Library of Heaven’s Path - Chapter 218

Chapter 218: Exchanging Fists

At the VIP seats, Wang Chao and Elder Hong Hao gazed at each other.

“Bai Chao specializes in fist technique. Liu Yang… shouldn’t be an opponent for him!”

Wang Chao hesitated. Even though he said such words, he clearly wasn’t confident.

In the previous few matches, he had declared haughtily that Lu Xun’s students would win, but in the end… all of them lost tragically.

This Bai Chao, based on Wang Chao’s understanding, should be able to win easily, but… Zhang Xuan’s students were simply unfathomable. All of his previous predictions had fallen through, and he had lost all his confidence.

“I think so too. He should… be able to win…”

Elder Hong Hao was dispirited as well.

He wanted to witness this Zhang laoshi being humiliated in public and lose all of his dignity. Yet, from the looks of it, it is impossible to humiliate him anymore. At this moment, all he can do is to try his best to preserve his own dignity…

“Bai Chao, don’t hesitate at all. Once the match starts, use your strongest fist technique. Don’t give the other party any gaps to exploit!”

Gritting his teeth, Wang Chao shouted to Bai Chao.

There is no room to retreat now. If this match were to end in a loss, there wouldn’t be a final match. Thus, all they can do now is to entrust all of their hopes and expectations to Bai Chao and hope that he will not let them down.

Bai Chao specializes in fist techniques, and it would be best for him to execute his strongest technique from the start and defeat his opponent swiftly.

Otherwise, while he enters with huge expectations, he will leave with utmost disappointment and…

His good buddy will lose all chance to impress the three master teachers and become one of their disciples.

“Un!”

Bai Chao nodded his head and stared at Liu Yang with narrowed eyes.

He had seen the happenings of the previous duels clearly. He understood that even though Zhang laoshi’s students didn’t possess high cultivation, none of them was weak.

He mustn’t show the slightest hesitation.

Otherwise, history would just repeat itself.

…

“Clan Head Wang Hong, do you think that Bai Chao can win?”

On the spectator stand, Clan Head Bai Ming glanced at Wang Hong.

As the heads of powerful clans and as Tongxuan realm experts, their words were authoritative.

“I don’t think so. Zhang laoshi has already achieved two wins and one draw, and this should affect the Bai Chao’s morale greatly. As long as Liu Yang doesn’t fare badly, it is unlikely for him to win.”

Wang Hong shook his head.

The Teacher Evaluation was already more than halfway through and all along, Lu laoshi’s students had been suffering from crushing defeats. It wouldn’t be easy for him to rebound and achieve victory.

Besides, his very own daughter was under Zhang laoshi’s tutelage and thus, he understood how fearsome the theories Zhang Xuan taught were. Otherwise, how could that airheaded daughter of his have easily sent the Fighter 3-dan Du Lei flying with a kick?

If even her could become so formidable, it would be impossible for Liu Yang to be weak.

“My view differs from yours!” Bai Ming said with a sharp glint in his eyes.

“Oh?” Wang Hong looked over curiously.

“This Bai Chao is a member of my Bai Clan. However, he is from a distant branch family, so I had never really heard of him. I’ve had a few of my clan members look into him just a moment ago, and it turns out that he practices the Steel Armor Art!”

Even though he was the one speaking, a tinge of disbelief could still be heard in Clan Head Bai Ming’s voice.

“Steel Armor Art? Could it be…”

For a moment, Clan Head Wang Hong was puzzled. Then, his eyes suddenly narrowed, “Could it be that cultivation technique which the Steel Armor Elder practices? Isn’t it a lost art? Why does your clan member know of it?”

Very few people knew of the Steel Armor Art, but the Steel Armor Elder was a famous figure, such that even many of the younger generation had heard of him.

He was a famous bandit from seventy years ago.

From pillaging to slaughter, there was no evil which he hadn’t commit. Furthermore, he was one of the top-ranking experts in Tianxuan Kingdom throughout all of its history, and even today, his name still strikes fear in hearts.

Due to his arrogant ways, both the royal palace and the commoners had tried repeatedly to bring him down. However, all of these attempts ended in failure. It could be said that those who had gone after him never returned back.

Finally, there was an occasion when his whereabouts were discovered and a dozen experts trapped him in a valley. Knowing of his incredible prowess, none of them approached him. Rather, they made use of bows to attack him from afar. Yet, they realized with a shock that there was a layer reminiscent of animal scales on his skin surface, causing all of the arrows they shot to simply bounce off him.

That is to say, the arrows were unable to deal any damage to him.

Left with no choice, they could only charge forth to deal with him in close quarters. However, the layer of scales on his body seemed to be impenetrable; even swords and sabers were unable to get through it. That battle created a river of blood, and the skies seemed to have darkened in grief.

Eventually, even though justice triumphed, more than thirty Tongxuan realm experts fell that day. This caused Tianxuan Kingdom’s national might to fall markedly, and it took them many decades to recover from that blow.

According to rumors, the technique which allowed the Steel Armor Elder to generate scales all over his body was known as the Steel Armor Art.

But seventy years ago, when the Steel Armor Elder died, the art should have been lost along with him. Thus, Wang Hong was perplexed over how Bai Chao managed to learn the art.

“It is true that the Steel Armor Art had been lost, and the technique which Bai Chao cultivated isn’t the authentic Steel Armor Art.” Bai Chao said calmly.

“Then…” Clan Head Wang Hong blinked.

“After cultivating the Steel Armor Art, scales will appear all over one’s body, providing one with invincible defense. On the other hand, Bai Chao’s technique limits the scales to only his fist. That is to say, when he activates this cultivation technique, his fist will become as tough as steel, making it no different from a weapon!”

Clan Head Bai Ming spoke of all he knew and explained the reason why he thought Bai Chao would win, “Liu Yang’s right arm is injured, and this fellow’s offensive ability, in terms of his fist, is invincible. Furthermore, his strength is significantly higher than that of Liu Yang. How can Liu Yang win under such circumstances?”

“This… If the technique Bai Chao cultivates is really the Steel Armor Art, then it will be truly difficult for Liu Yang to win…”

Clan Head Wang Hong’s complexion darkened.

Those who know of this dark piece of history and how powerful the Steel Armor Elder was would know how fearsome the Steel Armor Art is.

This art surpasses the very limits of a human, granting one the strength and defensive ability of a savage beast.

Putting aside the fact that Liu Yang is injured, even if he isn’t, how is it possible for him to withstand attacks of that level?

“Actually… As long as Liu Yang isn’t foolish so as to cross fists with him and instead, skirt around his opponent, he might not lose that badly!”

After contemplating for a moment, Clan Head Wang Hong said.

Even though the other party’s fists are incredible, he has his own flaws as well.

His defensive and offensive ability in other regions are weak. If so, as long as Liu Yang doesn’t face off with him directly and skirts around the opponent, sending in blows on the opponent’s body from time to time, he might not necessarily lose.

“Let’s just hope that’s the case… I’m just worried that Liu Yang may not know of this and fall for Bai Chao’s ploy.” Clan Head Bai Ming smiled bitterly.

Even though Bai Chao is a member of his clan, he isn’t really close to him. On the contrary, he hoped for Apothecary Zhang Xuan’s victory.

“This…”

Clan Head Wang Hong was about to say something when he suddenly heard the conversation between the two young men in the dueling ring.

“Liu Yang, I know that the meridians of your right arm are damaged. However, just like Wang Ying, Zhang laoshi should have treated it already, right?” Bai Chao asked

“Indeed, Zhang laoshi managed to identify my problem and personally went to the Apothecary Guild to obtain a Meridian Rejuvenation Pill for me. At this moment, my right arm has already fully recovered.” Liu Yang nodded his head.

His face clearly showed his reverence and pride for his teacher.

Only a noble person like Zhang laoshi will give so much for his students, even if he will receive little in return.

“Since your arm has already recovered, I have a proposal for you… Let’s stop it with all the tricks and cross blows directly. Whoever fails to withstand the blow loses.” Bai Chao sneered coldly. “Don’t tell me that you dare not to, unless… your Zhang laoshi failed to treat your arm at all, and all you’ve just said was still boasting.”

“Let’s cross blows then, do you think that I’ll be afraid of you?” Hearing the other party doubt Zhang laoshi, Liu Yang flew into a rage.

“That fool…”

Watching his worries slowly becoming reality, that Liu Yang fell for Bai Chao’s ploy, Wang Hong’s complexion immediately turned awful.

The other party practices the Steel Armor Art, agreeing to exchange direct blows, isn’t that suicidal?

“Tell Zhang laoshi that Bai Chao cultivates the Steel Armor Art and that his fist is as hard as steel, and to not allow Liu Yang to cross blows with him no matter what…”

He hurriedly instructed a guard behind him.

The guard nodded his head and hurried over to Zhang Xuan, in order to inform him of the matter.

“Zhang laoshi, I’ve heard of Steel Armor Art. It is said to be the secret art which the Steel Armor Elder practices. By soaking one’s hands in the blood of a Steel Armor Beast, as time goes by, one’s hands become as hard as steel. However, this causes the hands to lose their flexibility and sense of touch.”

Zhao Ya seemed to know a lot about the Steel Armor Art and explained to Zhang Xuan.

“As hard as steel? What’s the difference between doing that and wearing a steel gauntlet?”

Zhang Xuan was speechless.

Cultivation in itself is an evolution of life. The stronger one becomes, the stronger the opponents he would have to face, and the more nimble he has to be.

Yet, this fellow forged his hands into steel, losing his sense of touch as a result. No matter how powerful the cultivation technique is, this is a fatal weakness.

How perverted does one have to be in order to create such a warped cultivation technique?

“Zhang laoshi, our clan head instructed me to tell you to stop Liu Yang from crossing blows with Bai Chao at all costs…”

Seeing how the two were still in the mood to discuss the Steel Armor Art, the guard panicked and hurriedly interjected.

