Library of Heaven’s Path - Chapter 1137

Chapter 1137: Zhang Xuan’s True Aptitude

Noticing Zhang Xuan’s confused look, Guild Leader Ruan explained, “Elder Wei happened to be in the vicinity of Qingyuan City, so she was dispatched here.”

Just like most other guilds, the headquarters of the Spirit Awakener Guild were located far away from the Qingyuan Empire. Even Saint 5-dan aerial beasts would have to fly for many days before they reached Qingyuan City. It was only due to Elder Wei being in the vicinity that she was able to make it there within three days.

After explaining the situation to Zhang Xuan, Guild Leader Ruan turned to Elder Wei and said, “Elder Wei, this is the genius whom I told you about earlier, Principal Zhang. The talent he possesses in spirit enchantment is unlike any I have ever seen or heard of!”

“Un.” Elder Wei nodded. Turning to Zhang Xuan, she said, “Guild Leader Ruan has already told me about you. Within just a few hours, from knowing nothing at all about spirit enchantment, you successfully enchanted the guild building just by browsing through books. Your aptitude for spirit enchantment is truly frightening!”

“You’re too polite.” Zhang Xuan quickly waved his hand before asking with a perplexed frown, “May I know the reason behind Elder Wei’s visit?”

“Principal Zhang is indeed a candid person. I am not the type that likes to beat around the bush either, so I’ll get straight to the point. Our Spirit Awakener Guild headquarters regard you extremely highly, and we wish to extend our invitation to you to train at our headquarters,” Elder Wei said.

For a person of her cultivation realm, there was no need for her to dawdle with pleasantries.

“Train at your headquarters?” Zhang Xuan was slightly startled for a moment before shaking his head. “I believe that Guild Leader Ruan must have told you that I am a master teacher as well. For me, spirit awakener is more of a side occupation, so I don’t think I will be devoting too much to furthering my skills in it.”

If he did not manage to become a 9-star master teacher before he reached thirty, his life would be forfeited. Spirit awakener was a wonderful occupation, but he could not afford to allow his attention to wander at this moment.

Furthermore, while it was true that he could advance his cultivation swiftly by tapping into the resources in the Spirit Awakener Guild, there was a catch to it. If he received benefits from the Spirit Awakener Guild, he would have a responsibility to it as well. Give and take, this was how the world worked. The Spirit Awakener Guild would never allow him to shirk off his responsibilities to it after investing resources in him.

It was for this reason that Zhang Xuan had chosen to slowly advance with his own strength. He didn’t want to owe too big of a favor to anyone and end up slowing his advancement as a master teacher and a cultivator.

“You can resign from being a master teacher.” Elder Wei looked at Zhang Xuan intently. Her face was impassive, but the sharp glint in her eyes revealed the deep confidence that she had. “With the heritage and resources available at our headquarters, as long as someone of your aptitude works diligently, I am confident that you will one day gain control of the Spirit Awakener Mountain and become the Spirit Awakener Sovereign! At such a level, even 9-star master teachers will have to treat you with the utmost respect. Isn’t that much better than slowly fumbling your way up as a master teacher?”

As spirit awakening was a support-based occupation, it was inevitable that its fighting prowess was beneath that of the other guilds. However, if one could reach the very top, the potential it wielded was immense.

If the young man before her could gain control over their sacred lands and become the Spirit Awakener Sovereign, what was there to be feared of 9-star master teachers?

“I won’t resign as a master teacher,” Zhang Xuan replied resolutely. “That is the primary pursuit of my life. I am interested in learning spirit enchantment as well, but ultimately, it’s only a supporting occupation to me.”

He might have only chosen to become a master teacher out of convenience at the start, but at this point, it had become a lot more than that. Even without his Innate Fetal Poison, he would not have been willing to abandon his identity as a master teacher to become a spirit awakener.

Elder Wei frowned. “There’s no need to answer me so quickly; I’ll give you a few days to think your decision through. This is a rare opportunity for you to soar to the top. Such a chance won’t come again.”

If it had been anyone else in the young man’s stead, he would have surely leaped at her offer. After all, the Spirit Awakener Guild was still one of the more influential powers in the Master Teacher Continent.

It might not be up to par with behemoths like the Master Teacher Pavilion and the Combat Master Hall, but ordinary guilds couldn’t hope to compare to it.

Yet, to flatly reject the offer like that…

“I am thankful for your offer, but my mind is set. There’s no need for me to contemplate any further,” Zhang Xuan replied with a polite smile.

He could take spirit awakener as his supporting occupation, but there was no way he was going to abandon his main occupation for it.

However, it would be disrespectful to the Spirit Awakener Guild, and there was no way Elder Wei was going to accept that for an answer.

After all, that would effectively mean that they were devoting their resources to groom a master teacher for the Master Teacher Pavilion!

“Even though master teachers are the number one occupation of the continent, the resources to go around are severely limited, and rivalry over them is strife. Reaching 9-star is no easy feat at all. However, as long as you come to the Spirit Awakener Guild, all kinds of valuable resources will be at your disposal.

“Furthermore, our Spirit Awakener Guild is filled with all kinds of beauties. If you wish for it, you will be able to pick any of them. In fact, if you desire so, you can even enchant any building or weapon that takes your fancy and regard them as your closest mate. Why do you have to make things difficult for yourself?” Elder Wei asked with a frown.

Zhang Xuan shook his head. “I have no interest in such shallow pursuits. Back then, the Glacier Plain Court also offered me similar terms, but I rejected them nonetheless.”

It seemed like the Glacier Plain Court and the Spirit Awakener Guild really had a low opinion of men. It was as if they thought that men were all lecherous individuals who were only interested in their lower body!

What a joke!

Hu Yaoyao, Zhao Feiwu, and the others were top-notch beauties, and it was not as if he was oblivious to the feelings they had for him. If he truly wanted it, he could have easily kept them by his side.

“Glacier Plain Court?” Elder Wei was taken aback.

There were many beauties in the Spirit Awakener Guild, but they were still far from matching the Glacier Plain Court.

Most female cultivators in the Glacier Plain Court practiced yin attribute cultivation techniques, which further accentuated their feminine charms.

It was for this reason that most powers in the Master Teacher Continent viewed marrying a disciple of the Glacier Plain Court as a huge honor.

Upon learning that the Glacier Plain Court had attempted to recruit the young man before her only to fail, Elder Wei hesitated for a moment before flicking her wrist. A grayish stone appeared on her palm.

“This Spirit Gauging Stone over here is able to assess one’s aptitude as a spirit awakener. If your aptitude has reached the tenth level, I can help you apply for more favorable terms with the headquarters. Perhaps, it might even be possible for you to not resign as a master teacher!”

“Assess one’s aptitude as a spirit awakener?” Zhang Xuan asked.

Elder Wei hesitated for a moment before switching to zhenqi telepathy. “That’s right. To be honest with you, only one whose aptitude in spirit enchantment has reached the tenth level will stand a chance in successfully enchanting the Spirit Awakener Mountain. However, it’s a pity that it has been five thousand years since such an individual has emerged in our guild.”

This was a secret of their guild. Considering that it was her first time meeting with the other party, she should not have revealed such deep secrets. However, according to Guild Leader Ruan, the young man was likely to possess an aptitude of the tenth level. If that truly was the case, she would have to bring him back to the headquarters regardless of the cost.

Otherwise, the Spirit Awakener Guild would only continue down its declining spiral and eventually end up being absorbed into the other powers.

Even though the Spirit Awakener Guild had many allies to rely upon, they still needed to possess some strength of their own. Otherwise, if they were to grow too reliant on others, the others could use it as leverage against them and gradually control them.

“Spirit Awakener Mountain…”

“The Spirit Awakener Mountain is an artifact formed naturally by the forces of nature, and it is the greatest trump card of our guild. It’s rumored that the mountain is actually a rock mined from a world above ours. Once successfully enchanted, the spirit awakener will attain strength on par with 9-star master teachers. With that, there will be nothing in the world that could stop them!” Elder Wei said with a hint of pride in her voice.

“It’s so formidable?” Zhang Xuan was astonished.

To attain strength on par with 9-star master teachers just by successfully enchanting it… that was as good as soaring to the heavens in a single step!

On top of that, he would even be able to keep master teacher as his main occupation. It would be a lie if he said that he was not moved by this deal.

Not to mention, with the vast resources of the Spirit Awakener Guild, he would no longer have to worry about a lack of concentrated high-tier spirit stones and pinnacle spirit stones. Everything would be within his reach.

Furthermore, he would be able to access their cultivation technique manuals and compile the Heaven’s Path Divine Art all the way to Saint 9-dan. Even if he took his time and advanced only a single realm a day, he would still be able to reach the very top of the Master Teacher Continent within just a single week, becoming an existence on par with Kong shi!

“Alright!” Seeing that Zhang Xuan was hooked, Elder Wei nodded as she passed the Spirit Gauging Stone over.

“The test is very simple. Just grasp the stone lightly and silence your mind, and it’ll automatically assess your aptitude.”

Zhang Xuan replied with a nod as he took the stone.

Placing his hands around it tightly, he closed his eyes.

To be honest, he was also interested to find out what his aptitude in spirit enchantment was.

As long as he could reach the mark and the other party did not insist on him resigning as a master teacher… he would seriously consider heading to the Spirit Awakener Guild headquarters.

Weng!

In an instant, he entered the state of Heart of Tranquil Water. A brilliant light burst from the stone clasped in his hands.

“Alright, it’s done!”

A moment later, the light dissipated, and Zhang Xuan opened his palm.

Elder Wei and Guild Leader Ruan quickly rushed forward to take a look at the stone, and at a single glance, their eyebrows shot up in astonishment. They couldn’t help but rub their eyes in disbelief.

“What’s wrong?” Seeing the duo reacting in such an exaggerated manner, the bewildered Zhang Xuan lowered his gaze to look at the stone as well, and his mouth fell open. “How is this possible?”

On the stone, there was a single number—3!

“3… Does this number mean that my aptitude has only reached the third level?” Zhang Xuan asked hurriedly.

A moment ago, Elder Wei had said that the highest level of aptitude was 10, and given that he possessed capabilities on par with 7-star pinnacle spirit awakeners, even if he wasn’t at the tenth level, he should at least be at seventh or eighth. For 3 to appear… what the heck?

“That’s right. It means that your aptitude has only reached the third level,” Elder Wei said with twitching lips.

After hearing the report, she had personally dropped by the Qingyuan Empire Spirit Awakener Guild to take a look at the guild building. Based on her deductions, the other party’s aptitude should, at the very minimum, be at the ninth level. Yet… third level?

Wasn’t that a little too low?

“What does this represent? Does it mean that… I’m very weak?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“This…” With a conflicted expression, Elder Wei had no idea how she should speak of this matter to the other party. She paused for a brief moment before pointing to the Spirit Gauging Stone in her hand. “This stone possesses spirit of the fourth level.”

“…” Zhang Xuan.

“Why don’t I give it another try then?” Fearing that something might have gone wrong, Zhang Xuan tried it a few more times. However, the result still remained fixed at 3.

Seeing the number that kept appearing relentlessly on the Spirit Gauging Stone, Zhang Xuan rubbed his glabella in frustration.

He had thought that his talent in spirit enchantment would at least be decent, if not perfect, but to think that he was even worse than a stone.

How frustrating!

It seemed that the reason he was able to become a spirit awakener so easily, even successfully enchanting the entire guild building, wasn’t due to his ‘astounding’ aptitude in spirit enchantment. Rather, it only meant to say that the Heaven’s Path Spirit Enchantment Art was simply too formidable!

Elder Wei shook her head bitterly as she stood up. “I have imposed myself on Principal Zhang today. I’ll be taking my leave now.”

It might still have been a mistake the first time, but with the same result appearing so many times, she could no longer deceive herself.

Not only did Principal Zhang not possess exceptional talent in spirit enchantment, his aptitude was atrociously horrendous! It was most likely due to sheer luck that he had been able to successfully enchant the guild building.

She had thought that the Spirit Awakener Guild had finally found its savior, but from the looks of it… how could it be that simple?

If a genius with an aptitude of the tenth level could appear that easily, the seat of the guild leader of the Spirit Awakener Guild wouldn’t have been empty for the past five thousand years, leaving them with no choice but to be subordinated to the other powers.

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony,” Zhang Xuan replied awkwardly.

He had been bargaining with the other party a moment ago, but in the end, he was worse than a mere stone.

Just recalling what had happened left his face reddening in shame.

“I will have to ask of Principal Zhang to keep the matters concerning our guild a secret.” Sending a telepathic message over, Elder Wei beckoned to Guild Leader Ruan and said, “Let’s go.”

Right when the both of them were about to leave the manor, a crisp voice sounded.

“Teacher, can I give the Spirit Gauging Stone a try, too?”

Chapter 1138: Departure

The person who had just spoken was Wang Ying.

When Elder Wei and the others entered the room earlier, she and Liu Yang had still been in the midst of cultivating. Since it didn’t seem like anything confidential, they didn’t excuse themselves.

However, when Elder Wei took out the stone, she had felt a tingling sensation in her heart. It was a feeling reminiscent of… intimacy? Thus, she could not stop herself from asking for a go.

Zhang Xuan turned to his student and asked, “You wish to give it a try?”

At this moment, Wang Ying’s face was completely red, and her body was trembling slightly.

“Yes… Somehow, I feel a kind of attraction force between me and the stone…” Wang Ying nodded.

“Attraction force?” Noting the serious look on Wang Ying’s face, Zhang Xuan turned to Elder Wei and said, “Elder Wei, I might need to trouble you for this.”

“It’s fine.” Elder Wei nodded. With a flick of her finger, the Spirit Gauging Stone flew toward the young lady, landing accurately in the latter’s hand.

Without saying anything, Wang Ying placed the stone between her palms before slowly closing her eyes.

Weng!

A blinding light burst from the stone. It took a while before it dissipated, and a string of numbers slowly floated into appearance.

“This…” Upon seeing the number on the stone, Elder Wei’s body jolted. Even Zhang Xuan was dumbfounded.

“H-how can this be?”

Two digits sat quietly on top of the Spirit Gauging Stone—11!

“Didn’t you say that the tenth level is the highest level? Why does the result reflect 11?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“I-I have no idea!” Elder Wei was bewildered.

Based on what she knew, the tenth level was the highest level achievable. Only one who had reached this peak was qualified to enchant the Spirit Awakener Mountain and become the next Spirit Awakener Sovereign. For 11 to appear… what did this mean?

Suddenly, a thought came to Elder Wei’s mind, and she spoke with a quivering voice. “C-could it be… this is the level of aptitude of the founder?”

“The level of aptitude of the founder?” Zhang Xuan asked in incomprehension.

“According to the legends, the founder of our Spirit Awakener Guild, known to the world as the Fairy of Spirit Enchantment, possessed an aptitude above ten in spirit enchantment, reaching a level beyond our imaginations. It’s for this reason that she was able to turn an entire mountain into a powerful artifact and enchant it. Back in that era, even Kong shi was fearful of her. It should have been impossible for an individual as talented as our founder to appear once more, but to think that I would meet such an individual in my lifetime!” Elder Wei’s breathing hastened as her face flushed crimson.

She had originally hoped to find a genius of the tenth level to restore glory to the guild, but to think that she would actually find a genius of the eleventh level instead!

She could hardly imagine what this represented!

As long as they groomed her well, she could potentially become a figure as powerful as their founder!

“Young lady, do you wish to follow me back to the Spirit Awakener Guild?” Elder Wei asked anxiously.

She had definitely found a treasure this time around! If she could get the other party to return with her, the Spirit Awakener Guild would reach greater heights in the near future, perhaps even ushering another era of greatness for them!

“I…” Wang Ying had not expected for her aptitude in spirit enchantment to be so great either. Panicked, she could not help but turn to the young man. “Teacher, I’ll listen to your will…”

No matter how good her aptitude in spirit enchantment was, the will of her teacher was much more important.

“Principal Zhang!” Elder Wei glanced at Zhang Xuan anxiously.

“This…” Slightly hesitant, Zhang Xuan turned to Wang Ying and said, “Execute a punching routine for me.”

“Yes!” Nodding, Wang Ying swiftly executed an elegant but powerful set of punches.

Hu la!

Her punch tore through the air like a sharp spear, creating a sharp gust of wind.

This was a fist art that she had just learned from Zhang Xuan, but she had already achieved considerable mastery in it.

Hu!

A book appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

Zhang Xuan placed his finger on it, and the information concerning Wang Ying flowed into his mind.

Swiftly looking through it, a frown emerged on his forehead.

There was nothing concerning Wang Ying’s talent as a spirit awakener inside at all. To be more exact, there was not anything that hinted at it either.

Is the Library of Heaven’s Path no longer accurate? Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

The Library of Heaven’s Path had reflected information on Zhao Ya’s Pure Yin Body the first time he met her, and the same went for Yuan Tao and Wei Ruyan as well.

So, why was Wang Ying’s aptitude in spirit enchantment not reflected in her Library of Heaven’s Path book?

Does the Library of Heaven’s Path not reflect acquired constitutions? Back then, Lu Chong’s Combat Soul Constitution wasn’t reflected in it either, Zhang Xuan wondered.

Back then, the Library of Heaven’s Path did not reflect the reason behind Lu Chong’s massive soul. It was only through Mo Hunsheng that he learned of the Combat Soul Constitution and that Lu Chong was suited to learn soul arts.

Most likely, the situation was the same with Wang Ying as well. It might not have been an ability she was born with, and perhaps due to certain conditions of the Library of Heaven’s Path, it wasn’t reflected in it.

Wang Ying has a conscientious personality, and she is far more meticulous than any of my other students in deciphering the simplified Heaven’s Path Divine Art that I impart to them. Perhaps it might be the work of her personality and the prowess of the Heaven’s Path Divine Art at work that resulted in a change in her constitution, granting her such talents, Zhang Xuan deduced.

Fate is not something that is fixed. Not even the massive hands of the heavens are capable of grasping everything.

In truth, whether it was Lu Chong or Wang Ying, their talent could only be considered average among countless others in the Master Teacher Continent. However, despite the deficiencies that fate had given them, they had still ended up meeting Zhang Xuan and cultivated the powerful Heaven’s Path Divine Art, thus changing their lives for good.

For better or for worse, destiny was a capricious power.

Perhaps, even the seemingly omnipotent Library of Heaven’s Path was not infallible before the capricious nature of the world.

In teaching a student, it’s important to assess their talents individually and cultivate their strengths. However, it is also important to assess their growth and make alterations accordingly. There are some who might not show aptitude in a certain craft initially, but a sudden bout of enlightenment could bring about massive growth in their capabilities in the field. When such a situation happens, it wouldn’t do to continue viewing them as a weaker student and teaching them as such…

A sudden enlightenment sprouted within Zhang Xuan’s mind. He felt as if he was on the verge of coming onto something important, but when he tried to grasp it, it seemed to elude him.

He tried to delve deeper, to grab hold of it, but at that moment, Elder Wei’s voice jolted him back to reality. “Principal Zhang!”

Raising his gaze, Zhang Xuan saw the middle-aged lady looking at him anxiously.

