Incredible Insight: Cultivating Immortality at Eight, Astonishing Zhang Sanfeng-Chapter 202

Chapter 202

The Old Celestial Master, Xiaoyaozi, and Zhang Sanfeng exchanged glances, their expressions resolute. Though anger and battle intent flickered in their eyes, they fully supported Ning Changge’s decision.

The rivalry between Daoism and Buddhism was inevitable.

Buddhism’s influence spanned the Nine Provinces, with sacred sites such as Shaolin Temple, Cihang Jingzhai, Jingnian Zen Sect, Loulan Buddhism, Tianzhu Buddhism, and the Secret Sect. These traditions frequently produced figures of great power, and their relics ensured a steady stream of formidable practitioners, even if their combat prowess varied.

In contrast, Daoism’s sacred sites—such as Dragon Tiger Mountain, the Xiaoyao Sect, Northern Li’s Qingcheng Mountain, and now Wudang—were fewer in number and less influential.

Historically, Daoism’s strength lay in its quality over quantity. Daoist Land Immortals were often stronger than their Buddhist counterparts. However, Daoism’s emphasis on individual enlightenment meant its influence was less widespread than Buddhism’s.

Simply put, Daoism prioritized quality, while Buddhism emphasized quantity.

When Daoism lacked a heavyweight figure like the founder of Dragon Tiger Mountain, it would be overshadowed by Buddhism. Conversely, when Daoism produced such figures, it would dominate Buddhism.

In this era, Daoism lacked such a figure.

The Old Celestial Master, while formidable, was not enough to tip the scales.

This emboldened Buddhism to act as it did today. The Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun, despite knowing the Old Celestial Master and Xiaoyaozi were present, dared to challenge Wudang. They believed Buddhism’s overall strength would shield them.

But they had miscalculated.

Ning Changge’s intervention had completely overturned their plans.

With a single move, Ning Changge had crushed the martial wills of two Land Immortals, leaving them humiliated.

His strength and talent gave the Old Celestial Master and Xiaoyaozi hope.

Hope that Daoism could once again suppress Buddhism.

Ning Changge had the potential to become the leader of Daoism.

The crowd, observing the Land Immortals’ reactions, felt their hearts tremble. They realized the magnitude of what had just transpired. At the same time, they couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement. The Nine Provinces had been relatively quiet for some time, but now, it seemed a new era of upheaval was beginning.

Perhaps this was the start of a new golden age for the Jianghu.

Every few decades, the martial world of the Nine Provinces would experience a period of flourishing, with countless prodigies and powerhouses emerging. This would eventually be followed by a period of decline, only for the cycle to repeat.

This era’s golden age might very well begin with the DaoBuddhist conflict.

As these thoughts raced through their minds, the crowd’s gazes turned to Ning Changge.

It all began with him.

Since the moment he had obliterated the martial wills of the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun, the stage had been set.

To many, Ning Changge seemed destined to be the central figure of this era.

How else could one explain his terrifying strength at the age of eleven?

The Old Celestial Master’s eyes were filled with admiration.

He was certain that Ning Changge’s strength was already on par with his own. Even if he had been the one to act earlier, the outcome would have been no different.

It was hard to imagine how terrifying Ning Changge would become once he ascended to the Land Immortal realm.

The crowd was filled with awe.

“Could the Little Immortal truly be the chosen one of this era?”

“It seems likely.”

“Every time he acts, he shatters our expectations. After slaying two Land Immortals on Mount Zhongnan, we thought we had seen his limits. But now, he’s crushed the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun, and it’s even more shocking!”

“I’m starting to think this might not even be his limit.”

“Impossible! If this isn’t his limit, then how strong is he?”

Tianzhu Peak buzzed with whispers of astonishment and disbelief.

But soon, someone noticed something unusual.

After subduing the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun, Ning Changge did not return to his seat. Instead, he stood with his hands behind his back, gazing calmly toward the base of Tianzhu Peak, as if waiting for someone.

