On the tenth day of the second month, a Canal Heroes Assembly was held in Xuzhou. The venue was a vast grassy field beside the Grand Canal docks. The Five Great Canal Guilds had already entered the grounds and taken up their positions, standing in strict formation. Heroes from all quarters arrived one after another, among them many respected local figures of Xuzhou. These included the senior master "Invincible Divine Palm" Fang Wei, "Hero Among Men" Fang Xiong, and the married couple "Wind Chime" Deng Ling.
The Beggars' Sect was present as well, led personally by its sect leader and accompanied by numerous brethren. Wu Tong and his two companions naturally followed along with the Beggars' Sect delegation. By this time, the grassland was already packed with people—dark as a mass of crows—an unmistakable sign of gathering winds and surging clouds. Heads filled the grounds, voices rose in a thunderous din, and banners of the canal guilds fluttered proudly in the air.
When the appointed hour arrived, a loud voice rang out:"The auspicious time has come!"
Moments later, someone at the center of the grounds shouted:"The ceremony begins—fire the salute!"
Drums and bells sounded together as firecrackers exploded in succession, mingled with waves of applause, marking the grand opening of the Canal Heroes Assembly. At the very center of the grounds, the master of ceremonies cried out:
"We invite Salt Guild Leader, Elder Zeng!"
Salt Guild Leader Zeng Yong stepped onto the central platform and spoke in a clear, resonant voice:
"Fellow martial brothers, heroes from all four directions—I am Zeng Yong, leader of the Salt Guild, and also the previous Dragon Head. Today, I welcome all of you to this grand gathering, to bear witness to a moment of history. As everyone knows, the Canal Heroes Assembly is held once every three years, and its purpose is to select a Dragon Head, one who shall unite the canal guilds and lead us in accomplishing great and glorious undertakings.
"I am now advanced in years and will no longer serve as Dragon Head. This heavy responsibility must be entrusted to the next generation. Today, with all guilds gathered here, we shall select a person of both virtue and ability to assume this position."
When Zeng Yong finished speaking and returned to the Salt Guild seats, applause erupted across the field. The assembly then moved on to the matter of selecting the next Dragon Head.
The master of ceremonies announced loudly:"Next on the agenda—each guild may present its views on the selection of the Dragon Head."
At this, Qiu Feng, leader of the Phoenix Guild, suddenly rose and strode calmly into the center.
"First," he said, "I must offer my deepest respect and gratitude to Elder Zeng of the Salt Guild. Over the past three years, he has fulfilled his duties with integrity and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the canal guilds, steering us clear of entanglement in Jianghu power struggles. That was no easy task.
"As for the selection of the new Dragon Head, the Phoenix Guild continues to support the original method of selection. If any guild has objections—whether to the candidates or the method—we welcome open discussion."
With a slight clasp of the fists, he returned to his seat.
At that moment, Yang Linzhong of the Xingwu Guild rose and strode into the field.
"Whether Elder Zeng has worked hard and earned merit for the canal guilds," Yang said coldly, "our Xingwu Guild does not comment. But regarding the selection of the Dragon Head, I will speak bluntly today.
"This Heroes Assembly has drawn warriors from east, south, west, and north—heroes of every faction. You few guilds are not free to manipulate matters as you please! The Xingwu Guild firmly opposes selection by recommendation.
"The Heroes Assembly is a rare event held once every three years. If the Dragon Head is chosen merely by nomination, wouldn't that make us the laughingstock of the martial world? We are men of Jianghu—we should settle this the Jianghu way: by martial contest, winner takes command!"
As his words fell, the Xingwu Guild and Dockworkers' Guild erupted in cheers and applause. Yang Linzhong clasped his fists briefly and returned to his seat.
Yet his remarks were abrupt and provocative. The Salt Guild members were furious, teeth clenched in anger. Yang Linzhong and Elder Zeng had long been at odds; years earlier, Yang had openly supported the Yan forces and even came to the Salt Guild to provoke them. Today's words were clearly barbed with sarcasm.
At this point, Xu Li of the Xuzhou Guild rose and stepped forward, his expression righteous.
"Guild Leader Yang colluded with An Lushan in pursuit of wealth and glory," Xu Li declared. "These matters are old history, well known to all present. There is no need to dwell on them."
At once, thunderous applause burst from the Salt Guild side, everyone praising Xu Li for speaking plainly and venting their long-held resentment. On the Xingwu Guild's side, faces flushed with shame—many wishing they could crawl into the ground.
Xu Li continued:
"As for the method of selecting the Dragon Head, each guild has its own view. What Guild Leader Yang said does make sense, and I find myself in agreement. We all make our living on the edge of blades. If the Dragon Head lacks skill, he will neither command respect nor repel invading factions—let alone negotiate with other powers.
"Martial contest to claim leadership—I support it."
Applause surged once more. Xu Li clasped his fists toward the assembled heroes and walked back to his seat.
Then Zhang Cheng, leader of the Dockworkers' Guild, stood and entered the field.
"There is a saying," Zhang Cheng said loudly:'Entering the mountains, one fears not the man-eating tiger—only the two-faced knife of human hearts.'
"Today's Heroes Assembly allows all guild leaders to speak freely, for one purpose alone: to choose a Dragon Head to lead the canal guilds. This person cannot merely look impressive—he must be truly capable.
"I too support martial contest. We often say, 'A true hero's worth is not measured by origin.' Therefore, I propose that any brother of the canal guilds may compete—not only the guild leaders. What do you all say?"
Thunderous applause answered him. Zhang Cheng clasped his fists to the crowd and returned to his seat.
Leaders from the Salt Guild, Phoenix Guild, and Xuzhou Guild conferred briefly. Before long, the master of ceremonies announced:
"We now put the matter of competition eligibility to a vote. If any guild objects, please state your reasons."
No objections were raised.
The master of ceremonies declared once more:"All participating contestants, prepare yourselves!"
Soon, disciples from the various guilds took to the field, and the grounds grew lively. Young fighters tested their skills one after another, and the arena temporarily became a battleground of rising talent. One burly hero after another stepped forward.
After about an hour, only the seasoned, middle-aged fighters remained. Meng Cheng of the Dockworkers' Guild had just defeated a young Phoenix Guild disciple when Tang Fei lightly leapt onto the field.
"Tang Fei of the Phoenix Guild seeks instruction," he said, clasping his fists.
In the Jianghu, defeating a renowned figure was often the fastest path to fame.
Meng Cheng returned the salute."Elder Tang, no need for restraint today."
His pupils contracted, killing intent flashing in his eyes as he launched himself forward. Suddenly, a blue figure streaked down like lightning from above—already striking with a palm while still midair!