chapter 9.2

Zhang Cuishan said, "The Green Dragon Sect never associates with people in the central plains. What had Wu Dang done that angered Old Hero Quan? Please enlighten us." Quan JianNan said, "I have nothing against you. I also know about a Wu Dang Sect back in Gao Li. And that the Seven Heroes of Wu Dang are all righteous men. I just have one question, 'Where is Golden-Haired Lion King: Xie Xun?'"

Although these words didn't seem disrespectful, they showed clear hostile intentions. At the same time, Quan JianNan waved his judge's brush. The riders behind them quickly scattered, surrounding the carts. Their intentions are obvious. If Zhang CuiShan did not reveal Xie Xun's location, they will attack.

Zhang CuiShan said, "What if I don't want to say the location?" Quan JianNan said, "I know Fifth Hero Zhang's kung fu is formidable. Even though we have many people, I doubt we could keep you here. However, Second Hero Yu is injured, and your wife is ill. Given such an opportunity, we'll have to take advantage, and capture them. But you are free to leave."

Zhang CuiShan did not like his tone at all, and said, "Fine. If so, then let me see just how good Gao Li martial arts is. What if Elder Quan loses?"

Quan JianNan said, "If I lose, then everyone will attack at once. We're not going to use that stupid one-on-one rule here. If Wu Dang had more people, you can also try to win through numbers. Back when Sui YangDi, Tang TaiZong and Tang GaoZong [4] invaded Gao Li, didn't they also win through numbers with their large number of troops? Since the beginning of history, people had been using numbers to their advantage."

Zhang CuiShan knew he couldn't talk out of this situation. He figured that capturing Quan JianNan might get them to back off. So he got off the horse, and took out a silver tiger hook with his left hand, and an iron judge's brush with his right. Zhang CuiShan said, "After you." Zhang CuiShan's previous judge's brush fell into the sea. After returning, he bought a new one. Although it's not as good as the previous one, it was the best available.

Quan JianNan also came down the horse, and attacked. His right brush pointed gently, while his left brush still hasn't came out, as his body had already reached the opponent. Zhang CuiShan thought, "Today I'm fighting for my sworn brother. As his sworn brother and sworn sister, my wife and I can die for him. But this doesn't concern second brother at all. And he shouldn't get hurt because of this." As Quan JianNan's right brush nears, the hook came up to block, which used twenty percent of Zhang CuiShan's power. As the hook and brush met, Zhang CuiShan's body shook.

Quan JianNan thought happily, "The Three-River Clan kept saying how powerful Wu Dang is. But this guy's nothing. They must've been exaggerating." He quickly followed up with his left brush. Zhang CuiShan had trouble blocking, but still hung on. Quan JianNan thought that should he defeat Fifth Hero Zhang, his fame would rise dramatically. With this thought, his brushes came even faster, each attack pointed at Zhang CuiShan's vital area.

Zhang CuiShan blocked tightly, while carefully examining his opponent's moves. Quan JianNan's moves looked light and flexible, but there's great power on the tip of the brush. The brush targets emphasized the lower body and the back, much different from brush users in the central plains. Upon further examination, his left brush attacked only the back's 'Ling Tai' or lower points, like 'Zhi Yang', 'Jin Sui', 'Zhong Shu', 'Ji Zhong', 'Xuan Shu', 'Ming Men', 'Yang Guan', 'Yao Yu', and 'Chang Chiang'. The right brush emphasized on attacking the opponent's legs, like 'Zi Wu Shu', 'Wei Dao', 'Huan Tiao', 'Feng Shi', 'Zhong Du', and the calf's 'Yang Ling' Point. Zhang CuiShan figured out that his left brush really only aimed at the several points along the 'Du Artery'. The right brush aimed at only the several points in the front of the leg and foot. Despite the complicated appearance, it's actually quite easy to counter. Zhang CuiShan thought, "Master once said, the Green Dragon Sect's point-sealing technique relied on its oddity. So despite its ferociousness, their technique is nothing to worry about. Looks like master's correct." After he understood his opponent's attack pattern, the silver hook and iron brush only protected the particular points that Quan JianNan aimed for, ignoring all other parts of the body.

Quan JianNan fought with more and more energy as the battle went on. Zhang CuiShan thought, "You dare come to the bottom of Wu Dang Mountain with such pedestrian skills?" Suddenly his silver hook came scooping down using the hook in the character 'Dragon'. The hook slashed through Quan JianNan's right leg's 'Feng Shi' Point. Quan JianNan let out a scream, and fell down.

At this moment, Zhang CuiShan's brush came straight down, sealing ten pressure points on Quan JianNan's 'Du Artery', the same ten Quan JianNan aimed with his left brush during the fight. This brush came down fast as a shooting star, strong as a charging ox, fully immobilizing Quan JianNan. Quan JianNan sighed, and thought, "I give up. Even against a wooden sculpture, I wouldn't be able to attack ten points in one single move. I'm not even worthy to be his disciple."

Zahng CuiShan put his hook by Quan JianNan's throat, and yelled, "Everyone stand back! After escorting this elder to Wu Dang Mountain, I'll release him." He thought these people must be Quan JianNan's subordinates, and would listen.

But instead, that colorfully-dressed married woman yelled, "Everyone attack together. Break the carts." Zhang CuiShan yelled, "If anyone moves any closer, I'll kill this man!" That woman smirked and said, "Everyone just attack." The riders immediately charged, ignoring Quan JianNan's safety. This woman is one of the helmsmen of the Three-River Clan. They came here to capture Yu LianZhou and Yin SuSu, in order to get Xie Xun's location. Quan JianNan is just a guest helper. So they hardly cared for his safety.

