Chapter - 43 Pale Shoulder As Though Adorned By Beautiful Plum Blossoms (8)

Zhang CuiShan's heart stirred as her soft hand gripped his own. Although he knew she was using him to further ridicule Gao and Jiang, he still could not bring himself to break himself apart, willingly followed her to the beach.

Yin SuSu stared into the distant sea, then suddenly said, "In the chapter 'Water in Autumn' of the book Zhuang Zi, there's a passage which says, 'All the waters in the world, none more than in the sea, thousands rivers flow here, not knowing when they could stop but not overflow.' But the sea is not proud. It says, 'I belong between the sky and the earth, just like small rocks and small plants are between the sky and the earth.' Zhuang Zi really is an incredible book. Its philosophies are so deep and so overwhelming."

Zhang CuiShan had been quite mad at her for inciting Gao and Jiang into fighting, but could not help but froze at these words. Zhuang Zi is a must-read for all Taoists. When Zhang CuiShan was at Wu Dang Mountain, Zhang SanFeng had used it often to explain philosophies to his students. He could not imagine this devilish lady could recite such words. After he regained his composure, Zhang CuiShan said, "Yes, 'walking a thousand miles, would not match its immensity, climb up a thousand steps, would not match its depth.' "

As Yin SuSu heard his quoted description of the sea from 'Water in Autumn', she saw a deep admiration on his face. She said, "Are you thinking of your master?"

Deeply shocked, Zhang CuiShan unknowingly reached out with his right hand and grabbed hers. He asked, "How do you know?" Years before, when he and his martial brothers were reading this book, Yu DaiYan commented on this exact passage. He said at the time, "As we learn more and more, it appears as if we're moving backward. The more we learn, the more apart we seem to be from master. These words described master's bottomless, unparalleled martial arts perfectly." Both Song YuanQiao and Zhang CuiShan nodded in agreement. So when he recited those words just now, Zhang CuiShan immediately thought of his master Zhang SanFeng.

Yin SuSu said, "Based on your expression, you must be either thinking of your parents, or a Wu Dang elder. But other than Taoist Zhang SanFeng, who else on this world can be described as 'walking a thousand miles, would not match its immensity'?" Zhang CuiShan said happily, "You're really smart." But then quickly realized that it was not courteous to have grabbed her hands.

Yin SuSu said, "Just how good is your master's martial arts anyway? Can you tell me?" Zhang CuiShan sighed, said, "It's not just martial arts. His knowledge is so broad and so deep that I can't even begin to describe." Yin SuSu smiled, said, " 'The scholar walks, the scholar moves faster, the scholar dashes, the scholar like a spirit flies into the distance, disappearing just as I look up.'" This quote was made by Yan Hui in Zhuang Zi to compliment his master, Confucius. After hearing her describe his master this way, especially as Zhang CuiShan himself felt this towards Zhang SanFeng, he said, "My master doesn't even have to fly. He simply needs to walk for me to fall behind."

With Yin SuSu's cleverness, plus her wish to get on Zhang CuiShan's good side, they had no trouble carrying on an excellent conversation. Sitting side by side on a large stone, the two forgot the outside world as they conversed.

After a while, loud footsteps came from faraway, followed by someone clearing his throat, and said, "Mr. Zhang, Miss Yin, it's noon now. Please follow me to the place where we'll hold the ceremony." Zhang CuiShan turned around, and saw Chang JinPeng standing ten paces behind them. Although his expression is in a very respectful manner, there's a slightly grin on his face, looking like an old man being happy to see a lovely young couple together. Although Yin SuSu had always viewed him as a subordinate, she still could not help but blush at this moment, and turn away. Zhang CuiShan's cheek turned red upon seeing them, even if he's sure of his own integrity.

Chang JinPeng turned around to lead them. Yin SuSu whispered to him, "Let me go first, so they won't see us together." Zhang CuiShan thought, "Since when did this young woman became so shy?" But he nodded anyway. Yin SuSu caught up with Chang JinPeng, asked, "What happened to those two Kun Lun idiots anyway?" Zhang CuiShan's thoughts were filled with mixed emotions as he watched them disappear into the trees. Then he followed them into the mountain valley.

Upon entering the valley, he saw a grassy plain filled with several tables. Other than an elegant table to the east, all others were filled. When Chang JinPeng saw him walking near, he yelled, "Here comes Wu Dang's Fifth Hero Zhang!" He spoke these words clearly and loudly, his voice vibrated between the mountains. After the introduction, Chang JinPeng and Bai GuiShou came up to greet him. Bai GuiShou said, "Branch Leader Bai GuiShou and Chang JinPeng, under Sect Leader Yin, welcome Fifth Hero Zhang to our ceremony."

Zhang CuiShan thought, "Ah, so the their leader's surname really is 'Yin'!" He responded, "Thank your for welcoming me here." As he walked passed by the other tables, Zhang CuiShan saw everyone staring at him strangely, but didn't thought much of it. He did not know that none of the other people here were so seriously greeted as he had been, with both branch leaders and all their sub-leaders welcoming him personally. For the other groups, only one or two sub-leaders had greeted them.

Bai GuiShou showed him to the table that wasn't taken, on the east side. This table only has one chair, but nonetheless the most elegant one. Zhang CuiShan looked around, and saw around six or seven people at each other table. Gao ZeCheng and Jiang Tao sat at the sixth table. Zhang CuiShan said, "I really don't deserve such a seat. Brother Bai, please move me somewhere else." Bai GuiShou said, "Wu Dang is one of the most highly respected institutions in the martial world. That plus Fifth Hero Zhang's fame, you're more than qualified for this seat." Zhang CuiShan remembered his master's lesson on modesty, thought, "If big brother or master were here, they could certainly sit here. But I certainly do not deserve it." So he once again refused the seat.

Gao ZeCheng gave Jiang Tao a glance. Then Jiang Tao picked up his chair and threw it at Zhang CuiShan's table, over five other tables. It landed perfectly in place, demonstrating his exquisite palm ability and inner power. Gao ZeCheng yelled, "Humph, 'most highly respected institution'? I wonder if Wu Dang's really worthy of the title. If you, Mr. Zhang, refuse to sit there, then let us brothers take your place." The two flew like the wind over to Zhang CuiShan's table, next to the chairs.

For you see, Yin SuSu had told them earlier that she wanted to learn some Kun Lun sword art. Both brothers immediately pulled out their swords and began to show her their sword techniques. At first, they simply wished to get the upper hand and gain her favor. But with Yin SuSu adding fuel to fire with her words, the duel quickly got out of hand. Only when Yin SuSu left with Zhang CuiShan did the two realize that they had been duped. Obviously, the two were extremely angry, but neither could act up towards Yin SuSu. So they tried to take Zhang CuiShan's seat in an effort to make him fight them, then they can make him look bad here in public.

Chang JinPeng put up a hand to stop them, said, "Hold on!" Gao ZeCheng was about to object, when Zhang CuiShan said, "If the two honored guests wish to sit here, then go ahead. I'll switch seats with you!" As he spoke he began to walk towards the sixth table where the Kun Lun brothers were sitting. Yin SuSu suddenly waved her hand at him, yelled, "Fifth Brother Zhang, come here"