Under one person: I, Zhang Zhiwei, the arrogant Zhang.

"How many people should we send tomorrow?" Zhang Zhiwei asked.

This trip to Wudang is not only to attend the ascension ceremony of Master Sun, but also to witness the succession ceremony of the new sect leader.

Holding two ceremonies together creates a grand spectacle, but also carries significant risks.

Because when he was young, Master Sun challenged people everywhere and was known as the invincible master of the martial arts world. This achievement was not easy to attain.

Many sects simply do not accept competitions, especially those between young people.

Because it does nothing but harm; if you win, it's only right; if you lose, you'll be disgraced and at most you'll offer a token helping hand.

In the story, Ding Shian, one of the two heroes, was forced to join the Quanxing Sect to give himself and others a reason to take action.

But the Wudang sect leader was much more eccentric than Ding Shian when he was young.

He's coming directly to challenge you. If you don't accept the challenge, fine, he'll just tear down your sect's signboard and burn it for firewood.

In the process, many people were naturally offended.

While Master Sun was still alive, these people dared not show the slightest sign of unease, and were even quite amiable.

But now that Master Sun is gone, who knows what will happen to them.

The reason Wudang contacted the Celestial Master's Mansion was to prevent these people from causing trouble or taking advantage of the situation during the ceremony. They hoped that the Celestial Master would come to observe the ceremony. In short, they wanted to find some fellow Daoists to keep things in order.

This is not an overreaction, because this kind of thing has happened far too many times in the underworld, and we must be prepared.

Like in the story, when Longhu Mountain held a grand Taoist ritual, it was disrupted.

"How many people should go..." Zhang Jingqing paused and said, "We need to consider the host's feelings in this matter."

"With so many people going, it feels like the guests are overshadowing the main attraction."

"Fewer people are going, which gives people the feeling that it's not valued."

"Therefore, one should be shrewd, not numerous."

“If Huaiyi were here, I would like to take you and Huaiyi with me, but since Huaiyi is not here, you will go with me.”

"Although there are only two of you, you alone are more important than ten people."

“The one who truly holds the weight is you, Master!” Zhang Zhiwei laughed. “With the two of us, master and disciple, in charge, no matter how big the turmoil on Wudang Mountain is, we can keep it calm.”

In the past, if Zhang Zhiwei had said such things, Zhang Jingqing would have reprimanded him for being "arrogant and conceited."

But now, Zhang Jingqing not only didn't rebuke her, but nodded in approval.

Because it's a fact, and he doesn't have a confrontational personality, there's no need for him to refute everything.

"Master, when shall we set off?" Zhang Zhiwei asked.

"What do you think?" Zhang Jingqing asked in return.

“If we use the Crane Talisman, we need to arrive half a day in advance. If we use my Lightning Passage, we can arrive just in time for the ceremony,” Zhang Zhiwei said.

"Go scout the location? Aren't those Taoist priests from Wudang already in a panic?" Zhang Jingqing said. "Let's arrive early so they can rest assured."

"As for how to get there?"

"Take your Lightning Passage. You mentioned that this thing is somewhat similar to the Golden Stream Light. I'm quite curious and would like to experience it for myself."

"Shall we set off now?!" Zhang Zhiwei said.

"Look at you, you're anxious again!"

Zhang Zhiwei: "…………"

Zhang Jingqing said, "The situation in China has been very chaotic lately. I still have some things to take care of. I'll let you know when I'm done!"

Zhang Zhiwei nodded and was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something and turned to ask:
"Master, something has happened at the Sanyi Sect. Will Sect Leader Zuo go there this time?"

Zhang Jingqing said, "I'm not quite sure. This matter is too urgent. I haven't contacted Master Zuo yet."

"As for the impact of the incident on the Sanyi Sect... I contacted the Left Sect Leader as early as the beginning of the incident."

"The Trinity Sect remains unchanged. This matter has no impact on them whatsoever, and the Trinity Sect has no intention of getting involved in the turmoil down the mountain."

"That's excellent!" Zhang Zhiwei nodded, relieved.

If the Sanyi Sect were to be drawn into a conflict, given his relationship with the Sanyi Sect, he would definitely lend a helping hand.

But he didn't actually want to get involved in this internal strife.

Because it's meaningless, he feels uncomfortable no matter who wins.

Both sides are terrible; it's just a matter of who's worse.

"Oh, right, I almost forgot to ask you, what do you think about what's happening in Fujian right now?" Zhang Jingqing asked Zhang Zhiwei.

"I'm not very optimistic!" Zhang Zhiwei said.

"Do you think this incident will ultimately end in failure?" Zhang Jingqing asked rhetorically.

"That was bound to fail."

"Why?" Zhang Jingqing asked with interest.

Although he also felt the chances of success were slim, he wanted to hear Zhang Zhiwei's opinion.

Over the years, through their increased exchanges, he discovered that Zhang Zhiwei had a more insightful perspective on many issues, especially on the general trend of the world.

