Ning Changge nodded in approval. The monkey's craftsmanship showed that he hadn't neglected his training in artifact refinement. The whisk, made from his own essence, was a testament to his sincerity.
The crowd was filled with admiration.
Wudang's gifts had been nothing short of extraordinary.
The third-generation disciples had performed a sword dance.
The Seven Heroes had presented the Seven Stars Daoist Robe.
And now, the Spirit Monkey had gifted a divine whisk.
These gifts far surpassed the treasures brought by the Jianghu guests, both in value and significance.
More importantly, they showcased Wudang's strength and foundation.
From the youngest disciples to the most powerful masters, Wudang's excellence was undeniable.
Even the Old Celestial Master couldn't help but marvel. Compared to Wudang, Dragon Tiger Mountain seemed lacking. It was clear that Wudang was destined to become the leader of the Daoist sects.
Many guests abandoned any lingering thoughts of challenging Wudang.
This was a victory without a single battle.
As the crowd buzzed with admiration, their attention turned to the most anticipated figure.
If his attendant could present such a treasure, what would the Little Immortal himself offer?
Amid the rising anticipation, Ning Changge stepped forward, all eyes fixed on him.
Dressed in a moon-white Daoist robe, his presence was ethereal, like a celestial being descending to the mortal realm. His appearance alone captivated everyone, including the Land Immortals.
Even the usually aloof Li Hanyi, the Snow Moon Sword Immortal, found herself momentarily entranced. The twin masters of the Palace of Moving Flowers, Yaoyue and Lianxing, also felt a rare flutter of excitement.
Ning Changge hadn't even spoken, yet he had already captured the hearts and minds of everyone present.
Smiling warmly at Zhang Sanfeng, Ning Changge's voice was as gentle as jade.
"Disciple wishes Master great success in the Dao and boundless blessings."
"Knowing that Master's greatest wish is for all Wudang disciples to achieve greatness, I have not focused my gift on you. I hope you won't mind."
Zhang Sanfeng's eyes lit up.
Far from being upset, he urged Ning Changge to continue.
"Enough suspense! Show us already!"
For days, Zhang Sanfeng had been trying to pry details about the gift from Ning Changge, but to no avail. Now, his curiosity was at its peak.
The crowd was equally intrigued.
If the gift wasn't for Zhang Sanfeng, then what could it be?
Ning Changge smiled and raised a hand.
A burst of five-colored mana shot into the sky, instantly altering the heavens.
The crowd instinctively looked up.
Above, dark clouds gathered, lightning crackled, and within the storm, a sharp brilliance began to take shape.
The audience was stunned.
Every sword practitioner present was left speechless.
From that brilliance, they felt an overwhelming sword intent—not just one or two types, but countless variations, each more terrifying than the last.
Ning Changge's voice rang out:
"Today, I establish the Monument of Ten Thousand Swords atop Tianzhu Peak to strengthen Wudang! This is my gift to Master!"
He laughed as five-colored light swirled around him, enhancing his otherworldly aura.
In the sky, the brilliance intensified. The sound of ten thousand swords resonated across Tianzhu Peak.
The crowd watched in awe.
Before their eyes, Ning Changge's raised hand conjured an ancient, majestic sword monument.
Forged by lightning and tempered by divine fire, the monument was complete.
Even the most seasoned sword practitioners were left gaping in disbelief.
From the heavens, a massive black sword monument descended, surrounded by ten thousand strands of sword intent and wreathed in lightning and fire. It landed at the entrance to Wudang.
The ground trembled as the monument settled, standing thirty-three zhang tall.
Etched upon it were the words "Monument of Ten Thousand Swords".
The monument radiated countless sword intents—swift, destructive, gentle, fierce, grounded, chaotic—all intricately interwoven. Among them were Ning Changge's Five Elements Sword Intent and Zhang Sanfeng's Taiji Sword Intent, drawn from his extensive study of martial and Daoist texts.
The result was a masterpiece of unparalleled brilliance.
The crowd was speechless.
Even the Land Immortals stared in stunned silence.
This gift, this feat, was nothing short of extraordinary.
All eyes turned to Ning Changge, their gazes filled with awe.