She really wanted to take Wang Ying away, but she could keenly sense the deep relationship between the teacher and student. If the latter was unwilling to go with her, it could create some feelings of aversion between Wang Ying and the Spirit Awakener Guild.

“Un.” Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan knew that this wasn’t the time for him to be thinking about other matters. Turning back to Wang Ying, he asked, “Are you willing to head to the Spirit Awakener Guild?”

In such situations, what was important was not his opinion but his student’s. His role was only to help guide the latter along the road of life.

“I…” Wang Ying frowned in a dilemma.

“At the Spirit Awakener Guild, you will be entitled to a great pool of cultivation resources and a complete heritage. Naturally, you will also advance much quicker through the ranks. However, even if you choose to follow behind me, I am confident that I’ll be able to bring you to the same height eventually!” Zhang Xuan looked at Wang Ying calmly with deep confidence in his eyes.

Heading to the Spirit Awakener Guild was a good opportunity, but even if Wang Ying did not wish to take the opportunity, Zhang Xuan was still confident that he could groom her into becoming one of the strongest experts on the Master Teacher Continent.

The ultimate decision lay in the hands of the young lady before him.

A deeply conflicted look surfaced on Wang Ying’s little face. A moment later, she spoke up meekly. “Teacher, I… Just like Zhao Ya, Yuan Tao, and the others, I wish to share your troubles as well. I don’t want to continue being a burden to you!”

If she opted to follow her teacher, she would surely reach incredible heights in the future. In fact, she did not think that the heritage of the Spirit Awakener Guild could compare with her teacher’s lectures. But… as her cultivation grew, the resources she required to advance through each realm would increase exponentially. Even though her teacher had never uttered a word of complaint about the matter, she could not bring herself to keep dragging her teacher back. She wanted to become a person worthy of standing beside her teacher to assist him, and not baggage that was dragging him down all the time.

If she headed to the Spirit Awakener Guild and became the Spirit Awakener Sovereign, she could gain power swiftly. With her newfound strength, she would able to help her teacher in his time of need.

She had not heard it from Zhao Ya herself, but she felt that it was with the same conviction that the latter had made the decision to join the Glacier Plain Court.

And the same went for Zheng Yang as well.

As the first student his teacher accepted, she could not bring herself to continue selfishly leeching off him.

On the other hand, upon hearing Wang Ying’s words, Zhang Xuan shook his head and sighed. “You are my student, how can you possibly be a burden to me?”

They had only been together for a short year, but the experiences that they had gone through together were unforgettable. The bond between them was one that would never be severed.

Wang Ying might have thought that she was a burden, but to him, she was family. How could a family member possibly be a burden?

Hearing Zhang Xuan’s words, Wang Ying’s eyes reddened. She was silent for a moment before resolution filled her eyes, and she declared, “I want to head to the Spirit Awakener Guild!”

Teacher, I know that you view me as your family, but it’s the same for me as well!

This is an opportunity for me to grow and soar into the greater sky. In the past, you have sheltered me from the storm, and now, it should be my turn to protect you!

That’s because… we are a family!

Zhang Xuan lowered his head and nodded silently.

A long moment later, he said, “Since you have made your decision, go on then!”

All parties must eventually come to an end. Even though he knew that it was just a matter of time before his students would leave his side, separation was still difficult for him each time.

Of his seven direct disciples, Zhao Ya had gone to the Glacier Plain Court, Lu Chong had headed to the Ancient Domain of Soul Oracles, Yuan Tao had returned to his clan, Wei Ruyan had left for the Poison Hall, and Zheng Yang had departed for the Combat Master Hall headquarters…

Five had already left his side.

And now, the sixth was leaving him, too.

Of course, Zhang Xuan was glad to see that they were grasping the opportunities before them. With these opportunities, he had no doubt that they would reach incredible heights.

Just that… the rational mind and the sentimental heart were two separate organs in the body. He knew that it was better for them, but such rationality did little to alleviate the sorrow of separation.

“Teacher, you must take care of yourself…” Kneeling on the ground, Wang Ying spoke hoarsely before making eight resounding kowtows.

“Un.” Zhang Xuan nodded before placing a finger lightly on her forehead. A surge of Heaven’s Path zhenqi flowed into her body.

Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan said, “If you meet with any danger in the future, just activate this surge of zhenqi, and I’ll know, no matter how far away I am. If anyone dares bully you, even if the other party is the strongest sect on the continent or even the Master Teacher Pavilion itself, I’ll definitely redress your grievances!”

His tone was impassive, but the conviction in his voice was clear for all to hear.

“Un.” Wang Ying nodded as she flashed a smile at Zhang Xuan.

Zhang Xuan turned to Elder Wei and said, “Elder Wei, I’ll leave my student to you. I hope that you will treat her properly. If I ever learn that she has suffered the slightest grievance in the Spirit Awakener Guild headquarters, know that I’ll visit there personally and demand an explanation.”

To be threatened by a mere Saint 2-dan cultivator, it was natural that Elder Wei was unhappy. However, knowing that the other party was standing up for his own student, her heart still softened a little. “Don’t worry. Our Spirit Awakener Guild will surely protect her with everything that we have; we won’t allow her to suffer the slightest grievance, so you need not worry!”

For five thousand years, there had not been a single spirit awakener whose aptitude had reached the tenth level. It was not easy for one who possessed an aptitude of the eleventh level to appear, so how could they allow anything to happen to her?

After all, the future of the Spirit Awakener Guild was at stake over here!

“That would be for the best.” Zhang Xuan could tell that there was not any falsehood in the other party’s words, and he nodded in satisfaction. Then, he turned around and waved his hand. “Since this matter is decided, it would be best for you to leave now!”

Unlike Zhao Ya’s decisiveness, Wang Ying had a soft heart. The longer they delayed the matter for, the more likely that Wang Ying would hesitate and change her mind.

“Teacher…”

How could Wang Ying not understand her teacher’s intention? Her body trembled, and tears trickled down her cheeks.

Elder Wei walked up to Wang Ying and said, “Let’s go.”

“Un.” Wang Ying wiped her tears and nodded.

Elder Wei then turned to Guild Leader Ruan and instructed, “It would be best for us to return to the headquarters as soon as possible, so we won’t be staying tonight.”

After finding such a genius, it would be safer to escort her back to the headquarters as soon as possible to prevent any mishaps from occurring.

Or else, if something really happened on the way, it would be too late for tears.

After which, she turned to look at Zhang Xuan one last time and said, “Principal Zhang, we’ll be taking our leave now.”

Hu!

Right after saying those words, Elder Wei drove her zhenqi and leaped into the sky together with Wang Ying. In the blink of an eye, the both of them had already disappeared over the horizon.

The very first student he had accepted ever since transcending over to this world, Wang Ying, had left.

A long time later, Zhang Xuan let out a deep sigh.

Chapter 1139: The Fourth Acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher

“Principal Zhang, farewell!” Guild Leader Ruan also took her leave.

With this, aside from Zhang Xuan, only Sun Qiang and Liu Yang remained in the courtyard.

By the time Zhang Xuan turned around once more, Wang Ying and Elder Wei were already nowhere to be seen. With his hands behind his back, he looked into the deep night sky for a long time before saying, “Alright, let’s return back in.”

What that must go would eventually go.

To become true dragons, they couldn’t always remain by his side. How could they mature if they were always sheltered by him?

“Teacher…” Knowing that Zhang Xuan must be grieved over Wang Ying’s departure, Liu Yang stepped forward, wanting to say something. However, he suddenly felt someone grabbing his arm, holding him back.

“Let Young Master be alone for a while.” Sun Qiang said silently.

Liu Yang turned to look at Sun Qiang and saw the latter shaking his head. He hesitated for a brief moment before nodding and following the latter away.

Indeed. What his teacher needed at the moment were not words of comfort but tranquility.

To see one’s students leaving one’s side one after another was indeed not easy to bear.

After leaving the courtyard, Liu Yang looked at the dark night, and for some reason, the sky looked exceptionally gloomy tonight. He turned to Sun Qiang and asked, “What can I do for teacher?”

“What you can do for him is to cultivate diligently. Don’t let Young Master’s efforts go to waste!” Sun Qiang pondered for a brief moment before replying.

Liu Yang contemplated those words for a moment before clenching his fists tightly together. “You’re right. Zhao Ya, Lu Chong, Yuan Tao, Wei Ruyan, Zheng Yang, and Wang Ying, they have all left. I am the only one remaining now. I must work hard and grow stronger so as to not let teacher down!”

Back in those days when all of them cultivated together, while he wasn’t the one who improved the fastest, he wasn’t the slowest either. Training wasn’t easy, but he was satisfied.

However, that feeling of satisfaction had long vanished, replaced by immense anxiety and stress.

Zhao Ya, Yuan Tao, Wei Ruyan, and Lu Chong had left to inherit heritages that were suited for their unique constitution. Once they fully awakened their unique constitutions, their cultivation would surely soar through the ranks.

On the other hand, Zheng Yang and Wang Ying had left for the Combat Master Hall and Spirit Awakener Guild respectively, where they would inherit complete heritages and receive top-notch cultivation resources. Without a doubt, they would grow stronger swiftly as well.

Of them all, he was the only one who had remained stationary on the spot.

If he were to lag behind the others, wouldn’t it mean that teacher was not on par with those other powers?

“No, this won’t do. I have to work harder than ever!” With a complicated look in his eyes, Liu Yang turned around and returned back to his room.

He couldn’t waste the slightest bit of time. He must work harder than ever on his cultivation so as to catch up with the others!

As fellow students, he didn’t wish to be lagging far behind the others when they met once more. If so, he would truly become a baggage to his teacher.

“Hai…” Noting Liu Yang’s response, Sun Qiang shook his head. “Forget it, I shall not compete with those cultivation maniacs. Let me take a walk through the streets and see if there is any delectable food around here…”

Stretching his back lazily, Sun Qiang began making his way out.

Ever since he arrived at Qingyuan City, he had been accompanying the lot from the Xuanxuan Faction, and he hadn’t really gone anywhere yet. Since he had time now, it would be good for him to experience the nightlife in Qingyuan City for himself.

He didn’t have much interest in cultivation. Otherwise, given that the Young Master had personally tutored him and provided with him with generous cultivation resources, he should have long surpassed Half-Saint by now.

…

Standing quietly on the spot, Zhang Xuan felt an unprecedented feeling of loneliness.

His students had all nearly left him, and Luo Ruoxin was no longer around either. He couldn’t help but feel that it wouldn’t be long before he was all alone once more.

It was as if he was slowly regressing back into those days of solitude when he first transcended over to this world.

Back then, he was under the constant threat of expulsion, and there was not a student under his name.

Everything was completely foreign to him, but there was not the slightest support or solace he could find from those around him.

“They might learn better and stronger cultivation techniques staying by my side, but… it’s for the best that they have left! Staying by my side will only limit their growth as a person…”

A growth in cultivation was only a small aspect of life. In order to mature into adults, his students would have to venture into the larger world themselves and experience all kinds of things themselves.

As this thought surfaced in his mind, Zhang Xuan suddenly felt like he had grasped hold of that elusive thing he had been clawing at earlier.

“A teacher who truly loves his students would think ahead for them. Grooming a student isn’t like forging a weapon, where a forging technique and a blueprint would be sufficient to craft a good weapon. The students have their own life to live. They should experience the many aspects of life themselves, be it joy, anger, sorrow, or bitterness, and they should find their own goal and struggle for it too! If I were to just keep them by my side, all I can offer them is knowledge. They might be able to grow powerful this way as well, but I would be depriving them of an opportunity to temper themselves, and they would never be able to become true experts this way. The fact that they are leaving my side shows that they have already matured…”

Hong long!

His mind jolted, and a sound reminiscent of the rumbling of thunder echoed in his head. In the next moment, a unique aura abruptly descended from the sky and shrouded his figure.

The fourth acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher!

Tzzzzzzz!

That unique energy dived into his body, raising his Soul Depth swiftly.

At the same time, he fell into a trance, and his aura gradually grew deeper and steadier.

…

The Conference Hall of the Combat Master Hall.

“Hall Master Xing, here is the compilation of the combat knowledge we have learned from the Xuanxuan Faction over the past few days. According to them, they were all imparted from Principal Zhang!” the head of the Footwork Division, Lu Wangqiu, took out a few thick books.

He had only left for the Xuanxuan Faction to study. It didn’t mean that he was never coming back to the Combat Master Hall.

Hall Master Xing casually flipped open the first book and began browsing through it. Before long, his eyes lit up in excitement.

When he finally browsed through the books and mused over their content, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Principal Zhang is indeed a genius. His understanding of combat has reached an unfathomable level! As simple as these theories may seem, they are directed toward the very crux of cultivation. Through this knowledge, our combat masters will be able to easily find the flaws of any battle technique and overcome them easily!”

He had never known that combat could be interpreted in such a straightforward and refreshing manner. As expected of Yang shi’s direct disciple, Principal Zhang was truly an incredible figure!

“Indeed. I was paying close heed when he conducted the lecture earlier during the exchange, and even though the knowledge he had imparted was simple, it was extremely enlightening. I felt that many new windows have opened up for my cultivation just by listening to his lecture!” the head of the Palm Division, Yan Qinghai, added.

The other division heads also nodded in agreement.

If they were still a little opposed to joining the Xuanxuan Faction before, after the exchange they had, such a feeling had vanished entirely. If anything, they would be delighted to join the Xuanxuan Faction at this point!

As long as they were to study diligently, they could foresee the overall prowess of the Combat Master Hall increasing by leaps and bounds.

“It seems like it was the correct decision for us to participate in the exchange…” Hall Master Xing nodded in agreement. However, halfway through his words, he suddenly sensed something, and his eyes narrowed in astonishment.

Huala!

The other division heads seemed to have sensed the same thing that he did as well, and they hurriedly got to their feet.

“Let’s head over to take a look!”

Without any hesitation, Hall Master Xing dashed out. Not too long later, he arrived at a massive hall located a short distance away from the Conference Hall.

Placed within the hall were the tablets of the outstanding predecessors of the Combat Master Hall, as well as a sculpture of their founder.

Upon stepping into the hall, they saw the tablets and the sculpture of their founder trembling non-stop, as if they had witnessed something terrifying.

“What’s going on?” the head of the Footwork Division, Lu Wangqiu, asked in apprehension.

This was the first time he had seen such an occurrence in the eight hundred years of his life! Furthermore, there was no record of something of this sort happening in the long history of their Combat Master Hall!

Huala!

Just as Hall Master Xing and the other division heads were completely bewildered by the happenings before them, the tablets suddenly fell toward a certain direction. For some reason, their movement seemed to carry a hint of deference and respect.

At the same time, the sculpture of the founder also fell to the ground. It was as if it had finally encountered an existence worthy of its respect.

“T-this… Could it be…” Upon seeing these happenings, a thought suddenly came to Hall Master Xing’s mind, and his eyes narrowed in shock.

“What is it?”

The division heads quickly turned their gazes to him.

As combat masters devoted their time to furthering their combat skills, they weren’t as knowledgeable as the master teachers. It was inevitable that they would be ignorant about the various legends and formalities of the Master Teacher Pavilion as well.

“Trembling of Myriad Tokens, the Bow of Submission of the Predecessors. This… it is the sign of the birth of a Celestial Master Teacher!” Hall Master Xing said hoarsely, his voice quivering in disbelief.

“Celestial Master Teacher?”

Those words left the faces of the other division heads paling as well.

…

Lu Ran was a master teacher apprentice of the Qingyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion.

He was in charge of cleaning and organizing the Teacher Acknowledgement Hall. It should have been his rest day today, but the other apprentice on duty had something urgent on, so he could only fill up for him.

I had already made an appointment with Luo Yan to meet her parents. Damn it, she’ll surely hold a grudge against me for this! Lu Ran muttered in distress.

If not for this darned duty, he would have been able to make it for their appointment tonight, and if things had gone well, he might have been able to finally bring the beauty he had been courting back home and officially terminate his long term of singlehood… But due to this darned duty, all of his plans had gone down the drain.

The more he thought about this matter, the more frustrated he felt.

It’s only a bunch of lifeless tokens, is there a need to guard them day in day out? Pushing open the door to the Teacher Acknowledgement Hall, Lu Ran looked at the same barren sight before him and shook his head in frustration.

All that was in the Teacher Acknowledgement Hall was a bunch of old tokens and a sculpture of Kong shi.

He understood the need to respect one’s ancestors, but those were all lifeless objects! It should suffice to clean them once in a while, surely there should be no need to appoint a guard to specially look over them?

Forget it, I just have to endure this for another half a year. Once I am promoted to an official master teacher, I won’t have to do such dreary chores anymore! As an ordinary apprentice, it was inevitable that he would be appointed to carry out some menial labor for the Master Teacher Pavilion. However, once he became a true master teacher, his standing would become completely different from before.

It was true that a 1-star master teacher wasn’t anything much in Qingyuan Empire, but a master teacher was still a master teacher. With this identity shielding him, he wouldn’t have to live so humbly anymore, being at the beck and call of others.

Forget it, I should just have a good sleep here and apologize to Luo Yan tomorrow morning! Stretching his back lazily, Lu Ran headed to a corner of the Teacher Acknowledge Hall and placed a few cushions together before lying down on it.

Closing his eyes, he was on the verge of sleeping when he suddenly felt the entire hall tremoring intensely.

“W-what? What is going on?” Nearly scared of his wits, Lu Ran immediately leaped to his feet in horror.

He was in the Master Teacher Pavilion, the most important ground in Qingyuan Empire! There were many formations erected around it, such that even if an earthquake or avalanche were to occur, the Master Teacher Pavilion would still be able to emerge from it completely intact. And yet… just what in the world could have happened for such intense tremors to occur?

Horrified, he scanned the room warily, only to see the many tokens leaping down from their stands.

“This…” Upon seeing this sight, Lu Ran’s body shuddered in fear.

He had never encountered or heard of such a situation before!

Those tokens should have been lifeless objects! In the past, when he was cleaning those tokens, he had accidentally knocked down some of them, but it was not as if anything had happened to him…

Why would they suddenly come to life, jumping down from their stands?

Hualala!

Falling to the ground, they stood in a neat row, as if filing in on someone’s command, and with a simultaneous action, they turned to look in a specific direction.

Completely chilled by that eerie sight, Lu Ran hid in the corner, covering his mouth tightly with his trembling hands. He was afraid that if he would be killed if he were to make a move at this moment.

Hong long!

Just as he was considering whether he should quietly sneak out of the room to report this matter to the pavilion master, he suddenly saw the unmoving sculpture of Kong shi coming to life as well. It turned around and looked in the same direction as the tokens.

Its eyes were deep and distant, reminiscent to that of a living person.

In that instant, Lu Ran even forgot how to breathe. Kong shi’s sculpture slowly lowered its back and clasped its fist.

“Greetings, my comrade!”

Chapter 1140: Zhang Xuan Visits a Courtesan House (1)

Some time later, Zhang Xuan finally opened his eyes.

The acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher this time around lasted much longer than before. Under the tempering of the unique aura, his aura became much sharper, and his thoughts became clearer than ever.

