Entering the Spirit Void for the First Time 99. A Conversation Amidst the Banquet

At this early morning hour, the shop’s clerks were still busy wiping down tables and chairs, with no customers yet arriving.

One clerk stood with one foot on a stool and the other on the floor, a basket of bowls, plates, cups, and chopsticks laid out on the table before him. Holding a white cloth, he was cleaning the dishes when he noticed a customer entering. Hastily setting down his cloth, he approached with a smile and said, “Sir, so early in the morning, please, take a seat at a table in the back and enjoy some tea first.”

The old beggar, accompanied by Jie Zhenzi and a few others, entered the shop, loudly declaring, “Regardless of age, whoever wishes to host may take the seat of honor.”

The down-and-out scholar laughed and replied, “If you say so, old beggar, then even the turtle and the tortoise, if wealthy, can take the seat.”

Upon hearing this, the three women and Jie Zhenzi stifled laughter behind their hands.

The old beggar swayed slightly and quickly took the principal seat, saying, “Since you all are slow to claim the seat, I, the old beggar, will make an exception and host this time.”

The scholar laughed heartily, “Since you have admitted to hosting, I, the down-and-out scholar, will order the wine and dishes.”

The old beggar said, “As a sincere host, I am not afraid of guests eating and drinking. For us poor friends, this is a rare occasion. Prepare yourself for a drunken feast, lest you accuse me later of insincerity.”

Soon, the clerk promptly brought out each dish and bottle of wine as ordered.

Jie Yu Hua first raised her cup, toasting everyone, then suddenly stood up to take her leave. “Thanks to your help, noble heroes, I was able to fulfill a weak woman’s wish. I am deeply grateful. As I have promised three sisters through hardships, I must take my leave first.”

The down-and-out scholar bowed slightly. “Don’t mention it. Lady Heroine, you have accompanied us on many journeys. What I admire most in life is your chivalrous spirit and warm heart. If you ever need anything, just send word, and I will not hesitate to come running.”

Suddenly, the old beggar took from his bosom a black, shiny gold token, about the size of a silver coin, and shook it. “Throughout my life, I have respected those with a benevolent and chivalrous heart like Lady Jie Yu. Though our burial grounds are broken, the root of calamity remains, and I deeply worry for your future troubles. This gold token may not be a talisman, but it should be of some use. Wherever you go, if you show this token, someone will secretly protect you. I, the old beggar, having nothing else but this, offer it to you as a token of my life’s meaning.”

Jie Yu Hua hurriedly waved her hand. “I am forever grateful for your help in saving me from the tiger’s mouth, but how dare I accept a gift from such an esteemed elder?”

The old beggar laughed heartily. “No need to refuse. Once the old beggar has made up his mind for the benefit of others, he will not change it.” With that, he suddenly knelt on one knee, holding the black gold token with both hands, and respectfully presented it to Jie Yu Hua.

Neither Jie Zhenzi nor the Hundred Flowers Maiden, lacking much experience in the martial world, could tell the origin of the token. Seeing the old beggar suddenly present it with such reverence, they were somewhat surprised.

The down-and-out scholar, having some knowledge, was shaken in his heart by the old beggar’s solemn gifting of the token. He thought silently: This token might be a medal or emblem of the Beggar Sect. Why would the old beggar be so cautious? Yet in the martial arts world, it was rare to pass one’s sect’s token to outsiders. This poor old beggar must have some hidden motive.

Jie Yu Hua was truly torn, staring blankly at the shining black token, uncertain whether to accept or refuse.

Because she did not take the token, the old beggar remained kneeling, holding it with both hands, his face showing a solemn reverence.

Seeing their mutual embarrassment, the down-and-out scholar quickly said, “Since the old beggar values Lady Jie Yu so much, you must not refuse his kindness. Please accept it, lest he lose face, remain kneeling, and delay my drinking time.”

Reluctantly, Lady Jie Yu bowed and took the token, examining it carefully. Both sides were engraved with a figure of a disheveled man. The top of the token was strung with a red velvet cord as thick as an incense stick. She was inwardly surprised, thinking: This token is truly no ordinary object.

Her hand holding the gold token trembled slightly, and she was still undecided whether to accept or decline.

The old beggar’s face lit with joy as she took it, then he stood and resumed a serious tone: “Though our sect has many disciples, after years of observation, none have impressed me enough. They are either too honest or lack courage and wisdom. A rare few, like Lady Jie Yu, possess both courage and wisdom, along with a benevolent heart. I am old and nearing the end of my days, and should I pass, if this token falls into the wrong hands, it would not only harm the martial world but also damage our sect’s virtue. I entrust this token to you. When your strength is insufficient, you may call upon the Beggar Sect for help. Our sect recognizes the token, not the person.”

