Li Jian smiled awkwardly and said, "Senior Wu Tong originally intended for the two of us to venture into the martial world and gain experience. With the guidance and protection of all the seniors present, I am deeply grateful."
Over the past several days, Situ Kong had witnessed Li Jian's abilities and heroic spirit firsthand. He had grown exceedingly fond of the young man. Sighing softly, he said, "Jian'er, Senior Duanmu and I are both advanced in years. We should have retired to the mountains long ago. Now that the Crouching Dragon Saber has returned to its rightful owner, there is little reason for us to continue wandering the jianghu. Since this matter has finally come to an end, let us take advantage of Chief Xu's banquet today to bid farewell to everyone."
Duanmu Song raised his wine cup and said, "Friends, a toast!"
Everyone lifted their cups.
Duanmu Song and Situ Kong declared together, "Though mountains and rivers may separate us, we shall meet again somewhere in the jianghu. Cheers!"
The crowd drank in unison, deeply moved by the broad-mindedness and noble spirit of the two veteran heroes.
Tan Wei glanced at Li Jian and noticed his troubled expression. Throughout their journey, Li Jian had repeatedly ventured into dangerous situations and overcome every obstacle. An idea suddenly came to her. Turning toward the Beggar Chief with a bright smile, she said, "Chief Fei, the Purple Celestial Holy Cult is organizing the Heroes' Gathering at Mount Lingjiu and has invited heroes from across the land. A legendary hero like yourself must attend!"
Fei Jin shook his head.
"But the Purple Celestial Holy Cult never sent me a Hero's Invitation. If I show up uninvited, I may only bring trouble upon myself."
Situ Kong immediately replied, "Brother Fei, you must go! Otherwise, if the Purple Celestial Holy Cult is allowed to act unchecked, they may eventually dominate the entire martial world."
Fei Jin grew serious.
"As the ancients said: 'Though an old steed is stabled, its ambition still runs a thousand miles. Though a hero reaches old age, his aspirations remain undiminished.' Now that the winds of change are once again stirring the jianghu, it is time for heroes to gather over wine and discuss the fate of the realm! In my opinion, among the heroes of today, only the Eastern Madman and the Western Eccentric truly deserve the title!"
Since dedicating himself to scholarship more than a decade ago, Fei Jin had become widely recognized as one of the most learned men in the martial world. He understood both destiny and human affairs. His casual remarks flowed like polished prose.
Situ Kong laughed and praised him.
"Chief Fei, who would have imagined that you possess such profound learning and knowledge of ancient and modern times? I am ashamed of myself!"
Duanmu Song, meanwhile, fixed his bright eyes upon Li Jian.
"The waves behind drive those before them onward; every generation produces its own heroes. Chief Fei, since Wu Tong has found his successor, the great affairs of the jianghu must now rest upon the shoulders of the new Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
Unknown to many, Cult Leader Cai Hong of the Purple Celestial Holy Cult had carefully arranged this entire situation. By using the Heroes' Gathering as bait, she intended to provoke conflict among the various sects, allowing her cult to occupy the moral high ground and eventually claim leadership over the entire martial world.
Li Jian smiled bitterly.
"I am merely a newcomer to the jianghu. My experience is limited. I fear I lack the authority to command the respect of others."
Xu Li, Chief of the Xuzhou Clan, responded firmly.
"Master Li, heroes often emerge in their youth. Throughout history, every Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness has been a young hero. When Wu Tong first inherited the position, An Lushan's rebellion had plunged the realm into chaos. Yet he stepped forward without hesitation. Not only did he render great service to the Tang Empire, but he also traveled among the common people, championing justice and protecting righteousness throughout the martial world."
Qiu Feng recalled the fierce disputes among the Canal Transport Clans before the Anti-Rebellion Assembly more than ten years earlier. Though much time had passed, the memories still stirred her blood.
"Chief Xu speaks the truth. At the Anti-Rebellion Assembly, Wu Tong always stood at the forefront, repeatedly crushing the enemy's momentum. Master Li, you are now the new leader of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. From this day forward, you must carry its banner and establish its prestige throughout the jianghu!"