Even though there was no tangible increase in his strength, the sharper clarity of his thoughts granted him better reflexes than before.

At the same time, his Eye of Insight had also become keener. With his sharper perception, his ability to disguise himself was also enhanced too. As long as he willed it so, not even an 8-star master teacher would be able to notice anything unusual about him.

On top of that, in the past, he was only able to discern flaws of individuals or objects which corresponded to a maximum to four cultivation stages higher than him, but now, he could see through the cultivation of those whose fighting prowess was on par with him.

To put it in more direct terms… he was able to see through the flaws and openings in the cultivation of Primordial Spirit pinnacle experts!

In the future, if he were to encounter such Saint 4-dan pinnacle experts, even without the Library of Heaven’s Path, he would be able to analyze their flaws just with his Eye of Insight and subdue them with ease.

“The growth of my Eye of Insight is great, but what is truly significant is that my Soul Depth… has increased by 2.0 once more!” Zhang Xuan thought in excitement.

The changes in the Eye of Insight were great, but what that had left him the most excited was the explosive rise in his Soul Depth.

This acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher had increased his Soul Depth by a whole 2.0!

After undergoing the Saint Ascension Ordeal, his Soul Depth had already been increased to 23.1, putting him on par with 7-star pinnacle master teachers. With this further increase by 2.0, it had reached a staggering 25.1, putting him on an equivalent level as 8-star high-tier master teachers!

With his enhanced Soul Depth, even 7-star pinnacle master teachers would succumb easily to his Impartation of Heaven’s Will and willingly submit to him.

“As long as I know their cultivation technique, I should be able to faze even 8-star low-tier master teachers with my Impartation of Heaven’s Will!” Zhang Xuan thought with clenched fists.

For the Impartation of Heaven’s Will to work, the knowledge which one was lecturing about must be aligned with the essence of the world. Those who were able to become an 8-star master teacher were all individuals with near transcendental state of minds. At their level, a lecture of fundamentals would do little to faze their mind. However, if Zhang Xuan could uncover their cultivation technique and correct it, beguiling them with his Impartation of Heaven’s Will shouldn’t be too difficult.

“Speaking of which, my Soul Depth has already long reached the mark required for me to become a 7-star master teacher. It should be about time for me to start preparing to take the 7-star master teacher examination…” Zhang Xuan thought as he exhaled deeply.

More often than not, the limiting factor to a master teacher was his Soul Depth. High Soul Depth enhanced one’s rate of cultivation and learning, so once one’s Soul Depth reached the mark, one’s cultivation and supporting occupations would swiftly follow suit.

At the moment, the conflict between the Xuanxuan Faction and the Combat Master Hall seemed to be resolved. The members from both organizations were getting along amicably with one another, so that was a burden off his mind.

With that, it was about time for him to focus on his own personal matters. It would be good to pay a visit to the Master Teacher Pavilion, meet some old friends, and obtain a 7-star master teacher emblem while he was at it.

For his 6-star master teacher examination, he had chosen to challenge Empire Building. It was the most difficult examination, but its benefits lay in that he would be automatically entitled to the 7-star master teacher emblem once he met the prerequisites for the promotion.

His Soul Depth and cultivation definitely met the mark for promotion, so what was lacking was his supporting occupations.

So far, the occupations which he had achieved a mastery of 7-star in were spirit awakener, demonic tunist, and poison master. His other occupations, such as apothecary, blacksmith, and the sort, were still at 6-star.

Of them, the spirit awakener was not considered as a unique occupation, and it wouldn’t reflect well on his reputation if it was revealed that he practiced poison arts. Thus, he only had a single 7-star supporting occupation at the moment…

“In order to qualify as a 7-star master teacher, I’ll require seven 7-star supporting occupations. Currently, other than appraiser and soul oracle, my other occupations are at 6-star pinnacle.”

In his long journey, Zhang Xuan had picked up a total of twelve supporting occupations, and they were namely: 7-star spirit awakener, 7-star demonic tunist, 7-star poison master, 6-star blacksmith, 6-star physician, 6-star painter, 6-star beast tamer, 6-star celestial designer, 6-star terpsichore, 6-star formation master, 5-star appraiser, and last but not least… soul oracle!

It went without saying that he couldn’t use his spirit awakener, poison master, and soul oracle occupation, so he only had the remaining nine to rely on.

“For formation master, I have already achieved the level of 7-star, and Guild Leader Han has already helped me apply for an emblem. If nothing goes wrong, I should be able to collect it very soon.”

Back at the Qiu Wu Palace, Zhang Xuan had managed to advance his mastery as a formation master straight to 7-star pinnacle. In view of that, Guild Leader Han, as the head of the Qingyuan Empire Formation Master Guild, had taken the initiative to apply for the 7-star emblem for him, so he didn’t have to go through the trouble of taking the examination.

But even so, he only had two 7-star supporting occupations with that.

He still needed another five more.

“With my current identity, I should be able to access the libraries of the respective guilds directly. As long as I work fast, I should be able to be done with it in a single day…” Zhang Xuan thought.

To others, advancing their supporting occupations was a lengthy and tiresome process, requiring them to work diligently over a long period of time to brush their knowledge and skills up to par. However, to Zhang Xuan, it was truly nothing at all.

Even if he were to take his time, he should be able to accomplish it within two days easily.

“As the capital of a Tier-1 Empire, most major guilds can be found in Qingyuan City, such as the Apothecary Guild, Physician Guild, and the Beast Tamer Guild. However, I wonder if there is any Terpsichorean Guild, Celestial Designer Guild, and the others here as well…”

As Zhang Xuan had mainly spent his time training the Combat Master Hall over the past three days, he still hadn’t gotten a clear grasp over the layout of Qingyuan City yet. As such, he had no idea what kind of guilds there were here and where they were located either. If he could uncover this information beforehand, he would be spared much time fumbling around the city looking for the occupation guilds.

With this thought in mind, Zhang Xuan walked out of his room and shouted, “Sun Qiang, Sun Qiang!”

Sun Qiang would always gather intelligence from the locals as soon as they arrived in a new city, so there was no one apter than him to ask.

“Teacher, Butler Sun headed out last night, and he isn’t back yet!” Hearing Zhang Xuan’s shouting, Liu Yang walked out and said.

After they parted the previous night, Sun Qiang left the Combat Master Hall, and even till morning, there was still no trace of the latter to be seen.

Zhang Xuan frowned, “Do you know where he went then?”

“I’m not too sure either. However, I have already entrusted some friends from the Combat Master Hall to help look into this matter.” Liu Yang quickly replied.

“Un.” Zhang Xuan nodded. “Tell him to look for me as soon as he returns.”

This wasn’t the first time Sun Qiang had stayed out overnight, so Zhang Xuan was not particularly worried about him. In any case, the Combat Master Hall was already looking for him, so it shouldn’t be long before the other party returned.

“Noted!” Liu Yang nodded.

After which, Zhang Xuan began making his way over to Hall Master Xing’s residence.

Since Sun Qiang wasn’t around, he could only seek Hall Master Xing for help.

“You wish to brush up your supporting occupations and push for a promotion to 7-star master teacher?” Hearing the intent behind Zhang Xuan’s visit, Hall Master Xing replied with a smile.

“That’s right!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Elder Qi happens to be the old head of the Physician Guild, and given your deep mastery in the Way of Medicine, it shouldn’t be too difficult for him to apply for a 7-star physician emblem, so there is no need for you to take the physician examination either.”

Hall Master Xing smiled. “Furthermore, the head of the Apothecary Guild, Wu Huayu, has heard news that you are currently residing in our Combat Master Hall. In a conversation we had recently, he indicated that he has helped you apply for a 7-star apothecary emblem, and he intends to pay you a visit and hand the emblem over to you personally some time soon.”

“Wu Huayu?” Zhang Xuan was startled.

That name was astonishingly familiar to him. It was the apothecary whom he challenged during the Pill Debate conducted via the Communication Jade Screen back when he was at the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy Apothecary School! Back then, he had given the latter several pointers in his pill forging, and in exchange, the latter had helped him apply for the Grand Intermittence Grass he needed to save Wei Ruyan…

All along, he had thought that the other party was a small fry in the Qingyuan Empire Apothecary Guild. Who could have thought that the other party would actually turn out be the head of the Apothecary Guild…

Later on, it seemed like the other party had come over to Hongyuan Empire personally to deliver the Grand Intermittence Grass, but Zhang Xuan happened to be out with Luo Ruoxin during that period of time, so they missed one another.

“Factoring in those two occupations, I would have four 7-star supporting occupations at the moment. I would just need three more in order to qualify as a 7-star master teacher!” Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief and smiled.

It would have surely taken quite a bit of effort if he had to go through the various occupations one after another. Naturally, it would be for the best if he could save some time.

“As for the location of the respective guilds… Our Qingyuan City doesn’t have a Celestial Designer Guild, and the Beast Tamer Guild is located in a mountain range roughly two hundred li away from the city. However, the Terpsichore Guild, Appraiser Guild, and Painter Guild are located in the city, so you could consider going for them instead.” Hall Master Xing explained.

“I see. I’ll head to the Terpsichore Guild first then.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Since the Beast Tamer Guild wasn’t in the city, it would be more efficient if he could clear all the examinations within the city before heading there.

“Alright, allow me to bring you over then…” Hall Master Xing nodded.

“It’s fine, it’s fine. There’s no need to trouble Hall Master Xing over a minor matter like this. You just have to tell me the location, and I’ll head there myself.” Zhang Xuan replied with a smile.

He was only taking the examination for a supporting occupation, it would be an overkill if he were to have the head of the Combat Master Hall accompany him there. That would raise too much of a commotion, and it went without saying that it was at odds with his intention of maintaining a low profile.

“That works too. However, the branch of the Terpsichore Guild in Qingyuan Empire… is located at a location which might be a little awkward for you to visit…” At this point, Hall Master Xing suddenly recalled a matter, and a peculiar expression appeared on his face.

“Awkward for me to visit?”

“Un. You have learned terpsichorean arts yourself too, so you should know that terpsichoreans utilize dance as an intermediary for their offense, and the location where dancers are the most sought after happens to be the… Spring Pavilion!” Hall Master Xing continued.

“Spring Pavilion?” Zhang Xuan was perplexed. “Is that the name of the Terpsichorean Guild branch in Qingyuan City?”

“It is… the name of a courtesan house!” Hall Master Xing replied awkwardly.

“A courtesan house?” Zhang Xuan’s lips twitched.

“Yes, but it isn’t the kind which you are thinking of. The courtesans there sell their craft, not their bodies. Nevertheless, it is still one of the most popular spots in the city with huge crowds walking in and out of its doors every day!” Hall Master Xing said.

Typically speaking, those who opted to learn terpsichorean arts were top-notch beauties with excellent figures. A dance from them could easily enchant them, leaving them craving for more.

But still, for an orthodox unique occupation to run a courtesan house… just the thought of it sounded deeply inconceivable.

“The founder of the Terpsichore Guild, Elder Gong Sun, had her entire family massacred by an enemy back when she was still at a young age. She spent many years of her life refining her craft as a dancer, and eventually, she managed to exact vengeance on her enemy. After that, under Kong shi’s guidance, she founded the terpsichore occupation. However, in acknowledgement of her past as a dance courtesan, most of the Terpsichore Guild branches are still established as courtesan houses.” Hall Master Xing explained.

Zhang Xuan nodded in realization.

He had learned about the history of Elder Gong Sun through the books in the Master Teacher Academy, but as most of them were carefully selected by master teachers, the portion regarding Elder Gong Sun being a dance courtesan was probably intentionally left out due to it being viewed as dishonorable.

“Nevertheless, Kong shi didn’t look down on Elder Gong Sun despite her occupation. Instead, he said that there was no such thing as a lowly occupation; there were only lowly individuals in the world. As long as dance courtesans lived their life with dignity, they were individuals worthy of respect too. It is with this philosophy in mind that terpsichore eventually managed to become a unique occupation as well.”

“Un.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Kong shi was right.

Every single occupation had to be respected. Even the most ordinary occupation served a vital purpose in this world, so they shouldn’t be disregarded and looked down upon.

As expected of Kong shi, his state of mind had indeed transcended mere forms.

“Where is the Spring Pavilion you spoke of located?” Tossing aside the prejudice in his mind, Zhang Xuan asked.

“It’s located not too far away from the Combat Master Hall. After you leave here, turn left and head straight for roughly ten li, and you should see it.” Hall Master Xing said.

After getting the location of the other two guilds out of Hall Master Xing, Zhang Xuan finally clasped his fist and bade farewell, “Alright, I’ll be heading over to take a look now. Farewell.”

After leaving the residence of Hall Master Xing, before Zhang Xuan could even step out of the Combat Master Hall, he saw a young lady hurriedly walking towards him.

“Zhang shi, are you heading out? Why don’t you bring me along with you?”

Chapter 1141: Zhang Xuan Visits a Courtesan House (2)

The young lady was dressed in a light blue dress which shaped her elegant figure perfectly. A yellow silk belt was wrapped around her waist, accentuating the curves between her waist and her bottom. From afar, she looked like a bewitching succubus who would steal one’s soul away at any time.

The person wasn’t anyone else other than the head of the Bewitching Devil Faction, Hu Yaoyao.

The Bewitching Devil Faction was dissolved shortly after Zhang Xuan became the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, and Hu Yaoyao officially joined the Xuanxuan Faction right afterward, becoming one of the strongest cultivators in its ranks.

“You want to tag along with me? That’s fine.” Seeing that it was Hu Yaoyao, Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement.

Hu Yaoyao’s main supporting occupation in the Master Teacher Academy was terpsichorean arts, and she was even the direct disciple of School Head Wei Ranxue. Since he was heading to the Terpsichore Guild, it would be good to bring her along as well.

“We want to go too!”

Shortly after Zhang Xuan accepted her request, another voice sounded not too far away. Turning his head over, he saw Yu Fei-er and Luo Qiqi standing not too far away, staring at him intently.

Looking at the curiosity in the eyes of the duo, Zhang Xuan shook his head and advised, “It would be best for the both of you to stay out of this matter. It isn’t appropriate for the both of you to visit such a place!”

“It isn’t appropriate? Why can Hu Yaoyao tag along with you but not us?” Yu Fei-er frowned in displeasure.

It was one thing if the other party refused to bring all of them with him, but he had agreed to bring Hu Yaoyao along! This blatant discrimination left her feeling deeply indignant within, and her explosive temper flared up in an instant.

Was Hu Yaoyao that important to him?

On the other hand, while Luo Qiqi didn’t say a word, the unhappy gaze she shot him spoke the very same words too.

“I’m heading to the Spring Pavilion, which happens to be a courtesan house too! As ladies, it won’t be appropriate for you two to tag along.” Zhang Xuan explained.

“You are heading to a courtesan house?”

“With Hu Yaoyao at that?”

The duo exchanged gazes for a brief instant, and with uncanny harmony, they stretched their hands forward simultaneously to block Zhang Xuan’s path. “No way, not over my dead body!”

“Stop fooling around, I’m heading there because I have important matters to attend to.” Zhang Xuan frowned upon seeing their actions.

It was in view of their relatively mature characters that he treated the both of them well, patiently guiding them along whenever they faced any problem. Why were they suddenly throwing a tantrum at this moment?

Seeing that Zhang Xuan was starting to get a little annoyed by their actions, Yu Fei-er bit her lips and continued on, “Zhang shi, you are a master teacher, so how can you go to such a place? If you really… need to… I can help you..”

“Help me?” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Help me? How do you intend to help me?

Can you give me a 7-star terpsichore emblem or a 7-star master teacher emblem?

To offer your help despite not knowing what is going on, aren’t you worried that I might sell you out?

Sighing deeply, Zhang Xuan said, “I appreciate your good intentions, but I’m afraid that you aren’t sufficient to help me on this matter…”

“You say that I am insufficient? How am I insufficient? I am very sufficient, alright?” Yu Fei-er immediately lashed out as she stuck out her chest indignantly.

Is he scorning me for being not up to par with Hu Yaoyao?

This is too much. Isn’t hers just a little bigger?

Mine is not too bad either, alright!

Besides… insufficient? How do you know that I would be insufficient?

Just as she was feeling deeply stifled within, the young man continued speaking.

“Spring Pavilion is the branch of the local Terpsichore Guild, and I intend to head there to take the 7-star terpsichore examination so as to rake up the required supporting occupations for a promotion to 7-star master teacher. Hu Yaoyao’s main supporting occupation is terpsichore, so it would be beneficial for her to head there too. On the other hand, your main supporting occupation is formation master, so it might not be appropriate for you to tag along too.”

Zhang Xuan was speechless.

You don’t even know the slightest thing about terpsichorean arts, and you still want to help me? This naivety is truly…

“Terpsichore Guild branch? 7-star terpsichore?” Yu Fei-er froze upon hearing those words, and in the next moment, her face flushed crimson.

Clearly, she was unaware of the matter too.

When she heard the words ‘courtesan house’, her thoughts immediately turned carnal… It was fortunate that the other party didn’t seem to understand what she was driving at, or else she would be too embarrassed to meet anyone.

“Why would the branch of the Terpsichore Guild be a courtesan house?”

The one who had asked this time around was Hu Yaoyao. It seemed like despite being a terpsichore herself, she wasn’t too aware of its history either.

In truth, just like Yu Fei-er and Luo Qiqi, she honestly thought that Zhang shi was going to bring her to that kind of place! She was still feeling conflicted as to how she should respond should the other party raise some kind of unreasonable demand there, whether she should turn him down or accept him… But to think that the courtesan house would actually be the branch of a Terpsichore Guild instead!

“The history of the terpsichore occupation can be traced back to dance courtesans. Furthermore, only by frequently performing for others will one be able to advance her terpsichorean art swiftly and bring forth greater prowess in battle. As such, most of the Terpsichore Guilds, other than the branches set up within the Master Teacher Academies, are courtesan houses…” Having understood what was going on, Luo Qiqi swiftly explained slightly awkwardly.

On the other hand, Zhang Xuan was slightly surprised to see that Luo Qiqi even knew of this matter, and he nodded in agreement.

With this, Yu Fei-er finally understood what was going on, but that only served to make her face redder than ever. Nevertheless, she still bucked up her courage and stared at Zhang Xuan intently, “I still want to tag along with you!”

“Teacher, I wish to follow you too!” Luo Qiqi added.

“… Alright then, you can follow me there if you really want to.” Seeing that he was unable to talk the duo out of the matter, Zhang Xuan eventually conceded.

In any case, it was not like he was going there to do something that couldn’t be seen. He was only intending to take the terpsichore examination, so it mattered not whether he brought another person with him or not.

Soon, the group of four set forth from the Combat Master Hall, and after traveling roughly ten li, a massive building appeared before their eyes.

Even before coming close, they could already hear the excited voices within. There was a constant huge crowd walking to and fro the building, a truly bustling sight.

Almost the entirety of the crowd were young men, and judging from their extravagant dress up, they were likely to be from considerable backgrounds too.

“Too beautiful, she’s truly too beautiful!”

“Indeed! I would die just for an opportunity to share a night with a fairy like her!”

