“This centenary celebration is both an opportunity and a challenge for Wudang. It’s a chance to solidify its status as a holy land, but it won’t be without complications. I suspect there will be Land Immortals who will challenge Wudang.”
The crowd was taken aback.
The elder explained slowly, “The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled. Zhang Zhenren humiliated Shaolin, and the Little Immortal slew two Land Immortals on Mount Zhongnan. Wudang’s prominence will inevitably attract those who wish to test its mettle.”
“Moreover, there are rumors that the Sword Demon Dugu Qiubai, who hasn’t appeared in the Jianghu for 300 years, is heading to Tianzhu Peak to challenge the Little Immortal!”
“If Wudang can withstand these challenges, its status as a holy land will be unshakable. But if it falters, its reputation will plummet.”
Ning Changge’s lips curled into a smile as he glanced at the elder.
The analysis was logical.
In the Jianghu, fame and power were sought after by all, including Land Immortals. Some wouldn’t tolerate Wudang’s dominance.
But Ning Changge wasn’t concerned.
Having reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, there were few in the Nine Provinces who could threaten him. With the Seven Stars Spirit Gathering Formation bolstering him on Tianzhu Peak, he feared no one, even if all the world’s experts gathered.
However, the rumor about the Sword Demon intrigued him.
He was curious about this legendary figure from the Song Dynasty. The Sword Demon’s strength likely far exceeded that of ordinary Land Immortals.
Sipping his spiritual wine, Ning Changge listened as the inn erupted in gasps.
The elder’s implication was clear: there might be a battle between Land Immortals on Tianzhu Peak!
“What a pity that we ordinary folk won’t get to witness it,” someone lamented.
The elder chuckled. “You underestimate Wudang’s generosity. Anyone who submits a formal invitation has a chance to ascend the mountain. Of course, it’s a matter of luck—those who arrive early will have a better chance.”
The crowd’s eyes lit up.
A chance was all they needed.
Ning Changge chuckled softly. He didn’t need to guess to know that this was one of his Seventh Senior Brother’s ideas.
Shaking his head, he vanished from the inn.
The elder, sensing something, froze.
“Where did that white-robed youth go?”
He had noticed the youth earlier but hadn’t paid much attention. Now, he realized he couldn’t recall the youth’s appearance at all.
A chill ran down his spine. The more he thought about it, the more unsettling it became. Grabbing the young girl beside him, he hurriedly left the inn.
Only then did someone recognize the elder’s identity.
He was none other than the Heavenly Secrets Elder, a top-ranking figure on the Ming Dynasty’s Weapon List!
In an instant, Ning Changge appeared at the base of Tianzhu Peak.
Seeing the familiar sights of Wudang, he couldn’t help but smile.
The dense spiritual energy in the air made him take a deep breath, filling him with joy.
A Wudang disciple, about to inquire about his identity, froze in shock and exclaimed, “Little Martial Uncle!”
Ning Changge nodded with a smile and began his ascent.
Along the way, every disciple he encountered greeted him with utmost respect.
The news of Ning Changge’s return spread quickly, causing a stir.
First, the Seven Heroes of Wudang came to see him, followed by Zhang Sanfeng himself.
In the Library Pavilion, Golden Spirit’s eyes gleamed with joy. He had felt uneasy during Ning Changge’s absence. Now that Ning Changge had returned, he felt a profound sense of relief.
He brewed spiritual tea, serving it cup by cup.
Ning Changge drank deeply, looking at his master and senior brothers. He couldn’t help but laugh heartily.
“Wudang is truly the best!”
His heart was filled with an indescribable sense of contentment and joy.
The others laughed along with him, and Zhang Sanfeng stroked his beard with a smile.
After returning to Wudang, Ning Changge recounted his experiences at the Quanzhen Sect and Peach Blossom Island, explaining how he had handled various matters. Zhang Sanfeng’s eyes were filled with admiration. He was increasingly pleased with his disciple.
Unassuming, unarrogant, and already so accomplished at such a young age—truly remarkable.
The conversation then turned to Zhang Sanfeng’s centenary celebration.
With about two months remaining, many factions had already sent invitations.
Some were invited by Wudang, while others came uninvited.
All were top-tier factions, with Heaven-Man experts at the very least. Some even had Land Immortals among their ranks.
“So far, confirmed attendees include Xiaoyaozi of the Xiaoyao Sect, Li Changsheng, the mentor of the three lords of Snow Moon City, and the Old Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain, among others. There are also some who haven’t confirmed their attendance yet,” Song Yuanqiao said, his voice tinged with concern.
As disciples, they wanted their master’s centenary celebration to be grand and dignified. If anything went wrong, they would feel deeply ashamed.
With so many powerful figures attending, the pressure was immense.
Ning Changge smiled and reassured his senior brothers. “There’s no need to worry. Leave everything to me.”
His confidence was contagious.
Seeing Ning Changge’s composure, Song Yuanqiao and the others felt their spirits lift. With their junior brother present, their earlier worries now seemed excessive.
Ning Changge’s return brought a subtle yet profound change to Wudang.
From the Seven Heroes of Wudang to the third-generation disciples, everyone seemed more energized and motivated. Get full chapters from novèlfire.net
This was the confidence Ning Changge instilled.
Unbeknownst to them, Ning Changge had become Wudang’s spiritual pillar, gradually replacing Zhang Sanfeng in this role.
Zhang Sanfeng watched this transformation with a smile, his heart filled with pride and satisfaction.
Seeing his disciple grow step by step brought him a sense of accomplishment beyond words.
He heeded his disciples’ advice to focus on cultivating and enjoying life, leaving the centenary celebration preparations entirely in their hands.