Wu Tong had once been celebrated as one of the greatest young heroes of his generation. Li Jian had often heard tales of his exploits. Hearing such praise directed toward himself, he became flushed with embarrassment.
Yet his heart was heavy.
The turmoil surrounding Master Liaoyin had already plunged the martial world into uncertainty. If the crisis could not be resolved, rival factions might once again begin vying for supremacy. Endless bloodshed could follow, costing the lives of countless heroes.
The thought filled him with anxiety.
Though young, he had inherited tremendous responsibilities and was now confronted with one impossible challenge after another.
Seeing his concern, Tan Wei decided to press further.
"Chief Fei," she said with a smile, "Uncle Wu often told me that he could never have succeeded alone. If not for your righteousness and courage in raising the banner of resistance and leading volunteer forces to support the Tang armies, how could the empire have been saved? Uncle Wu also mentioned that the Emperor personally bestowed a plaque upon the Beggars' Sect!"
At the mention of the imperial plaque, inscribed with the words 'Loyal Hearts Illuminate History,' everyone recalled the amusing incidents involving the Beggars' Sect's Four Elders, who had been unable to read the inscription at the time.
Fei Jin laughed heartily.
"Wei'er, you're flattering me shamelessly. You simply want me to accompany you to the Mount Lingjiu Heroes' Gathering, don't you?"
Tan Wei grinned.
"Li Jian is young and inexperienced. How can he possibly serve as an impartial judge of the martial world, let alone uphold justice by himself? Chief Fei, your courage and benevolence are known throughout the land. Why not guide and support the younger generation? Let us attend the gathering together."
Fei Jin had already accepted Wu Tong's request to look after the pair. There was never any possibility that he would allow them to travel to Mount Lingjiu alone.
"No problem," he laughed. "But whenever Wu Tong and I traveled together, he always paid the expenses. As you know, the Beggars' Sect isn't exactly wealthy. Every meal and drink along the way will have to be covered by the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness!"
Tan Wei immediately poured him another cup of wine.
"That's a small matter. Brother Jian, let us toast Chief Fei for his generosity, courage, and willingness to guide us younger folk. Cheers!"
The three laughed and drank together.
Afterward, Li Jian and Tan Wei respectfully toasted each of the clan leaders present, along with the Eastern Madman, the Western Eccentric, the Four Elders, Ye Wen—the deputy chief of the Xuzhou Clan—and Tang Fei, deputy chief of the Phoenix Clan. They enjoyed the banquet thoroughly before finally taking their leave.
After the feast, everyone departed from the Drunken Sky Tower and strolled leisurely through the streets.
Suddenly, four figures approached from the opposite direction.
They were none other than the Four Envoys of Wind, Fire, Thunder, and Lightning.
The four men bowed respectfully.
"We, the Four Envoys of the Purple Celestial Holy Cult, have come under our Cult Leader's orders to deliver Hero Invitations to the Chief of the Beggars' Sect and the Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness."
The Wind Envoy and Fire Envoy each produced an invitation and stepped forward to present them.
Li Jian and Fei Jin accepted the invitations.
As the envoys turned to leave, Situ Kong suddenly called out.
"Hey! Why wasn't I given an invitation? Is your Cult Leader still holding a grudge over the matter of the saber?"
The Wind and Fire Envoys dared not offend the famous Western Eccentric.
Exchanging nervous glances, the Wind Envoy replied, "Senior, every name on the invitations was personally written by our Cult Leader. We are but humble servants and know nothing of such matters."
The Fire Envoy quickly added, "Senior, should you wish to attend the gathering, our sect would gladly welcome you with the utmost hospitality."
Situ Kong snorted.
"A Heroes' Gathering? I have no interest in such things! Let the Beggars' Sect Chief and the new Hall Master attend on my behalf and see what comes of it."
Many ambitious warriors dreamed of attending the Heroes' Gathering, hoping to distinguish themselves before the assembled heroes of the realm.
But the Eastern Madman and the Western Eccentric were now old men. Having weathered countless storms throughout their lives, they no longer wished to involve themselves in the endless conflicts and rivalries of the martial world.