Chapter 31 - Zhang Sanfeng’s Astonishment and Delight

Boom!

The gates to the forbidden area in Wudang swung open, and an old Daoist with white hair and beard, like a crane in its grace, strolled out. Although he was close to a hundred years old, Zhang Sanfeng was in excellent condition, with a ruddy and radiant face, devoid of any wrinkles.

He walked out with his hands behind his back, his demeanour transcendent, clearly in high spirits. It seemed that his recent seclusion had yielded significant results. While he hadn’t reached the Land Immortal realm, he had undoubtedly touched upon the right path.

Without a doubt, Zhang Sanfeng was a classic example of a late-blooming genius who had patiently accumulated strength over the years. He didn’t shine brightly in the beginning, but as time passed, he became more and more extraordinary. Many of his peers in the martial world had already started declining, and some had even passed away.

Only Zhang Sanfeng was still in his prime, and his condition was better than ever. He was often addressed as “Zhang Zhenren,” meaning “True Man Zhang,” by the martial world.

“We pay our respects to Master and congratulate Master on his successful emergence from seclusion!” His disciples bowed.

They were all overjoyed. Zhang Sanfeng had been in seclusion for nearly a year, and the news of his emergence had only come out a few days ago.

Zhang Sanfeng looked at his beloved disciples with a smile, nodding approvingly. “It’s not considered a complete success, just a slight breakthrough.”

Song Yuanqiao and the others were thrilled.

“With master’s ability, it’s just a matter of time. Master, let’s go to the front hall for now. We have prepared plain clothes and meals for you.”

“Very well.” Zhang Sanfeng smiled and nodded. Surrounded by his disciples, he slowly left. He had time to slowly take stock of the changes in his disciples. It wouldn’t have mattered if he didn’t see it, but he shocked once he noticed it. Even with his temperament, he couldn’t help but say: “Yuanqiao, have you broken through to the Grandmaster realm?”

He had just finished looking at his eldest disciple, and immediately turned his attention to the other disciples, his astonishment becoming more obvious.

“Cuishan is also a Master. And you, have you all broken through to the Master realm?”

When Song Yuanqiao and others heard the astonishment in their master’s voice, they were all extremely excited. There was no better compliment in the world. They held their heads high, just like students waiting to be praised by their teacher.

Zhang Sanfeng felt that his world view had been impacted.

Zhang Sanfeng’s gaze eventually settled on his youngest disciple. Dressed in a black and white Daoist robe, exuding a strong Daoist aura, he smiled at Zhang Sanfeng.

Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t see through him.

His heart was filled with shock. Even as a Transcendent Realm expert, he couldn’t fathom his youngest disciple’s level of cultivation. His intuition told him that this might have something to do with his youngest disciple.

After taking a bite of his meal, changing into a new Daoist robe, and gently placing the tea cup back down, Zhang Sanfeng smiled and looked at Ning Changge. “It seems like you little rascals have conspired to give me a pleasant surprise. Now, Changge, come and tell your master.”

His eyes were filled with admiration and affection.

It felt like he had traveled back in time to nine years ago.

That year, at the Huashan Martial Arts Tournament, he had encountered the abandoned Ning Changge at the foot of the mountain. Seeing him, he had felt an immediate fondness and had taken him as his eighth disciple.

Back then, Ning Changge was just a baby in swaddling clothes.

But now, he had grown tall and graceful, like a Daoist of heavenly descent, and had matured to the point where even Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t fully understand his cultivation.

In just nine years, the transformation was so significant that it left him marveling at the power of time.

Ning Changge looked at Zhang Sanfeng, feeling deeply grateful and humbled. This man was his master, who had taken him in, saved his life, and generously shared the Wudang sect’s teachings with him.

He smiled and spoke with clarity and determination. “Master, I have succeeded.”

Zhang Sanfeng was momentarily stunned, then burst into hearty laughter. His laughter echoed in the True Martial Hall, reaching the ears of every third-generation disciple and reverberating on Tianzhu Peak.

Everyone could sense Zhang Sanfeng’s joy.

“Well done! Very well done!”

“Changge, you’ve endured for years, persevered through solitude, and withstood what others cannot. That’s why you’ve achieved this today. You deserve it!”

“Excellent!”

Zhang Sanfeng’s eyes were filled with delight. He seemed even more pleased with this than with his own achievements in seclusion.

Ning Changge felt Zhang Sanfeng’s subtle change in demeanor, and his heart was deeply moved. He spoke with humility, “Master, I’m sorry to have caused you concern.”

Zhang Sanfeng just waved his hand with a smile. “That was my needless worry. It had nothing to do with you. You were born extraordinary, and you were meant to walk an extraordinary path. Be bold and confident in your choices.”

Ning Changge nodded firmly. “My wish is for everyone in Wudang to transcend, and I have taken the first step on the path of immortal cultivation. In the future, once I have organized my insights, I will invite Master and my senior brothers to embark on the path of immortal cultivation together.”

Zhang Sanfeng, his heart swelling with pride, chuckled. “You have the right spirit. This is the path you have forged for yourself. There’s no need to rush. Life is limited, and sometimes, it can be even more splendid.”

Ning Changge shook his head.

On this point, his views differed from Zhang Sanfeng’s. He believed that a long life, stepping into eternity and seeking true immortality, would provide endless time to pursue everything without being bound by the constraints of mortality.

He had long made up his mind.

In the future, he would spread his teachings throughout the world, and everyone in Wudang would seek immortality. This was just the first step.

Feeling his youngest disciple’s determination, Zhang Sanfeng shook his head and chuckled.

Then, his eyes filled with curiosity, he said, “Changge, since I’ve just emerged from seclusion today, why don’t you let me experience your path of immortality?”

He wanted to see how his disciple’s path of immortality compared to his path of martial arts.