Library of Heaven's Path

by Little Merger

Traversing into another world, Zhang Xuan finds himself becoming an honorable teacher. Along with his transcension, a mysterious library appears in his mind. As long as it is something he has seen, regardless of whether it is a human or an object, a book on its weaknesses will be automatically compiled in the library. Thus, he becomes formidable. “Emperor Zhuoyang, why do you detes

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Library of Heaven's Path #Chapter 417: The Cute Whirlwind Wolves - Read Library of Heaven's Path Chapter 417: The Cute Whirlwind Wolves Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 417: The Cute Whirlwind Wolves

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Fool!" Wei Youdao harrumphed coldly in disdain.

Those were Whirlwind Wolves, one of the most aggressive savage beasts in the forests. Even though they only possessed a cultivation of Zongshi realm advanced stage, in a practical battle, even Half-Zhizun cultivators had to be wary.

Yet, this fool actually charged in without any preparation... You must be joking!

"Whirlwind Wolves fancy the meat of Flowing Wave Beast. If one were to barbecue the meat and offer it to them, one could easily earn their goodwill. But of course, that isn't sufficient to tame a Whirlwind Wolf. It would require at least two to three additional years of hard work to do so... For this fellow to charge in without any preparations, it can't be that he intends to face them straight on?"

Jiang Nanping's mouth widened in astonishment, "How can there be such a foolish person in the world? Could it be that... he isn't a beast tamer?"

No matter how much strength one possessed, or how much zhenqi one harnessed in one's body, it was impossible for one to barge through the trial consisting of ten powerful savage beasts using brute force. One had to utilize all kinds of beast taming methods and win the other party's goodwill so as to keep it from attacking one.

To charge straight in without any preparatory work...

There must be something wrong with his head!

No sane beast tamer would do this!

"If he's truly a beast tamer, then he's a shame to all beast tamers in the world!" Wei Youdao harrumphed coldly.

"That's right!" Jiang Nanping nodded.

No rational beast tamer in the world would commit such foolishness.

"Let's not talk about him. Brother Wei, how would you get past this stage?" Disregarding that mad fellow, Jiang Nanping asked curiously.

As geniuses, the both of them were rivals. However, at the same time, they were also learning from one another and improving together.

"Me?"

Wei Youdao's mouth curled up, and a dazzling smile surfaced on his dashing face. "Simple, I'd offer them the barbecued meat of a Flowing Wave Beast and the spring water from the Turquoise Clarity Mountain. After which, I'd defeat the strongest one of the lot in the fastest time possible!"

Hearing the other party's solution, Jiang Nanping couldn't help but clap his hands in praise. "Brother Wei is indeed incredible! The Flowing Wave Beast and water from the Turquoise Clarity Mountain are the favorites of the Whirlwind Wolves. Using these two things to win their fancy before striking down on one of them violently... The most attractive carrot and the most painful stick! They'd surely lose their fighting will swiftly. Brilliant, that is truly brilliant!"

"Hehe... No matter how united savage beasts are, they're only beasts. One just has to divide them and make them lose their fighting will. The first stage actually isn't too difficult!"

After which, Wei Youdai turned to Jiang Nanping and asked, "What about you, Brother Jiang? How will you deal with this situation?"

"Me?" Jiang Nanping raised his right hand and pointed to the cage valiantly. "My method is different from that of Brother Wei. I'd... I'd... The heck! What is going on? How is this possible?"

Jiang Nanping was about to explain the idea he had in mind to the other party when his eyes narrowed. Gradually, his face paled, and he nearly lost his balance and fell down from shock.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing his good friend losing his composure, going to the extent of even spouting vulgarities, Wei Youdao frowned. He also turned his gaze to the cage below.

With a single look, his body trembled, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

"Thi-this... Are my eyes playing tricks on me?"

The duo stared at one another silently.

...

"Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang, you two must be old! I told you all that Zhang Xuan couldn't be as incredible as you all put him out to be, but you all just wouldn't listen to me. See what's happening now?"

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan diving into the group of Whirlwind Wolves, Luo Tang glanced at the two elders behind him and shook his head.

What in the world were you all thinking?

Do you think that this goof can represent the Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall in this competition?

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And that he is superior to me?

You must be pulling my leg!

"It's fortunate you two didn't bring him here. Otherwise, it'd only be embarrassing!"

Luo Tang spoke with a concerned tone, but smugness hung on the corners of his lips.

Those two old fogeys actually compared him with this fool? They must be blind!

"Actually, I don't mean to blame you all by saying these words. I just hope that you all won't be deceived by the lies of despicable people..."

Halfway through his words, Luo Tang suddenly felt someone tugging on his sleeve.

"What?"

Luo Tang frowned. Turning around, he saw Fang Jin staring at him with a dazed expression. Fear and shock reflected in his eyes.

"Brother Fang..."

Luo Tang was taken aback. He was just about to ask about it when he caught sight of the scene below with his peripheral vision. In that instant, it felt as though his head exploded, and tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

What was... this situation?

In the cage below, the ferocious and valiant Whirlwind Wolves were standing before the young man with a fawning look. They rubbed their heads ceaselessly on the pants of the other party and licked him throughout... On top of that, they were wagging their tails so fast that it almost looked like a propeller, and it looked as though it was going to be shaken off at any time now.

