Chapter 2 – Land Immortal with the Lifespan of Five Hundred Years
Upon hearing Huang Yaoshi’s words, Wang Chongyang couldn’t help but tease him, saying, “Brother Yaoshi, you are quite the strategist. I’m just planning to have a half-master’s title, but you seem eager to become this little one’s father-in-law!”
Huang Yaoshi chuckled without replying.
Zhang Sanfeng stroked his silver beard, nodding continuously. “With your exceptionally divine skills, as well as the Eastern Heretic being the prospective father-in-law, this child is truly blessed.”
He looked down at Ning Changge in his arms.
Ning Changge, on the other hand, was brimming with joy. Having Zhang Sanfeng as his master and Wang Chongyang as a mentor, coupled with the arranged marriage with Huang Rong, he was starting his life at its peak.
Zhang Sanfeng suggested, “Since the three of us discovered this child together, let’s give him a name together.”
As they were about to discuss it, a piece of white jade fell from Zhang Sanfeng’s embrace. The jade was pure and immaculate, like sheep fat and snow, of the highest quality. Three words were inscribed on it: Ning Changge.
The three men exchanged glances, all amazed.
“Born with a piece of jade, is it destiny or human design? Let’s call him Ning Changge from now on.”
“Very good!” ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ novel·fire·net
The three men laughed heartily, feeling even closer because of Ning Changge’s arrival.
“In that case, this old Daoist will return to Wudang first. When Changge grows up, he will surely visit both of you at Mount Zhongnan and Peach Blossom Island.”
“The journey to the Great Ming is long; take care, Master Zhang!”
With a big smile, Zhang Sanfeng flicked his whisk and disappeared like a shooting star. His martial prowess was truly astonishing, leaving Wang Chongyang and Huang Yaoshi in awe.
The two masters looked at each other, and Wang Chongyang said after some contemplation, “Brother Yaoshi, when Changge visits Mount Zhongnan in the future, I will have him bring the Nine Yin Manual for you to peruse.”
Their bond grew stronger thanks to Ning Changge.
Huang Yaoshi’s face showed emotion, and he thanked Wang Chongyang sincerely, “Thank you, Brother Chongyang!”
Meanwhile, Zhang Sanfeng lowered his head to look at Ning Changge, who was clapping and giggling in his arms, and said with a smile, “Changge, Master will take you back to Wudang.”
Ning Changge nodded happily. Although he was still in the early stages of development and couldn’t speak yet, he felt immense gratitude toward Zhang Sanfeng and the others. Without their help, he might have perished in the desolate wilderness.
Babies often get sleepy, and at some point, Ning Changge’s eyelids drooped, and he fell into a deep slumber.
Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t help but smile, and a stream of true energy enveloped Ning Changge, making him fall asleep even more peacefully.
Wudang, with its towering peaks and the Heavenly Pillar Peak piercing the clouds, looked like a land of immortals with clouds and mist shrouding it.
Back in his familiar Wudang, Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t help but smile. After traveling for months, there was no place as comfortable as his own home.
He looked down at Ning Changge, who was examining his surroundings with wide, curious eyes. Despite being only a few months old, Ning Changge seemed more mature than a typical infant.
Ning Changge was also astonished. Over the past few months, as he travelled back to the Ming Dynasty with Zhang Sanfeng, he had learned quite a bit about this world. Moreover, judging from Zhang Sanfeng’s displayed martial arts skills, this world’s martial prowess seemed far superior to what he had known in his previous life’s martial world.
They ascended the Heavenly Pillar Peak, where palaces stacked upon each other, casting shadows like an immortal’s abode. Zhang Sanfeng was content to be back in Wudang, his home.
At the peak, they were greeted by seven young disciples, each with a unique appearance and extraordinary temperament. They immediately knelt before Zhang Sanfeng.
“We respectfully welcome Master’s return. We were unable to welcome you in time, and we ask for your punishment, Master.”
