Mu Ren heard this and showed no fear at all; instead, he laughed mockingly.
"Child, are you threatening me with death?"
"We Confucian scholars fear disgrace, fear that our learning has limits, fear leaving a bad name..."
"We fear many things, but death is not one of them!"
"You have seen martial artists begging for mercy, but have you ever seen a scholar kneel?"
After speaking, he looked toward the blood-drenched Confucian scholars and laughed wildly, saying:
"Old friends, do you fear death?"
This question was followed by laughter that shook the heavens.
"What harm is there in death? To leave a name behind, why fear the body’s demise!"
"Hahaha, today we die to set right the principles of our court!"
"Let Su Changqing come and kill! After today, you will be the executioner of Confucianism, the sinner who cuts off its future..."
The strong figures from the court laughed as they faced death, without the slightest fear.
The many powerful observers shook their heads and sighed upon seeing this.
Confucian scholars are like stones in a latrine—smelly and stubborn.
What can truly defeat them is reason, not weapons.
This is why, in the struggle between Confucianism and other ideals, force was never the best choice.
Because you could kill them all, but you could never make them submit.
What truly can defeat them is the reason that everyone acknowledges.
Su Changqing’s previous words, "Heaven moves vigorously, gentlemen should strive unremittingly," did touch some people.
But for the influential scholars present, their beliefs are deeply rooted and cannot be changed by a single truth.
Unless Su Changqing can speak the "truth" capable of toppling their beliefs, only then will these people truly submit.
"Oh... can we really only kill them all?"
Seeing the resolute and fearless scholars even now, Shu Han and Bo Gu couldn’t help but sigh.
Today’s scene is reminiscent of when the Confucian Immortal cleansed the way of Confucianism in the past.
Once again, the court faction is defeated, but they are like wild grass in the wilderness, revived by the spring wind.
Perhaps many years later, another Mu family will appear, causing Confucianism to split again, as if in a cycle.
"Stubborn!"
Listening to the words of those who face death so generously, Su Changqing looked at the scholars present.
"You cannot let go of courtly notions simply because the court allows you to cultivate faster and better comprehend Confucianism."
"But have you ever considered what true ’Confucianism’ is?"
A blood-stained scholar laughed and spoke.
"What is ’Confucianism’? Surely it’s to strengthen oneself and spread Confucian writings worldwide!"
"To make everyone recognize Confucianism and let Confucian scholars be respected gentlemen!"
"To establish the ’gentleman’ demeanor and chivalrous spirit in the world!"
"Child, is this not correct?"
The words were met with cheers from the court faction.
Even those Confucian scholars who had not joined the battle nodded secretly.
These words were flawless—true Confucian scholars should have the demeanor of a gentleman and the spirit of chivalry, earning the world’s recognition.
Yet.
Su Changqing snorted coldly upon hearing this and spoke mercilessly, "Narrow-minded words, selfish thoughts!"
"You are wrong, a disgrace to Confucian scholars!"
These words made the powerful figures of the court faction visibly angry.
They could die, but they could not have their beliefs doubted!
"Then why don’t you tell us what true ’Confucianism’ is!"
A great scholar spoke sternly, filled with indignation.
Not only him, but all the Confucian scholars present looked at Su Changqing.
They too wanted to see what different understanding Su Changqing had of ’Confucianism.’
"True Confucianism..."
Su Changqing looked at everyone present, and his voice, full of righteous reasoning, echoed through the heavens.
"Should be setting the mind for Heaven and Earth, establishing a destiny for the living!"
"Inheriting the lost teachings for the past saints, to bring everlasting peace to all generations..."