The Right and Left Guardians of Heaven and Earth, Li Han and Ling Yun, stood by Long Zhentian's side, while the Qilin Elder Lin Ping and the Black Tortoise Elder Shen Er stepped into the arena, their faces grave. The Four Heavenly Envoys of Wind, Thunder, Earth, and Sky—Zhou Da, Xu Er, Sun San, and Ma Si—followed closely behind, their presence overwhelming, forming a tight ring around Tuoba Xingge, ready to strike at any moment.
Though Long Zhentian was gravely injured, he managed to catch his breath under the protection of his men. Yet deep down, an ominous feeling rose in his chest.
He could never have imagined that despite holding the advantage, the tide would suddenly turn against him. Enraged and humiliated, he gritted his teeth and roared, "Tuoba Xingge! You tampered with the secret manual!"
At once, murmurs swept through the crowd. All eyes turned toward Tuoba Xingge, many filled with doubt and suspicion. Could it be true that the mighty Long Zhentian had fallen because of trickery?
Tuoba Xingge threw his head back and laughed, his voice echoing like thunder through the mountains. "Victory comes through strategy! Deception is the art of war—have you never heard that? I won, and yet you refuse to accept defeat?"
Long Zhentian glared back, fury burning in his eyes. "To tamper with a manual—such deceit is beneath a true hero!"
Tuoba Xingge snorted and swept his cold gaze over him. "You've only yourself to blame. You sent spies into the True God Palace to steal my secret manual. Did you really think I would not anticipate it?"
Long Zhentian's face changed; a shock ran through his heart. His voice trembled: "Then… that manual was a fake?"
Tuoba Xingge's eyes gleamed like lightning. "Not fake," he said with a mocking smile, "merely… modified. Otherwise, how could I have fooled an old fox like you?"
The crowd erupted into commotion. Gasps and whispers filled the air. None had expected that this legendary duel between the two great masters of the age would be marred by such cunning and deceit! Some were furious on Long Zhentian's behalf; others sighed that this, too, was the way of the martial world—where the winner becomes the king and the loser fades into dust.
The resentment among the disciples of the Nine Heavens Palace surged like fire. Elder Lin Ping of the Qilin Hall slammed his palm against his table and cried, "My Lord! Let us strike now and tear the True God Palace to shreds!" His hand rose, ready to cleave the air.
Long Zhentian's thoughts raced. I'm wounded beyond recovery. To fight now would be suicide… Though furious, his mind remained clear. He suddenly threw back his head and laughed. "Palace Lord Tuoba, your skills are indeed extraordinary! Today's defeat I shall remember well. Heaven and earth are vast—we will meet again!"
He turned sharply and shouted, "We're leaving!"
The crowd looked on in awe. To admit defeat yet preserve dignity—this was indeed the bearing of a true hero. The warriors of Nine Heavens Palace turned and departed.
Tuoba Xingge watched them go, triumphant, and said with a smirk, "Divine Lord Long, I won't see you off!" His laughter boomed across the valley, startling birds from the trees.
Though Long Zhentian's heart churned with humiliation, he could only endure in silence. As Tuoba's laughter echoed, someone in the crowd shouted, "Palace Lord Tuoba spared Long Zhentian's life—how merciful!" Another cried, "Long Zhentian is but a petty coward!" "Palace Lord Tuoba's power is unmatched!"
Cheers swept through the assembly. Tuoba Xingge raised his hands and called out, "Since the heroes of the martial world have honored me with their presence, allow me to host a feast at Drunken Immortal Pavilion at the foot of the mountain. All are welcome—let us drink till dawn!"
The martial world had been in chaos for months—Shaolin's decline, the old sects waning, and countless factions vying for influence. Now, after this fateful duel, the balance of power had shifted. The crowd, always eager to follow the strong, burst into applause.
"The Flying Eagle Gang will be there!""The Black Wind Gang too!""The Azure Dragon Gang will join as well!"
The True God Palace disciples shouted with pride, while those allied to Nine Heavens Palace could only grit their teeth in silence.
Elder Qin Wei of the Dragon-Tiger Hall then proclaimed, "Brothers of the martial world, since we have gathered here by fate, come—let us all drink at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion! None shall leave sober!"
Soon, the multitude surged down the mountain toward the grand tavern.
Seeing this, Wu Tong turned to Beggar Sect Leader Fei and said, "Master Fei, Palace Lord Tuoba hosts a great banquet—where will you go, Senior?"
Fei chuckled. "Boy, don't you dare skip out on your promise! You said you'd treat my Beggar Sect to a feast—no backing out now!"
Wu Tong grinned. "How could I? Let's find the finest tavern in town and eat and drink to our hearts' content!"
"Then what are we waiting for? You lead the way!" Fei laughed.
They descended the mountain and entered the city just as the lanterns were being lit. Asking around, they soon found the most renowned establishment in the area—Clear Breeze Pavilion.
But as the Beggar Sect followers entered, the door guard blocked their way. "Hey, old beggar—wrong place! This tavern's for rich lords only!"
Wu Tong stepped forward and bowed politely. "My good man, here's five taels of silver. I'm treating these heroes tonight. We intend to reserve the entire tavern for the night, if you please."
The guard, seeing Wu Tong's elegant dress and noble bearing, instantly changed his tone. "Ah—my apologies, young master! Please, come in!"
The group entered with laughter and cheer. The madam of the house hurried forward, ushering them to the upstairs hall. With so many Beggar Sect members, five tables were filled.
Once seated, Wu Tong called out, "Bring your best dishes and wine—Shaoxing Zhuangyuanhong!"
The madam smiled coyly. "Would the young master care for a few girls to keep him company?"
Wu Tong smiled faintly. "Isn't this place called Clear Breeze Pavilion? We're here to eat and drink, nothing more."
Embarrassed, the madam replied, "Of course, of course! What dishes shall I prepare?"
"The best you have, and wine—Shaoxing Zhuangyuanhong!" Wu Tong said again, placing ten taels of silver in her hand. Her eyes widened in delight. "At once, young master! Please make yourselves comfortable."
Before long, fine dishes and aged wine filled the tables. Zhao Rou poured for each of Wu Tong's guests.
The Beggar Sect brothers gazed at the feast—mouths watering, eyes gleaming. Yet at a glance from the four elders, they restrained themselves. When Wu Tong raised his cup, he said, "This junior, Wu Tong, toasts the honorable Leader Fei and the brothers of the Beggar Sect!"
The Drunken Beggar Fei Jin raised his own cup. "A fine vintage indeed!"
Wu Tong smiled. "Please, everyone—enjoy yourselves."
At once, the Beggar Sect brothers began to eat and drink heartily. Laughter filled the Clear Breeze Pavilion as wine flowed freely and friendship blossomed under the lantern light.