Chapter 69

The mere thought brought a knowing smile.

Facing Song Yuanqiao and others’ invitation.

Few wanted to remain at Wudang, uniformly eager to inform their sects of today’s events!

Though many masters and leaders attended, relative to the entire Ming martial world, it was but a small fraction.

All politely departed, descending slowly.

Song Yuanqiao and others did not force matters, watching those from Yuan Yue Manor, Shaolin, and similar factions’ departure, smiles gradually faded, aware of loose ends needing careful settlement.

Exhibiting Wudang’s demeanor, they wouldn’t leave things unresolved.

The necessary balance needed contemplation.

As they descended, the news from Celestial Pillar Peak diffused swiftly outward.

Riders galloped towards all corners of Jianghu.

Unleashing ripples of disturbance!

…

In various inns with the news of Wudang’s happenings, excitement surged.

“Is it true? Dragon-slaying sabre truly destroyed?!”

“It must be, Wudang’s Little True Immortal used Pure Yang True Fire to refine it in the presence of martial heroes, no way that could be false!”

“Could it be an imitation…deceiving with counterfeits?”

Someone muttered darkly.

“Nonsense! The Little True Immortal of Wudang, such a figure needs not covet a mere dragon-slaying sabre. While to us it’s a divine weapon, before a Little True Immortal, it’s discarded like a worn-out shoe!”

The young swordsman conveying whispers erupted in anger, having witnessed Ning Changge’s feats in person at Celestial Pillar Peak, his admiration unwavering.

He unleashed his rant.

“Wudang’s seven heroes, wielding seven-star treasures, unparalleled steeds galloping, each unparalleled, require the dragon-slaying sabre?”

“Wudang’s spirit monkey Jinling transforms into a great demon, contending with two peak Heaven-Men, yet it’s merely a Little True Immortal’s apprentice. Claim no need for deception?”

“Did the Little True Immortal decapitate Huahua, devour the evil blade, or purify Elephant with flame? Tell me, does such an existence need the dragon-slaying sabre?”

“Later, Little True Immortal established an unrivaled Heaven-Man Tomb, burying peak Heaven-Men within, even as the Buddha descended through relics, approaching land-dwelling immortality, still annihilated by celestial thunder!”

“Tell me, does such an existence require the dragon-slaying sabre?!”

The young swordsman’s words echoed ferociously, narrating everything unfolded at Wudang, silencing all to stillness.

In utter silence, one with darkening countenance paled immensely, as every word struck the heart deeply, barely standing.

Hearing such events was frightful, unimaginable to behold.

“Was the Little True Immortal truly remarkable?”

Someone whispered unconstrained.

The young swordsman affirmed resolutely:

“I speak not even a fraction of the Immortal’s brilliance!”

“Were you to witness the Little True Immortal that day, realize my words hold no falsehood, dare examine Wudang’s Heaven-Man Tomb though ineligible for inclusion!”

“Heaven-Man Tomb, exclusively reserved for peak Heaven-Men!”

Eyes brimmed with astonishment, hastily drawing the young swordsman to sit alongside.

“Details leisurely discussed, today’s drinks on me! Narrate Wudang’s happenings meticulously, seizing each nuance!”

The young swordsman laughed boisterously:

“Dare I refuse?”

As he dissected details, upon the inn’s air hung a pin-drop silence.

Such scenes permeated numerous corners of the Ming martial world, swiftly snowballing.

Ming’s prominent factions, and even forces beyond, all similarly shaken.

…

Ming Shaolin.

Largest among today’s losers, losing face, with the abbot perished, now near disbandment entirely.

Elderly monks prostrated before the Buddha, faces steeped in sorrow.

Upon returning from Wudang.

Song Yuanqiao’s conditions were simple, requiring Shaolin within half a month to disband, surrendering texts and treasures to Wudang, effectively effacing Ming’s Shaolin!

A price imposed due to Kongwen and Shaolin’s stubborn obsessions.

An irate monk couldn’t restrain, barked:

“Wudang overextends! A desperate fight! We and Shaolin shall live and die together!”

New abbot Kongxing sighed bitterly:

“This is the karma Kongwen agreed with the Little True Immortal before action, past causes, present effects; Shaolin’s woes arise from holding on!”

His expression was compassionate, palms together.

“When will vengeance cease, Wudang already left a lifeline, best conclude here.”

His words halted suggestions and pleas.

“The Little True Immortal, not a land-dwelling immortal, yet greater, Shaolin hasn’t borne a Buddha since the last’s passing. Time’s whim, further resistance invites calamity.”

