Chapter 129
Chapter 129
Some speculated that Zhang Sanfeng had made a promise to Wang Chongyang in his early years. This brought up old stories from ten years ago when many experts gathered at Mount Hua in the Song Dynasty to resolve disputes over the Nine Yin Manual, with Zhang Sanfeng as a witness.
At that time, Zhang Sanfeng and Wang Chongyang must have had some interaction.
“If I’m not mistaken, Master Zhang’s centenary celebration is approaching. Now that he’s ascended to the Land Immortal realm and Wudang has become a new Daoist holy land, his centenary celebration will surely be grand!”
“I bet he’s inviting Master Chongyang to the celebration!”
This theory gained the most support. It was close to the truth, but only Zhang Sanfeng, Wang Chongyang, and Huang Yaoshi knew about their encounter with the infant Ning Changge at the foot of Mount Hua ten years ago. If the truth were known, it would cause a sensation.
Regardless, Zhang Sanfeng’s words to the Quanzhen Seven boosted the Quanzhen Sect’s reputation. A newly ascended Land Immortal with ties to the Quanzhen Sect, even though Wang Chongyang was the Central Divinity of the Song Dynasty, benefited from this connection.
In the Quanzhen Sect, Ma Yu and the others respectfully recounted Zhang Sanfeng’s words to Wang Chongyang. Wang Chongyang sighed, “Master Zhang is truly a Daoist master. Our agreement was merely verbal, yet he remembered it even after ascending to the Land Immortal realm…”
Many forget their friends and promises after achieving greatness, but Zhang Sanfeng still valued the Quanzhen Sect, which moved Wang Chongyang deeply. Although he was now a top-tier Heaven-Man expert, he still felt inferior to the infant they had once found.
Thinking of this, Wang Chongyang couldn’t help but smile bitterly, but he quickly accepted it. Ning Changge’s innate talent was evident even as a baby, and he regretted not having the chance to take him as a disciple.
The Quanzhen Seven, hearing their master’s sigh, were curious. What was the verbal agreement? Who else was involved besides Master Zhang and their master? But they didn’t dare ask, only listening as Wang Chongyang instructed, “From today, have all Quanzhen disciples copy our Daoist scriptures.”
Ma Yu was shocked, “Master, even the core scriptures?”
Those were the sect’s most guarded texts, never shared. He couldn’t understand why his master suddenly gave this order. Wang Chongyang didn’t hesitate, “Yes, complete it quickly. Ma Yu, you are in charge.”
The disciples, shocked, bowed and accepted the task. Wang Chongyang’s thoughts drifted back to ten years ago. He had agreed to be a half-master to Ning Changge, but now, seeing Ning Changge’s monstrous talent, he felt he couldn’t fulfill that role. However, he could still form a good relationship. Knowing Ning Changge loved Daoist scriptures, he decided to offer them as a gesture.
He wondered what the ten-year-old Ning Changge was like now.
—
Peach Blossom Island.
A scholar in a green robe played a jade flute by the sea, while a beautiful woman and a lively little girl stood behind him. The girl, delicate and spirited, was destined to be a stunning beauty.
This was Huang Yaoshi’s family: the Eastern Heretic Huang Yaoshi, his wife Feng Heng, and their daughter Huang Rong. In this world, Huang Yaoshi had obtained a protective elixir for his wife, so she hadn’t died in childbirth. His temperament had softened, and his disciples thrived on Peach Blossom Island, making it a significant force.
After all, the Eastern Heretic was one of the Song Dynasty’s Five Greats and a top-tier Heaven-Man expert.
“Yaoshi, Master Zhang appeared at Shaolin and mentioned your old agreement with Master Chongyang’s disciples,” Feng Heng said softly.
Huang Yaoshi, wrapping a cloak around his wife, smiled, “I know. It seems Master Zhang has a broad mind and hasn’t forgotten our old agreement.”
Young Huang Rong, curious, asked, “Father, what agreement?”
Huang Yaoshi chuckled, “I arranged a marriage for you back then. Now, the groom is coming!”
Huang Rong blushed, hiding behind her mother and making faces at her father, “Father, you’re embarrassing! Mother, scold him!”
Huang Yaoshi and Feng Heng laughed. Feng Heng, worried, said, “Yaoshi, you arranged this marriage with Master Zhang. Although it’s an elder’s decision, we Jianghu people value freedom. I’ve heard the Little Immortal is extraordinarily talented and devoted to his sect. If he agrees, Rong’er will have a great husband.”
“But what if he doesn’t?”
Feng Heng worried that Ning Changge’s brilliance might overshadow her daughter. Although Huang Rong was beautiful and talented, she couldn’t compare to Ning Changge, who had defeated the Evil Emperor at ten. She feared Ning Changge might reject the marriage, hurting her daughter.
Huang Yaoshi, serious, then shook his head, “Master Zhang isn’t like that. If the Little Immortal agrees, it’s great. If not, we can’t force it. As long as he doesn’t act arrogantly, it’s fine. From what I’ve heard, he’s not that kind of person.”
“Whether we gain or lose, it’s fate. Don’t worry, Heng’er.”
He smiled at Huang Rong, “If he doesn’t agree, Father will find you an even better husband!”
Huang Rong, listening, was curious about her ‘future husband.’ She had heard stories about Ning Changge from her senior siblings.
Huang Yaoshi and Feng Heng walked hand in hand, discussing how to host Ning Changge if he came. They wanted to show proper hospitality.
—
The Quanzhen Sect and Peach Blossom Island were busy preparing for the old promises. Meanwhile, Land Immortals across the Nine Provinces were secretly amazed by Zhang Sanfeng’s combat prowess.
At Mount Longhu, the Old Celestial Master looked up at the sky, full of emotion. “Wudang has produced a genius. Zhang Sanfeng, after years of accumulation, has such power just after ascending to the Land Immortal realm. In sixty years, I might only be his equal.”