bookpower Chapter 2
Chapter 2
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.”
“Excellent!”
“Very good!”
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.”
“Agreed!”@@@@
“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.
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.”
“Only five hundred?”
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.