Incredible Insight: Cultivating Immortality at Eight, Astonishing Zhang Sanfeng

Chapter 38 – The Dragon Slaying Conference

“The Dragon Slaying Sword?”

Ning Changge was slightly surprised. He was naturally familiar with this weapon, not because he considered the sword to be powerful but because in his previous life’s understanding, the Heaven-Defying Sword and Dragon Slaying Sword had been intertwined with the rise and fall of the entire Wudang Sect.

Of course, in this multifaceted Nine Provinces world that resulted from the fusion of various worlds, the origins of the Dragon Slaying Sword and Heaven-Defying Sword were different from what they used to be. According to the legends, these two weapons were keys to open a certain treasure, and if one could obtain both divine weapons, they had a chance to acquire unparalleled treasures in that chest, filled with divine techniques, miraculous medicines, and more, all of which could turn one into a supreme master.

However, the origins of the Dragon Slaying Sword and Heaven-Defying Sword in this new world were still a mystery. People in the Jianghu, always chasing after fame and fortune, couldn’t resist being attracted to these rumors.

In the past, the Dragon Slaying Sword was in the possession of Golden Haired Lion King Xie Xun, a member of the Ming Cult, while the Heaven-Defying Sword was carried by Miejue Shitai of the Emei Sect. The Ming Cult was mighty with the leader, the Left and Right Emissaries, and the Four Great Guardians being formidable figures. Similarly, the Emei Sect was no longer under the sole control of Miejue Shitai; both male and female disciples were skilled in martial arts. Figures like Master Shen Xi, Master Jin Guang, and the reclusive Dugu Yihhe were among the formidable experts. There were also the “Three Heroes” and the “Four Talents,” rising stars among their ranks.

Two major powers held these divine weapons, and it was enough to keep the covetous desires of people in the Jianghu at bay. However, in the recent years, the Ming Cult leader, Yang Dingtian, had mysteriously disappeared. The Ming Cult’s internal turmoil had created a situation where no one could control anyone, leading to a fragmented state within the sect.

Golden Haired Lion King Xie Xun, who was both feared and respected, left Jianghu, and some ambitious individuals found it challenging to restrain their desires. Even for those who were strong, a lack of support could expose them to potential attacks.

Some years ago, Xie Xun went on a rampage with the Dragon Slaying Sword.

The Seven Heroes of Wudang were also involved in the turmoil at that time. Fortunately, their cultivation was much stronger than before, so there were no accidents. When everyone in the world thought that the dragon-slaying sword was going to be lost like this, the Golden Retriever Lion King unexpectedly appeared again the month before.

At this moment, on the True Martial Temple’s premises, Wudang’s Seven Heroes and others were gathered. They were listening to Song Yuanqiao’s account of recent events.

Song Yuanqiao looked around at everyone and slowly continued his narration: “A few months ago, Golden Haired Lion King Xie Xun suddenly reappeared. He seemed to be blind and was on the verge of madness. At times he was lucid, at times he was delirious. He wreaked havoc in the Great Ming’s martial world, particularly in the vicinity of Shaolin, where he killed numerous people, including many monks from the Shaolin Temple.

“When the Dragon Slaying Sword resurfaced, Xie Xun began a chaotic killing spree, provoking many who tried to seize the sword from him.

“For a time, bloodshed spread across the Jianghu, and there were fights everywhere.

“Today, Shaolin has just sent us an invitation, inviting various martial sects of the Great Ming to participate in the Dragon Slaying Contest. The purpose is to retrieve the Dragon Slaying Sword and then come up with a thorough plan to prevent further chaos in the martial world.”

Song Yuanqiao’s expression was grave, and the other six Wudang heroes had similar expressions.

“Master, junior brother, I’d like to hear your thoughts. Should we accept the invitation for this Dragon Slaying Contest?”

He hesitated for a moment. The recent turmoil in the Jianghu was a major concern. If they accepted this invitation to the Dragon Slaying Contest, Wudang would become entangled in this conflict and could not remain neutral. On the other hand, if they refused, Wudang’s reputation would undoubtedly suffer, and over time, people would look down on them. In the Jianghu, it was impossible to have it both ways.

