Chapter 29: Hero Gathering

As the Hero Gathering at Dasheng Pass drew near, more and more heroes and martial artists arrived; whenever Guo Jing received any renowned hero, he always brought Yang Guo along, while Gu Qing, within the Lu Family Estate, quietly settled in, practicing martial arts daily and rarely stepping outside.

It was only on this day, when Huang Rong was to pass on the leadership to Lu Youjiao, that Gu Qing stepped out, going to the forest outside the Lu Family Estate to witness the Handan Sect leader’s succession.

Lu Youjiao’s martial talent was mediocre; he became leader of the Handan Sect partly due to seniority and partly because his competence won the respect of all members. Huang Rong now formally transferred the position to him. The beggars sat together, spoke of Hong Qigong, then each one spat at Lu Youjiao’s feet, formally accepting him as their new leader before the eyes of countless martial heroes.

At this gathering, Yang Guo stood beside Guo Jing, while Gu Qing stood with Xiaolongnu. When Yang Guo noticed Gu Qing, his expression darkened.

“You seem unhappy lately.”

Guo Fu, seeing Yang Guo’s expression, asked: “Has something happened?”

Hearing her concern, Yang Guo felt a warmth in his heart, but then he saw how close Xiaolongnu had grown to Gu Qing, and sorrow welled up—he felt Xiaolongnu no longer wanted him, leaving him like a child without a home. “Someone as stubborn, bitter, and trouble-seeking as me isn’t liked by anyone.”

Yang Guo spoke these words seeking comfort.

Since Gu Qing taught Xiaolongnu the Reverse Nine Yin, Yang Guo had not been cheerful; now he complained, hoping Guo Fu would say something kind.

Guo Fu’s nature inherited Guo Jing’s—she had no subtleties. Hearing Yang Guo’s words, she frowned, thought for a moment, and said: “That’s true.”

On Peach Blossom Island, Yang Guo’s temperament had left a deep impression on her.

“…”

Yang Guo shut himself off.

After Lu Youjiao became leader of the Handan Sect, the Lu Family Estate was decorated with lanterns and banners, and a grand banquet was held with over two hundred tables. Many famed martial heroes from across the land were present; since Xiaolongnu was Yang Guo’s master, her seating and treatment were roughly equal to those of Sun Bu’er and Hao Datong, who also attended.

“Ladies and gentlemen…”

After walking around, Lu Youjiao raised his wine bowl and declared loudly: “The Mongol invasion grows ever more urgent. All of you gathered here share loyalty and righteousness. We must devise a strategy to defend our Great Song realm.”

With these words, the Hero Gathering finally turned to its main purpose.

The martial heroes discussed forming an Anti-Mongol, National Defense Alliance, uniting to resist the Mongols—but no consensus could be reached on who should be the Alliance Leader.

Some suggested Hong Qigong, others Huang Rong; proposals came endlessly.

Among the crowd, Huang Rong glanced toward Gu Qing’s position. As everyone clamored, Gu Qing sat quietly in the corner, eating his meal, while Xiaolongnu sat silently beside him, seemingly untouched by the commotion.

…How is he planning to seize the position of Martial Alliance Leader?

Huang Rong had been observing Gu Qing closely lately, but all she saw was him refining his martial arts. And in martial skill, Gu Qing was certainly no match for Guo Jing.

Amid the noise, several newcomers arrived. Lu Guanying rushed to greet them as honored guests. All present turned to see a group of Mongol officials escorting three men.

One was extremely thin and tall, like a bamboo pole, with a slightly sunken forehead—it was the Mongol master, Jinlun Fawang.

Another had a refined appearance—it was Huodu, who had once proposed marriage to Xiaolongnu.

The third resembled a foreigner, dressed in Han clothing, adorned with jewels and radiating elegance—likely Yinxik.

Gu Qing noticed that Darba, who should have come with Jinlun Fawang, was absent—he guessed Darba was training the “Golden Body Arhat.”

Huodu introduced himself: he was the grandson of Zhamuhe. When Temujin killed Zhamuhe, he later offered to grant Zhamuhe’s family hereditary princely titles. Huodu, proud and defiant, became Jinlun Fawang’s disciple, mastering martial arts, and gained great power through the Mongol Empress’s trust—his speech and conduct carried an air of arrogance.

“You’ve come from afar—please sit and enjoy some wine.”

Guo Jing had prepared a banquet for them.

In war between nations, envoys are not slain; Guo Jing showed full courtesy.

Jinlun Fawang, Huodu, Yinxik, and a Mongol official sat together. When the food and wine were nearly served, ignoring the hundreds of eyes fixed upon them, they began eating and chatting freely.

Hundreds of eyes in the hall stared as Jinlun Fawang and the others ate calmly, laughing, exuding an air of utter disregard for all martial heroes.

Seeing this, the martial heroes seethed inwardly.

“Everyone chews, heads bowed; blocking sky and sun, like locusts swarming; squinting, shoulder-to-shoulder, as if just released from a starving prison…”

At this moment, Gu Qing suddenly spoke, providing a voiceover to their meal.

These verses came from a social novel, depicting the decadent banquet of Ximen my lord and his cronies. Gu Qing’s words, laced with subtle internal force, rang clear and bright—not only echoing through the hall, but reaching even the heroes outside.

“That one with the greedy arm, as if he hadn’t seen wine or food in years; that one with the twin chopsticks, never having attended a feast in ages. One sweats profusely, as if he bore a grudge against chicken bones; another with grease smeared on his lips, swallowing pork skin with saliva…”

Gu Qing spoke slowly and calmly. The heroes understood his meaning and burst into laughter, filling the hall and courtyard with mirth.

Jinlun Fawang and the others paused their chopsticks, glancing around.

They had come to display dignity, but Gu Qing’s description made them look like clowns.

Like men who hadn’t eaten well in eight generations, come here just to scavenge a meal.

“Shhh!”

Huodu locked eyes on Gu Qing and flung a poisoned dart.

The dart flew fast—Huodu’s hand moved, and the dart was already before Gu Qing.

But Gu Qing’s reflexes were sharp; he shifted like a shadow, and the dart struck the pillar behind him, embedding itself fully.

This act enraged the crowd. The heroes at the gathering immediately moved to confront Huodu.

Huodu stood, swiftly unfurling his fan, and spoke first: “We were not invited, but we believe you should choose a Martial Alliance Leader to guide the martial world.”

Huodu could no longer eat—he was ready to get straight to the point.

“Our alliance is the Anti-Mongol, National Defense Alliance.”

Gu Qing looked at Huodu and Jinlun Fawang, smiling: “If you’re willing to abandon Mongolia, we’ll accept you into our alliance. As for the position of Leader, we can discuss it…”

“If you refuse to betray Mongolia, we will kill you without mercy and use your blood to consecrate our banner.”

Gu Qing did not let Guo Jing, whose speech was clumsy, continue—he seized the initiative and left the choice in Huodu’s hands.

(End of Chapter)