Just as the Black Dragon Cult and their followers departed, someone in the center of the square cried out:
"The Heavenly Way Alliance is established!"
With that declaration, voices erupted across the gathering.
"Heavenly Way Alliance!""Heavenly Way Alliance!""Heavenly Way Alliance!"
True God Palace's master, Tuoba Xingge, raised his hand, signaling the gathered heroes to silence. Once the crowd quieted, he proclaimed in a steady, resonant voice:
"Though today's founding of the Heavenly Way Alliance met with obstacles, with the support of brave heroes from all quarters, we have succeeded in convening this grand assembly. I, Tuoba Xingge, will serve as the Alliance's first Grand Leader. We shall uphold righteousness, walk the way of Heaven, and bring justice to the martial world. Any sect or brotherhood that shares our ideals is welcome to join—we will compel no one."
At that moment, a chorus of voices rang out from the crowd:
"Master Tuoba stands for the martial world and fears no power—truly a man of honor!""The Black Dragon Cult serves the Yan army like dogs!""Master Tuoba is loyal and righteous to the highest heavens!"
Praise echoed through the field like a tide.
Tuoba Xingge clasped his hands and said warmly:
"Since the heroes of Jianghu have shown me such kindness, let us continue our discussions in fellowship. At the foot of the mountain lies a grand inn called Cloud Dragon Tavern. Tonight, True God Palace will host a banquet there to honor all our fellow warriors. We invite all sects to attend and together plan the details of joining the Heavenly Way Alliance!"
So, one after another, the various sects followed True God Palace down the mountain. At Cloud Dragon Tavern, they officially founded the Heavenly Way Alliance, with Tuoba Xingge confirmed as its first Grand Leader.
It was agreed that any disputes among sects could henceforth be brought before the Alliance Leader to arbitrate justice and uphold fairness in the martial world.
Wu Tong, seeing the establishment of the alliance complete, bade farewell to Deputy Leader Qiu Biao of the Flying Eagle Sect and to Wang Yun and his wife. Tuoba Xingge was still exchanging greetings with the various sect leaders, so Wu Tong also took the chance to pay his respects to the Dragon and Tiger Elders, Qin Wei and Wang Tao, before preparing to depart.
Though they repeatedly urged him to stay, Wu Tong explained:
"I have official duties and must depart at once."
A small group escorted him to the gates of Cloud Dragon Tavern, where they waved their farewells.
Wu Tong had been away from Fengxiang Mansion for over a month and a half.Thus, his party rode with all haste to return. Though it was spring and the countryside was draped in willowy mist and vibrant wildflowers, none had the heart to linger and admire the scenery.
By the time they reached Lingwu, night had already fallen and lanterns were lit. It was late May when they arrived at the mansion.
Chief Tang greeted them with news:
"Eunuch Li has sent men several times in recent days, inquiring whether Master Wu has returned—it seems to be an urgent matter."
That very evening, Li Qian felt unwell. Wu Tong immediately had Chief Tang summon a doctor.
Not long after, the elderly physician arrived and examined Li Qian. Wu Tong, deeply worried, anxiously asked:
"Doctor, how is she?"
The old man felt her pulse and then smiled:
"Congratulations, sir—madam is with child!"
Wu Tong was stunned, hardly daring to believe it.
"What did you say? Say that again?"
The doctor repeated with a smile:
"Congratulations—madam is with child!"
The women in the household were overjoyed. None had experience with pregnancy, and all had different thoughts in their hearts. Zhao Rou, who had great respect and affection for Li Qian since marrying Li Jian, was especially attentive. She asked the doctor:
"Doctor, are there special precautions she should take during pregnancy?"
The doctor replied after a moment's thought:
"During early pregnancy, it's best not to go out too often. The madam may feel easily fatigued, so rest is essential."
Liu Yun, thinking back on Li Qian's recent lack of appetite, added:
"Qian-jie hasn't been eating well lately. Does she need some medicine to help?"
The doctor thought for a moment and answered:
"No tonic is needed for now. But if her nutrition is insufficient, it could affect her health. I will prescribe some nourishing medicine. Once the fetus stabilizes, there will be no more concerns."
Overjoyed, Wu Tong immediately instructed Tang Yong to reward the doctor with silver. The whole household was immersed in happiness—it goes without saying how warm the atmosphere became.
The next day, Tang Yong reported that Eunuch Li from the court had arrived.
Wu Tong rose to meet him in the main hall.
Eunuch Li was none other than Li Fuguo, a powerful figure in the court.
Upon entering, Wu Tong greeted him:
"Honored Eunuch Li, it is a great honor to welcome you. Forgive me for not greeting you earlier."
Li Fuguo replied urgently:
"Master Wu, your recent escort of military supplies to Suiyang has earned great merit for the court and brought honor across the land!"
Wu Tong replied humbly:
"It was my duty. There's no need for praise. But may I ask—does Your Excellency come on official business?"
Li Fuguo said hurriedly:
"I was sent on imperial command with urgent news. His Majesty has summoned you. There is another mission that must be delivered in person today—you must come to the palace immediately."
Without delay, the two headed to the palace.
Rather than being received in the grand audience hall, Wu Tong was brought directly to the imperial study.
At the entrance, Li Fuguo announced:
"Your Majesty, as commanded, I have brought Leader Wu of Zhongyi Hall to the palace."
From within, a calm voice replied:
"Let Leader Wu enter. Li Fuguo, you may withdraw. I have matters to discuss with Leader Wu alone."
Li Fuguo bowed deeply:
"As Your Majesty commands."
He opened the door for Wu Tong, who entered, then gently shut it behind him and took his leave.
Wu Tong stepped into the study and immediately knelt.
"Wu Tong of Zhongyi Hall pays respects to His Majesty—ten thousand years of long life!"
The emperor, dressed in dragon robes but wearing a troubled expression, gestured:
"Rise, Leader Wu. Please sit."
Only then did Wu Tong dare to look up. Before him sat Emperor Li Heng, 47 years old—the man who had ascended the throne in crisis, known as Emperor Suzong of Tang.
The emperor began:
"I have heard many tales of your valor in the martial world, and I am greatly impressed. Previously, you delivered our imperial decree to the Anxi Protectorate, performing meritorious service. More recently, you ensured the safe transport of southern military supplies to Suiyang—another great deed for the state. As the leader of Zhongyi Hall, you have proven worthy of the trust placed in you."
Wu Tong, filled with patriotic devotion, bowed deeply:
"It was my honor to fulfill Your Majesty's commands."
The emperor continued:
"You have rendered great service. I shall reward you. Yet the realm is in turmoil, and Tang's counterattack is imminent. You, Master Wu, have roamed the martial world and seen much. I wish to hear your thoughts—how would you compare the strengths and weaknesses of Tang and Yan forces?"
Wu Tong, loyal to the core and unshaken in purpose, thought of his many encounters—facing Yan cavalry and fighting alongside Tang troops. After a moment, he spoke earnestly:
"The Yan army's Yeluohe Cavalry are fiercely formidable. The Tang army, however, is composed of loyal and righteous men who fight with courage and do not fear strong foes."
(Yeluohe, meaning "warrior" in Turkic, were elite cavalry selected by An Lushan from among the Xi and Tongluo tribes.)
The emperor, hearing this keen analysis, was greatly impressed and moved with admiration:
"Master Wu, your insight truly resonates with Me."
As the old saying goes:
"A man of letters may bring peace with his pen; a warrior may bring order with his blade."