“Stop him from crossing blows with Bai Chao? Why?” Zhang Xuan asked, perplexed. “I think it is good that Liu Yang agreed to it. No matter what, Bai Chao is a Fighter 3-dan cultivator, and with the augmentation from his zhenqi, regardless of whether it is his reaction speed or his agility, they are significantly superior to Liu Yang’s. Even if he can’t defeat Liu Yang, he can easily escape from his attacks. If it really ends up like this, the battle can potentially drag on for more than a day. Crossing blows like that can help to make up for Liu Yang’s weaknesses, so why should I stop him?”

This was just like the battle between Yuan Tao and Kong Jie.

It was an unchangeable fact that Liu Yang and the others possessed lower cultivation than their opponents. If their opponents were to choose to take evasive measures, they would truly be in a rut. Since Bai Chao had decided to go head on with Liu Yang, there was no reason for Zhang Xuan to disagree.

“This…”

The guard was about to go crazy.

This isn’t the problem, alright?

Haven’t I phrased it out clearly for you?

The cultivation technique the other party cultivates is the Steel Armor Art, that is a fist that rivals steel. It is impossible for Liu Yang to win in a direct confrontation of fists…

He was about to persuade Zhang Xuan when he glanced at the dueling platform and saw two figures moving about. The battle had already begun.

It was already too late for Zhang Xuan to interfere.

…

“Since you’re agreeable to it, let’s begin.”

Seeing that Liu Yang had fallen for his ploy, Bai Chao roared excitedly, stepped forward, and sent a fist toward him.

Boom!

The might of the fist compressed the air, causing a sonic boom. Just like the legends said, tiny scales could be seen on the surface of his fist and the fist appeared to be the knuckle of a savage beast rather than a human’s, emanating a bizarrely intimidating aura.

“It’s good that you decided to face me head on!”

Liu Yang raised his eyebrows and faced Bai Chao’s strike with his own fist.

…

“He’s doomed!”

He didn’t expect that the guard he dispatched would fail to stop the spar between the two. Clan Head Wang Hong’s face paled and his body swayed from side to side.

How can a human’s fist match up to a savage beast’s? Furthermore, Liu Yang’s cultivation is far beneath that of Bai Chao’s.

Wang Hong sighed and shut his eyes, not wanting to see Liu Yang fracture his arm and fall tragically in defeat. But at that moment, he heard Clan Head Bai Ming’s hastened breathing and his abrupt exclamation.

“This… This…”

Chapter 219: Do You Dare to Accept Our Challenge?

“Huh?”

Sensing that something was amiss, Clan Head Wang Hong quickly opened his eyes to take a look.

With just a single glance, his body swayed and he nearly passed out.

Isn’t this way too exaggerated?

On the dueling platform, Liu Yang’s fist was raised and his face was impassive. On the other hand, Bai Chao, who possessed the fist of steel, was kneeling on the ground. Perspiration was streaming down his forehead.

At this moment, his arm had been fractured, and his fingers were bent like twist breadsticks, as though they had encountered an indomitable force.

“Don’t you cultivate… the Steel Armor Art? Why are you so weak?”

Retracting his fist, Liu Yang stared at Bai Chao in surprise.

Because Zhao Ya was going to compete in the Teacher Evaluation, Yao Han took the liberty to look into their rivals beforehand and told him about this fellow’s Steel Armor Art and his ability to morph his fists into the claws of a savage beast.

“You knew…”

Bai Chao looked as though he had seen a ghost

He thought that the enemy had accepted his challenge due to his provocation, but it turned out that… the other party already knew. It was him who was the foolish one who charged up to him knowing nothing at all…

“Of course I know!” Liu Yang nodded his head. Then, with a bizarre expression, he asked, “Isn’t your Steel Armor Art an impressive skill that can punch through even steel? Why is it so weak?”

“Weak?”

Bai Chao was on the verge of tears.

I’m not the one who’s weak, it’s you who is strong, alright?

It’s true that I can punch through metal, but that’s only half a cun. Given the strength behind your fist, you can probably punch through two to three cun easily

(1 cun = 3.33cm)

“I get it! You didn’t use your full strength, right? Come, let’s trade blows once more…”

After contemplating for a moment, Liu Yang’s eyes lit up.

Even though he knew that the Heaven’s Path Fist Art was no ordinary skill, he had no idea over how fearsome the technique truly was as he had been practicing it alone. Even when sparring with Zheng Yang and the rest, he dared not use his full strength for fear of injuring them.

It isn’t every day that he gets to meet with a fists expert, so how can he allow the opportunity to escape easily?

Besides, he was still infuriated over how the other party tried to do him in. You wish to cripple me? Fine, I’ll beat all of those thoughts out of you!

“No, I’ll pass…”

Before Bai Chao could speak, he saw the young man before him clench his left fist and smash it into him.

Kacha!

His left hand fractured as well.

“Wuuu…”

Bai Chao began to have suicidal thoughts.

Brother, only my right hand wields the strength of the Steel Armor Art, my left hand is just an ordinary hand…

Besides… I said that I’ll pass, why did you smash your fist into me?

The excruciating pain caused his rage to flurry. Infuriated, he opened his mouth to curse the other party, but before he could say anything, the voice of the young man before him sounded once more. “Ah, can it be possible that you have cultivated your Steel Armor Art to your head as well? Come, let me give it a try…”

“Pu!”

Hearing those words, Bai Chao spurted out a mouthful of blood.

A fracture can be healed, but if a hole were to be smashed into my brain, I will surely die for sure…

“I don’t practice it with my head. Referee, I admit defeat, I admit defeat…”

Afraid that the fellow before him will really test out his theory on his head, Bai Chao immediately retreated, howling frenziedly in fear. If only his parents had given him an additional mouth, he would have surely shouted even louder…

“Admit defeat?”

The refereeing teacher immediately stepped forward.

“Un, un!” Bai Chao hurriedly nodded his head.

“You’ve already lost two rounds. If you lose another, it will be equivalent to losing the entire Teacher Evaluation…” The refereeing teacher said.

“I understand! I admit defeat…” Bai Chao quickly shouted.

A loss was much better than his death…

“Alright!”

Hearing his words, the refereeing teacher knew the conclusion to the Teacher Evaluation. He could not help but shake his head before announcing, “Bai Chao admits defeat! The Teacher Evaluation comes to an end and Zhang Xuan laoshi is the victor!”

“Zhang laoshi won?”

“Incredible! Those students of his are truly incredible!”

“Indeed. Other than Yuan Tao, every single one of them is amazingly powerful!”

“Zheng Yang’s spear art, Wang Ying’s movement technique and leg technique, and Zheng Yang’s fists, all of them are fearsome!”

“Just like us, they are all freshmen. For them to be so powerful, it must be Zhang laoshi’s guidance!”

“Un, after the tournament comes to an end, I will definitely acknowledge him as my teacher…”

“Wait for me, I’ll go with you as well…”

…

Hearing the result announced by the refereeing teacher, the crowd broke out into a commotion.

With Yao Han’s hard work previously, Zhang Xuan’s reputation had gradually improved. Now witnessing the sight before them, every single of the students’ faces were flushed with agitation.

What is the purpose of coming to the academy?

It is to find a good teacher!

This Zhang Xuan laoshi had utterly crushed Lu Xun laoshi right before their eyes. Just exactly how incredible are his teaching abilities?

Many students had come to the same decision. And that is to come under this Zhang laoshi’s tutelage the moment the Freshmen Tournament comes to an end.

“He won… just like that?”

While the students felt excitement, on the spectator’s stand, Shen Bi Ru blinked her eyes in disbelief.

Ever since her entry into the academy, she had viewed Lu Xun as her goal, always contemplating how she can surpass him. Yet… Before she could succeed, a fellow who possesses poor reputation managed crushed him before her.

This is Lu Xun! Furthermore, all of his students have reached Zhenqi realm…

“Shen Bi Ru, you have truly good eyes. Right now, I am feeling a little interested in this Zhang laoshi as well…”

A gleam flashed across Han Qiong’s enchanting eyes.

“Mind your status, what do you mean by interested?” Hearing the words of her bosom friend, Shen Bi Ru frowned.

“It’s exactly as it means, I’m interested in him! Say, if I were to consult this Zhang laoshi in the middle of the night, do you think he will open the doors to let me in?” Han Qiong chuckled captivatingly.

“I think he will beat you death!”

Scolding her bosom friend shameless silently in her mind, Shen Bi Ru harrumphed.

Honestly speaking, she was at a loss for words for this bosom friend of hers. As a teacher, she could actually say such words.

Consult? Why can’t you consult in the morning, why does it have to be at night?

“Hehe, I think that you are the one who will beat me to death if I do that!”

Han Qiong chuckled.

Just like that, the two women continued bickering at the direct center of the spectator stand.

…

“Did you see that?”

Liu Ling glanced at the other two.

“Un! Lu Xun’s students seem to treat this competition as a mere task. It doesn’t matter to them whether they win or lose; it is all fine as long as they do not get injured.”

Zhuang Xian’s eyes glowed with wisdom as he spoke of his conclusion, “From this, we can conclude that the relationship between him and his students are only at the level of a deal. Even though he had helped the latter raise their abilities, in their view, it was only a mere equivalent trade.”

“Indeed. His motives for raising the abilities of his students are impure, so naturally, he is unable to earn the affection of his students.”

Zheng Fei shook his head.

Master teachers don’t just look for talent and teaching standards in potential apprentices, they also pay close attention to the affection his students have for him.

Even though they had yet to see Zhu Hong’s performance, judging from Kong Jie, Mo Xiao, Du Lei, and Bai Chao’s attitude, they were able to notice something amiss.

As Lu Xun was too focused on results and winning the Teacher Evaluation, he had neglected the emotions of his students.

It was true that such focus would raise their cultivation greatly within the shortest period of time, and Lu Xun did succeed in lifting his students to become Zhenqi realm cultivators, but he failed to win their trust and respect.

After all, who respects a person who treats them as a tool?

“Zhang Xuan’s students are different. They truly love him and they are willing to give their all for him.”

Liu Ling nodded his head in agreement to his two friends’ judgments.

Just through this competition alone, they might not have been able to see this much. However, the past few days of ‘peeking’ had given them a deep insight into the relationship between Zhang Xuan and his students.

