Library of Heaven’s Path - Chapter 167

Chapter 167: The Arrogant Sun Qiang

Dong dong dong dong!

Stepping forward, Master Yuanyu started to knock on the door. Not too long later, the door opened and Sun Qiang emerged, holding out his belly with conceit.

Glancing once at the crowd, he said, “Pay three million gold coins and wait at the door. The old master will invite you in when he feels like meeting you.”

Master Yuanyu is prominent among the upper echelons in the capital and many people know him. However, insignificant figures such as Sun Qiang never had the chance to meet him.

Besides… He doesn’t care who he is anyway.

The old master is a master teacher. Even if you were a tiger or a dragon, you had better lay low obediently.

“Cough cough…” Master Yuanyu nearly choked on his own saliva.

There are three master teachers behind him. For a small butler to act so arrogantly… isn’t he afraid of being beaten to death?

“I am Yuanyu and I am here to pay respects to your master…”

Even though he was displeased, he understood that it was possible that the person before him to be the butler of a master teacher. Even though he was of high standing in the Tianxuan Kingdom, he did not dare to get involved in a face-off against a master teacher.

“Who cares whether you are Yuanyu or Fangyu, didn’t you hear what I just said? Pay three million and wait out here. Perhaps, you might get an opportunity to meet the old master like that. Otherwise, just scram.”

Sun Qiang waved chubby his hands impatiently, as though chasing off flies.

If you don’t have any money, don’t put on an act.

“Do you know who our master is?” A guard couldn’t stand watching on and bellowed at Sun Qiang.

“Do I look like I care who your master is? If you want to enter the residence, you have to follow our rules. Stop talking crap here. Stop putting on an act here and just scram if you don’t have the money. If you don’t even have three million, what rights do you all have to be acting so haughtily before me?”

Sun Qiang glanced at him with disdain.

If you are unwilling to spend the money, you should just get lost. Bragging about your master… No matter how incredible your master is, can he be greater than a master teacher?

“You…”

That guard nearly spurted blood.

His master was Liu shi. Regardless of he went, he was always treated with utmost respect. Yet, in the eyes of this fellow, he became a poor bloke and someone putting on an act…

You are the one who is putting on an act, your entire family is putting on an act!

His face flushed. Just as he was about to reveal his master’s identity to reprimand the other party, Liu shi stretched out his hand and stopped him, “We’re just passing by and we would like to pay the old master a visit. We trouble you to help report our presence to him…”

Before he could finish his words, Sun Qiang stepped forward and used his plump hands to pat the other party’s face, “Old man, are you deaf? Or is there something wrong with your head? Did you not hear what I just said? If you want to pay a visit to the old master, you need to pay three million. If you don’t have any money, scram! This is the rule… If you don’t know what rules are, they are standards that one needs to abide by. Get it?”

“Ah…”

Seeing his actions, Master Yuanyu shuddered and nearly fainted in shock.

Slapping Liu shi’s face…

The few guards following behind him was taken aback. They stood rooted to the spot in a daze. They were on the verge of going insane.

The heck!

This fellow actually dared to slap Liu shi’s face? Even saying that there is something wrong with his head… This is no longer a matter or being courageous or not. You are really courting death…

Even Liu shi was stunned.

Clearly, he didn’t expect the fatty before him to behave like this. His eyebrows twitched furiously.

No matter what, he is a master teacher, a person respected by everyone else. Countless experts who paid him a visit did not even dare to breathe loudly before him. Yet, this fellow struck his face… At that instant, he was so stunned that he didn’t know how to react.

He felt so stifled that blood was threatening to spurt from his mouth.

However, this wasn’t the time for him to get angry. The other party obviously did not know of his identity. As a master teacher, an esteemed guest of Tianxuan Kingdom, bickering with an insignificant figure like Sun Qiang is truly an embarrassing act.

With a swift movement, he dodged the second slap from the other party. Suppressing the anger within, he beckoned the person from his back.

“Ah Yun!”

“Yes!”

The guard behind immediately recovered and passed a jake token over. “This is our master’s Tutelage Jade Token. Anyone in possession of this is entitled to two hours of guidance by our master. It should be worth three million…”

Some master teachers would distribute Tutelage Jade Tokens with their unique mark on it. As long as one possesses such an object, he is entitled to free tutelage from the master teacher.

This object is the symbol of identity for a master teacher, and it can be traded for money.

After all, a master teacher’s lesson is something of great value; very little people had the chance to attend such a lesson. Even Tongxuan realm pinnacle experts would fight with all their might for that opportunity to receive guidance from a master teacher.

In terms of money, it is definitely worth more than three million.

Pah!

Before he could pass the jade token over to Sun Qiang, the latter threw it out as though it was trash, causing it to smash into smithereens on the floor. “Do you have a screw loose? You think that lousy jade of yours is worth three million? Do you take me for a fool? If you don’t have any money, scram!”

After which, he shot them a look of disdain before walking back into the residence and shutting the door.

As Tianxuan Kingdom had no master teachers, such Tutelage Jade Tokens weren’t in circulation in the market. Naturally, Sun Qiang had never seen it before. He thought that they were unable to come up with the sum and were casually using some broken jade to hoodwink him. In fact, he thought that he was already sparing the other party’s dignity by not having the guards chase them away.

“You…”

Seeing the other party toss away the jade token and staring at him with such contemptuous eyes, the guards felt so infuriated that they were on the verge of fainting.

The heck, why would someone find such an unreasonable person to serve as their butler?

“Brother Sun, don’t be in such a hurry. Here are bills worth three million gold. May I trouble you to inform Yang shi of our arrival…”

Seeing that the other party was about to close the doors, Master Yuanyu could not longer hold himself back and stood forward to resolve the matter.

If this matter was left to be, the three master teachers might very well blow their top. He was only a mere physician and he was afraid of getting implicated in a fight among master teachers just because he brought them over.

“Un, that’s more like it. At least you understand fast!”

Taking over the stack of bills, Sun Qiang lowered his head to verify its authenticity before nodding his head in satisfaction. Then, he lamented, “If you have money, why do you all still take out some rotten jade? I’ve seen stingy people, but I’ve never seen such stingy people. Don’t you know that I, Sun Qiang, am a very principled man? If you wish to enter without paying up… Don’t even dream about it!”

Hearing those words, everyone’s mouth twitched furiously. Even Yuanyu almost failed to hold in his anger.

Brother, do you know that the rotten jade you just smashed is a Tutelage Jade Token? Do you know how much it is truly worth?

A Tongxuan realm expert would not hesitate to put their life on the line just to obtain one of that. Yet, you simply discarded it so casually, so though it is something worthless…

Are you really a master teacher’s butler?

Otherwise, how can you fail to identify such an object?

“Alright, wait here. The old master had some affairs to attend to and he is currently out. When he returns and finds time for you, he will summon you in.”

Keeping the gold bills properly, the fatty gestured.

“He’s out?” Master Yuanyu’s eyebrows shot up.

The heck! If he went out, why didn’t you say so earlier? After accepting the money, you tell us that we have to wait for him to return…

It is one thing if I had come alone. However… How can you keep these three masters waiting here?

“Can I bother you to quickly report the news to the old master? We really have urgent matters for your old master…”

Suppressing his anger, Master Yuanyu asked.

“What is the matter, to be of such urgency?”

Sun Qiang inquired.

After the other party paid the sum, his attitude became obviously much better than before. After all, customers are the gods (emperors).

“No matter what it is, we’re here to speak to the old master, not to you!” The guard who took out the jade token earlier could no longer repress his rage.

“Un? Why, you feel embarrassed to say so? Me, elder brother Qiang, have followed the old master for quite some time and have learned many things from him. If it is just a simple matter, there might not be a need for the old master to get involved, I might be able to solve it…”

Sun Qiang lifted his plump face haughtily and sneered coldly.

What a joke! I am the old master’s successor. I have witnessed his means with my own eyes. All that needs to be done is to firstly bluff the subject, have them reveal their own flaws, and then finally try his best to hoodwink the other party. Given my abilities, I should be more than capable of deceiving you fellows who aren’t even willing to pay up.

“You’ve learned many things from him?”

The guard was about to speak, but Liu shi abruptly interrupted him, “Since you’re able to tell, why don’t you tell me what’s wrong with me?”

“You?”

Sun Qiang’s fat body circled around Liu shi before stepping backward. Recalling the old master’s disposition and attitude, he lifted his head forty-five degrees upward and looked at the other party calmly, as though an nonmaterialistic expert. “You… Is your family doing well?”

“What did you say?”

Liu shi was taken aback by his words and nearly fainted from shock.

He had merely requested the other party to diagnose his condition, why did he suddenly start insulting him?

Master Yuanyu’s body staggered. He felt so stifled that he could knock his head against the wall.

The heck… Heavens, you might as well strike me dead with a bolt of lightning… I truly can’t take this anymore…

This… The pressure is too great…

The anxiety I had felt in the past few minutes seems more than what I had experienced in my entire life.

Ignoring their astonishment and anger, Sun Qiang tried his best to recall the gestures and words of the old master and chuckled lightly, “Oh? You didn’t get my words? Then I’ll phrase it in another way then. Are the physical conditions of your family members still alright?”

Chapter 168: The Discerning Ability of a Master Teacher

Pu!

Everyone’s body shook, as though they had been struck by lightning.

Initially, they thought that perhaps Sun Qiang may have made a mistake, or perhaps their ears were playing tricks on them. Yet, that fellow repeated the same message.

Cursing Liu shi’s family…

Furthermore, so brazenly. The heck, fatty, where did your confidence come from?

Master Yuanyu was frozen on the spot and tears streamed down his face.

I had only spoken of Master Teacher Yang Xuan’s existence, I didn’t mean to offend anyone… Now great, if Liu shi were to be maddened, it would definitely cause an uproar. If Yang Xuan turns to be a real master teacher and he pursues the matter, a battle would definitely ensue. Afterward, … there would be no more afterward…

The crowd was shocked. Sun Qiang thought that the reaction meant that he was spot-on and he stood proudly.

That was the method that the old master used to scam Ling Tianyu. The moment he opened his mouth, the other party immediately gave in. He had imitated Zhang Xuan’s disposition and gesture down to the very details, making him seem like a superior existence which had seen through the fabrics of the world.

With his head tilted upward, his glanced downward to see if the other party had conceded to his greatness and kneeled down to call him ‘master’. Yet, he only saw the frosty look on the other party’s face. In fact, even his guards drew their swords.

“Old master, I am going to kill him…” The guard bellowed as he prepared to charge forward.

“Hm? Why isn’t it working?” Looking at the guard’s behavior, no matter how foolish Sun Qiang could be, he realized that something was definitely amiss. Gedeng, his heart leaped. Could it be that his statement was inaccurate? Even so, he decided that he must uphold his status and authority.