Zhang CuiShan gasped, as he realized that even killing Quan JianNan would be useless. At this moment, six people had surrounded Yin SuSu's cart, and six more surrounded Yu LianZhou's cart. The rest gathered around the married woman. Just at this moment, Yu LianZhou suddenly yelled, "Sixth brother, come get rid of these people!"

Zhang CuiShan thought, "What's second brother doing?" When suddenly, he heard a yell in the distance, "Sure thing! Fifth brother, how are you? Your little brother really misses you." A shadow appeared from behind a nearby tree, with a sword in hand, coming closer. He is indeed the sixth hero Yin LiTing. Zhang CuiShan was simply overjoyed, and he yelled, "Sixth brother. Great to see you!"

Several people from the Three-River Clan went to block Yin LiTing's path, only to hear a continuous stream of 'ah' yells and 'ding ding' sounds. Each person's wrist was slashed by sword on the 'Divine Gate' Point. All of them immediately dropped their weapons. The 'Divine Gate' Point is located one the back wrist. Once struck, the hand immediately becomes numb, unable to exert any more pressure. Yin LiTing walked briskly towards the carts. When an enemy comes, he would wave his sword, and the opposing weapon would drop. That woman yelled, "You're Wu Dang's…" With two 'Dang Dang' sounds, her two sabers both left her hands.

Zhang CuiShan said ecstatically, "So master finally figured out the 'Thirteen Divine Gate Swords'." This 'Thirteen Divine Gate Swords' has a total of thirteen moves. Each one different from another, but all aimed at the opponent's 'Divine Gate' Point. When Zhang CuiShan left Wu Dang ten years ago, Zhang SanFeng had started to invent this sword art. He discussed with his disciples several times, but couldn't overcome several major problems. Now as Zhang CuiShan watched Yin LiTing use this sword art, no one in the Three-River Clan could block even one blow. Every single one of Yin LiTing's strike was incredibly exquisite. After only five or six blows, he had already dropped over ten people's weapons.

That woman yelled, "Let's get out of here!" The clan members immediately began to run away. Zhang CuiShan unsealed Quan JianNan's pressure points and returned his brushes. Quan JianNan instantly ran away in a shameful expression.

Yin LiTing returned his sword to its sheath, and grabbed Zhang CuiShan's hands tightly. He said with joy, "Fifth brother. I missed you so much!" Zhang CuiShan said, "Sixth brother, you've grown taller." When they parted, Yin LiTing was only eighteen. After ten years, the young boy had grown into a mature adult. Zhang CuiShan held Yin LiTing's hand as he walked over to his wife.

Yin SuSu is still quite ill. So she could only smile lightly, and said faintly, "Sixth brother-in-law." Yin LiTing said with a smile, "So fifth sister-in-law also has a surname of 'Yin'. That's great. Not only are you my sister-in-law, but also my sister."

Zhang CuiShan said, "Second brother really is much better than me. You were hiding on that tree the whole time. He recognized you, but I never noticed."

Yin LiTing then spoke of why he came.

A while back, fourth hero Zhang SongXi went down the Wu Dang Mountain to buy some items for master's one-hundredth birthday. He saw two suspicious people walking around, and thought, "Considering Wu Dang's fame, why would anyone want to cause trouble in this area?" So he followed them to see what they're up to. Only then did Zhang SongXi know that Zhang CuiShan is back, and met up with Yu LianZhou. Both the 'Three-River Clan' and the 'Saber of Five Winds Sect' wanted to block their path, to ask for Xie Xun's location. Zhang SongXi ecstatically went back up the mountain. At the time, only Yin LiTing was there. The two split up to look for their brothers. They both thought, at the time, that their second and fifth brother could easily take care of these people. But both were too impatient to meet up with their fifth brother. So they came down the mountain together. Neither knew about Yu LianZhou's injury, for those people did not bring it up. Zhang SongXi followed 'Saber of Five Winds Sect', while Yin LiTing followed 'Three-River Clan'.

Yu LianZhou said, "If it weren't for fourth brother, I don't know what would've happened today." Zhang CuiShan said shamefully, "I couldn't even protect second brother myself. After leaving for ten years, my martial arts ability had lagged too far behind." Yin LiTing said, "Don't be so hard on yourself. Even if I hadn't appeared, you still could've easily taken care of them. It's just that you couldn't protect second brother and fifth sister-in-law at the same time. Think about the techniques you used against that old man from Gao Li. Master never taught it to anyone else. Master will be overjoyed to see you back. He's bound to have lots and lots of stuff to teach you. Just hope you can remember them all. Hey, do you want me to teach you the 'Thirteen Divine Gate Swords'?"

Due to their bond, and being reunited after so much time apart, Yin LiTing is just dying to teach Zhang CuiShan everything he missed. As the two walked side by side, Yin LiTing talked endlessly, and kept making gestures to demonstrate various techniques.

That night the four rested in an inn. Yin LiTing wanted to sleep next to Zhang CuiShan. Zhang CuiShan also really likes this sixth brother. Although Yin LiTing's already grown up, his personality still resembled the youngster ten years ago. Muo ShengGu might be the youngest of the seven brothers, but he matured at a very young age. So Yin LiTing actually has a weaker personality than his little brother. Zhang CuiShan's age has always been close to Yin LiTing's, and had always taken extra care of his sixth brother.

Yu LianZhou chuckled, and said, "Fifth brother is already married. Do you think he's still the same person from ten years ago? Fifth brother, you came back just in time. After we're done with master's birthday celebration, we will be following up with sixth brother's wedding celebration." Zhang CuiShan clapped his hands and laughed, said, "Awesome! Awesome! Who's the lucky lady?" Yin LiTing's face turned bright red, but won't speak.

