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

After the ascension ceremony concluded, the next step was the succession ceremony for the new sect leader, which was once again presided over by Zhang Jingqing.

The succession ceremony was held at the Zixiao Palace on Zhanqi Peak, which is located on the northeast side of Tianzhu Peak.

The group moved to Zixiao Palace, where they saw incense smoke curling into the air, Taoist music playing softly, and copper bells on the eaves trembling slightly, seemingly in harmony with the bells and chimes inside the hall.

The furnishings inside the hall are arranged in a strict manner according to Taoist rituals.

In front of the statues of the Three Pure Ones, there is a nine-tiered incense table, on which are placed the Three Pure Ones Bell, a jade ruyi, the Big Dipper Seven Star Sword, a purple-gold token, etc.

On either side are twenty-eight constellation lamps, their candlelight flickering, making the plaque in front of the table, which reads "The Way Connects Heaven and Earth," appear even more solemn.

Everyone had arrived, and the auspicious time had come; three drumbeats sounded outside the hall.

Zhang Jingqing, the Celestial Master dressed in a black robe, slowly entered with the red-faced old Taoist priest who was the new leader of Wudang.

Both of them wore cloud-patterned shoes and held jade tablets in their hands. They walked to the hall and stood still in front of the prayer mats.

Immediately afterwards, Zhang Zhiwei took the water basin handed to him by the abbot of Wudang Temple, dipped a willow branch in the water, and sprinkled it around to purify the altar. Then he recited the "Purification Mantra of Heaven and Earth":
"Heaven and earth, in their natural order, dispersed the foul air... Golden light swiftly appeared, covering and protecting the true person..."

As the words fell, all the Wudang disciples chanted "Amitabha Buddha" in unison, their voices resounding throughout the heavens and earth.

Then the new sect leader performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows.

First bow to the Three Pure Ones, second bow to the True Martial Emperor, third bow to the ancestral tablets of Zhang Sanfeng and other past masters.

Each time he bowed, he would prostrate himself, his forehead touching the ground, showing utmost respect.

After bowing, Zhang Jingqing took the "Wudang Sect's Guardian Jade Seal" from the table, turned to face the new sect leader, and said loudly:
"The transmission of this Daoist lineage is not a private bestowal, but rather an inheritance of Heaven's mandate and a continuation of our ancestors' will. You have followed me in cultivation for thirty years, comprehending the Dao of 'emptiness and stillness' and embodying the principle of 'gentleness and weakness.' Now I entrust you with this jade seal. You must uphold the precept of 'honoring the Dao and valuing virtue,' protect the mountain gate, benefit the world and its people, and not fail the protection of the Three Pure Ones."

Upon hearing this, the red-faced Taoist removed his hat and headgear. Removing the headgear is an important ritual in Taoism when receiving ordination and taking office, signifying the abandonment of personal interests and reverence for the mandate of heaven.

Then, he received the token with both hands above his head and recited the oath:
"Today, I, your disciple, am blessed by the Ancestral Master and entrusted by the Celestial Master to assume the position of Wudang Sect Leader. I shall take the Tao Te Ching as my guide, practice Tai Chi, respect Heaven and honor my ancestors, love all living beings, refrain from arrogance and recklessness, and ensure that the Wudang Daoist teachings shine like the North Star and flow like an ever-flowing river. If I break this oath, I am willing to accept divine punishment."

After making the oath, the red-faced old Taoist kowtowed three times, then stood up and took the jade seal from Zhang Jingqing's hand.

When your fingertips touch the four characters "Dao Jing Shi Bao" (道经师宝), they feel cool and smooth, yet possess a tremendous force.

Then, Zhang Jingqing picked up the prepared water, dipped her peach wood sword in it, and touched the new sect leader's forehead, chanting:

"Today I bestow upon you this talisman, to carry with you, to protect your body, and to calm your spirit."

This is the "enlightenment" ceremony, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and receiving the spiritual power of the ancestral master.