Whenever the old master spoke, he often incurred the wrath of others. But after his words proved to be right, the other party would immediately give in.

Upon thinking of this, Sun Qiang’s confidence surged once more, “How about this, allow me to touch your wife… Oh, since your wife isn’t here… You… are a beast, you’re looking for it…”

After musing for a moment, he recalled the other catchphrases of the old master.

The surroundings were completely silent.

Big brother, I thought that you were quite bold to have cursed Liu shi’s family. To think that you still have more up your sleeves…

Wanting to touch Liu shi’s wife, calling Liu shi a beast, saying that he was asking for it… I have seen brazen people, but I truly haven’t seen anyone as brazen as you…

Liu shi’s face was also steeled. His face twitched uncontrollably and he looked to be about to pass out from anger.

If not for his incredible tolerance, he would have definitely killed this fellow with a single slap of his.

“Old master, please allow me to kill this foolish lad who dares to insult you!”

The guard, Ah Yun, clasped his hands as he asked Liu shi for permission.

“Tell him who I am!”

Liu shi flung his robe.

He actually desired to kill the person before him as well. However, the other party’s arrogance caused him to be apprehensive.

If not a master teacher, how would a lowly butler dare to behave in such a manner?

If the other party were truly an incredible master teacher, he wouldn’t be able to withstand the other party’s wrath when he finds out that his butler was killed.

Thus, it was better for him to behave prudently, deciding to first reveal his identity and observe the other party’s attitude.

“Fatty, our old master is the Honorary Grand Duke of the Beiwu 2nd Tier Kingdom, Master Teacher Liu Ling…” Ah Yun stepped forward and declared.

“Like I care whether you are some grand duke or whatsoever…” Halfway through his words, his plump body trembled as he asked, “What did you say? Master teacher? He is a master teacher?”

He might be able to snub the grand dukes of other countries, but the same cannot be said about master teachers.

“Indeed, our old master is a 1-star master teacher. For you to insult him, you are truly courting death!”

Ah Yun clenched his teeth.

A master teacher is not an existence that can be sullied by anyone. To curse his entire family in public, demand to touch his wife, and call him a beast… Just these were sufficient to warrant his death penalty over a hundred times.

“Courting death?”

Sun Qiang’s mouth twitched. He nearly knelt from the fear that he felt.

He thought that he could just act cool and peacefully pass off as an expert for once while the old master wasn’t present in order to improve the old master’s impression of him. Yet, in the midst of doing so, he became a fool instead.

The old master did the exact same things as well, but why is it that he was always able to get the other party to kneel in fear, not daring to even breathe loudly, while on the other hand, he just had to meet with a master teacher…

Why is there such a huge disparity even though we are both humans?

Insulting a master teacher… Isn’t this equivalent to committing suicide?

What should I do?

Sun Qiang’s plump face folded into countless creases and he was on the verge of tears.

“Go and report to your old master that Master Teacher Liu Ling, Master Teacher Zhuang Xian, and Master Teacher Zheng Fei are here. As for your matter, I will settle it personally with your old master!”

Seeing the previously arrogant plump butler trembling in fright, Master Teacher Liu Ling waved him away.

If the other party were truly a master teacher, letting off his subordinate could be considered a favor to him, equivalent to giving him face. On the other hand, if the other party turns out to be bogus, he could make a big fuss and take him down immediately, thus exacting vengeance for the insult.

“The old master has been out since morning… I don’t know when he’ll be back…” Upon hearing that the other party would not be dealing with him for now, Sun Qiang heaved a sigh of relief.

Upon knowing the other party’s identity, he no longer dared to behave as arrogantly as he did before.

“You don’t know when he’ll be back?” Liu Ling and the others frowned.

They can’t possibly keep waiting here for him.

“Yes!” Sun Qiang nodded his head.

“Alright then. Here is our name scroll, you take it for now. We’ll pay our visits when your old master is back.”

Liu Ling beckoned and the guard, Ah Yun, stepped forward to pass a name scroll.

“Yes!” Sun Qiang did not dare to refute his words and immediately accepted the name scroll from the guard’s hands. Upon seeing the words ‘master teacher’ on it, his eyebrows twitched uncontrollably.

“Let’s go!” Since the other party wasn’t here, the three master teachers couldn’t be bothered to waste their time on a butler. Thus, they turned around to leave.

Only after seeing them disappear into the distance did Sun Qiang heave a sigh of relief. He wiped away the cold sweat on his body before walking into the courtyard.

Upon entering, he felt his knees give in and he fell to the floor, paralyzed.

Looks like one can’t just simply go around feigning to be an expert. Otherwise… One might not even know how he dies… I will never do it ever again…

…………………………

“Liu shi, why didn’t you directly kill that fellow who insulted you?”

When the crowd left, the guard, Ah Yun couldn’t help but inquire.

Those who are able to become master teachers are by no means kind. Liu shi never hesitates when it comes to killing others. But why was he able to tolerate the plump butler saying such words to him?

“Brother Zheng, what do you think of it?”

Ignoring his question, Liu Ling turned to Zheng shi, Zheng Fei, and asked.

“The master residing in the mansion doesn’t seem to be a simple figure. If he is truly a master teacher, it is likely that his capabilities are superior to ours.” Zheng Fei nodded his head with a grim look.

“Indeed!” Zhuang shi, Zhuang Xian, nodded his head as well.

“But… didn’t we not see the owner of the mansion?”

Hearing the conversation between the three master teachers, everyone felt puzzled.

They didn’t see the old master the plump butler spoke of. If so, how can they be so sure that the other party’s capabilities are superior to theirs?

Even Yuanyu, who was following behind, felt perplexed.

“We didn’t see him, but we saw his butler.” Liu shi said.

“That weak fellow?” Ah Yun became even more confused. Was there anything special with that weak fellow?

“You all have only seen the surface!” Liu shi shook his head. “I have taken a look at the butler’s constitution. It is not just poor; it can be considered to be extremely inferior. Logically speaking, his limit would have been Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm. However, did you see how strong he actually was?”

“Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm advanced stage…”

Ah Yun hesitated for a moment before speaking.

“Indeed, he has reached Pigu realm advanced stage. Furthermore… Based on how he doesn’t seem to have perfect control over his zhenqi, his breakthrough should be something that occurred recently. Putting this together with what Master Yuanyu said, that this Sun Qiang is someone he hired on a whim and that he was previously just a merchant in the commercial city… It is very likely that the rise in his strength is due to the guidance from the master of the mansion…”

After which, a grim expression appeared on Liu shi’s face. “Given such inferior constitution and unexceptional cultivation technique, the zhenqi in his body should have long sunk due to excessive impurities, clogging all of the meridians throughout his body. Yet, he was able to induce a breakthrough in him in a few short days, even raising his strength by an entire realm… It would be hard for me to induce such growth in others.”

As master teachers, they specialized in guiding one’s cultivation. As such, they were able to easily recognize Sun Qiang’s unique condition.

There are clots in Sun Qiang’s meridians, causing his impure zhenqi to sink. According to logical deduction, it should have already been an incredible feat for him to reach Zhenqi realm pinnacle. Yet, contrary to their expectations, the latter had achieved Pigu realm advanced stage. No matter how foolish they were to be, it is obvious that the other party possesses exceptional abilities.

If Zhang Xuan were to hear their conclusion, he would definitely be astounded.

Master teachers aren’t just for show, their discernment abilities were indeed impressive.

It is no wonder that it could become a profession that everyone on the continent fears. The sharpness of their eyes isn’t something just anyone can match up to.

“If I’m not wrong, the other party had used an extremely pure zhenqi to destroy the shackles in his body and meld the sunken zhenqi, thus allowing him to achieve a breakthrough. Then, the sunk zhenqi he accumulated over numerous years caused his cultivation realm to soar, eventually stopping at Pigu realm advanced stage!”

The silent Zhuang shi hesitated for a moment before speaking.

If Sun Qiang were here, he would definitely be shocked. His experience was exactly as how the master teacher before him had described it to be.

“To be able to meld the sunk zhenqi with his and break through the clots in his meridians, that person’s zhenqi must be at least intermediate tier. Or else… his cultivation must have reached Zongshi realm!”

Liu shi nodded his head, agreeing to Zhuang shi’s words. Then, he turned to Ah Yun and said, “Regardless of whether he is an expert who possesses intermediate tier zhenqi or a zongshi… Even if he isn’t a master teacher, he isn’t someone that we can afford to offend. On the other hand, if he is a master teacher, even if he isn’t as experienced as us, it is likely that he wields a greater level of potential. If he had slaughtered his butler back then, it would have been equivalent to falling out with the other party, thus making it impossible to reconcile with him in future. If so, we might as well sell him a favor. After all, that butler is just an insignificant figure. He was probably scared witless after knowing of our identity.”

“Yes!” Ah Yun nodded his head.

He knew that his old master possessed incredible discernment abilities and that he was able to tell the truth through minor details. Thus, he did not inquire further about the matter.

“Incredible!”

Upon listening to their deduction, Master Yuanyu widened his mouth in astonishment.

It is no wonder that master teacher is such a prestigious occupation. With a single glance, they were able to analyze so many details. Their eyes are truly fearsome.

“But old master, that person isn’t in his mansion, so what should we do now?”

Ah Yun asked.

“Even though he isn’t in his mansion, it doesn’t mean that we are devoid of ways to verify his identity. Inform Emperor Shen Zhui of the matter and tell him to summon the few people who had been treated by this Yang Xuan to the royal palace. I want to take a look at them personally…”

Liu shi delegated.

“Yes!” Ah Yun nodded his head.

Upon hearing those words, Master Yuanyu was impressed.

It wasn’t of great importance that the person in question wasn’t present. It wasn’t a secret that Yang Xuan had helped Ling Tianyu, Du Miaoxuan, Luo Chong, and Apothecary Chen Xiao… As long as they were to gather and question them, they should be able to understand the situation.

It would then be clear whether the other party is genuinely a master teacher.

Chapter 169: The 6-dan of the Heaven’s Path Divine Art

Zhang Xuan was oblivious to the visit by the three master teachers. At the moment, he was in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault, and his eyes were gleaming with excitement.

“It’s complete…”

After reading books for an entire afternoon, he had finally finished flipping through all of the Pixue realm books in the Book Collection Vault. He had also managed to compile a complete version of the 6-dan Heaven’s Path Divine Art in the library.

The front part was exactly as he had deduced before, so he only had to follow the steps behind.

“Time to cultivate!”

In any case, he was here alone, so there was no need to restrain himself. Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan sat onto the ground and started cultivating.

Pipa! Pipa! Pipa!

The moment he started training, a dense congregation of spiritual energy immediately surged into his body from the heavens, causing the acupoints in his body to blow open consecutively. A series of crisp ‘pops’ reminiscent of frying beans echoed in the vault.