Yu LianZhou said, "She is the daughter of 'Golden Whip' Old Hero Ji in Han Yang City." Zhang CuiShan said with a smile, "Sixth brother, you need to stop acting like a kid now. It's no fun getting whacked by a golden whip." Yu LianZhou chuckled, said, "Miss Ji is actually a sword user. Thankfully, she was not among the hooded-women back at the river." Zhang CuiShan asked in surprise, "You mean Miss Ji is an E Mei disciple?" Yu LianZhou nodded, said, "Those E Mei disciples we met by the river had ordinary kung fu. So Miss Ji couldn't have been among them. Otherwise, if I offended sixth sister-in-law, while helping fifth sister-in-law, people might say I'm being unfair. This future sixth sister-in-law has great moral fiber, and excellent martial arts. She's a top disciple of a righteous sect, very suitable for sixth brother…"

When he got here, Yu LianZhou suddenly remembered that Yin SuSu is from an evil sect. Praising Miss Ji this way might hurt fifth brother's feelings. Just when he wanted to change the subject, someone came to the door and said, "Mr. Yu, several people want to see you. They said they're your friends." This was the voice of a worker at the inn.

Yu LianZhou asked, "Who are they?" The worker said, "There are six people total. They said they're from the 'Saber of Five Winds Sect'." The three brothers were quite surprised. Zhang SongXi said he'd get rid of these people, so how did they manage to get here? Could something have happened to Zhang SongXi? Zhang CuiShan said, "Let me go out and see what's going on." Because of second brother's injuries, Zhang CuiShan didn't want to fight inside the room. Yu LianZhou said, "Let them come in."

A while later, five coarse men and a beautiful young married woman came in. Zhang CuiShan and Yin LiTing sat right next to Yu LianZhou, preparing for possible fighting. Yet these six people all had shameful expressions on their faces. None of them had any weapons. Hardly looking like they want to cause some trouble. The first man of about forty stepped up, bowed courteously with fists together, and said, "Are you Wu Dang's Second Hero Yu, Fifth Hero Zhang, and Sixth Hero Yin? I am a disciple of the Saber of Five Winds Sect, called Meng ZhengHong. Nice to meet you."

Yu, Zhang, and Yin returned bows, all surprised at his actions. Yu LianZhou said, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Meng. Everyone, please sit."

But Meng ZhengHong did not sit. He said, "My sect is located in the Shan Xi region. Although the sect is small, we nonetheless have heard of Wu Dang's reputation. Today, upon reaching the foot of Wu Dang Mountain, we really should go up to respects to Master Zhang. But we heard that he's already one hundred years old, and leads a quiet life. So we really shouldn't bother him. We wish you could send a message to him. Tell him that the disciples of the 'Saber of Five Winds Sect' send their greetings, hoping he would have forever-good health, and many blessings."

Yu LianZhou said, "You are too kind. Thank you for your thoughtful words."

Meng ZhengHong then said, "We really were foolish and ignorant, to even dare come offend Wu Dang. Thankfully, the Heroes of Wu Dang were benevolent, and actually helped us out in our time of need. I really am very thankful, and therefore came to first express my gratitude, then express my apology. Hoping you could forgive us." As he spoke he got on his knees.

Zhang CuiShan quickly picked him up, said, "Mr. Meng, you don't need to be so courteous."

Meng ZhengHong stuttered a bit, as he wanted to say something, but was afraid to. Yu LianZhou said, "Just speak what's on your mind, Mr. Meng." Meng ZhengHong said, "I wish for Second Hero Yu to say that Wu Dang forgives us. So we would have face to meet our master." Yu LianZhou said, "I take it you came to seek Golden-Haired Lion King: Xie Xun's location, right? What's your reason for doing so?" Meng ZhengHong said, "Xie Xun killed my elder brother."

Yu LianZhou's heart shook, said, "We really have our reasons for not giving this info. Hopefully you can understand. As for forgiveness, you don't have to ever speak of it again. When you see your master Old Master Wu, say that Second Yu, Fifth Zhang, and Sixth Yin send their greetings."

Meng ZhengHon said, "If so, then we shall go now. If Wu Dang ever needs help in the future, you can simply send us a letter. Although we are just a small sect, we would still help in any way we can." He then bowed again with the five other people, and left the room.

That young married woman suddenly got down on her knees and whispered, "Thanks to Wu Dang's help, I was able to keep my innocence. I'll never forget your kindness." The three brothers didn't know what she's talking about, but felt it would be inappropriate to ask further on this subject. So they just said some modest words. That young woman kowtowed several times, and left.

Just moments after these people left, the door opened. A man flew in at lightning speed, and immediately hugged Zhang CuiShan.

Zhang CuiShan said cheerfully, "Fourth brother!" The person who came in was indeed Zhang SongXi. Zhang CuiShan added, "Fourth brother. You really are amazing. Turning the 'Saber of Five Winds Sect' from enemy to friend. Zhang SongXi said with a smile, "It was just a coincidence. I can't really claim credit." He then explained how everything unfolded.

That young married woman's surname is Wu. She is the sect leader's second daughter. That Meng ZhengHong is her husband. The six of them came here to search for Xie Xun. On the way, they met up with the Three-River Clan, who said that Zhang CuiShan know of Xie Xun's location. That Wu lady was pampered since childhood. She proposed to capture Zhang CuiShan, and torture him into submission. Meng ZhengHong had always been afraid of his wife, but wouldn't agree with her this time. He said that Wu Dang's too powerful. They should instead ask politely. Should Wu Dang not acquiesce, they'll find some other way to get the information. That Wu lady said, "This is a once in a life time opportunity. Once Zhang CuiShan get back to Wu Dang, he'd be with his martial brothers, and be protected by Zhang SanFeng. How do we ask then?" The two then began to bicker. The other disciples were beneath them in seniority, and didn't dare interfere.