Zhao Ya, Wang Ying, and the others don’t cultivate just for the sake of doing so or to raise their abilities, but… for a common goal in their hearts!

And that is to bring honor to Zhang laoshi, to give him the prestige he deserves!

They are doing this for the sake for their teacher, not for their own benefits.

Even though on both sides, the students were cultivating and raising their abilities, one faction was thinking of accomplishing a task while the other was thinking of bringing honor to their teacher in order to make him proud of them… There was an insurmountable gap in their motivations.

“It is no wonder that he would catch Yang shi’s attention. This Zhang laoshi is truly made to be a master teacher. It probably won’t take long before he is of equal standing with us!” Liu Ling commented in awe.

“Indeed!”

The other two also nodded their heads.

Huala!

The three were about to continue with their heartfelt sentiments when Lu Xun, who was located by the side of the duelling ring, stood up.

After suffering a defeat at the Teacher Evaluation, he had two choices. He could apologize to Zhang Xuan in public and compensate him according to the bet that they made beforehand. Otherwise, he could leave the academy once and for all.

“What do you think Lu laoshi will choose?”

“I don’t know, but I think it is more likely for him to apologize!”

“It is normal to lose. No one can guarantee that they can continue winning for their whole life!”

“Indeed, losing isn’t a big deal! If he were to really leave the academy, no matter how incredible of a star teacher he is now, he will fall into misfortune after losing his roots!”

…

The crowd spoke with hushed voices.

It had been long since the last Teacher Evaluation. As the one who initiated it, Lu Xun suffered a crushing defeat. He must be feeling awful at the moment.

Everyone wanted to see how he would choose.

It wasn’t anything much to apologize to Zhang Xuan. However, if he were to choose to leave the academy, it would be a shame.

Only with students can one be called a teacher. After leaving the academy and losing his students, how can he call himself a teacher?

Furthermore, if he were to choose the latter, with a record of leaving Hongtian Academy and losing the Teacher Evaluation, it was unlikely that any other academy would accept him.

“Zhang Xuan laoshi!”

Stepping onto the center of the dueling ring, Lu Xun flung his sleeves and stood tall.

Zhang Xuan glanced over.

“I’ve lost the Teacher Evaluation! I admit you are capable of guiding your students, but in this world, strength nevertheless reigns supreme. No matter how good you are in teaching, without sufficient ability, you are will be unable to stand your ground. I want to challenge you!”

Lu Xun clenched his fists tightly in determination. His glowing acupoints displayed his formidable cultivation as a Pixue realm expert. At the same time, his powerful voice gushed into the heavens.

“You… Do you dare to accept my challenge?”

After expending so much effort and making such thorough preparations, he nevertheless lost so tragically. His pride no longer allowed him to remain in Hongtian Academy.

But before leaving, he wanted to teach Zhang Xuan a lesson. He wanted him to understand that everything else is fake, only strength reigns supreme!

“You wish to challenge me?”

He didn’t expect that the other party would make such a decision. Zhang Xuan was about to continue speaking when Zhao Ya stepped forward and stood proudly in front of Zhang Xuan, reminiscent of a goddess descending onto the mortal world.

“I will fight whoever who dares to insult my teacher. Who’s with me?”

“Me!”

“Me!”

“Me!”

“Me!”

Four consecutive sounds, and Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, Liu Yang, and Yuan Tao stepped forward with firm resolutions.

“You have insulted our teacher… the five of us will challenge you to uphold his honor. Lu Xun, do you dare to accept our challenge?”

The voices of the five roared as though thunder, resounding across the entire academy.

“Putting their lives on the line to uphold the honor of their teacher… This is the highest level of a teacher-student relationship, Honor Defend realm?”

Liu Ling’s body trembled and he abruptly stood up.

Chapter 220: Reappearance of the Golden Book

“Honest and righteous mind, actions aligned with morals. A teacher has to be of such character before they can truly earn the respect and admiration of their students, such that they are willing to go through all sorts of trials to vie for the honor of their teacher and defend his name, even if it might spell their death.” Zhuang Xian’s lips trembled in disbelief. “It’s said that only 4-star master teachers can reach this level, but he… he…”

Despite saying ‘he’ twice, he found himself unable to say a word after that.

The situation before him was simply too astonishing. It was sufficient to make all ornate words lose their radiance.

“He had merely taught these students for half a month, and furthermore, he was absent for more than ten days… That is to say, he had been with his students for at most only four to five days… Yet, his students are willing to defend his honor? How… How did he manage to do this?”

Zheng Fei swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

“The students have to have a deep level of trust in their teacher before they will be willing to defend his honor. Looks like… we have really underestimated this Zhang Xuan laoshi!”

Liu Ling sighed.

“Indeed, When I heard that Yang shi had accepted him as his student, I was really disappointed. But from the looks of it now, it seems that even if he were to acknowledge us as his teacher, we won’t have anything to impart to him.” Zhuang Xian smiled bitterly.

One has to be sufficiently knowledgeable in order to become another’s teacher and to impart him knowledge. If one is inferior to his student, how can he guide the student?

Previously, they thought that it was a pity that such a good bud had been claimed by Yang shi, so they felt somewhat disappointed. However, upon seeing how the students whom Zhang Xuan had taught for just half a month was willing to put themselves on the stake to defend Zhang Xuan’s honor, they felt embarrassed.

To be able to induce such trust in their students such that they were willing to challenge one who was much stronger than them, even the master teachers didn’t think that they were capable of such feat.

They felt that it was fortunate that they had failed to take him as their apprentice, otherwise given how the apprentice was even more incredible than the teacher… They would definitely die of shame.

While the three master teachers felt embarrassed, a commotion had broken out at the spectator stand. Everyone was staring dumbfounded.

It is clear disrespect for a student to challenge a teacher, even asking him whether he dares to accept the challenge.

This was extremely humiliating for Lu Xun.

After losing his dignity in the Teacher Evaluation, he wanted to fix Zhang laoshi to regain some of his honor, yet… the other party’s student said that he wasn’t fit to challenge their teacher, and he only could duel with them…

However…

While it felt exhilarating to do so, their actions were reckless. No matter what, they were only freshmen who had just joined the academy. Even if they had achieved significant breakthroughs in the past few days, they had only practiced for half a month. To challenge the academy’s most famous celebrity teacher, not to mention, that he is a dignified Pixue realm expert, how can they possibly win?

“Look at Zhao Ya!”

The crowd was thinking whether those students were putting themselves at too much risk by challenging Lu Xun when someone suddenly shouted from the crowd.

Upon hearing the shout, everyone’s gazes immediately fell on the inexplicably enchanting lady.

At this moment, the aura on her body felt like a sharp sword stabbing through the heavens, and the aura was growing stronger and sharper by the moment.

Boom!

While the aura shrouding her grew stronger, her physical body seemed to be going through a metamorphosis as well. She became visibly more beautiful and pure, as though a goddess.

“She… is breaking through!”

“Dantian realm pinnacle, Zhenqi realm, Zhenqi realm pinnacle, Pigu realm… Pigu realm pinnacle? How is this possible?”

To break through so many realms in just a few breaths? How can one’s cultivation soar that swiftly?”

“Could it be that… she has intentionally suppressed her cultivation in the past, or she intentionally kept herself from breaking through until now, pushing through in a single go so as to impress everyone?”

“It’s possible… Look, she has already reached Dingli realm!”

…

Looking at the Zhao Ya on the stage, everyone felt like they were going mad.

She was breaking through frenziedly!

“This… This…”

Upon seeing the sight, Zhu Hong fell to the ground. His lips turned pale in fright.

He was hoping to cleanse himself of his humiliation the previous time, especially since he had reached Zhenqi realm. Yet, in the end, he didn’t have any chance to get in the ring and as such, he felt extremely indignant and unsatisfied. Thus, he was considering whether he should find another opportunity to find Zhao Ya and the others on a private occasion to beat them up. However, upon seeing this sight, he suddenly realized how childish and laughable his thoughts were.

It was fortunate that he didn’t compete with her, otherwise, given Zhao Ya’s strength, wouldn’t she smash him into a heap of flesh with a single blow?

Too fearsome!

How did Zhang laoshi raise such a student?

How did his students improve so swiftly?

Eventually, Zhao Ya’s growth stopped at Dingli realm pinnacle. At the same time, Zhao Ya seemed to have moved a single step closer to becoming a true goddess. Every single movement of hers exuded extreme grace and lithe, making her the center of attention.

“This is the result of the awakening of the Pure Yin Body?”

City Lord Zhao Feng and Butler Yao Han subconsciously widened their eyes and clenched their fists.

Even though they already knew that Zhao Ya had such a constitution, and Zhang laoshi had specially prepared an Unravel Yin Pill for her to awaken her constitution, they didn’t expect that it would be so fearsome and powerful.

To raise one’s cultivation from Dantian realm to Dingli realm pinnacle in a few moments…

“Xiao Ya has truly met a good teacher!”

Recovering from the shock, City Lord Zhao Feng said.

He had felt that he had failed in the responsibility of a father, being unable to see through her daughter’s Pure Yin Body and the agony she was going through.

If not for meeting Zhang laoshi, not only would she never experience such a rapid rise in cultivation, she would be tortured by this unique constitution of hers, causing her cultivation to stagnate.

“I’ve long heard that awakening a unique constitution would induce a qualitative change in one, causing one’s cultivation to soar. I used to think that it was just nonsense but from the looks of it… It seems like it is true. City Lord Zhao, you have a good daughter. In the future, our Tianxuan Kingdom will be relying on her to rise through the ranks!”

Sitting by the side, Emperor Shen Zhui couldn’t help but say.

Emperor Shen Zhui knew of Zhao Feng’s arrival at the capital and his daughter’s Pure Yin Body. Initially, he thought that she would just be slightly more talented than the average, but never in his dreams did he expect that she would be… so incredibly talented.

In just half a month, she had evolved from a Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm pinnacle to Fighter 5-dan Dingli realm pinnacle…

This is no longer about being a genius, at this rate, she is about to smash through the heavens!