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Xuan opened his eyes. A look of astonishment appeared on his face as he was in a state of disbelief.

“I actually managed… to open all 108 acupoints?”

Legend has it that there are 108 acupoints in a human’s body. However, only 72 of which can be opened. Furthermore, there is a specific order to how these acupoints could be opened. With differences in every individual’s physique, there is a different order that everyone has to follow in order to achieve the best results. If one fails to follow the exact sequence, one might very well only open thirty to forty acupoints in their life and thereafter be stuck permanently.

He had initially thought that even with the Heaven’s Path Divine Art, it would be considered an incredible feat to open 72 acupoints. Never in his dreams did he expect to be able to open all 108 acupoints.

At this moment, the acupoints throughout his body were twinkling, as a sky full of stars. He felt strength surge through his entire body.

If others were to learn that he had opened all of the acupoints in his body, they would definitely die of shock.

“108 acupoints mean that my strength has been boosted by 108 ding. Before reaching Pixue realm, I already have 20 ding of strength, and adding in the 90 ding from my physical body, my total strength is 218 ding. That is equivalent to a Tongxuan realm intermediate stage expert…”

Doing a rough calculation of his strength, Zhang Xuan’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

In Tongxuan realm, one possesses 100 ding of strength in the primary stage, 200 ding in the intermediate stage, 300 ding in the advanced stage, and 400 ding in the pinnacle stage.

It is unheard of in Tianxuan Kingdom, or even in the surrounding kingdoms, for a Pixue realm pinnacle to possess the strength of a Tongxuan realm intermediate stage.

Yet, Zhang Xuan had easily achieved such a feat.

Even he himself couldn’t help but suspect if he was dreaming.

There aren’t many people in Tianxuan Kingdom who can rival him now.

After all, the strongest person in Tianxuan Kingdom currently is only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle.

“I should continue and see if there are Fighter 7-dan cultivation techniques…”

Zhang Xuan stood up and continued into the depths of the Book Collection Vault expectantly.

“What a pity…”

After circling around the entire Book Collection Vault once, Zhang Xuan could not help but shook his head in disappointment.

There wasn’t any Fighter 7-dan cultivation technique in the Book Collection Vault.

But now that he thought about it, it was to be expected.

After all, Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan realm experts can be considered as the top-notch fighting power of the Tianxuan Kingdom. As such, the value of 7-dan cultivation techniques is incomparably valuable. Thus, how can one possibly leave such books lying around here, especially when visitors can be granted entry?

They would most probably be kept somewhere accessible only to the emperor.

“Since there is no cultivation technique, I should check out the battle techniques…”

Thinking of such, he walked with big strides toward the region where the battle technique manuals are stored.

There is a massive collection of books in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault. Even though the battle techniques kept here are not exclusive profound arts, its redeeming factor is that there are plenty of them. Just a single move can have several thousand different schools to it.

Zhang Xuan stopped before a certain bookshelf and glanced toward the books on it.

It is the region where the movement and leg techniques are stored.

《The 72 Lake Manoeuvre》、《Whirlwind Legs》、《34 Styles Chain Kicks》、《Eluding Traversing Dragon》

All kinds of movement and leg technique secret manuals filled the entire shelf.

“Wang Ying’s legs were once injured. Even though she has the Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution to heal her legs, it would still be difficult for her to match up to the swift Du Lei. However, if she were to learn a good movement and leg technique, it should increase her chances of victory significantly.

Thinking of this, Zhang Xuan started flipping through the books.

Hualala, hualala!

In an hour’s time, Zhang Xuan had managed to imprint all the books related to movement and leg techniques into his head, and two books had formed in his head.

Heaven’s Path Movement Art and Heaven’s Path Leg Art!

Casually flipping open the manuals, he immersed his concentration into the books. Four hours later, he managed to master the two moves.

Due to the books in the Book Collection Vault being about the most basic and fundamental moves, only a single movement was created, just like how it was for the Heaven’s Path Spear Art.

That was especially so for the Heaven’s Path Movement Art. It allowed him to move a distance of twenty meters the time of a tenth of a breath. His movement was so fast that it seemed as though teleportation.

Of course, attaining such breakneck speed causes a huge strain on the body. If it weren’t for him cultivating the Heaven’s Path Golden Body, such instantaneous movement would have caused his blood vessels to burst. Even so, given his current physical capabilities, he can only execute the move once. If he were to overdo it, it would cause him to bleed from his ears and nose due to excessive pressure.

Still, it is an extremely fearsome move. If one were to suddenly perform an instantaneous movement when battling with another person, even a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert can be destroyed in an instant if he isn’t guarded against it.

After learning the movement and leg techniques, he moved to the fists technique region and once again started flipping through the books, forming a single punching move.

Two hours later, he had easily completed learning the fist movement.

Just like the movement technique, even though it is just a single move, it allows his strength to be enhanced by a single fold instantaneously.

Given his current strength of 218 ding, a single fold meant that he was able to execute a punch with 436 ding of strength behind it. In other words, by executing the Heaven’s Path Fist Art, his fighting prowess would rival that of a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert.

Of course, this pushes his physical body to the limits as well. Just like the movement technique, he wouldn’t be able to use it repeatedly. Given his current level of ability, he can only execute three punches at maximum.

Continuously flipping through the books and studying them, time passed slowly.

Fortunately, Zhang Xuan had foreseen that he would be staying in the Book Collection Vault for an extended period of time and had prepared some food in his storage ring in advance. Otherwise, he would surely die of hunger before he could even begin to train.

……………………

Countless lanterns hung and lit the palace.

“Apothecary Chen Xiao, why are you here?”

Walking into the main hall, Du Miaoxuan was filled with bewilderment.

He was just an ordinary elder of the Du Clan, and following the deterioration of his cultivation, even that title had become just a name. Yet, he was summoned abruptly by Emperor Shen Zhui today and thus, he was completely confused by what was going on.

Upon walking into the palace, he saw that Apothecary Chen Xiao, Ling Tianyu, and Luo Chong were all here.

“I have also received His Majesty’s summons. It must be something that has to do with Yang shi. After all, all of us here have benefitted from Yang shi’s grace!”

At this moment, Apothecary Chen Xiao no longer looked as sickly as he did previously. On the contrary, he was filled with vitality and liveliness.

“That might be possible…”

Du Miaoxuan nodded his head in agreement. Ling Tianyu and Luo Chong also suddenly came to a realization.

However, there was no need for them to ponder over the matter as they would soon know the answer. At this moment, Emperor Shen Zhui walked into the main hall with large strides. Smiling, he introduced to the crowd.

“I am not the one who invited everyone here today. It was the three master teachers.”

“Master teachers?”

Du Miaoxuan and the others were taken aback. They hurriedly stood up and saw three dignified elders following behind the emperor.

“Sit. You must be Ling Tianyu. I heard that your wife was sick. Can you tell me about what happened during the treatment?” After trading some pleasantries, Liu shi turned his attention to Ling Tianyu.

After a moment later.

“You say that… Yang Xuan, with a single look, discerned that your stone lion is made of Southern Blood Jade and deduced from it that your family member was sick? Then… With a few needles, not only did your wife awake from her coma, she even gained the ability to walk immediately?”

Liu shi widened his eyes in disbelief.

“The Southern Blood Jade absorbs a person’s vitality. Given how your wife was stuck in a state of coma, this meant that her illness had already reached an extremely severe state. In order to resolve the issue, not only does one need to find the exact blockages of the meridians, one also requires intermediate-tier zhenqi to break open those blockages. To be able to see through those exact spots, such that there weren’t any hesitation in his movements… Can a master teacher really possess such sharp eyes?”

…

“The moment you entered, before you could even forge pills, he could tell that you were afflicted with death aura and would die at any moment? One who is afflicted with death aura would have a dark mark at their glabella, so it isn’t surprising that he would be able to tell that much. Also, apothecaries often come into contact with cauldrons, it was natural that he would deduce as so… However, to be able to deduce all these without asking a single question… Why do I feel like he isn’t a master teacher but a fortune-teller…”

“Also, he could tell that your unstable state of mind was caused by your consumption of Dragon-scaled Prawns just by your forging movements without asking a single question at all? You must be joking…”

…

Upon hearing everyone’s experiences, the three master teachers became baffled.

The heck, is he some enlightened deity?

Even though master teachers possess sharp eyes, it isn’t that exaggerated!

“Looks like… there are only two possibilities. Firstly… That Yang Xuan’s standard is much higher than ours, to the point that we are unable to comprehend the full extent of his abilities.”

After a long moment, Liu shi concluded with a grim expression.

“Or secondly… He knows of their conditions beforehand and searched for a solution before curing their illness at a single go, thus astounding everyone here. In other words… He is an opportunistic fraud who is looking to make a fortune.”

Zheng shi and Zhuang shi nodded their heads. They shared Liu shi’s judgment as well.

“If it is the former, it isn’t a big matter for me to pay him a visit and learn from it. But if it turns out to be the second…” Speaking of which, Liu shi’s eyes turned cold. “As a master teacher, I have the responsibility to expose such black sheeps so that they do not sully the reputation of master teachers.”

Chapter 170: Brewing Storm

Tianxuan Kingdom

“Beiwu Tier 2 Kingdom Liu shi and Zhuang shi, as well as Hanwu Kingdom’s Zheng shi, have arrived at the kingdom and they went to pay a visit to this Yang Xuan together?”

“Indeed. It is said that after they paid him a visit, they summoned Ling Tianyu, Du Miaoxuan, and the rest of them into the royal palace. No one knows what happened in there, but the second day, the three master teachers visited the mansion once more… Furthermore… They had turned up at the mansion for five consecutive days, but were nevertheless unable to meet with the master of the mansion?”

“The heck! That’s way too intense, he even turned away master teachers? I know about Liu shi and he is one of the more capable 1-star master teachers. To think that such a person would be turned away at the entrance… Just exactly how capable is this Yang shi?”

“I’m afraid that he probably isn’t just a mere 2-star master teacher!”

…

No one has ever heard of Yang Xuan’s name. In fact, the Teacher Guild was unable to find anything about him either. As such, many people were doubtful of his identity and thought that he wasn’t a real master teacher.

However, the situation has changed.

Liu shi, Zheng shi, and Zhuang shi are three official master teachers. They are public figures famous within the surrounding kingdoms. The three of them had paid Yang shi a visit, but for five consecutive days, they did not even get past the entrance. No matter how foolish one might be, it was clear to see that Yang Xuan isn’t a simple figure.

“He is a master teacher, but his identity doesn’t exist… Probably, his name, Yang Xuan, is fake…”

“Master teachers love to travel and experience the life of an average civilian. Through such, it trains their mind and tempers their soul. Could he be a high-tier master teacher who is in the midst of his exploration?”

“I don’t know about that… But if it’s true, then Tianxuan Kingdom has truly struck gold!”