That Wu lady said, "You are such a coward. Look, we're trying to avenge your brother here, not mine. Humph, you're not a man at all. Don't you have any courage? Even if that Zhang CuiShan tells you Xie Xun's location, I doubt you'll have the guts to find him. The biggest mistake of my life is getting married to a coward like you." Meng ZhengHong is used to giving in to his wife, and stopped talking. But he still won't follow his wife's plan: catching them using sleeping powder. In her frustration, that night when his husband fell asleep, the Wu lady secretly left.

She wanted to do the deed alone, and embarrass his husband in the process. Unfortunately for her, a helmsman of the Three-River Clan saw everything. Lusted at her beauty, he followed behind secretly. He tried to apply some of the sleeping powder on her. However, Zhang SongXi was following their movement this whole time. At the last second, he came out of hiding and beat up on that helmsman, before chasing him away. Zhang SongXi didn't say his own name, only mentioned that he was a Wu Dang disciple. The Wu lady was both surprised and embarrassed. She quickly went back and told her husband what happened. This way, Wu Dang turned into their savior. That's why the couple came to thank the three Wu Dang brothers. Zhang SongXi didn't want to further embarrass them, and therefore didn't appear until they had left.

Zhang CuiShan said, "It's not difficult to send these people away. But it's much more to master's taste that you turned them into friends."

Zhang SongXi said with a smile, "Ten years apart, and the first thing you do is to flatter me."

That night, the four brothers slept in the same room and chatted. Despite his cleverness, Zhang SongXi could not figure out the origins of the man who kidnapped WuJi either.

The next day, Zhang SongXi met Yin SuSu. The five of them traveled for a whole day before arriving at Wu Dang Mountain that night. As he returned to his childhood home, Zhang CuiShan's first thought was to pay respects to his master. Then meet up with eldest brother, third brother, and seventh brother. Even though his son is missing and his wife is sick, Zhang CuiShan nonetheless felt more happiness and sadness.

Upon reaching the mountaintop, they saw eight horses tied by the front door. These horses don't belong to Wu Dang. Zhang SongXi said, "There must be guests here. Let's not bother them, and use the side door instead." Zhang CuiShan held his wife and walked through the side door. When the priests and servants saw Zhang CuiShan back safely, they were all overjoyed. Zhang CuiShan really wanted to see his master. But the apprentice priest for Zhang SanFeng said that he's still meditating in seclusion. Zhang CuiShan paid his respect in front of Zhang SanFeng's meditation room. Then went to see Yu DaiYan.

The apprentice priest who served Yu DaiYan whispered, "Third Martial Uncle's asleep. Do you want to wake him up?" Zhang CuiShan shook his head, and walked into the room. Only to see Yu DaiYan sleeping soundly, with pale face and sunken cheeks. A righteous hero ten years ago, had turned into a sick man seemingly on his last breath. Zhang CuiShan watched for a while, and tears came down his eyes.

After a long time, he finally walked out, and asked the apprentice priest, "Where's your eldest and seventh martial uncles?" That apprentice priest said, "In the main hall." Zhang CuiShan walked to the back room of the main hall to wait for them. After a long time, they still haven't appeared. Zhang CuiShan finally asked the servant sending the tea, "Who are the guests?" That servant said, "They seem to be in the escort agency business."

Yin LiTing wanted to be with his long lost brother, and soon joined Zhang CuiShan. When Zhang CuiShan asked him about those guests, Yin LiTing said, "All three are top agency leaders. 'Tiger Den Escort Agency' Leader Qi TianBiao from Jin Lian City, 'Rising Sun Escort Agency' Leader Yun He from Tai Yuan City, and the third is 'Sparrow Cloud Escort Agency' Leader Guan JiuJia from the capital city."

Zhang CuiShan said with surprise, "All three of them came? Ten years ago, these are the most renowned escort agencies in the country. And their leaders have the best martial arts among escort leaders. Is that still true today? Why are they here?" Yin LiTing said with a smile, "They probably lost some shipments on one of their escort trips. The person who took their shipments is too powerful. So they came to ask big brother for help. Fifth brother, big brother has been helping more and more people recently. Every time someone has an unsolvable problem in the martial world, he'd ask for big brother's help."

Zhang CuiShan said, "Big brother has a heart of Buddha. He never turns down anyone's request. I wonder if big brother looks older now?" Unable to further suppress his urge to see his big brother, Zhang CuiShan said, "Sixth brother, I'm going behind the screen to take a peek at him, ok?" He walked up and peeked into the main hall.

Only to see Song YuanQiao and Muo ShengGu sitting in two host seats. Song YuanQiao dressed as a priest, with a peaceful expression on his face. He looked similar to ten years ago, except there are some gray hairs on the side, and he looked chubbier. Song YuanQiao is not a priest. But since his master is a priest, and Wu Dang is a place of worship, he tends to wear a priest robe on Wu Dang Mountain. Muo ShengGu had already grown into an adult. Although only twenty-some years old, he had grown a long beard, and looked even older than Zhang CuiShan.

