Yin Zhiping replied, "The Jin Dynasty and Great Song have become enemy states. How can we subjects of Great Song accept titles conferred by the Jin Dynasty? Please return. Should we meet again on the battlefield someday, we can settle matters then." His words were exceptionally stirring, and many of the Daoists in the hall immediately cheered loudly.
Chongyang Palace's response had long been within Song Qingshu's expectations. The reason he had given them time to deliberate was, first, to stall until the guards behind them reached the mountain; second, to see whether the Chongyang Sect would suffer internal strife and division like in the original work. If that happened, it would save him a great deal of trouble.
Unfortunately, judging by the current situation, things did not seem to be heading in the ideal direction. It appeared he had underestimated Zhao Zhijing before. Only Zhao Zhijing had possessed the ability to stir up such chaos; once he died, Chongyang Palace instead became as solid as a single block.
Still, Song Qingshu did not regret helping Xiaolongnü kill Zhao Zhijing. After all, winning a beauty's smile was worth it. Zhao Zhijing was nothing more than Zhao Zhijing—killing him was no great matter.
"Daoist, you are mistaken," Pucha Qiucao said, stepping forward. "Chongyang Palace now lies within Jin territory. Naturally, you are subjects of the Jin Dynasty. How can you call yourselves subjects of Great Song?"
Yin Zhiping answered blandly, "Lord Guan served in Cao's camp, yet his heart remained with Han. We dare not compare ourselves to Lord Guan, but we still possess that much resolve." As though to echo his words, the Daoists closest to him drew their swords and faintly surrounded Pucha Qiucao's group.
Song Qingshu nodded inwardly. Yin Zhiping truly was someone of note. In the original