Afterwards, Zhang Jingqing and the red-faced old Taoist priest held incense sticks together and offered incense to the statues of the Three Pure Ones, the statue of Zhenwu, and the ancestral tablet in turn.

Three sticks of incense must be inserted into the incense burner in a triangular shape. Each time a stick is inserted, a prayer is silently recited, wishing for national peace and prosperity and the flourishing of Taoism.

After this step was completed, outside the hall, thirty-six young Taoist disciples stood holding banners and chanted the "Qingjing Jing" (Scripture of Purity and Tranquility) in time with the sound of bells and chimes.
"The Great Dao is formless, yet it gives birth to heaven and earth; the Great Dao is without emotion, yet it governs the sun and moon."

As the chanting of scriptures continued, Zhang Jingqing slowly retreated to the guest seat on the east side. With this step, the succession ceremony was considered complete.

The red-faced old Taoist priest ascended to the main position, and the disciples of Wudang lined up to perform the "eight bows" ceremony.

First bow to Heaven and Earth, second bow to the Sun and Moon, third bow to the Three Pure Ones, fourth bow to the previous sect leader, fifth bow to the new sect leader, sixth bow to the patriarch, seventh bow to the mountain gate, and eighth bow to all living beings.

Each bow requires clasping hands, bending over, and touching the ground with the toes.

Because they had rehearsed beforehand, the Wudang disciples moved in perfect unison, their robes fluttering like white cranes spreading their wings.

After the worship was completed, the red-faced old Taoist priest stood holding his scepter and addressed his disciples:

"The Tao Te Ching says: 'The sage acts without acting and teaches without speaking.' The Wudang Way is not about striving for power, but about maintaining the middle way. From now on, all Wudang disciples should know that 'the highest good is like water,' using gentleness to overcome strength and using the Tao to transform people."

Just as he finished speaking, the sunlight outside the hall shone through the window lattice and fell on the jade seal, reflecting a golden light.

Upon seeing this, the disciples all cried out "Amitabha Buddha!" ​​Their voices echoed across the stone steps of Zixiao Palace, blending with the bells and drums of Wudang Mountain, and lingered for a long time.

Thus, the two grand ceremonies at Wudang came to an end. The entire ceremony was conducted without any noise, with only orderly rituals, revealing the true essence of Taoism: tranquility, non-action, and harmony between man and nature.

"The Dao resides within oneself, not in a high position. One who can uphold the true and constant is the sect leader." Zhang Jingqing put down the magical artifact in her hand, clasped her hands towards the red-faced old Daoist, and said, "Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Li!"

"I am deeply grateful for the Celestial Master's personal involvement in this matter!" the red-faced old Taoist replied, clasping his hands.

"It's just presiding over two ceremonies, Fellow Daoist Li, there's no need to be so polite!" Zhang Jingqing said with a smile.

Afterwards, the red-faced old Taoist thanked all the fellow martial arts practitioners who came to witness the ceremony.

As a renowned sect in the martial arts world, the change of leadership is not just a matter for one sect.

It's just like in the story where the Old Celestial Master holds the Luo Tian Grand Ritual to select the next Celestial Master successor and invites all the fellow practitioners in the world to watch.

Afterwards, the red-faced old Taoist continued to receive everyone.

After the ceremony, the usual banquet followed. Since many fellow practitioners had come from afar, it was not appropriate to just watch two ceremonies and then head home. According to the rules of the martial arts world, a continuous banquet was usually held for several days to entertain guests from all directions.

After all, these days, transportation is not well-developed, and some guests who originally wanted to attend the ceremony may not be able to make it in time due to various delays on the road.

Even if these guests don't see the ceremony, they still have to have a meal.

Even in these difficult times, Wudang, as a major sect of Taoism, still holds a very lavish banquet.

The banquet features "Junzhou Eight Bowls," including local delicacies such as steamed pork hock, steamed meatballs, steamed braised pork belly, and steamed pork ribs.

When dining at a banquet, the seating arrangement also follows a hierarchical order.

The older generation sat at one table, the younger generation at another, and the teenagers sat in a separate corner.