They were not attacking him... but fawning over him?

You all are the Conquerors of the Forest, the fearsome Whirlwind Wolves, not pugs...

Why in the world are you all acting cute?

What are you all up to?

"This is... Complete Submission? It's offering to form a contract with him?"

Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Luo Tang spoke with a hoarse voice.

It couldn't be any clearer to him that the Whirlwind Wolves, who were feared as the Conquerors of the Forest, were fawning on Zhang Xuan, hoping that the other party would take them in as his tamed beast!

Weren't Whirlwind Wolves proud animals who refused to associate themselves with humans? Didn't taming them take several years of relentless effort?

When did they become like dogs, stretching out their tongue and shaking their tails... waiting for someone to tame them? On top of that... Complete Submission?

"What in the world happened?"

Unable to comprehend the sight before him, Luo Tang turned to look at Fang Jin.

He was too busy lecturing Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang a moment ago, so he didn't pay careful attention. He didn't think that such a huge turnaround would occur in a blink of an eye. The situation at this instant left him completely baffled.

"That... Beast Tamer Zhang rushed into the wolves, and after pummeling them for a moment, it just... just... turned out like this!"

Fang Jin was also on the verge of tears. He tried to explain the situation, but he realized that he had no idea what had just happened either.

He had seen the entire proceeding clearly, but yet... despite seeing everything, he found himself even more confused than Luo Tang.

The ferocious disposition of the Whirlwind Wolves a moment ago wasn't just a facade. Given his eye of discernment, he could at least tell this much...

Yet, why did they suddenly change their attitudes after getting beaten up?

He had once accompanied an elder in the Beast Hall to capture a Whirlwind Wolf, and he had seen its callous personality for himself. Sometimes, it would even launch a lethal assault on a person right after it was fed with delicacies!

Otherwise, it wouldn't have earned the nickname 'Ingrate Wolf'.

It was one of the hardest savage beasts to tame. Yet, it was reduced to such a state right after a round of beating...

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Can you all be any more shameless?

Can you all be any more embarrassing than this?

"They became like that right after a pummeling?"

Luo Tang was also dumbfounded. He was about to enquire more about it when Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang spoke in agitation.

"It's Beast Tamer Zhang's unique technique, [Beast Pummeling Taming Method]!"

"Indeed! To think that he would use it here. No matter how I look at it, I can't help but be impressed!"

"Beast pummeling taming method?"

Luo Tang and Fang Jin stared at the duo in confusion.

"Un, beast pummeling taming method is a unique technique that Beast Tamer Zhang's teacher came up with. As long as a savage beast is beaten up using this technique, it would immediately submit to one. Back then, during the beast tamer examination, he used this technique to tame a Half-Zongshi Viridescent Eagle on the spot."

Seeing incomprehension in the eyes of the two, Hall Master Feng explained.

Getting a savage beast to submit through beating it?

What the heck?

Shouldn't beating savage beasts trigger the rebellious streak in them?

To submit after a pummeling...

How in the world could there be such a bizarre beast taming technique in the world? Why did it feel as though they were dreaming?

The duo only felt thunder rumbling by their ears, and their head was about to convulse from shock.

...

"Complete Submission... He actually tamed those Whirlwind Wolves in just a few breaths?"

At this moment, Wei Youdao and Jiang Nanping had finally recovered from their immense shock from the sight, and a dazed look appeared on their faces.

"Even though Whirlwind Wolves are only Zongshi realm advanced stage savage beasts, they possessed incredible speed and outstanding offensive ability. They'd definitely boost one's fighting prowess significantly. That fellow is truly lucky..."

Jiang Nanping commented in envy.

He thought that given how rash this fellow was, he would definitely be torn to shreds by the fangs of the Whirlwind Wolves. Yet, not only was he fine, he even managed to tame four Whirlwind Wolves at a single go...

"Indeed. I don't know what kind of secret technique he used to tame those Whirlwind Wolves, but it's an extremely fortunate affair for a beast tamer to have a savage beast willingly pledge its servitude to him. That fellow must be overflowing with joy at this moment..." Wei Youdao said.

There were different stages to the taming of a beast: Inceptive Taming, Advanced Taming, and Complete Submission.

Only upon Complete Submission would a savage beast willingly sign a contract and serve one. This wasn't just a show of acknowledgement by a savage beast, this was also a display of the capability of a beast tamer.

That fellow must be feeling proud at how he managed to get the proud Whirlwind Wolves lower their heads in such a short period of time!

Even if he failed the later stages, he would have already succeeded in making a name for himself...

"Indeed!"

Awed, the duo glanced downward to see the contract forming between the young man and the four savage beasts, but contrary to their expectation, the young man kicked them away impatiently.

"Scram to the side, don't cause me trouble here!"

Peng peng peng peng!

Four sorrowful cries sounded as the Whirlwind Wolves were kicked to the side. Then, the young man started walking with large strides over to the next stage.

Wuu wuu wuu wuu!

Despite being kicked, not only did the Whirlwind Wolves not charge forward to attack Zhang Xuan out of anger, they even laid on the ground motionless, not daring to make a single move as they watched the other party off with gazes mixed with desire and frustration.

"The heck!"