With such talents, she will definitely become a powerhouse! Perhaps, in the future, Tianxuan Kingdom will be relying on this lady to usher in an era of prosperity.

…

“You dare to challenge me?”

Unaware of the shock running through the many minds present, witnessing how Zhang Xuan’s students stood in the way of his challenge, Lu Xun’s face twitched.

If he knew this would happen, he would have said nothing at all.

What a dilemma. If he were to back down at this point, people will say that he is scared of them. On the other hand, if he pushes on, others will just think that he is bullying the weak… A victory will bring him no honor, and a loss would bring further humiliation.

He felt so stifled that he was about to go crazy.

“That’s right! Even if we can’t defeat you, for the sake of Zhang laoshi’s honor, we won’t regret anything!”

Zhao Ya and the others declared with absolute resolution.

Even the weak-minded Wang Ying didn’t back down from this matter.

Zhang laoshi took a special existence in their hearts. Their tremendous efforts in the past few days were all to bring him honor.

Today, the culprit who wanted to trample over his honor is right before them… They will never allow him to escape!

Zhang laoshi, allow us to return you justice!

Zhang laoshi, allow us to clear you of the ridicule and contempt the other party had shown you!

“Those kids…”

Seeing their actions, even with Zhang Xuan’s strong mental fortitude, having reached the Heart of Tranquil Water, his eyes still reddened.

At the very start, the reason why he had accepted these students was so that he wouldn’t be expelled from the school, in order to avert the first crises after his reincarnation.

Yet, his seed that he had sowed had brought him an entire forest.

He wasn’t a skilled teacher, and he hadn’t intentionally tried to move them either. All he did was to give his all to fulfill his responsibility, not wanting to let anyone down, yet… what he received in return moved him to tears.

He had often pondered whether what he was doing was worth it. But now, he realized that a human’s heart can’t be measured with gold or any other matter. Only when you treat them wholeheartedly will they treat you with equal sincerity. It isn’t a matter of whether it is worth it or not, or whether he should do it or not!

“No wonder they were practicing an offensive formation. Most probably, even if Lu Xun didn’t challenge me, they would still challenge him to a battle to get back at him in my stead!”

At this moment, he finally understood the reason behind the content he saw in the library previously. He felt moved.

All along, he had been puzzled over why this bunch of fellows was practicing an offensive collaboration formation. Now, it is clear that they had been preparing for today.

They had witnessed Lu Xun forcing the Teacher Evaluation on him, leaving him in a difficult position and soiling his reputation. Even if Lu Xun hadn’t provoked Zhang Xuan today, they would have definitely stepped forward, argued with the latter, and challenged him to a duel.

Even though they knew that they weren’t a match; even though they knew that what they were doing was suicidal… They nevertheless went on ahead with it.

This all… Just to protect their teacher’s honor!

These fellows…

To think that…

Trembling in agitation, Zhang Xuan tried his best to hold back his tears.

“I mustn’t let them take the risk…”

Just when Zhang Xuan was about to stand up and stop them, his mind suddenly jolted. On a bookshelf in the Library of Heaven’s Path, the golden book appeared once more, and a new golden page was in it.

“This book… Can it be that it is related to the student’s gratitude?”

Seeing the book being formed, Zhang Xuan was stupefied.

He had no idea when the golden book was formed before, but this time, the golden book appeared when his students put themselves at stake for him. Could the golden book be related to his students?

However, this thought disappeared as soon as it appeared.

It wasn’t the time to be thinking about such matters. Standing up, he was about to walk up to instruct his students to back off, when all of them turned around at the same time to look at him.

“Zhang laoshi, this is a decision we made. We hope that you will not interfere.”

Zhao Ya’s clear eyes looked forward. With a slight smile, her voice sounded loudly in the surroundings, and unwavering determination could be heard.

“You have given so much to us, we just want to give something to you in return. Also, we wish to display to everyone the results of your tutelage, so that everyone will know that…”

“Your dignity… cannot be trampled on!”

“Your honor… cannot be sullied!”

Witnessing the determined and firm gazes of his students, Zhang Xuan’s body stiffened and he hesitated.

“We hope that teacher can agree to our selfish request!”

Zhao Ya clasped her hands.

“We hope that teacher can agree to our selfish request!” The other four chorused after her.

“Alright, be careful then. If you aren’t a match for him, just admit defeat. Don’t worry, your teacher is here. No one will dare to trample on me, and no one will be able to trample on me!”

With his both hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan lifted his eyebrows. A powerful aura suddenly surged forth from his body, reaching even the heavens.

Tables and chairs in the surroundings broke into smithereens under the pressure of the intense aura.

“Tongxuan realm… pinnacle?”

A wave of exclamations sounded.

Chapter 221: Coiling Dragon Hands

Complete silence.

Everyone’s eyes narrowed and their faces paled.

Isn’t Zhang laoshi well known for being a trash of the academy?

Didn’t they say that his cultivation is low, and his ability to impart knowledge is lacking?

Tongxuan realm pinnacle… As an expert who can break through to achieve Half-Zongshi at any moment, he is nearly an invincible existence in Tianxuan Kingdom!

You call such a cultivation low? Are you kidding me?

“Looks like… all of the previous news are true. He just wants to keep a low profile and doesn’t want to expose his strength…”

“I’m afraid, only a person with such capability can groom students like Zhao Ya and Liu Yang!”

“Tongxuan realm pinnacle… Even the principal doesn’t wield such strength. Yet, such an expert is only a low-level teacher. The academy must truly be blind!”

“It is all due to Elder Shang Chen’s oppression. Shameless! Such people deserve to be expelled!”

…

Zhang Xuan’s display of his cultivation caused the crowd, on both the spectator stand and the stage, to enter a frenzy.

Everyone had thought all along that he is just a Pixue realm cultivator. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect that he would be a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert, a top-notch expert in Tianxuan Kingdom!

Witnessing the situation, Lu Xun’s body froze and his face turned ghastly white.

He had always prided himself on his superior talent that no one could match up to. Never once did he think that… the fellow, whom he had been provoking, had already reached Tongxuan realm pinnacle! Furthermore, he wasn’t even twenty!

Is he still a human?

And I challenged such an expert to a duel?

Is my brain damaged?

Regardless of teaching my students or my own cultivation, I have been defeated utterly!

“The students vie for the honor of their teacher while the teacher serves as the fortress of his students. The students and teacher in perfect complement, this is the model relationship!”

“This is the level we hope to reach! Yang shi sure is incredible, to be able to spot such a gem.”

Taking in the sight, the three master teachers stood up abruptly and their faces flushed with agitation.

A student needs a good teacher, and a teacher needs good students.

However, does being a good student or a good teacher refer to one’s talent and cultivation?

Nope, it refers to trust, solidarity, and responsibility.

These students, right before their very eyes, are willing to give their all for Zhang laoshi. On the other hand, Zhang laoshi serves as their fortress. Regardless of the waves that come rushing toward them, he will be able to stand firm as their stronghold, providing them a sanctuary.

This is what a teacher and student relationship should be like, truly the highest level of a teacher-student relationship.

“Yes!”

Seeing how their teacher did not tell them to stop, granting them free reins and turning into a powerful fortress backing them instead, Zhao Ya excitedly turned around to face Lu Xun.

“Lu laoshi… Let’s start!”

“I accept your duel, but I will not take advantage of you, students. Let’s go to the Teacher Dueling Platform!”

Knowing that he was unable to avoid this duel, Lu Xun agreed candidly.

There is a specialized stage for duels between students and teachers and it is known as the Teacher Dueling Platform. There, teachers will suppress their cultivation to lower themselves to the student’s level and duel with them.

Back then, the duel between Zheng Yang and Zhou Tian was held there.

“There’s no need for us to fight on the Teacher Dueling Platform. We’ll do it here, and there’s no need for you to suppress your cultivation!”

Yuan Tao smiled and stepped forward.

Earlier, when he fought with Kong Jie, he appeared to be an ordinary underhanded fellow. However, after taking a single step forward, the air around him changed and he seemed to be an entirely different person this moment. Even though his cultivation remained at the same Juxi realm advanced stage, his disposition had changed tremendously. This very moment, he seemed to be like a dragon soaring through the heavens.

“Brothers, I will be going first!”

Roaring, Yuan Tao charged toward Lu Xun. Without any moves or technique whatsoever, he simply charged frenziedly toward the latter.

“Can it be that… he had hidden his cultivation as well?”

“But that’s impossible! Half a month ago, when he attended the entrance examinations, he very clearly had barely reached Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm primary stage. Being able to reach the advanced stage within such a short period of time is already an extremely scary feat, so how is it possible that he has hidden his cultivation?”

“Even if he hadn’t hidden his cultivation, it is impossible for him to be Juxi realm advanced stage. We have been fooled by his delinquent outer appearance. Honestly speaking, even if Kong Jie was careless, it is impossible for an ordinary Juxi realm to expel him from the stage with a single fist.”

“This…”

Upon seeing that Yuan Tao being the first to charge forth and sensing the change in his disposition, not feeling any fear despite facing a Pixue realm expert like Lu Xun, everyone burst into a commotion.

Just earlier, when this fellow fought with Kong Jie, everyone thought that he doesn’t possess any real capability. They thought that he is just a shameless and underhanded fellow. Yet, at this moment, they realized that that isn’t the case!

No matter what, Lu laoshi is a Pixue realm expert! Even Dingli realm cultivators will be hesitant to face him, yet as a Juxi realm cultivator, he charged straight at him. Through this, it can be seen that there is more to him beneath the surface.

“Hmph!”

Upon seeing that Yuan Tao was the first to charge toward him, Lu Xun’s complexion darkened. He immediately sent a palm strike straight at the other party.

In order not to cause any casualty, he only used ten percent of his strength. Even so, given his strength as a Pixue realm pinnacle, that was more than enough to shatter stones and smash through tree trunks.

However, not only did that strong might not hinder the movement of that fatty in any way upon hitting him squarely, it seemed to have incited the other party’s hot-bloodedness. Yuan Tao squeezed his body together, placing his shoulders in front of his chest to maximize the impact of the charge.

