Chapter - 48 Pale Shoulder As Though Adorned By Beautiful Plum Blossoms (13)

At this exact moment, Guo SanQuan's third fist came directly at Xie Xun's lower abdomen. He thought Xie Xun would obviously try to evade, but for some reason Xie Xun did not move at all. The punch landed perfectly. But upon impact, Guo SanQuan realized that something was wrong, for that part of the body should've been very soft, while his fist felt like it hit a stone wall. But it was too late, as the impact reverberated back into his body, and he fell back, dead.

Xie Xun turned around, only to see Mai Jing now lay on the ground dead. He first wiped away the mud on Mai Jing's face, checked his breath, then wiped the mud off his own face. He faced the sky and yelled, "These two people had been terrorizing society for too long now. Considering that they were able to live till today, the punishment came too late." Then he quickly turned towards the two Kun Lun swordsmen, first at Gao ZeCheng, then at Jiang Tao, but did not speak for a long time.

Gao and Jiang's faces turned white, put their hands on their swords, stared back at Xie Xun. Zhang CuiShan knew that they are Xie Xun's next targets, stood up, and said, "Elder Xie, the people you had killed all deserved to die. But if you kill without justification, then what makes you so different from them?"

Xie Xun smirked, said, "What's the difference? My kung fu is excellent, their's are mediocre. The strong prevails over the weak. That is the difference." Zhang CuiShan said, "The difference between humans and animals is that we can tell the difference between right and wrong. If the strong always oppress the weak, then how are we different from animals?"

Xie Xun laughed out loud, said, "Do you think humans really knows right from wrong? Today, our Emperor is Mongolian. He can kill as many Hans as he wished. Are you going to discuss right and wrong with him? If the Mongolians want Han people's children and property, they simply take them. If anyone resists, the Mongols kill him. Are you going to discuss right and wrong with them?"

Zhang CuiShan pondered for a moment, then said, "The Mongolians' actions are no better than animals. That's why all proud Hans detestat them, hoping that one day we shall drive them off our lands."

Xie Xun said, "Before the Mongols came, we had Han emperors. Do you think they care about right and wrong? Yue Fei was a loyal court official, yet Sun GaoZong executed him. Qin Gui was a treacherous court official, yet he lived a prosperous life, enjoying unlimited riches." Zhang CuiShan said, "The Southern Song's emperor was indeed a terrible one, making use of wrong court officials, finally gave our land over to the Mongolians. His wrongdoings had terrible consequences. That's why we must be righteous, to avoid regretful consequences." Xie Xun said, "You're right, the emperor was indeed terrible. However, most of the people these Mongolians killed were civilians. Tell me, what evils have these innocent civilians done to deserve such fate?"

Zhang CuiShan paused.

Yin SuSu suddenly answered, "The civilians have no power to retaliate. So it's quite normal that they'd be slaughtered."

Zhang CuiShan said, "The reason we practice martial arts is to help those in need, defend the weak who can't protect themselves. Elder Xie's martial arts is unparalleled. If you use your skills for the good of the people, many will benefit."

Xie Xun said, "What's so good about being righteous? What's my benefit for doing righteous things?"

Zhang CuiShan was lost for words. Since he was a child, Zhang CuiShan had been taught that one learns martial arts for righteousness. Yet he never really thought of the benefits of being righteous, only felt like it's just simply the right thing to do. After a while, he said, "Well, if you do good deeds, then you're on the side of justice. Doing good deeds will lead to good fortune. Doing bad deeds leads to bad fortune."

Xie Xun laughed wildly, said, "What a load of crap! Do you really believe that?"

Zhang CuiShan thought of Yu DaiYan. His third brother had only done righteous things in his life, yet for no reason at all, he was gravely injured. Even he himself now isn't so sure he believed these words. Zhang CuiShan sighed, said, "Sometimes its hard to understand the workings of Heaven. We can only try to be true to our hearts. Whether this results in good fortune or bad fortune, is not something we can control."

Xie Xun looked at him, said, "I've long heard that your teacher Zhang SanFeng's martial arts is unmatched in the world, but unfortunately never had the chance to meet him. You are one of his top disciples, yet you are so mediocre. Guess there's no reason to visit him after all."

Zhang CuiShan, fuming at these words that belittled his master, said angrily, "Do you think you're worthy to judge my master's abilities? Your kung fu is extremely high, but still nowhere near my master's level."

Yin SuSu hurriedly pulled on the back of Zhang CuiShan's robe, telling him to bear with Xie Xun for the moment. Zhang CuiShan thought, "Life and death is not big of a deal, but I can't let down the Wu Dang name."

Oddly enough, Xie Xun did not become angry. He said calmly, "Zhang SanFeng started the Wu Dang Sect. So there must be something extraordinary about him. The philosophy of martial arts is unlimited and boundless. I wouldn't be surprised if he's much superior to myself. Perhaps one day I will visit Wu Dang just to meet him. Fifth Hero Zhang, what is your best kung fu? I'm quite interested to see."