Chapter 156: Uncle Ai's Ambition

Uncle Ai humbly said to Yin Lingzhi, "I have superb equestrian and archery skills. I want to defeat enemies on the battlefield, save the country and the people, and also make immortal contributions. It seems that this goal cannot be achieved in this lifetime. Therefore, I am a failed person, a soldier who has achieved nothing, and I am not worthy of praise."

Yin Lingzhi smiled and said, "Uncle Ai, please chat with Changsheng. I need to rest." Then she gestured to Li Changsheng with her eyes, and he understood. She wanted him to enlighten Uncle Ai and also familiarize the two of them.

Li Changsheng examined the wounds on Uncle Ai's hands and back, washed them clean with strong liquor, and carefully tied them up with a cotton cloth. Li Changsheng said to Uncle Ai, "I read a book in the university library called 'The Selfish Gene'. The perspective of this book is consistent with Laozi's view on life."

Uncle Ai smiled and said, "Although I have also read books, they are all books of Confucius. I have never read any foreign books before. I am very interested in what you said."

Li Changsheng thought for a moment and said:“The author's viewpoint in the book "The Selfish Gene" is that the purpose of human and all animal and plant life is to survive and reproduce. So everything humans do is for these two purposes. There won't be a third purpose.”

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Uncle Ai laughed heartily and said, "Foreigners have really strange ideas! I heard they all have fur on their skin, and like animals, they haven't evolved into humans yet. How can their books be worth reading? They are really absurd!"

Uncle Ai continued, "Animals live for survival and reproduction, while humans live for even more noble purposes. Does it mean that you came to Wenshi Temple to learn Taoist martial arts for survival and reproduction?"

Li Changsheng smiled and said, "You're right! All the activities of Taoists are for immortality. To live forever. This is for survival! I learn Taoist martial arts to become stronger and not be killed by bad people. It's also for a longer lifespan."

Uncle Ai snorted coldly, "Even if you want to survive longer, my goal in learning kung fu is indeed to save the country and the people. For this goal, I would rather sacrifice myself in battle."

Li Changsheng smiled and said, "Unfortunately, we're out of alcohol. Why don't we go to your house to have tea and chat?"

Uncle Ai also wanted to learn more about this new person, so he readily agreed. Uncle Ai's room is adjacent to the kitchen. In his rudimentary house, two people are brewing a pot of tea under the tung oil lamp and sitting face to face.

Li Changsheng introduced his detailed information and sincerely said, "I have always admired those who are willing to sacrifice themselves for their ideals. Your patriotism and noble ideals make me deeply respected, but I have a different opinion."

Seeing Uncle Ai's calm gaze, Li Changsheng continued, "The people of this country don't need you to save them, nor do they need anyone to save them."

“”From the history books I have read, I understand that an adult will not receive any education from anyone. Unless he is willing to make a change himself. So, human history is not the history of heroes saving the people. The people will not accept any advanced ideas. They will only actively follow heroes to fight and change history when they are fed up with hunger, war, family destruction, and constantly struggling on the brink of death. Of course, heroes also suffer the same pain before they are willing to change their fate and become heroes."