Zhang Yang swallowed hard, completely stunned.

“The name of this old man is Zhang Sanfeng.”

The white-haired elder chuckled, his demeanor amiable and kind; he paid no mind to Zhang Yang’s agitated reaction.

It was no wonder Zhang Yang reacted so strongly. Zhang Sanfeng… wasn’t he the venerable ancestor of Wudang, the former leader of the Huaxia Alliance, and the very master who pioneered Wudang Tai Chi?

Yet, the legends claimed this predecessor had passed away long ago.

“Are you… True Master Zhang of Wudang?”

Zhang Yang regained a sliver of composure, but he was still somewhat dazed, his speech slightly halting. This truth was utterly astonishing. No matter how he might have imagined it, he never expected the person before him to be the True Master Zhang, the renowned Wudang Sect Leader from centuries past.

It turned out that the reason the Twelve-Crowned Golden Python had repeatedly failed in its attempts to leave Changbai Mountain to seize the Flat Peach Immortal Elixir—even trying to kill Zhang Yang prematurely—was not due to the restraint of the Fifth-Layer Elder or the Illusory Rat Senior from Yinlong Mountain.

After Zhang Yang truly clashed with the Twelve-Crowned Golden Python, he understood that neither the Illusory Rat Senior of Yinlong Mountain nor the Fifth-Layer Elder who had previously appeared at Changbai Mountain could possibly thwart any of its intentions. The power of the Twelve-Crowned Golden Python had long surpassed that of other Fifth-Layer experts.

What truly made it abandon its pursuit of Zhang Yang was Zhang Sanfeng, who had been hiding in the South Sea—its true master.

“True Master, that title hasn’t been used to address me in a hundred years.”

The elder stroked his beard, shaking his head as he murmured.

From this elder, Zhang Yang felt not a trace of killing intent, nor any hostility. Simply put, the moment he appeared before you, you found yourself utterly devoid of any desire to strike him.

Returning to Simplicity—this elder before him had exemplified these four words to the extreme.

He was a Fifth-Layer expert, yet simultaneously an old man who seemed ready to perish at any moment. From him, Zhang Yang could sense the vital energy of life constantly waning; clearly, his lamp oil was almost spent.

True Master Zhang turned his head, gazing thoughtfully toward the world outside Changbai Mountain. After a glance, he turned back and casually tossed a bottle from his person.

Zhang Yang instinctively caught the bottle, realizing it contained the Rootless Water from the Heavenly Lake. “This thing you seek, this old man will give it to you.”

True Master Zhang grinned lightly. He seemed quite cheerful, and… he appeared utterly oblivious to the fact that his body was already at the point of total exhaustion.

Slowly rising, the elder stretched his limbs. Zhang Yang was stunned to discover that with this simple movement of stretching, the body that visibly looked ready to collapse at any moment flickered and grew indistinct again.

“Before those two fellows notice, perhaps the young one would care to keep this old man company for a chat?”

True Master Zhang hopped down from the Twelve-Crowned Golden Python and approached Zhang Yang, studying him meticulously before grinning.

Zhang Yang nodded in a daze. He never imagined he would meet True Master Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang one day. Unquestionably, the name Zhang Sanfeng had long become a legendary one within the Huaxia cultivation world; it was famous not only among cultivators but also in the ordinary world.

“Zhang Yang, do you think Fifth-Layer experts should attain eternal life?”

A sharp light flashed in True Master Zhang’s eyes. As he posed this question, a delicate spiritual energy enveloped them both. This energy was utterly unique, bringing profound ease to Zhang Yang’s body and spirit. The aftereffects of the [Needle]-piercing acupoints seemed to dissipate; Zhang Yang’s body began to cycle involuntarily, the Grand Circulation of the Heavenly Cycle spinning wildly and then halting.

Zhang Yang understood: Zhang Sanfeng was using his own spiritual energy to heal Zhang Yang’s body after the grueling battle. Regarding the use of spiritual energy, Zhang Sanfeng had already forged a unique, narrow path, venturing far ahead of everyone else.

Zhang Yang fell into contemplation. Eternal life?

When Inner Force cultivation reaches the Great Perfection, lifespan can generally extend to three hundred years. Theoretically, after ascending to the Fifth Layer and being tempered by the Heavenly Tribulation, a powerful body should ensure a Fifth-Layer expert could live for a thousand years or even longer. But lifespan is ultimately finite; even Fifth-Layer experts could not live forever.

Zhang Yang shook his head. He didn't know why True Master Zhang asked this, but he was willing to answer. Deep in his heart, Zhang Yang held profound respect for this renowned predecessor.

“Little fellow, you are the most talented person I have ever seen. It’s no wonder old man Potian specifically came from that place to find you.”

Zhang Sanfeng stroked his long whiskers, smiling. “However, in that place, the possibility of eternal life does indeed exist. Of course, although I don't believe in eternal life, I don't think it’s a bad thing either.”