“Die? I would be willing to die ten times over for that!”

“Stop the talking and get moving. Fairy Zi Yan’s dance is about to begin…”

…

Such heated discussions could be heard all around the place. There was an excited gleam in the eyes of every single young man walking in or out of the building.

“It seems like terpsichore is a celebrated occupation in Qingyuan Empire!” Zhang Xuan noted.

He had been to many guilds over the past year, but it was truly rare to see one as lively as this.

“Who knows if it’s really the occupation that is celebrated…” Yu Fei-er harrumphed coldly.

“Alright, let’s head in!” With a smile, Zhang Xuan began making his way in as well.

Admittedly, the beauty of a dancing terpsichore was an allure hard for any young man to resist, but beyond that, the dance of terpsichores did help to temper one’s soul too. If it wasn’t for the latter, it was unlikely that so many cultivators would be so moved over just a few young ladies.

“This brother over here, are you… intending to enter the Spring Pavilion too?” Before Zhang Xuan could walk in, an astonished voice suddenly sounded. Turning around, he saw a young man staring at him with a flabbergasted look.

“What’s wrong?” Zhang Xuan asked with a frown.

The other party had an appearance reminiscent of a man in his thirties, and shockingly, his cultivation was higher than Zhang Xuan’s, reaching Saint 3-dan primary stage!

To possess such strength at such a young age, it was almost certain that the other party had a prominent background.

“It’s nothing, it’s just that I find it… weird…” Swiftly taking a glance at Hu Yaoyao and the others, the young man quickly shook his head.

To come to a courtesan house despite having three ravishing beauties by his side… he sure was adventurous!

And the most astonishing thing of all, those three ravishing beauties actually agreed to it, coming along with him even…

It wasn’t too hard for Zhang Xuan to fathom what the other party was thinking, but he couldn’t be bothered to explain himself. With the three ladies following behind him, he made his way over to the entrance.

A lanky attendant stood at the entrance, “Do you have any reservation?”

Zhang Xuan shook his head, “I have something important to do here. I’m not intending to…”

“Everyone that comes here says that he has something important to do. If you don’t have a reservation, I’ll have to ask you to turn around and leave. Our Spring Pavilion is already at max capacity, so even if you were to enter now, you won’t be able to meet Fairy Zi Yan!” said the attendant impatiently.

The attendant didn’t seem to care whom the other party was or what background he was from. From the looks of it, he must have encountered such situations often, and he knew very well that no one would dare to cause trouble right before the Terpsichore Guild too.

“We’re not here to meet…” Slightly displeased by the self-assuming attitude of the attendant, Zhang Xuan was just about to clarify the matter when the young man whom he had spoken to earlier suddenly appeared by his side.

“This person over here is a buddy of mine. Why? Does my buddy need a reservation to enter the Spring Pavilion too?”

“I-I dare not to! I didn’t know that he’s Chu gongzi’s friend!” the attendant quickly lowered his head respectfully.

“That better the case!” Chu gongzi nodded before turning to Zhang Xuan. “This friend over here, I have a reservation at one of the suites inside. Why don’t you join me?”

“This…” Zhang Xuan frowned.

“It’s impossible to enter without a reservation. If you can’t even enter the Spring Pavilion, you won’t be able to accomplish whatever you intend to do here.” Chu gongzi reminded with a smile.

“… I’ll humbly accept your kind gesture then.”

Judging from the huge rejected crowd loitering around the entrance of the Spring Pavilion, it was apparent that it would be impossible to enter without making any prior reservation. It would be unseemly for him to make a huge ruckus just to step through those doors, so he decisively chose to take the other party up on his offer.

Having thought things through, Zhang Xuan nodded, “Thanks.”

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony. With just a look, I can tell that you are one who pursues the same path as me. Naturally, it’s only right for us to help one another in times of need!” Chu gongzi blinked his eyes, gesturing with an ‘I understand’ look.

“I…” Seeing how Chu gongzi was acting, Zhang Xuan knew that the other party must be misunderstanding something here. He immediately tried to explain himself, but the other party simply shook off his words leisurely, “Don’t worry, I’m not so underhanded as go after the companions of a friend. Since I regard you as my friend, you can be certain that I’ll respect your women as well.”

Zhang Xuan placed his hand on his forehead.

What the heck was this?

Forget it.

At this point, it didn’t feel like there was any point for him to explain anymore. The other party seemed to be so convinced of the matter that anything he said would probably be regarded as a mere excuse out of embarrassment.

Following behind Chu gongzi, it didn’t take long for them to arrive at a suite on the second floor.

The room was spacious and clean. It was divided into several smaller rooms which would allow a large group to reside within this space comfortably, More importantly, its walls were made of glass panels, granting one a clear view of everything within the grand hall of the Spring Pavilion. With just a look, Zhang Xuan could tell that the cost of reserving this single room had to be absurdly high.

“Young Master!” As soon as Chu gongzi entered, several beautiful ladies immediately walked up to welcome him.

They paled in comparison to Hu Yaoyao and the others, but indubitably, they were still charming individuals in their own right.

“Un.” Chu gongzi nodded before turning to Zhang Xuan. “They are all my lovers, I told them to come here and wait for me in advance. Well, you also know how watching the dance of a terpsichore can leave a raging flame burning within one’s heart. If I don’t find an avenue to vent my heat, I might just explode inside…”

“Vent your heat?”

“Indeed. The terpsichores of the Spring Pavilion only sell their craft and not their bodies. Oh, their graceful moves, those slim waists, and that elegant demeanor… Just one look is sufficient to draw out one’s soul! Who in the world can bear to just watch and not do?” Chu gongzi shook his head. “Seeing how you have brought a few people of your own over as well, I can see that we are men treading on the same path…”

“Cough cough! Actually, I’m here for another matter.” Seeing how the other party was getting more and more ludicrous with everything he said, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but interject. “Actually, I’m here to take the terpsichore e…”

“Don’t worry, we are all men. I understand, I understand. Who doesn’t want to take a terpsichore home? Ah, how could I forget my manners? My name is Chu Xiang, may I know how I can address you?” With a smile, Chu gongzi introduced himself.

“I am Zhang Xuan.” Zhang Xuan replied with a nod.

Previously, his attempts to conceal his name had ended up backfiring badly for him. With this trauma still vivid in his mind, he decided to just use his real name instead.

In any case, he wasn’t here to watch some fairy perform anyway. All he wanted was to take the terpsichore examination.

“So it’s Zhang gongzi! I have long heard of your name.” Chu Xiang said with a hearty laugh. Even though he had said that he had long heard of Zhang Xuan, from the looks on his face, it seemed to be just pleasantries.

But that was to be expected. While Zhang Xuan’s reputation resounded in the Hongyuan Empire, the same couldn’t be said about the Qingyuan Empire. After all, there were many outstanding individuals here.

Chapter 1142: I’m Willing To Offer a Dance To You!

“You’re being too polite.” Seeing that the other party didn’t know him, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

It was for the best that the other party didn’t know him. Otherwise, if it were to be known that an honorable master teacher, as well as an esteemed guest of the Combat Master Hall, had visited a courtesan house, his reputation would be dragged through the mud!

“To be honest, Brother Zhang has chosen the right time to visit. Tonight, we have Fairy Ziyuan on the line, and Fairy Ziyan is going to perform her newly learned terpsichorean art too. I can guarantee you that it’s going to be a feast for the eyes!” Chu gongzi said excitedly.

“Ziyuan? Ziyan?” Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

“You haven’t heard of the both of them before?” Noting the confusion in Zhang Xuan’s voice, Chu gongzi was taken aback.

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

“To think that you actually wouldn’t have heard of them, Brother Zhang, you are really…” Chu gongzi couldn’t help but shake his head in disappointment.

When he saw the other party brought a few beautiful ladies with him to the courtesan house, he thought that the other party was a fellow comrade. Who could have thought that he hadn’t even heard of the two most famous terpsichores in the Spring Pavilion?

“Are they very famous?”

“Using the word ‘famous’ on them would be a gross underestimation of their reputation! There’s probably no one in the entire Qingyuan City who hasn’t heard of them! This is especially so for Fairy Ziyan. A 7-star terpsichore, her dance has bewitched countless audiences. Who knows how many men have emptied out their fortunes just to see her perform? However, it’s a pity that she only performs once a month. For this very day, I had to book this suite a month ahead in advance!” Seeing that Zhang Xuan truly knew nothing at all, Chu gongzi shook his head in disapproval.

“You had to book the suite a month ahead?” Zhang Xuan was speechless.

To go to such an extent just to watch a couple of dances, the other party sure was tenacious.

Chu gongzi was just about to respond to Zhang Xuan’s words when the sound of instruments suddenly echoed from the grand hall. He quickly waved his hands and headed toward the seat near the glass wall, “We’ll talk later, the performance is about to start soon…”

Soon after, a figure landed daintily on the stage in the grand hall.

The figure was a young lady who seemed to be in her twenties. In contrast to the resplendent violet robe she wore, her feet were bare. However, when she flew across the air, her figure was truly reminiscent of a fairy.

If one were to evaluate her just based on her looks itself, she would be beneath Hu Yaoyao and the others. However, the aura she exuded was reminiscent of a heavenly fairy, one that could ascend into the sky at any moment. It was like fiction had spilled over into reality, making her existence one that was extremely hard to fathom.

Such a feeling was further enhanced by her clothes. Not only was it resplendent and gorgeous, it shaped out her figure perfectly, accentuating her natural grace. At the same time, it bared her skin at the perfect proportion. A little more revealed, and she might have appeared crass; a little less revealed, and she might have looked plain.

With such, it was inevitable that her appearance could capture every single gaze in the room as soon as she landed.

It was no wonder why Chu gongzi would be so moved by her. If not for the fact that Zhang Xuan’s state of mind had already reached a near-transcendental level, he might have been tempted to take a few more glances at her while sighing in pleasure.

“This is Fairy Ziyan?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“Of course not! This is Fairy Ziyuan, Fairy Ziyan’s junior!” Without turning his gaze from the stage, Chu gongzi replied indignantly.

Seeing how the other party wasn’t even willing to tear his eyes away from the stage for a single instant, as if a little boy who had never seen a woman in his life, Zhang Xuan could only shake his head bitterly. Looking out of the glass wall, he took a swift glance at his surroundings. Be it the audience in the suites beside him or amidst the grand hall below, their eyes were all fixed on the young lady on the stage as well. It was as if the young lady had already stolen their souls from the moment she first arrived in the grand hall.

“A dance to steal the world… This is indeed a formidable occupation!” Seeing how everyone was reacting, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but remark in his head.

It was only due to the fact that his mastery in terpsichorean art was equivalent to a 7-star terpsichore and his powerful soul that the other party’s dance couldn’t faze him. But the same couldn’t be said about the others. Their souls were more vulnerable, so it was inevitable that the dance would put them into a deep trance.

“Even though that Fairy Ziyuan is only a 6-star pinnacle terpsichore, her prowess in terpsichorean arts seems to be significantly more refined than Wei Ranxue…”

The head of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy Terpsichore School, as well as Hu Yaoyao’s teacher, Wei Ranxue, was a 6-star pinnacle terpsichore too. Her beauty was on par with Fairy Ziyuan, but in terms of the allure of their dances, she didn’t even come close to matching up with Fairy Ziyuan.

Every single gesture of the young lady on the stage was just so graceful that others would inadvertently find their attention completely stolen by it. Clearly, the young lady’s comprehension of terpsichorean arts had already achieved an incredible level.

“Esteemed as one the Ten Great Master Teachers, it is inevitable that Wei Ranxue’s dance would be a little more rigid in consideration of her reputation. This resulted in the loss of the worldliness in her dance, and the lack of this quality resulted in a steep decline in the prowess of her dances…”

With just a look, Zhang Xuan was able to analyze the problem in Wei Ranxue’s dance.

Those who hadn’t gone through the vicissitudes of life wouldn’t be able to devote feelings into their dance to evoke a certain quality, and as a result of that, their dance would be lacking in appeal.

This appeal was extremely important for bring forth the true prowess of a terpsichorean art in battle.

It was no wonder why the branches of the Terpsichorean Guild were established as courtesan houses. It was indeed beneficial for mastering this occupation.

Without a doubt, if Wei Ranxue were to battle with Fairy Ziyuan, the latter would emerge victorious.

Huala!

While Zhang Xuan was still deep in thought, the young lady suddenly twisted gracefully, and a set of beautiful dance moves flowed smoothly from her.

Her dance was silent and tranquil, reminiscent to the soothing atmosphere of a river gently knocking on a boulder amidst a lush, remote mountain. Those watching it instantaneously fell into a unique state of mind which placed their bodies and souls in a state of absolute relaxation.

“Watching such dances regularly will be beneficial to the growth of one’s soul…” After taking a short look, Zhang Xuan nodded in approval.

Even though the dance was riddled with so many flaws that he could hardly bring himself to watch it, its effects to place one in a calm state was still undeniable. By immersing themselves into such a state of mind often, one’s soul would be nourished.

Perhaps, just like what he had guessed before, the crowd had come not for the allure of the dancers but the pleasurable sensation of one’s soul growing…

With such thoughts in mind, he subconsciously turned his head towards Chu gongzi, only to see the latter’s eyes glowing brightly as his saliva dripped all over his clothes.

“Ah?” Astonished, Zhang Xuan swiftly turned his eyes toward the other audience as well.

Just like Chu gongzi, they were completely absorbed into the dance too. Saliva was trickling down their cheeks, and there was an inexplicably lecherous expression on their faces.

From the looks of the faces, if not for fear of the prowess of the Terpsichore Guild, those men might have rushed forward and committed atrocities.

“It seems like… I have overthought the matter!” Zhang Xuan rubbed his glabella as a bitter smile surfaced on his lips.

Hu!

Very soon, the dance came to an end, and Fairy Ziyuan bowed gracefully before taking her leave.

Following which, a middle-aged lady stepped out, and surveying the crowd, she said, “Tonight, our Spring Pavilion will be auctioning an [Exclusive Dance] from Fairy Ziyuan. If anyone is interested in it, feel free to make a bid. The starting bid is 50 high-tier spirit stones, and every raise must be of 10 high-tier spirit stones at the minimum!”

“Exclusive Dance?” Zhang Xuan asked in confusion.

At this moment, Chu gongzi had finally recovered from his trance, and he quickly wiped away the drool from his mouth as he explained, “It means that the fairy will dance for you personally… Just imagine it in your head, watching the dance of a fairy at close proximity within a private room… how could one not fall into a frenzy over it? It’s precisely due to the popularity of Exclusive Dances that they are priced so steeply…”

Zhang Xuan came to a realization.

The execution of terpsichorean arts was extremely taxing on one’s soul. Most terpsichores would only be able to dance at their full prowess once or twice per day due to the limitations of their souls. But, who could have thought that such an opportunity could actually be auctioned as a limited commodity too?

For the starting bid of a single dance to be 50 high-tier spirit stones… How fearsome!

Even the private lesson from a 6-star pinnacle master teacher wasn’t worth as much!

“I’ll offer 60!”

“70!”

“Hah, aren’t you embarrassed to be only bidding 70? 100!”

…

A huge commotion broke out in the audience stand. In just a few moments, the price had already exceeded a hundred. Eventually, the opportunity was auctioned off at a final price of 150 high-tier spirit stones to a gentleman in one of the suites.

To be honest, Zhang Xuan was already doubting his existence at this very moment.

Back when he was still at Hongyuan Empire, he had to toil his body away just to earn a couple of high-tier spirit stones. And yet, the other party had managed to earn a whole 150 high-tier spirit stones just by executing a single dance.

Was this a sign from the heavens that it was high time for him to switch occupations?

With his profound comprehension of terpsichorean arts, his dances should at least be far more valuable than the young lady on the stage!

“Why didn’t you bid for Fairy Ziyuan’s Exclusive Dance?” Zhang Xuan turned to Chu gongzi and asked curiously.

From the fact that the other party had booked this suite, it could be seen that on top of being a fan of terpsichorean arts, he was also an individual with no lack of money. Logically speaking, he should be interested in an opportunity at an Exclusive Dance with Fairy Ziyuan, so why didn’t he make a bid?

“Naturally, I am saving up my money to purchase Fairy Ziyan’s Exclusive Dance!” Chu gongzi replied proudly.

“Fairy Ziyan?”

“Un, that’s right. Look, she’s coming out now!” Chu gongzi’s eyes lit up.

Zhang Xuan quickly turned his head over and saw a huge commotion rippling across the audience stand. Following which, another young lady gracefully flew down onto the stage as well.

This young lady was clearly much more beautiful than Ziyuan, and her figure was more alluring as well. Astonishingly, she was on par with even Hu Yaoyao!

More importantly, she carried an incredible air of worldliness, seemingly ready to plunge into the river of love with another at any moment.

“A 7-star pinnacle terpsichore… No wonder!” Zhang Xuan remarked internally. This explained why so many people were infatuated with her.

Hu hu!

While Zhang Xuan was still in thought, the young lady beneath began dancing. Her movements were graceful and exquisite, and it seemed to be playing on the souls of the spectators.

Once again, Zhang Xuan turned his head over to look at Chu gongzi, and as expected, the latter was drooling more than ever.

Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan quietly turned his attention back to the dance on the stage.

It must be said that Fairy Ziyan’s comprehension of terpsichorean arts had reached an astonishing level. Every single movement of hers seemed to be aligned with the natural beauty of the world, causing even one’s heart to beat in tempo with her dance.

“As long as she wills it so, she could easily cause the hearts of every single one here to come to a complete halt with her dance!” Zhang Xuan remarked meaningfully.

If her dance could even control the beating of one’s heart, it would be no exaggeration to say that she wielded the life of every single being within this grand hall at this very moment. Truly, no occupations should be underestimated.

Hu!

Before long, the dance came to an end, and the auctioning of Fairy Ziyan’s Exclusive Dance began.

“The starting bid of Fairy Ziyan’s Exclusive Dance will be 500 high-tier spirit stones, and every increment must not be less than 100. Alright, let’s begin the auction right now!” the middle-aged lady announced once more.

“I offer 600!”

“800!”

“1000!”

…

Fairy Ziyan’s Exclusive Dance was indeed far more popular than Fairy Ziyuan’s. In the blink of an eye, in the literal sense of the phrase, the price had already shot up to 1000 high-tier spirit stones.

“1000 high-tier spirit stones, just to watch a single dance?” Zhang Xuan shook his head bitterly.

If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he might have thought that the world had gone mad!

While he was still deep in thought over the matter, he suddenly heard the voice of Chu gongzi sounding beside him, “I offer… a concentrated high-tier spirit stone!”

“A concentrated high-tier spirit stone?” Zhang Xuan was startled for a moment before his eyes widened in shock.

One must know that even the Combat Master Hall only had 10 concentrated high-tier spirit stones! To offer a concentrated high-tier spirit stone just to watch a dance…

This darned prodigal!

“As long as I can obtain an Exclusive Dance from Fairy Ziyan, there’s no price too heavy for me to pay!” Noting Zhang Xuan’s shocked stare, Chu gongzi replied.

