Chapter 84

As Wang Lun and Lin Chong heard these words, they both looked in the direction of the voice. They saw a tall and imposing man standing by the roadside, smiling at them. Beside him stood another man, head held high and strides wide, exuding an air that was far from ordinary.

Seeing the two men on horseback sizing him up, the tall man took a step forward, clasped his hands, and said with a smile, "I spoke out of turn! May I ask if the general is Lin Chong, the Leopard Head?"

Wang Lun's heart stirred slightly upon hearing this. Many in the martial world knew of Lin Chong, but few could recognize the Lin family's spear technique. Lin Chong, once a military instructor, rarely ventured into the martial world, and only in the past year had he wandered among them. Even then, the number of times he had to personally intervene in ordinary banditry was not many. Thus, Wang Lun surmised that anyone who could recognize Lin Chong's spear technique was likely a military hero. As Wang Lun observed the man more closely, he noticed his noble bearing and the aura of valor that did not match that of a commoner. It seemed that if his guess was correct, this man was likely a military officer by origin.

While Wang Lun was thinking, he suddenly felt Lin Chong looking at him. He nodded slightly to Lin Chong, who then clasped his hands and said, "Indeed, it is I. Seeing the two of you with such noble bearing and extraordinary demeanor, may I ask for your names and titles?"

The tall man was delighted and said, "Indeed, you are the instructor Lin Chong! My companion and I have heard much of your name in Pudong. Today, seeing you in person, you are truly remarkable, making even the first brave general of Daming, Su Xianfeng, unable to gain any advantage. This battle truly opened our eyes!" With that, the man bowed to Lin Chong, who hurriedly dismounted to return the gesture. The man then stood up and turned to Wang Lun, clasping his hands, "I have heard that Instructor Lin Chong is highly regarded under the White Scholar. I presume this gentleman must be Wang Sheng of Jizhou?"

Wang Lun, upon hearing this, was almost certain of the man's identity. He dismounted and returned the gesture, saying, "So you are General Tang! Your keen eye is truly impressive. I pay my respects! As for the gentleman beside you, could it be the hero known as Jingmu An?"

The two men exchanged a surprised glance, their eyes revealing a hint of shock. Wang Lun nodded to Lin Chong, and the two led their horses to the roadside, approaching the two men. Tang Bin then clasped his hands and sighed, "To be able to guess our names just from the place name, I am truly impressed! I have often heard that the White Scholar is infallible in his calculations. Today, meeting you in person, I see that the rumors are not exaggerated! No wonder the hero of Jizhou, Chao Gai, is no match for you, and no wonder the people around the waterways flock to support you. It seems the rumors are true!"

Indeed, it was these two men!

In the Pudong Trio, Guan Sheng was the easiest to recognize, but these two, though impressive, did not resemble him. Apart from Guan Sheng, who else could they be but Tang Bin and Hao Siwen? Wang Lun did not think much about it and clasped his hands, smiling, "I have heard that General Tang was forced by a villain to shed blood and is now wandering in the martial world. I did not expect to meet two such heroes here in Daming. Is this not a matter of fate?"

Tang Bin was even more surprised, "I did not expect that Leader Wang also knew of this!" By now, they had moved to a secluded spot by the roadside, and Tang Bin no longer concealed his words.

Wang Lun thought to himself that he knew Tang Bin had killed someone and intended to join Liangshan, but was detained by the bandit leaders Wen Zhongrong and Cui Ye on the way to Baodu Mountain, where he became the leader of the bandit stronghold. However, at this moment, Tang Bin seemed to have come alone, and why was he with Hao Siwen? Could some unexpected event have caused a change, leading him to miss the encounter at Baodu Mountain?

Wang Lun could not figure it out and did not bother to think further. He decided that since this man was before him, he must not let the opportunity slip. Tang Bin was different from the previous hero, Su Chao, who had a position and was valued by Liang Zhongshu and others. Although he held a minor position, he was content and would not join the bandits unless absolutely necessary.

But the situation with Tang Bin was different. He had killed in a fit of anger and was at a dead end. Wasn't this the perfect time to recruit him?