Zhang Yang felt his lips go dry. Zhang Sanfeng’s words were shrouded in mystery; he couldn't comprehend them at all. Old Man Potian? That place? Eternal life possible? What exactly were these things?

Zhang Yang sensed that Zhang Sanfeng, who had suddenly appeared before him, was not merely the owner of the Twelve-Crowned Golden Python; what he was about to say might reveal where the other several Fifth-Layer experts who had emerged over the past few millennia had ultimately gone. Those Fifth-Layer experts were all supreme beings; once their cultivation reached its peak, perhaps the ultimate goal of their practice was solely to achieve eternal life.

“Near Changjing, there is a Black Mountain Valley; I presume you already know of it. For generations, the Guardians of Huaxia have stayed there, protecting that place.”

“Changjing itself sits upon the Dragon’s Eye of Huaxia’s main ley line, and Black Mountain Valley is the entrance to that place where eternal life is possible.”

“Senior, I truly don’t understand. Could you explain it more clearly?”

The Ice Sword in Zhang Yang’s hand had dissipated at some unknown point, transforming back into spiritual energy absorbed into his [Body]. He looked at Zhang Sanfeng, feeling his mind was struggling to keep up.

“Heh, the Sacred Hand System—do you understand now?”

Zhang Sanfeng gave Zhang Yang a meaningful look and said softly.

Zhang Yang trembled violently! The Sacred Hand System was Zhang Yang’s greatest secret; not even Mi Xue knew anything about it. How could Zhang Sanfeng possibly know? To be precise, the current Zhang Yang shouldn’t be the original Zhang Yang—this was the point that confused Zhang Yang the most. He suddenly recalled turning around and being reborn after his plane went down; the Sacred Hand System had appeared abruptly then. No one knew its origin, nor its ultimate function. Zhang Yang only knew that the reason he could advance from Inner Force Layer One to the Fifth Layer in just two years was largely due to the Sacred Hand System.

“You don’t know?”

This time, it was Zhang Sanfeng’s turn to be slightly taken aback. He grasped Zhang Yang’s arm, frowning in thought for a moment, then understood suddenly. “The Sacred Hand System has entered dormancy, completely paralyzed? So that’s it! No wonder you safely passed the Nine Tribulation Thunder—it consumed all its energy to help you resist the Ninth Tribulation Thunder!”

Zhang Sanfeng slowly revealed the truth behind Zhang Yang’s survival of the Ninth Layer Heavenly Tribulation, and Zhang Yang was shocked anew!

“Senior means…”

“Indeed. The true source of the Sacred Hand System is precisely that place guarded by the successive Guardians of Huaxia in Black Mountain Valley.”

Zhang Sanfeng nodded gently and continued, “Every past Fifth-Layer expert, upon the emergence of the next Fifth-Layer successor, would enter that place from Black Mountain Valley as they neared their death. As for what that place truly is, I have never been there and have no way of knowing.”

“But there is one thing this old man knows clearly: many Fifth-Layer experts wished to comprehend eternal life in that place, but none ever succeeded. As for the Sacred Hand System on you, I only know it originates from that place, but the truth, perhaps only you can know it once you enter.”

“But you shouldn't worry too much about it. The Sacred Hand System itself can only be considered a guide to aid your cultivation; what truly takes effect is your own effort. More information about it may only become clear after you enter that place.”

Zhang Yang instinctively gripped the bottle containing the Rootless Water and asked softly, “Are there restrictions on that place?”

Zhang Sanfeng nodded, unsurprised. “Once you enter, there is no possibility of returning. The only exception is the one chosen by that place—the person who possesses the Sacred Hand System, like you, and like—this old man.”

“However, I have no interest in eternal life. That is why I have hidden in the South Sea all these years, preventing the people from that place from finding me. As for you, since old man Potian has appeared, he is the one sent from within to guide you!”

Zhang Sanfeng smiled. The whereabouts of Potian and the man in black could not escape his notice. The man in black was the Guardian stationed outside Black Mountain Valley; old man Potian had long entered Black Mountain Valley and could not get out without the guidance of the Sacred Hand System.

“Life spans barely a hundred years; living one year is one year. This old man cherishes this world and has no interest in cultivation or eternal life. My coming here today was merely to see you. Whether you wish to attain eternal life in that place is entirely up to your own choice.”

The spiritual energy dispersed, and Zhang Sanfeng reverted to the appearance of the elder who might die at any second. He looked at Zhang Yang, gave a final smile, and turned, drifting away.

“Little fellow, I must go. I rushed here ahead of them to find you precisely because I don't wish to return to that place with old man Potian. As for you, think it over carefully. With the Sacred Hand System and your talent, you do have a high chance of comprehending eternal life there. But a day in the cave is a thousand years outside—you’ve experienced that feeling, haven’t you? The final choice is yours!”

Zhang Sanfeng’s figure vanished by the shore of Heavenly Lake, his last words hitting Zhang Yang’s heart like a heavy hammer.