Zhang Sanfeng appeared regretful and said, “I have met Xie Xun before, though he was a member of the Ming Cult, he had a sense of righteousness and integrity. It’s unfortunate that he’s fallen into this state. The disputes in the Jianghu lead to senseless killings. The Dragon Slaying Sword is causing chaos wherever it goes, and resolving this matter would be a good thing.”

He looked at Wudang’s Seven Heroes and continued, “Yuanqiao, Lianzhou, you have reached a profound level in your cultivation. Sooner or later, you will have to stand on your own. This matter, you should decide for yourselves. Regardless of your decision, I will stand behind you.”

Song Yuanqiao and the others were moved by this gesture and quickly paid their respects.

Zhang Sanfeng had always been like this, fiercely supportive of his disciples. If someone thought he was old and no longer effective, he didn’t mind demonstrating his abilities to the people of Jianghu. Many years had passed since he last fought, and perhaps some had forgotten his fame.

Ning Changge chimed in, “We can avoid it for now, but we can’t avoid it forever. Master founded Wudang, and we can’t let the reputation of Wudang fall. Since Shaolin has sent us an invitation, we should go.”

Song Yuanqiao and the others were taken aback for a moment, then expressions of guilt appeared on their faces. “What my junior brother said makes sense, but we are the ones who are cowardly.” Since the Five Sword Peaks became the vassal of Wudang, they have had more things to consider and had become a little unsteady.

Ning Changge smiled and said, “Although junior brother can’t leave the mountain for now, I can still contribute in my own way.”

With a turn of his hand, a stack of talismans appeared, some of which contained jade and stone symbols. As Ning Changge’s cultivation deepened, the talismans he crafted had become more powerful.

Song Yuanqiao and the others’ eyes lit up, and even Zhang Sanfeng couldn’t resist looking over.

“This is the Pure Yang True Fire talisman!”

“This is the Qianhe Vermilion Bird Sword talisman!”

“This is the Wood Element Azure Dragon Sword talisman!”

“This is the Five Elements Escape talisman!”

“This is the Wind Riding Cloud Control talisman!”

Ning Changge’s voice rang out slowly, and the others’ eyes became even brighter. When he mentioned the Wind Riding Cloud Control talisman, they instinctively lowered their gaze and focused on their breathing. Zhang Sanfeng, on the other hand, cleared his throat twice and seemed to be lost in thought.

Ning Changge smiled faintly.

A while back, Zhang Sanfeng had playfully borrowed a few disciples’ talismans, claiming it was for safekeeping, but he never returned them. Instead, he asked Ning Changge to craft another batch for Song Yuanqiao and the others. Ning Changge knew that Zhang Sanfeng had become quite fond of the Wind Riding Cloud Control talismans, and he didn’t want to return them, fearing it would give him away. So, he decided to craft another batch to gift to his master, a minor request he was more than willing to fulfil.

With these thoughts in mind, he turned to Song Yuanqiao and the others and said, “When you go down the mountain to participate in the Dragon Slaying Contest, my fellow senior brothers, please stick together. With these talismans in your possession, even if you encounter a Transcendent Realm expert, you can easily escape. Be flexible in your approach when the time comes.”

This was one of the reasons why Ning Changge didn’t want to go down the mountain. The Dragon Slaying Contest might be lively, but it was highly unlikely that there would be any Land Immortals present, and even high-level Transcendent Realm experts were uncertain. With these talismans to help, Song Yuanqiao and the others had no need to fear for their lives, so he had no motivation to leave the mountain.

He thought that he could use this time to continue practicing on the Tianzhu Peak, working towards the Foundation Establishment stage and developing his Foundation Method.

As for the so-called Dragon Slaying Sword and treasure legends, he didn’t pay them much attention.

Song Yuanqiao and the others received the talismans with great joy.

“Thank you so much, Junior Brother, for your help! Junior Brother, can just live here and cultivate on the mountain. Why should you take action against such trivial matters on your?”

“Your senior brothers aren’t just for show!”

Everyone divided the talismans and guarded them like wolves, for fear that someone would snatch them, and Song Yuanqiao took on the responsibility of safeguarding several crucial talismans.

Zhang Sanfeng watched this with a wry smile, feeling like they were conspiring against him. The group chuckled and then respectfully withdrew.

The next day, the seven heroes of Wudang got ready to go, accompanied by some third-generation disciples who were just beginning their cultivation. They prepared to descend the mountain.