That day, Han Zhen and his wife Yang Mi came to see Wu Tong, their adopted daughter Tan Wei, and Li Jian off on their journey. Though reluctant to part—especially with their goddaughter—they understood that Wu Tong would soon withdraw from the jianghu, while Tan Wei and Li Jian were about to step into an unknown path ahead.
As Wu Tong had once said:"My jianghu may not be your jianghu."
Only through one's own trials and experience could the true nature of the jianghu be known.
After leaving the mountain estate, Wu Tong and his companions traveled for some ten days before Dunhuang came into view.
Dunhuang stood as a vital stronghold along the Silk Road—a hub of political, economic, and cultural exchange between China and foreign lands, and a crucial bridge linking the Central Plains with the Western Regions.
Walking its streets, one could often hear the ringing bells of camel caravans. It was said that before departing, merchants would pray for safe passage and the protection of their goods; upon returning safely, they would commission cave carvings, murals, and Buddha statues at the Mogao Caves in devout gratitude.
The group purchased three camels in Dunhuang, prepared provisions, and set out toward Crescent Spring. They had intended to stay at Leiyin Temple, but Wu Tong found it inappropriate—after all, eating fish in a Buddhist temple would be improper. Thus, they camped in a nearby cave, while Tan Wei and Li Jian went ahead to Crescent Spring.
That night, Wu Tong decided to impart to Li Jian a set of the Crouching Dragon Saber Technique. In recent years, he had searched for a successor to lead the Hall of Loyalty, yet few in the jianghu possessed both virtue and skill. Now that fate had brought Li Jian to him—whose character and talent were both exceptional—he resolved to teach both Li Jian and Tan Wei this formidable art to aid them in their travels.
Because the Crouching Dragon Saber was ruthless and steeped in bloodshed, Wu Tong had long ceased using it. The weapon itself had been entrusted to the eccentric master Situ Kong, with an agreement that the future Hall Master would reclaim it when the time came.
That night, using tree branches in place of blades, Wu Tong withheld nothing, generously teaching his lifelong mastery. He later instructed them in the Eight Forms of Cloud Hands for everyday defense.
The next day, Wu Tong, with subtle intent, sent the young pair together to Crescent Spring, while he himself returned to Dunhuang on the pretext of urgent matters.
At Crescent Spring, the lake stretched wide beneath the vast sky, its waters shimmering, bordered by lush green grass. It was the first time the two had witnessed such boundless beauty. Yet they had no leisure to admire it—they quickly set up three fishing rods and waited silently for the Ironback Fish to bite.
As the sun set, its gentle glow fell upon Tan Wei's face, making her appear all the more delicate and radiant. Noticing Li Jian's gaze drifting toward her, she blushed and asked softly,"What are you looking at?"
Startled, Li Jian's heart stirred, and he suddenly recited a poem:
"Fair beauty captures every heart,Renowned for grace and charm;Golden hues outshine the moon,Stars are shaped by deft design…
Her powder outshines jade itself,Her robes as light as cicada wings;
Shy glances veil her tender face,Soft songs follow gentle tones—
Half-drunk with beauty's glow,A smile hides behind fragrant screens."
Tan Wei, hearing this, understood his poetic confession and blushed deeply. Yet she teased him with a smile,"You're reciting poetry? I don't understand most of it—but I heard 'renowned for charm.' So Brother Jian is quite the flirt!"
Li Jian was taken aback, his heart thrown into panic. What had been meant as admiration had turned into misunderstanding. He hurriedly explained,"You've misunderstood! The poem praises beauty—it's not about me!"
Before he could say more, the water suddenly stirred—the float plunged beneath the surface, and the line tightened sharply.
"Fish! A fish is on the hook!" Tan Wei cried.
Li Jian rushed forward and pulled with all his strength. The rod bent like a bow. When he finally hauled it ashore, he discovered—not a fish—but a golden softshell turtle.
Both were astonished.
Soon after, more fish bit in succession. But after a flurry of catches, the fish vanished—perhaps the school had grown wary.
As night fell, they packed up their gear. Their catch totaled seven: two carp, one turtle, and five Ironback Fish.
Returning to their cave near Leiyin Temple, they began cooking. Since Tan Wei needed to consume Ironback Fish for seven days, Wu Tong ate carp, while Li Jian ate the turtle.
The turtle meat was tender and subtly sweet. Li Jian found it delicious and ate several more bites.
That night, they rested.
At midnight, Li Jian suddenly felt his entire body burning. His meridians surged with violent currents of qi. Pain spread throughout his body—first bearable, then unbearable. Soon, all twelve major meridians began to throb, and he cried out in agony, drenched in cold sweat.
Tan Wei panicked and shouted,"Uncle Wu! Come quickly—what's happening to Brother Jian?"
Wu Tong exclaimed,"This is bad!"
Removing Li Jian's shirt, he said gravely,"It must be that turtle. In a single day, the twelve double-hours correspond to the flow of qi through different meridians. Now his internal energy is accelerating uncontrollably—circulating through his entire body at terrifying speed!"
Wu Tong sighed deeply. He had only just found a successor, ready to retire—yet fate had intervened cruelly.
Li Jian writhed on the ground, his breathing ragged, unable to control the chaos within.
Through tears, Tan Wei pleaded,"Uncle Wu, what should we do? Will he be in danger?"
Wu Tong answered solemnly,"This creature must be a spiritual beast, containing immense yang energy. For ordinary people, it is a great tonic—but without proper internal cultivation, it overloads the meridians, causing qi to surge uncontrollably."
"Can he be saved?" she cried.
"There are only two methods," Wu Tong said."First, he endures it himself. If he survives, his internal power may greatly increase—but failure could damage his meridians or cost him his life.Second, I guide his qi with my own internal force—but it will greatly drain me."
Tan Wei immediately knelt, tears streaming."Uncle Wu, please save him! He must not die!"
Wu Tong hesitated, then sighed again. Fate was truly merciless.
At last, unable to bear it, he sat cross-legged, placed his palms upon Li Jian's back, and began channeling his internal energy—guiding the chaotic currents within him back into order.