This eminent monk pressed his palms together and slowly walked into the center of the arena. With solemn composure, he bowed respectfully in all directions before speaking:
"Amitabha. Heroes of the Transport Guild, and all gallant warriors gathered here today, this humble monk bears the Dharma name Wutian. In the martial world, people call this old monk 'Zen Master Wutian.' My uninvited arrival today is truly discourteous. Yet seeing the brothers of the Transport Guild gathered here in high spirits, united in valor and heroic ambition, this old monk cannot help but admire the greatness of the heroes assembled before me."
The monk stood with a grave and tranquil expression, his eyes half closed as though sensing the currents of energy throughout the gathering. After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes. His gaze was clear and profound as it swept across the crowd.
At once, Zeng Qiang, leader of the Salt Guild, hurried forward and cupped his fists respectfully.
"I am Zeng Qiang, leader of the Salt Guild and organizer of this year's Gathering of Heroes. Zen Master Wutian's presence honors this assembly beyond measure. This junior failed to welcome you from afar and begs your forgiveness."
Zen Master Wutian looked over the assembled martial heroes before finally resting his gaze upon Zeng Qiang. A faint smile appeared on his face.
"This old monk has come today not only to congratulate the successful convening of this Gathering of Heroes, but also because there are matters I wish to address before all the heroes of the martial world."
Guild Leader Zeng immediately replied:
"Your arrival brings glory upon the Transport Gathering. If the Master has words for the heroes gathered here today, then they must surely be weighty words of great importance. Please, speak freely."
Wutian nodded slowly, determination visible within his eyes.
"Many thanks for Guild Leader Zeng's praise."
Pausing briefly, he swept his gaze across the crowd once more. In his left hand he held a string of Buddhist prayer beads, his fingers gently rolling them as he spoke in a resonant voice:
"This old monk indeed comes bearing grave news for the heroes under Heaven. Recently, I heard that Master Liaoyin perished in defense of the Buddhist faith. His noble character and boundless virtue were worthy of the admiration of all under Heaven. Yet after the Western Holy Mother committed her atrocities, she still relies upon her peerless martial arts to roam freely beyond the reach of justice. To this day she has yet to face judgment from the martial world. Such a matter truly stirs righteous indignation.
"Though disciples of Buddhism are taught to walk the Bodhisattva path and avoid vengeance, and though the ancients said, 'When will vengeance ever end if hatred breeds hatred?'—does that mean Buddhists should never seek justice? This old monk disagrees profoundly.
"The Buddha once said: good is rewarded with good, evil with evil.
"Since no one in the martial world dares avenge Master Liaoyin, this unworthy monk, blessed by the might of the Buddha, has resolved to announce before all heroes today: for the sake of justice within the martial world—if not me, then who?
"This old monk is willing to stand forth for Master Liaoyin and seek justice for all Buddhist believers under Heaven. On the fifteenth day of this month, I shall battle the Western Holy Mother at Huangshan Palace.
"However, her martial arts are unfathomably powerful, and victory or defeat remains uncertain. Therefore, I humbly ask all heroes present to come witness the battle and lend this old monk your support. With your encouragement strengthening my resolve, I may perhaps defeat the Western Holy Mother in one decisive battle!"
When he finished speaking, Zen Master Wutian pressed his palms together once more and bowed deeply toward the gathered heroes. As he straightened, righteous fire gleamed brightly within his eyes.
The gathered warriors, hearing his request for support against the infamous Western Holy Mother, all felt that her countless evils had finally invited Heaven's retribution. One after another, they loudly voiced their approval.
At that moment, Cui Fujun, Chief Judge of the Martial Tribunal Alliance, strode into the center of the arena and declared loudly:
"Since Zen Master Wutian is sincere in his desire to seek justice for the Buddhist faithful, and since he shall battle the Western Holy Mother at Huangshan Palace on the fifteenth day of this month, I hope all heroes present will attend and bear witness to this grand occasion!"
Just then, shouting suddenly arose from within the crowd.