It was neither a 【Mountain Crush】 or a 【Tree Ram】, it was just an ordinary charge reminiscent to that of the savage beasts.

Peng!

It sounded like the beat of a drum and Lu Xun’s face turned red. Under the impact, he retreated two steps backward.

“What?”

Lu Xun’s eyes narrowed.

Everyone knew that Lu Xun’s cultivation had reached Pixue realm, but no one knew that he actually specialized more in the training of his physical body.

Due to his obsession, he had his father, Master Lu Chem, replicate all books on the training of physical body in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault and keep them at home.

Just this by itself showed a lot about his physical body cultivation. As such, even though he could have easily dodged Yuan Tao’s judge, he stood his ground.

He thought that the student was just a fellow who possessed some brute strength. Not even in his dreams did he expect Yuan Tao’s charge to be so fearsome.

Despite his well-trained physical body, Yuan Tao’s charge managed to flush his face red and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood from the force.

If he were to suffer another few more of such charges, he would not need to think of battling any further!

“He managed to knock Lu laoshi back?”

“This fellow is way too scary!”

The spectators were all cultivators. Even though they had no idea how strong Yuan Tao’s charge really was, they could notice the change in Lu laoshi’s complexion. They were so shocked that their jaws nearly hit the ground.

For a Pixue realm pinnacle expert to be knocked back, how much strength does he possess?

With such might, bodies of typical Dingli realm experts will probably be shattered!

The student who was knocked out by Yuan Tao’s fist previously, Kong Jie, happened to witness this sight right after he woke up. Greatly terrified, his face paled and he fainted once again. At the same time, he was thankful that the other party hadn’t used this move against him. Otherwise, fainting would just be a small matter. He could have been crippled for life.

“Looks like I’ve underestimated you…”

Retreating two steps backward, Lu Xun immediately stabilized his breathing. Feeling a dull ache in his chest, he narrowed his eyes and glared coldly at the fatty before him. The disdain in his eyes had disappeared without a trace.

Just from the other party’s charge, he was able to tell that the lad before him possesses strength, physical durability, and defense far superior to his.

That is to say, in a purely physical brawl, he will be able to easily kill a Dingli realm expert!

When did Zhang Xuan find such a freak?

“Hehe, this isn’t the only thing that you’ve underestimated!”

After a successful first attack, Yuan Tao chuckled lightly and charged forward once more.

“Hmph!”

Seeing the other party use the same attack once more, Lu Xun became serious. With a slight flick of his hands, his zhenqi formed a sphere of energy before him. In an instant, the charging Yuan Tao, as though a fish sucked into a whirlpool, staggered two rounds before charging beside Lu Xun, not even grazing him in the slightest.

“【Coiling Dragon Hands】! It’s Coiling Dragon Hands…”

Someone from the crowd exclaimed.

“What’s Coiling Dragon Hands?” Someone asked doubtfully.

“It’s a long-lost battle technique. It’s said that when one reaches a major accomplishment in the skill, he will be able to form a sphere of zhenqi outside of his body, warding off all attacks! I always thought that it was a legend, but to think that… Lu laoshi is actually able to execute it!”

Those who were well-aware of the skill were in disbelief.

“Warding off all attacks? This… Isn’t the battle technique too overpowered!” The one who asked previously was astonished.

Being able to ward off all attacks means that even if one isn’t able to triumph over his opponent, he will not lose either.

Fearsome!

At this moment, the crowd, who had been awed by Yuan Tao’s strength previously, looked at Lu Xun with great respect.

It is true that it is impossible for a useless person to wield great prestige. For Lu Xun to be able to create such an incredible reputation for himself in Hongtian Academy, he does indeed live up to his name.

“Indeed!” The others nodded their heads in agreement.

“If he can ward of all attacks, doesn’t that mean that he can’t be wounded?” Another person commented.

“All battle techniques have their own flaws. Even though the Coiling Dragon Hands is an incredible skill, it isn’t invincible. Rumor has it that as long as one focuses their strength at one point, such that the might at that point surpasses the strength the user displaying the skill possesses, one will be able to break the Coiling Dragon Hands easily! That’s to say, given that Lu laoshi possesses around 45 ding of strength, one has to display a might exceeding 45 ding at a single point to overcome this move.”

As the person said so, he lifted his head to look at Zhao Ya and the others. “Zhang laoshi would be able to overcome this move easily, but… I’m afraid it’ll be hard for his students. Unless someone has managed to comprehend the Weapon Intent, which would allow them to overcome the zhenqi sphere easily… But how is that possible for a group of Dantian realm students…”

At this, he shook his head.

Weapon Intent, this is the level which all cultivators hope to achieve. Countless people viewed it as their ultimate goal and had strived for it, but even so, there isn’t a single successful case in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. If so, how can a student achieve such level?

“You’re right!”

The crowd nodded their heads in agreement. No matter what, these students are on Fighter 2-dan cultivators. No matter how strong they are, how can their strength exceed a Pixue realm pinnacle expert? Even more so, how is it possible that any one of them have comprehended the Weapon Intent?

It seems like the challenge is only a joke. With the invincible defense created by the 【Coiling Dragon Hands】, it is impossible for Lu Xun laoshi to be defeated by them.

“Yuan Tao, I can’t allow you to hog the spotlight. Allow me!”

Everyone was beginning to think that Zhang Xuan’s students would fail when a roar echoed. Zheng Yang stepped forward with large steps. Without any complex movements, the spear he held in his hands shot out as though a dancing dragon.

Even though it was just a single simple move, within its simplicity contained the profound essence of a spear, making it impossible to dodge or withstand it.

Wuuuuu!

The spear was so quick that the air seemed to be unable to bear the overwhelming pressure, sounding as though it would shatter into countless pieces at any moment,

Along with the piercing of the spear, Zheng Yang’s aura grew stronger and stronger. Even though he only possessed the strength of a Fighter 2-dan Dantian realm, it felt as though he had melded together as one with his spear, as though he was the spear, and the spear was him.

Peng!

The spear struck Lu Xun’s zhenqi sphere and a sonic boom resounded across the entire field.

Deng deng deng deng!

Lu Xun’s face turned ghastly pale and he retreated four steps backward.

The Coiling Dragon Hands had been broken!

“Spear Intent? Is that Spear Intent?”

Wang Chao stood up abruptly.

Chapter 222: Pummeling Lu Xun (First Half)

He was the most highly skilled spear user in the entire of Hongtian Academy.

As far as he can remember, he had been training in the way of the spear. Day after day, year after year, he had long regarded the weapon as an essential part of himself.

Even so, he is still a huge distance away from forging Spear Intent.

He thought that such a state only exists in the faraway legends, and it is impossible for him to ever achieve it. Yet, never in his dreams did he expect that… he would see it on a teenage boy.

Even though the Spear Intent he had forged is still in the most primitive and simple form, a far way off from its complete mature state, it is nevertheless a bud containing incredible potential. With sufficient time, it can ripen and grow into a gigantic tree.

“How did he do it?”

Previously, when Mo Xiao said that he is unable to compare up to Zheng Yang and admitted defeat, Wang Chao thought that it was a great humiliation to the Wang Clan’s spearmanship. But now, upon seeing Zheng Yang’s move, he realized that the Wang Clan’s spearmanship is trash before it!

This move that is infused with the Spear Intent cannot be countered by any other moves.

In fact… Even if he were the one facing it, he would be helpless!

If Zheng Yang’s cultivation were at the same level as him, he can definitely kill him with that single move!

“Can it be… is this the move that father learned?”

Suddenly, a thought flashed in Wang Chao’s mind.

A while ago, his father, Wang Chong, spent an astronomical sum to learn a spear art and after which, he had been secluding himself to comprehend Spear Intent. All along, Wang Chao had thought that no move would be worth this money, but after seeing Zheng Yang’s stroke…

Three million was a small sum to pay for this move. Even if it cost ten million, twenty million, or even all of their family fortune, it would be worth it!

Before, the butler had said that the one who imparted his father the spear art was an apothecary, but he hadn’t paid much heed to it then. However, upon seeing Guild Leader Ouyang and the other apothecaries here, claiming that they are here to watch Apothecary Zhang’s duel… Can it be that Zhang Xuan laoshi is him?

Wang Chao’s body swayed and blood welled up at the back of his throat, threatening to spurt at any moment.

“Zhang laoshi can be considered as half a teacher to me since he has imparted this move to me. Next time, when you see him, you have to call him grand teacher or… grandpa!”

Shaking his head to toss aside this ridiculous thought, Wang Chao suddenly heard a powerful voice sounding beside him. Lifting his head to take a look, he saw his father walking toward him.

Given the commotion that the Teacher Evaluation had caused, even Wang Chong couldn’t resist his curiosity and came to take a look.

“Grand teacher? Grandpa?”

Wang Chao’s face turned pale and he was on the verge of tears.

Not just him, the other spectators were also completely silent.

Those who were aware of the Coiling Dragon Hands were even more shocked, and if not for their self-control, they might have torn out their hair in frustration and disbelief.

Even though they were unable to exactly recognize the Spear Intent in Zheng Yang’s movement, just by the fact that he was able to break the Coiling Dragon Hands with his spear showed that he has already reached such a state!

A sixteen-year-old student comprehending Weapon Intent?

How can there be such a ridiculous matter in the world?

If so, how fearsome will his teacher who imparted him the art be?

“Looks like Mo Xiao didn’t admit defeat for his friend’s sake, but because he is truly not a match for him!”

“Indeed, even Fighter 4-dan cultivators will be unable to withstand such a move.”

“What an incredible technique, did it really come from Zhang laoshi?”

“Zhang laoshi… Not only are his movement, leg, and fist techniques incredible, even his spear art is at the same level as well?”

All of the students were astonished.

“Just a few days and he… has improved again!”

Mo Xiao’s body shuddered. Looking at Zhang Xuan, the desire in his eyes could no longer be curbed.

A voice echoed in his heart…

I must acknowledge him as my teacher!

…

“Damn it!”

