The Heroes' Invitation
In the fourth year of the Dali era, in the cyclical year Yichou, at the close of early summer, on the twentieth day of the sixth lunar month, heroes from across the realm are hereby invited to gather at Mount Lingjiu. This invitation is issued so that together we may protect the righteous cause and uphold justice.
With the utmost respect, this invitation is extended to all heroes under Heaven.
Respectfully submitted,
Shi Chen, Cult Leader of the Purple Zenith Holy Cult
Inside a roadside inn, an elderly man unfolded a Heroes' Invitation and read it aloud. It was this very invitation that had stirred waves throughout the martial world. Heroes from every corner of jianghu were converging beneath Mount Lingjiu, preparing to ascend the mountain and attend the Heroes' Assembly hosted by the Purple Zenith Holy Cult.
The old man's name was Qin He. Around sixty years of age, he was short and thin, his narrow eyes perpetually half-closed. In his hand rested a Judge's Brush, and throughout the martial world he was known by the nickname "Silver Hook Judge."
Many martial artists in the inn looked at him with unmistakable envy.
One young man asked respectfully,
"Senior, may I ask how many Heroes' Invitations the Purple Zenith Holy Cult has issued this time?"
Qin He carefully folded the invitation and put it away.
"Boy, do you think everyone qualifies as a hero? Those who receive a Heroes' Invitation are no ordinary people. They include leaders such as the Beggars' Sect Leader, the Hall of Loyalty's Chief, and the heads of the great martial sects."
Another, shorter young man asked,
"But what is the Purple Zenith Holy Cult really trying to accomplish by distributing these invitations so widely?"
Qin He smiled.
"Didn't you read the invitation? It says quite plainly—to gather in defense of the righteous cause and uphold justice."
The first young man frowned.
"But isn't that exactly what Master Wutian proclaimed not long ago? He called upon the entire martial world to uphold justice on behalf of Master Liao Yin. What's the difference?"
Qin He chuckled softly.
"Young man, right and wrong in jianghu are rarely as clear as they seem. Without a righteous cause to rally behind, how could anyone command the support of the martial world with a single call?"
The young man immediately replied,
"So... 'to protect the righteous cause and uphold justice' is merely a pretext?"
Qin He burst into hearty laughter.
"My boy, if you hadn't treated this old man to such a fine meal and good wine today, I would never have spoken so frankly to an outsider."
He leaned forward slightly.
"You could say it's a pretext—and you would be right."
"You could also say it isn't—and you would still be right."
The young man blinked in confusion.
"Senior, now you've truly puzzled me. How can both be true?"
Qin He laughed again.
"Very well. I'll speak plainly today."
"Even heroes must bow before a sack of grain. Every wandering swordsman must earn a living somehow. Which sect leader or renowned hero doesn't occupy his own territory and strive to strengthen his influence? When their interests inevitably collide, conflict follows. But before men can kill each other, they need a cause convincing enough for others to accept."
He took a sip of wine before continuing.
"Power and利益 are the real foundations of everything."
"The true organizers of a Heroes' Assembly value influence above all else. Once they possess power, wealth will follow naturally."
The shorter young man nodded knowingly.
"So, when all is said and done, the martial world is simply a struggle for power."
Qin He picked up a generous slice of braised beef and chewed it thoughtfully.
Another young man asked,
"Senior, rumors say that many of those invited to these Heroes' Assemblies receive generous sums of silver. Is there any truth to that?"
For an instant, Qin He's expression stiffened. His face darkened before relaxing into a faint smile.
"My boy, if a grand assembly failed to attract famous figures from the martial world, wouldn't the hosts become a laughingstock? How could they possibly afford such embarrassment?"
"As for the rumors that distinguished guests receive substantial rewards... well, they remain only rumors. Whether true or false, there's no way to verify them."
He shrugged.
"And even if some heroes do accept a little silver, what's so terrible about that?"
"Must heroes travel the world in patched clothing, living in poverty for the rest of their lives merely to preserve some romantic ideal?"
He raised his wine cup.
"As the old saying goes, 'A hero's courage is strengthened by money.'"
Then he smiled knowingly.
"To tell you the truth, appearance fees exist at nearly every Heroes' Assembly. Naturally, everyone's price is different."
"But truly legendary figures—leaders such as the Beggars' Sect Leader, the Master of True God Palace, the Black Dragon Cult Leader, or the Chief of the Hall of Loyalty—cannot be bought with money alone."
The young man nodded respectfully.
"Your wisdom has enlightened me more than three years of wandering through jianghu."
The shorter youth laughed.
"Brother Qian, after hearing Senior's words today, I've learned more than I ever imagined. Come—we should offer Senior a toast!"
Brother Qian immediately raised his cup.
"Senior, your insight is truly admirable. My brother and I offer you our deepest respect."
The three men lifted their cups and drained them in a single hearty drink.