Five figures emerged from among the spectators—it was the Five Immortals of the White Lotus Sect, who had secretly mingled among the crowd all this time. As Dragon Immortal approached, he spoke loudly:
"Judge Cui, Zen Master Wutian is notorious throughout the martial world and hardly a righteous man. Why then are you so determined to arrange this duel between him and the Western Holy Mother?"
Cui Fujun calmly replied:
"Dragon Immortal, your words are mistaken. Grudges and vendettas are unavoidable within the martial world, yet the Tribunal Alliance handles matters impartially and favors no side. This duel was arranged purely as official business. As for whether Zen Master Wutian belongs to the righteous path—that matter, like the reputations of the Western Holy Mother and yourselves, shall be judged by the people of the world. The Tribunal Alliance offers no opinion."
His meaning was plain enough: whether Wutian was righteous or evil was for the martial world to decide. The Tribunal Alliance was no charitable sect; its duty was merely to oversee martial contests fairly.
Zen Master Wutian lowered his voice and said:
"So I wondered which exalted guests had arrived. It turns out to be the Five Immortals of the White Lotus Sect."
Tiger Immortal immediately shouted angrily:
"Impudent demon monk! How dare you spread confusion and nonsense here? What relation do you even have with Master Liaoyin? On what grounds do you proclaim yourself champion of the Buddhist faith? What exactly is your true motive?"
Yet Wutian remained perfectly calm, his face still composed and serene. Slowly he replied, his voice carrying a trace of sorrowful compassion:
"My heart is as clear as the sun and moon. This old monk seeks only to uphold justice within the martial world. Upon hearing of Master Liaoyin's martyrdom, I wept bitterly. Every Buddhist disciple under Heaven grieves with indignation. In my youth, I crossed paths with Master Liaoyin several times and knew well his unwavering devotion to the path of supreme enlightenment. How could this old monk stand idle after such tragedy befell him?"
His words sounded utterly righteous and awe-inspiring. As he spoke, he raised his head slightly, chest lifted proudly, as though he truly bore the sacred mission of the Buddhist world upon his shoulders. His speech was impassioned and stirring, and many among the gathered heroes were visibly moved.
Now that Wutian had publicly proclaimed himself a champion of justice before the entire Gathering of Heroes, Tiger Immortal sneered:
"Your words sound noble enough, demon monk, but your motives are hardly pure. Why not reveal your true intentions openly?"
Hearing this, Wutian burst into hearty laughter.
"This old monk is a man of the cloth. What could I possibly seek? I seek only justice for the Buddhist disciples of the world!"
Tiger Immortal scoffed disdainfully.
"You hunger for fame and reputation, yet claim otherwise? I doubt anyone in the martial world believes you."
Wutian curled his lips in contempt, a sharp glint flashing through his eyes.
"Of course the Five Immortals would refuse to believe me. I hear your White Lotus Sect Leader has already submitted to the Western Holy Mother and become nothing more than one of her obedient dogs."
The Five Immortals' expressions changed instantly.
Goat Immortal shouted furiously:
"How dare you insult our Sect Leader! The Five Immortals came today precisely to expose your schemes. We shall test your so-called supreme skills ourselves!"
The moment his words fell, the five immortals exchanged glances and immediately leapt toward Wutian. The Five Immortals were Dragon Immortal, Tiger Immortal, Ox Immortal, Horse Immortal, and Goat Immortal.
Wutian chuckled coldly.
"What's this? Since your Sect Leader has become the Western Holy Mother's dog, have you little pups also forgotten your place?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he cast a glance toward the distance.
At once, a towering monk rose and flew into the arena. Bowing respectfully, he declared:
"This little monk is Wutian's disciple, Wu Tian. I have come specifically to seek instruction from Dragon Immortal's exalted techniques!"
Goat Immortal roared angrily:
"Stand aside! This does not concern you!"
Before his words had fully faded, he suddenly struck out with both palms. One palm shot forth with terrifying force, carrying fierce wind as it slammed directly toward the monk's chest…