The two Envoys of Qian and Kun from Nine Heavens Palace had, the year before, seized the Heavenly Mountain Blood Lotus on Mount Tianshan. During that clash they had crossed hands with Liu Yun and Ling Xian'er—and had even been forced, in humiliation, to kneel and kowtow before the snow ape in apology.
Now, at the very moment when Xu Li of the Xuzhou Guild was seated as the newly elected Chief of the Canal Heroes' Assembly, the two sought to stir up trouble under the pretext of "righteousness." Liu Yun did not hold back her sharp tongue.
Ling Yun, the Right Envoy of Qian-Kun, declared, "Our Lingxiao Palace acts out of martial honor. We cannot stand by while the leaders of the Wharf Gang and the Xingwu Gang are wronged. This matter has nothing to do with you!"
Wu Tong replied in a deep voice, "I advise you both to mind your own affairs. Do not invite disaster upon yourselves."
Liu Yun added coldly, "Nine Heavens Palace accuses others of hypocrisy and false virtue—yet isn't that merely describing yourselves? All the heroes of the jianghu bear witness today to your so-called righteousness!"
Li Han, the Left Envoy, realized they needed a dignified retreat or risk greater humiliation. He raised his voice, "Our Divine Lord of Nine Heavens is currently establishing the Sun-Moon Alliance to uphold justice in the martial world. The insult suffered today by the Wharf Gang and Xingwu Gang shall be avenged in due time!"
Ling Yun nodded curtly. "We shall meet again." With that, the two turned and left.
At last, the Canal Heroes' Assembly had chosen its leader. Heroes from every direction stepped forward to offer congratulations. Xu Li of the Xuzhou Guild looked radiant and spirited, clasping his fists in greeting as he accepted their praise. Ye Wen, the guild's second-in-command, announced loudly, "Esteemed heroes who have traveled from afar, on behalf of our guild, I thank you. The banquet is prepared. Please honor us by moving to the Xuzhou Guild hall, where wine and feast await!"
The crowd erupted in applause and cheers.
Just as the assembled heroes were preparing to depart for the banquet, a commotion arose along the official road. A curtained carriage approached slowly, drawn by two tall steeds. The rhythmic clatter of hooves and wheels blended into a measured cadence, raising a swirl of dust.
When the carriage stopped, four porters emerged carrying a coffin. The lacquer on it was so fresh it seemed not yet fully dry. Without hesitation, they set the coffin squarely in the middle of the road.
The young driver climbed down nervously and asked, "Is there a Wu Tong here, the Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty?"
At the sight of the coffin, Liu Yun's temper flared. "Why do you ask for Wu Tong?"
The young man replied, "Then we have come to the right place. I'm a clerk from the coffin shop. This coffin is a delivery—specifically for Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty."
A chill swept through the crowd.
Wu Tong studied the sharp-eyed youth and suddenly recalled last year's affair. "Young man, do you remember me?"
The clerk bowed respectfully. "Sir, last year's order was from the Beggar Sect's chief. I never imagined this year's buyer would name you. I merely do business for pay."
The Beggar Sect members shifted awkwardly, recalling that incident.
Wu Tong said calmly, "Do not leave yet. You may need to handle certain people's funerals shortly."
The clerk nodded. "Sir, I know the rules of this trade. Last time was the same—wrap it up and depart." For a coffin shop, dealing with martial vendettas was commonplace.
Wu Tong sighed. "Once you enter the jianghu, you must not resent the calamities you meet."
The Madman of the West, Situ Kong, seeing Wu Tong's predicament, laughed instead of frowning. "Boy, you're fortunate! Ever heard the saying 'See a coffin, gain wealth'?"
The Beggar Chief Fei Jin burst into laughter. "Last year I saw a coffin and prospered—now it's your turn! Times may be hard, but coffin shops thrive!"
Wu Tong could only smile wryly. "Fortunate indeed. I only wonder who has sent such a generous gift."
At that moment two men approached. Situ Kong grinned. "Here come your well-wishers."
They stopped and called out loudly, "Is Wu Tong, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty, present?"
"I am Wu Tong," he answered calmly. "May I ask your business?"
One was gaunt-faced, of medium height, pale-skinned, dressed in dark tight-fitting clothes. "I am Lan Chong—the Shadowless Gale Blade."
The other was tall and robust, sun-darkened, clad in dark martial attire. "I am Yu Tian—the Ninefold Chain Blade."
Wu Tong asked, "Were you sent by the Western Holy Mother, Chen Jinfeng of the Western Sacred Sect?"
Lan Chong replied coldly, "That is not important. What matters is that we have come today to take your life."
Yu Tian sneered. "They say your Crouching Dragon Blade Technique is unrivaled under heaven. I, the Ninefold Chain Blade, refuse to believe it."
As they spoke, the surrounding crowd instinctively retreated.
Wu Tong unstrapped the Crouching Dragon Blade from his back. He recalled the couplets at the former residence of Li Wenzhong, the Crouching Dragon Sect's master:
Left: "Nurture the vast and righteous qi of heaven and earth."Right: "Cast aside life and death, let glory endure through the ages."Horizontal: "Walk the Great Way."
After years wandering the jianghu, Wu Tong could not help but reflect: "All men must die. A death may weigh heavier than Mount Tai—or lighter than a feather."
A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
"Have you two," he asked evenly, "made your final arrangements?"
Lan Chong's eyes snapped open, sharp as blades. "You are about to be a dead man, yet you still dare speak so wildly?"
Yu Tian laughed coldly. "Rumor says you killed the Heavenly Fiend Lone Star and the Wolf of Ruin. Is that true?"
The Heavenly Fiend Lone Star and the Wolf of Ruin were famed twin assassins of the jianghu, both swordsmen. In contrast, Lan Chong and Yu Tian wielded blades.
Wu Tong raised the Crouching Dragon Blade in his left hand and strode forward.
"That," he said, "is not important. What matters is—have you made your final arrangements?"