“Indeed! Master teachers are a symbol of a country’s strength. If a country has a 1-star master teacher, it can apply for a Tier 2 Kingdom position. With a 2-star master teacher, it can apply for a 1st Tier Kingdom position. Finally, If it has a 3-star master teacher, it can apply to become a Conferred Kingdom!”

“Once a kingdom is conferred a title, it gains the right to build massive transportation formations to import and export resources, resulting in the country to prosper. The benefits from doing so are unimaginable…”

…

All kinds of rumors had spread throughout the kingdom.

“Your Majesty, even though the three master teachers aren’t sure, and they still hold suspicions, from your humble servant’s perspective, Yang Xuan seems like a person of great capabilities. Otherwise, he would not have been able to treat so many people easily. Even if he isn’t a master teacher, he is likely to be a great physician. There might be hope for the Royal Elder.”

In the palace, an old eunuch analyzed the available news.

“Un, send someone to stand guard at his entrance. The moment Yang Xuan returns to his mansion, report back to me immediately. I will pay him a personal visit.” A grave expression appeared on Emperor Shen Zhui’s face.

“Yes!”

The old eunuch nodded his head hurriedly.

…

“This is a rare opportunity. Wang Chao, if we catch Yang shi’s attention and become his apprentice, we will surely be able to become master teachers!”

In a wide classroom in Hongtian Academy, Lu Xun stared excitedly at the young man before him.

“Indeed. No matter what, we have to pay him a visit and leave a good impression before him!” Wang Chao nodded his head excitedly. “Even if we are unable to become his apprentice, we will surely be able to achieve a breakthrough if he offers us some words of guidance.”

“Un!” Lu Xun nodded his head.

“Right, so how is the matter with Zhang Xuan going?” Wang Chao suddenly recalled and asked.

“Him?” Placing his hands behind him, he stared into the distance with an aura of superiority. “He is just a stepping stone for me to become a master teacher. He means nothing at all, so don’t worry about it. All of the students I have chosen for the battle are undergoing secret training, and in a few days, they will be able to break through to the next realm. They will win the Teacher Evaluation by an overwhelming lead and as such, the attention of the master teachers will be on me!”

“That’s great! I’ll have to congratulate you in advance then…” Wang Chong clasped his hands enthusiastically.

…

Such situations occurred throughout the kingdom. The appearance of a Yang shi had caused all powers within the kingdom to stir. All attention were fixated on Yang Xuan’s mansion and in an instant, this seemingly inconspicuous mansion became the center of buzz within the capital.

A storm had begun to brew.

………

At the moment, Zhang Xuan had reached the final bookshelf within the country’s Book Collection Vault.

Five days of continuously flipping books without any rest or sleep had exhausted all of his strength. Putting aside cultivating, he wasn’t even in the mood to speak.

“There’s still one last row…”

Knowing that it wasn’t easy to enter the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault, Zhang Xuan was determined to first imprint all of these books onto the Library of Heaven’s Path before doing anything. Even so, just this task itself had him exhausted to the point of possibly fainting at any moment.

Seeing that he had finally reached the final row, Zhang Xuan’s eyes glowed in delight and tears threatened to flow out of his eyes.

After working hard for the past few days. he finally sees the end of his work.

“Un? These are books on poison…”

This row pertains to the uses of poison, creating poison, discerning poison, and inflicting poison on others. Similar to others topics in the library, only books on the very basics of the subject were available.

“I shall flip!”

Hualala! Slowly, with the movements of his fingers, the books were gradually imprinted into his mind, one at a time.

Of the countless jobs, the occupation poison master, based on its fighting prowess, is more than qualified to be listed among the Upper Nine Paths. But similar to assassins, it is a despised job. They can only hide in the shadows, never to see the light of the day. As such, very few people are willing to take on the craft, causing it to eventually fall into the ranks of the Lower Nine Paths.

Naturally, Zhang Xuan isn’t willing to become a poison master either. However, it was still beneficial for him to look through these books as it could help him guard against other poison masters.

While one shouldn’t bear ill intentions against others, one mustn’t let down his guards.

Two hours later, he finished flipping through all of the poison-related books.

“I should first return to take a nap…”

After successfully imprinting all of the books in the Book Collection Vault into his mind, Zhang Xuan suddenly felt the fatigue he had accumulated in the previous five days crushing down heavily at once. All he can think about right now is to find a location to sleep.

Even though he has already reached Pixue realm pinnacle and his body is significantly stronger than others, five consecutive days without rest while keeping his mind on the edge has left him on the brink of collapsing.

Even so, the effort was worth it.

The Tianxuan Kingdom has more than a millennium of history behind it. Even though the books in here aren’t exceptionally profound such that they can be considered as secret manuals, there are huge quantities of books on the fundamentals of nearly all occupations.

Usually, under such circumstances, others would find it difficult to discern the truth from the false, especially with the overwhelming content contained in this library. They would simply get increasingly muddled the more they read. However, to Zhang Xuan who possesses the Library of Heaven’s Path, this isn’t a problem at all.

As long as he is willing to, he can extract the most precise knowledge of each job and form a Heaven’s Path manual, retrieving the genuine wisdom in each book for his use.

Walking out of the kingdom, Zhang Xuan looked at the sky and only then did he realize that he had spent five entire days in the vault.

“I can’t rest yet. It is almost ten days since I ordered that Unravel Yin Pill and Colossus Rhinoceros Blood, so the items should be arriving soon…”

While he was walking along the streets, he suddenly recalled that the ten days deadline was about to come to an end and this wasn’t the time for him to go straight to sleep. The items he had entrusted Guild Leader Ouyang to buy on his behalf should be reaching soon.

“I should first return to the mansion to take a look. Hopefully, someone has requested something of me in the past few days. This way, I would be able to gather the sum required for the items…”

He was still lacking two million gold coins to pay for the items. After getting into a remote alley and changing his appearance to that of ‘Yang Xuan’, he started walking toward the mansion.

………

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo are two famous burglars in the Tianxuan Kingdom. They specialize in robbing the rich to help the poor. In a way, they can be considered as righteous burglars.

Due to their nimble movements and well-planned operations, they have never failed throughout the numerous years in their career. The Tianxuan Kingdom offered a high bounty to capture the duo, but it is laughable that they do not even know the duo’s appearances.

“That in front of us is Du Qiao’s residence. This person is a despicable tycoon. He has committed plenty of immoral acts throughout his life. Although he had a recent encounter with bandits which dealt a huge blow to his business, an emaciated camel is still larger than a horse. We should have plenty of money to utilize if we were to rob from him…”

Zhang Liao chuckled and took a large step forward.

Due to the intense hunt for them, they left Tianxuan Kingdom for half a year. Upon returning, they immediately set their sights on Merchant Du Qiao.

“Un. However, we need to first plan carefully. We have to ascertain the skills of the guards in the residence and their habits before we can make a move.” Zhang Mo nodded his head.

Whenever the duo decides to conduct burglary, they will observe the target thoroughly to confirm the layout of the residence and determine the weakness in their defense. Only when they are absolutely certain that they will succeed will they strike.

This is precisely the reason why they had yet to fail a single time after stealing from over fifty households.

“The residence right ahead. I have been here once… Ah?”

Turning around the alley, Zhang Liao walked forward. Just as he was about to sneak into the mansion which they had decided upon to survey its interior, he was shocked by the sight before them.

Zhang Mo’s face also turned pale. His eyes widened in shock.

A large queue had formed at the entrance of the mansion. There were several hundreds of people lining up before the gates. It is one thing to have many people wanting to visit the master of the household, but… The gates to the mansion were tightly shut, and there didn’t seem to be any signs of it opening anytime soon.

“Look! Isn’t that… the Eight Arms Dragon, Liu Kaiyuan?”

Zhang Liao suddenly recognized a person in the crowd and his face turned ghastly white.

“It’s him… The Eight Arms Dragon Liu Kaiyuan. He is a renowned figure among wandering cultivators. As a Tongxuan realm advanced stage expert, he is one of the top-notch figures in the kingdom. However, wasn’t he injured during an expedition to capture a savage beast, and since then disappeared from public view? Why is he here? Furthermore, waiting at the entrance?” Zhang Mo was astonished.

“Wait… Is that… Iron-fisted Stone Dragon, Feng Jun? As a Tongxuan realm intermediate stage, he is the number one expert of Hanxue City. It is said that his iron fists are capable of disintegrating boulders. He is a powerful figure who even Emperor Shen Zhui regards as a peer. Why is he here… queuing up?”

“Eagle Eyes Duan Jiujiang? Steel Caltrop Long Xuanhai? Pale Scholar Hu Xiaobai…”

Initially, he thought that those who were queuing up were just ordinary civilians. However, upon recognizing a few of them, he took a closer look. As his gaze scanned through the faces of those figures in the queue, Zhang Liao’s body trembled and he nearly fainted from fear…

These people are all top-notch experts of Tianxuan Kingdom! Even the weakest of them all is a Tongxuan realm primary stage.

Even though they do possess several tricks up their sleeves, if they really were to encounter any single one of these people, they probably wouldn’t be able to escape. They would be beaten to death on the spot.

Just that…

Back then, when Emperor Shen Zhui invited them for a gathering in the royal palace, very few of them actually turned up. Why would such arrogant and rebellious experts who dare to even disregard Emperor Shen Zhui’s invitation be queuing at this mansion’s entrance?

Surely I am seeing things…

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo exchanged gazes. Puzzled, they scratched their head furiously.

If these people were only queuing up, they might not have been so shocked. But judging from how they did not even dare to breathe loudly for fear of offending the people living in the mansion… Not daring to knock the door even though they were kept outside…

The heck! Heavens, can you tell me whether it is them who have gone mad, or is it just me?

Isn’t this Du Qiao’s residence?

How can a lowly merchant possess such prestige?

How did he get these experts to willingly wait at the door, not daring to even utter a single word of complaint?

Chapter 171: Old Master is Back

Huala!

Unable to accept the sight before them, a frenzied look appeared on their faces. Suddenly, an elder walked approached with big strides.

Seeing him, respect immediately appeared on everyone’s faces as they opened a path for him.

“Is this… The Ninth Heaven of Benevolence, Old Master Zhang?” Forcefully suppressing his shock, Zhang Liao swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

“It is said that Old Master Zhang is already in his nineties. Thirty years ago, he had already reached Tongxuan realm pinnacle… Of course, he isn’t respected for his age or his prowess. Rather… He used to be a star teacher in Hongtian Academy and countless experts were personally groomed by him. In fact, nearly half of the experts here had been to his lessons… But why would he be here?”

Zhang Mo’s mouth was opened so wide that an egg could be stuffed into it.

This Old Master Zhang entered reclusion in his residence twenty years ago, having never left his residence since then. Moreover, even if Emperor Shen Zhui were to meet him, he would have to address him as ‘teacher’… What is such a figure doing here?

