After bidding farewell to Master Yiye, Wu Tong and his companions parted from the Tang forces and left the small town. Within a few days, they returned to Chang'an.
Wu Tong personally presented the peerless Mount Hua Lingzhi to the Emperor. Naturally, the Emperor was overjoyed and rewarded him generously—bestowing a thousand taels of gold. Wu Tong kowtowed in gratitude and returned to his residence. There, he began preparing birthday gifts, intending to travel to the headquarters of the Heavenly Venerable Sect on Mount Jiuhua to celebrate his father-in-law's birthday.
The following day, Wu Tong set out with Liu Yun toward Mount Jiuhua. Along the way, they first arranged to meet the Beggars' Sect leader. After several days, they arrived at the Beggars' Sect branch in Xuzhou to rendezvous with them.
As expected, the so-called "branch" was nothing more than a dilapidated temple.
As for where the headquarters of the Beggars' Sect—the greatest sect under Heaven—was located, curious readers might ask: it was not within any city, but rather on Junshan Island in Dongting Lake, west of Yueyang in Hunan—a small island set amidst the vast waters.
At that moment, footsteps sounded from outside the ruined temple. Elder Jiang Feng stepped out to look—and to his delight, he saw a Beggars' Sect disciple leading Wu Tong inside. Overjoyed, he shouted:
"Chief! Hall Master Wu has arrived!"
Inside, the "Drunken Beggar," Fei Jin, who had been lying down, immediately sat up and said:
"Jiang Feng, quickly invite Hall Master Wu in!"
As Wu Tong and Liu Yun entered, Jiang Feng greeted them enthusiastically:
"Hall Master Wu and Madam, we have been awaiting your arrival. Please, come inside!"
They stepped into the branch and found it spotless. Fei Jin rose to greet them warmly:
"Brother Wu Tong, remarkable indeed! Not only did the Emperor grant our Beggars' Sect an official plaque, he also rewarded us with a thousand taels of gold!"
Wu Tong smiled:
"This is the reward your sect deserves. As Vice Alliance Leader of the righteous forces, Chief Fei has supported the court and served the nation with great benevolence and righteousness—known to all under Heaven."
Fei Jin laughed:
"Your Hall of Loyalty always hosts us, but now that we finally have some wealth, it is our turn! Tonight, we won't eat dog meat—we'll feast on Beggar's Chicken! How about it?"
Liu Yun smiled gracefully:
"We follow the host's wishes."
Thus, Fei Jin instructed the Four Elders to prepare a grand banquet.
That evening, under the Beggars' Sect's generous hospitality, they feasted on Beggar's Chicken. Five tables were set, each laden with eight whole chickens. The aroma filled the air, irresistibly enticing.
Fei Jin called out:
"Tong'er, Yun'er—don't be shy! Each of you take a whole chicken!"
Wu Tong agreed, but Liu Yun said gently:
"One chicken is enough for the two of us. Let the rest be shared among the brothers."
Fei Jin waved it off:
"Eat first—if it's not enough, there's more!"
Then he added:
"Elder Chen Yan, bring out the aged Shaoxing wine!"
Chen Yan promptly went to fetch the wine. Meanwhile, Liu Yun skillfully divided a chicken into eight portions. The crispy skin and tender, juicy meat made it a delicacy beyond compare.
Wu Tong returned with the wine, and Fei Jin said:
"Yun'er, please pour a cup for everyone."
Liu Yun rose and graciously filled each cup.
When she returned to her seat, Fei Jin spoke:
"Everyone, today we enjoy this feast of Beggar's Chicken thanks entirely to Hall Master Wu Tong. Without his petition to the Emperor, how could we afford such a meal? Raise your cups to Hall Master Wu and his lady!"
All raised their cups and drank in unison.
After setting their cups down, Liu Yun refilled them. Elder Song Ren then added:
"Hall Master Wu, when our Zhengzhou disciples were bullied by Fu Xiong of the Money Sect, you and your lady stood up for us. Seeing Fu Xiong scolded by his own father, forced to kneel and kowtow—it was immensely satisfying. We, the Four Elders, toast you!"
The elders raised their cups, and everyone drank again.
Fei Jin sighed:
"Tong'er, Yun'er, I have been away from Jiangnan for quite some time. It is about time I return to our headquarters. If you ever think of this old beggar, you are always welcome there."
Wu Tong replied with emotion:
"These past years, without Chief Fei traveling the northern lands, how could the Tang forces have reclaimed lost territory? Come—let us all toast Chief Fei!"
They drank once more.
Liu Yun then asked curiously:
"Forgive my ignorance, but where exactly is the Beggars' Sect headquarters?"
Elder Qian He replied:
"Most people think our headquarters is just another ruined temple in the city—but that is not so. It lies on Junshan Island in Dongting Lake. The scenery is serene and beautiful. The buildings are well arranged and refined—perhaps not luxurious, but they possess a misty elegance of their own."
Wu Tong's heart stirred. Suddenly he asked:
"Elder Chen Yan, when is Chief Fei's birthday?"
The question shocked everyone.
Chen Yan hesitated:
"I'm afraid I don't recall the exact date—sometime in late November."
Jiang Feng quickly said:
"It's the twenty-fifth of November! The Chief turns fifty-five this year. The branch leaders have already been discussing going to the headquarters to celebrate!"
Fei Jin waved it off:
"Only fifty-five—there's no need for a birthday banquet. The previous chief didn't celebrate until seventy!"
Liu Yun smiled:
"Chief Fei has devoted himself to the people and the nation, wandering the martial world for years away from home. Why not take this opportunity to invite heroes from across the land to celebrate his birthday?"
Song Ren agreed:
"Indeed! The Beggars' Sect is the greatest under Heaven. A leader so righteous deserves a grand celebration with heroes from all corners!"
Wu Tong laughed heartily:
"Then it's settled! This year, we shall invite heroes from across the land to celebrate Chief Fei's birthday!"
Fei Jin, modest as always, was about to protest, but Liu Yun quickly raised her cup:
"Let us toast Chief Fei—may your blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains!"
Seeing everyone raise their cups, Fei Jin had no choice but to join.
Wu Tong laughed loudly:
"Chief of the Beggars' Sect—may your blessings be as vast as the Eastern Sea, and your longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains!"
The beggars erupted in cheers, repeating the blessing in unison. The atmosphere grew lively as cups clinked, wine flowed freely, and laughter filled the air.
In high spirits, they boasted, joked, and drank to their hearts' content. The banquet was filled with warmth and camaraderie—host and guests alike utterly delighted.
There is no need to elaborate further on such a joyous feast.