“There’s no price too heavy for you to pay?” Zhang Xuan’s lips twitched. At this moment, he suddenly recalled a matter, and his eyes lit up. Getting to his feet, he looked at Chu gongzi confidently and said, “Why don’t we do this then? Instead of watching her dance, why don’t you give that concentrated high-tier spirit stone to me, and I’ll dance for you instead!”

“…” Chu gongzi.

Chapter 1143: Wei Ranxue’s Senior

Chu gongzi nearly collapsed onto the ground.

The reason why I wish to watch Fairy Ziyan’s Exclusive Dance is because I want some private time with her… Who wants to watch a man like you dance?

I don’t have such inclinations!

“Zhang shi, calm down!” Unable to watch it any longer, Hu Yaoyao rushed forward to hold Zhang Xuan back.

Luo Qiqi and Yu Fei-er also slapped their forehead helplessly.

They knew that Zhang shi had always been lacking in EQ, but who could have thought that it would be so dire?

Given how that Chu Xiang fellow was drooling all over his clothes earlier, do you think that it’s really the terpsichorean art which he is appreciating?

For you to dance for him…

Honestly, he wouldn’t watch it even if you were to pay him, and you still expect him to pay you a concentrated high-tier spirit stone over it? You are really thinking too much!

“Zhang gongzi, I think it would be better for you to dance for these beautiful ladies instead. I’m afraid that I don’t have such an interest…” With a face flushed crimson, Chu gongzi finally caught a breather and replied.

“Is that so? What a pity. I have to say that you have missed a really good opportunity!” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He hadn’t offered to dance for the other party out of mere greed for the money. Instead, he had discreetly activated his Eye of Insight to assess the condition of the young man beside him.

Considering the value of a concentrated high-tier spirit stone within Qingyuan Empire, which clan could possibly give a concentrated high-tier spirit stone to a profligate son to squander away? Furthermore, given the fact that he had achieved a cultivation of Saint 3-dan at such a young age, it was apparent that he wasn’t an irrational individual who allowed lust to get the better of him.

It might sound ridiculous for a rational individual to pay such a hefty price just to watch a dance, but Chu gongzi’s true goal was actually to resolve the flaws in his soul so as to advance his cultivation.

As long as the flaws in his soul remained, it would be nigh impossible for him to advance to Primordial Spirit realm.

It was precisely because Zhang Xuan had seen through it that he offered to dance for the other party.

Even though Fairy Ziyan was a 7-star terpsichore, in terms of her ability to heal souls, there was no way she could come close to matching up to Zhang Xuan.

If Chu gongzi had agreed to it, Zhang Xuan was confident that he would be able to nurse the other party’s soul to perfection. However, it was a pity that the other party didn’t treasure this opportunity.

“Opportunity? It’s fine, I don’t need it…” Chu gongzi quickly shook his head.

While the duo was chatting, the auction beneath concluded.

The value of a concentrated high-tier spirit stone was far above a thousand high-tier spirit stones, and not to mention, it was a commodity which was difficult to obtain in Qingyuan Empire even if one had the money for it. Inevitably, the slot went to Chu Xiang.

Shortly after the auction concluded, the room to the suite opened, and Fairy Ziyan, who had been dancing below earlier, slowly walked in.

At this point, she had already switched to another set of clothes. It was less revealing than the one she had performed in earlier, but it still complemented her well nevertheless. With her new set of clothes, the aura of worldliness around her had vanished without a trace, and instead, she resembled a noble from a prestigious clan instead.

At close proximity, one could see that her skin was exquisitely delicate, reminiscent of silk. On top of that, the graceful aura which she exuded made one unwilling to avert one’s eyes after taking a look.

“Ziyan pays respect to Chu gongzi.” Ziyan greeted with a smile.

“You’re too polite…” Chu gongzi hurriedly got to his feet before introducing, “This is my friend, Zhang Xuan, Zhang gongzi!”

“Pleased to meet you, Zhang gongzi.” Ziyan bowed slightly.

Zhang Xuan nodded before asking, “Since you are a terpsichore of the local Terpsichore Guild, may I ask where should I go and whom I should approach in order to take the 7-star terpsichore examination?”

Since Fairy Ziyan was standing right before him at this moment, it was natural that he should make use of this opportunity to ask the matter.

“The 7-star terpsichore examination?” Surprised by the abrupt question, Ziyan took a look around the room before her gaze finally fell on Hu Yaoyao. “Is this young lady here going to take the examination?”

“No, it’s me.” Zhang Xuan replied.

“You?” Fairy Ziyan was visibly startled for a moment.

There was no explicit rule that prevented a male from learning terpsichorean arts, but conventionally, it had been regarded as a female occupation. This was the very first time she saw a male asking to challenge the terpsichore examination.

“That’s right.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Under his guidance, Hu Yaoyao’s proficiency as a terpsichore had advanced to the level of 6-star pinnacle. Nevertheless, she still needed more practice before she was ready to be promoted to 7-star.

Knowing what Fairy Ziyan was thinking of, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist and took out his 6-star terpsichore emblem.

That was the emblem which Wei Ranxue had applied for him previously.

Taking a closer look at the emblem and confirming its authenticity, Fairy Ziyan turned to Zhang Xuan apologetically and said, “You are really a 6-star terpsichore! I’ll bring you over right now then… Chu gongzi, pardon me, but I’ll have to ask you to wait for me here for a moment. I’ll be back after dealing with this matter to conduct an Exclusive Dance for you.”

“It’s fine.” Chu gongzi nodded. “Actually, since I’m free at the moment, is it fine if I follow you all over as well?”

To be honest, he was rather surprised to learn that Zhang Xuan was actually a terpsichore too.

The seductive moves of a dancing man… Just the thought of it left him feeling a little agitated within…

“This…” Fairy Ziyan turned to Zhang Xuan to seek his opinion.

Typically speaking, the examination would be conducted in a private location so as to ensure confidentiality and absolute silence for the examiner to showcase the full extent of his abilities. Since Zhang Xuan was the one going to take the examination, it would only be right for her to seek his opinion on the matter.

“It’s fine.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

In the first place, terpsichorean arts were performances meant for others to spectate. It mattered not to him whether he performed before a crowd or not.

“Zhang gongzi, this way please!”

Knowing that the other party was here to challenge the 7-star examination, Fairy Ziyan’s attitude became significantly more amiable. She began leading the way forward.

Stepping out of the grand hall, they arrived in a spacious room.

A middle-aged lady walked up to them and frowned, “Ziyan, why did you bring others in here?”

“Teacher, Zhang gongzi over here is a 6-star terpsichore. He intends to challenge the 7-star examination.” After saying those words, Fairy Ziyan passed Zhang Xuan’s 6-star terpsichore emblem over.

“Zhang gongzi?” Lowering her head to look at the emblem, a look of astonishment surfaced on the middle-aged lady’s face. “You are Zhang Xuan, Zhang shi? From Hongyuan Empire?”

“Hm?” Zhang Xuan was perplexed to hear those words. “You know me?”

“I am Wei Ranqin. The head of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy Terpsichore School, Wei Ranxue, is my junior!” the middle-aged lady replied with a kind smile. “Not too long ago, she sent a message over and told me about your affairs. It’s truly incredible for a man as young as you to achieve the level of Unadorned Quintessence in your terpsichorean art.”

“I see.” Zhang Xuan nodded in realization.

Wei Ranxue had never spoken about Wei Ranqin before, but given how the latter knew of his background, her words should be true as well.

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony! Due to the considerations as a result of her identity as a master teacher, Junior Ranxue hadn’t been able to release her inner self through her dance, resulting in an awkward rigidity in her moves. As a result, she has stagnated at 6-star pinnacle for a very long time. It’s thanks to your guidance that she’s able to take the final step forward and achieve the level of 7-star.” Guild Leader Wei Ranqin said with a smile.

“She specially sent a message over saying that you might visit our guild in recent days, and she entrusted me to relay her gratitude to you if I were to meet you. Since you are intending to take the 7-star terpsichore examination, allow me to make preparations for you now.” Guild Leader Wei Ranqin nodded.

“I’ll be troubling you then.” Zhang Xuan clasped his fist in response..

“It’s no problem. It’s also a good thing for us if more geniuses were to emerge from our Terpsichore Guild.” Wei Ranqin replied with a smile. After which, she turned around and instructed, “Ziyan, accompany Zhang shi here for a moment while I make some preparations for the examination!”

“Yes!”

After Wei Ranqin left, Fairy Ziyan and Chu gongzi couldn’t help but reassess Zhang Xuan with a look of bewilderment on their faces.

To them, Guild Leader Wei was a nonchalant person who rarely showed her emotions. Power and prestige, these were things which didn’t seem to affect her in the least. This was the very first time that Fairy Ziyan had seen her teacher getting so excited.

“Brother Zhang, you are really… a terpsichore?” Chu gongzi still found it difficult to believe the matter.

“That’s right!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Aiya! How could I have been so dense…” Hearing Zhang Xuan acknowledge the matter, Chu gongzi slapped his forehead and exclaimed.

“What’s wrong?” Zhang Xuan was bewildered by Chu gongzi’s abrupt words.

“If I were to become a terpsichore too, I would have more opportunities to come into close range with other terpsichores too. If so, I’ll be able to watch as many dances as I want to without spending a single gold coin! More importantly… as the saying goes, those standing by the gazebo are the first to acquire the moon[1]. That must be the reason why Brother Zhang has three ravishing beauties following you. You are truly a winner in life, my idol!” Chu gongzi exclaimed with a look of deep regret on his face.

“How could I have been so foolish back then? If only I had insisted on learning terpsichorean arts back then, my life could have very well taken a wholly different trajectory!”

“…”Zhang Xuan was speechless.

Reluctant to bother himself with this fellow whose mind was filled with nothing but nonsense, Zhang Xuan turned to Fairy Ziyan and asked, “Pardon me, but I would like to ask how the 7-star terpsichore examination is conducted.”

“You don’t know?” Fairy Ziyan was taken aback.

To challenge the 7-star terpsichore examination despite not knowing what it was, the other party sure was gutsy!

“To be honest, I don’t really know…” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

“The 7-star terpsichore examination doesn’t differ much from the 6-star examination, so you need not worry too much about it.” Shaking her head, Fairy Ziyan replied.

“Cough cough, then… may I ask how the 6-star examination is conducted?” Zhang Xuan scratched his head.

He hadn’t taken the 6-star terpsichore examination either. The emblem he had was specially applied for by Wei Ranxue. As such, he had no idea how the examination went either.

Hearing those words, Fairy Ziyan couldn’t help but frown in displeasure.

It is one thing for you to not know about the 7-star examination, but as a 6-star terpsichore, do you think that it makes sense for you not to know about the 6-star examination too? Aren’t you clearly toying with me?

“To tell you the truth, I didn’t take the 6-star terpsichore examination. My emblem was obtained by a special application from School Head Wei Ranxue, so I’m not very sure about the procedures for the 6-star examination either!” Seeing that the other party was mistaking his intentions, Zhang Xuan swiftly clarified.

“You obtained your emblem through a special application? How is that possible? How would others know how deep of an understanding you have in terpsichorean art without undergoing a formal examination? This is preposterous!” Fairy Ziyan flung her sleeves in displeasure.

Even if you wanted to boast, at least come up with something more believable!

While the Terpsichore Guild wasn’t as strict and rigid as the Upper Nine Paths occupation, it was still a unique occupation. Every single examination needed to be invigilated by numerous elders of at least equal ranking, and only after receiving the approval of the majority would the individual be qualified to receive the emblem…

To be given the emblem without even undergoing the examination… You must be kidding me!

She had been considered as a once-in-a-century genius in terpsichorean arts, but even she had never encountered something as absurd as this!

“This…” Not expecting the other party to doubt him despite speaking the truth, Zhang Xuan had no idea how he should explain himself. Sighing deeply, he could only give up on the matter and relent, “Forget it then. May I know where your guild’s library is? I would like to browse through the books if possible.”

Since the other party was unwilling to speak, he would just have to uncover the answer himself through the books.

Besides, he had only compiled the 6-star Heaven’s Path Terpsichorean Art so far. While his prowess was already on par with 7-star terpsichore, he would still have to compile the 7-star Heaven’s Path Terpsichorean Art before he could be considered as a full-fledged 7-star terpsichore.

“Teacher will be turning very soon, so just wait here for a moment longer…” Fairy Ziyan waved her hands impatiently. However, before she could finish her words, Guild Leader Wen Ranqin suddenly returned back to the room with a bright smile on her face.

“Congratulations, Zhang shi. Junior Ranxue has reported your mastery in terpsichorean arts to the headquarters previously, and it has cleared their reviews. Thus, when I tried applying for the 7-star terpsichore examination on your behalf previously, the headquarters replied that they would bestow you with the 7-star emblem directly, so you don’t have to take the examination anymore!” Wei Ranqin said as she passed an emblem over.

“Thank you for that!” Taking the emblem, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

“It’s really possible to obtain the emblem without undergoing any examination?” Fairy Ziyan froze on the spot.

[1] In this saying, gazebo refers to an elegant sheltered structure constructed above a pond, and the moon refers to the reflection on the surface of the water. This saying means those who are closest in proximity to an individual or a place tend to be the ones to gain the most from a happening.

Chapter 1144: News on Sun Qiang

It was just a moment ago that she said that it was ridiculous for one to obtain an emblem without any examination when her teacher delivered an emblem straight to the other party in the very next moment… If only there was a hole in the ground at this moment, she would burrow into it without any hesitation.

Too embarrassing! It was too embarrassing!

In the first place, it was rare for a male to learn terpsichorean arts, but not only was the young man before her a terpsichore, his emblems were even given straight to him by the Terpsichore Guild. Was this for real?

“Teacher, do the headquarters have a procedure to give out emblems directly? Why haven’t I heard of it?” Unable to stand it any longer, Fairy Ziyan asked.

“The headquarters grant special care to those who have made great contributions to the terpsichore occupation, and this includes certain privileges in the promotion of ranks as well. Previously, Zhang shi had altered the Dance of the Rippling Cloud Robe, granting it prowess on par with a grade-7 terpsichorean art. With such contribution, putting aside a mere 7-star emblem, as long as Zhang shi wills for it, he can easily qualify as an elder of our branch!” Wei Ranqin replied.

“Altered the Dance of the Rippling Cloud Robe? He’s the one who altered that terpsichorean art?” Fairy Ziyan’s body trembled as disbelief sank into her eyes.

She had long heard of that someone had managed to improve the Dance of the Rippling Cloud Robe, and she was astonished by the significant rise in its prowess when she cultivated the altered version.

Not only was it far stronger than before, the soul energy required for its execution was also reduced by at least two-thirds. With this, the technique had become far more practical in battle than before. At the very least, terpsichores wouldn’t find themselves completely drained and powerless after executing this single technique.

It was in view of the astonishing prowess of the altered Dance of the Rippling Cloud Robe that nearly all 6-star terpsichores and above in their guild had cultivated this terpsichorean art. She had thought that the person behind the alteration would at least be an 8-star terpsichore at the very minimum. Who could have thought that the person would actually be a twenty-year-old young man?

More importantly, she had even mocked the other party just a moment ago…

“Un. Not only did Zhang shi alter the Dance of the Rippling Cloud Robe, he also has a unique insight into the essence of terpsichorean arts. Your Senior Aunt Ranxue has reported all of these in detail to the Terpsichore Guild, and it’s in view of those that the headquarters made a special exception and distributed the 7-star emblem to him directly.” Guild Leader Wei Ranqin explained.

Even though she had learned of the matter from her junior through the conversations that they had a while ago, she still couldn’t help but find the entire matter inconceivable, especially after seeing how young Zhang Xuan was in person.

It was one thing for him to have such a deep understanding of terpsichorean arts despite his young age, but more than that, he had also shown outstanding accomplishments in the other occupations as well… Even she couldn’t help but feel deep admiration for the other party.

“This…” Fairy Ziyan’s face turned completely scarlet from embarrassment. Biting her lips, she stepped forward and bowed apologetically, “Zhang shi, I apologize for my previous rudeness. I hope that you can forgive my ignorance.”

“It’s fine, I won’t take it to heart, so you don’t have to worry about it.” Zhang Xuan waved his hands and smiled. “If you still feel bad about the matter, it’ll do as long as you help my brother over here resolve the issues with his soul during the Exclusive Dance with him later on.”

With his current state of mind, the views of others couldn’t faze him anymore. Honestly, it didn’t really matter to him whether Fairy Ziyan apologized or not.

“Thank you.” Seeing that the other party didn’t blame her for this matter, Fairy Ziyan bowed gratefully. After which, she turned her gaze towards Chu gongzi to ask the latter what kind of flaws his soul had, only to see the latter staring at Zhang Xuan with an astonished look on his face.

“Y-you… You know about the injuries of my soul?”

He hadn’t told anyone about the injuries of his soul for fear that his enemies would use it against him. As such, not even his father was aware of the matter. All along, he had been hiding it under the cover of a profligate son, and yet, a person whom he had just met an hour ago pointed it out so easily, as if it was nothing at all…

“While your soul may seem compact, there are still some portions which aren’t fusing well with the rest of your soul. If I’m not mistaken, it’s probably the result from being assaulted by an enemy while you were in the midst of a breakthrough to the Embryonic Soul realm!” Zhang Xuan said with a smile.

With the increment in the prowess of his Eye of Insight, even if Zhang Xuan didn’t use the Library of Heaven’s Path, he could still easily see what was wrong with the latter.

The other party’s soul had been damaged due to being assaulted by an enemy during a crucial stage in a breakthrough, but fortunately, the injuries he had sustained didn’t seem to be too severe. Furthermore, it seemed like he had been visiting the Spring Pavilion regularly to nourish his soul through terpsichorean arts, and he was just a little short form making a complete recovery.

As long as Fairy Ziyan earnestly helped him resolve his issue, he should be able to make a full recovery very soon after watching a few more terpsichorean arts.

Thus, while the process might be a little slower then, there was actually no need for Zhang Xuan to make a move.

Even though Chu gongzi had only buddied up to him thinking that he was a fellow ‘comrade’ treading down the same path, ultimately, it was still thanks to the other party that he was able to enter the Spring Pavilion and meet Guild Leader Wei Ranqin so easily.

Naturally, it would only be right for him to return the favor, especially since it was only a trivial matter.

“I…” Chu gongzi’s face turned scarlet. He couldn’t find any words to speak at this moment.

It was true that his injuries were caused from being assaulted by an enemy in the midst of his breakthrough to Embryonic Soul realm.

However, as this matter concerned a very huge secret, he dared not speak of it to another soul.

Yet, the young man before him was able to see through him so easily, even accurately determining the cause of his injury… The other party’s eye of discernment was truly, in every sense of the word, astounding!

He had thought that the other party was only a lecherous fellow, but who could have thought that he would actually be a hidden expert!

“Guild Leader Wei, is it fine if I browse through the 7-star terpsichore books in your library?” Having dealt with the matter over here, Zhang Xuan turned to Wei Ranqin and clasped his fist.

“As a 7-star terpsichore, you are definitely qualified to browse through our 7-star terpsichore books. This way please!” Wei Ranqin nodded before leading the way forward.

