In Order to Live as an Immortal, I changed a martial artist world to a xianxia world

Chapter 26: Zhang Sanfeng’s Concerns!

“Indeed!”

“Martial arts depend on talent, and naturally, the immortal path would demand even greater aptitude!”

“That’s right. Perhaps only someone like Young Master Bai is truly suited for immortal cultivation!”

The martial artists within the inn nodded in agreement, albeit with traces of resignation. While their hearts harboured envy, they were painfully aware of their limitations. It was easier to lavish praise on Bai Chen than to lament their lack of prospects.

However, Bai Chen’s expression remained unchanged amidst the shower of compliments. After all, the entire concept of the Immortal Path existed only because of him.

What is there to feel proud of when people laud me for being able to tread a road I myself created?

“Speaking of which,” interjected a middle-aged man, changing the subject, “have you heard? Zhang Cuishan has returned!”

“Zhang Cuishan? The one who disappeared with the Golden-Haired Lion King over a decade ago?”

[Zhang Cuishan (张翠山, Zhāng Cuìshān) can be interpreted as “Emerald Mountain Zhang,” evoking a poetic image of a majestic and vibrant natural landscape.]

“Yes! Now that Zhang Cuishan is back, could this mean the Dragon-Slaying Saber has resurfaced as well?”

[Dragon-Slaying Saber (屠龙刀): A mythical weapon in Jin Yong’s Condor Trilogy, said to hold the secret to ruling the world.]

“Really? After all this time, why now?”

“Who cares why! Everyone knows: ‘He who holds the Dragon-Slaying Saber commands the world.’ We might finally learn if it’s true!”

“Whether true or not, the people wronged by Xie Xun will definitely seek vengeance.”

[Xie Xun (谢逊, Xiè Xùn): Xie Xun can be interpreted as “Grateful Modesty” or “Humble Gratitude.]

“Agreed. If Zhang Cuishan doesn’t reveal Xie Xun’s whereabouts, trouble is bound to find him.”

The inn buzzed with animated conversation. Compared to the lofty and distant topic of immortal cultivation, the reappearance of Zhang Cuishan and the legendary Dragon-Slaying Saber felt far more tangible and exciting.

The sabre’s lore had long circulated across the Five Continents. It was widely known that over a decade ago, Xie Xun, the Golden-Haired Lion King, had seized it. In the process, he had slain numerous martial artists, leaving a trail of blood and vengeance in his wake.

Now that Zhang Cuishan—the only person alive who might know Xie Xun’s location—had reemerged, there was no way the Jianghu would let the matter rest.

“How fascinating,” Bai Chen murmured, his lips curling into a faint smile.

He had come to Tongfu Inn specifically to gather news from the Jianghu, and this revelation about Zhang Cuishan was precisely what he sought.

“If fate follows its expected course,” he mused, “then Zhang Sanfeng’s hundredth birthday will draw the martial world to Wudang Mountain.

“What a perfect opportunity…”

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“Yuanchiao,” Zhang Sanfeng’s calm voice broke the mountain’s serenity as he gazed down at the valley below. “Is it true that your fifth junior has returned?”

[Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰, Zhāng Sānfēng): Zhang Sanfeng is famously associated with Chinese folklore and history as a legendary Taoist sage and martial artist. He is often credited with the creation of Tai Chi (Taijiquan) and is celebrated for embodying spiritual wisdom, balance, and mastery of internal energy (qi). His name, San Feng, can be poetically interpreted as “Threefold Abundance,” reflecting a harmonious and prosperous nature.]

“Master,” replied Song Yuanchiao, bowing deeply behind him. “Fifth Brother has contacted the disciples. Sixth Junior has already left to escort him back to Wudang.”

[Song Yuanchiao (宋远桥, Sòng Yuǎnqiáo): Song Yuanchiao can be interpreted as “Bridge to the Distant Song” or “Far-Reaching Bridge.”]

As Wudang’s current leader, Song Yuanchiao bore the weight of the sect’s daily operations. Yet, in the hearts of all the disciples, Zhang Sanfeng remained the sect’s true pillar.

A legend in his own right, Zhang Sanfeng had reached the Land Immortal stage over a decade ago. By comparison, the strongest among his disciples—Yuanchiao included—were merely at the Heavenly Phenomenon Grandmaster level.

“Good,” Zhang Sanfeng said, a faint smile warming his face. Among his seven disciples, Zhang Cuishan had always been the most talented.

Had Zhang Cuishan not disappeared, Song Yuanchiao might not have become the sect leader.

“Still…”

“Once Fifth Junior returns, I fear Wudang’s peace will be disrupted,” Yuanchiao said, his expression clouded with concern.

The bond among the Wudang Seven Heroes was deep, and Yuanchiao bore no resentment toward Cuishan’s potential to overshadow him. His concerns stemmed instead from the potential danger Cuishan’s return might bring to Wudang.

“Hmph!” Zhang Sanfeng snorted disdainfully, his tone carrying unyielding authority. “Those self-righteous hypocrites!

“As long as I, Zhang Sanfeng, draw breath, let them come if they dare!”

Once nicknamed “Zhang the Madman,” Zhang Sanfeng had never been a man bound by convention. To him, Zhang Cuishan was more than a disciple; he was family.

Should anyone try to harm Cuishan under his watch, Zhang Sanfeng would gladly remind them of the true power of a Land Immortal.

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After Yuanchiao left, Zhang Sanfeng let out a long sigh. While he had displayed strength and defiance before his disciple, his heart harboured unease.

Among the Five Great Dynasties, there were many Land Immortals, with the Ming Dynasty alone boasting several.

In a one-on-one fight, Zhang Sanfeng feared no one. But should these Land Immortals unite against Wudang, even he might struggle to defend the sect.

“Let us hope the worst does not come to pass,” Zhang Sanfeng muttered, attempting to comfort himself.

Yet, deep within, he felt the storm brewing—a storm that could very well determine Wudang’s fate.

Suddenly, Zhang Sanfeng froze, his gaze snapping toward the horizon.

“What is this…?”