In truth, Ning Changge had sensed something unusual from the moment these factions arrived. His transformed spiritual senses were incredibly sharp. However, he had chosen not to speak of it. Among the Land Immortals, the Old Celestial Master had also noticed the anomaly, while the others only now seemed to fully grasp the situation.
It was clear that someone had finally decided to act.
Zhang Sanfeng, his expression serene, finally broke the silence.
"Two esteemed Daoists, you've gone to great lengths to conceal your presence. What business brings you here?"
His calm words sent a ripple of shock through the crowd.
For Zhang Sanfeng to address someone as "Daoist," they must also be at the level of a Land Immortal.
The realization hit like a thunderclap.
Aside from the Land Immortals already present, there were others who had come to Tianzhu Peak!
The crowd's collective gaze shifted to the representatives of Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Zen Sect, their expressions growing increasingly strange.
The two factions' members, feeling the weight of countless eyes, became visibly uneasy. Eventually, two figures stepped forward.
One was a monk clad in yellow robes, and the other a nun in loose-fitting attire.
The monk was Liao Kong, the current abbot of Jingnian Zen Sect, known for his mastery of the Silent Meditation technique. He clasped his hands together in greeting but remained silent.
The nun was Fan Qinghui, the current head of Cihang Jingzhai. Though a nun, her features were strikingly elegant. Despite her inner turmoil, she bowed respectfully to Zhang Sanfeng and the other Land Immortals.
"Greetings, Zhang Zhenren and esteemed seniors. By the decree of our ancestors, Abbot Liao Kong and I must regrettably impose upon you," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
The crowd erupted in whispers.
With these two stepping forward, many began to piece together the reason for their presence. Shock and apprehension filled their eyes.
Zhang Sanfeng stepped forward, his Seven Stars Daoist Robe fluttering despite the absence of wind.
"This is about the Dao-Buddhist rivalry, isn't it?"
Fan Qinghui, summoning her courage, replied, "Indeed. The feud between Wudang and Shaolin is not merely a personal grudge; it is a matter of Daoist and Buddhist contention. Our ancestors wish to use this opportunity to settle the matter."
Zhang Sanfeng's gaze turned icy.
To have his centenary celebration disrupted in such a manner was a blatant provocation. He was no pushover.
The rivalry between Daoism and Buddhism was ancient. Both sought to establish themselves as the preeminent spiritual tradition. Over the ages, the balance of power had shifted back and forth—some eras favored Daoism, while others saw the rise of Buddhism.
In the current era, both traditions were flourishing. Many Land Immortals were affiliated with one or the other. While they typically kept to themselves, any dispute over orthodoxy would see them align with their respective factions.
With Shaolin's recent decline, Buddhism's prestige had taken a significant hit. Now, with Wudang poised to rise further on the occasion of Zhang Sanfeng's centenary, the Buddhist factions were unwilling to sit idly by. They feared that if left unchecked, this era would be dominated by Daoism.
The implications were staggering.
The ancestors of Cihang Jingzhai and Jingnian Zen Sect were no ordinary figures. Known as the Heavenly Monk and the Earthly Nun, they were said to be siblings who had founded their respective sects. Their lifespans rivaled that of the Old Celestial Master, marking them as ancient beings of immense power.
For many younger Jianghu practitioners, these names were little more than legends.
Zhang Sanfeng's calm yet piercing words caused the crowd to hold their breath.
Fan Qinghui and Liao Kong bowed before stepping back. In the next moment, a powerful aura erupted from their bodies.
The atmosphere grew oppressive as an overwhelming energy filled the air. Those familiar with the two sects' techniques widened their eyes in shock.
"They've reached the level of Land Immortals!"
"It's the Heavenly Monk and the Earthly Nun! They've descended using the bodies and energy of their successors!"
The realization sent shockwaves through the crowd.
The Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun had not arrived in person but had used an advanced technique to descend through their disciples' bodies. This method was far superior to the technique used by the Sweeping Monk with the Buddha's relics. By using the energy and bodies of top-tier Heaven-Man experts, they could manifest a significant portion of their power, achieving 60-70% of their full strength.
Given their profound cultivation, even a fraction of their power was enough to dominate most Land Immortals.
Their arrival was no coincidence. Such a technique required meticulous preparation, including acclimating the host bodies to their energy and imprinting their martial wills.
When Liao Kong and Fan Qinghui opened their eyes, their gazes were entirely different—ancient and detached.
The monk, now the Heavenly Monk, spoke first.
"The Heavenly Monk greets his fellow Daoists."
The nun, now the Earthly Nun, followed.
"The Earthly Nun greets her fellow Daoists."
The crowd was left speechless, their breathing shallow.
Zhang Sanfeng, his expression cold, retorted, "My feud with Shaolin has been resolved. The Shaolin of the Song Dynasty has voluntarily sealed its gates for a century. Do you intend to interfere?"
The Heavenly Monk replied calmly, "This is not merely about Shaolin. It concerns the rise and fall of Buddhism. While your personal grievances with Shaolin are of no consequence, forcing Shaolin to seal its gates was inappropriate. If no one from Buddhism stands up, the Jianghu will think us weak."
His words, though reasonable on the surface, carried a sharp undertone. Referring to Zhang Sanfeng as "young friend" was particularly pointed, given the circumstances.
The tension on Tianzhu Peak was palpable.
The mere presence of the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun was suffocating. Their aura alone was enough to make breathing difficult for many.