Ning Beichen left the Heavenly Master’s Mansion. Before he departed, Zhang Hong specifically cautioned him to be wary of others and not to be careless.
Zhang Hong believed Ning Beichen’s words, but he knew that not everyone else would. Even if they did, human hearts were unpredictable. Some were selfish and would rather control Ning Beichen for themselves, hoping to monopolize the secret of the unity of heaven and man. It was believed that quite a few people felt this way.
Ning Beichen nodded and expressed his gratitude to Zhang Hong. Compared to the two Daoists from Mount Hua, Zhang Tianshi was a true elder of high prestige, someone worthy of Ning Beichen's respect.
As he was leaving, Ning Beichen also recommended Xi Yi'er to Zhang Hong. Zhang Hong, in the name of the Heavenly Master’s Mansion, accepted her as a disciple, thus fulfilling her wish. Whether she could persevere on this path would depend on her own resolve and perseverance. At the very least, with the Heavenly Master’s Mansion as her backing, others would not dare to bully her.
After resolving the matters at Longhu Mountain, Ning Beichen continued to his next destination. Although he had achieved the "Bitter Lotus Body Transformation," he did not intend to return immediately. Instead, he would follow his original plan and visit all the places he intended to go, perhaps gaining more insights along the way.
Leaving Longhu Mountain, Ning Beichen's next stop was Wudang Mountain. However, this time, Ning Beichen was no longer anxious. He slowed his pace, like an ordinary traveler, enjoying the surrounding scenery and local culture as he made his way to Wudang Mountain.
Yet, before he even reached Wudang Mountain, he was stopped by a few monks with large ears and broad faces.
"Mr. Ning, please stay. Our abbot wishes to invite you to Hongyuan Temple as a guest," one of the monks said to Ning Beichen.
Ning Beichen had no idea about any Hongyuan Temple. He was heading to Wudang Mountain, and suddenly these monks appeared, asking him to visit some Hongyuan Temple. This was nonsensical.
"No," Ning Beichen refused them outright.
"I'm afraid that won't do, Mr. Ning." The monk's attitude was somewhat hostile, as if Ning Beichen had no right to refuse.
"What if I say I won't go?" Ning Beichen couldn't help but laugh at their attitude. He had encountered arrogant people before, but never such brazen monks. Moreover, these monks didn't seem like proper monks; they were more like vagrant monks. If they were genuine monks, Ning Beichen believed they wouldn't be so rude.
"Then it's not up to you," the monks said rudely.
"Trash!" Ning Beichen let out a cold snort that resonated like thunder. The monks immediately spat blood and flew backward.
"What a joke." Ning Beichen looked at the monks lying on the ground, stunned and unconscious, and shook his head in resignation, too lazy to bother with them. They had probably heard about him from somewhere and wanted to get a piece of the pie, without even considering their own capabilities. Even Zhang Tianshi of the Heavenly Master’s Mansion treated him with courtesy. These monks were simply courting death, thinking he was just some nobody. To put it arrogantly, in this realm, Ning Beichen was the boss. Before approaching him, they should have at least considered their own status, position, and abilities. A few rogue monks couldn't spoil Ning Beichen's good mood.
Not long after, Ning Beichen arrived at a place near Wudang Mountain. However, he didn't stay in the city. Instead, he found a guesthouse in a more secluded area and settled in.
The next day, Ning Beichen went alone to the main peak of Wudang Mountain. He found that cultivating there had no special effect. Just as he was about to leave, an old Daoist approached him. Ning Beichen noticed that the old Daoist's attire and appearance were quite different from the other Daoists on Wudang Mountain. The old Daoist's clothes were shabby, his robe patched and mended, and washed until it was pale and stiff. However, the old Daoist's hair was neatly combed, his features were regular, his skin was as ruddy as a baby's, and he had a kind and benevolent expression. Despite his old robe, it was clean and emitted a faint scent of sandalwood, giving one a feeling of being in a spring breeze.
"This humble mountain hermit, Long Xuzi, greets Mr. Ning," the old Daoist said, bowing to Ning Beichen.
Ning Beichen looked at him without speaking. To be honest, he didn't have a good impression of Daoists at the moment.
"What is it?" Ning Beichen finally spoke. After all, the ones who had offended him were the two Daoists from Mount Hua, not this one.
"This humble one came specifically to invite Mr. Ning to be our guest. My senior brother wishes to exchange thoughts with Mr. Ning," the old Daoist told Ning Beichen.
"If I refuse, are you planning to use force?" Ning Beichen asked bluntly.
"How could that be? Mr. Ning jokes. We are people of the outer world, not bandits or thieves," the old Daoist replied.
"I am not joking. And frankly, my impression of you Daoists is not very good, so I will not go." After speaking, Ning Beichen turned and left along a small path.
Long Xuzi was momentarily stunned. He was over a hundred years old, had profound cultivation, and was deeply respected by others. He had assumed that if he invited Ning Beichen, he would surely accept. To his surprise, the young man completely ignored him.
"Wait a moment." In his haste, Long Xuzi flickered and stood in Ning Beichen's path without thinking.
"What? Are you embarrassed because I refused, or do you think using force is better?" Ning Beichen asked him sarcastically.
"I... I didn't mean that. Please don't misunderstand," the old Daoist's face flushed. He had confidently assured his senior brother before leaving that he would definitely bring the person back, and now he was being completely disregarded.
"If that's not what you meant, then why are you blocking my way?" Ning Beichen asked with a mocking tone.
"I... my senior brother sincerely wishes to invite you as a guest. Meeting my senior brother will surely benefit you," the old Daoist gritted his teeth and said, giving the impression of a petulant child who would throw a tantrum if he didn't get his way.
"I don't want to go, and I don't need any benefits," Ning Beichen said disdainfully.
"No, whether you want to or not, you must go. I have already promised my senior brother that I will bring you back." This old Daoist was not skilled in dealing with people. Most people, seeing his age and appearance, would give him some face.
Unfortunately, he met Ning Beichen. For Ning Beichen, age did not automatically equate to respect. Bad people, foolish people, and stupid people also grew old. There were many instances of elderly people committing wrongdoing, leading to the commentary: "It's not that the old are becoming bad, but that the bad are becoming old." Therefore, relying on one's age to demand privileges was ineffective against Ning Beichen.
So what if he was old? Did being old mean he could do whatever he pleased? Did being old mean he didn't need to reason? There was no such logic!