Could it be that Du Qiao’s residence had been passed to him, and these experts are here to visit him?

Wait a minute…

The moment this thought arose in their minds, the duo immediately realized that their guess was wrong. That’s because… That Old Master Zhang also stood at the entrance of residence respectfully, not appearing to be proceeding further.

“Even Old Master Zhang is waiting outside the entrance?”

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo exchanged glances and their lips started trembling.

Even though Old Master Zhang has already retired for many years, there isn’t anyone in Tianxuan Kingdom who would dare to show him disrespect. Even the emperor would step forward to welcome him personally into the palace. Yet, such a figure is currently waiting patiently outside locked gates…

“Brother, are we still going to… steal from the mansion?”

After a long moment of silence between the duo, Zhang Liao turned to look at his elder brother.

“Steal? Steal your head… Putting aside whether we would be able to get in, even if we are to get in, with so many experts guarding the door, I’m afraid that… we would be beaten to death before we even get to lay our hands on anything…”

Zhang Mo shuddered in fear. The thought of it sent him to the verge of tears.

The heck, how do I steal from such a residence?

Just the subordinates of these Tongxuan realm experts are enough to turn us into meat cakes…

What is wrong with this residence?

Why are there so many experts who have come to pay a visit?

“Regard of who it is… For him to have such incredible rallying abilities… Does the royal family not care about the matter at all?”

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Zhang Liao’s mind and he couldn’t help but comment.

Zhang Mo was taken aback as well.

How can the sovereign of the country allow another individual to hold greater prestige than him?

Regardless of that fellow’s identity, his ability to rally so many experts at once poses a great threat to the royal family. Putting aside the fact that each figure who came is more incredible than the previous, the most shocking fact is that… they are all willing to wait patiently at the door for the master to invite them in on his own accord. For fear of interrupting the other party, they did not even dare to knock on the door. For an individual to wield such prestige, even Emperor Shen Zhui should feel threatened by his existence…

Hualala!

At this moment, a golden carriage arrived at the scene.

“It is Emperor Shen Zhui… He has come. Looks like there’s a show to watch…”

Witnessing the carriage and the figure who emerged from the carriage, Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo shuddered.

Speak of the devil. Emperor Shen Zhui has arrived in person; he must have decided to make a move due to the pressure from the other party’s capabilities.

Even though there are many experts present, they are still far from sufficient to go up against an entire kingdom.

Besides, rumors have it that Tianxuan Kingdom’s Royal Elder has achieved Half-Zongshi level, causing the surrounding kingdoms to not dare move recklessly. Even though the people gathered here are all incredible figures, they aren’t sufficient to go up against an expert of that level.

“Your Majesty, you have come!”

“Paying respects to Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty, looks like you have arrived earlier today. I have helped you book a slot. Come over…”

…

Just when the brothers thought that a huge battle would unfold, they saw the experts at the entrance of the mansion greeting the emperor with bright smiles.

Soon, Emperor Shen Zhui found a spot to stand within the crowd and similarly, he started to wait outside the entrance with a respectful expression.

“What?”

The two burglar brothers swayed at the same time.

Can anyone tell me what is going on?

For the emperor of Tianxuan Kingdom to join the queue and wait patiently…

Can anyone tell me who in the world… lives in the mansion?

Huala!

Before they could recover from their astonishment, another carriage stopped by the side of the road and three elders walked over. They were dressed in similar clothes and a gleaming star was weaved on the fabric covering their chest.

“Is this… the uniform of a master teacher. 1-star master teacher? Three 1-star master teachers?”

Zhang Mo recognized the clothes the three elders wore and clenched his fists tight.

“I get it! These three master teachers must be conducting a lesson and these experts are here to listen…”

Zhang Liao suddenly came to a realization.

That must be the case! Only master teachers can possess such incredible rallying powers. Without a saying a word, many experts came over on their accord, such that even Emperor Shen Zhui himself came over to personally listen to their lesson.

“Paying respects to Liu shi!”

“Zhuang shi, it has been long since we last met. You still look as dignified and majestic as before.”

“Zheng shi, the last time I met you was seven years ago. To think that you have come to Tianxuan City…”

…

A commotion broke out the moment the three master teachers arrived. The previously arrogant crowd immediately opened up a path for them.

“The three master teachers, feel free to stand in front of me…”

Initially, the two brothers thought that the three master teachers would open up the gates and invite the crowd in. However, reality betrayed their expectations once again. After seeing Emperor Shen Zhui give up his position to the three master teachers, the three master teachers stopped right before the gates and waited patiently, just like the rest of the crowd.

“The heck…”

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo felt as though they were on the verge of collapsing.

Tongxuan realm experts, a highly respected Old Master, the emperor of the country, and even master teachers; all of them were standing before the mansion, waiting patiently for the gates to open…

Who in the world could be in the residence?

It was laughable that the two of them had discussed on how they should go about stealing from the residence…

Pu!

It was lucky that hadn’t begun to act. Otherwise, they would have been dead by now.

Jiya!

They were still trembling with shock and relief of having escaped from a potential calamity when they saw the tightly shut doors slowly opening and a plump man walked out.

“He… Isn’t he the owner of the realtor agency in Tianyu Commercial City, Sun Qiang?”

Zhang Liao recognized him.

After engaging in burglaries in Tianxuan City for numerous years, he was well acquainted with many people of vastly different standings in the city.

The plump man before them can be considered as one in the lowest tier of society.

Yet, he actually resides in the mansion? Is he the one who is keeping so many experts and influential figures waiting?

“Butler Sun, may I know if Yang shi is back yet?”

Old Master Zhang stepped forward, clasped his hands, and asked politely.

“I’m truly sorry, but the old master isn’t back yet. Please return for now. Once the old master is back, I will send someone to inform you…”

Seeing the large gathering of experts before him, Sun Qiang’s mouth twitched before speaking.

As the news spread further and further, more and more people began to gather. While he was astonished initially, all he feels now is numbness.

Of course, what that made Sun Qiang even number was that… the old master had gone missing…

It was as though he had evaporated from the world. No matter how hard he looked, he was unable to find him…

If he doesn’t find him soon, he is truly afraid that the crowd that had gathered here might go on a rampage.

If so, he would be the first one to bear the brunt of their rage…

Facing so many experts, if not for his incredible mental fortitude, he would have long collapsed.

“Sigh, he isn’t back yet? But that isn’t a problem, we can wait here for him…”

Hearing that Yang shi isn’t back yet, the crowd couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

“I think it would be best if you all return for now…” Afraid that something might happen, Sun Qiang tried to persuade them to leave. Then, upon catching sight of a figure, his eyes widened. Hot tears streamed down his face and he charged forward toward the figure. “Old master…”

…

“This… What is going on?”

Upon reaching the doors to his residence, Zhang Xuan saw the huge queue outside his mansion and was stupefied.

Chapter 172: Catching a Pig?

“Old master?”

Upon seeing Butler Sun’s abnormal reaction, everyone immediately understood that Yang shi had returned. All eyes immediately turned to look at the approaching figure and saw a yellowish-faced middle-aged man looking at them with a perplexed expression.

“Is this the old master that kept everyone waiting?”

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo had a dizzy spell witnessing the situation before them.

This fellow looks like an extremely ordinary person. How did he manage to get an emperor and several master teachers waiting outside his door so willingly?

They hadn’t been in Tianxuan City for the past half a year and as such, were completely oblivious to the storm that the presence of ‘Master Teacher Yang Xuan’ had created.

“Xiao Qiang, what is going on?”

While the duo experienced a dizzy spell, Zhang Xuan felt severe vertigo. Just by looking at the crowd, he immediately understood that these were the people looking for him to solve their problems accumulated throughout the days when he was absent. But… Sun Qiang, what do your hot tears and your reaction as though you are a puppy who had reunited with its owner mean?

It was just a few days of absence, do you need need to be so agitated and excited…

“Old master, you are finally back. These people are here for you…” Sun Qiang hurriedly introduced. But halfway through his words, he was interrupted by another voice.

“Yang shi…”

Emperor Shen Zhui clasped his hands. “I am…”

“Did I permit you to talk?”

Zhang Xuan was just about to find out from Sun Qiang what had happened in the past few days, but this fellow abruptly interrupted their conversation. Displeased, Zhang Xuan frowned.

Where did you come from? Don’t you have the least bit of common sense? Can’t you see that I’m currently busy?

You’re lucky that I have a good temper. If it were any other master teacher, he would have long beaten a fellow like you to death…

Putong! Putong!

Zhang Liao and Zhang Mo fell to the ground.

You are too incredible, my brother. That is the emperor of Tianxuan Kingdom… To speak to him like that…

Even Sun Qiang was flabbergasted.

As expected of the old master, you are nothing short of impressive… Even the emperor means nothing to you…

“I…” Emperor Shen Zhui’s face flushed.

“Continue speaking…” After reprimanding the fellow who interrupted their conversation, Zhang Xuan turned his attention back to his butler.

“Oh!” Recovering from his shock, Sun Qiang hurriedly continued, “In the few days while you were absent, these people had come to pay a visit to you. There is Emperor Shen Zhui…”

“The emperor is here as well?”

Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

Zhang Xuan had intended to return the house the moment he gathered sufficient money and return back to his original identity. Yet, to think that even the emperor of the country would be alarmed by his actions.

Agitated, he asked, “Where is he?”

Upon hearing those words, a peculiar expression appeared on everyone’s face. Even Sun Qiang staggered and nearly fell to the floor…

In the end, it turned out that his old master didn’t manage to recognize the emperor. To think that he was so impressed with his action…

“Cough cough. It’s me!” Emperor Shen Zhui coughed.

“You?” Zhang Xuan nearly spurted blood. To think that he would happen to reprimand him right after returning from his Book Collection Vault…

“Shen Zhui pays his respect to Yang shi. Allow me to introduce to Yang shi, these three are Liu shi, Zheng shi, and Zhuang shi…”

Emperor Shen Zhui hurriedly introduced.

“Liu shi… What? Master teachers?” Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

Isn’t it a renowned fact that there are no master teachers in Tianxuan Kingdom?

When did three of them pop up? What had happened in the few days when I was gone?

“Liu Ling (Zhuang Xian, Zheng Fei) pays respect to Yang shi!’

Liu Ling and the others stepped forward and clasped their hands. At the same time, they took the opportunity to assess the middle-aged man before them.

With a single glance, the three of them frowned immediately.

“Follow me in first!”

Oblivious to the reaction of the trio, Zhang Xuan rubbed his glabella and waved his hands, gesturing for them to enter.

After all, he can’t possibly keep the emperor and the three master teachers waiting at the doorstep, right?

“Brother Liu, what did you see?”

Upon stepping into the courtyard, Zhuang Xian secretly sent a telepathic message to Liu Ling.