It's worth mentioning that Zhang Zhiwei was supposed to sit with the younger generation, such as Zhang Huaiyi, Lu Jin, and Lü Ci, but he was arranged to sit at the table for the older generation.

He was still sitting with top elders like the Celestial Master, the Left Sect Master, the Shaolin Abbot, and the new Wudang Sect Master.

But no one objected, taking the arrangement for granted.

Facing a group of senior figures, Zhang Zhiwei was not intimidated. He sat down with an air of nonchalance, enjoying his meal and readily accepting their suggestions.

After several rounds of drinks, the Wang family head, dressed in a white robe, smiled and proposed:
"It's truly remarkable that so many distinguished individuals have gathered here. Why not have the younger generation put on a show to liven things up? Let's see what these outstanding young talents are capable of!"

"The Wang family head really enjoys watching people practice."

Zhang Zhiwei recalled that the Wang family was the first to propose the Lu family compound last time.

As soon as Zhang Zhiwei spoke, the head of the Wang family couldn't help but recall the competition at the Lu family compound.

This happened many years ago.

In fact, similar competitions happen several times a year, but the scene of Zhang Zhiwei slapping Lu Jin until he cried was so memorable that he still remembers it vividly even after many years.

Recalling Lu Jin's disheveled appearance back then, the Wang family head laughed:
"The Yangtze River's back waves push the front waves forward, so don't you want to see what the next generation can do? Back in the Lu family compound days, if I hadn't made the suggestion, how would I have witnessed the Little Celestial Master's extraordinary abilities?"

Speaking of this, even the usually aloof Master Zuo showed a rare smile on his face, saying:
"This matter depends on Master Li's opinion."

Master Li was the newly appointed head of Wudang, a red-faced old Taoist priest. "As for me..." the red-faced old Taoist priest pondered for a moment, then agreed, "It is only right."

This is a common practice in the underworld, and he has no reason to refuse.

Moreover, Wudang is not without talented disciples.

Although Zhou Sheng, Zhou Meng, Hong Yin, and others cannot be compared with the Little Celestial Master, they are still among the top talents in the martial arts world.

However, they rarely travel around the martial arts world, so their reputation is not well-known. Fortunately, all the martial arts practitioners are here, so let them show off their skills and make a name for themselves.

Although Wudang is a Taoist sect that emphasizes tranquility and non-action, this does not mean that it should retreat from the world.

When is it quietest?
The quietest moments follow the bustling crowds.

The same applies to spiritual practice. If one doesn't make a name for oneself in the world, how can one truly find peace and seclusion?
In this respect, Grandmaster Zhang Sanfeng was like this, Junior Brother Sun was like this, and the young Celestial Master Zhang Zhiwei before us is also like this.

With this thought in mind, the red-faced old Taoist said, "Since you fellow practitioners are so interested, then I, from Wudang, will offer my humble disciple as a starting point!"

As the host country, we need to be responsible, but we can't just throw out our trump cards right away.

He did not send out his sect's best disciples, but only sent out a disciple who was among the top in terms of self-defense techniques.

A young Taoist priest stepped forward and walked to an open space in the center of the arena, which was more than ten feet in diameter.

The Taoist priest was in his twenties, with his signature bull-nose hair bun. Before going on stage, he changed out of the ritual robes and wore a gray Taoist robe, cloud-patterned shoes, and a long sword in his hand.

"I wonder if any fellow Daoist would be willing to lend a hand and offer some guidance?" the young Daoist asked, clasping his hands in reverence.

The younger generation below looked at each other, none of them willing to be the first to step forward. It wasn't that they were afraid of this unknown Taoist priest, but rather they worried that stepping in too early would deplete their energy and cause them to suffer losses when facing stronger opponents later.

"You're such a hypocrite, why don't you hurry up and get going?" Lu Ci's eyes were mischievous as he urged Lu Jin on.

"Why don't you go?" Lu Jin retorted.

"I don't need to pick on the weak, why should I go for it?" Lu Ci said. "Don't worry, although they are both Taoists, this Taoist won't make you cry!"