Upon seeing this sight, all of the spectators were dumbfounded.

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Chapter 418: Tiger Head Beast

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Several hundred meters away from the Ten Beasts Cages stood a tall tower.

Two elders were standing by the windows with an incredulous look on their faces.

They were Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall's Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing.

And that Wei Youdao was the grandson of this Grand Elder.

When Zhang Xuan arrived at the Beast Hall, the first thing he did was to look for these two. To enter the Ten Beasts Cage, he needed the permission of these two.

"Did you see his movements clearly?" Xie Jiuchen asked in disbelief.

"I... only saw him beating up the Whirlwind Wolves. Other than that... I am unable to see through anything else!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's face reddened.

As a 3-star beast tamer, his cultivation had reached Zhizun realm pinnacle, granting him vision much sharper than ordinary cultivators... He should have been able to at least comprehend the trick behind the other party's actions, yet... just like anyone else, he was also completely baffled.

Just by thinking about it left him embarrassed.

"His movements were too fast, so it's normal that you were unable to see anything! If I'm not wrong, on top of the means of a beast tamer, he has also utilized some master teacher techniques!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said with a grave face.

"Master teacher techniques?" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing asked doubtfully.

"Indeed. Even though it seemed as though he recklessly charged forward to attack those Whirlwind Wolves, every blow of his struck accurately on the meridians and acupoints of the other party. With just a few strikes, he managed to stimulate their cultivation, bringing their strength, which was capped by their bloodline, up to new heights!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen explained,

"This is similar to clearing a cultivator's meridians. After those strikes of his, even though there wasn't any visible difference to the Whirlwind Wolves, their cultivation has already grown significantly. Raising their own strength has always been a huge difficulty for savage beasts. Given how the other party is able to induce such a huge growth in their strength just through a few strikes, it's natural that the Whirlwind Wolves would submit willingly to him!"

"This..." Wei Yuqing widened his eyes in shock.

Even though the other party had put it simply, the difficulty in doing so was so great that it could be said to be impossible.

Every single Whirlwind Wolf possessed a different constitution and maturity, so their physical conditions, as well as the location of their meridians and acupoints, would differ from one another. To identify them in an instant and strike on them accurately...

What kind of eyes did the other party possess?

How in the world did he do it?

Putting him aside, even 4-star master teachers would be hard-pressed to do so.

"Other than this, I can't think of any other possibilities!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's eyes shone in agitation. "That lad might be young, but he possesses top-notch talent for beast taming!"

"Indeed. Let's see how he'll pass the second stage!" Wei Yuqing nodded.

To be capable of executing techniques so profound that even 3-star beast tamers were unable to decipher them, that lad was indeed impressive.

"In the second stage, he'll have to face three Tiger Head Beast of the same cultivation realm as him."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face turned grim, "Different from Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts are solitary beasts, and they prefer to strike on their own. However, they possess formidable strength, and their bodies and claws are on the level of Phantom equipment. It wouldn't be wrong to say that... they possess invincible defense. Ordinary swords and spears can never hope to pierce through its skin!

"It'll be hard for him to use the same method from before and strike their acupoints and meridians."

"Indeed!" Grand Master Wei Yuqing nodded in agreement.

As a 3-star beast tamer, he could deduce that much. Even though the four Whirlwind Wolves were fearsome adversaries, those who dared to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage were not ordinary beast tamers. At least eight to nine of the challengers would manage to get past the first stage.

The true test... only started from here onward!

Even though savage beasts possess superior physique, speed, and defense to cultivators of the same level, humans possessed an advantage in their intelligence and the heritage of battle techniques.

As long as one learned several formidable battle techniques, with one's superior cultivation, it wasn't impossible to subdue four Whirlwind Wolves.

However... Subduing three savage beasts of the same cultivation realm as one was clearly much harder.

Furthermore, the Tiger Head Beast was adept at individual brawling, and its defense was invincible among those of the same cultivation realm.

It was no joke to say that ten out of ten challengers would fail in this stage, ending up dead or crippled.

"Prepare to save him as soon as it seems like he's in danger. Such talent is rare in the Beast Hall!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen felt that it was a pity to see such a talent fall here, so he passed on a command.

"Un!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.

Given that even he was unable to see through the beast taming technique that the other party used, it was likely that this Zhang Xuan either had an unbelievably formidable teacher or... he possessed an eye of discernment and talent far surpassing that of others.

Regardless of which one it was, the Beast Hall would have to protect him with all its might.

"Look, it's starting..."

In the midst of the conversation between the duo, Zhang Xuan was already right before the three Tiger Head Beasts, and it seemed as though a battle would trigger at any moment now.

"Tiger Head Beasts possess a powerful physique and have a solitary and skeptical personality. It won't be as easy to tame as the Whirlwind Wolves!"

Standing before the three massive gigantic beasts that resembled tigers, its information surfaced in Zhang Xuan's head.

Mature Tiger Head Beasts could grow up to a height of three meters and a length of five meters. Given its impenetrable defense and massive physique, it already emanated a formidable pressure to face one, so one can only imagine the pressure of fighting three of them simultaneously.

Even without resorting to any techniques, just its charge would be sufficient to destroy an ordinary cultivator.

However, all of this meant nothing to Zhang Xuan.