Only to hear Muo ShengGu say loudly, "My big brother is a man of his words. Are you saying that you don't trust his reputation?" Zhang CuiShan thought, "Seventh brother's temper hasn't changed at all. I wonder what he's arguing about?" He turned and looked at the guest seats. Three people sat there, each about fifty years old. One looked very fiery. One is tall and skinny, looking composed. The third one looked terribly sick, his face seemingly a dry root. Only to hear the tall thin man say, "Of course we trust Hero Song's words. But can you tell us when Fifth Hero Zhang would be back?"

Zhang CuiShan thought, "So they came for me. Probably seeking my sworn brother's location." Only to hear Muo ShengGu say, "We seven brothers might not have great abilities, but we are proud of our righteous deeds. We thank our friends in the martial world for giving us the 'Seven Heroes of Wu Dang' title. Although we don't really deserve it…" Zhang CuiShan thought, "After ten years, seventh brother's much better at talking now. When I left, he would take forever answering questions from strangers. Other than third brother and I, everyone else has improved dramatically."

Muo ShengGu continued, "but we have indeed been bestowed this honor. Due to our master's teachings, none of us dared make any mistake. Fifth Brother Zhang is one of my brothers. Among us, he has the best temper. If you keep saying that he killed those people at the 'Dragon Gate Escort Agency', Humph, that's just nonsense." Zhang CuiShan shuddered, "So it's about the Dragon Gate Escort Agency again. Looks like they've heard about me coming back, and came to question me on the matter."

That fiery old man said, "No one questions the reputation of 'The Seven Heroes of Wu Dang'. Seventh Hero Muo, you didn't need to self-praise to tell us of your incredible fame."

Muo ShengGu frowned at his sarcastic remark, said, "What do you really want, Leader Qi? Just go ahead and say it."

That fiery man is indeed the leader of the 'Tiger Den Escort Agency', Qi TianBiao. Qi TianBiao said loudly, "The Seven Heroes of Wu Dang are men of their words. So did Shaolin Reverends lie? Shaolin monks personally saw Zhang CuiShan, Fifth 'Hero'… Zhang, killed every member of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency." He purposely emphasized the word 'hero', and said it in a mocking tone.

Yin LiTing was furious. Ridiculing his fifth brother is ten times more unbearable than mocking Yin LiTing himself. He was just about to go out and argue, when Zhang CuiShan pulled him back, and shook his head. Yin LiTing saw a painful expression on his face. He didn't know what to make of it, but thought, "Fifth brother's temper is so great. No wonder master always compliments him."

Muo ShengGu stood up, and said loudly, "First of all, my fifth brother is currently not here. But even if he were, my answer is still the same. Zhang CuiShan and I are brothers in life and death. His problems are my problems. You have to falsely accuse my fifth brother on this murder charge? Fine! Just put it all on me. If you want revenge, come to me. My fifth brother is not here, but Muo ShengGu is also Zhang CuiShan. Zhang CuiShan is also Muo ShengGu. To be honest, my kung fu and intellect are both beneath my fifth brother. So you are quite lucky to meet me today."

Qi TianBiao fumed, stood up and yelled, "Before coming to Wu Dang, many people laughed at me. They said that my kung fu was not worthy of challenging Wu Dang. But there's no way we can simply forget what happened to Du DaJin and his people. After killing over Dragon Gate Escort Agency's ninety-plus people, I'm sure Wu Dang won't mind killing another Qi TianBiao. Looks like I will be dying on Wu Dang Mountain today. When we came up the mountain, out of respect for you, we carried no weapons. So I'll seek my death under Seventh Hero Muo's fists." As he spoke, he walked to the center of the room.

Song YuanQiao had been quiet this whole time, but he stepped in at this moment, and held back Muo ShengGu. With a light smile, Song YuanQiao said, "Let's look at the purpose of your visit. You came because you are certain that my fifth brother killed everyone in Lin An City's Dragon Gate Escort Agency. Good news is, he will be back soon. Why don't the three guests be a bit patient, wait till he's actually back. Then wouldn't the truth be revealed?"

That sick-looking old man, 'Sparrow Cloud Escort Agency' Leader Gong JiuGui, stood up and said, "Escort Leader Qi, please sit down. Since Fifth Zhang has still not returned, we can't get a resolution. How about we first see Master Zhang, and ask his opinion. As the most esteemed individual in the martial world, surely he would be objective, and not just shield his own disciple."

Despite his courteous tone, these words carried a threatening message. Muo ShengGu said, "Our master's in seclusion right now for meditation. Besides, my big brother handles most of the Wu Dang matters now anyway. Other than some of the most highly esteemed individuals of the martial world, my master would not greet any guest." In another words, he meant that the three escort leaders were not worthy of meeting their master.

That tall skinny man, Escort Leader Yun He, said, "Humph, what are the odds. So your master just happened to be meditating the same day we come, eh? Well, Master Zhang can meditate in seclusion whenever he wants. But does he think that by hiding, he can avoid the payment for the ninety-plus lives of the Dragon Gate Escort Agency?" Gong JiuGui realized that these words were too nasty, and quickly gestured for him to stop. But Muo ShengGu could not hold down his rage. He yelled, "Are you saying that my master's hiding from you?" Yun He smirked, but did not respond.

Despite his good temper, Song YuanQiao could not bear these people mocking his master. No one in over ten years had dared to mock Zhang SanFeng in front of the Wu Dang heroes. Song YuanQiao said calmly, "Since the three are guests, we dare not offend you. However, I must ask you to leave now!" And with these words he whisked his sleeve. A light wind left the sleeve. The three teacups by Qi TianBiao, Yun He, and Gong JiuGui were swept by the wind, and flew onto the tea table besides Song YuanQiao. The three cups flew up leisurely, and landed evenly. Not a single drop of tea came out in the process.