Following behind her, it didn’t take long for them to arrive in a vast room.

“All of the books of our Terpsichore Guild are in there. As long as you have the required emblem on hand, you will be able to enter and leave the premises freely,” Wei Ranqin said as she gestured forward.

“Un. I’ll be troubling Guild Leader Wei to take care of my three friends over here then. This young lady over here is Hu Yaoyao, and she’s the prodigious disciple of School Head Wei!” Zhang Xuan nodded as he gestured to the three ladies behind him.

“Junior Ranxue’s disciple?” Guild Leader Wei was surprised as she turned her gaze over to Hu Yaoyao.

“Yaoyao pays respect to Senior Aunt!” Hu Yaoyao quickly stepped forward and bowed politely.

“Un. Not bad, not bad…” With a look, Guild Leader Wei couldn’t help but nod in approval.

On top of their innate talent, terpsichores relied heavily on their external appearances as well.

The more beautiful a terpsichore was, the more likely she would be able to bring forth greater prowess from terpsichorean arts. Regardless of whether it was her figure or her appearance, it was apparent that Hu Yaoyao’s looks were far above that of Fairy Ziyan. As long as she had a good teacher to guide her along, she would be bound to achieve great things in the future.

Guild Leader Wei nodded in satisfaction. Seeing this, Zhang Xuan decided to speak no longer, and taking out his emblem, he entered the library.

The library was extremely vast. Countless books were stacked compactly in neatly-positioned shelves, which seemed to extend all the way to the horizon.

Without bothering himself with the 1-star to 6-star books, Zhang Xuan headed straight towards the section with 7-star terpsichore books and began scanning through them with his gaze.

Hualala!

Countless books materialized in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

After undergoing the fourth acknowledgement of Celestial Master Teacher, while the Library of Heaven’s Path didn’t undergo any changes, Zhang Xuan’s ability to process things did rise significantly. As such, the rate at which he could collect books was also raised considerably.

It took him less than an hour to collect all of the 7-star terpsichore books into the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“Compile!” With a thought, Zhang Xuan gathered all of the books together and formed the 7-star Heaven’s Path Terpsichorean Art.

Another hour later, he exhaled deeply, and a brilliant gleam shone from his eyes.

Having grasped the 7-star Heaven’s Path Terpsichorean Art, his mastery as a terpsichore had risen to the level of a 7-star pinnacle terpsichore. Due to the overwhelming prowess of the Heaven’s Path Terpsichorean Art, his skills could be said to be comparable to most 8-star primary terpsichores.

But of course, that was only in terms of knowledge and mastery. With his current Saint 2-dan pinnacle cultivation, if he were to meet a real 8-star terpsichore, he would do well to flee as fast as he could.

As long as his cultivation hadn’t met the mark, he wouldn’t be able to display the full prowess of his terpsichorean arts.

“Alright, another supporting occupation cleared. Two more left to go, and I’ll be able to be promoted to 7-star master teacher!” Standing up and stretching his back, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

“Perhaps I should try the Appraiser Hall and the Painter Guild. The examinations of those two occupations are slightly simpler.” Zhang Xuan thought with a smile.

The Beast Tamer Guild was a considerable distance away, and considering that it was an Upper Nine Paths occupation, its examination was likely to be more rigid and rigorous, thus more time-consuming as well. Since that was the case, it would be better for him to drop by the Appraiser Hall and the Painter Guild to take a look.

Walking out of the library, Zhang Xuan saw that Guild Leader Wei and the others were still standing around the area. Thus, he walked up to them and said, “I have truly imposed on Guild Leader Wei this time around. I still have matters to attend to, so I’m afraid that I’ll have to take my leave first.”

“Guild Leader Wei, we’ll be taking our leave too.” Seeing that Zhang Xuan was about to leave, Luo Qiqi and Yu Fei-er clasped their fists as well.

“Un.” Guild Leader Wei nodded. “I’ll keep Yaoyao here with me for the time being. There are some things which I would like to ask her.”

Zhang Xuan took a look at Hu Yaoyao to seek her opinion on the matter, and only after seeing the latter nod did he reply, “Alright.”

“Zhang shi, are we returning back to the Combat Master Hall?” Leaving the Terpsichore Guild, Yu Fei-er turned to Zhang Xuan and asked.

“I’m intending to drop by the Appraiser Hall. If you have things to attend to, feel free to leave.” Zhang Xuan said.

“I-It’s fine, I’ll head there with you!” Yu Fei-er replied swiftly.

“Same here too…” Luo Qiqi nodded.

Seeing that the duo was determined to continue tagging along with him, Zhang Xuan decided to say no more. After determining the direction of the Appraiser Hall based on the description Hall Master Xing provided him, he was just about to head over when a young man dressed in black suddenly approached him.

“May I ask if you are Zhang Xuan, Zhang shi?” the young man clasped his fist and asked.

“I am.” Zhang Xuan replied with a frown.

He hardly knew anyone in Qingyuan Empire, so why would anyone seek him?

“Our Old Master wants to meet you.” the young man said.

“Your Old Master wants to meet me?” Zhang Xuan was perplexed. “Who is your Old Master?”

“You will know once you meet him.” the young man replied nonchalantly.

“Pardon me, I’m not free.” Zhang Xuan waved his hand and turned the other party down.

He was currently busy at the moment, so why should he waste his time on someone who wasn’t even willing to report his own name?

“Hehe, our Old Master said that Zhang shi will dare not turn down his invitation.” A peculiar smile appeared on the young man’s face, seemingly suggesting that he might have already anticipated such an outcome.

“Oh? I dare not turn down his invitation?” Zhang Xuan scoffed in displeasure.

It was one thing for the other party to not report his name despite requesting to meet with him, but to utter such conceited words on top of that… It was apparent from this that the other party couldn’t possibly be an upright individual!

“Zhang shi, why don’t you take a look at this before making your decision?”

The young man flicked his wrist and passed an item over.

Perplexed, Zhang Xuan took a look at it.

It was the tattered fabric of a robe.

With just one look, Zhang Xuan narrowed his eyes menacingly, “You kidnapped Sun Qiang?”

He was certain that the fabric had come from Sun Qiang’s clothes.

He hadn’t paid any heed to Sun Qiang’s disappearance, thinking that the latter was out feasting, drinking, and saving damsels in distress, enjoying his life to the fullest… He didn’t think that the latter would actually be captured by someone else!

More importantly, it was apparent that the other party knew who he was, but despite so, the other party still chose to resort to such a brazen and arrogant course of action.

“We are currently hosting Butler Sun in our manor as a guest. Our Old Master has entrusted me to bring Zhang shi over at all costs, or else what would be sent over next might not just be a simple piece of fabric anymore but…” Seeing that Zhang shi recognized the object, the young man smiled gleefully. However, before he could finish his words, a sharp pain assaulted his abdomen, causing his face to distort hideously.

Peng!

Zhang Xuan’s powerful kick had left the young man’s organs jolting under the powerful impact. If the slightest bit more force were to be exerted, the other party’s organs might just end up being shattered on the spot.

Padah!

The young man flew several dozen meters across the street before skidding to a halt. Clutching his abdomen, his entire body was scrunched together like a shrimp from the excruciating pain.

Chapter 1145: Landscaper

As a transcender, Zhang Xuan had grown up being inculcated by the positive values of his previous world. As such, he preferred to avoid confrontation, choosing to resolve all problems amiably wherever possible.

But… all dragons had scales[1] which couldn’t be touched, and those who flout the rules would have to pay with their lives!

Sun Qiang had been with him ever since the time he was at Tianxuan Kingdom. Despite the other party’s indolence when it came to cultivation, the other party had always dealt with all kinds of miscellaneous matters for him skillfully without a single word of complaint. If not for the other party, he would probably have been bogged down by all sorts of things, and there was no way he would have been able to devote his attention to cultivation and achieve so much within such a short period of time.

It could be said that Butler Sun was one of the most important people in his life, and he viewed him as a family member as well, just like Wang Ying, Zhao Ya, and the others.

Yet, the fellow before him actually dared to threaten him using Sun Qiang’s life, so how could he possibly not fly into a rage?

“You dare to kick me?” Not expecting that the other party would dare to make a move on him even when they had a hostage in hand, the black-robed young man struggled weakly to his feet and glared at Zhang Xuan with eyes brimming with hostility.

“I want you to di—” Roaring furiously, the young man charged forward, but before he could finish his words, he suddenly felt his entire body tensing up. Someone had grabbed him by his neck and pulled him up.

Following which, a pair of frosty eyes appeared before him.

“If you want to die, I can fulfill your wish right now.”

The frosty voice paired with the killing intent left the black-robed young man paling in fear. The words which he had wanted to speak stifled in his mouth, rendering him incapable of utter anything at all.

Having undergone life and death situations before, the black-robed young man could tell that the other party was deadly serious about this matter. If he were to dare speak another word of the matter, the other party would very well have him killed.

“Who is your Old Master, and where is Sun Qiang at the moment?” Zhang Xuan uttered frostily.

“I…” The black-robed young man shuddered upon hearing those words completely devoid of warmth. Fearing for his life, he quickly replied, “O-our Old Master is the First King of the Qingyuan Empire, King Zhongqing!”

“King Zhongqing?” Zhang Xuan frowned. “Why did he kidnap my butler?”

It had only been three days since he arrived at Qingyuan City, and his activities had been mainly centered around the Spirit Awakener Guild, Combat Master Hall, and Terpsichore Guild.

He had never been anywhere else other than those three places, so how in the world did he manage to offend the so-called First King of Qingyuan Empire?

If he hadn’t offended the other party, he couldn’t think of a reason why the other party would go to the extent of provoking a reputable master teacher like himself!

To kidnap his men without any warning was as good as challenging his dignity, and not to mention, the other party even sent a small fry over to threaten him… He must be really tired of living!

“I am just a servant, I really don’t know anything else!” the black-robed man shuddered.

“Lead the way!” Seeing that the other party earnestly didn’t know anything at all, Zhang Xuan dropped the young man on the ground and bellowed.

“Yes!” the black-robed man replied fearfully. He dared not pull his weight as he did previously anymore, and he quickly headed forward.

“Zhang shi, I have heard of King Zhongqing before. He’s not an easy figure to deal with, you must be absolutely careful around him!” While following behind the black-robed young man, Yu Fei-er warned with a deep frown.

Even though she wasn’t interested in politics, as a princess of Hongyuan Empire, she still knew a thing or two about Qingyuan Empire.

“Oh?” Seeing that Yu Fei-er knew about King Zhongqing, Zhang Xuan immediately turned his gaze to her.

“This First King of Qingyuan Empire used to be a humble peasant, but twenty years ago, the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe somehow managed to find a way to arrive at the Master Teacher Continent, and they planned to launch an invasion. The Qingyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion, Combat Master Hall, and royal family swiftly learned of the matter and dispatched their men to eradicate the Otherworldly Demons. It was an extremely bitter fight; the three powers suffered great losses, and the head of the Combat Master Hall, Hall Master Xing, even suffered grievous wounds in the fight and nearly lost his life.”

“Back then, the emperor of Qingyuan Empire, Chu Tianxing, personally led the forces of the Qingyuan royal family into the fight, but a sudden ambush by the Otherworldly Demons left him in a truly dangerous position. At that desperate situation, King Zhongqing suddenly appeared and massacred the Otherworldly Demons, saving Emperor Chu Tianxing from that seemingly hopeless situation. After that incident, he continued to accrue merit after merit, and within just a short twenty years, he managed to rise from a mere peasant into a conferred king. In the entire Qingyuan Empire, he’s definitely the number one figure of the external kings[2]!” Yu Fei-er explained.

“The Otherworldly Demonic Tribe attempted to invade Qingyuan Empire?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

Thinking back, the wound on Hall Master Xing’s Primordial Spirit was indeed left behind in a fight roughly twenty years back too. The was in line with the details of the story.

“Emperor Chu Tianxing is bound to be protected by countless experts, and he probably is a powerful cultivator himself too… If the Otherworldly Demons were able to corner him that far, just how powerful must King Zhongqing be to be able to break him out from that desperate situation?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

Even Hall Master Xing had nearly succumbed to the Otherworldly Demons and lost his life, so how did a humble fellow manage to break Emperor Chu Tianxing out from the encirclement of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe?

“I’m not too sure about the details… Wait, I seem to recall my father discussing this matter with another person before. If I recall correctly, King Zhongqing used… poison!” Yu Fei-er exclaimed.

“Poison?” Zhang Xuan frowned. “Is King Zhongqing a poison master?”

If King Zhongqing was truly a poison master, then it might really be possible for him to pull such a matter off.

The reason why poison masters were so deeply feared was because of their ability to fend against multiple enemies simultaneously. As long as they played their cards right, they could easily eradicate a group of experts with their poison.

Just take the Ten Kings of the Qingtian Lineage for example; back then, he was only at Nascent Saint pinnacle, and any one of them could have easily killed him in a direct battle. Yet, nearly all of them ended up dying from the poison within his Heaven’s Path zhenqi anyway.

“I’m not too sure whether he is a poison master or not, but there is one thing particularly sinister regarding him. It’s uncommon for an individual outside of the royal family to be conferred a King, so naturally, there were many influential officials who opposed King Zhongqing. Yet, over the past twenty years, they have all either disappeared or died… As such, King Zhongqing currently wields immense influence in the royal court. Furthermore, due to his merit of having saved Emperor Chu Tianxing, he is well-favored, and there’s no longer anyone who dares to confront him directly in Qingyuan Empire anymore!” Yu Fei-er said.

Zhang Xuan nodded as the frown on his forehead deepened.

Putting aside whether that fellow was truly a poison master or not, the fact still stood that he wasn’t acquainted with the other party. It simply didn’t make sense for the other party to kidnap Sun Qiang.

“Considering that he has gone to the extent of kidnapping Sun Qiang, it goes to say that he has absolutely no fear of my identity as a 6-star master teacher and the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy. It would be best for you two to stay out of this matter. I’ll deal with this alone.” Zhang Xuan paused for a moment before saying.

Regardless of what the other party was up to, it was clear that the other party was aiming right for him. Since that was the case, there was no need for these two to bear this risk along with him.

“Zhang shi, you are my teacher. As your student, how can I flee and leave you to face danger by yourself? I would be unworthy of being a master teacher if I were to do so!” Luo Qiqi stepped forward and spoke determinedly.

She was Zhang Xuan’s apothecary and blacksmith student. While she wasn’t his direct disciple, and they had never officially acknowledged their relationship, there were still the bonds between a teacher and student between them.

“I won’t leave either! I’m willing to brave through any danger with you!” Yu Fei-er looked straight into Zhang Xuan’s eyes and said.

“This…”

Seeing that the wills of the duo were unwavering, Zhang Xuan shook his head and whipped out two pills from his storage ring. “These pills are antidotes which I have personally forged, and they are capable of resolving most poisons. If you are intent on tagging along, consume one first. This way, you shouldn’t be in any danger even if King Zhongqing is really a poison master.”

The antidote which Zhang Xuan spoke of was just an ordinary pill, but it was infused with his Heaven’s Path zhenqi.

“Un.” The duo knew that Zhang Xuan wouldn’t allow them to follow him if they were to refuse, so they swallowed the pill without any hesitation.

“Alright, let’s go!”

All this while, they had been conversing through zhenqi telepathy, so it didn’t affect their movement. Following behind the black-robed young man, it didn’t take long before a massive manor appeared before their eyes.

The manor was truly huge. While it couldn’t be compared with behemoths like the Combat Master Hall, it was definitely one of the largest and grandest manors in Qingyuan City. The interior of the manor was filled with all kinds of formations, and even before coming close to it, one could feel the surrounding spiritual energy gravitating towards the manor. Without a doubt, the manor was definitely a top-notch land for cultivation.

Even ordinary men would find their lifespan lengthening by living in such an environment.

“This is the manor of our Old Master,” the black-robed man said before walking forward to discreetly whisper some things to the guard standing by the door. The guard glared at Zhang Xuan and the others for a moment before heading in.

Not too long later, the guard returned and gestured with a nod.

“This way please!” the black-robed man gestured forward politely. A vicious glint flickered swiftly across his eyes as he turned his head to lead the way into the manor.

Zhang Xuan noticed it, but he decided to feign ignorance. With Yu Fei-er and Luo Qiqi following behind him, he headed into the manor as well.

As expected of the manor of the First King of a Conferred Empire, it was far grander than the royal palace of Hongyuan Empire. Even its pavements were crafted out of valuable ores. Every single part of the manor screamed of extravagance.

“On top of powerful formations, it seems the entire manor has been specially designed by a landscaper.” Shortly after entering the manor, Luo Qiqi remarked.

“Landscaper?” This was the first time Zhang Xuan was hearing of this name.

“Un. Just like spirit awakener and herbologist, landscaper isn’t considered to be a unique occupation either. However, due to the unique capabilities that landscapers possess, they are still deeply welcomed by influential powers and clans as honorary guests.” Luo Qiqi said.

“Oh? Are there landscapers in Hongyuan Empire?” Zhang Xuan turned to look at Yu Fei-er curiously.

“I haven’t heard of such an occupation before…” Yu Fei-er shook her head.

“I learned of the existence of this occupation from an ancient record.” Luo Qiqi replied with a smile. “It’s said that landscapers are able to assess the geographical terrain, geomancy, and many other factors of the environment to design structures, be it residences, sects, formations, or mechanisms, and fuse them perfectly together, such that they complement one another to exert the maximum strength possible. If a power were to have its base designed by a landscaper, its overall defenses could potentially be enhanced by severalfold!”

“But of course, it is an extremely rare occupation, and it doesn’t have a complete heritage either, so I can’t be too sure about the matter. It’s in view of the exquisite layout of the manor and the perfect harmony of the various structures and formations that I made such a deduction.”

“You’re right, the harmony of the various structures within this manor is indeed exquisite.” Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement.

As a 7-star pinnacle formation master and a possessor of the Eye of Insight, it went without saying that he would be able to easily notice what Luo Qiqi saw.

He had been to Hongyuan royal palace, and as numerous as the formations there were, they were all separate entities from one another. Each formation had to be manually triggered in order to come to life. On the other hand, the formations within King Zhongqing Manor were interconnected with one another, as well as the structures in the area. If they were to just trigger a single formation, they might find other formations coming to life as well, swiftly cornering them.

If the formations within Hongyuan empire were said to be mouse traps, effective only when in contact, the formations within King Zhongqing Manor were most definitely dominoes. Touch a single one of them, and it could cause a chain reaction with devastating outcomes.

What Luo Qiqi had said could very well be true, the manor had been worked on by landscapers.

Just as Zhang Xuan was still in the midst of contemplating over the matter, a bunch of footsteps suddenly sounded right in front of the black-robed young man. Following which, dozens of guards abruptly rushed out.

In the blink of an eye, they had the trio tightly encircled.

“Brat, you sure acted arrogantly a moment ago. Give him a good beating! Let him know that we from the King Zhongqing Manor are not to be trifled with!” the black-robed young man sneered savagely as he hid behind the crowd.