Even though Zhang Xuan's cultivation was still stuck at Zongshi realm pinnacle, his true fighting prowess was already equivalent to that of a Zhizun realm intermediate stage expert. Three Tiger Head Beasts truly meant nothing much to him.

With a thought, lines of insight surfaced in Zhang Xuan's narrowed eyes.

The form of the three gigantic Tiger Head Beasts immediately changed. The layout of their muscle, the arrangement of their bones, the pathways of their meridians, the faults in their physique... All of them suddenly appeared right before Zhang Xuan's eyes.

Eye of Insight!

After the Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy, not only was Zhang Xuan able to peer into the flaws of those a small cultivation realm stronger than him, the number of flaws he could see had also increased significantly.

These three Tiger Head Beasts may seem imposing to the others, but all he could see were flaws all over them.

"Let's begin then, I'll end this in an instant! So what if they're difficult to tame? My goal isn't to tame them anyway!"

With a slight smile, Zhang Xuan stepped forward.

His final goal was to pass the Ten Beasts Cage, not to tame the savage beasts in it.

Rather, even if he managed to tame them and they became attached to him, that would become troublesome.

Roar!

He took a step forward, and with this, he stepped into the territory of the Tiger Head Beasts. With a ferocious roar, the three massive figures immediately charged forward and surrounded him.

"Tiger Head Beasts possess outstanding defense. It'll probably be a difficult fight..."

Wei Youdao narrowed his eyes.

"Indeed!" Jiang Nanping nodded in agreement. "If he can break through the other party's defense, he might still stand a chance. Otherwise, he's doomed..."

Peng peng peng peng!

Just as the duo was talking, the young man below began exchanging blows with the three gigantic beasts.

"He... Why did he strike the Tiger Head Beast's abdomen? Is he insane?" Jiang Nanping's face warped in shock.

"Different from other savage beasts, the abdomen is where its defense is the strongest. It often intentionally exposes it to lure others to attack it so as to create a momentary lapse in the other party's defense to strike..."

Wei Youdao's complexion looked awful as well.

Most savage beasts were unable to train their abdomen, so it was usually their weak spot. However... the Tiger Head Beast was different.

It had an additional bone at its abdomen, granting it unimaginable resilience.

This was precisely the reason why it often used it to bait cultivators to attack it. To strike at it, one would have to get into the range of the Tiger Head Beast's offense. By then, wouldn't it be free to do as it pleased?

Given how the youngster managed to tame the Whirlwind Wolves so swiftly, the other party should have an in-depth understanding of the habits and properties of savage beasts. How did he make such a low-level mistake?

Not only was striking the abdomen ineffective, one would be doomed the moment the Tiger Head Beast counterattacks!

"Look, the Tiger Head Beast is about to retaliate..."

While the duo was frowning at that sight, the man and the beast below had already come into contact with one another.

Upon seeing the fellow strike its abdomen, the Tiger Head Beast's eyes glowed in excitement. Its thick tail immediately reached forward to pull the young man to him.

Yet, before its tail could reach the other party, the latter's fist had already struck its abdomen.

Disdain and mock flashed across its eyes when a dull thud suddenly sounded.

Peng!

Immense force flowed through the other party's arm onto its body.

The mock on its face froze, and its eyes widened in shock. Its tongue fell out of its mouth, and saliva started dripping uncontrollably down the corners of its mouth.

Sou!

The five-meter long gigantic tiger body flew backward and struck the cage.

Peng!

The figure of a massive tiger was imprinted on the steel cage.

Huala!

Then, falling from the sky onto the ground, a huge storm of dust rose. The Tiger Head Beast struggled, and large mouthfuls of vomit spilled from its mouth. It tried to get back up, but excruciating pain struck its abdomen, rendering it completely immobile.

"What?"

"He struck at the point where the Tiger Head Beast's defense is the strongest, and he still rendered it powerless?"

"This... This..."

In an instant, the spectators standing in the perimeter of the cage fell silent.

The Tiger Head Beast possessed incredible defense. Under normal circumstances, the fist of a cultivator felt nothing more like an itch to it. Yet, to nearly kill it with a single blow...

How did the other party do it?

Are you sure that it is a fist, and not the leg of an elephant?

"It's Heaven's Path Fist Art!"

Among the crowd, Liu Yang tightened his fists and exclaimed with reddened eyes.

This was the Heaven's Path Fist Art that teacher imparted to him. Even though the movements were the exact same as his, there was a world of difference between the might of his teacher's punch and his own.

Given how the Zongshi realm pinnacle Tiger Head Beast was rendered powerless with a single blow, even a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator would be unable to withstand the might of that fist!

"Looks like I should devote more effort to it in the future..." Liu Yang made up his mind.

"Roar..."

Oblivious to the shock among the crowd, after sending the first Tiger Head Beast flying, Zhang Xuan turned to the remaining two.

Upon meeting his gaze, the edges of the lips of the other two gigantic fellows immediately twitched, and they hurriedly retreated backward.

They didn't possess the intelligence of a human, but they were no fools either.

The one who was sent flying was the strongest of them, but... at the moment, it looked as though it might just breathe its last at any moment now. Since that was the case, how could they possibly withstand that strike?

