The crowd held their breath.
To see a Land Immortal bow so deeply was a testament to Ning Changge’s unparalleled status.
Ning Changge nodded calmly.
“It was your destiny. Without your comprehension of the Azure Dragon Sword Qi, this rebirth would not have been possible.”
“Now that you’ve returned to life, you may leave the mountain.”
Xu Fengnian’s eyes lit up, but his excitement was shortlived.
Sword Emperor Jiu spoke again, his tone respectful:
“Little Immortal, I have a request.”
“I wish to remain at Wudang as the guardian of the HeavenMan Tomb.”
His gaze was distant, as if looking toward the Martial Emperor City.
“In the past, I climbed Wudang to challenge Wang Xianzhi. Now, having been reborn, I fear my survival would set a dangerous precedent. Those who come to challenge Wudang might grow complacent, thinking they too could survive.”
“I am willing to serve as the tomb’s guardian, ensuring its sanctity.”
His words were sincere.
The crowd was moved. Xu Fengnian, however, was visibly distressed, though he dared not speak out.
Ning Changge regarded Sword Emperor Jiu with mild surprise.
“You no longer wish to challenge Wang Xianzhi?” The source of this content ɪs novel✦fire.net
Sword Emperor Jiu smiled wryly.
“Now that I’ve ascended, I understand the vast gap between us. When I am ready, I will seek your permission to borrow a sword and face him.”
“Very well. If that is your wish, you may remain. The tomb’s energies of life and death will suit your path.”
Sword Emperor Jiu bowed deeply, his gratitude evident.
The Wudang disciples were elated. Another Land Immortal had joined their ranks, further solidifying Wudang’s strength.
The imperial eunuch, however, felt a chill.
The Ming Emperor already viewed Wudang with suspicion. The addition of another Land Immortal would only heighten his concerns.
Xu Fengnian finally spoke, his voice trembling:
“Old Emperor, are you truly staying at Wudang?”
Sword Emperor Jiu smiled faintly.
“Tell the Northern Liang King that I remain loyal in spirit. But my life now belongs to the Little Immortal. If you wish to speak with me, you’re welcome to visit Wudang.”
Xu Fengnian was left speechless, his emotions a mix of frustration and resignation.
### The DaoBuddhist Rivalry Approaches
News of Sword Emperor Jiu’s ascension spread quickly, shocking the Nine Provinces.
While some doubted the claims of his resurrection, others believed wholeheartedly, further fueling curiosity about the Immortal Dao.
For the emperors of the Nine Provinces, the possibility of extending life—or even achieving immortality—was an irresistible temptation.
As the DaoBuddhist rivalry drew closer, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Many flocked to Cihang Jingzhai, eager to witness the historic confrontation.
At Wudang, however, peace reigned.
Song Yuanqiao, standing before Ning Changge, couldn’t help but ask again:
“Junior Brother, are you really not going?”
Ning Changge smiled faintly.
“Senior Brother, there’s no need to worry. With Master and the Old Celestial Master present, it will be enough.”
Song Yuanqiao hesitated. While he trusted their strength, the Buddhists had overwhelming numbers, including twice as many Land Immortals.
Ning Changge chuckled.
“Senior Brother, take these three pouches. If you encounter an unbeatable foe, open them one by one.”
With a wave of his hand, three small pouches appeared before Song Yuanqiao.
His eyes lit up, his worries vanishing instantly.
“You should’ve said so earlier, Junior Brother! I’ll leave you to your scriptures, then!”
With that, he dashed off, his spirits lifted.
Ning Changge shook his head, amused, and returned to his studies.
For others, the DaoBuddhist rivalry was a monumental event. For Ning Changge, it was merely a ripple on the path to immortality—a minor wave in the vast ocean of his journey.
### Chapter 121: Heroes Gather at Emperor Treading Peak! Wudang Stuns the World! Four Land ImmortalLevel Combatants!
With the departure of the Wudang disciples, Tianzhu Peak became much quieter—a state that Ning Changge thoroughly enjoyed.
Without interruptions, he could fully immerse himself in reading Daoist scriptures and meditating on the Dao of Life and Death, which he had only recently begun to comprehend. This was the path he intended to pursue in the future.
Still, his spiritual sense constantly enveloped Tianzhu Peak. He was curious to see if anyone would dare to act recklessly in Wudang during his absence.
### The Wudang Procession Descends
As the Wudang disciples descended the mountain, their journey immediately caused a stir.
The presence of the Spirit Monkey and the Condor was impossible to ignore. Their striking appearances and imposing auras made their identities easy to guess. Of course, the Wudang disciples had no intention of hiding their affiliation.
The Jianghu erupted with excitement.
Crowds gathered to watch the Wudang disciples head toward the Sui Dynasty, with many choosing to follow them. The upcoming confrontation at Cihang Jingzhai to settle the DaoBuddhist rivalry was destined to be a historic event—one that could potentially reshape the Nine Provinces.
Still, some were puzzled.
“Why isn’t the Little Immortal here?”
“Not even Zhang Zhenren or the Old Celestial Master?”
Everyone knew that the Buddhists wouldn’t admit fault so easily. A battle was inevitable. But could the Wudang disciples alone withstand the might of so many Buddhist powerhouses?
“You fool,” someone scoffed. “Do you think someone like the Little Immortal or Zhang Zhenren would reveal themselves unless they wanted to? If they don’t want to be seen, you won’t see them.”
The crowd nodded in realization.
The calm and confident demeanor of Song Yuanqiao and the other Wudang disciples only reinforced this belief.
But they were only half correct.
While Zhang Sanfeng and the Old Celestial Master followed discreetly behind the procession, Ning Changge remained seated atop Tianzhu Peak.
News of the Wudang disciples’ departure spread like wildfire. Rumors that Wudang was left without its strongest defenders reached various factions and dynasties, stirring hidden currents.