“He has donned a disguise. This isn’t his actual appearance. Based on his skin and movements, he should be an extremely young man under thirty. In fact… He probably hasn’t passed twenty-five years of age!” Liu Ling frowned.

Even Du Miaoxuan was able to see through Zhang Xuan’s disguise, so how could the three master teachers miss it?

“How can he possibly be a master teacher at his age? He is probably a fake…”

Zhuang Xian harrumphed.

Master teachers are just like academics; the older they are, the wiser and more valuable they become. It is one thing that he refused to reveal his true appearance, but for his age to be under twenty-five… How can he possibly be a master teacher?

To become a master teacher, one needs to undergo numerous examinations and every single examination holds tremendous difficulty. Due to the limited knowledge one can possibly accumulate over time, it is impossible for someone to become a master teacher in his twenties!

“He is probably a fake. I will think of a way to expose him later.”

Zheng shi nodded his head in agreement.

After hearing Ling Tianyu and the others’ description of the other party, they became suspicious and wanted to verify for themselves other party’s identity as a master teacher. However, when they noticed his poor disguise with their own eyes, they immediately came to a conclusion that the other party must be a fake.

If he isn’t a fake, why would he put on a disguise, a poor one at that?

If he isn’t a fake, how is it be possible for a person in his twenties to possess such high standards that even they aren’t able to perceive?

“Furthermore, did you observe his bloodshot eyes and lethargy? If he is a master teacher, how would he allow such a condition to occur?”

Liu Ling said.

Not only was he able to see through Zhang Xuan’s disguise, he also noticed his fatigue.

After examining the other party carefully again, he felt his rage surging up. Because regardless of whichever aspect he looked at, this fellow didn’t seem to be a genuine master teacher.

A fake had made them pay visits to his mansion for five days straight. Regardless of who it was, it was reasonable to feel enraged, needless to say, a fake master teacher.

Oblivious to the fact that the other side had already seen through him, Zhang Xuan walked up to the main seat upon arriving at the main hall. Then, he looked at the three master teachers and asked, “May I know what affairs do the three master teachers have for me?”

“Oh, I’ve heard that Yang shi is a skilled physician and is adept at helping others achieve breakthroughs in their cultivation. Thus, I came presumptuously in the hopes that you can enlighten me on a matter…”

After shooting a glance at the other two, Liu Ling started speaking.

It was unlikely that a direct approach would work. Since he was intent on exposing the other party’s fraud, he had to first grill for his incapabilities.

“What’s the issue, speak!”

All Zhang Xuan had in mind was to earn another two million to purchase the items from the Apothecary Guild and to find a place to sleep. He was too tired to bother about pleasantries and simply waved his hands casually.

“Act! Continue acting!”

Seeing the other party’s disinterested expression, the three master teachers felt so infuriated that their eyes narrowed and their faces turned green.

Seems like he is quite a composed person.

However, your acts will not work on us. We will not leave unless we expose your fraud!

“It is a problem with my cultivation, please guide me!”

Upon seeing the urging glances from the other two, Zhuang Xian stood up and clasped his hands. “I am currently at Tongxuan realm pinnacle, just a step away from Half-Zongshi. However, I can clearly feel that the rate at which zhenqi gathers in my body has slowed greatly. No matter what I do, I am unable to make the final leap. I have tried all kinds of methods to accomplish a breakthrough, but it is to no avail. I hope that you can give me some pointers.”

“Tongxuan realm pinnacle?”

Zhang Xuan felt dismal.

Because he was unable to find any books regarding cultivation method in the Tongxuan realm in the Book Collection Vault, he is still stuck in Pixue realm pinnacle. He has no idea what kind of abilities one would possess upon reaching the Tongxuan realm, so how can he possibly guide the other party?

“How about this… You try executing a few moves for me to take a look!”

Zhang Xuan knows that his knowledge of the Tongxuan realm can’t possibly match up to the other party. Since the other party was stumped by the question, he understood that it is impossible for him to solve it without resorting to the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“Execute a few moves? Sure!”

Zhuang Xuan understood that only by executing a battle technique can one analyze another person’s issue. Thus, without any hesitation, he stood up and launched a booming fist.

Huhuhu!

The air groaned in agony under the intense might behind his fist.

As expected of a Tongxuan realm expert. His zhenqi surged through his body furiously as though a soaring dragon. The strength of his fist compressed the air in the surroundings and created a sonic boom.

Soon, he finished executing his battle technique.

Zhuang Xian, Liu Ling, and Zheng Fei turned their gazes to ‘Yang shi’, interested to see what he would say. However, the other party had a dull look on his face, as though he was at a loss of what to say.

“Please offer your pointers!”

Upon seeing him behaving in such a manner, Zhuang Xian’s complexion became extremely awful. He didn’t even bother to address him as ‘Yang shi’ anymore.

No matter what, he is a master teacher. It is one thing if the other party is a higher tier than them, but that is clearly not the case. How can they possibly stand lowering their head to a fake?

You were the one who had me execute a battle technique, and yet you are blanking out now… It can’t be that you have turned dumb after watching my battle technique!

“You want me to offer you pointers?”

Ignoring the other party’s displeasure, Zhang Xuan lifted his gaze to look forward.

“That’s right!”

Zhuang Xian harrumphed.

He had already thought it through. The moment the other party starts speaking, he would search for loopholes and expose him before everyone else, then disgrace this fraud in public.

Logically speaking, when the queue had formed even before they could confirm the person’s identity, they should have persuaded the others against waiting outside. However, they had their own considerations for not doing so.

If the other party turns out to be genuinely a master teacher, they would have offended him by persuading the others to leave. On the other hand, if the other party is a fraud, they can expose him before everyone else, causing him to fall from his grace. At the same time, it would serve as a reminder to everyone else that the identity of a master teacher is not to be sullied, and no one should ever impersonate one.

“My pointer is simple. I’m afraid that you won’t believe my words…”

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He truly has no other choice now but to go on ahead with it. Otherwise, if the other party were to discover that it is a disguise on his part, he wouldn’t even be able to escape. However, after the several days of experience disguising as Yang Xuan, he has grown accustomed to it.

With an impassive expression, he waved his hands and said, “Do you wish to break through Tongxuan realm pinnacle to reach Half-Zongshi realm?”

“Of course I do!” Zheng Yang said.

What a joke! Which cultivator would not wish to achieve a breakthrough?

Who doesn’t wish to reach higher levels?

Just like how a physician is unable to treat himself, a master teacher similarly can’t offer pointers to himself. He had wanted to break through his cultivation realm for a long time now, but all along, he had been unable to succeed.

His two old friends, Liu Ling and Zheng Fei, had broken through long ago. He could only watch anxiously as the two drifted further and further away from him.

“I can help you break through your current cultivation realm within ten minutes, but…”

Zhang Xuan paused.

“Break through… within ten minutes?” Zhuang Xian was taken aback.

Even Liu Ling and Zheng Fei had looks of disbelief on their faces.

As good friends of his, they had also taken a look at his situation and their verdicts were that it would be impossible for him to break through his cultivation realm in the short term. Yet, the fraud before them actually claimed that… he can do so in ten minutes?

“I have already presented you an opportunity. The final choice is up to you!”

Zhang Xuan lifted the teacup from the table and sipped on it slowly and calmly.

Usually, his actions would look incredibly cool and intimidating, and those present would feel as if a heavy mountain weighed down on them. But now, his eyes are bloodshot with his eyebags tugging against his eyes, and his lips are both dry and purple. Not only does he not look like an expert, he looks as though he had been busy engaging in vigorous exercises at night. There is an indescribable dissonance between his appearance and gesture.

“I… Alright, I want to break through. Please offer me your guidance!”

After a moment of hesitation, Zhuang Xian gritted his teeth and accepted.

If it you are able to help me break through my cultivation realm as you claim, I will acknowledge that you are a true master teacher. But if you aren’t able to do so… That means that you are a fake, a fraud!

“Are you sure?” Zhang Xuan gazed at him.

“Yes!”

Zhuang Xian nodded his head.

“Alright then. Xiao Qiang, fetch a gunny sack over. Then, call a few guards and get them to bring wooden sticks along with them…”

Zhang Xuan said.

The three master teachers and Emperor Shen Zhui exchanged gazes and puzzled expression appeared on their faces.

Gunny sack?

Guards?

Wooden sticks?

Weren’t you going to help him break through his current bottleneck? This… What are you up to?

Are you catching a pig?

Chapter 173: Yang Xuan, Screw You!

A normal person would only use a gunny sack and wooden sticks when catching a pig. However, upon hearing that such items would be used to help him advance his cultivation, Zhuang Xian felt a pool of blood accumulating in his chest and the flesh on his face twitched uncontrollably.

If not for the incredible self-control he had cultivated through the years as a master teacher, he would have long flown into a rage.

There are only a few means which master teachers use to guide one’s cultivation; refining one’s cultivation technique, identifying the flaws in the cultivation, consuming all kinds of pills… Yet, this fellow uses gunny sacks and wooden sticks…

The heck!

How can a gunny sack be used to advance one’s cultivation?

Other people eat pills to advance their cultivation, do I eat the gunny sack to do so?

Furthermore, calling for the guards… And each of them is equipped with a stick…

Dueling can stimulate one’s hidden potential, and it is indeed a method to achieve a breakthrough in cultivation. But… the guards in your mansion are way too weak!

I am a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert! Even if they were to wield blades and swords, they wouldn’t be able to harm me in the least.

“This…”

Hearing the command, Sun Qiang walked out scratching his head in confusion.

After being with the old master for a period of time, he knew that the things the old master does tend to be beyond one’s imagination. Even so, he had completely no idea what the old master was up to this time.

However, since the old master had made such arrangements, he definitely had his own intentions. Thus, as the butler, he just had to follow his instructions.

Soon, Sun Qiang managed to gather seven to eight guards and every single one of them was equipped with a wooden stick. Just in case, they even brought a total of four gunny sacks.

“Old master!”

Upon entering, the guards bowed in synchrony.

“Zhuang shi wishes to achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation, and he hopes that you can assist him with it.” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

“It’s our honor to do a master teacher a favor…”

The few guards were first taken aback before delight crept onto their faces.

When Sun Qiang was bringing them over, he had also mentioned to them that the three elders in the room are master teachers. Given their current strength, it would have been impossible for them to meet one usually, needless to say, interact with them. At this very instant, they are given the opportunity to do a master teacher a favor. Naturally, they are extremely delighted.

If this Zhuang shi were to truly achieve a breakthrough and remember their assistance, riches and power wouldn’t simply be a dream!

This is a favor to a master teacher…

It is a rare opportunity.

“It’s good that you are all willing to help!” He nodded his head in satisfaction. Zhang Xuan turned to Liu Ling, “May I trouble Liu shi to seal the acupoints on Zhuang shi’s body so that he would be completely immobilized?”

