New disciples who joined Wudang were grateful. They felt fortunate to be part of such a sacred land, and their sense of belonging to Wudang grew stronger.
They knew they had joined at the right time. If anyone wanted to join Wudang now, the standards would be much higher. Song Yuanqiao was busy with this matter and even consulted Ning Changge.
Ning Changge simply smiled and said, "Character comes first, talent second." To him, martial talent wasn't the most crucial factor. As Wudang transformed into an immortal sect, the key would be immortal aptitude. However, with his methods, enabling everyone in Wudang to cultivate immortality wouldn't be difficult.
Moreover, while talent is important for success in cultivation, the most crucial factor is a persistent Dao heart. Character, on the other hand, is something that can't be easily changed later in life.
Song Yuanqiao left deep in thought, pondering how to set the standards. Ning Changge didn't worry about such matters, leaving them to Song Yuanqiao and the others. He spent his time in the Sutra Pavilion, reading scriptures, comprehending the Dao, enjoying tea, playing chess, and refining elixirs, living a carefree life.
Sometimes, Mo Shenggu and others would visit and envy Ning Changge's lifestyle, expressing their desire to join him in secluded cultivation once the third-generation disciples could take on more responsibilities. Ning Changge would just smile, knowing that not everyone had such a steadfast pursuit of the Dao. A momentary interest is one thing, but long-term persistence is another.
So far, besides his master Zhang Sanfeng, he had only seen this quality in Jin Ling. Perhaps Song Qingshu could be considered halfway there. Thanks to Ning Changge's occasional guidance, Song Qingshu had become a true prodigy, reaching the peak of the innate level at a young age and not far from the grandmaster realm.
It was foreseeable that he would become a pillar of the third-generation disciples in the future. He was patient and often came to serve Ning Changge, earning Ning Changge's high regard. Occasionally, Ning Changge would offer him some guidance, and this once ill-fated Wudang disciple had now embarked on a completely different path.
The news of Wudang becoming a spiritual land spread in the martial world. The seven pillars of starlight that merged into one and infused Tianzhu Peak were too mystical to believe. Except for those present on Tianzhu Peak, others found it hard to believe.
It wasn't that they didn't believe it, but they thought it was exaggerated. After all, each sacred land in the Nine Provinces had its foundation, but such an exaggerated phenomenon was rare. Only the Land Immortals nearby knew it wasn't false.
Land Immortals could resonate with the power of heaven and earth, gaining various wonders and being highly sensitive to celestial changes. On that day, the Big Dipper appeared in broad daylight, and the closer they were, the clearer they sensed it.
The old Celestial Master of Dragon-Tiger Mountain was one of them. He gazed in the direction of Wudang for a long time, finally sighing, "Wudang's fortune is established; it will be immortal for at least a thousand years!"
This was a conservative statement. With the current Little Immortal of Wudang and Zhang Sanfeng, they could ensure Wudang's foundation for five hundred years. If they found a way to extend their lifespan, it could be even longer.
And during this time, Wudang was on the rise. If a new Land Immortal appeared, it would be more than a thousand years of immortality! This was a true sign of prosperity, making him somewhat envious. In recent years, Dragon-Tiger Mountain had only him to support it, and while the disciples were good, none had the potential to transcend.
"If only the Little Immortal were a disciple of Dragon-Tiger Mountain," he couldn't help but think, secretly envious. Zhang Sanfeng hadn't emerged from seclusion, and this commotion was likely caused by Ning Changge's astonishing insight.
Thinking of this, he felt a twinge of jealousy. Besides the old Celestial Master, the celestial phenomenon of Wudang's starlight pillars also caught the attention of the Net Assassins, and the news was urgently relayed to the First Emperor, Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng was discussing the Mongol issue with his generals when he heard the news, and his eyes narrowed. "Drawing the power of the seven stars to infuse Wudang, transforming it into a spiritual land? It seems this Little Immortal of Wudang is even more ambitious than I imagined. The path of immortality he treads is truly extraordinary."
A hint of curiosity appeared in Ying Zheng's eyes, causing the generals to be shocked. In today's world, few could earn such praise from the First Emperor. The Martial Emperor of Liyang and the old Celestial Master of Dragon-Tiger Mountain were among them, and now this Little Immortal had caught the First Emperor's attention.
Previously, he had casually instructed the Net Assassins to monitor Wudang, but now his curiosity had grown.
"Immortality… immortality…" The First Emperor stood up, murmuring to himself, hands behind his back, causing the renowned generals to lower their heads, not daring to look directly at him.
"I want to see what surprises your path of immortality can bring!" His eyes seemed to contain a galaxy, with nine dragons roaring and bowing their heads. Although he still had a long lifespan, he wouldn't miss any opportunity for eternal life.
"Since this Little Immortal likes Daoist scriptures, send some to him. I remember acquiring some rare copies when I conquered the six states. Select a few and send them to Wudang as a token of my goodwill…" The First Emperor's voice was calm.
This was a small investment. If Ning Changge truly succeeded in the path of immortality, it would establish a good relationship. Everyone quickly bowed their heads in agreement, even thought their hearts filled with shock.