Tang Bin's martial skills were beyond reproach. He had once shot an arrow with a secret message through the gate, hitting a sentry in the thigh, demonstrating remarkable archery skills. His prowess was evident when he fought and defeated the skilled general Zhu Jing, who had been forced to retreat after twenty rounds against Zhang Qing.

But this was not the most important aspect. What mattered more was Tang Bin's character, which surpassed his martial skills. When Li Kui was trapped by Qiao Daoqing, Tang Bin, knowing the situation was unfavorable, still charged forward to rescue the group, a stark contrast to his companion, Geng Gong, who fled at the first sign of trouble.

Finally, when escorting Xiao Rang, Pei Xuan, and Jin Dajian, who were not skilled in combat, Tang Bin was ambushed by Mo Gui and Ma Jiang. With his skills, he could have broken through the encirclement and saved himself, but he chose to fight to the death to protect the three, showing remarkable loyalty and bravery, even in death.

Seeing Wang Lun's expression become profound and slightly melancholic, Hao Siwen, who had not spoken until now, said, "Brother Tang and I, in Pudong, heard of a remarkable hero in Jizhou. Though he is in the martial world, he does not forget to rob the rich and help the poor, upholding justice and earning the support of the people. He has gathered heroes like Instructor Lin Chong and Marshal Lu, and controls the vast waters of the 800-mile lake, raising the banner of righteousness, inscribed with 'Acting on behalf of Heaven.' This has made me admire him greatly. Now that Brother Tang has committed a capital offense and is seeking refuge under your command, I, a commoner with no ties, have joined him in coming south, hoping that Leader Wang will not reject us!"

Seeing their willingness to join, Wang Lun's face lit up with joy. He and Lin Chong, who was equally delighted, exchanged a glance. Wang Lun said, "I have long heard of Brother Tang's noble character, a true standout in Pudong. Your willingness to join us truly adds luster to our small stronghold!"

Tang Bin was overjoyed, not expecting the White Scholar to be so open and generous. He was about to bow, but Wang Lun quickly helped him up and spoke to him for a while. Then, Wang Lun turned to Hao Siwen, "I have heard that before Brother Hao was born, your mother dreamed of Jingmu An, a remarkable omen! You have since dedicated yourself to martial arts and studied history and military strategy, earning the respect of the great hero, Guan Sheng. It is a pity that the court has failed to recognize your talents, leaving you to wander among the people, unable to serve your country. Now that you are willing to join us, I am truly delighted!"

For this future hero, Jingmu An, who would later be ranked among the Earthly Fiends, Wang Lun had a clear understanding. Hao Siwen was both a scholar and a warrior, capable of holding his own against Lin Chong and Hua Rong for over twenty rounds (or a few rounds, depending on the version). His skills were indeed impressive. Beyond his martial prowess, he possessed great insight, a rare quality among warriors. He could discuss the rise and fall of ancient dynasties with Guan Sheng, earning his deep respect and being recognized as his elder brother. However, during the southern campaign against Fang La, he was captured and executed, a tragic end.

Hao Siwen sighed upon hearing Wang Lun's words, "What talents, Leader Wang flatters me! I am merely a man who eats and does nothing! As the ancients said, 'At thirty, one should be established.' I am now over thirty and have achieved nothing. Seeing Leader Wang, at such a young age, accomplish such great deeds and earn the gratitude of the people, I can no longer remain idle. I wish to follow Brother Tang and see for myself the noble character of Leader Wang, so that my life is not spent in vain!"

Seeing Hao Siwen's melancholic expression, Lin Chong sighed, "To see two heroes travel such a long distance to join us, I am both happy and sad. Happy that our ranks will be strengthened by brave generals, but sad that the corrupt officials have buried such talents, preventing the country from achieving peace and the people from living in security!"

Wang Lun, seeing that the joy of the moment had turned to a somber mood, said, "Life is short, like the passing of grass and trees. If we do not accomplish something great, how can we justify our existence as men? Since the two of you are willing to join us in our great cause, do not lose heart. Perhaps one day we will achieve something that will earn the admiration of the world!"

Tang Bin and Hao Siwen were invigorated by these words, exchanged a nod, and said, "Today, we are fortunate to meet you, Leader. We wish to join your command and work together for the great cause!"

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