Ning Changge felt a spark of interest.
Back at Mount Zhongnan, Wang Chongyang had entrusted him with the Nine Yin Manual. From its preface, Ning Changge had discerned that Huang Shang possessed an extraordinary understanding of the Dao. At the time, he had thought that a discussion with Huang Shang would surely be enlightening.
However, Huang Shang was a civil official of the Song Dynasty who had only embarked on the martial path while compiling the Wanshou Daoist Canon. He wasn't a member of Daoism.
Thus, he hadn't participated in the Dao-Buddhist battle. Even without Ning Changge's intervention, Daoism might not have been at a disadvantage against Buddhism.
Ning Changge could tell.
Huang Shang was immensely powerful.
Especially with his spiritual constitution, his strength likely rivaled that of the Sword Demon, Dugu Qiubai.
Unexpectedly, Huang Shang had chosen this moment to visit Wudang.
Huang Shang's voice echoed across Wudang.
The gathered Daoist Land Immortals exchanged glances, puzzled by his sudden arrival. Some were familiar with Huang Shang's reputation—especially Xiaoyaozi, who had crossed paths with him several times.
Only Ning Changge understood.
Huang Shang was likely here for the Immortal Dao.
At that moment…
Huang Shang's eyes reflected awe.
He could sense the extraordinary concentration of heaven and earth energy at Wudang, particularly in places like the Heaven-Man Tomb and the Spirit Herb Garden. He couldn't help but marvel—rumors were one thing, but experiencing it firsthand revealed its true depth.
His visit was driven by a quest for enlightenment.
With his spiritual constitution…
The news of the Dao-Buddhist battle had made it clear to him that Ning Changge had already embarked on the path he and others had long yearned for.
Even knowing he might be refused, Huang Shang couldn't resist coming.
After centuries of solitude in the Song Dynasty's imperial palace, reading scriptures and seeking the Dao, he had clung to a single obsession. Now that the path lay before him, he was willing to give up everything for a chance.
"Huang Shang humbly requests an audience with the Little Immortal!"
He called out again, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation.
A calm voice replied:
"Come up."
Huang Shang's eyes lit up with joy and excitement. Taking a deep breath, he felt a rare sense of nervousness.
He refrained from using his true energy, ascending the stone steps one step at a time as a sign of respect.
When Huang Shang reached Tianzhu Peak, he froze momentarily.
On the Martial Arts Square, rows upon rows of Wudang disciples sat cross-legged in attentive meditation.
Looking further ahead…
He saw Daoist Land Immortals seated at the forefront.
And at the highest platform, amidst a verdant Daoist circle, sat a young Daoist with an ethereal presence—like an immortal descended to earth. His calm gaze sent a shiver through Huang Shang's heart.
He immediately realized…
His timing was both fortuitous and awkward.
He had stumbled upon a lecture in progress—an unintentional interruption.
"This… I came seeking enlightenment. I apologize for my intrusion."
Though Huang Shang sought the Dao, his arrival now seemed opportunistic—like someone showing up just as dinner was being served.
Ning Changge merely smiled faintly:
"It's no matter. Sit."
Ning Changge was genuinely curious about Huang Shang's insights. A subtle calculation revealed that today might hold a fateful opportunity—perhaps even the key to perfecting his Golden Core method.
The Land Immortals quickly made room for him.
Grateful, Huang Shang joined them in sitting down.
"This lecture begins with me," Ning Changge announced. "I will share some foundational mysteries of the Immortal Dao. Afterward, the esteemed Daoist seniors will speak. For you all, this is a rare opportunity—cherish it well."
These words were directed at Wudang's third-generation disciples.
The exchange of insights among over ten Land Immortals was bound to spark countless revelations—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the disciples.
"We will remember your teachings, Little Martial Uncle!"
Adoring gazes turned toward Ning Changge as the disciples responded in unison.
Even Huang Shang and the Land Immortals instinctively held their breath.
The Mysteries of the Immortal Dao!
In today's Nine Provinces, nothing intrigued people more than the secrets of the Immortal Dao.
Now that Ning Changge was willing to share some of its mysteries, everyone was eager to listen.
As silence fell…
Ning Changge exuded an aura of natural harmony with the Dao. Since mastering Words Become Reality, even his casual words carried an inherent resonance with universal truths. As he began to speak, everyone found themselves captivated.
"My path is the Immortal Dao."
"What is the Immortal Dao? It is the harnessing of heaven and earth's energy—spiritual energy—to cultivate spiritual power and mana, unlocking boundless mysteries and divine abilities…"
"The realms of the Immortal Dao include Refining Qi, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, and more."
"Reaching Refining Qi grants a lifespan of two hundred years. Foundation Establishment extends it to a thousand years. Achieving Golden Core allows one to live for four thousand years!"
This was the standard lifespan for each realm in the Immortal Dao.
Thanks to his unique Eternal Evergreen Art, Ning Changge's lifespan was three times longer than usual.
Even so…
Everyone was stunned by his words!
Four thousand years! A lifespan they could scarcely imagine!
The Nine Provinces' history spanned countless years, yet few geniuses survived beyond a millennium. Four thousand years—only a handful in history could claim such longevity.
And now…
Simply following the Immortal Dao to Golden Core would grant such a lifespan!
The allure was overwhelming.