Having his Coiling Dragon Hands broken by Zheng Yang’s spear, Lu Xun felt a suffocating sensation in his chest. A savage expression emerged on his face and he let off a loud howl. He was about to charge forth to deal with the exhausted Zheng Yang when he suddenly heard a faint sound. Unknowingly, Liu Yang appeared beside him and his fist was headed straight for him.

At that moment, Wang Ying also appeared in the air above him and she had sent a kick straight at him.

Si la!

The punch and kick were so swift that it tore the air into half. Even before hitting its target, it instilled shiver into its target.

The two moves may not be as powerful as the spear before, but even so, they shouldn’t be underestimated. Even with Lu Xun’s powerful physical body, he would incur significant injuries if he were to be struck by it.

“Hmph!”

With an awful complexion, Lu Xun’s body swayed and as though a butterfly treading through the flowers, he retreated two steps.

Battle Technique [Butterfly Steps]! As though a butterfly soaring between flowers, the move grants its user nimble and unreadable movements.

Dodging the punch and the kick, Lu Xun prepared to launch a counterattack, but at that moment, he felt his entire body turn cold, as though he had been placed into an ice cavern.

As his vision blurred, a ridiculously beautiful lady appeared in his sight. At the same time, a smooth and flawless hand reached straight for his chest.

Lu Xun’s eyes narrowed. Even though he was astonished, as a Pixue realm pinnacle expert who had gone through hundreds of battle, he reacted without hesitation. He counterattacked with a palm strike immediately.

Battle Technique [Tower Overthrow Seal]! It is said to possess the strength to topple towers and shake mountains!

Boom!

The Tower Overthrow Seal met the enemy’s palm.

Zhao Ya’s body quivered briefly before being sent flying back.

She was only a Dingli realm pinnacle cultivator, she was still far from matching a Pixue realm pinnacle expert like Lu Xun.

However, Lu Xun didn’t fare well either. The pure yin zhenqi which Zhao Ya emitted contained the nature of extreme coldness, causing his body to tremble uncontrollably. He retreated three steps backward but was unable to rid himself of the chill in his body.

Furthermore, a surge of cold zhenqi had invaded his meridians, making it impossible for him to neutralize it within a short period of time.

Five people and six attacks, Lu Xun had merely received a blow from each of them, but he retreated eleven steps.

The crowd was left completely dumbfounded.

That was Lu Xun laoshi, the number one star teacher of Hongtian Academy. Even though his cultivation wasn’t unparalleled in the academy, there was nearly no Pixue realm cultivator who could match him.

But just like that, he was forced back by a group of Fighter 2-dan and Fighter 5-dan students. If they had not witnessed it for themselves, they would have never believed it.

“So, this is the offensive collaboration formation that they had been working on?”

Zhang Xuan knew that Zhao Ya and the others had been secretly working on a collaboration formation, but he had never actually seen them execute it. Finally witnessing it now, Zhang Xuan’s eyebrows knitted together.

“Fine. Truthfully speaking, I have underestimated you brats. You do possess the qualifications to challenge me!”

Lu Xun declared as he stabilized his breathing. After having been forced to retreat continuously under the assault of a few juniors, he no longer dared to underestimate them. On the contrary, a grim expression had appeared on his face.

“I also think that we are qualified to challenge you. Actually, Lu laoshi, by crossing blows with you, we have already vented the resentment in Zhang laoshi’s stead. How about this? Can we just consider it a draw? If we go on like this, we will only end up hurting each other…”

Yuan Tao chuckled as he stepped forward.

“Draw?” Lu Xun harrumphed coldly. “Your attacks are indeed novel, and you have indeed managed to catch me off guard earlier. However, now that you’ve revealed all the tricks up your sleeves, there’s nothing else for me to fear…”

What Lu Xun said rang true.

Even though the attacks of the five weren’t weak, they hadn’t prepared enough moves to account for the entire duel. Each of them knew only a single powerful move, and it would have worked against ordinary Pixue realm cultivators. However, for a potential master teacher like Lu Xun, it was far from being sufficient.

After all, both his eyes and comprehension of battle techniques were far from what the five could match.

“You’re right. How about this, why don’t I… discuss the matter with them and admit defeat?”

Yuan Tao stepped forward as a look of conflict appeared on his face. When he came to just a few steps away from Lu Xun, his eyebrows shot up suddenly as he charged forward.

“Hmph, the same trick?”

After the precedent with Kong Jie, Lu Xun was already guarded against this fellow. Upon seeing him charge forward, he harrumphed coldly.

Because I wasn’t guarded against your charge for the first time, you managed to send me back two steps. But the second time, I easily warded off your charge with my Coiling Dragon Hands. Yet, you still dare to use the same technique on me for the third time…

Aren’t you underestimating me too much?

A cold glint flashed across Lu Xun’s eyes. Raising his hands, he prepared himself to ward off Yuan Tao’s charge. However, before he even came into contact with the fellow, the fellow abruptly stopped and hugged him.

The change was too sudden and so unexpected that Lu Xun didn’t have the time to react to it.

Furthermore, it was unthinkable for one to hug another in the midst of a battle.

Kacha!

In an instant, the fatty had Lu Xun completely in his grasp, having locked his arms around the other party’s body tightly.

“You…”

For a teacher to be hugged by a student, Lu Xun’s complexion looked extremely dark. With a twist of his body, he knocked at Yuan Tao.

Peng!

A dull thud.

The force behind that knock was in no way inferior to his fist; even an ordinary Pixue realm expert would be vomiting blood due to the impact of that blow. The body of the fatty that was wrapped around him jerked, but the grip didn’t loosen in the least.

He actually withstood such a powerful knock!

“His defense is incredible…” Lu Xun’s eyes narrowed.

No matter how foolish he could be, he immediately understood that the specialty of the fatty wasn’t his charge, but… his defense!

To think that he had neglected this fact from the very start.

“Hurry up!”

Yuan Tao howled as he hugged Lu Xun tightly.

Hu!

Before he could even finish his words, a spear whistled and flew straight toward Lu Xun.

“Damn it!”

Sensing the fearsome might behind the spear, Lu Xun knew that he would be over if the spear were to hit him. Thus, he roared and his feet abruptly pushed against the ground.

The powerful force against the ground pushed him, along with Yuan Tao, three chi above from the ground, dodging that fatal move.

“Come down!”

Even though he managed to dodge the Zheng Yang’s spear, he wasn’t able to evade Liu Yang’s fist. With a cold harrumph, a strike from the Heaven’s Path Fist Art hit him straight in his back.

Pu!

A mouthful of fresh blood spewed from his mouth.

“If this goes on, I might really lose to a bunch of youngsters…”

Lu Xun lifted his eyebrows and madness could be seen in his eyes.

If I don’t shake off this fatty quickly, I might really lose today!

Even though Zhang Xuan’s five students were young and possessed weak cultivation, the battle technique they learned were simply too bizarre. Even a person with a powerful physical body like Lu Xun found it hard to take their blows.

“Let go!”

Roaring furiously, he sent his right elbow directly at Yuan Tao.

This time, he used his full strength. With solely the strength of his physical body, he could even pierce through metal.

Peng!

The powerful elbow struck Yuan Tao squarely on his chest.

Pu!

Yuan Tao’s face turned red.

Even though the pain clearly showed through his face, his grip didn’t weaken in the least. At this moment, he seemed to have become a giant chain, sealing the opponent’s body entirely, refusing to budge no matter how hard the opponent struggles.

“You…”

Not expecting that an elbow strike at his full force would not be able to shake him off, amidst Lu Xun’s anger, he was taken aback as well.

How is this a duel? It feels more like a fight to the death!

In that moment of daze, a kick landed straight on his chest.

At the same moment, a pair of white and flawless palms landed on his body as well.

Peng peng!

Two crisp sounds echoed in the air. Lu Xun felt a dull pain in his chest before flying backward.

Chapter 223: Pummeling Lu Xun (Second Half)

After flying a dozen meters backward, he crashed violently onto the ground. The impact created a huge crater on the ground.

Below him, Yuan Tao suffered nearly eighty percent of the impact. But even so, he hadn’t loosened his grip in the slightest, locking the latter firmly in place.

“What kind of fighting style is that?”

“Does he have a dying wish? He’ll really die like this…”

“He won’t. He has an extraordinary defense and even given Lu Xun laoshi’s strength, it would take a significant amount of time to shake him away. Clearly, Zhao Ya and the others wouldn’t grant him that amount of time.”

…

Seeing how Yuan Tao firmly held onto Lu Xun laoshi, not even budging in the least as if he cared not about dying, everyone’s mouth twitched.

It is just a duel, is there a need to go so far?

At this rate, if Lu Xun were to go on a rampage, he might really get beaten to death!

Peng peng peng!

While everyone was overwhelmed by shock, Lu Xun didn’t remain idle. Using his elbow, he struck Yuan Tao’s chest repeatedly, and every single strike held astonishing might. Under the barrage of attacks, Yuan Tao’s face grew increasingly pale.

Even though he possesses the Emperor Bloodline, he had only activated a tenth of it. While he had no problem warding off the attacks of Dingli realm cultivators easily, it was clearly insufficient for him to do the same for Lu Xun, who is strong even among Pixue realm pinnacle experts.

“Hurry up!”

Enduring the excruciating pain, Yuan Tao hissed through gritted teeth.

Boom!

Right afterward, a spear shot into view midair.

Having missed his previous strike, Zheng Yang had placed all of his strength into this blow. Executing the strength of the Heaven’s Path Spear Art to the limits of his ability, under the augmentation of Spear Intent, the spear shot straight toward Lu Xun as though a shooting star.

“Damn it!”

Facing the spear, Lu Xun narrowed his eyes and hurriedly backed away. Even so, the spear managed to inflict a wound on his chest, leaving a trail of red blood sailing in midair.

“You aren’t going to escape!”

Shortly, a blurred figure appeared before Lu Xun. With a flip of her palm, it felt as though the heavens was crushing down.

Battle Technique [Falling Heavens]! The descent of the palm induces terror in all!

Of Zhang Xuan’s students, the one with the best circumstances for cultivation wasn’t Wang Ying. It was Zhao Ya.