During his seclusion in Savage Mountain, Zhang Yang felt only an instant had passed, but when he emerged from the cave, half a year had elapsed in the world. If he truly went to that place, perhaps only a single day would pass, and upon his return, Mi Xue would be gone, as would Long Feng, Hu Xin, Gu Feng, Su Zhantao, and even Qu Meilan, Yan Liangfei, Qiao Yihong… no one would remain.

The barrier near the Heavenly Lake instantly collapsed.

The Fifth-Layer Elder, unseen for a long time, appeared before Zhang Yang, accompanied by a youth whose appearance had been rejuvenated—old man Potian.

“He’s gone,” the Fifth-Layer Elder seemed relieved.

“That coward!”

Old man Potian gritted his teeth, but his gaze immediately brightened when he saw Zhang Yang still standing there. It didn't matter that Zhang Sanfeng had left; he was too old, so old that even entering that place would not afford him much more time. But Zhang Yang was different; he was still young, with vast time ahead to comprehend the Dao of eternal life concealed in that place.

“Zhang Yang.”

The man who looked close to Zhang Yang’s age stepped forward. Zhang Yang turned to face him. The Fifth-Layer Elder beside him narrowed his eyes and softly introduced, “This old fellow is Potian, the founder of your Potian Sword Style—he is the one.”

Old man Potian nodded, looking at Zhang Yang with burning intensity. Zhang Sanfeng’s words were entirely correct; old man Potian’s purpose in Changbai Mountain this time was exactly to bring Zhang Yang to that place. Elder Zhang Pinglu would become Huaxia’s newest Fifth-Layer expert, able to replace the man in black as Guardian. This time, Potian intended to take the Fifth-Layer man in black and Zhang Yang to that place together to jointly study eternal life.

Seeing their demeanor, Zhang Yang finally understood that only Zhang Sanfeng knew about the Sacred Hand System; Potian and the Fifth-Layer Elder were clearly ignorant of it.

To go, or not to go?

The Fifth-Layer Elder remained silent. He had always guarded that place. Logically, he should have entered long ago, but because Huaxia had not produced a new Fifth-Layer expert, he had delayed his departure. Entering meant the chance to comprehend eternal life—for the most powerful Fifth-Layer practitioners, perhaps eternal life was their ultimate desire.

The Fifth-Layer Elder cast his gaze toward the bottle of Rootless Water in Zhang Yang’s hand. He knew clearly that Huaxia was about to have another person ascend to the Fifth Layer, and he could finally leave with peace of mind.

“Senior Zhang Sanfeng was invited back then, why did he refuse to go?”

Zhang Yang remained silent for a long moment before slowly speaking, neither agreeing to go with Potian nor refusing, but instead posing this question.

“Zhang Sanfeng defeated the one sent to guide him at that time, so he didn’t go.”

Old man Potian was momentarily stunned, the fervor in his eyes gradually cooling. Zhang Yang’s meaning seemed to be that he was unwilling to go.

“In other words, if I don’t want to go to that place, I only need to defeat the person responsible for guiding me—that is, you, correct?”

A smile touched Zhang Yang’s lips; he had already made his choice in his heart.

“Correct. If you defeat me, I will naturally return and never seek you out again.”

The moment old man Potian finished speaking, Zhang Yang leaped up, and his Ice Sword materialized once more!

“Then, let’s fight!”

A barrier was erected once more on Changbai Mountain, this time with the Twelve-Crowned Golden Python also ushered outside the enclosure.

Three days and three nights.

The land of Huaxia trembled for a full three days and three nights.

Time slipped by, and another half year passed.

Changjing City was exceptionally lively today. Maseratis, Bugattis, Porsches… luxury cars of every kind crisscrossed Changjing like a grand auto show.

“Who is this, creating such a massive spectacle!”

“So many luxury cars as wedding vehicles—whose young master is getting married?”

“Truly impressive. Oh, I heard the one getting married is Zhang Yang, the one hailed as Huaxia’s Divine Doctor.”

“Divine Doctor Zhang? Then I must prepare a red envelope. Divine Doctor Zhang cured my child when he was critically ill…”

In front of the newly built villa belonging to Zhang Yang, a large double happiness character was pasted on either side of the main gate. The most luxurious wedding in Huaxia history was unfolding in Changjing City.

In one room, Mi Xue sat quietly before the dressing table, surrounded by many fashionable young women—the top makeup artists Zhang Yang had invited, all touching up her makeup. Yet, Mi Xue only focused on gently stroking her slightly swollen belly, her face radiant with happiness.

As for Zhang Yang, he completely disregarded the tradition that the bride and groom must not meet. He stood by the doorway of Mi Xue’s dressing room, leaning against the doorframe in a snow-white tuxedo, his face alight with a brilliant smile.

Eternal life? If it meant a monotonous eternity, he would rather have a wife, children, and a warm hearth. Having already died once, he valued affection far more than mere existence.

End of story!