"you……"

That's the kind of thing you shouldn't bring up; Lu Jin was so angry her eyes were practically popping out of their sockets.

"Kukuku..." The people around him let out loud, booming laughter.

Clearly, they all remembered the incident at the Lu family compound where Lu Jin was beaten and cried.

"Come on, let's have a proper match in front of everyone after they've finished their competition!" Lu Jin said angrily.

"Why wait so long?" Lu Ci laughed. "Go up and capture that little Taoist priest, then I'll immediately go up and fight you!"

"Do you think I'm stupid?!" Lu Jin said irritably.

If he defeats the young Taoist priest now and then fights Lü Ci, he will not only embarrass Wudang, but also exhaust himself by taking down the young Taoist priest. Isn't this giving Lü Ci an opportunity?

"Why don't you go up and take him down?" Lu Jin retorted.

"I'm afraid that if I go up there, that Taoist priest will beat me to tears!" Lü Ci laughed.

“You…” Lu Jin was furious, his face turning red from anger.

If it weren't for the need to maintain decorum in public, he would have flipped the table over.

While the two were talking, Li Muxuan just kept his head down and ate, not saying a word.

He and Lü Ci were at the same table. When they sat down, their eyes met and there was a brief exchange of energy. Although it was only a fleeting moment, he keenly sensed the hidden yet thunderous energy within the other man's body.

Come to think of it, he had sparred with Lu Jin during this period.

His Reverse Life Triple has reached the initial second level, and with the addition of the Eight Directions Reversal skill, he can remain undefeated against Lu Jin without using his true power.

He even felt that if he went all out, using one hand to reverse life and the other to turn the world upside down, he might still have a chance of winning.

This was his assessment when facing Lu Jin.

But when facing Lü Ci, he felt he had no chance of winning.

Even though he knew that Lü Ci and Lu Jin were equally matched, with neither being superior to the other.

Logically speaking, he should be able to deal with both Lu Jin and Lü Ci.

But for some reason, he felt he had no chance of winning against Lü Ci, and was inferior to him.

What he didn't know was that his behavior was being observed by the Left Gate Master.

Although the Left Sect Master outwardly ignored this former disciple, he secretly kept a close eye on him.

Seeing Li Muxuan's performance, he sighed inwardly, "Everything has its counter."

Although his disciple had spent a long time in the martial arts world, he had mostly done petty theft and lacked real experience.

Yes, although he didn't say it explicitly, he had already regarded Li Muxuan as his disciple.

…………

Seeing Lu Jin and Lü Ci at the table locked in a fierce argument that was escalating, Feng Ping got up and acted as a peacemaker.

"Alright, alright, stop arguing, I'll go, I'll go for the first round!"

"It's that brat again!"

Fengping's master, Master Chu, frowned. Every time, he was the one to take the lead. Going on stage first was like doing the work for someone else. Didn't he understand such a simple truth?

“Brother Fengping is still the same as always!” Zhang Zhiwei laughed.

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Little Celestial Master," Master Chu said.

"A pure heart, that's quite good!" Zhang Zhiwei commented.

"So, Little Celestial Master favors Feng Ping more?" the Wang family head asked.

Zhang Zhiwei nodded.

“Great minds think alike, I think so too.” The Wang family head looked at the red-faced old Taoist and said with a smile, “Sect Leader Li, Master Chu’s disciple is known in the martial arts world as Red Boy. This hurdle may be a bit difficult for him!”

Red Boy... Hearing Feng Ping's nickname, Zhang Zhiwei couldn't help but chuckle. This kid was dressed like Nezha, yet he was given the nickname Red Boy.

However, calling him Red Boy is quite fitting, since Nezha doesn't seem to have any fire control methods besides his Wind Fire Wheels.

The red-faced old Taoist priest pondered for a moment, also feeling that this disciple's chances of winning against Feng Ping were not high. He called over a disciple and asked him to call Zhou Meng, Zhou Sheng, and the others to prepare.

Zhou Sheng, that lazy bum, we never say anything when he slacks off, but we can't let him sleep on his donkey again now. (End of Chapter)