Her father was the city lord of Baiyu City, and his position was only inferior to that of Emperor Shen Zhui in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. All kinds of battle techniques and resources were at her disposal, and this Falling Heavens was one of the strongest techniques in Baiyu City.

Due to her insufficient cultivation, she was unable to practice it before. However, after her Pure Yin Body was awakened and her strength reached Dingli realm pinnacle, she became much more powerful than even the ordinary teachers in the academy, allowing her to train and execute this move.

As expected of a top-notch battle technique in Baiyu City, even before the strike landed, a frigid air had already frozen the surroundings.

“Hmph!”

Held firmly by Yuan Tao, Lu Xun was unable to parry the move. Even so, he didn’t panic. His zhenqi flurried and he turned half a round on the spot. As such, Yuan Tao stood between him and Zhao Ya, turning into the fatty into a meat shield for him.

If Zhao Ya were to go ahead with that strike, Falling Heavens would definitely land on her comrade.

“Lu Xun laoshi is… throwing aside his dignity!”

“Indeed, to be using the student as a meat shield, shameless!”

“Actually, this shows that the few students exert a great amount of pressure on him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have thrown aside his pride to do this.”

“As a Pixue realm pinnacle expert, Lu Xun laoshi is ranked at the first or second place among the elders in the academy. Yet, to be forced to such a state by five freshmen who have enrolled for just half a month… Scary!”

“However, it will still be difficult for Zhao Ya and the others to win. With Yuan Tao serving as a meat shield, they will be hesitant to attack Lu Xun laoshi. However, if Yuan Tao were to let go, Lu laoshi, with his speed and movement technique, would be able to escape easily from their assault.”

The wiser experts saw through the crux of the problem.

Previously, as Lu laoshi still held considerations for his reputation, he hadn’t resorted to his other means. However, now forced to a corner, he decided to use Yuan Tao as a meat shield. This leaves the other students at a loss of whether to strike him or not, thus causing them to fall into a disadvantageous position.

“Look, Zhao Ya isn’t ceasing her attack…”

Everyone thought that the battle would end in a standstill when they noticed that Zhao Ya’s Falling Heaven didn’t slow in the least. It landed straight on Yuan Tao’s body.

Hu!

As though striking a leather, there wasn’t a loud impact. It seemed as if Zhao Ya had withdrawn her power at the very last moment, and the palm that had fallen on Yuan Tao’s body was only an ordinary strike.

“Seems that she held back. Otherwise, Yuan Tao would have definitely collapsed from the simultaneous attacks from both in front and behind him!”

A person commented. However, right after that, another exclamation rang.

“Something is amiss, look at Lu Xun laoshi!”

Everyone hurriedly turned to look at Lu laoshi.

With a glance, their eyes narrowed.

Right after Zhao Ya’s palm landed on Yuan Tao, who was hugging Lu laoshi, the latter shuddered and his face turned pale.

Clearly, the strike that landed on Yuan Tao had struck him instead.

“It is the modification of Falling Heavens, Descending Heavens!”

City Lord Zhao Feng abruptly stood up, and his disbelief reflected in his eyes. “Descending Heavens can strike a person even at a distance. However, the skill is extremely difficult to practice, requiring one to undergo all kinds of pain. More importantly, one has to at least execute a hundred thousand palm strikes before he can grasp the skill… It has only been four days since Zhao Ya awakened her unique constitution. For her to be able to execute it… What kind of pain did she undergo in the past few days?”

Long-range attacks are difficult to grasp, even if one is talented. It requires relentless experimentation and practice.

Even using the most conservative estimates, it would require one to at least practice at the skill at least a hundred thousand times. That was to say, she had practiced the skill over a hundred thousand times over the course of four days?

What hardship did this daughter of his suffer in these four days?

And what was it that made her persevere like this?

After all, repeating such a boring and dull movement over and over again isn’t easy, and back then, he had nearly given up himself, needless to say, a sixteen to seventeen-year-old girl like her.

“It is all for victory!”

Yao Han exclaimed with reddened eyes.

He had witnessed the hardship that his xiaojie had gone through in the past few days personally.

In the past, she wasn’t serious in her cultivation, allowing her mind to wander during training. Otherwise, as the young mistress of a city lord, possessing countless profound battle techniques, cultivation techniques, and the guidance of experts at her disposal, even though she was affected by her pure yin body, it was impossible for her to still be a merely Fighter 1-dan despite having reached sixteen years of age.

Initially, he thought that xiaojie wouldn’t be able to persevere practicing such a difficult technique, but she managed to pull through… Her determination far exceeded his expectations.

“Victory?”

“Yes. She wants to win for Zhang laoshi. All of them… don’t want to lose!”

“Don’t want to lose?”

Turning his attention to the five students on the stage, he narrowed his eyes.

As a city lord and an expert, he understood how difficult cultivation could get. How much hardship did the five children have to go through within half a month in order to be able to rival a star teacher, even forcing him to abandon his pride?

“What kind of magic does this Zhang laoshi possess, to be able to induce such change in Xiao Ya and forge such strong camaraderie among his students?”

City Lord Zhao Feng glanced at Zhang laoshi, and respect for the latter reflected in his eyes.

He understood his own daughter well. It was surely this Zhang laoshi’s credit for such changes to appear within her in just a short span of half a month.

Furthermore, even though the formation Zhang Xuan’s students were using was rather crude, their teamwork could be said to be impeccable. Taking, for example, Zhao Ya’s Descending Heavens, as she had yet to master the skill, if Yuan Tao were to resist in the very least, it was likely for the blow to have struck him instead of Lu Xun.

To remain completely unguarded in the face of such a powerful technique, just how much trust did he have in the other party in order to be able to do so?

The crowd was left completely dumbfounded and the entire field went silent. On the other hand, Lu Xun, who was hiding behind Yuan Tao, was infuriated, and he was just a step away from going crazy.

He thought that these fellows only had that single ace up their sleeves, and he never expected them to have done so much preparation in advance. Furthermore, they showed incredible tenacity and were willing to endure all pain for the sake of victory.

Suppressing the frost in his body, Lu Xun retreated once more.

Hu!

But before he could get away, another blurred figure appeared before him.

Wang Ying!

At this instant, the embarrassment she possessed during her fight with Du Lei was completely absent. On the contrary, she now carried unwavering determination.

She sent a kick straight toward Lu Xun.

With Wang Ying in front and Zhao Ya at the back, Lu Xun had nowhere to escape. Furiously driving the zhenqi in his body, the muscles throughout his entire body tightened.

Peng!

Lu Xun felt a powerful force striking him on his chest. Once again, he was sent flying.

The strength of the kick far surpassed his imagination. If not for having experienced it personally, he wouldn’t have dared believe that such a powerful attack could come from such a gentle lady.

No wonder Du Lei nearly died from her kick! This lass’s leg technique is indeed astounding.

Putong!

Falling on the ground once more, Lu Xun felt a dull ache in his chest.

Having received several blows consecutively, despite his powerful defense and overwhelming strength, he found himself about to cave in.

Pu!

He vomited a mouthful of blood and his face lightened by another shade.

Initially, he thought that he could make a quick job out of these students, but to think that he would land in such a tragic state instead.

“Let go of me!”

The main reason why he had been suffering attacks after attacks without any chance of counterattack was Yuan Tao’s grip. Lu Xun glared at Yuan Tao before roaring. He gathered zhenqi on his head and crashed it forcefully onto Yuan Tao’s head.

Peng!

As their heads crashed together, Yuan Tao felt faint-headed and fresh blood streamed from his forehead.

Even though he possessed incredible defense, he was only able to endure the attacks up to the level of a Dingli realm expert. The other party had augmented his attack with zhenqi, causing Yuan Tao to sustain a severe injury instantly.

“You wish to get rid of me? Dream on! I will never let go even if I were to die!”

Yuan Tao felt giddy and his face was dyed with crimson blood, but this only increased his determination. Roaring furiously, not only did he not release his grip, he even tightened it, making it difficult for Lu Xun to breathe.

“Damn it, don’t you fear death? If I were to continue banging your head like that, you will die…”

Seeing how the lad was reluctant to let go, Lu Xun seethed with rage.

Given Lu Xun’s powerful offense, if he were to continue knocking the other party like that, even though Yuan Tao’s defense wasn’t weak, he might really die…

Does this fellow really not fear death?

Lu Xun was astonished. He was considering whether he should really knock this fellow to death when a gust of wind cut through his skin, and a mighty force shot straight at him.

A spear stopped right before his throat.

Zheng Yang had been waiting for an opportunity all along. Upon noticing Lu Xun’s momentary distraction, he dashed forward immediately and executed the Heaven’s Path Spear Art augmented by Spear Intent. Within the blink of an eye, he was already before Lu Xun, prepared to pierce the other party’s throat.

The spear was like an arrow on the bowstring, ready to shoot through the other party’s neck at any moment. Standing upright, Zheng Yang stared at Lu Xun with sharp eyes.

“Lu laoshi… You’ve lost!”

Chapter 224: Call Him Uncle Now!

“I’ve lost? It’s too early to say that!”

Watching the spear right before his eyes, Lu Xun felt extremely humiliated. With a roar, he gritted his teeth and dashed forward.

“Un?”

Not expecting that the other party himself would dash straight toward his spear, Zheng Yang was taken aback. He retracted his arm instinctively.

With this action, Zheng Yang lost his advantage. Stepping against the ground, Lu Xun executed the Illusory Shadows Nine Celestial Steps, forming multiple shadows at once. In the blink of an eye, he was already right before Zheng Yang and he rammed his body against him.

He was still hugged firmly by Yuan Tao and his hands were locked, so he could only use this move.

Peng! Pu!

He didn’t expect that the other party would fight back even with the spear right before his neck. Unprepared for this, Zheng Yang was struck squarely and his face flushed. Crimson blood spurted out of his mouth and his entire body was sent flying backward.

“Too shameless…”

“How can a star teacher of the academy behave like this?”

“Damn it…”

Seeing how Lu Xun refused to admit defeat despite the clear outcome, the crowd immediately burst into an uproar.

“Unforgivable!”