"Don't be scared. Let me hit you once, and we can end this here. Otherwise, if you all don't fall, I won't be able to proceed on with the trial..."

Seeing the savage beast renowned for its ferociousness backing away from fear, Zhang Xuan was speechless. He clenched his fists and beckoned them forward.

Padah! Padah!

As soon as Zhang Xuan spoke those words, the sound of two heavy objects falling to the ground suddenly echoed. Then, they saw the two imposing Tiger Head Beast falling to the ground at the same moment with their four legs facing the sky. Their tongues were stuck out, and saliva flowed continuously out of their mouths.

"..." Zhang Xuan

"..." The crowd.

Chapter 419: Seven Meridians Vicious Bear

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"What's going on?"

"Are the two Tiger Head Beasts sick?"

"Sick my head! Can't you tell? It's obvious that they're intimidated..."

"After the other party said that 'if you all don't fall, I won't be able to proceed on with the trial', those two fellows immediately dropped from fright..."

After a moment of silence, an uproar burst in the area.

They had seen savage beasts fighting resolutely against an opponent to their last breath.

They had seen arrogant savage beasts who disregarded all that came their way...

But they had never seen a savage beast who played dead even before the fight began...

How scared are you both of that fellow?

"Without making a move, he made the ferocious Tiger Head Beast so scared that they chose to play dead?"

Luo Tang and Fang Jin nearly bit their own tongues.

Wasn't this way too exaggerated?

Those were Tiger Head Beasts, incomparably ferocious animals! They were existences who dared to bare their fangs against Zhizun realm experts! Yet, after witnessing a single punch, they immediately fell to the ground and allowed saliva to trickle from their lips...

Can you all be any more shameless than that?

What ever happened to the pride of a savage beast?

The backbone of the Dictator of the Forest?

The disposition of a Zongshi realm pinnacle?

Luo Tang and the others felt as though their worldly horizons were being pushed to new boundaries.

Ten minutes ago, they prided themselves on being invincible in the art of beast taming in Xuanyuan Kingdom. However, upon seeing Zhang Xuan, they realized how insignificant they were.

Despite inducing Complete Submission among a group of Whirlwind Wolves within a few breaths, that fellow... kicked them away as though they were nothing.

Alright, you might not necessarily need them, so I will grudgingly overlook it. But... to scare a Tiger Head Beast into playing dead with a single word, isn't that way too exaggerated?

"If it were me... What would happen?"

Putting himself in the other party's situation, Luo Tang immediately burst into tears.

If he was the one facing the three Tiger Head Beasts, he would probably immediately fall to the ground and play dead upon hearing the other party's howl...

Before this, he thought that Hall Master Feng and the others were going overboard praising this fellow. However, only now did he know that there was a world of a difference between this fellow and him.

"I won't be able to do so either..." Fang Jin shook his head with a bitter smile.

Even as a Half-Zhizun expert, he didn't stand a chance against three Tiger Head Beasts at once. Under such circumstances, the best he could do was to run as far as he could. Subduing and taming it were completely out of question.

...

"The Tiger Head Beast's defense is strongest at its abdomen, but it's also where its strength originates from. Through striking at that spot with pure brute strength, that lad instantaneously destroyed its biological structure, resulting in its nausea and powerless!"

Seeing that sight, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen widened his mouth in shock. It took him a long moment before he recovered. "After seeing the sight, the two remaining Tiger Head Beasts knew that the same plight would befall them if they were to be struck...

"Once a savage beast loses its fighting prowess, it would be no different from dead. No matter how foolish they might be, it was clear what they should do!"

The primal instincts of a savage beast also taught them to avoid the strong. When facing a being far stronger than itself, even the most arrogant savage beast would back down.

"Indeed. However... to achieve this, one needs to possess more than brute strength. Above that, one has to have a complete understanding of the physique of a Tiger Head Beast so as to instantaneously determine the point of weakness among the muscles, bones, and meridians amidst its huge abdomen before one can subdue it with a single blow..."

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was also stunned.

Those were Tiger Head Beasts! Even with his current strength, it was still impossible for him to instill so much fear in them with a single blow that they would play dead!

This was no longer just a matter of possessing immense brute strength. Only those who possesses complete understanding of the Tiger Head Beast, its habits, attacking pattern, physique, and such were able to do so!

Only then would one be able to achieve such a feat so easily.

Was... Was he still a human?

For a 2-star beast tamer who wasn't in his twenties yet... How in the world did he do it?

"If I'm not wrong, he probably has a Tiger Head Beast as a tamed beast. After innumerable days and nights of companion, he managed to gain an in-depth understanding of the latter. Otherwise... it doesn't make sense at all!"

After thinking for a moment, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen eventually spoke up.

It was impossible for such knowledge to appear from nowhere. It was only through books and practical experience that one could gain complete understanding over something.

Back then, there was a painter in the capital who, in order to bring out the spirit within bamboo, planted bamboos all around his house and observed them day after day. After twenty-seven years, he managed to produce a masterpiece and made a name for himself!

In order to better understand their tamed beast, some beast tamers would choose to accompany their tamed beast day and night. Some even went to the extent of mimicking their actions so as to learn more about their habits. Through this, they were able to create cultivation techniques that complemented their tamed beast, and they were also able to earn trust from their tamed beast as well.