When he heard that he had to ‘invite’ the other party here, he thought that it would be an easy assignment. He had never thought that he would be nearly kicked to death. From that point onward, he was filled with nothing but utmost antagonism for the young man before him. Thus, back when he was still at the doorstep, he secretly informed the guard to prepare an ambush.

Huala!

Upon hearing those words, the guards began walking forward as they brandished the sharp weapons in their hands threateningly. Their movements seemed to be aligned with the surrounding formations, causing an overwhelming pressure to fall upon Zhang Xuan and the others.

[1] This is saying from a legend which depicts that dragons have an inverted scale on their neck which no one is to touch. Anyone who dares to touch it will be killed by the dragon. This saying means that everyone has their own bottom line, no matter how tolerant or forgiving they are. Anyone who dares cross that line will incur the ire of the individual

[2] King is a title usually granted to close relatives of the royal family, such as fellow brothers or sons of the current emperor. However, if one were to accrue sufficient merit, it’s possible to be conferred as a King, and such Kings are called ‘different surname Kings’, or as I translated it, external Kings.

Chapter 1146: King Zhongqing

“Teacher…” Luo Qiqi’s face warped in shock, and she hurriedly stood in front of Zhang Xuan to shield him.

Individually, these Half-Saint guards were no threat at all. However, when their prowess was enhanced by the surrounding formations and the perfect harmony crafted by a landscaper, the nature of the matter became completely different.

Even a Saint 3-dan expert would find it difficult to flee from their combined might!

“There’s no need to panic.” Seeing the anxious state the young lady was in, Zhang Xuan pulled her behind him before turning to the black-robed young man. His lips curled up as he asked, “You wish to teach me a lesson?”

“Considering that our Old Master has specially invited you over, I’ll allow you to keep your life for the time being. However, you won’t be getting away from here without suffering some pain!” the black-robed young man sneered.

The Old Master had said that if the other party refused to heed his words, he had his permission to teach the other party a lesson, there was no need to hold back just because the other party was a master teacher. It was for this reason that he dared to pull a thing such as this on Zhang Xuan.

“Pain?” Zhang Xuan shook his head and sighed deeply. “I was considering whether I should let you off with just a kick, but it seems like you just won’t learn… It seems like there’s no need for me to hold back anymore then!”

Right after saying those words, Zhang Xuan snapped his fingers.

Pah!

A crisp sound echoed resoundingly through the manor. Initially, the black-robed young man thought that Zhang Xuan was just feigning calm, but in the next moment, he suddenly felt excruciating pain assaulting every single part of his body.

Pu!

A mouthful of blood spewed from his mouth, and in an instant, his face flushed completely pale. He turned to face Zhang Xuan with a look of horror.

“Y-you… you poisoned me?”

The answer was already apparent at this point, but what was truly fearsome was that he couldn’t even fathom when the other party had poisoned him!

With his body twitching from pain, the black-robed young man hurriedly whipped out two antidotes from his storage ring and swallowed it. However, the antidotes only seemed to have further worsened his pain. Cold sweat gushed down his head, and he felt as if he would simply cave in to the pain at any moment.

“Poison? When did you see me poison you? If I were to say, you probably just ate something unclean! However, worry not. I am a capable physician, so why don’t you allow me to treat you instead?” Zhang Xuan waved his hand leisurely as he said.

Naturally, as a master teacher, he couldn’t possibly admit to being a poison master.

“You…” Veins popped out on the temples of the black-robed young man as he clenched his jaws so forcefully that it seemed like his teeth would chip. He was tempted to make a move and end the life of the young man before him there and then, but eventually, he clenched his fists tightly and spat, “Let them pass!”

He had wanted to teach the other party a lesson, but at this point, the tides were no longer in his favor anymore. As indignant as he was, he could only let this matter go.

“Yes!”

The guards quickly split apart to open up a road for Zhang Xuan and the others to pass.

With a smile, Zhang Xuan stepped forward, and just as he was about to walk by the black-robed young man, he placed his mouth before the other party’s ear and whispered in a silent tone that only the latter could hear. “The only way to alleviate my poison is to have your face slapped viciously. Otherwise, the pain will gradually intensify until it reaches a point where you can’t bear it any longer and snap!”

The black-robed young man was startled for a moment before he regained himself and sneered, “The only way to alleviate the poison is to have my face slapped? Hah, do you take me for a fool? How can there be such a poison in the world?”

“You’re right, I’m just fooling around with you. I’ll be going ahead first, so have fun!” Not bothering to explain anything, Zhang Xuan left with the two ladies.

“You…”

The black-robed young man thought that Zhang Xuan would at least attempt to justify his words, but who could have thought that the latter would admit to lying to him so blatantly and shamelessly? This unexpected response left him stunned instead.

Just as he was at a loss of what to do, his body suddenly churned up once more, and he felt as if his organs were being gradually corroded by sulfur.

Pu!

Yet another mouthful of blood spewed from his mouth.

At this rate, I could really die! It felt as if his life force was gradually being sapped from his body, and this made him realize that he was at an imminent threat of death. Cold sweat immediately flowed down his back. Desperate, he turned to a nearby guard and ordered, “You, come over here. I want you to slap my face!”

“S-s-slap your face? Butler Qin, I dare not to!” The guard was horrified to hear such words, and he quickly lowered his head humbly and responded.

“Hurry up, do it!” The face of the black-robed man distorted hideously from the excruciating pain.

At this point, he had no other choice. He wasn’t prepared to face death yet, so he could only heed whatever the other party told him, even though there was a good chance that it was a lie.

“This…”

No one had heard his conversation with Zhang Xuan, so everyone was taken aback by Butler Qin’s abrupt request. No one here could have imagined that Butler Qin would actually have masochistic tendencies… Appalled and speechless, they stared at one another, not knowing what to do.

“Hurry up and do it, or else I’ll have every single one of you killed!” Seeing that none of the guards were making a move, Butler Qin roared furiously.

“Yes!” A guard stepped forward, and gritting his teeth in resolution, he raised his hand and slapped Butler Qin’s face forcefully.

Pah!

Butler Qin’s face immediately swelled up.

“Hm?” While there was burning sensation on his face, the excruciating pain within his body seemed to have lessened considerably.

Could it be that the other party isn’t lying? There’s truly such a poison in the world? Butler Qin thought in astonishment as he bellowed, “Continue hitting me, don’t stop!”

“Yes!”

Fearing that Butler Qin would really claim their lives, the guard could only continue striking with all his might.

Pah pah pah pah!

With just a few slaps, Butler Qin’s face had already swollen to a point where it bore no resemblance to how it was previously. However, it did seem like the poison within his body had alleviated significantly. The excruciating pain from before was no longer as unbearable anymore.

“It really is effective!” Enduring the stinging pain on his cheeks, Butler Qin heaved a sigh of relief.

It was rather embarrassing to be slapped by others, especially before such a crowd, but his fear of death had surpassed all of his other emotions.

He had the guard slap him a few more dozen times, and after confirming that he was fine, he stood up once more. Hatred and hostility began welling up in the depths of his eyes once more.

“Damn that fellow, how dare he humiliate me with such a poison? I hereby vow that I’ll surely return this favor to him tenfold, or else I shall renounce my humanity!” Butler Qin clenched his jaws furiously.

As the loyal follower of the powerful King Zhongqing, the butler of the massive residence, when had he suffered such grievance before?

“Let it be clear that if I were to hear a single word about this matter anywhere else, I’ll have all of your tongues severed!” Butler Qin turned to the guard and harrumphed coldly.

“Y-yes, we won’t speak of this matter to another soul…” the guards quickly lowered their heads subserviently and replied.

‘Un.” Harrumphing coldly, Butler Qin hurriedly walked down the path where Zhang Xuan had headed to previously.

…

“Zhang shi, that fellow won’t let this matter rest just like that. Are you really going to let him off like this?” Walking closely behind Zhang Xuan, Yu Fei-er couldn’t help but ask worriedly.

While Zhang Xuan may have seemed like a leisurely and easygoing person most of the time, he wasn’t the type to show mercy to those who had crossed him. Back then, she had crossed him too, and he forced her into becoming his maid through trickery. That matter had truly left her fuming mad for a very long time.

It was apparent with a look that the black-robed young man was a vicious character, and to let such a person go after a complete fallout… This truly wasn’t Zhang Xuan’s style.

“To dare to confront the principal of a Master Teacher Academy head-on, a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, there’s no doubt that King Zhongqing must have prepared a foolproof plan. At this point, it might play to our advantage to spare that fellow, at least for now…” Zhang Xuan replied to Yu Fei-er telepathically.

If it had been on any other occasion, even if he didn’t kill that fellow, he would make sure to pummel him to the point where even limping was impossible. However, with Sun Qiang in the other party’s hands, it was best for him to proceed carefully for the time being.

There was only one path that led to the main hall, so it didn’t matter whether there was anyone bringing him along. Very soon, they arrived at their destination.

A hall that towered several dozen meters high had four thick and bulky pillars supporting its entrance. Each of these pillars was at least three meters wide, and from afar, the grandeur was truly impressive.

“You must be Zhang shi. Our Old Master has been waiting inside for you for some time now…” A guard stepped forward and ushered Zhang Xuan in.

Nodding, the trio made their way into the hall.

The hall was exceptionally spacious, stretching for more than a thousand square meters large. The ceiling was embedded with Night Illumination Pearls of all sizes, bringing radiance to the insides of the hall.

Seated on the main seat in the room was a middle-aged man with tanned skin and eagle-like eyes. Even without coming close, one could already feel the aura of authority and bloodshed that he emanated. It was clear that he was a powerful man no stranger to slaughter.

Without a doubt, he was the famous King Zhongqing!

Not too far away from King Zhongqing sat an elder, who seemed to be in his sixties. The elder wasn’t too tall, and he was a little hunched over even. However, his presence felt similar to a silent, unmoving painting. If one didn’t see him with one’s physical eyes, one might not even have noticed him.

King Zhongqing is a Primordial Spirit realm pinnacle expert, and the hunched over elder… seems to be even stronger than him! In the blink of an eye, Zhang Xuan managed to assess his current situation.

King Zhongqing’s aura felt condensed and powerful, and it was imbued with overwhelming killing intent at that. However, in terms of scariness, the hunched back elder was definitely an individual whom Zhang Xuan had to guard carefully against.

Even though he didn’t use his Eye of Insight to assess the other party’s strength yet, the fact that the other party was able to conceal his breath so perfectly indicated that his fighting prowess had already reached an incredible level. Most likely, the other party was even stronger than Wu shi, even after the latter’s breakthrough in the Qiu Wu Palace.

“You are Zhang Xuan, Zhang shi?”

While he was assessing the other party, the other party was also assessing him. When the trio finally reached the center of the hall, King Zhongqing turned to look at him with a frown.

“That’s right!” Zhang Xuan nodded as he walked up to a guest seat by the side and sat down.

Even though the other party wielded great authority in his hands, Zhang Xuan didn’t pale in comparison either, so there was no need for him to fear.

It was one thing if the other party didn’t provoke him, but if the other party didn’t know what was better for him, he didn’t mind flipping the entire Qingyuan City upside down!

To be honest, they should already have been counting their blessing that he hadn’t gone around causing trouble. To actually attempt to provoke him… they were truly courting death!

“Did I give you permission to sit?” King Zhongqing uttered with a cold, authoritative voice. His powerful presence swept across the room, commanding others to obey him.

“I am a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, as well as a principal of a Master Teacher Academy. In terms of standing, I am on par with any 7-star master teacher. Not even your emperor is worthy of dictating where and when I should sit, so who do you think you are?” Zhang Xuan raised his eyelid and glanced at King Zhongqing coldly.

Upon hearing those words, Yu Fei-er and Luo Qiqi’s face twitched as cold sweat filled their palms.

To act so brazenly despite being within the other party’s territory, even going to the extent of criticizing the other party… Wasn’t Zhang shi a little too gutsy?

However, master teachers also had their own dignity to uphold. If Zhang shi couldn’t even stand his own ground after what the other party had done, how could he stand before his students and lecture others?

“6-star pinnacle master teacher? Hmph, you still dare to say that you are a master teacher? Flouting the rules of the Master Teacher Pavilion, colluding with the poison masters of the Poison Hall… Do you honestly think that no one will know of these, principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy?” King Zhongqing harrumphed coldly.

“Colluding with the poison masters?” Zhang Xuan glanced at King Zhongqing and sneered, “Watch your words, King Zhongqing. You should know the consequences of slandering a master teacher.”

Master teachers mustn’t be sullied.

Slandering a master teacher was an extremely grievous crime. Even if the other party was the First King of the Qingyuan Empire, he could still be beheaded on the spot over this matter.

“Slander? It seems like you simply won’t concede until you see your own coffin!” King Zhongqing said as he raised his hand.

Huala!

The sounds of rattling chains echoed in the room, and a plump figure was dragged into the room.

“Young Master!” Upon seeing Zhang Xuan, the plump figure immediately shouted. However, despite shouting with all of his might, his voice sounded feeble and powerless.

Sun Qiang.

Upon seeing the state that Sun Qiang was in, Zhang Xuan’s face turned livid.

There was not a single part of Sun Qiang which could be said to be in good shape. It was apparent that he had been severely tortured. There were even two Golden Soul Locks pierced through his chest, preventing him from exerting any strength at all.

“What do you mean by this?” Zhang Xuan turned to look at King Zhongqing with narrowed eyes.

Chapter 1147: Tian Qing

He knew that the King Zhongqing wanted to deal with him, but he hadn’t thought that the other party would be so vicious as to inflict such grievous torture on Sun Qiang.

As the saying goes, even when beating a dog must one look at its owner. To kidnap his subordinate without any prior notice and use such cruel means on the latter, it was clear that the other party was undermining him.

“What do I mean?” King Zhongqing asked in a mocking tone. “Bring Vice Hall Master Ming in here!”

Hualala!

As he said those words, two guards escorted a figure in.

Upon seeing the other party’s appearance, Zhang Xuan’s face turned livid.

He recognized that figure. He was the vice head of the Jingyuan City Poison Hall, Ming Zhen!

Back then, he willfully chose to side with his own student and attempted to kill Zhang Xuan. Unfortunately, Zhang Xuan’s soul happened to be out at the moment, and eventually, the entire Poison Hall was reduced to waste as a result of his actions… But wasn’t he killed by Hall Master Ruo Qingyuan back then?

Why was he still alive?

And from the looks of it, he wasn’t even in the slightest injured… On the contrary, it seemed like he had even managed to advance his cultivation up a notch.

Could it be that something had happened to the Poison Hall?

Furthermore, despite Sun Qiang being bound by heavy chains, there was nothing on Ming Zhen at all. It was as if he was an honored guest of King Zhongqing!

Zhang Xuan’s face turned livid.

“Paying respects to Your Highness!” Ming Zhen clasped his fist.

King Zhongqing nodded and said, “Speak of what you know!”

“I used to be the vice head of the Jingyuan Empire Poison Hall, located in the territory of Hongyuan Empire. Two months ago, Sun Qiang altered his appearance and dropped by our Poison Hall, claiming to be the successor of the Poison Hall’s founder. He displayed exceptional mastery in the Way of Poison that even I am unable to match up with…” Ming Zhen swiftly revealed everything that had happened at the Poison Hall.

“… After which, he entrusted the founder to Poison Master Bai and Poison Master Hai. Initially, I was to be executed for my actions, but it’s fortunate that the one who was responsible for executing me was my student, and it was due to that that I was able to escape with my life…”

“The successor of the Poison Hall’s founder? If I hadn’t heard this with my own ears, I would truly dare not believe such a matter. Zhang shi, this Sun Qiang over here is your subordinate, and yet, he is also a formidable poison master as well. What do you have to say for yourself?” Sneering coldly, King Zhongqing gazed down at Zhang Xuan haughtily.

“You are accusing me of colluding with the poison masters over this?” Zhang Xuan was still wondering if the other party had managed to obtain some kind of evidence regarding the matter, but it turned out to be this much only. Shaking his head, he continued, “Putting aside the fact the fact that this Ming Zhen fellow over here has dubious backgrounds, just the fact that he’s a vice head of the Poison Hall should warrant him a death penalty. So, why is he standing right here, honored as a guest in your manor? Could it be that… King Zhongqing has colluded with the Poison Hall? Are you, in fact, a poison master, just like what others say of you?”

“Audacious!” King Zhongqing bellowed furiously.

“You are the one being audacious over here!” Zhang Xuan interjected with a roar. “There are plenty of people in the world who go by the name of Sun Qiang, and yet, based on this kind of indeterminate evidence, you kidnapped my butler and tortured him? If I were to capture a dog and confer it the name of King Zhongqing, can I say that you are a dog? If my butler is truly the successor of the Poison Hall’s founder, you would have long been poisoned to death for treating him in such a manner!”

“You…” Not expecting the other party to be so crude in his words, King Zhongqing nearly spurted blood. With a face livid with rage, he harrumphed, “My men proceeded carefully and subdued your butler before he could even retaliate, so naturally, he wouldn’t have a chance to strike at all. There is no doubt about Ming Zhen’s identity, and he has voluntarily left the Poison Hall to side with us. In fact, he has led our men to eradicate the Jingyuan City Poison Hall, and his merits are more than sufficient to make up for his wrongdoings!”

“Eradicate the Jingyuan City Poison Hall?”‘Gedeng’, Zhang Xuan’s heart skipped a beat.

As formidable as the Jingyuan City Poison Hall was, if there was an insider to lead the elite forces of the Qingyuan Empire in, it would indeed be difficult for the Poison Hall to stand its ground.

If the Poison Hall were to be destroyed, what would become of Elder Xu and the others?

He hadn’t thought that so much would happen over a short frame of two months.

“Indeed! No matter how he was before, his accomplishments are more than sufficient to bring credibility to his words. Furthermore, we have corroborated his words with the confessions of the other poison masters of the Jingyuan City Poison Hall, so there is no doubt about the authenticity of this matter!”

Standing up, King Zhongqing flung his sleeves and harrumphed, “Despite being a master teacher, you actually kept such a reprehensible poison master by your side. This is a blatant infringement of the Master Teacher Pavilion’s rules. For the safety of Qingyuan City, I am obliged to apprehend you.”

“For the safety of Qingyuan City? I, Zhang Xuan, am an upright master teacher of the Master Teacher Pavilion. If there’s any problem with me, it should be the Master Teacher Pavilion to pass judgement. And you? Pardon me, but I don’t believe that you are in charge of the Qingyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion!”

When a master teacher erred, only the Master Teacher Pavilion was qualified to judge them. A mere King of the Conferred Empire had no rights to take things in his own hands!

“I know that I’m not qualified to judge this matter, so I specially reported this matter to Vice Pavilion Master Tian Qing of the Master Teacher Pavilion to have him judge this matter!” Saying these words, King Zhongqing clasped his fist toward the hunched over elder seated beside him.

“Tian Qing?” Hearing that name, Zhang Xuan recalled a matter, and his eyes narrowed.

Huala!

But before he could say a word, the elder stood up, and it was only then that everyone noticed the seven stars on the emblem pinned on his chest.

A 7-star master teacher!