The three escort leaders, at the moment Song YuanQiao whisked his sleeve, felt a seemingly soft, but actually powerful force pushing into their chests. The force was so dominating they couldn't even breathe. The three immediately started to gather their inner chi in defense. But the soft wind came quickly, and left quickly, as they regained the ability to breathe again. The escort leaders were incredibly shocked. They knew that had Song YuanQiao followed up with a whisk of his left sleeve, the second wave of wind would have reversed the chi-flow that they gathered. Even if they don't die from the reversed chi-flow, at least their inner power would be destroyed. From this one act, the three escort leaders realized that the soft-spoken eldest hero of Wu Dang has unbelievable martial arts.

In the back room, Zhang CuiShan thought about Yin SuSu's murder of Dragon Gate Escort Agency again. He felt very remorseful about the act. When he suddenly saw Song YuanQiao's whisk of the sleeve, Zhang CuiShan felt awed, and thought, "Wu Dang inner power really does grow quicker the more the practitioner trains. When my sworn brother wanted to kill big brother, big brother really had no chance. But today, even if my sworn brother weren't blind, his martial arts wouldn't be much better than big brother's, if at all. In another ten years, my big and second brother should surpass my sworn brother."

Only to hear Qi TianBiao say, "Thank you, Hero Song, for sparing our lives. Goodbye!" Song YuanQiao and Muo ShengGu sent them out the door. Qi TianBiao said, "No need see us out." Song YuanQiao said, "It's not often that such renowned escort leaders would visit Wu Dang. Why shouldn't we escort you out? In the future, I'll surely visit your agencies should I get the chance." Qi TianBiao said, "Oh, you are too kind." After Song YuanQiao showed off his martial prowess, his demeanor remained the same, with no arrogance. Qi TianBiao gained a lot more respect for this eldest Wu Dang hero, and had lost most of his urge for revenge.

At this moment, Qi TianBiao suddenly saw a short but gallant looking man walk in the front door. Song YuanQiao said, "Fourth brother, let me introduce you to these guests." He then introduced everyone.

Zhang SongXi said, "The three came just in time. I have some items you might wish to see." And he took out three small packets, and gave one to each person. Qi TianBiao asked, "What are these?" Zhang SongXi said, "This is not a good place to open them. You should look at the contents outside." The three Wu Dang brothers then escorted the guests out the door.

Immediately afterwards, Muo ShengGu asked impatiently, "Fourth brother, where's fifth brother? Did he not come back with you?" Zhang SongXi said, "Go back inside to see your fifth brother. Your big brother and I will wait for these three guests to return." Muo ShengGu yelled, "Fifth brother's inside? These three escort leaders are coming back? What do we do then?" In his haste to see Zhang CuiShan, Muo ShengGu didn't even wait for Zhang SongXi's explanation, and hurriedly inside.

Just as he went back to the main hall, the three escort leaders really did return. They immediately bowed to Zhang SongXi and Song YuanQiao, who quickly returned bows. Yun He said, "I finally know now that the Wu Dang heroes were my saviors. To think that I derided your Master Zhang… I feel incredibly ashamed." As he spoke, Yun He picked up his hands, and slapped himself on the face ten times, until his face is pure red. Song YuanQiao doesn't know what's going on, and quickly stopped him.

Zhang SongXi said, "Escort Leader Yun is a true loyalist of China. All patriotic Chinese wish to get rid of those Mongols, and return China to its rightful owner. Helping in this regards is what people like us should do. No need to say thanks."

Yun He said, "You saved my whole family, and everyone in my escort agency. To think that I had no clue these last five years. I really hope you two can hit me a few times, to lessen my emotional embarrassment."

Zhang SongXi said with a smile, "Don't worry too much about the past. Out of respect for your actions, I'm sure even master would not mind those words you just said." But even so, Yun He still felt uneasy.

Song YuanQiao didn't know what's going on, and simply said a few courteous words. Qi TianBiao and Gong JiuGui also thanked profusely, but Zhang SongXi didn't seem to care much for them. He only had kind words to say for Yun He. The three escort leaders insisted on paying respects to Zhang SanFeng. They each bowed in front of Zhang SanFeng's meditation room. Then insisted to see Muo ShengGu to apologize. After more apologies and words of thanks, the three finally left.

Afterwards, Zhang SongXi said, "Although they feel indebted to us, none of them spoke about the Dragon Gate Escort Agency. Looks like we still can't resolve this issue."

Song YuanQiao was about to ask what's going on, when Zhang CuiShan came out from the back room. He yelled, "Big brother, I missed you so much."

Song YuanQiao is a very mannerly person. So even though he's meeting his long lost brother, and felt exuberant in his head, Song YuanQiao nonetheless simply bowed courteously, and said, "Fifth brother. You've finally come back."

Before Zhang CuiShan could respond, Muo ShengGu asked impatiently, "Fifth brother. Didn't you hear how rude those people are? You really do have a good temper. I would've taught them a lesson." Zhang CuiShan sighed, and said, "It's a long story. After I tell you all, we really should try to seek aneffective solution together."

Yin LiTing said, "Don't worry, fifth brother. The Dragon Gate Escort Agency failed in their duty to escort third brother safely back. Even if fifth brother really did kill them all, it would be because of your love for third brother, and so wouldn't be that…"

Yu LianZhou yelled, "Sixth brother, are kind of nonsense are you speaking? If master hears these words, he'd lock you up for at least a month to repent. How can any of us kill a whole agency, including the elderly and the children?"

The other brothers all looked at Zhang CuiShan. All saw the solemn expression on his face. After a while, Zhang CuiShan said, "I didn't kill anyone in the Dragon Gate Escort Agency. I didn't forget master's teachings."