Zhang Zhiwei thought for a moment and said, "Their problems are huge. First of all, they didn't have a comprehensive plan when they started the uprising, and there were serious internal disagreements."

"Some wanted to start an uprising immediately, while others felt the time was not right and wanted to delay it."

"As a result, the radicals started an uprising before they could reach an agreement, which greatly displeased the conservatives."

"Moreover, there is no one in charge who can make the final decision; there has been constant bickering from beginning to end."

"Some want to go it alone, while others want to team up with foreign players."

“Some people want land reform, while others are reluctant to give up their own interests and lack sufficient determination.”

"In addition to their short-sighted strategy and lack of foreign aid, their chances of success are extremely low."

Based on his knowledge, Zhang Zhiwei made a rough analysis.

After listening, Zhang Jingqing nodded repeatedly and exclaimed, "Impressive! You've been cultivating in seclusion on Tianmen Mountain all this time, yet you still know so much about the affairs of the world!"

"Basic exercises, don't be stupid!"

"Strange Tales of Pure Water!"

…………

After leaving the Shangqing Palace and descending the mountain, Zhang Zhiwei did not rush back to Tianmen Peak to cultivate, but instead returned to the Celestial Master's Mansion.

Everything at the Celestial Master's Mansion remained as usual. The chaos outside had not affected the place, and the fellow disciples continued to gather in the training ground to cultivate.

Upon seeing Zhang Zhiwei arrive, they all came over to greet him and pay their respects.

Zhang Zhiwei was naturally very kind to his fellow disciples, and after a conversation, the news of the Wudang sect leader's passing away had already spread.

The news initially circulated only within the Celestial Master's Mansion on Longhu Mountain.

The news quickly spread to Shangqing Town, and then through the strange people who frequented Shangqing Town, it spread to the martial arts world.

However, Wudang had no intention of hiding the passing of Master Sun. As soon as news of Zhang Zhiwei spread, while it was still in the stage of speculation, Wudang made it public.

They publicly announced that their sect leader had achieved immortality and was about to ascend to heaven, so they would hold an ascension ceremony and invite all fellow practitioners from all over the world to celebrate together. At the same time, they would also hold a routine succession ceremony for the next sect leader in front of all fellow practitioners.

The Wudang sect leader achieved immortality and ascended to heaven...

As this official news from Wudang spread, the entire world of supernatural beings was shaken.

Wasn't he hailed as a martial arts saint? Wasn't he known as the world's number one hand, an all-around master? How could he just vanish like that?!

Moreover, if someone has passed away, why hold an ascension ceremony? What, are you trying to turn a funeral into a celebration?

In this day and age, it has been a long time since anyone has ascended to immortality.

Many people have even begun to suspect that there is such a thing as becoming an immortal.

In particular, in recent years, the left sect leader of the Sanyi Sect, which is known as the number one Xuanmen, issued a notice to the martial arts world, saying that he had reached the third level of the Reverse Life, but had not become an immortal as rumored.

The cultivation methods of the Sanyi Sect are ineffective, the path to immortality is blocked, and they are unworthy of the name "Xuanmen" (mysterious sect).

From then on, the Sanyi Sect no longer considered itself a mystical sect, but rather an ordinary martial arts sect.

This news caused a huge stir and sparked a great deal of discussion in the community.

The discussion wasn't limited to the Sanyi Sect; it also included many other sects, especially those less prestigious than the Sanyi Sect, such as the Huode Sect, whose prestige was significantly reduced.

After all, even the Sanyi Sect cannot achieve immortality. So what makes you sects, which seem even inferior to the Sanyi Sect, claim that your methods can lead to immortality?
It is precisely for this reason that, despite Wudang's claim that its leader has attained enlightenment and ascended to immortality, the mainstream opinion in the martial arts world still does not believe it.

Even though Wudang Mountain is a major Taoist sect with a lineage of hidden immortals, and even though the Wudang sect leader is known as the Martial Saint and possesses astonishing strength...

However, many people still believe that the Wudang sect leader did not become an immortal but died, and that Wudang did not want to lose its past reputation, so it held a funeral-like celebration.

Inside Yinghe Tower.

The martial arts community was abuzz with discussion.

A young man dressed in a long robe, befitting a scholar, stated with absolute certainty:

"If you ask me, there are no gods or immortals in this world. The so-called Wudang sect masters ascending to immortality is also a lie."

"This is just a common tactic used by monks and Taoist priests. Who doesn't know that they refer to death as Nirvana, Nirvana, ascension to immortality, or ascension to heaven?"

Upon hearing this, someone chimed in, "Brother, you're right. I think so too."

"Originally, the monks and Taoists didn't affect anyone by calling themselves that. They were just having a little fun, and we couldn't interfere, so it didn't really matter to us."

"But now, Wudang not only says that the sect leader is praising ascension, but also wants to hold an ascension ceremony, which makes us all a little amused!"

