Song Yuanqiao and the other Wudang disciples were visibly furious. Ning Changge, his eyes cold, stepped forward and shouted:
In a flash, he appeared beside Zhang Sanfeng, his gaze fixed on the two intruders.
Before Ning Changge could say more, the other Land Immortals also stepped forward.
The Old Celestial Master's eyes were frosty. "You speak of having people in Buddhism. Do you think Daoism is without its own?"
Xiaoyaozi nodded in agreement. "Indeed. If you had a legitimate reason, it might be understandable. But to come here with such baseless provocations—how dare you?"
Dragon Island Master was even more direct. "If you want to challenge Wudang, you'll have to get through us first."
The Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun's eyes narrowed.
They had anticipated resistance from the Old Celestial Master and Xiaoyaozi, given their Daoist affiliations. But Dragon Island Master's intervention was unexpected.
Facing such a formidable lineup of Land Immortals, even the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun felt the pressure.
The Earthly Nun's gaze swept across the crowd before settling on Zhang Sanfeng.
"We are here to test martial arts. As I recall, the martial exchanges have not concluded. Zhang Zhenren, will you accept my challenge?"
The crowd erupted in whispers.
This was a blatant provocation.
Despite Wudang's earlier display of strength, the Buddhist Land Immortals were determined to suppress Zhang Sanfeng and diminish Wudang's rising prestige.
Zhang Sanfeng, his expression icy, was about to step forward when the Old Celestial Master held him back.
"Zhang Daoist is but a century old. You two are of my generation. If this is about Dao and Buddhism, let me represent Daoism in this challenge," the Old Celestial Master declared.
His words were firm and commanding.
The Heavenly Monk shook his head. "Your words are misplaced, Old Celestial Master. Zhang Zhenren may be younger, but his talent rivals our own. Moreover, we are not here in our full forms. This is a fair challenge."
The Earthly Nun added, "If you wish to fight us, Old Celestial Master, let us do so another day. Today, we challenge Zhang Zhenren."
The Old Celestial Master's eyes flashed with anger.
Dragon Island Master scoffed. "I've long heard that the Buddhist sects are shameless. Today, I see it for myself."
Li Changsheng and Xiaoyaozi also voiced their disdain.
Before Zhang Sanfeng could respond, a calm voice rang out beside him.
"Master, please remain seated. As the saying goes, when the master has a task, the disciple should handle it. If these esteemed Buddhist masters wish to experience Wudang's Dao, allow me to oblige."
His voice was steady, his demeanor unshaken.
All eyes turned to him.
Ning Changge stepped forward, his presence commanding. The atmosphere shifted, the crowd falling silent before erupting with excitement.
The Little Immortal was stepping in!
The Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun regarded Ning Changge with growing seriousness.
They had heard the rumors—of how he had slain the Evil Emperor Xiang Yutian and the Living Buddha of the Secret Sect. But they had come prepared, confident in their abilities.
"You wish to fight in your master's stead?" the Heavenly Monk asked.
Ning Changge ignored him, turning to the Old Celestial Master and the others with a faint smile.
"Please, esteemed seniors, remain seated. There's no need for concern."
The Old Celestial Master chuckled. "Having a good disciple truly is a blessing."
The Land Immortals exchanged curious glances, eager to witness Ning Changge's abilities firsthand.
Dragon Island Master and Wood Island Master shared a knowing look, their expressions amused.
They had experienced Ning Changge's terrifying power firsthand. In their eyes, the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun were outmatched.
Zhang Sanfeng, momentarily stunned, smiled with pride and returned to his seat.
Ning Changge turned to face the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun, his expression indifferent.
"I won't waste time with you. If you wish to challenge Wudang, spare me your pretenses. Come at me together."
His words were calm, as if stating an undeniable fact.
The crowd was stunned.
Even the Old Celestial Master and the other Land Immortals were momentarily taken aback.
The Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun's expressions darkened.
"Arrogant brat!" they spat.
But Ning Changge remained unfazed. His white Daoist robe fluttered as he raised a hand, five-colored mana gathering at his fingertips.
Without another word, he pointed skyward.
The heavens roared as dark clouds gathered, and deafening thunder echoed across Tianzhu Peak.
Lightning crackled within the clouds, its terrifying power palpable.
The Land Immortals' expressions shifted.
The Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun were visibly shaken.
Ning Changge's voice, calm yet commanding, resounded across the peak:
"Today, I summon Heavenly Thunder and Earthly Lightning to suppress you!"