Song YuanQiao and his fellow brothers all breathed a sigh of relief. They didn't really believe that Zhang CuiShan could do such a thing. But Shaolin was just so adamant about it, even said that they witnessed the whole event. And when the three escort leaders came to question him, Zhang CuiShan did not speak up and claim his innocence. So all the brothers felt some uneasiness. Only when Zhang CuiShan spoke these words did they finally put to rest these nagging thoughts. They all thought, "There must be some problematic details that will make this hard to resolve. But as long as he didn't kill them, everything will eventually be ok."

With this thought, Muo ShengGu asked why those three escort leaders returned. Zhang SongXi said, "Among these three leaders, Yun He's character is the best. Using his fame, Yun He helped organized many people in his region to rise against the Mongol government." The other brothers immediately expressed their admiration for his actions.

Muo ShengGu said, "Never thought he'd some this type of a person. Hold your story until I come back…" As he spoke, Muo ShengGu quickly ran out the room.

Zhang SongXi stopped talking, and they asked Zhang CuiShan about Fire-Ice Island. When Zhang CuiShan spoke about the six months of mostly daylight, six months of mostly night, everyone gasped in astonishment. Zhang CuiShan said, "It's hard to tell the directions on that island. The sun doesn't exactly rise in the east." He then talked about the different strange plants and animals on the island.

Muo ShengGu came back in the midst of his tale, said, "I went to apologize to Escort Leader Yun. Told him I respect him as an upright man." Everyone knew this little brother's straightforward temper, and had long figured that this was his reason for leaving.

Yin LiTing said, "Seventh brother. Fourth brother held off his tale for you. But fifth brother's story about the Fire-Ice Island is even more exciting." Muo ShengGu jumped up and said, "Really?" Zhang SongXi said, "Yun He had prepared everything in detail…" Muo ShengGu shook his hand, said, "Fourth brother. Terribly sorry, but can you hold on a moment…" Zhang CuiShan chuckled, and said, "Seventh brother doesn't want to miss out on anything." So he repeated his tale about the Fire-Ice Island. Afterwards, Muo ShengGu said, "Odd, so odd! Fourth brother, you can speak now."

Zhang SongXi said, "Yun He prepared everything in detail. At the right moment, he'd start the rebellion. But a major participant was a traitor. Three days before the rebellion would start, this traitor took the list of rebel names to the government."

Muo ShengGu yelled, "Oh, no!"

Zhang SongXi said, "There was some coincidence involved. I had a beef with the mayor of his home city Tai Yuan. That night when I entered the mayor's mansion, I saw that traitor and the mayor having a secret discussion. I heard their plan to give this info to the national government, and to put down the rebellion using troops. So I went into their room and killed both people. Then took the list of names and returned to Wu Dang. When they found the list of names missing, Yun He and his cohorts knew how terrible the consequences would be. Not only can they not start the rebellion now, but every person on that list would in grave danger. They wanted to send a message to all people involved, but the city gate was closed for the night already. The next morning, the city gate remained closed due to the mayor's assassination. Yun He and his cohorts were sweating out the situation, as their crime would mean execution of their families, plus the families of their friends on the list. But as the days passed, everything remained fine. Since the police could not capture the assassin, this whole thing eventually passed away. When Yun He found out that the traitor died in the mayor's mansion, he thought that someone helped him. But didn't realize it was me.

Yin LiTing said, "I bet you gave him the list of names in that packet, right?" Zhang SongXi said, "That's correct."

Muo ShengGu said, "What about Gong JiuGui? How did you help him?"

Zhang SongXi said, "Gong JiuGui's kung fu is certainly quite formidable, but his character's not nearly as good as Yun He. Six years ago, he escorted a shipment to the Yun Nan province. At the city of Kun Ming, he took an order of jewelry worth about six hundred thousand taels of silver. Which he needed to escort back to the capital city of Da Du. But he encountered a problem in the Jiang Xi Province. When passing by the city of Po Yang, three of the 'Four Brothers of Po Yang' attacked him, and took his jewelry. Not even Gong JiuGui's entire fortune comes close to the worth of these jewels. Besides, this failed delivery would surely destroy his reputation. After pondering for a while in the inn, he wanted to commit suicide.

"'The Four Brothers of Po Yang' are certainly not bandits. So why did they take these jewels? You see, the eldest brother got in trouble with the law, and landed on death row in prison. About to be executed, his three brothers tried twice to bust him out of prison. They failed both times, and the prison became even more closely guarded. Knowing that officials are corrupt, the three brothers wanted to bribe them using this jewelry, to lessen their big brother's crimes. I was moved by their friendship, and helped sneak their big brother out of prison. In return, I asked them to give Gong JiuGui his jewelry. Gong JiuGui might not be the greatest person in the world, but haven't really done anything bad in his life. He didn't befriend any officials in Da Du, nor ever oppress the poor. So I figured his life was worth saving. I told 'The Four Brothers of Po Yang' not to mention my name, just leave me the jewelry bag. So when I handed him the bag, Gong JiuGui understood what had happened."

Yu LianZhou said, "You did the right thing, fourth brother."

Muo ShengGu said, "Fourth brother, what did you give Qi TianBiao?" Zhang SongXi said, "I gave him nine 'Soul-Splitting Centipede Darts'." The five listeners all gasped. 'Soul-Splitting Centipede Dart' is very famous in the martial world. It's the hidden weapon used by the rich aristocrat Wu YiMang.