Given that the other party was able to get the Tiger Head Beasts to admit defeat in an instant through means they were unable to think of, this could only mean that the other party's understanding of this savage beast had far surpassed them.

Most probably, he had put a lot of effort into the study of Tiger Head Beasts.

And to do so, it was likely that he had tamed one.

"Indeed!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded in agreement. Then, he glanced at the cage, and worry surfaced in his eyes, "He might be able to pass this stage due to his deep understanding of the Tiger Head Beast, but the third stage won't be that easy!"

"For the third stage, he'll have to face the Half-Zhizun [Seven Meridians Vicious Bear]

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's complexion slowly turned grim, "This kind of savage beast is extremely rare, and it's nearly impossible to tame it. Thus, it's impossible for him to have prior knowledge of it!"

"More importantly, it possesses immense strength. Even though its cultivation is only at Half-Zhizun, it's very likely that its true strength has surpassed ten thousand ding!"

"Un. The Seven Meridians Vicious Bear only has seven meridians in its body, but it provides them with an advantage as well. To make up for the lacking quantity of meridians in its body, its meridians grew thicker, granting it with immense strength. If not for its slow movements, it would have been surely classified as a Zhizun realm savage beast!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.

The only reason why the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was publicly acknowledged to be a Half-Zhizun realm savage beast was because of its lacking speed. However, in terms of strength, even Zhizun realm primary stage cultivators were unable to match up to it.

"In order to make up for the flaw of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, the area for the third stage of the Ten Beasts Cage is made narrower. This way, its limited speed wouldn't become too much of a problem, and the challenger won't be able to circumvent it. Given the strength of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, it'll be difficult for that lad to get by using the two techniques he used for the previous two stages!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said.

Even though Zhang Xuan had passed the first two stages easily, there was a possibility that he might have prepared specially for them in advance.

If he had studied the flaws of the two savage beasts intensely beforehand, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to pass the two stages.

But the third stage was different. Due to the narrow area, it would be difficult for one to escape from the assault of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear. On top of that, the flaw of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was on its back, and given the limited area, it was impossible for one to sneak to its back and strike it. Thus, one would be forced to face it straight on.

It was one thing if Zhang Xuan's cultivation equaled with it. However, not only was the savage beast's cultivation one small realm higher than Zhang Xuan, he also had to face two at once...

The difficulty was unimaginable.

It was not an exaggeration to say that there was no hope of victory.

...

"Most probably... His challenge will come to an end here!"

Jiang Nanping's tightly clenched fists slowly released.

It was true that the other party had shocked him with his feat with the Tiger Head Beasts.

But the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was different.

Given the narrow space, one could only face it in a battle of strength.

Without sufficient strength, losing... was inevitable.

From the battle between the young man with the Whirlwind Wolves, it was clear that he was more adept in swift movements. Such cultivators often lacked strength.

After all, it was impossible for one to be skilled in everything.

"Even a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator would be unable to subdue a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear. He'll... surely be unable to withstand its attacks!"

Wei Youdao shared the same point of view.

If the second stage with the Tiger Head Beasts could be described as dangerous, then the third one with the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear would cause despair.

Even with its slow speed, it was impossible for a Zongshi realm pinnacle to triumph over it.

"Let's see what weapon he'll use!" Jiang Nanping commented.

Due to the overwhelming difficulty of the third stage, challengers were permitted to use their choice weapon from a selection provided by the Beast Hall.

However, due to the confined space, one had to choose carefully. If the weapon was too long, one would not be able to move freely, and it would become a burden instead. On the other hand, if it was too short, it would be difficult to deal significant damage to the massive body of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, thus rendering it useless.

If one didn't choose wisely, it would almost be equivalent to forfeiting.

"He's already in front of the weapon rack. I guess he'll probably use a hammer or something similar. It allows him to launch powerful blows, and it is easy to use as well."

"I think it should be a sharp dagger or something of the sort. It'll be much easier to use them..."

The duo stared fixedly at the young man below as they spoke their conjectures. However, before they could finish their words, the sight below caused them to freeze.

The youngster below simply walked past the weapon rack as though he didn't see it.

"He didn't choose anything? What does this mean? It can't be that... he intends to face the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear barehanded?"

"Barehanded? Is that fellow mad?"

The Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was known for his immense strength. Through the skillful utilization of one's weapon, one might still stand a chance...

But barehanded, how could he possibly win?

This was no different from smashing an egg on a stone! This was courting death!

"It's beginning... It's too late to choose a weapon now..."

Just as the duo were shocked, the young man below had already walked into the attacking radius of the two Seven Meridians Vicious Bear.

Roar! Roar!

Two massive figures blocking the narrow passageway of the cage entirely roared furiously as they stared at the young man in savagery.

As though they would tear him apart.

"Not only does the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear possess immense strength, its defense is also top-notch. Under such circumstances, the narrow space is truly advantageous to it... This stage is a little tricky!" Zhang Xuan muttered as he looked ahead.

There was a lot of information on the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear within the books that he assimilated to his head, and thus, he knew how fearsome and powerful these two fellows were.

If he hadn't cultivated the Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, he would surely find it difficult to face them. But now, they didn't mean much to him.

As for weapons...