Jie Yu Hua felt the sincerity of his words and could no longer refuse, though she felt great fear. After a long pause, she answered, “Elder, your esteem overwhelms me. I am young and inexperienced, my martial arts limited. I fear I cannot fully utilize this token’s power. If any mistake occurs, it would damage the sect’s reputation.”

The old beggar replied, “Even if one’s martial skills reach perfection, if one’s heart is not upright, one only harms oneself. A person with a clear conscience, acting justly, even if less skilled, can bear great responsibilities.”

With no other choice, Jie Yu Hua nodded. “Your words are etched deeply in my heart. Yet, I do not know a single move of your sect’s skills. If I command only by showing this token, your disciples will obey the token, not the person. But outsiders may not trust this, and some might exploit it.”

Hearing this, the old beggar took a silver ingot from his bosom, placed it on the table, and said to the down-and-out scholar, “Poor fellow, this is all my savings. Whether it covers this meal’s bill is up to you four. I shall take my leave.” With that, he waved his hand and left with Jie Yu Hua. The scholar and others saw them off and then returned to their seats.

Meanwhile, the masked man had taken the mysterious medical pouch and the secret of immortality and returned to his childhood home. Suddenly, he saw that the once grand courtyard where he had served had been reduced to rubble. From the ruins, faint wisps of smoke rose, and the night wind brought a foul stench to his nostrils.

This broad flat ground, which three days prior had been graced by a majestic towering house, was now a heap of ruins. The former grandeur had turned into a bleak desolation.

The river still wound like a ribbon around the place, the distant, chaotic mountain peaks remained unchanged. But the once gentle autumn breeze now sounded like mournful wails. The bright moon hanging high seemed to cast a dim shadow over this desolate ruin.

All around, the bamboo and trees were broken, the grass withered, presenting a tragic scene. The masked man, Li Hao, wept blood-tinged tears upon seeing the devastation.

His life had already been marked by tremendous suffering, but this desolate sight dealt an even harsher blow.

A beautiful home now reduced to rubble ignited a furious blaze in his heart, tearing it apart. His blood boiled, and he fainted to the ground, unconscious.

Suddenly, from behind the ruins, two figures leaped out like flashes of lightning, lunging fiercely at him, palms raised to strike his fallen body.

Just as Li Hao seemed doomed under their vicious blows, an unseen force struck from the side with incredible speed, scattering the two assailants’ attacks.

The two attackers felt numbness in their palms and their strength vanish instantly, trembling with shock as they pulled back in surprise.

Standing firm and looking ahead, they saw a small masked figure silently standing seven or eight feet away. His dark eyes shone with a chilling light that made one dare not meet his gaze.

The two assailants exchanged hostile glances, then shouted and attacked simultaneously. The one on the right lunged, palm extended, toward the small masked man.

The other on the left seized the opportunity to strike down the unconscious Li Hao, intending to kill him.

Neither assailant was using internal energy and did not notice their loss of strength until their arms suddenly weakened and blood flow reversed, revealing prior internal injuries. Both involuntarily stepped back, faces twisted with pain and hatred.

The small masked man sneered disdainfully and then sharply rebuked, “Such cruelty! You burn down someone’s home and still refuse to let go, plotting to kill them in secret!”

His eyes glowed coldly as he strode boldly toward the two.

Realizing they could not withstand him, the two assailants exchanged a glance and fled, their feet hardly touching the ground.

The small masked man only sneered after them, “Let’s see if you can escape this disaster.”

Terrified, the two fled like dogs bereft of a home, not daring to look back or heed further words.

They ran until a river blocked their path. The one in front suddenly slipped and toppled into the river.

The one behind reached out to help but lost his footing as well, both plunging into the rushing water.

The river’s current was swift. Already wounded, they could not struggle to the surface but were battered by rocks and sank, their fate the just consequence of their evil deeds.

The small masked man watched as they were carried away by the water, then approached Li Hao, gently nudging the “Spirit Platform Acupuncture Point” on his body with his toe. Without waiting for Li Hao to awaken, he turned and swiftly departed toward the southwest.

Earlier, Li Hao had fainted from a sudden choking phlegm blocking his heart due to anxiety and exertion.

The small masked man’s kick dislodged the blockage, allowing Li Hao to cough it up and instantly regain consciousness, leaping up with a start.

Unaware of the recent peril, he steadied himself and looked around at the desolation, tears streaming anew.

Judging from the scene, it was clearly not an accidental fire but arson. He thought to himself, “My family, renowned for poetry and propriety, harbors no grudges. Who could be so cruel as to burn down my home?”

Lost in thought, he began pacing around the ruins, inspecting the devastation.