“Vice pavilion master?” Luo Qiqi and Yu Fei-er were alarmed, and they quickly turned their gazes towards Zhang Xuan.

If the Master Teacher Pavilion wasn’t involved in this matter, Zhang Xuan might still be able to use his identity as a master teacher to avoid this matter. Yet, the other party actually brought a vice pavilion master of the Qingyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion in. This would really complicate matters.

“He sure did come prepared.” Swiftly calming down, Zhang Xuan began reanalyzing the situation.

Previously, he had heard Wu shi briefly introduce the current circumstances within the Qingyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion.

The current pavilion master, Gou Tianze, was a Leaving Aperture realm primary stage expert. However, he had retired from managing the affairs of the Master Teacher Pavilion since many years ago, and currently, Vice Pavilion Master Tian was the one who was in charge.

As such, despite being a vice pavilion master, Tian Qing wielded authority comparable to the pavilion master himself, making him one of the most powerful individuals in Qingyuan City.

Zhang Xuan had thought this would only be a small conflict; perhaps he might have accidentally crossed King Zhongqing somewhere and the latter wanted to embarrass him. He hadn’t thought that the latter would actually bring Vice Pavilion Master Tian into the picture as well.

As the person in charge of the regional Master Teacher Pavilion, Vice Pavilion Master Tian had the right to liaise with the headquarters. If the other party were to judge that he had colluded with the Poison Hall, he would never be able to cleanse his reputation.

But of course, while the Jingyuan City Poison Hall had a poor reputation, it hadn’t really caused too much harm. At the very most, being associated with it would only tarnish Zhang Xuan’s reputation.

“Zhang shi, I have heard of your affairs, and I know that you are a person who possesses exceptional talent and capabilities.” Vice Pavilion Master Tian turned to Zhang Xuan and smiled. “King Zhongqing is in charge of the defenses of Qingyuan City. Given that he has uncovered evidence that suggests that Sun Qiang is a poison master, it’s his responsibility to look into the matter, so I hope that you don’t take this personally. The reason why he has invited you over to his manor instead of the Master Teacher Pavilion is in hopes of not blowing the matter up. After all, such a matter would soil the reputation of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, and this isn’t something that any one of us would like to see.”

At this point, Vice Pavilion Master Tian glanced at Ming Zhen before continuing on, “I have personally investigated the background of Poison Master Ming Zhen and the words that he has spoken, and I believe that his words can be trusted. However, worry not. Even though Sun Qiang is a poison master, the Master Teacher Pavilion will take into account the fact that you are unaware of the matter when passing judgement.”

“Even though Sun Qiang is a poison master?” Hearing how affirmative Vice Pavilion Master Tian’s words were, Zhang Xuan frowned in displeasure, “Since Vice Pavilion Master Tian has seen this matter from the start to the end, surely you should be clearer than anyone else here whether Sun Qiang is a poison master or not, right?”

While a poison master may look like any other cultivator on the surface, their frequent consumption and concocting of poison would inevitably result in some internal changes in their body. In fact, there were some formidable poison masters who could even poison an entire city to death with just a droplet of their blood.

On the other hand, Sun Qiang cultivated the orthodox and upright simplified version of the Heaven’s Path Divine Art. His zhenqi was pure and attributeless, and that should be more than sufficient evidence to prove that he wasn’t a poison master.

Considering that Vice Pavilion Tian was a 7-star pinnacle master teacher, he should know better than anyone that Sun Qiang wasn’t a poison master. Yet, to be insisting that Sun Qiang was indeed a poison master here, it was obvious that he had chosen to side with King Zhongqing!

“Even though this Sun Qiang over here doesn’t have the prowess of a 6-star poison master, his very deed of escorting the founder of the Poison Hall back to the Poison Hall headquarters is a grievous mistake in itself! The founder of the Poison Hall is said to possess the Constitution of Disaster, and as long as she desires so, she could easily bring great catastrophe upon mankind. You might not understand because you haven’t seen the records regarding the war between mankind and the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe several dozen millenniums ago, but I had the privilege of looking through them in the Master Teacher Pavilion of the Empire Alliance. It was truly a huge tragedy that could hardly be described with words. Countless master teachers and innocent souls had died of poison in the long war, and indubitably, the founder of the Poison Hall had a significant role to play in the matter!” Vice Pavilion Master Tian spoke righteously with the air of one who was worried for the future of the world.

Mankind had suffered great casualties in the fight against the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe, especially from the lethal poison they utilized. If not for the founder of the Poison Hall, there wouldn’t have been a poison master occupation in the first place, and such a tragedy wouldn’t have occurred.

It could be said that the founder was the very enemy of mankind herself!

“As a master teacher, you have a duty to mankind. And yet, you allowed your own subordinate to act willfully and escort the founder of the Poison Hall back to her place. You have truly let all of us down this time around. ” Vice Pavilion Master Tian sighed deeply. “However, if you were to confess to this matter, I’ll implore the Master Teacher Pavilion to show leniency to you.”

“Vice Pavilion Master Tian, do you honestly believe the nonsense about the founder of the Poison Hall?” Zhang Xuan shook his head. “If I recall correctly, the founder is a figure from the same era as Kong shi. Not even Kong shi could survive the trial of time, so do you think that it makes sense for the founder of the Poison Hall to still be alive at this point in time?”

“Naturally, I am skeptical of the matter as well. However, Ming Zhen has no reason to lie either. From what I know, even a Celestial Master Teacher has recently appeared in the world, so I don’t think that the revival of the founder of the Poison Hall is something too absurd to believe.” Vice Pavilion Head Tian said.

“Celestial Master Teacher?” Zhang Xuan scoffed. “How can that be? If that is true, the matter would have long spread far and wide in the world. There’s no way that I, as the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, would be oblivious to it!”

“It’s a deduction made based on the recent happenings in our Teacher Acknowledgement Hall. Currently, the news has been sealed for fear of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe learning of the matter, so only a handful of people in our Qingyuan branch know of this matter.” Vice Pavilion Head Tian replied. “It might sound preposterous, but as a master teacher, we have a duty to the masses. It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

“So, Vice Pavilion Master Tian intends to…”

“Simple. For the grievous crimes that he has committed, Sun Qiang must be executed on the spot. On the other hand, Zhang shi, while you might not have played a direct role in the matter, your oversight in managing your subordinates has indirectly resulted in the happening of this tragedy. As such, you must be punished for your actions as well. You will be exiled to the Subterranean Gallery for three months in order to make up for your wrongdoings with merit.” Vice Pavilion Master Tian said.

“You want to execute Sun Qiang on the spot and exile me to the Subterranean Gallery?” Zhang Xuan felt as if he had heard a hilarious joke.

He abruptly stood up and patted his bottom before turning his gaze toward Vice Pavilion Master Tian, “What if…”

“… I refuse?”

Chapter 1148: Wreaking Havoc In the King Manor

Even though three months in the Subterranean Gallery couldn’t be considered to be a severe punishment, it couldn’t be said to be a light one either.

The Subterranean Gallery was the intersection point between the Master Teacher Continent and the otherworldly battlefields. As such, it was constantly plagued with overwhelming killing intent. From time to time, Otherworldly Demons might even appear. Without a doubt, it was one of the most dangerous lands on the Master Teacher Continent, and most of those who ventured into its depths never returned alive.

Only master teachers who had committed unpardonable crimes or wanted to make one last contribution to mankind would apply to enter those lands.

This was also the same with School Head Lu Feng back then.

Putting aside the fact that Sun Qiang wasn’t a poison master, even if he was, he hadn’t committed any harm to others, so how could he be said to have committed a grievous crime? Not even a master teacher had the right to claim the life of an innocent man! And since Sun Qiang hadn’t erred, Zhang Xuan couldn’t possibly be implicated into the matter as well!

For the vice head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, a person who wields great authority in his hands, to judge a matter in such a manner… How ludicrous!

“Vice Pavilion Master Tian is already being magnanimous by showing you leniency for your actions, you really don’t know what is best for you!” King Zhongqing roared furiously.

“You can have this kind of leniency for yourself!” Zhang Xuan couldn’t be bothered with King Zhongqing any longer. Instead, he walked straight up to Sun Qiang.

Huala!

Seeing Zhang Xuan walking towards them, the two guards who were standing beside Sun Qiang swiftly drew their weapons warily.

However, barely after their swords left their sheath, they abruptly shattered into two with a crisp echo, and the tip of their swords flew into the distance. Right after that, the two guards were suddenly sent flying with a deep moan, crashing heavily onto a pillar right outside the hall before blacking out.

At this point, Zhang Xuan was already standing before Sun Qiang, and sighing deeply, he said, “You have suffered…”

In the next moment, the Golden Soul Lock on Sun Qiang suddenly flew out and fell onto the ground. Following that, Zhang Xuan flicked his finger towards Sun Qiang.

Tzzzzz!

The latter’s injuries began recovering at a pace visible to the eye.

As Sun Qiang’s cultivation was far lower than his, it didn’t take long for the Heaven’s Path zhenqi to heal his injuries.

“Audacious! Zhang Xuan, this is Qingyuan City, not your Hongyuan Empire! To disregard the earnest lecturing of a senior master teacher and act on your own accord, showing no regard for the law at all, a person like you isn’t worthy to be a master teacher. Men, take him down!” King Zhongqing roared.

Hualala!

Right after saying those words, a bunch of men suddenly barged into the hall.

“Young Master…”

Seeing that the Young Master was actually standing against the First King of Qingyuan Conferred Empire for him, Sun Qiang couldn’t help but feel a surge of warmth run through his heart.

Falling out with a vice head of a Conferred Empire Master Teacher Pavilion could possibly mean giving his future away, and yet, the Young Master still did so unhesitatingly just to save a servant like him… To him, this was a debt of gratitude greater than the heavens itself.

Luo Qiqi and Yu Fei-er also swiftly moved over to Zhang Xuan and stood by his side as they warily scanned their surroundings.

Despite the sudden onslaught of guards, Zhang Xuan didn’t pay them any heed. Instead, he turned straight toward King Zhongqing and uttered coldly, “You wish to capture me? King Zhongqing, it seems like you really don’t fear death. Or perhaps, do you honestly think that I dare not kill you?”

“Kill me? You? Hahaha, it seems like becoming the principal of Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy has really got to your head! A mere 6-star master teacher like you dares to speak of killing me… The fact that you disrespected Vice Pavilion Tian is more than sufficient to have you indicted on the grounds of insubordination. Today, I shall help the Master Teacher Pavilion purge its black sheep!” Sneering coldly, the aura shrouding King Zhongqing swiftly intensified, and it took a mere blink of an eye for it to reach its peak.

Under the immense power he was emanating, the surrounding air began to distort. This was the overwhelming might of a Saint 4-dan cultivator, a Primordial Spirit realm expert!

His strength had already surpassed the head of the Formation Master Guild, Guild Leader Han, reaching a level on par with Wu shi prior to entering the Qiu Wu Palace.

“King Zhongqing, no matter what, Zhang shi is still our master teacher. Even if he has erred, he can only be judged in our Master Teacher Pavilion. It’ll do to just capture him, make sure to spare his life…” Seeing that King Zhongqing was going to make a move, Vice Pavilion Master Tian instructed.

“Rest assured, Vice Pavilion Master Tian. I won’t go too far…” Sneering coldly, King Zhongqing thrust his palm forward, and in an instant, it felt as if ominous clouds had gathered within the hall, and a powerful might reminiscent of the relentless waves of the ocean began crashing down upon Zhang Xuan.

On top of that, perhaps due to cultivating some kind of secret art, the First King’s zhenqi was not only condensed and powerful, it was also imbued with the scent of the battlefield, leaving one feeling as if one was standing amidst of mountains of corpses and rivers of blood.

“That is… Scarlet Robe of Carnage?” Upon seeing the move, Luo Qiqi’s eyebrows knitted together warily.

“Scarlet Robe of Carnage?”

“It’s a technique that boasts of the strongest killing intent in Qingyuan Empire. Those who cultivate this technique must use fresh blood as a medium in order to advance their mastery in the technique. Once one starts practicing the technique, there’s no turning back. The very sight of blood will trigger one’s bloodlust, causing one to go into a manic. It’s a truly sinister technique. Even the Art of Drawing Oceans will struggle to be a match for it!” Luo Qiqi explained grimly.

“However, due to the innately destructive nature of the technique, there was no master teacher or combat master who is willing to learn it… Who could have thought that a King of Qingyuan Empire would actually learn such a depraved technique! Teacher, you must be careful!”

“A mere small fry!”

In contrast to Luo Qiqi’s anxiety, Zhang Xuan didn’t show the slightest hint of panic. Instead, with a derisive smile, he flicked his finger.

Sou!

The Golden Soul Lock immediately flew towards King Zhongqing at a speed as swift as a streak of lightning, and in just an instant, it collided with the powerful palm strike that King Zhongqing executed an instant ago.

Astonishingly, the palm strike didn’t even hinder the advancement of the Golden Soul Lock by even the slightest bit. It swiftly overwhelmed the palm thrust and arrived right before King Zhongqing

Peng!

The Golden Soul Lock struck King Zhongqing’s chest squarely, and the latter’s face immediately reddened from the impact before spurting a mouthful of blood.

Deng deng deng deng!

He swiftly retreated eight steps in order to ward off the impact before crashing into the exquisitely carved wooden chair behind him. The chair swiftly caved in to the pressure and exploded into countless smithereens.

King Zhongqing had to drive his zhenqi furiously and exert a relentless wave of might behind him before he was able to finally steady his figure. At this point, he felt his blood within his body billowing furiously, and his face paled from frailty. He stared at the young man before him in disbelief, unable to accept what he had just experienced.

He was a Saint 4-dan Primordial Spirit realm pinnacle expert whereas the other party was only a Saint 2-dan Spiritual Perception ream pinnacle cultivator… There was a gap of two whole realms between them!

Logically speaking, this should have been an unbreachable gap for any cultivator, no matter how skilled a fighter one was, and yet… the other party was actually able to neutralize his palm strike with such ease and even knock him back at that…

Too frightening!

King Zhongqing was not the only one astonished by the happenings, Vice Pavilion Master Tian was startled as well.

Zhang Xuan’s fighting prowess had far surpassed his imagination. Such an outcome had never flashed across his mind, not even once.

“No wonder you dared to act so arrogantly, so you do have something up your sleeves. However… if this is all you’ve got, I’ll make sure you dearly regret your actions!” Gesturing to Vice Pavilion Master Tian that he didn’t have to make a move, King Zhongqing roared furiously as he flicked his five fingers forth furiously. At the same time, he flicked his wrist forcefully, and his palm fell downward with a shape reminiscent of a lotus leaf.

“Three Autumn Palm!” Zhang Xuan recognized the battle technique.

Having browsed through all of the books in the Combat Master Hall’s Martial Arts Division and internalized them, he couldn’t be any more familiar with this battle technique.

Three Autumns of Osmanthus, Ten Li of Lotus Flower![1]

The might of this technique was comparable to the Grand Constellation Finger, and it was relatively famous for its difficulty within the Combat Master Hall. There were many combat masters who had to spend decades on it before managing to achieve some degree of mastery in it. Yet, King Zhongqing had actually managed to achieve a mastery of Major Accomplishment in it!

Such a formidable battle technique paired with the Scarlet Robe of Carnage made the hall feel as if it had turned into a marshland. Crimson bloodied lotuses bloomed one after another eerily, and it felt as if they would reap the soul and life of those who dared to approach them.

“This is indeed a powerful battle technique. Even Division Head Liao and the others would have to retreat temporarily before its immense might, but… it’s a pity that you picked the wrong opponent!” Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan took a step forward instead of retreating, stepping right upon one of the scarlet lotuses. He raised his finger and tapped forward.

Weng!

The brilliance of the stars shimmered on his fingertip, outshining even the radiance of the Night Illumination Pearls embedded on the roof.

A furious surge of zhenqi burst forth from his fingertip, tearing apart the Three Autumn Palm in an instant. In the next moment, blood spurted wildly from King Zhongqing’s mouth, and he was forced to retreat in a fluster yet again. A few steps later, his back crashed heavily onto the wall behind him.

Hualala!

Dust fell from the ceiling, cloaking his figure.

“You know of the flaws of the Three Autumn Palm?” King Zhongqing couldn’t believe his eyes.

Under normal circumstances, given that the Grand Constellation Finger and Three Autumn Palm were two battle techniques of equivalent might, even if they were to clash directly with one another, he shouldn’t have suffered such an utter defeat. But… somehow, Zhang Xuan seemed to have found the flaws in his technique and aimed his attack directly at it, causing his zhenqi to wither. As a result, his offense was subdued in an instant, causing him to sustain severe injuries.

Zhang Xuan couldn’t be bothered to explain anything to King Zhongqing at all. Placing his hands behind his back loftily, he calmly turned to Sun Qiang and said, “He has caused you great suffering, so how do you think we should deal with him?”

“Since he used the Golden Soul Lock to pierce my chest, it’s only right to return the favor to him!” Sun Qiang spat through gritted teeth.

“That’s simple!” Zhang Xuan smiled softly as he raised his palm once more.

Huala!

The Golden Soul Lock on the ground immediately flew into the air and slithered menacingly as if a vicious snake.

On the other hand, seeing that Zhang Xuan was actually discussing with a mere subordinate on how he should be dealt with, King Zhongqing felt deeply humiliated. His face turned crimson, and he bellowed furiously, “What are you all waiting for? Take him down!”

Huala!

RIght after those words were spoken, the guards standing in the surroundings immediately charged forward with furious battle cries.

“Hmph!”

Not even bothering to turn around, Zhang Xuan stomped his feet on the ground.

Huala!

A surge of zhenqi rippled from his feet, and in the blink of an eye, the formation shrouding the hall came to life, blocking all of the guards outside. No matter how hard they knocked against the formation, it simply wouldn’t budge.

“Even you are nothing to me. Do you think that a bunch of small fries will be able to stop me?” Zhang Xuan glanced at King Zhongqing coldly.

Having mastered everything within the Combat Master Hall, Zhang Xuan’s prowess could be considered to be invincible amongst Primordial Spirit realm. Even if King Zhongqing was an exceptional cultivator, his strength still meant nothing before him.

Huala!

Right after saying those words, the Golden Soul Lock rose up once more, seemingly ready to devour the figure before him whole.

“Vice Hall Master Tian, save me!” In the face of the monstrous strength of the young man before him, the desperate King Zhongqing could only turn to the elder beside him for help.

“This is enough. Any more than this, and I will have to issue a master teacher arrest warrant on you…”

At this point, Vice Pavilion Master Tian could also see that King Zhongqing wasn’t a match either. Shaking his head, he stepped forward and raised his palm, wanting to stop the Golden Soul Lock from making a move against King Zhongqing. However, in that instant, with a loud whiz, a massive cauldron abruptly fell from the sky.

Putong!

It fell straight on the head of Vice Pavilion Master Tian, causing the latter to collapse onto the ground, sprawled over in a ‘大’ shape.

“Master, where is the fellow whom you want me to pummel? Watch as I reduce that bastard to cinders for you!”

“…” Zhang Xuan.

“…” Vice Pavilion Master Tian Qing.

[1] This is the name of a poem.