"Please tell us Fifth Hero Zhang, where Xie Xun is."
"Please come out and answer us, Fifth Hero Zhang."
All these words were for the two characters, Xie Xun.
Xie Xun truly had enemies throughout the martial world. Everyone present spoke with one voice, all demanding Xie Xun's life. As for how many truly sought Xie Xun's life and how many wanted the Dragon Slaying Saber, no one could say.
At this point, how could Zhang Cuishan remain seated? He immediately stepped forward from the rear and said, "Fellow martial artists, one walks the martial world by righteousness alone. Brother Xie and I became sworn brothers. I will never reveal his whereabouts. I ask for your understanding."
Someone below said, "Fifth Hero Zhang, you are a hero of a famed righteous sect. How could you become brothers with a demon like Xie Xun? Xie Xun must have forced you with his martial arts. You merely went along with him insincerely—how can that be called righteousness? Please reveal Xie Xun's whereabouts. The friends of the martial world will not blame you."
This man was Guan Neng of the Kongtong Five Elders.
As soon as he spoke, many below secretly scorned him. He had dismissed the bond of sworn brotherhood as mere pretense; the man was far too cold-blooded. Yet they all wanted to know Xie Xun's whereabouts, so they voiced their agreement in unison.
Zhang Cuishan said, "There is no need to say more. I will never reveal Xie Xun's whereabouts."
Miejue suddenly spoke. "Zhang Cuishan, you became sworn brothers with Xie Xun, did you not?"
Miejue was a senior master, and Zhang Cuishan answered with utmost respect, "Yes."
Miejue said, "You share blessings and hardships alike, correct?"
Zhang Cuishan said, "Yes."
Miejue said coldly, "Then the lives of those slain