Another person responded: "It's really hilarious. All that talk about Nirvana, Nirvana, and ascension—you can fool us, but don't fool yourself! Hahaha..."

The man burst into laughter after he finished speaking.

Many people in the restaurant burst into laughter.

At this point, someone analyzed: "I think that Wudang may not have intended to announce the death of their sect leader. It was the news that spread first from Longhu Mountain. Seeing that the turmoil was getting worse, Wudang had no choice but to do these things to save face."

"By the way, where did the news about Longhu Mountain come from?" someone asked.

"That goes without saying, it's naturally the Little Celestial Master!"

"The Little Celestial Master is loose-lipped, but he doesn't believe hearsay. His words are highly credible."

"What the Little Celestial Master said is true, but it has become distorted as it has been passed down. I remember that the Little Celestial Master also said that the Wudang sect leader had attained enlightenment and ascended to heaven. This is the same as the news that came out of Wudang. If you ask me, Wudang did not lie at all. Their sect leader really did attain enlightenment and become an immortal."

"Immortals? Where are there immortals in this world? Nobody has ever seen one, so I don't believe in them anyway."

…………

A group of people were talking about it.

At the edge of the crowd, Wugensheng, disguised, drank while listening to the conversation.

Sitting opposite him was Zhang Huaiyi.

To avoid causing trouble for himself, Zhang Huaiyi was very cautious when he met Wugensheng. He also disguised himself, wearing a smart outfit and a fashionable hairstyle. He even concealed his ears, looking nothing like his former self.

Overall, apart from his height still being a major disadvantage, he is not bad in other aspects. Although he cannot be considered handsome, he has reached the level of an average person.

"What do you think about the Wudang Sect Master's ascension to heaven?" Zhang Huaiyi asked Wugensheng.

"Big Ears, you're asking me?!" Wugensheng said irritably, "I've never even met the Wudang Sect Leader, how would I know anything about him? But you, you met the Sect Leader once with your senior brother, don't you have any idea what's going on?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Huaiyi recalled his previous trip to Wudang and shook his head, saying:
"It's hard to say. I only know that this person is unfathomable and one of the most terrifying beings I have ever encountered in my life."

"What do you mean?" Wugensheng became interested; there weren't many people who could make Big Ears Thief show such an expression.

Zhang Huaiyi said, "Who should stand up? My senior brother had a fight with this Martial Saint once. It is said that he wanted to take my senior brother as his disciple, but my senior brother refused, so they fought."

"I didn't see the specific footage of the fight, but it was a huge spectacle."

"Many Taoist priests from Wudang Mountain went there upon hearing the news, but all of them, regardless of age, were blasted away."

"I wanted to see his match with my senior brother, but as soon as I got close, I was also blasted away."

"It was a terrible feeling. I was thrown dozens of meters away, my internal energy was scattered, my whole body was weak, I couldn't use any of my skills, I could only be manipulated by others, and my life was in the hands of others."

"But strangely, when I fell, I made such a big crater in the ground, but I wasn't injured at all."

That incident truly shocked him.

When his master tested him, he restrained him, pressed him to the ground and threatened him, but he managed to break free and escape.

He always believed that he had a chance to fight back even against the most powerful superhumans.

But after witnessing the Wudang sect leader's methods, he realized he had been overthinking things.

His master had intended to let him go; compared to those top-tier extraordinary individuals, he was still far from being a match.

Upon hearing this, Wugensheng commented, "This is an extremely profound Tai Chi skill."

Zhang Huaiyi nodded: "Yes, he was able to knock dozens of people away at the same time, including many senior masters, without harming them in the slightest. The strength of the Wudang sect leader far exceeds my imagination."

"In my opinion, he is even more terrifying and stronger than the Left Master of the Sanyi Sect."

"Therefore, I personally believe Wudang's explanation: this person is not dead, but has truly attained enlightenment and ascended to heaven."

“Since you say so, then I believe you.” Wugensheng nodded thoughtfully.

In the past, many people in the martial arts world talked about how great Master Zuo was.

Even though he had never met the Left Gate Master, just by hearing about the Three Ones Sect's methods, he knew that the Left Gate Master was not capable of reaching the Heavenly Realm.

It's not that Master Zuo lacks extraordinary talent, but rather that he lacks the resources to achieve it.

But the Wudang sect leader is different; he possesses extraordinary talent and resources.

He might actually succeed.

At this moment, Wugensheng felt somewhat fortunate. Fortunately, no one in the Quanxing sect had a grudge against the leader of the Wudang sect. Otherwise... if he were to go to Wudang to help his disciples resolve their inner conflicts, he would probably face a life-or-death situation.

As for why no one in the Quanxing sect had a grudge against the leader of the Wudang sect...

It's because anyone who offended him was beaten to death; no one was left alive, so naturally there was no grudge. (End of Chapter)