Tianzhu Peak was adorned with festive red lanterns and banners, creating an atmosphere of celebration. The disciples of Wudang were dressed sharply, their eyes brimming with energy and excitement.
The gates of Wudang were wide open.
Song Yuanqiao and the other senior disciples stood at the entrance, awaiting the arrival of guests.
In the distance, a vast crowd surged forward. Among them were many powerful figures, their auras restrained but unmistakable. Despite the gathering of rivals and factions, everyone maintained decorum. After all, this was the centenary celebration of Zhang Zhenren—to cause trouble here would be to disrespect Wudang itself.
Even the wandering Jianghu travelers were thrilled.
Such a grand event hadn't been seen in at least a decade. Experts from all the major dynasties had gathered here.
As scattered Jianghu guests began ascending the mountain, Wudang disciples guided them to their seats.
Soon, the more prominent figures began to arrive, their gifts handed over to the Wudang disciples. A disciple announced loudly:
"Headmaster Yue of the Huashan Sect has arrived! He presents one hundred volumes of Daoist scriptures and a pair of white jade hairpins!"
The first notable guest to arrive was Yue Buqun.
In recent years, the Huashan Sect had risen in prominence within the Jianghu. After receiving an improved martial art from Ning Changge, coupled with the assistance of Feng Qingyang, Huashan had become the leader among the Four Great Sects of Mount Hua.
Most people attributed this rise to Yue Buqun's connection with Wudang, a relationship that many envied.
Yue Buqun approached Song Yuanqiao and the others with a wide smile, bowing deeply.
"Yue Buqun wishes Zhang Zhenren boundless blessings, longevity as enduring as the mountains, and prosperity for his disciples for ten thousand years!"
Song Yuanqiao returned the gesture.
Afterward, Yue Buqun eagerly began assisting with the arrangements. As a subordinate ally of Wudang, he understood his role well. He knew that his current status was entirely thanks to Wudang.
Following Yue Buqun's arrival, more prominent figures began to appear.
"Prince Xu Fengnian of Northern Liang has arrived! He presents two peerless swords and three fine steeds!"
A dignified young man ascended Tianzhu Peak, immediately drawing the attention of many Jianghu experts.
Over the past month, Xu Fengnian had defeated numerous renowned martial artists, earning widespread acclaim. It was clear that he was destined to become a peak-level expert, perhaps even a Land Immortal in the future.
Xu Fengnian's gaze was drawn to the Heaven-Man Tomb.
Having studied Wudang's layout, he knew much about its structures. But seeing the Heaven-Man Tomb in person still left him deeply unsettled. Silently, he murmured to himself:
"Old Emperor… is this where you were laid to rest?"
After paying his respects to Song Yuanqiao and the others, Xu Fengnian was guided to his seat. Despite knowing that his purpose here wasn't entirely pure, Song Yuanqiao maintained his composure.
Taking a deep breath, Xu Fengnian sat down, carefully observing his surroundings.
Wudang exuded an air of mystique.
Even the air here felt purer, invigorating the body and mind. Many Jianghu guests noticed this as well, marveling at the sensation.
The arrivals of Yue Buqun and Xu Fengnian seemed to signal the start of the main event.
In quick succession, many Heaven-Man level experts began to appear.
"Third Young Master of the Divine Sword Manor has arrived! He presents a sword manual and three famous swords!"
Xie Xiaofeng stepped forward, his aura significantly stronger than before. However, as he ascended Tianzhu Peak, memories of his previous visit resurfaced. The overwhelming presence of Ning Changge still lingered in his mind, causing him to restrain his usual arrogance and adopt a more humble demeanor.
The crowd was astonished.
This was Xie Xiaofeng, a man known for his unmatched sharpness.
Not long ago, he had dueled Ye Gucheng, the Lord of White Cloud City, and emerged evenly matched. Yet here at Wudang, he seemed subdued.
This only heightened the anticipation for Wudang's two peak figures.
"Master Wang Chongyang of the Quanzhen Sect has arrived! He presents a block of thousand-year-old cold jade!"
"Lady Lin Chaoying of the Ancient Tomb Sect has arrived! She presents two blocks of thousand-year-old cold jade!"
Wang Chongyang arrived with several disciples in tow, only to find himself outdone by Lin Chaoying, who deliberately offered twice as much cold jade. Her competitive nature was evident, drawing amused smiles from the crowd.
Everyone was aware of the complicated history between Wang Chongyang and Lin Chaoying.
As the crowd turned their attention to the next guest, they were momentarily stunned.
Before Wang Chongyang stood a young Daoist.
Dressed in a moon-white Daoist robe, his features were strikingly handsome, exuding an ethereal, otherworldly aura. The mere sight of him sent a shiver through everyone's hearts. They instinctively knew who he was.
Sure enough, the young Daoist smiled and said, "Master Wang, thank you for traveling so far. On behalf of my master, I express our gratitude."
Wang Chongyang's face lit up with joy. Waving his hands, he said, "There's no need for such formality, Changge. You're too kind!"
The crowd was stunned.
This was the first guest to be personally greeted by Ning Changge, the Little Immortal.
The significance was not lost on anyone. Coupled with the rumors of Ning Changge slaying two Land Immortals on Mount Zhongnan, the implications were staggering.
Ning Changge also smiled warmly at Lin Chaoying, who was flustered by the attention. As a witness to the events on Mount Zhongnan, she quickly returned the gesture with a respectful bow.
"Island Master Huang of Peach Blossom Island has arrived! He presents ten bottles of Nine-Flower Jade Dew Pills and two blocks of Heavenly Iron!"
Another lavish gift, prompting exclamations of amazement from the crowd.
The treasures on display today were enough to establish a top-tier faction's foundation. But what truly shocked everyone was that Ning Changge personally greeted the delegation from Peach Blossom Island as well.