The spear art, sword art, and saber art that Zhang Xuan learned were way too sharp and powerful. If he were to accidentally kill the other party in the midst of the battle, wouldn't the Beast Hall come after him?

Even in Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, Half-Zhizun savage beasts were rare.

"Alright, I should hurry up. I still want to gather a few more drops of spirit beast blood essence..."

Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan dashed forward. In the blink of an eye, he was already standing right before a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear. Then, with both of his hands, he grabbed the arm of one of the massive fellows.

"Rise!"

Howling furiously, Zhang Xuan flipped it over.

"..."

"What's this fighting method?"

Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing, and the others were dumbfounded by the sight.

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Chapter 420: I Want to Challenge Ten Beasts Cage (1)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Roar? Roar? Roar?"

The Seven Meridians Vicious Bear was dumbstruck as well.

It thought that dealing with a Zongshi realm cultivator would be a walk in a park, but before it could even process what was going on, the fellow had already rushed up to him and flipped him over.

"What are you roaring for?"

The voice of a young man echoed before the head of the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear smashed onto the metal cage.

Peng peng peng peng!

Its massive body kept coming into intimate contact with the metal cage; sometimes, it would be the left side of his head, sometimes it would be the right side. The continuous smashing left its head spinning, and it was on the verge of spurting blood.

The other Seven Meridians Vicious Bear clearly didn't expect this fellow to be so ferocious and powerful, bashing its companion around easily. It immediately prepared to charge forward to assist its companion.

"You wish to save it? Here you go!"

Before the other bear could charge up to the young man, a light chuckle sounded, and a massive shadow came flying straight toward it.

It didn't have any time to react before it was struck squarely in the face, and the two bears came crashing to the ground.

"Do you two admit defeat?"

With his hands placed in his pockets, Zhang Xuan casually walked over to the two light-headed massive beasts.

Roar!

The second Seven Meridians Vicious Bear bellowed once more, and prepared to counterattack. However, Zhang Xuan simple shook his head, grabs its arm, and started smashing it on the metal cage.

Peng peng peng peng!

Large holes appeared on the ground and the metal cage.

Gathering all of its strength, the first Vicious Bear, whose head was still turning from Zhang Xuan's prior assault, weakly got to its feet, but at that moment, its companion, held by Zhang Xuan as though a club, was sent flying straight into it.

Padah!

Not too long later, the two massive fellows finally caved in. They lay on the ground faint-headed, devoid of the strength to climb back up.

Contesting strength with me?

You must be jesting!

Having cultivated Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, Zhang Xuan possessed a total strength of 15000 ding. No matter how strong those two fellows were, they didn't stand a chance against him.

"To render the Tiger Head Beast who is known for its outstanding defense powerless with a single fist, and throw around the Seven Meridians Vicious Bear who is known for its unparalleled strength so easily..."

"Is he still a human?"

"Is he really just a Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivator?"

...

The surroundings were completely silent.

Everyone thought that the other party must have a screw loose to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, but at this moment, it couldn't be any clearer that he had the power to back it up!

What Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts, or Seven Meridians Vicious Bears...

Despite their fearsome reputation, they seemed no different from little chicks before him. They were sent flying about at his whim.

"His cultivation is really Zongshi realm pinnacle, just that... he seems to be using pure physical strength!"

It took a very long time before Hall Master Xie Jiuchen could shut his gaping mouth.

Previously, as the other party subdued his opponents swiftly through technique, he failed to notice it. But this time, the other party was clearly using strength beyond that of an ordinary Zongshi realm pinnacle, and there wasn't even the slightest zhenqi disturbance from him...

To think that on top of his understanding of savage beast and outstanding eye of discernment, that lad's strength would be at a fearsome level as well.

"It shouldn't be just his strength itself... Given how he was so able to hold onto the Vicious Bear's arm so easily, he probably... used some technique as well!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said.

"Indeed. Even though the Vicious Bear's movements are slow, it is still a Half-Zhizun savage beast, and it has adapted over time to make up for its flaws. To be able to render it unable to retaliate so easily, his grip probably isn't as simple as it seems. Most probably, he held onto the savage beast's acupoint to prevent it from exerting strength!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was already completely at a loss for words.

Under normal circumstances, even if one were to grab onto the arm of a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear, given the savage beast's massive physique and overwhelming strength, how could it possible allow one to throw it around so easily?

Thus, it was highly possible that the lad had held onto the Vicious Bear's vitals with his grip.

This vital was probably something similar to the mingmen of human cultivators. Once grabbed, it would render it completely powerless.

"Hall master, do you think that it is possible that... he has been raising a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear?" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing asked.

Previously the hall master said that it was likely that the other party had raised a Tiger Head Beast given his deep understanding of its physique.

Given how that lad was able to find the flaw on the Seven Meridian Vicious Beast so quickly as well... Could it be that he had been raising one as well?

"Cough cough..."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face turned red, and he nearly choked to death on his saliva.

It was common to for a beast tamer to rear a tamed beast at home, but a bunch?

It wasn't like the other party was operating a zoo. How could he possibly be rearing Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts... and now, a Seven Meridians Vicious Bear as well?

"He has passed through three stages already. Perhaps, this Zhang Xuan may become the first beast tamer in our Beast Hall to pass the Ten Beasts Cage!"

