The beggar brothers, upon seeing the fine dishes and fragrant wine spread across the tables, could not help but swallow hard. The delicacies of the human world lay before them in full array, and each man longed to dig in at once. Yet at a single glance from the Four Elders—Qian He, Song Ren, Chen Yan, and Jiang Feng—the disciples merely poured the wine and dared not act rashly. Every man observed proper decorum.
Wu Tong raised his cup and said,"This junior, Wu Tong, offers a toast to Elder Fei and to all the brothers of the Beggars' Sect!"
The Wine Beggar, Fei Jin, lifted his cup as well. Everyone drank it dry in one go. Fei Jin smacked his lips and exclaimed,"Fine aged wine indeed!"
Wu Tong smiled."Brothers of the Beggars' Sect, please enjoy yourselves."
Only then did the crowd begin to eat and drink freely. Wine flowed, meat was torn apart by hand, and the beggar brothers laughed heartily, reveling without restraint.
After some time, Fei Jin suddenly asked,"Tong'er, what brings you to Xuzhou?"
Wu Tong replied,"To pay respects to you, Senior."
Fei Jin chuckled."That may be one reason—but surely there is more."
Wu Tong nodded."You see through me, Senior. This journey is for the Canal Heroes Assembly, held once every three years. Through a martial contest, a leader will be chosen. For the next three years, all canal factions will follow this Dragon Head's command. I wonder—whom will the canal factions put forward this time?"
Fei Jin said,"Are you concerned that Zhang Cheng of the Wharf Gang and Yang Linzhong of the Xingwu Gang may stir up another storm?"
Wu Tong answered gravely,"The canal routes are vital. Leaving aside the rebels' former attempts to control them, the profits involved alone invite the covetous eyes of martial factions. The court is naturally watching closely. While visiting you, Senior, I will also attend the Assembly."
Sikong Kong clapped his hands happily."A heroes' assembly is like a temple fair—lively and fun!"
Liu Yun said,"In my view, heroes like Qiu Feng of the Phoenix Gang and Xu Li of the Xuzhou Gang are surely the ones to be chosen as Dragon Head."
Fei Jin fell silent for a long moment, then said,"Yun'er, matters are not so simple. Chen Yan—tell everyone what you've heard lately."
Chen Yan stepped forward."Recently, it's been said that Zhang Cheng and Yang Linzhong sought aid from the True God Palace. But knowing that Hall Master Wu supports Qiu Feng and Xu Li, the True God Palace declined politely. The two then turned to the Nine Heavens Palace. The Nine Heavens Lord, Long Zhentian, is forming a martial alliance called the Sun–Moon Alliance to oppose the Heaven–Earth Alliance organized by Palace Master Tuoba of the True God Palace. Naturally, he was eager to help. The two sides quickly reached an agreement."
Hearing this, Sikong Kong laughed instead."Good! If the martial world were calm and uneventful, how would a young hero like Wu Tong rise to prominence?"
Fei Jin nodded."Indeed. If not for the Xuzhou Anti-Rebellion Assembly back then, how would the world have known of a young hero named Wu Tong? As the saying goes—heroes create the times, and the times create heroes."
Qian He added,"I still remember a saying that once circulated through the martial world:'In the north, Jia Yong; in the south, Wu Tong.'"
Fei Jin's thoughts drifted back in time. With a sigh, he said,"And I still remember—it was this old man who brought Rou'er, Yun'er, and Tong'er together in a private betrothal."
At these words, Liu Yun flushed deeply before the assembled crowd. Wu Tong also grew reflective."If not for your aid and that of the Beggars' Sect, Senior, how could this junior have achieved anything?"
Liu Yun smiled and said,"If not for your discerning eye and tireless support, Wu Tong might still be an unknown wanderer after all these years in the martial world. How could he have risen to courtly heights and brought honor to his name? Brother Tong—should you not toast Elder Fei?"
Wu Tong raised his cup."Yun'er speaks truly. Let us drink together to honor Senior Fei."
The three drank a full cup together.
Wu Tong then stood abruptly, turning toward the surrounding tables of beggar brothers. His voice rang out clearly:"Brothers of the Beggars' Sect! You have risked your lives for the nation. Wu Tong offers this cup to all of you!"
The beggar brothers rose as one and drank it dry.
That night, Wu Tong and his companions drank through the night with the beggar brothers—eating great chunks of meat, drinking great bowls of wine, laughing and talking freely, spirits high and passions stirred. Cups were raised again and again until wine flushed their ears and cheeks, and all were thoroughly drunk. Wu Tong rented the entire tavern for the night.
The next morning, though still nursing hangovers, Wu Tong instructed the innkeeper to prepare breakfast and travel rations for the beggar brothers. After eating, they all returned to the Beggars' Sect branch hall.
With several days remaining before the Canal Heroes Assembly, Wu Tong and his two companions set out to visit the Salt Gang, the Phoenix Gang, and the Xuzhou Gang.
After walking three or four li through the city, they arrived at the grand estate of the Xuzhou Gang. The compound was imposing, with a broad front courtyard. Before they even reached the stone steps, loud shouts echoed from the training ground within.
A powerful voice rang out:"Qi is born from the dantian—fierce as a tiger, startling as a dragon.Qi issues forth as sound; the hand moves with the sound, and the sound falls with the hand.Move one branch and a hundred will shake—when the four extremities align, inner force flows without obstruction!"
These were the core principles of the Xingyi Fist manual.
Seeing the three arrive, the instructor stepped forward. Wu Tong clasped his hands and bowed."I am Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. I ask that you inform Gang Leader Xu Li."
At once, the training ground stirred. Whispers spread as everyone turned to examine the refined young man before them.
The instructor said,"Hall Master Wu, please wait a moment."
Turning back, he barked,"What are you staring at? Continue training!"
The disciples quickly resumed their horse stances. This fundamental practice strengthens the legs, builds internal energy, balances yin and yang, and stabilizes the foundation.
Before long, Xu Li emerged, smiling broadly and walking swiftly."What wind blows today? Hall Master Wu of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness honors us with his presence! I beg forgiveness for not welcoming you sooner."
Wu Tong replied politely,"I happened to be passing by and thought to pay a visit."
Liu Yun also clasped her hands."Greetings, Gang Leader Xu."
Xu Li returned the salute."Greetings, Madam Wu. You grow more beautiful by the day."
Wu Tong then introduced,"This is Senior Sikong Kong, known as the 'Madman of the West.'"
Xu Li was visibly startled. He bowed deeply."I have long heard your great name—it thunders through the martial world. To behold you today is truly my good fortune."
These were no empty words. Sikong Kong was a legendary figure few ever met.
Sikong Kong laughed heartily."Hall Master Wu praises you as a man of loyalty and righteousness. Naturally, this old fellow had to come and see such a hero for himself."