Zhang SongXi said, "Thinking back, I was too reckless when I dealt with this situation. That day, while Qi TianBiao was escorting a shipment, he offended a disciple of Wu YiMang. The two fought, with Qi TianBiao seriously injuring that disciple with a punch. Qi TianBiao immediately realized that he's in trouble after landing this punch. So he quickly completed the shipment, and hurriedly back to his hometown Jin Ling, where he can ask several friends for help. But unfortunately, Wu YiMang caught him up at Luo Yang city, and challenged him to a duel at the city's western gate." Yin LiTing said, "Wu YiMang's kung fu is very good. Qi BiaoTing is not his match."

Zhang SongXi said, "You're right. Qi TianBiao knew this too. So he asked the Qiao brothers of Luo Yang to help him. The Qiao brothers agreed immediately, and said, 'You should know that with our kung fu ability, we are no match for Wu YiMang. So you just want us there for support. Don't worry, we will arrive on time.'"

Muo ShengGu said, "The Qiao brothers are hidden weapon experts. With their help, three against one, they might have a chance. But did Wu YiMang get any help?"

Zhang SongXi said, "No. But something happened to the Qiao brothers. The next morning, Qi TianBiao went to the Qiao brothers' house to discuss battle plans. But the servant said that the brothers had left town for an emergency. Qi TianBiao was furious. Several years before, Qi TianBiao helped the brothers out of a major dilemma. He didn't expect these brothers to sneak away during his moment of need. Knowing Wu YiMang's merciless ways, Qi TianBiao knew he would not survive this encounter. He wrote a will and gave it to a subordinate. Then went to the west gate for the appointment."

"Of course, I saw everything. So that day I disguised myself as a beggar, and sat under a tree outside the west gate. Wu YiMang and Qi TianBiao came one after the other. Soon after they started fighting, Wu YiMang used his 'Soul-Splitting Centipede Dart'. Qi TianBiao knew he couldn't evade it, and simply closed his eyes to wait for death. I swooped in at this moment, and caught the dart. Wu YiMang was shocked and furious. He asked if I were a member of the Beggar's Clan. I just smiled in silence. He then fired eight more darts. I caught every single one. His darts really were quite powerful. But if I had used Wu Dang skills, catching them would still be easy. However, I didn't want him to know who I am. So I pretended to have a crippled left leg and right arm. Then using only my left hand, I caught them all using Shaolin skills. The seventh dart was a really close call, as the tip narrowly missed my palm. Wu YiMang really did thought I was a Shaolin disciple, and asked which divine reverend was my master. I pretended to be a deaf-mute, and just muttered some nonsensical stuff. Knowing that he couldn't defeat me, Wu YiMang went away angrily. He never left home after that event."

Muo ShengGu shook his head and said, "Fourth brother, Wu YiMang might be a bad guy, but Qi TianBiao isn't a good guy either. Why did you risk saving him?"

Zhang SongXi said, "I was just felt nosy at the time. Besides, I also didn't know the prowess of Wu YiMang's darts."

Being a straightforward person, Muo ShengGu didn't figure out Zhang SongXi's reasoning. But Zhang CuiShan did so immediately. His fourth brother did all this to lessen the hatred for him, due to the Dragon Gate Escort Agency murder. Zhang SongXi knew the importance of these three escort leaders. Should there ever be any problems with the escort agencies, these three people would surely represent them. So Zhang SongXi purposely helped them beforehand in case of an event like this. Despite looking like 'coincidences', Zhang SongXi must've spent countless hours waiting for these events to occur.

Zhang CuiShan said, "Fourth brother, you and I are closer than blood brothers. I won't need to say the word 'thanks' to you. This whole incident, unfortunately, was all caused by your fifth sister-in-law." Then he told what exactly happened at the Dragon Gate Escort Agency that night. At the end, he said, "Fourth brother, do you know how we should resolve this?"

Zhang SongXi thought for a while, then said, "I have to ask the master first. But we can't bring the dead back alive. Fifth sister-in-law has also changed her ways. A person who has corrected his mistakes should be given a second chance. Big brother, don't you think so too?"

Song YuanQiao hesitated a moment, due to the severity of a ninety-plus murder case. But Yu LianZhou nodded and said, "I agree!"

Yin LiTing was most afraid of second brother. He knew that big brother has a soft heart, and can be easily persuaded. But second brother is cold and objective, and might be too harsh on fifth sister-in-law. Yin LiTing didn't know that Yu LianZhou had already heard this story. He had long forgiven Yin SuSu. Seeing his second brother's nod, Yin LiTing said happily, "Yeah, if others ask. Fifth brother can just say that he wasn't the murderer, and nothing else. He wouldn't be lying this way either." Song YuanQiao said in a scolding tone, "How could fifth brother purposely hide the truth like that? This is not an option." Yin LiTing asked, "Then what do we do?"

Song YuanQiao said, "In my opinion, after master's birthday. We should first find fifth brother's son. Then we'll have the gathering at the Yellow Crane Restaurant. After taking care of the Xie Xun issue, us six brothers, plus fifth sister-in-law, will go down to the south. Each of us will do ten good deeds within three years." Zhang SongXi said, "Good idea. If we could save one or two hundred people, we can partially make up for these deaths." Yu LianZhou said, "I like this idea. There's no point in further punishing fifth sister-in-law. Even her death wouldn't solve any problem."

Zhang CuiShan was exhilarated at the solution. He said, "Let me tell SuSu." He then told his wife what Song YuanQiao proposed, and that his brothers would look for WuJi after their master's birthday. Yin SuSu's illness was due to the loss of WuJi anyway. So these words settled her down a great deal. She thought that with the Six Heroes of Wu Dang's abilities, they could surely find WuJi. Zhang CuiShan then went to see Yu DaiYan. The brothers both felt joy and sadness as they reunited.