“Seal his acupoints?” Zhuang Xian frowned. “Why?”

If my acupoints and meridians are sealed, that means that I won’t be able to move at all. Aren’t you here to help me achieve a breakthrough? If you seal them, my zhenqi would be unable to flow through my body and if so, how can I cultivate?

The others were perplexed by Zhang Xuan’s words as well.

“If you wish to achieve a breakthrough, just do as I say.”

Shaking his hands, Zhang Xuan looked at him with determined eyes.

Seeing the old master’s expression, Sun Qiang trembled subconsciously.

The expression… Back then, when the old master had him smash Ling Tianyu’s stone lion, that was the expression that he shot him with… He believed the old master’s words, nearly dying from a beating due to that.

No doubt at all, if Zhuang shi really were to believe in his words, he would be in for a ride of misfortune.

This old master of his who often brought calamity to others while escaping unscathed…

“I…” Zhuang Xian was about to say something when he saw Zhang Xuan looking over with an indifferent expression. “If you don’t wish to achieve a breakthrough, let’s just forget the matter. I can’t be bothered to waste my effort.”

After which, he sipped on his tea calmly. His gestures were so peaceful that it seemed like a still painting.

“Alright, I’ll do whatever that you say.”

Seeing the other party’s attitude, it was clear that it didn’t matter to him whether Zhuang Xian was willing to go through with it or not. Gritting his teeth, Zhuang Xuan turned to Liu Ling and said, “Brother Liu, I will have to trouble you for this.”

You want me to back down? Dream on!

I’ll see just how you will help me break through. If you fail to accomplish what you claim, just wait and see…

“Alright!”

Even though he was doubtful of the ‘fraud’s’ words, Liu Ling nodded his head and stepped forward. He placed his palm on Zhuang Xian’s body and zhenqi flowed from the tip of his fingers into Zhuang Xian’s body, sealing all of the main acupoints.

“Done.” After sealing all of the other party’s acupoints, Zhuang Xian is no longer able to move. Then, Liu Ling turned to Zhang Xuan and said.

“Un!”

Zhang Xuan double checked Zhuang Xian’s condition before nodding his head.

This Liu shi didn’t slack off at all. He sealed the acupoints in the other person’s body tightly.

“Later, regardless of what happens, I hope that the two master teachers will not interfere in the matter.”

Zhang Xuan turned to Liu Ling and Zheng Fei and said.

“Alright!”

Even though they were unsure of the other party’s intentions, the two of them nodded their heads in agreement.

“Let’s begin!”

Chuckling lightly, Zhang Xuan took the gunny sack from Sun Qiang’s hands, stepped forward to Zhuang Xian, and placed it over the other party’s head.

“What are you trying to do?”

Zhuang Xian was still pondering over how the other party was going to help him achieve a breakthrough when the other party placed the gunny sack over his head. He nearly spurted blood.

I am a master teacher, a person with of great prestige. Explain to me… What do you mean by putting this gunny sack over my head?

Ignoring the ruckus he had caused, Zhang Xuan turned to the guards and said, “It’s your turn. Don’t you all want to help Zhuang shi achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation? Let’s begin then. Use the stick to flog him as hard and as brutal as you can!”

“Ah?”

The guards were contemplating what they should do after the master teacher expresses his gratitude toward them when they heard the old master’s words. They staggered and burst into tears.

Old master, are you serious?

Beating a master teacher?

Didn’t you say that we are going to help him achieve a breakthrough? How will he be grateful to us for this?

We think that living is a wonderful thing and it’s still too early for us to die…

“Why? Hurry up and hit him! Don’t worry, there’s a gunny sack over his head, he won’t be able to know who’s the one who hit him.” After saying this, Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before continuing, “If you’re still worried, why don’t you… put a few more sacks over his head? This way, there’s no way he would be able to identify you…”

“…”

It would have been better if Zhang Xuan had not said a word. After hearing him, the guards cried even louder.

The other party had already seen their faces clearly the moment they walked in. What is the use putting the gunny sack over his face at this moment?

The other party isn’t deaf, so he can hear their words clearly. Furthermore… this isn’t a matter of how many gunny sacks we have over his head, alright?

Regardless of how many there are, he would know that it is our doing…

Watching the spectacle by, Liu Ling and Zheng Fei’s mouth twitched as they stared at one another in shock by the side.

Are you trying to help him achieve a breakthrough… Or are you angry that we doubted you and that you want to exact vengeance on him?

I’ve never heard a case where of a breakthrough just by covering a person’s head with a gunny sack and having a group of people beat him up with wooden sticks.

However, since they had agreed not to interfere in the matter, it isn’t their place to speak up now. They could only sit by the side silently, their faces steeled.

“Hurry up! This is something Zhuang shi had agreed on! Are you sure you can bear the responsibility for delaying his break through?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

Since the guards refused to listen when he spoke kindly, he could only rage at them.

“Yes…”

A bitter look appeared on the faces of these guards.

They thought that it would be an incredible honor to be of assistance to a master teacher. Yet, never in their wildest dreams did they expect things to turn out as such… However, the old master is a master teacher as well, so they dare not to disobey his commands. They could only grit their teeth and get on with it.

“Let’s go!”

Since they are doomed no matter what they choose, there is no longer anything for them to worry over. It isn’t really a big deal once they had thought the matter through.

Walking forward, the guards lifted up the wooden sticks in their hands and began to flog Zhuang shi, who was beneath the gunny sack, harshly.

Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah!

Even though Zhuang Xian’s acupoints were sealed, his hearing continued to function properly and he had heard the surrounding conversations. Upon feeling the wooden sticks falling on his body as though a torrential rain, he felt vertigo and the final string of his rationality nearly snapped.

Yang Xuan, screw you!

You obviously aren’t trying to help me achieve a breakthrough! You are making fun of me…

The more he thought about it, the more furious he felt. Rage surged through his entire body, threatening to set him aflame.

In the decades since he had become a master teacher, he had never suffered such injustice, having his head covered by a gunny sack and beaten with wooden sticks.

This is an unimaginable humiliation to him!

It was one thing if the ones beating him are powerful experts. However, the guards in the mansion only had cultivation levels of Fighter 3-dan to 4-dan…

More importantly… His meridians had been sealed, so his zhenqi is unable to flow through his body. As such, he is unable to soothe his injuries or cushion the blows. He can only bear the brunt of the attacks with his physical body and indescribable pain permeated every single part of his body.

Just as he was about to explode in frenzy, he heard ‘Yang Xuan’s’ voice echoing from beyond the gunny sack.

“The places where you are hitting aren’t right. Ah, yes, that’s it…”

Before Zhuang Xian could even process his words, he felt an incredible force smashing right in his face, leaving a surge of stinging pain in its wake. The next few strikes all came flying straight at his face.

Initially, the pain was only limited to his body. Now, even his head isn’t spared.

“The heck…”

Feeling his lips swelling, Zhuang Xian was on the verge of tears.

What was I trying to do? Despite knowing that he is just an imposter, I requested him to help me achieve a breakthrough. I must be courting death…

Just as he was about to let loose insults, he heard another conversation starting outside.

“Old master, how long should we hit him for?”

A guard couldn’t help but ask.

They couldn’t possibly go at it forever, there has to be a time limit.

“How long? Let me think about it… How about this!” ‘Yang Xuan’s’ voice hesitated for a moment before saying, “Hit him until he dies…”

“Hit me until I die? You…”

Zhuang Xian was truly enraged.

I’m here to achieve a breakthrough in my cultivation, not to commit suicide. Yet, you commanded your guards to hit me until I die… Yang Xuan, from now on, you will be my mortal enemy. If I don’t kill you, my surname shall not be Zhuang…

Screaming within, Zhuang Xian no longer bothered about rebuking the other party. Bearing with the pain, he channeled zhenqi from his entire body violently to the sealed acupoints.

If I don’t penetrate the sealed acupoints to regain my freedom, I will really die here today…

You aren’t helping me achieve a breakthrough at all, you are obviously trying to murder me…

The more he thought about it, the more furious he got. If rage was a grain of sand, there would be a small mountain inside of him right now.

“Use more force! Haven’t you eaten yet?”

The voice beyond the gunny sack roared.

Zhuang Xian’s eyelids twitched. With excruciating pain all over his body and the humiliation he had experienced; he could no longer suppress himself.

Boom!

After an unknown period of time, under his furious attempts, the sealed acupoints were finally burst open. With a jolt of his hands, the gunny sack which covered his head was torn apart.

Kacha! Kacha!

The wooden sticks in the guards’ hands were also shattered into pieces by the shockwave of his and scattered onto the floor.

“Yang Xuan, screw you…”

With a furious roar, Zhuang Xian turned to look at the mastermind, only to see the ‘fake master teacher’ sitting on his high seat, sipping on his tea calmly. With an impassive expression, he glanced at him and said gracefully, “Zhuang shi, mind your identity. As a master teacher, how can you insult someone in public?”

“Insult? I want to kill you…” Zhuang Xian felt increasingly incensed. Bellowing, he prepared to charge forward.

How about you try having a gunny sack put over your head and be flogged by wooden sticks?

Identity? To hell with identities!

If I don’t kill you with my own hands, I shall abandon my title as a master teacher…

“Take a look at your own cultivation before deciding on whether you want to kill me or not…”

Zhang Xuan paid no heed to his fury, slowly lifting his eyelids.

“My cultivation?” Zhuang Xian was stunned for a moment and looked internally at his own condition. With a single glance, his eyes immediately narrowed, “How… How is this possible?”

Chapter 174: The Confident Ah Yun

He could sense the raging strength flowing through his body. He is now several times stronger than he was a moment ago. Clearly, he had already broken through Tongxuan realm pinnacle.

“Half… Zongshi?”

Zhuang Xian’s mouth was wide open.

Fighter 8-dan Zongshi realm is the level where one gains the capability to create their own schools and become the conquerors. Even though just a thin line separates it from Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan pinnacle, the breakthrough is equivalent to a butterfly breaking out from its cocoon.

This is the first true obstacle that one would face throughout the 9 dans of a Fighter. Countless geniuses found themselves stuck at this hurdle.

Half-Zongshi is the buffer between the two realms. In order to reach Zongshi realm, one has to first reach this level.

The Royal Elder of Tianxuan Kingdom which had kept the surrounding kingdoms in check using his overwhelming strength is also just at this level.

Zhuang Xian is a master teacher, and in order to reach this level, he had devoted countless resources and effort, only to fail repeatedly. But why did he… upon being covered in a gunny sack and beaten up by a wooden stick, suddenly break through this hurdle?

This… this is too inconceivable.

By the side, Liu Ling and Zheng Fei exchanged gazes and saw the confusion in each other’s eyes.

