of transcendence, truly immortal in bearing. At that moment, he was rinsing tea leaves, warming the teapot, and meticulously cleansing the tea utensils, removing any lingering flavors from the pot. Once the tea was prepared, he said calmly,"Please, everyone, take a seat."
He continued, "These three are Chief Judge Cui Fujun, Judge-Brush Li Yan, and Judge-Blade Sun Tian."Everyone clasped their hands in greeting.
Daoist Danyang said, "Daoist Danqing, my apologies. Since distinguished guests are visiting today, we came together."Daoist Danqing replied, "No matter. Daoist Baimei, Master Zhenkong, and Hall Master Wu Tong of the Loyal Righteous Hall, along with his wife, are all familiar faces. This gentleman here is…?"
Daoist Danyang said, "This is Sidian Situ Kong!"Daoist Danqing was startled and exclaimed, "I have long admired your great reputation. What fortune to meet you today! Please, everyone, be seated."
Sidian Situ Kong's fame shook the martial world; there was no one who had not heard of him. The group sat down around a stone tea table and exchanged brief courtesies. Once everyone was settled, a young novice placed teacups before each guest and poured the tea. They raised their cups and drank.
Daoist Danqing said,"Last year, Tuoba Xingge, Lord of the True Deity Palace, and Long Zhentian, the Nine-Heavens Divine Lord, dueled at Huangshan Palace. Though Long Zhentian was defeated, his ambition to dominate the martial world has not faded. He has once again approached the Life-and-Death Judges' Guild to arbitrate a fair rematch. The duel is scheduled, as before, for the twenty-eighth day of the third lunar month."
Chief Judge Cui Fujun followed up,"Since all the heroes of the martial world are present, I invite everyone to share their views."
Daoist Danqing nodded."Does Daoist Danyang have any thoughts?"
Daoist Danyang replied,"This is an excellent matter! Last year, the various temples at Huangshan Palace were barely able to survive. It was precisely that martial tournament that resolved their financial difficulties."
Daoist Danqing nodded again."Last year, the entrance was overseen by Daoist Baimei and Master Zhenkong. May I ask if the two of you would be willing to preside again this year?"
Daoist Baimei said,"This humble Daoist wanders mountains and rivers and often eats and drinks at Huangshan Palace, causing much inconvenience. For this matter, I shall give my utmost effort—duty leaves no room for refusal."
Master Zhenkong also said,"This old monk has likewise imposed often. I too cannot refuse such a righteous cause."
Daoist Danqing nodded with satisfaction."With the two of you presiding at Huangshan Palace, I doubt anyone in the martial world would dare show disrespect."After a brief pause, he continued,"Brother Cui, in principle, the fees for the Huangshan Palace tournament will follow last year's arrangements."
Chief Judge Cui Fujun, Judge-Brush Li Yan, and Judge-Blade Sun Tian all nodded in approval.
Suddenly, Judge-Brush Li Yan said,"I have heard that Hall Master Wu has formed an irreconcilable feud with Chen Jinfeng, the Sacred Mother of the Western Sacred Sect. It is rumored she has spent a great sum to hire assassins."
Judge-Blade Sun Tian continued,"Word in the martial world says that the two assassins—'Chain-Nine-Severing Blade'Yu Tian and 'Shadowless Wind-Chasing Blade'Lan Chong—have accepted heavy payment and are preparing to act against Hall Master Wu."
Wu Tong felt deeply grateful and said,"Thank you, honored seniors, for the warning. I am truly grateful and will certainly remain cautious."
Liu Yun, equally grateful, added,"Last year, Zhang Cheng of the Dockside Gang and Yang Linzhong of the Xingwu Gang sought revenge and hired the two infamous assassins 'Killing Wolf' and 'Lone Star of Calamity' to take Wu Tong's life. They even dragged in a coffin shop and brought premium nanmu coffins—yet weren't they all neatly packed up in the end?"
Cui Fujun said with concern,"Hall Master Wu is indeed highly skilled. With the Crouching Dragon Blade in hand, he rarely meets an equal. Still, when the enemy is hidden and you are exposed, one must be vigilant at every step when traveling."
This remark struck Wu Tong deeply. He thought to himself,"The martial world is treacherous. Who knows what sinister scheme Chen Jinfeng will devise next?"
Chen Jinfeng was indeed one whose failed plans only led to new ones. Wu Tong then said,"Senior Cui speaks rightly. The last time Chen Jinfeng sought revenge, her schemes were endless. Had it not been for Senior Situ Kong's assistance, disaster might have already struck."
Master Zhenkong said,"In this old monk's view, Hall Master Wu is blessed by fortune. Accompany Daoist Baimei on mountain wanderings, and calamity will naturally keep its distance."
Daoist Baimei added,"In this old Daoist's opinion, Hall Master Wu might consider adding some incense oil money to Huangshan Palace. That would surely turn misfortune into blessing."
Upon hearing this, Wu Tong's thoughts shifted. He stepped forward respectfully, sincere and devout, and said,"Daoist Danqing, I have intruded upon your peaceful cultivation and beg your forgiveness. I would like to donate some incense oil money, in hopes that things may proceed smoothly in the future."
He immediately produced a two-hundred-tael silver note and offered it to Daoist Danqing. Daoist Danqing was naturally pleased, though it would not be proper for him to accept it personally.
Daoist Baimei suddenly called out,"Daoist Danqing, Hall Master Wu is a high official of the court—two hundred taels is but a small sum!"
Master Zhenkong also said,"Since Hall Master Wu understands propriety so well, Daoist Danqing should certainly perform a Tai Sui appeasement and light a Lamp of Brightness for him!"
Daoist Danyang agreed,"What the Master says is right!"He then called out, "Tianguang! This young lord is donating incense oil money—collect the two hundred taels!"
At that moment, Sidian Situ Kong suddenly thumped his chest with a loud bang and laughed,"Little Brother Wu, don't be afraid! With me, Situ Kong, around, no one will touch a single hair on your head!"
Seeing Situ Kong's comical manner, everyone burst into laughter.
Thus they brewed tea, drank tea, and chatted at leisure. The fragrant tea liberated their spirits, and the clear amber liquor reflected their open smiles. After about an hour, the Life-and-Death Judges' Guild rose, bowed in farewell, and departed. As dusk approached, Wu Tong and the others naturally remained overnight at the Daoist temple.