“Who is the Little Immortal waiting for?” someone murmured.

The crowd, which had just begun to relax, tensed up again.

Even Song Yuanqiao, who had been preparing to formally conclude the celebration, hesitated. The Old Celestial Master and the other Land Immortals also looked puzzled.

Surely no one else would dare to come, especially someone stronger than the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun?

Their questions were soon answered.

The atmosphere shifted as a figure appeared at the base of Tianzhu Peak.

It was an old beggar, his clothes tattered and his pace unhurried.

The crowd’s attention snapped to the newcomer. Though he appeared unremarkable, the sheer presence he exuded was suffocating. Some recognized him and gasped in disbelief.

“I’ve seen him before!” one man exclaimed, his voice trembling.

He recounted how he had once dismissed the old beggar as a mere vagrant. But now, it was clear this was no ordinary man.

Even Ximen Chuixue and Ye Gucheng exchanged uneasy glances. They seemed to recognize the figure but couldn’t quite believe it.

Ning Changge’s gaze carried a hint of anticipation.

The Old Celestial Master and the other Land Immortals grew increasingly serious. The beggar’s seemingly ordinary demeanor only made him more terrifying.

Finally, Li Changsheng broke the silence, his voice dry and strained.

“The Sword Demon, Dugu Qiubai.”

Six simple words.

Yet they carried the weight of legend.

The crowd erupted in shock.

“The Sword Demon! The undefeated master of the sword!”

“He’s still alive?!”

“This is the man who dominated the Jianghu for five lifetimes, leaving behind nothing but aweinspiring legends.”

Dugu Qiubai had once challenged every swordsman in the land, never tasting defeat. At most, he had fought to a draw.

Two centuries ago, he had bested the Sword Saint of Peerless City.

A century ago, with a single stroke of his sword, he had severed the arm of the Evil Emperor Xiang Yutian, forcing him into seclusion.

Even Li Changsheng, the Kunlun Sword Immortal, admitted:

“One cycle ago, the Sword Demon defeated me with two strikes.”

The crowd was stunned.

Even the Land Immortals looked at the old beggar with newfound respect.

Zhang Sanfeng felt a rare sense of unease. Why had this legendary figure come to Wudang?

Ning Changge, however, was filled with excitement.

The moment his spiritual senses had detected Dugu Qiubai at the base of the mountain, he had felt a rare surge of battle intent.

Dugu Qiubai ascended Tianzhu Peak, his demeanor calm and unassuming.

“Who would have thought so many still remember this dying old man?” he said with a laugh, his presence commanding despite his humble appearance.

Stopping before the Monument of Ten Thousand Swords, he studied it intently.

“Such sword intent… I’ve never seen its like in the Nine Provinces. It seems I was right to come.”

His gaze shifted to Ning Changge, filled with anticipation.

The crowd held its breath.

Ning Changge smiled faintly. “I take it you’re not here for the same reason as those two,” he said, referring to the Heavenly Monk and Earthly Nun.

Dugu Qiubai grinned. “The DaoBuddhist rivalry doesn’t interest me. I care only for the sword. I’ve seen all there is to see of swordsmanship in the Nine Provinces—except yours.”

Turning to Zhang Sanfeng, he added, “Zhang, I know this is your celebration, and I shouldn’t intrude. But I couldn’t resist.”

His tone was casual, devoid of malice.

Zhang Sanfeng bowed respectfully. “It is an honor to have you here, Sword Demon.”

Dugu Qiubai’s gaze returned to Ning Changge.

“I came to see your swordsmanship.”

The crowd was in an uproar.

This was the Sword Demon, the undefeated legend of the Jianghu, challenging the Little Immortal!

The excitement was palpable, especially among the swordsmen present.

Ning Changge, his robes billowing, met Dugu Qiubai’s gaze with a calm smile.

“Very well,” he said.

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