On the Eighth Day of the Fourth Month, the Wudang Sect held its new leader's succession ceremony, inviting heroes from across the land to witness it.
Eagle-Eyed Old Seven, Chief Leader of the Twelve Linked Docks, Master Kujie of Northern Shaolin, Master Xuanku of Southern Shaolin, Master Ku Rong of Tianlong Temple in Dali, Wang Shidai, Supreme Elder of the Southern Beggars' Gang, Qiu Chuji of the Quanzhen Sect, Mojian Jushi Xie Yanke...
One renowned martial figure after another appeared on Wudang Mountain, not merely from Great Ming's Jianghu, but also from Great Song, Dali, and Great Sui. Many who had not walked the Jianghu for years had come this time as well.
Everyone in the Wudang Sect was busy receiving experts from the various sects and schools of the Jianghu.
Although the Wudang Sect had said that anyone in the Jianghu could attend the ceremony, it had prepared only a few dozen seats. Only representatives of prestigious major sects or Grandmasters with resounding reputations could have a seat.
Everyone else could only stand behind them, or was not even allowed close and could only watch from afar.
Yet no one voiced any objection to the Wudang Sect's arrangements. Everyone observed its rules, even leaving their weapons at Sword-Relinquishing Rock at the foot of the mountain for Wudang disciples to guard.
A man slowly walked out, and many people rose.
"Isn't that Wooden Daoist, Wudang's Grand Elder? I heard that, judging by strength, he should have succeeded as leader. It was only because he joined Wudang later in life that Daoist Shi Yan took over instead."
"Shh-keep your voice down. Wooden Daoist hasn't walked the Jianghu in nearly twenty years. I hear he only occasionally goes to watch sword duels. Apart from the Tai Chi Sword, he's mastered all of