Chapter - 337 Hundred-feet Tall Tower Prevents Passage (14)

On the side Zhou Zhiruo and the Emei disciples were cremating Miejue Shitai's body. Kong Wen, Kong Zhi, Song Yuanqiao, Zhang Wuji, and the rest of them, one by one, offered their last respect. Miejue Shitai was a great hero; although her temperament was peculiar she had always upheld chivalry and justice. Her character was imposing; there was no one in the Wulin world who did not respect her. The Emei disciples cried and wept loudly, the rest of the people were also mournful.

In a loud and clear voice Reverend Kong Wen said, "The dead cannot go back to live. The heroes of Emei must carry on the will Shitai had left behind; hence although Shitai died, she will also live. This time we fell under evil people's poisonous hands; everybody suffered a great defeat. Even our own Sect's Kong Xing Shidi [martial (younger) brother] had died under the Tartars' hands. This debt must be settled, but as how we are going to do this, we need to discuss it further."

Reverend Kong Zhi said, "Initially the Six Major Sects of the Central Plains and the Ming Cult are enemies to each other; but Zhang Jiaozhu has forgotten this animosity and lent a hand to rescue us. This way the enmity between us is to be forever eradicated. From now on we are of one heart and mind, driving the invaders together."

Everybody voiced their agreement at once. However, speaking of revenge, each sect's opinion differed with one another; it was difficult to reach decision. Finally Kong Wen said, "We cannot decide on this matter, let us take a rest for several days, and then separately go back to our places. Someday when we are ready to launch a large attack of vengeance, then we will slowly talk it over." Everybody nodded their heads in approval.

Zhang Wuji said, "Now that this important matter is done, I have some personal business I have to attend; I need to return to Dadou. Hereby I bid everybody farewell. Later on we will work hand in hand, fighting the Tartars to the death together."

Everybody raised their voices together, "We will work hand in hand, fighting the Tartars to the death together." Their shouts shook the sky, the valley reverberated with their cry; and then they send Zhang Wuji off to the mouth of the valley. Zhang Wuji raised his hands in salute and said goodbye.

"Jiaozhu," Yang Xiao said, "The heroes of the world look up on you; you have to take a really good care of yourself in everything."

"Xiongdi [brother] will remember that," Zhang Wuji said. Mounting his horse he galloped to the south.