Each of their voices carried a strong presence.
Ning Changge tried to peek out from Zhang Sanfeng’s embrace, recognizing these seven disciples as the famous Seven Heroes of Wudang from his previous life. However, since he was now the eighth disciple, they had to be the Eight Heroes of Wudang.
With a mischievous glint in his eyes, the youngest among them, Mo Shenggu, tried to tease Ning Changge. However, Ning Changge just gave him a disdainful look and ignored him.
Zhang Sanfeng smiled and released a burst of true energy, lifting them up effortlessly. “We don’t need such formalities among us. Song Yuanqiao, how has everything been in my absence? Have you been monitoring your junior brothers’ progress diligently?”
Song Yuanqiao, the eldest disciple, replied promptly, “Welcome back, Master. We have been waiting for your inspection.”
Zhang Sanfeng nodded in satisfaction. Although Song Yuanqiao wasn’t exceptionally talented, his steadiness and reliability had won Zhang Sanfeng’s favor.
Seeing that everyone’s attention was on the baby in Zhang Sanfeng’s arms, he smiled and introduced Ning Changge, “This is a child I found and took in. His name is Ning Changge. He will be your junior brother from now on.”
Mo Shenggu’s face lit up with excitement. His voice even trembled as he spoke, “Really?! I’m finally not the youngest anymore!”
Mo Shenggu appeared mature, but he still had the heart of a child. He eagerly approached Ning Changge, intending to pinch his cheek. However, Ning Changge gave him a dismissive look and swatted his hand away, which made everyone burst into laughter.
Mo Shenggu couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed. This little one was quite spirited!
Zhang Sanfeng continued, “Your junior brother is naturally gifted and intelligent. Don’t treat him as an ordinary infant.”
Everyone was even more astonished upon hearing this.
Ning Changge yawned, his eyelids drooping slowly. He was growing sleepy, which was common for babies whose development was not yet complete.
Zhang Sanfeng and the Seven Heroes of Wudang looked at Ning Changge with indulgent smiles.
Three years passed in the blink of an eye. During these three years, Ning Changge displayed an extraordinary talent unlike ordinary people.
At three months, he could speak.
At five months, he could walk.
At seven months, he began recognizing characters.
At nine months, he could already read scriptures and texts.
Often, Ning Changge could be found in the Wudang’s scripture chamber and martial arts practice grounds, thanks to his exceptional learning speed and creativity. He learned and adapted rapidly, creating his unique techniques and martial arts.
Everyone knew that Ning Changge was a prodigy.
People were looking forward to the day when he would truly begin martial arts training.
Finally, that day arrived. After Ning Changge turned three, thanks to his self-created foundation-strengthening and body-forging technique, his physical development accelerated. Although he was only three years old, he was as capable as a seven or eight-year-old child.
He could finally start learning martial arts.
Inside the True Martial Hall, Zhang Sanfeng looked at his young disciple with satisfaction. “Changge, starting tomorrow, you will begin martial arts training with me.”
Instead of responding, Ning Changge asked, “Master, what is the highest level in martial arts?”
Zhang Sanfeng was surprised. “They are called Land Immortals.'”
“How long can a Land Immortal live?”
“Up to five hundred years.”
Ning Changge was disappointed. His previous life had been marred by a terminal illness, which had given him an indescribable obsession with longevity.
Zhang Sanfeng pondered for a moment and replied, “In this world, there are methods such as consuming the essence of spiritual beasts or secret techniques for extending life, which can prolong it to a thousand years.”
“But not eternal life?”
Zhang Sanfeng chuckled and said, “Even a Land Immortal, the pinnacle of this world, is bound by a finite lifespan. What’s the significance of living for a few thousand or even a hundred years? Foolish child, humans are mortals; they will eventually die. There’s no need to be so fixated.”
Ning Changge shook his head slowly. He was determined to achieve immortality, to watch the ever-changing tides of the world for as long as he wished.