Seeing how the teacher was shamelessly fighting back despite having clearly lost, even injuring Zheng Yang in the process, Zhao Ya’s face turned red with anger. Her body flickered faintly, she appeared before Lu Xun. In the midst of doing so, her wrist snapped and a sword had appeared in her hands.

She had learned swordsmanship from young, and because Lu laoshi was at a numerical disadvantage, she chose not to wield it. However, upon witnessing the person whom she once respected commit such a shameless action, she could no longer hold herself back.

Weng!

The sword flew across the sky, and her movement was so incredibly light and graceful that the scene resembled a painting.

Battle Technique [Sunset Swordsmanship]! As though rapidly flowing river beneath the setting sun, her movements were fluid!

“Heh!”

With his arms locked firmly in place, Lu Xun harrumphed coldly and sent a kick straight toward the sword.

His reaction and the timing could be said to be impeccable. However, he had underestimated Yuan Tao, who was clutching onto him from behind.

Seeing Zheng Yang get injured had triggered him, and he roared furiously.

“Get down here!”

His plump body had become as heavy as a boulder, pulling Lu Xun’s rising body down forcefully.

With this fall, not only did Lu Xun’s kick miss Zhao Ya’s sword, he lost his balance and if things go wrong, he might even be pierced in the heart.

“Ah!”

Not expecting the abrupt change, Lu Xun’s eyes narrowed. However, it was too late to do anything.

Hu!

Seeing that things were about to get fatal, a figure suddenly appeared between them and his fingers lightly flicked.

Weng!

A metallic sound resounded and Zhao Ya lost grip over her sword. It flew out and stabbed into the ground not too far away.

“Teacher!”

Upon seeing her sword being blown away, Zhao Ya was about to fly into a rage when she saw the other party’s features. She immediately clasped her hands and bowed respectfully.

It was Zhang Xuan.

He could tell that both parties had reached the peak of their anger. If he didn’t stop them, things would blow out of proportion.

After disarming Zhao Ya, he walked toward Zheng Yang and infused zhenqi into him. He realized that the latter’s injury wasn’t severe and that he should be able to recover swiftly under the nourishment of pills. Only then did he heave a sigh of relief and turn toward Yuan Tao, “You should get down as well!”

“Yes!”

Yuan Tao loosened his grip and fell to the floor.

Even though the only thing he did throughout the battle was to hug Lu Xun, he had sustained the most severe injuries out of the five.

If not for the awakening of his Emperor’s Bloodline, which grants him a significant boost in his defense, he would have long caved under the barrage of attacks and fainted.

“Teacher…”

After briefly adjusting their breathing, the five dragged their wearied bodies toward Zhang Xuan.

Even though they felt fatigued, their eyes were glowing with excitement.

Even though they didn’t think that they have won the duel, the results were unexpectedly good. After all, their opponent was a star teacher, and he ended up being done in good by them. No matter what, they still felt proud of themselves.

They thought that by venting their teacher’s frustration and showcasing their growth over the past half a month, they would be able to receive compliments. Yet, Zhang laoshi’s expression was extremely dark and flames of anger were burning in his eyes.

“Teacher…”

Upon seeing him in such a state, Zheng Yang and the others were perplexed.

“Do you think that I should compliment you?”

Zhang Xuan glared at them, and it felt as though a storm was brewing.

“We…”

The five of them scratched their heads.

“Since you intentionally hid it from me, I thought that you were practicing some powerful offensive collaboration formation, but tell me, what the hell is this toy?” Zhang Xuan roared furiously, and his face revealed his disappointment.

Is formation not good?

This is considered one of the top offensive collaboration formation in Tianxuan Kingdom, alright?

Upon hearing the reason behind his outrage, everyone was taken aback.

Even taking the entire Tianxuan Kingdom into account, this offensive collaboration formation was one of the top formations. After all, using this formation, a Fighter 5-dan cultivator and four Fighter 2-dan cultivators were able to rival a Pixue realm pinnacle expert, thus proving the strength of this formation.

Yet, he wasn’t happy with the results?

Even calling it a ‘toy’?

Lu Xun, who had finally calmed down, felt stifled. Hearing those words, his injuries almost worsened and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

Is there something wrong with you?

This offensive collaboration formation nearly killed me, yet you aren’t satisfied?

“Why? You don’t agree with what I’m saying? Fine, then I will start explaining from the first move. When Yuan Tao charged toward Lu laoshi, if Zheng Yang was in this position and used the spear art which I taught, the prowess of your primary assault would be boosted by a single fold. Liu Yang, if you had attacked from here while squatting three cun lower, it would be the blind hole of his vision, making it impossible for him to evade your strike. As for Zhao Ya and Wang Ying, are you all sleeping? If you were standing here, do you think he would be able to escape?”

Disregarding everyone’s shock, Zhang Xuan flung his sleeves and drew the offensive collaboration formation on the ground and highlighted a few points.

Initially, Lu Xun was doubtful of Zhang Xuan’s words. However, after hearing his lecture, his face suddenly turned pale.

The other party’s words made perfect sense. If his students arranged themselves according to his positioning and struck at the same moment, even Lu Xun would be unable to dodge all of their attacks. At the very least, he would be struck by three attacks simultaneously.

Just a blow from one of these little fellows was enough for him to spurt blood. He wouldn’t be able to withstand three blows from them simultaneously even if he were at his peak condition.

Oblivious to Lu Xun’s trembling body, Zhang Xuan continued.

“Next, Yuan Tao grabbing onto Lu laoshi should have been a good opportunity. If Liu Yang had attacked here, Wang Ying delayed her attack by three breaths, and Zhao Ya didn’t hesitate, within the seventh breath, you all would have been able to seal his path of retreat. If so, would you all have gotten injured? Without a single injury, he would have admitted his defeat!”

The more Zhang Xuan spoke, the angrier he became.

These little fellows are truly too toying around too much.

Initially, he thought that they were practicing some kind of formidable formation, so he wasn’t too worried. Yet, it turned out to be full of flaws.

What the hell is this!

You call this a formation?

If only you had sought pointers from me beforehand, none of you all would have gotten injured today. Furthermore, you would have been able to completely pummel Lu Xun.

He wouldn’t have been able to retaliate at all, needless to say, refuse to admit defeat!

Even more so, none of you would have gotten injured.

“This… This…”

Hearing the other party’s explanation, Lu Xun felt his body turn cold.

Other people may be unable to tell how accurate was Zhang Xuan’s pointers, but as a person who had personally experienced the formation, he was aware of how fearsome his words were.

If his students had truly done it that way, the result would be as Zhang Xuan said. None of them would be injured, and his face would be swollen from a one-sided beating.

Can it be that Zhang Xuan understands formations as well?

A battle changes constantly at rapid speeds, yet he is able to see through the flaws in their formation with a single look and make the most accurate adjustments… Are you for real?

How do you do that?

Lu Xun’s trembled in fear.

He thought that those youngsters had complemented each other well in the battle, yet Zhang Xuan could point out so many flaws and problems in their collaboration.

If they were to fill up these gaps, he, despite being a Pixue realm cultivator, would be helpless before them!

In a truly powerful formation, one plus one equals to three or even four.

Yuan Tao was skilled in defense, so he played the role of the sturdiest shield. Zheng Yang was skilled in spearmanship, so he was the sharpest arrow. Zhao Ya was the core of the team, and she used all kinds of means to complement the others. Wang Ying possessed superior movement technique, so she was all around the field. Liu Yang’s fists were invincible, so he struck when the opportunity arose…

If by the previous formation, the five people were able to execute the strength of seven or eight, going by Zhang laoshi’s modification, they would be able to execute the strength of twenty!

Even a Tongxuan realm primary stage expert would find it hard to stand against such prowess, needless to say, a Pixue realm pinnacle cultivator like him!

Fearsome!

“Incredible! Even though he had merely spoken a few words, he had pointed out the very essence of the formation. Can it be that Zhang laoshi understands formations as well?”

Disbelief reflected in Liu Ling’s eyes as he heard Zhang Xuan’s pointers to his students.

Formation masters and apothecaries are two of the most esteemed occupations of the Upper Nine Paths. Both occupations require incredibly deep and profound knowledge, and becoming an official apothecary at such an age is already an incredible feat. Yet, he possesses knowledge of formations as well?

“Do you understand all I’ve said?”

Oblivious to the shock and silence in the surroundings, Zhang Xuan reprimanded his students and scanned their faces.

“Yes!”

The five of them lowered their heads in embarrassment.

This formation originated from Zhao Ya, and it was one of the top formations in Baiyu City. She thought that it was a flawless and powerful formation, so never in her dreams did she think that it had so many loopholes.

However, after Zhang laoshi’s guidance and the experience they gained from fighting Lu Xun previously, they had already developed an in-depth understanding of the formation. They should feel much more familiar it if they were to execute it once more.

“It’s good that you understand!”

After lecturing them, Zhang Xuan slowly walked back with his hands behind his back. “Since you all understand the formation, go back and fight with Lu laoshi once more. He hasn’t admitted defeat, right? Beat him until he admits defeat!”

“Ah?”

“Fight again?”

The five students staggered and they nearly spurted blood at Zhang Xuan’s words.

They thought that they were ruthless, but to think that Zhang laoshi topped them…

“You…”

Lu Xun’s felt his vision turning gray.

The heck! So in the end, it turns out that the reason why you ran in here, interrupted the fight, and offered them pointers isn’t that you think that they didn’t do well enough, but because you want to toy with me…

Lu Xun stood up, and he was about to speak when a panicked voice suddenly echoed from afar.

Master Zhang, please forgive this son of mine on my account!”

Turning around to take a look, he saw Master Zhang walking over.

“Father…”

Upon seeing the father, who usually stayed out of all his affairs, speaking up for him, Lu Xun clenched his fist and his face flushed.

The reason why he left home was to prove to his father that even without him, he can create a place for himself. He didn’t expect to be caught by him in such an embarrassing situation.

“You brat, kneel down!”

Looking at him with disappointment, Master Lu Chen pointed toward Zhang Xuan and said, “What are you waiting for? Call him your uncle now!”