It is said that Wu Tong and his companions traveled to the Xu Prefecture Sect to attend the Heroes' Banquet. As Confucius once said:
"The gentleman understands righteousness; the petty man understands profit."
Zhang Cheng, the wolf-hearted leader of the Dockside Sect, and Yang Linzhong of the Xingwu Sect had conspired together, but their schemes ultimately failed. Naturally, they reaped the bitter consequences. Meanwhile, Xu Li of the Xu Prefecture Sect, a man of integrity and chivalry, rose through combat and claimed victory, becoming the chief leader of the canal factions.
At the grand banquet, neither the Dockside Sect nor the Xingwu Sect made an appearance. Heroes from all corners gathered to offer congratulations. Xu Li and his wife were radiant with pride, moving from table to table to toast their guests. When the feast ended, the heroes dispersed, each going their separate way. The "Mad Wanderer" Si Tu Kong departed with the Beggar Sect.
Within two days, Wu Tong and Liu Yun returned to their residence in Chang'an. Not long after, Li Qian gave birth to a daughter. Wu Tong named her Xin, thus she became Wu Xin. On the day of the child's full-month celebration, court officials came in droves to offer their blessings. Among the guests were Lord Zhang Hao and his wife, and even the imperial eunuch arrived bearing lavish gifts on behalf of the Emperor.
Wu Tong, a new father, was filled with joy. He opened a grand banquet at his residence to entertain his guests.
In the blink of an eye, it was already mid-March.
On a clear day beneath a spotless sky, Wu Tong and Ling Xian'er rode out of Chang'an along the official road, intending to travel to Huangshan Palace for a leisurely visit. Suddenly, Wu Tong spotted two swift figures flashing through the woods.
"Be careful—an ambush!" he warned.
Before his words had fully fallen, several gusts of force swept toward them.
"Hidden weapons!" Wu Tong shouted.
He immediately wielded the Crouching Dragon Saber—still within its sheath—to deflect the projectiles with ringing clangs. Ling Xian'er spun her sword into a blossom of light, deflecting the incoming attack.
"Show yourselves, cowards!" Wu Tong called out.
More hidden weapons whistled through the air, sharp and treacherous. The two defended themselves with blade and sword. Suddenly, a group of men burst out from the roadside. Some wielded sabers, others swords, all dressed in tight combat attire.
Wu Tong's cold gaze swept over them as he dismounted gracefully, patting his horse to send it aside.
"Who dares block our path?" he demanded.
Two figures shot forward with piercing cries—one with a sword, one with a saber—attacking from either side. Wu Tong's blade flashed.
Two screams rang out.
Their weapons clattered to the ground. Each man had taken a cut to the arm, blood flowing freely.
Ling Xian'er also dismounted and demanded sharply,"Who are you? Speak!"
After a single clash, the disparity in skill was evident. The attackers were shaken. At the same time, seven or eight more figures surrounded Wu Tong. Onlookers had begun to gather along the road.
At that moment, three men stepped forward from the crowd.
They were members of the Judges of Life and Death—Chief Judge Cui, Judge Pen Li Yan, and Judge Saber Sun Tian.
Cui said,"Hall Master Wu, these men are assassins. Two groups—one of the Sword Fiend Sect, one of the Saber Fiend Sect. They rarely cooperate. Interesting to see them join forces today."
Wu Tong smiled coldly."You came without coffins today. I would rather not see you die here."
Ling Xian'er added sharply,"Leave while you still can!"
The assassins exchanged glances. Moments later, they fled.
Once they were gone, the crowd dispersed and the road returned to normal. Wu Tong stepped forward and greeted the three men.
"Greetings, seniors. It has been a long time."
Cui said,"These professional assassins will not give up easily. If they fail today, they will strike again."
Ling Xian'er added,"Last month, Chen Jinfeng, the Holy Matron of the Western Sect, spent a fortune to hire Yu Tian and Lan Chong for revenge."
Sun Tian said,"I heard those two had roamed the martial world for over a decade without defeat."
Li Yan smiled,"Yet at the Canal Heroes' Assembly, Hall Master Wu cut them down with a single saber."
Wu Tong said,"Seniors, there is a town ahead. Let us rest there and speak further."
The five rode on together. After several miles, they reached a small town and entered an inn.
The innkeeper was busy with his abacus. A waiter greeted them warmly.
"Gentlemen, are you dining or staying?"
"Dining," Wu Tong replied.
Ling Xian'er ordered,"A jug of fine aged wine, two jin of mutton, a plate of greens, two jin of beef, a roast chicken, and three large flatbreads."
"Right away!" the waiter said.
Soon, the food was served. Wu Tong raised his cup.
"My wife and I offer a toast to the three seniors."
The three judges replied,"We return the honor."
All five drank deeply.
After several rounds of wine, Ling Xian'er asked,"Seniors, what is the origin of the Sword Fiend Sect and Saber Fiend Sect?"
Cui answered,"Rumor has it they were founded by two brothers—one master of the sword, the other of the saber."
Li Yan added,"They remain the hidden leaders behind both sects."
Sun Tian continued,"The Sword Fiend Sect was founded by Song Long, the 'Dragon of the Sword.' The Saber Fiend Sect by Song Ying, the 'Shadow of the Saber.' In their youth, they lived by killing. Later, they took disciples and established their sects."
"These sects are unlike others," he went on. "They exist solely to train assassins—accepting commissions to kill for profit."
Ling Xian'er frowned."Then why would both sects join forces against Wu Tong?"
Cui explained,"After Yu Tian and Lan Chong failed, Chen Jinfeng demanded a refund from Song Ying. With both assassins dead, he refused. They parted on bad terms."
Li Yan continued,"She then sought help from Song Long, but his top assassins were already dead. Unable to act, she spread rumors that both sects were worthless—damaging their reputations."
Sun Tian concluded,"In my view, their alliance today is to restore their honor."
Hearing this, Wu Tong and Ling Xian'er were both startled.
They thought to themselves:
Chen Jinfeng's cruelty and cunning are truly unmatched in this world.