Kongxing sternly declared:

“Depart, henceforth Shaolin exists no more in Ming; carry Shaolin’s profound art elsewhere; though Shaolin ceases here, its transmission and Buddhist legacy continue abroad, find refuge in Song Shaolin—they will welcome you.”

Chanting the Buddha’s name, he made no move to rise.

Perceiving an undertone, monks urged:

“Abbot, come with us!”

Whisper rose, Kongxing’s gaze complex.

“I am Ming Shaolin’s abbot, cannot flee mindlessly. To dust shall return. Hereafter, you fully devote to Buddha, no errant thoughts born.”

A gentle palm thrust to void.

Numerous young monks cast from the hall.

Kongxing scanned remaining elders, an insightful smile appearing.

“Fellow brothers, shall we not together embrace bliss afterlife?”

“Amitabha, well said, well said!”

Flames erupted, engulfing the Buddha hall, Kongxing and numerous elders sat peaceful, achieving nirvana.

Remaining monks filled with tears, took their leave, heading towards Song.

Thus, Ming Shaolin’s millennial legacy vanished.

…

Ming Imperial Court.

Upon Zhu Wu’s return to Longshan Manor, received imperial edict, summoning him to court.

Current Emperor Zhu Houzhao was chosen for his elevated abilities, martial prowess and wisdom, known as a Martial Emperor. Despite Zhu Wu’s ambitions, restrained deeply, not daring arrogance.

Now summoned by the Emperor, he swiftly donned his five-clawed dragon robe, entering the palace.

Imperial Study.

Zhu Wu met the Emperor.

With a physique robust, features noble and vigorous, and a faint smile exuding mystery, the Emperor troubled Zhu Wu, not daring direct gaze.

“Uncle’s return prompt summoned, hope no fault taken.”

Zhu Wu quickly bowed:

“What words does His Majesty speak of, I pledge utmost to alleviate His Majesty’s concerns, heavy words indeed.”

“Even should His Majesty not summon, I intended night report, previous days Wudang’s dragon-slaying sabre demolition witnessed, yet encountered a demonic prodigy, impactful to my Empire necessitating deliberation!”

Curiosity flickered within the Emperor’s eyes.

“The name of Wudang’s Little True Immortal reached even me. Pray elaborate details.”

Zhu Wu hastened recounting all meticulously.

Listening, the Emperor reflected silently before exclaiming:

“Establishing Heaven-Man Tomb, obliterating Buddha, extraordinary prowess, this Little True Immortal, aptly named! Having attended, Uncle, what is your take on this Little True Immortal’s true power?”

“Unfathomable!”

Gravity filled Zhu Wu’s eyes.

“Even a Buddha, descended through relics, subjected to both celestial thunder and true flame, not a land-dwelling immortal, yet formidable enough to rival them, I suspect, even should one descend, the Little True Immortal would not falter!”

Zhu Houzhao’s expression turned stern, unprecedentedly high praise coming from the haughty Zhu Wu, unimaginable shocks witnessed at Wudang.

Slowly, the Emperor spoke:

“Uncle recalls, atop Wudang exists Zhang Zhenren as well, should his seclusion succeed, Wudang houses two powers matching land-dwelling immortals, indeed a concern to our Empire!”

Zhu Wu startled, nearly forgotten such.

The Emperor’s voice continued:

“Zhang Zhenren, an accomplished Daoist, pure hearted, only amenable to friendship, hostility unwise, now Wudang stands as a Ming Daoist sanctuary.”

“Decree henceforth, Wudang, alongside Dragon Tiger Mountain, shall share the honor of Ming’s Daoist sanctuaries, revered by Ming’s citizens!”

“Moreover, It reached my ears that Wudang’s Little True Immortal delights in scriptural studies, transcribe copies from our palace’s Sutra Archives, present them to Wudang, as a gesture of my intent.”

Zhu Wu loudly praised:

“His Majesty’s wisdom!”

Emperor’s gaze transcended Ming, peering skyward.

“The dragon-slaying sabre saga, since shadowed by Mongols, necessitates full examination, Uncle’s duty as Dragon Manor’s chief, bear the mission unrelentingly.”

Zhu Wu reverently affirmed:

“As commanded! Dragon Manor exists solely to uphold the true dragon, a commitment I embrace in perpetuity!”

The Emperor’s eyes lingered upon the Ming territory map, lost in thought, Zhu Wu knew to respectfully depart.

Outside the Imperial Study, he wiped his dampened brow.

“His Majesty… ever more enigmatic!”

Earlier indications left sweat trickling coldly.

Turning away, he looked to personally ferry the Daoist texts to Wudang.