Lu Rou bowed respectfully and said,
"The Chief speaks the truth. I joined the Beggar Sect as a child. It was through the Chief's kindness in recognizing my potential and personally teaching me martial arts that I was able to become the leader of a branch."
Fei Jin, the Chief of the Beggar Sect, was renowned throughout the realm for his chivalry and righteousness. He had once led volunteer forces and fought in wars with extraordinary courage. A man of unwavering integrity, he embodied the true spirit of a hero. Under his leadership, the Beggar Sect had flourished, and outsiders could clearly sense the powerful atmosphere of justice and honor that permeated the sect—the very essence of true chivalry in the martial world.
Since ancient times, the Beggar Sect had been a fellowship of beggars who banded together for survival. They wandered the streets, lived by begging, and delighted in standing up for the oppressed. Their conduct often blurred the line between righteousness and lawlessness. Yet ever since Fei Jin became Chief, the sect had embraced justice wholeheartedly. He joined the righteous resistance, defended the nation, and worked to preserve peace and order. His upright character and boundless sense of duty made him a hero devoted not only to the common people but also to his country and nation.
Fei Jin turned toward the Four Great Elders.
"Do any of you have words for Lu Rou?"
The elders had always admired Lu Rou for his simplicity, kindness, and honesty.
Qian He spoke first.
"The Chief places great expectations upon you. Do not disappoint the trust he has bestowed."
Song Ren followed.
"Exceptional martial skill is admirable, but character is even more important than ability."
Chen Yan added,
"A man must first learn to be an honorable person before he can accomplish great things."
Finally Jiang Feng said,
"Good character is the foundation of all men. A person of virtue may not possess supreme martial arts, but someone with great martial skills and poor character becomes a far greater danger to the martial world."
Lu Rou cupped his fists respectfully.
"I shall always remember the earnest teachings of the Four Elders and never dare forget them."
Song Ren then asked,
"Lu Rou, what is the code of the Beggar Sect?"
Standing tall, Lu Rou recited loudly,
"The Code of the Beggar Sect:
Our Beggar Sect's name is honored throughout the world. Every brother of our sect shall place loyalty and righteousness above all else, befriend worthy men from every corner of the land, protect the weak, and aid those in distress. Should anyone hesitate in times of need or shrink from doing his duty, may he perish beneath ten thousand blades.
Every brother of our sect shall uphold the spirit of chivalry, help those who are right, counsel those who are wrong, and come to the aid of the righteous. Whoever betrays these principles shall be struck down by Heaven's thunder."
The disciples of the Beggar Sect were scattered throughout the land, all sharing a reputation for valuing martial honor, righteousness, and coming swiftly to the aid of those in danger.
Fei Jin nodded with satisfaction.
"Lu Rou, the Beggar Sect is the greatest sect under Heaven. Since Hall Master Li of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness is present tonight, he can serve as our witness. There is something I must now tell you."
His expression became solemn.
"Lu Rou, kneel and receive my command."
Startled, Lu Rou assumed he was about to be reassigned to lead another branch. Without hesitation he knelt.
Fei Jin declared,
"Before the Four Great Elders and Hall Master Li of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness as witness, I, Fei Jin, Ninth Chief of the Beggar Sect, hereby pass the leadership of the Beggar Sect to Branch Leader Lu Rou."
The announcement struck Lu Rou like a thunderbolt.
For a long moment he stood frozen in disbelief before stammering,
"Chief... I am still young. The Four Great Elders are all far more senior than I am. I beg you to withdraw your command."
Seeing the enormous burden suddenly placed upon him, Fei Jin smiled reassuringly.
"Do not be afraid. Rise."
After Lu Rou stood, Fei Jin continued,
"Although our disciples are found throughout the world, none surpasses your natural understanding. You have mastered the Beggar Sect's highest martial arts and possess both learning and wisdom. If the Beggar Sect is to flourish in the future, there is no one more suitable than you.
I do not pass the position to the Four Great Elders because of favoritism. The Chief of the Beggar Sect must possess peerless martial arts to stand among the heroes of the martial world."
With powerful martial artists rising throughout the jianghu, a Beggar Sect Chief lacking sufficient strength would inevitably become subject to the whims of others.
Elder Song Ren nodded.
"We elders have just tested your martial arts ourselves. Your progress has indeed been extraordinary."
The Four Great Elders had always faithfully fulfilled their duties and had never harbored any personal ambition for the leadership.
Elder Chen Yan sighed.
"Our own achievements have reached their limits. At our present level, further advancement is nearly impossible. That is simply the limit of our natural talent, not something effort alone can overcome."
Jiang Feng added,
"Never forget the code of our sect."
Suddenly Fei Jin raised his voice.
"All brothers of the Beggar Sect—"
The Four Great Elders answered in unison,
"Place loyalty and righteousness above all else! Befriend worthy men throughout the world! Protect the weak and support the helpless! Should anyone hesitate or refuse to do his duty, may he perish beneath ten thousand blades!"
Fei Jin's voice rose even higher.
"All brothers of the Beggar Sect—"
The Four Elders chanted even more forcefully,
"Uphold chivalry and righteousness! Aid those who are right! Counsel those who are wrong! Help others in justice! Whoever betrays these principles shall be struck down by Heaven's thunder!"
Their voices rang through the forest, growing ever more impassioned as they recited the sacred code of their sect.
Hearing those words, Lu Rou felt his blood surge with emotion. Unable to contain himself, tears streamed down his face.
Dropping to one knee, he raised his right hand toward the moon and solemnly swore,
"I, Lu Rou of the Beggar Sect, shall devote my life to the Beggar Sect without hesitation, even at the cost of my own life. Tonight I swear before the moon. Should I ever break this oath, may I meet a miserable death!"
His unwavering honesty and loyalty had long earned the admiration of the Four Great Elders.
Fei Jin then turned toward Li Jian.
"Lu Rou, this is Li Jian, the newly appointed Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness. Should any brother within the sect refuse to obey you, or should disputes arise within the Beggar Sect, you may seek his assistance."
Lu Rou rose and respectfully saluted Li Jian.
"Hall Master Li, you are a young hero of extraordinary talent. I failed to recognize the great man standing before me. Please forgive my ignorance."
Li Jian returned the salute.
"Chief Lu, you are a man who stands between Heaven and Earth—a hero without equal. In the days ahead, you will surely uphold justice and defend righteousness throughout the martial world. Though I have only recently assumed the position of Hall Master of the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness, I sincerely hope the Beggar Sect will continue to uphold its noble traditions and lend us its full support."
Thus, on that night, a new Chief of the Beggar Sect rose to prominence.
The two heroes recognized greatness in one another. From that day forward, the Hall of Loyalty and Righteousness and the Beggar Sect stood side by side as steadfast allies, each supporting the other like the two horns of a mighty formation, united in safeguarding justice throughout the martial world.