The announcement that the Purple Celestial Sacred Sect would host the Heroes' Gathering at Mount Lingjiu and invite heroes and distinguished figures from across the realm immediately became the talk of the martial world. Though the decision seemed somewhat sudden, it was hardly unexpected.
The reason why the Purple Celestial Sacred Sect's declaration of the Mount Lingjiu Heroes' Gathering surprised no one was that Buddhism held an immensely important place in Tang society, from the emperor himself down to the common folk. Countless people devoted themselves wholeheartedly to studying and spreading the Dharma. The great monks Xuanzang and Yijing had journeyed westward in search of sacred scriptures and, upon returning to China, dedicated themselves to translating Buddhist texts and resolving the doubts of the faithful. It was through the efforts of Xuanzang and Yijing that Buddhist learning flourished increasingly throughout China.
Driven by his unwavering faith in Buddhism, Master Liaoyin sacrificed himself for his beliefs, meeting death with courage and dignity. His actions deeply moved countless devotees throughout the land. Although turmoil and conflict never ceased in the martial world, the principles of restraining evil and promoting virtue remained its guiding ideals. Every faction and sect claimed to uphold these values.
Since the Wutian Zen Sect had already taken the initiative in setting an example before the world, the Purple Celestial Sacred Sect naturally had no intention of falling behind. Recognizing the prevailing tide of public opinion, sects throughout the realm rushed to seize the moral high ground, fearful of being branded as heretical cults. Thus, each sect put on a display of righteousness and noble virtue. This was not entirely out of selflessness, but rather because they were following the inevitable trend of the martial world and protecting their reputations. After all, no sect wished to be labeled an evil cult or demonic faction.
This was true not only of the Purple Celestial Sacred Sect but also of the Western Sacred Sect and the Wutian Zen Sect. However, because the Holy Mother of the West had slain Master Liaoyin during their duel, she had incurred the condemnation of the entire martial world. Regardless of who was truly right or wrong, the Wutian Zen Sect seized the opportunity to rise in prominence. The Wutian Zen Master stirred up controversy throughout the jianghu and skillfully manipulated public opinion. Consequently, the Holy Mother of the West became the public enemy of the martial world, her reputation utterly ruined.
Returning to the Salt Gang's main hall, before everyone had even settled into their seats, the Western Madman Situ Kong found himself increasingly dissatisfied. The fact that he had not received a Hero's Invitation bothered him greatly, and he could not help but sneer:
"Hmph! A Heroes' Gathering? That woman is as crafty as they come. Just because she calls herself a hero doesn't make her one! Jian'er, what's written on that invitation? Read it aloud!"
Li Jian and Tan Wei exchanged smiles. Taking up the invitation, Li Jian noticed that it was no ordinary document. It had been crafted from fine sheepskin parchment, elegant and creative in design. A red silk ribbon bound the scroll, upon which the name "Li Jian, Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness" was inscribed.
As he untied the ribbon, Qiu Feng noticed Situ Kong's irritation and rose with a smile.
"Senior Situ," she said teasingly, "there's no need to be upset over not receiving an invitation. Why not follow my foster father's example and take this opportunity to cultivate a calmer state of mind?"
Situ Kong scratched his head and gave a wry smile.
"I'm afraid I'll never be as detached and carefree as that old blockhead."
The exchange drew laughter from everyone present.
"Senior Situ," Tan Wei added, "if nothing else, you can simply accompany us to Mount Lingjiu."
Fei Jin chuckled.
"Let's hear what the invitation actually says first."
Li Jian then read aloud:
Hero's Invitation
In the fourth year of the Dali era, under the cyclical sign of Jiyou, at the close of the first month of summer, on the twentieth day of the sixth month, heroes from all under Heaven are invited to gather at Mount Lingjiu. This invitation is issued so that together we may protect the Dharma and uphold justice.
With utmost respect, this invitation is extended to all heroes beneath Heaven.
Respectfully submitted,
Shi Zichen, Sect Leader of the Purple Celestial Sacred Sect
Fei Jin said:
"There are two major matters before us. The first is to travel to Huangshan Palace to witness the duel. The second is to attend the Heroes' Gathering at Mount Lingjiu.
"As for these two events, we should first proceed to Huangshan Palace. The duel between the Wutian Zen Master and the Holy Mother of the West is a matter of great significance in the martial world. Both are unparalleled talents of their generation. Their clash will be a contest between dragons and tigers, each displaying extraordinary abilities. The outcome is impossible to predict. At the very least, it will be a spectacle worthy of the jianghu.
"Afterward, we shall make our way to Mount Lingjiu for the Heroes' Gathering. The journey is long, so we must not delay. Let us depart tomorrow morning. What do you all think?"
Qiu Feng of the Phoenix Gang knew that her deputy leader, Tang Fei, would be accompanying them and that preparations still had to be made.
"Leader Fei's arrangement is excellent," she replied. "May I suggest that those accompanying the expedition return to their respective factions and prepare their belongings? We can gather at the Salt Gang headquarters tomorrow morning and set out together."
Xu Li, leader of the Xuzhou Gang, nodded.
"In that case, I shall take my leave as well. My deputy, Ye Wen, will also accompany us to Mount Lingjiu. We must prepare our supplies, so I shall return at once."
The usually quiet Duanmu Song pondered briefly before speaking.
"Though Leader Fei's leadership is reassuring, we must remain cautious while traveling. It is fortunate that we go in large numbers; we can watch out for one another."
Hearing this, Situ Kong burst into laughter.
"Old Blockhead, you're worrying too much! With Leader Fei in command, what is there to fear? This expedition will surely shake the martial world, and this youngster from the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness will soon become famous throughout the land."
His remarks once again caused the hall to erupt in laughter.
Fei Jin shook his head.
"Brother Situ flatters me far too much. I am hardly worthy of such praise."
Yet privately, Fei Jin was already making plans. This journey would provide Li Jian with valuable experience. Not only would it broaden his understanding of the martial world, but it would also help establish his reputation among the heroes of jianghu. Only when people genuinely respected and trusted him could the Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness become an impartial arbiter whose judgments the martial world would willingly accept.
Before long, everyone exchanged farewells and departed to make preparations for the journey ahead.