They had looked at Zhuang Xian’s condition and tried numerous methods to solve his problem. Initially, they thought that with the accompaniment of age and a deteriorating vitality, achieving a breakthrough had become impossible. Yet, just with a single beating, he managed to successfully break through his current realm…

Can things get even more ridiculous?

Getting beaten up is the solution to breaking through? Then, to reach Zongshi, shouldn’t the two of them find a group of person to beat them up as well?

Perplexed, all gazes shot toward the fellow who was still busy sipping on his tea, trying to see if they could discern anything from the each other’s expressions. However, it was a pity that he appeared completely indifferent, as though nothing had happened at all… Of course, his eyes were still bloodshot, his spirit still withered, and his eye bags still tugging at his face.

If not for the miracle he had just performed, they would be wondering where the fellow had gone to enjoy himself the previous night.

“Yang… shi, what is going on?” As the other party didn’t seem like he would say anything, Zhuang Xian took the initiative to ask.

How he addressed the other party changed from Yang Xuan to Yang shi once again.

“You aren’t going to screw me anymore?” Zhang Xuan lifted his gaze.

“I…” Zhuang shi’s face flushed and cold sweat flowed profusely down his body.

The other party was obviously helping him achieve a breakthrough, but not only did he not understand the goodwill behind the other party’s actions, he even insulted him in public… He is truly the ideal example of an ungrateful person.

Embarrassed, Zhuang Xian could only lower his head and apologize, “Please forgive me for my ignorance…”

“Alright, I don’t intend to blame you for that either.” Zhang Xuan gestured. “The battle technique which you displayed earlier is extremely stable. There isn’t any part which is particularly amazing, but neither were there any mistakes in your movements. That indicates that you have had a good teacher from young and you work really hard.”

“Yang shi is right. My father is a 1-star master teacher.” Zhuang Xian nodded his head.

“Your solid foundation became both your strength and your weakness. As your father is a master teacher, since young, you have always thought that his teachings are all correct. Thus, you dare not disobey his words. Subconsciously, you began to cultivate a habit of sticking to the conventional means. The route of a cultivator is to go against the heavens, not to stick to conventional wisdom. Even though your cultivation advanced swiftly at the start, it transformed into a limiting factor when you reached Tongxuan realm pinnacle.”

Zhang Xuan lifted his head and glanced at him, as though lecturing a student. “Zongshi, just as the name goes, refers to someone who starts a school of his own. If one doesn’t possess his own thoughts and comprehension of cultivation, instead choosing to follow the route of the predecessors, how can one succeed? Even though Half-Zongshi cannot be considered as a true Zongshi, the same concept applies as well.”

“After years of cultivation and accumulation, the zhenqi and strength that you had harnessed was already sufficient for you to break through to reach Half-Zongshi. However, you doubted yourself, you didn’t believe that you could reach that level. If I’m not wrong, your father must have never reached this state in his lifetime. In fact, something might have occurred to him when he was trying to reach this realm!”

“You… You…”

Zhuang Xian staggered backward.

The other party’s words were spot-on.

Even though his father was a 1-star master teacher, he was never able to reach Half-Zongshi in his lifetime. In fact, while trying to achieve a breakthrough to that level, his cultivation went berserk and he became a cripple. In less than a year after that, he met his demise. Even on his deathbed, he was filled with regret over the matter.

This incident had caused a trauma in Zhuang Xian. He was never able to exert his full strength whenever attempting a breakthrough from Tongxuan realm pinnacle to Half-Zongshi.

Just that, that was a secret he had concealed in his heart for a very long time. He had never spoken of it to anyone… How did the other party know of it?

Was it because he had watched him execute his battle technique?

“Due to this fear, no matter what pills you consumed or what cultivation technique you tried, you were unable to achieve a breakthrough.” Zhang Xuan stood up and walked over to the center of the main hall. “You came to request for my guidance. In order for you to succeed, you have to first get past your fear. Otherwise, it would be all for naught.”

“However, because you have buried this fear in you for countless years, how is it possible to overcome it all of a sudden? The only method is to utilize anger to dispel the fear within you. Thus, I had someone cover your head and beat you up with wooden sticks. Since you don’t know the true reason behind my action, you would think that I am humiliating you and you would bear hatred against me. This way, resentment will overwhelm your fear. Given your countless years of accumulated zhenqi and the rage in your heart, breaking through your current realm is expected.”

With both of his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan stood silently at the center of the main hall. The sunlight that spilled in from outside cast a shadow of a giant behind him.

“This…”

Zhuang Xian contemplated the other party’s words and couldn’t help but be astonished.

The theory sounds simple but is incredibly profound. In truth, the difficulty in deducing everything through watching a set of battle technique, finding the exact solution to the problem, inferring the likely ending beforehand without a single flaw is in no way easier than their endless cultivation to reach Zongshi realm.

If they hadn’t witnessed this personally, they would not have dared to believe it possible.

“Yang shi, thank you for granting me a new life. I, Zhuang Xian, will never forget Yang shi’s grace for as long as I live.”

After recovering from his astonishment, Zhuang Xian immediately knelt down.

He was thoroughly impressed with the other party’s means and there wasn’t the slightest bit of reluctance in his actions.

“You no longer doubt that I am an impersonation?” Zhang Xuan smiled, but there was no hint of humor behind his expression.

“Er…” Zhuang Xian rubbed his hands together nervously.

Looks like the other party had known that he had doubted his identity, just that he couldn’t be bothered with it.

Upon realizing this, he felt even greater respect for the other party.

Even though he had seen through their ploy, not only did he not get angry, he even helped him to achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation. This is how a true master teacher behaves, possessing the disposition of a true expert…

Witnessing the problem of their good friend being settled so easily, no matter how foolish Liu Ling and Zheng Fei could be, it was apparent that even though the person before them appears young, he is a true master teacher.

Even though his means… are slightly unorthodox, if he isn’t a master teacher, how can he have such an in-depth understanding of a fighter’s cultivation, instantly seeing through and solving a problem which had thoroughly baffled them and induced Zhuang Xian’s breakthrough?

However, regardless of whether his means are orthodox or unorthodox, Zhuang Xian’s breakthrough means that the capabilities of the person before them far exceeds their own.

No longer daring to underestimate the other party, they exchanged gazes and Zheng Fei stood up. “Yang shi, I have also met with a problem in my cultivation, and this problem has baffled me for a very long time…”

…………

Outside the mansion.

“Do you think that the rumors are true, that the three master teachers are paying a visit to this Yang shi because he is a 2-star master teacher?”

After seeing Emperor Shen Zhui and the three master teachers entering the mansion, the crowd outside couldn’t help but gossip.

No one present was certain of Yang shi’s capabilities, but to have three 1-star master teachers visiting him at once, it is unlikely that the other party is an ordinary person. At the very least, he should have reached the level of a 2-star master teacher.

“I’m not very sure as well. I paid a visit to Ling Tianyu a few days ago and he was full of praises for Yang shi. A while back, his wife was sick, we have all seen that for ourselves, but when on my visit, she had already fully recovered, as though what I’ve seen before is an illusion.”

“I have also paid a visit to Du Miaoxuan. Not only is the disease that had plagued him for so many years gone, his cultivation, just as the rumors state, has reached Tongxuan realm!”

“This Yang shi is indeed incredible…”

…

As the few of them secretly discussed, they couldn’t help but feel amazed by the other party’s abilities.

“Actually, if everyone is curious about Yang shi’s affair, we should be able to get an answer by asking them.” Suddenly, someone pointed to the front.

Following the direction where the finger was pointed, they saw the guards of the three master teachers standing quietly not too far away. As the head, Ah Yun was equipped with a sword and he emanated an intimidating aura.

Emperor Shen Zhui and the master teachers had entered the mansion but they, as guards, are unqualified to enter and could only keep guard outside.

“Indeed, they are the guards of the three master teachers, so they should be aware of the actual situation…”

The others immediately nodded their heads in agreement.

Of all people, the three master teachers should be most aware of the capabilities of this Yang Xuan. On the other hand, the ones who are closest to the three master teachers here are these guards of theirs.

As long as they ask them, they should be able to extract some useful news.

“Brother Yun…”

A middle-aged man stepped forward and clasped his fists.

Clearly, he recognized Ah Yun.

As a top-tier 1-star master teacher, Liu Ling is famous in the surrounding kingdoms. As his guard, Ah Yun also has his fair share of glory. Numerous people had approached to bootlick him.

“So it’s Brother Liao.”

Ah Yun recognized the latter. He is a solitary swordsman of the Tianxuan Kingdom, and he is called Liao Yongjin. Five years ago, he paid a visit to Liu shi to consult the latter on a problem he faced in his cultivation.

“It is sufficient that you call me by my name. I am truly unworthy of you addressing me as Brother Liao!” Seeing that the other party had recognized him, Liao Yongjin was delighted. After trading a few greetings, he brought up the question that everyone had been thinking of, “Since Liu shi and the other master teachers are here to pay a personal visit to Yang shi… Does it mean that they know of Yang shi’s exact identity?”

“Pay a visit?”

Ah Yun sneered, “Rather than saying that they are paying him a visit, it is more appropriate to say that they are going to tear off his mask.”

“Brother Yun, what do you mean?”

Liao Yongjin was taken aback by the other party’s words and he asked hurriedly.

“Simple. Liu shi and the others don’t think that Yang Xuan is a master teacher. On the contrary, they believe that it is likely for him to be an impersonator, so they specially made the trip here to expose his disguise before everyone else.”

As Liu Ling’s guard, he had been following him around these few days. He had overheard a fair share of the conversations among the three master teachers.

Even though Liu shi and the others were surprised by the incidents with Ling Tianyu’s wife, Du Miaoxuan, and the others, they thought it more likely that Yang Xuan is a fake and he is intentionally playing out a show.

After all, as master teachers, it is unbelievable for them that someone can solve problems that would leave them stumped easily, furthermore using methods that are difficult to comprehend.

Under the front of paying the other party a visit, they are actually conducting an investigation.

“Yang shi… might be a fraud?”

The moment Ah Yun’s words sounded in the air, a commotion broke out.

If this is true, it would be no small matter.

They took great pains to queue for so long, only to realize that the other party is a fraud…

“Rest easy, Liu shi and the others have entered for quite some time now. We should be able to get an answer soon.”

Flinging his robe, Ah Yun calmly said with a haughty expression.

If he isn’t a fraud, how can he have such a dumb butler who speaks such dumb words?

Jiya!

Right after he said those words, the tightly-shut gates opened and a few figures emerged.

“Brother Sun, it is enough that you send us off here. I have truly benefitted greatly from this meeting today. I know that Yang shi cares not for material possessions, but these are tokens of our appreciation, so please do help us pass it to him.”

Standing at the door, Liu shi chatted with Sun Qiang with a wide smile on his face. At the same time, he was stuffing items into the latter’s hands unceasingly.

“What?”

Ah Yun’s body froze.