C19 Return to Wudang

"Alright, Sage Zhang, I hope you have no objections to this arrangement," Su Chen said, glancing at Zhang Sanfeng with a hint of embarrassment. After all, despite being the victim in all of this, Zhang Sanfeng had remained uninvolved from start to finish.

"You've made a fine decision, my young friend," Zhang Sanfeng responded with a smile. He was not one to hold grudges, and having gained such a tremendous fortune, he had no reason to be dissatisfied.

"Xiang Yutian, though I have spared you today, let me offer you a word of caution. The Central Plains are not to be trifled with by outsiders. You were once one of its people, so I urge you to conduct yourself wisely."

"Sage Zhang, shall we depart?"

"Let's." Seizing Su Chen's hand, Zhang Sanfeng propelled himself dozens of feet into the air, bursting through the great hall's roof without needing any leverage. Exhaling his internal energy, he soared even higher, reaching an altitude of a hundred meters. By the time the arrows from the guards reached Su Chen, they were powerless. With a casual flick, Zhang Sanfeng deflected a swath of arrows.

Treading on the arrows, Zhang Sanfeng flew over the heads of the guards, making his way back to Wudang Mountain. It had been a long time since his last visit, and it was time to assure his fellow disciples of his well-being.

Upon arriving at Wudang Mountain, Zhang Sanfeng's youthful appearance caused quite a stir. Even though the disciples knew Su Chen was no ordinary man, the sight of their master rejuvenated was astonishing beyond words, prompting even greater respect for Su Chen.

With Su Chen's treasure box now in their midst, interest in the Dragonbane and the Heavenly Sword had waned. Consequently, no one sought to trouble Wudang any further.

Two days later, news spread rapidly: the Wudang founder had miraculously regained his youth, and his power had become immeasurably deep, leading some to speculate he had returned from the realm of immortals.

Warriors from all over flocked to Wudang Mountain, their footsteps wearing down the paths. Yet the gates of Wudang remained firmly closed, admitting no visitors. Undeterred, warriors lingered at the mountain's base, reluctant to leave.

Inside the Wudang True Martial Hall, Zhang Sanfeng was seated at the head, with Su Chen by his side. Across from them, the second-generation disciples of Wudang stood in an orderly fashion. Yu Daiyan had made a full recovery, thanks to the Black Jade Replenishing Paste provided by the Imperial Court. With Zhang Sanfeng's current level of vital energy, obtaining items from the Imperial Court was a trivial matter for him. Assisting with his potent vital energy, Yu Daiyan was able to walk within four hours, and by the next day, he could even run.

"Are the Condor Heroes still around?" Su Chen inquired, knowing that with diligent disciples, he could comfortably wait at Wudang for news to arrive.

"Young Master Su, the Eldest Senior Brother has already departed for the ancient tomb. We should receive word by tomorrow," Zhang Songxi responded.

"Mm," Su Chen acknowledged with a nod. With others attending to the situation, he could rest easy as an Immortal, simply awaiting updates at Wudang.

"Right," Su Chen suddenly remembered something and turned to Yin Liting of the Six Heroes of Wudang. "I hope you won't take offense at my frankness, but you should call off your engagement with the Emei Sect. You two are not a good match."

At these words, all eyes, including Zhang Sanfeng's, turned to Su Chen.

"Young Master Su, have you foreseen something about my sixth brother and Miss Ji?" Zhang Cuishan inquired.

Yin Liting's complexion turned a shade paler. Had anyone else made such a statement, he might have been quick to draw his sword. But coming from Su Chen, and considering the changes he had observed in his master, how could he not take it seriously?

"Calm down. I'm merely speaking my mind. Ultimately, this is your decision to make," Su Chen reassured him. When reading the original story, Su Chen had been baffled by Yin Liting's drastic emotional shift upon learning of Ji Xiaofeng's change of heart, as if his own heart had died. After all, their connection was nothing more than a betrothal agreement, having met no more than ten times since childhood. Su Chen truly couldn't grasp the depth of ancient emotions.

"Su Chen, have you figured something out?" Zhang Sanfeng couldn't stay seated any longer, his concern for his disciple prompting him to speak up.

"Ahem." You should know by now whether I can calculate things, right? "Last night, as I was observing the stars, I noticed the Crimson Phoenix Star stirring. So, I cast a divination and it revealed that your match with the Emei Sect isn't favorable, and that Miss Ji's true match lies elsewhere. If you insist on pursuing this, it could lead to harm for both parties."

"Immortal, are you suggesting that I am not a suitable match for Junior Sister Ji?" Yin Liting's voice shook as he asked. He had dropped the formalities, addressing Su Chen simply as 'Immortal,' a sign of the turmoil within him.

"Yes, try to stay calm. The divination suggests this, but it's also possible that I've made a mistake. Given the current strength of the Wudang Sect, you could force the union, but the outcome is unpredictable."

"Am I really not destined to be with Junior Sister Ji?"

"My dear boy, it appears that you and Miss Ji are not well-suited for each other. When we arranged your engagement with the Emei Sect, I fear I may have done you a disservice," Zhang Sanfeng sighed deeply.

"Master, you are not to blame. It's simply that my fate is too weak to be intertwined with Junior Sister Ji's," Yin Liting said, immediately kneeling in respect.

"Let it be, Shenggu. Travel to the Emei Sect with a generous gift and call off the engagement. Whatever their demands, agree to them. It is we of the Wudang Sect who have wronged Miss Ji," Zhang Sanfeng instructed.

"Yes, Master."

Su Chen felt a bit sheepish. If it weren't for his ties to the Wudang Sect, he wouldn't have bothered speaking up. But to his surprise, his words had stirred up emotions as if it were a matter of life and death. Was calling off an engagement really such a big deal? Xiao Yan, don't you have something to say? Ahem, this scene isn't quite right for Xiao Yan; he's in an even sorrier state than Yin Liting.

"Su Chen, have you discovered anything else? Does my sixth disciple have a fortunate destiny?" Zhang Sanfeng inquired with gravity. He was concerned that his sixth disciple might remain alone for life after breaking off the engagement with Miss Ji—a matter of great importance that required immediate attention.

"Yes," Su Chen replied, feigning a mystical hand gesture and reflecting for a moment. "Originally, Yin Liting was destined to have a connection with Ji Xiaofeng's daughter. However, since my arrival, the fabric of fate has been thrown into disarray, and I can no longer discern their path." Regardless of his feelings, he hadn't ended up with her, yet he had influenced her daughter's destiny.

Zhang Sanfeng...

Yin Liting...

The valiant warriors of Wudang...

"Well, you all can keep discussing. I'm going to head out now. See you later." Su Chen thought it best to leave at that moment, fearing he might soon lose the chance to escape.

...

Back in the present day, inside Su Chen's apartment.

Su Chen materialized in the room with a swift motion. Checking his phone, he noted that three days had passed, leaving a thin layer of dust to settle in his absence.

After tidying up, Su Chen descended the stairs and made his way to a noodle shop for a meal. He still hadn't acclimated to the food of ancient times, and his current budget was limited to afford only noodles. Su Chen had contemplated dealing in antiques to make some money, but as a mere mortal without any significant progress in his martial arts practice at Wudang, he dared not risk it. Despite studying various Wudang techniques, he had yet to experience any breakthrough.

"Brother Su, I haven't seen you in days. What have you been up to?" asked the slightly portly noodle shop owner with a friendly grin.

"Oh, Uncle Zhang, you know me—I'm just a homebody with not much to keep me busy," Su Chen replied. The affable owner, known to his regulars as Uncle Zhang, always had a playful demeanor.