Upon learning of the Immortal Dao, he did not see it as a threat to martial arts. Instead, he resolved to use martial arts to break through the limits of the Nine Provinces.
Such was the invincible confidence of Wang Xianzhi. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ noᴠelfire.net
In the grand hall of the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan sat at the head of the table, his imposing figure radiating authority. Surrounding him were his ministers and three of the empire’s greatest warriors: Huangye Sihanfei, National Preceptor Bashiba, and Demon Sect Leader Mong Chixing—all Land Immortals of formidable strength.
The topic of discussion was none other than the events at Wudang.
Genghis Khan’s tigerlike eyes swept over the assembly as he spoke, his voice filled with a domineering presence.
“If I recall correctly, our Mongol Secret Sect has suffered repeated setbacks at the hands of this Little Immortal of Wudang. Even our newly ascended Living Buddha fell at Mount Zhongnan. What do you make of this?”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on everyone.
The mention of the Immortal Dao sent ripples of unease through the assembly.
Huangye Sihanfei was the first to speak, bowing respectfully.
“Great Khan, in terms of strength alone, Wudang is already formidable. The Little Immortal surpasses the Sword Demon, and with Zhang Sanfeng and the Spirit Monkey, their toptier combat power is unmatched.”
“To challenge Wudang headon would be no easy task.”
The three great warriors exchanged glances, fully aware of the gap between themselves and Ning Changge.
Mong Chixing added gravely:
“The Great Khan must consider deploying the Mongol army if we are to obtain the secrets of the Immortal Dao.”
The ministers shuddered.
Deploying an army was the ultimate weapon of a dynasty, capable of even suppressing Land Immortals. With a welltrained force, the combined military might could rival even the heavens.
Genghis Khan nodded slowly, his eyes glinting with cold light.
“If the Immortal Dao truly grants eternal life, then it is worth any cost. We will monitor Wudang closely. As for the army, it depends on the Ming Emperor’s stance.”
His lips curled into a cold smile.
“If I were the Ming Emperor, I wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing such an uncontrollable force existed within my borders.”
### Sui Dynasty, Cihang Jingzhai
The atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.
The disciples dared not speak as Fan Qinghui, palefaced, recounted the events at Tianzhu Peak to Earthly Nun.
When she mentioned the Sword Demon’s defeat at Ning Changge’s hands, the Earthly Nun’s expression darkened with shock.
“One month from now, Ning Changge will come to Cihang Jingzhai to settle the DaoBuddhist rivalry?”
The Earthly Nun’s voice trembled.
This era’s DaoBuddhist conflict was about to reignite, and she had been one of its instigators.
Her heart was heavy with regret.
Fan Qinghui nodded silently.
The disciples turned to the Earthly Nun for guidance.
“Summon all Buddhist sects to Cihang Jingzhai. We will need their help to face this crisis.”
### Ming Imperial Palace
At the NineLayered Dragon Platform, the Ming Emperor gazed into the distance, his expression unreadable as he listened to the reports from the Jinyiwei.
“Immortal Dao… does it truly grant eternal life?”
No one dared answer his whispered question.
“If it does, then the Immortal Dao must belong to me. No one else may claim it.”
His eyes burned with ambition.
“Proclaim Wudang as the foremost Daoist sect of the Ming Dynasty. Bestow upon the Little Immortal the title of Supreme Mystic Immortal and gift him three thousand volumes of Daoist scriptures.”
If Ning Changge offered the secrets of the Immortal Dao willingly, there would be no need for further action.
### Across the Nine Provinces
The events at Wudang sent shockwaves through the world.
In the Jianghu, all eyes were on Ning Changge’s unmatched strength and the upcoming DaoBuddhist rivalry.
In the courts, the focus was on the Immortal Dao—a path to immortality.
The Nine Provinces were in turmoil, but atop Tianzhu Peak, Wudang remained a haven of tranquility.
Ning Changge sat crosslegged, reading a Daoist scripture. A faint smile graced his lips as he sensed the spiritual energy surging from the Spirit Herb Garden.
When Huang Rong asked what had happened, he laughed.
“The Vermilion Fruit has ripened. My opportunity for advancement has arrived!”