Knowing that continuing on the prior topic would just embarrass him, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen chuckled awkwardly and changed the topic.

There were people in the Beast Hall who challenged the Ten Beasts Cage before, but most of them couldn't even pass the second stage. Yet, that lad was able to pass three stages as easily as though eating and drinking. Perhaps, he might be able to do the same for the fourth stage as well.

"Indeed, hall master. It seems like you'll have to prepare a set of spirit beast blood essence!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing chuckled.

The reward for a successful challenge of the Ten Beasts Cage was a drop of spirit beast blood essence. Given how easily the other party passed the prior stages, it was likely that he would succeed in a single go. By then, the Beast Hall would have to present the prize to him.

"Hehe!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen stroked his beard and chuckled. "If a beast tamer can pass the Ten Beasts Cage, that can only mean that the talents in our Beast Hall are becoming more and more formidable. It's just a drop of spirit beast blood essence, it's nothing much! Not only will I present it to him, I'll also announce that if any other geniuses were to pass the Ten Beasts Cage, they'll be entitled to the same prize as well, and perhaps even more than that!"

For the past thousand years, there hadn't been a single person who had passed Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall's Ten Beasts Cage. There were also very few successful challengers in the other Conferred Kingdom Beast Halls. With this record, he would be able to keep his head up high when meeting the other hall masters.

On top of that, he could also motivate the other geniuses to work harder. This matter was beneficial to the Beast Hall.

"Indeed!" Understanding this point, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.

Just as he was about to continue speaking, his gaze suddenly turned grim. "Look, he's about to challenge the final stage!"

At that moment, all of the spectators turned their crowd to the cage below.

After rendering the two Seven Meridians Vicious Bear helpless, Zhang Xuan continued to proceed forward, and before long, he reached the final stage of the Ten Beasts Cage. Standing in front of him was Zhizun realm primary stage... Steel-armed Gold Ape!

"Steel-armed Gold Ape has a physique similar to that of a human, and this grants them agility and dexterity comparable to that of a human. On top of that, they possess superior strength, making even the typical Zhizun ream intermediate stage cultivators to not be a match for it!"

"Zhang Xuan is probably in for a difficult battle!"

Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang glanced at one another, and they saw the worry in each other's eyes.

To be honest, they had a good impression of this Beast Tamer Zhang.

Even though he was capable, he remained humble, unlike Luo Tang, who went around boasting despite knowing nothing at all.

The first three stages, the Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts, and Seven Meridians Vicious Bears, were only skilled in a single aspect. It was still possible for Zhang Xuan to exploit their flaws to achieve victory.

But not only did this Steel-armed Gold Ape possess a high cultivation, it was also an all-rounder, it had nearly no flaws that one could make use of.

Battling a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator would be much less difficult than fighting against it.

"There's no need to think too much into it. Beast Tamer Zhang's strength has already surpassed our understanding. Maybe... he might really be able to achieve victory!"

Hall Master Feng shook his head.

A month ago, when he first met this Beast Tamer Zhang, the other party was only a Tongxuan realm cultivator. But in the short span of a month, the other party had already reached Zongshi realm pinnacle, and his fighting prowess was even beyond that of the Half-Zhizun realm Seven Meridians Vicious Bear.

His strength had already far surpassed them.

They wouldn't be surprised if an expert of Zhang Xuan's level were to possess such aces up his sleeves.

Under the worried gazes of the duo, Zhang Xuan walked up to the Steel-armed Gold Ape.

The Steel-armed Ape had watched how Zhang Xuan defeated the other savage beasts, and it could tell that even he was still young, he wasn't an easy opponent at all. Thus, without any hesitation, it immediately dashed forward without any warning to launch the first blow.

Boom!

As expected of a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast, its might far exceeded that of the previous few savage beasts Zhang Xuan faced. Before its fist could reach Zhang Xuan, the shock wave from its punch had already ripped the air in the surroundings apart with sheer force.

"Powerful!"

Zhang Xuan's face turned grim. He hurriedly faced it with a fist of his own.

Peng!

The two fists collided together, and both sides retreated several steps simultaneously.

"Hmm?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He didn't think that the Steel-armed Ape would be able to stand toe-to-toe with his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan.

Even though the previous savage beasts were famed for their fighting prowess, their true strength still paled far in comparison to Zhang Xuan. Yet, the Steel-armed Ape was able to clash head-to-head with him, and this in itself proved testimony to its fearsome might.

Hu hu!

That single blow seemed to have incited the Steel-armed Ape's excitement. With speed as swift as a bolt of lightning, it dashed toward Zhang Xuan once more.

Just as the depiction of the rumors, it possessed far superior reaction speed or agility to those of the same cultivation realm, leaving one helpless before it.

Peng peng peng peng!

Clashing several times, Zhang Xuan was forced to retreat continuously.

"This isn't good. That fellow is extremely strong, and his defenses are hard to break as well. Even a momentary lapse in judgement could result in my loss, needless to say, defeating it!"

Zhang Xuan frowned.

In the end, Zhang Xuan's zhenqi cultivation was still at Zongshi realm pinnacle. The only reason why he could face the other party was due to his powerful physical body.

However, the difference between Zongshi to Zhizun didn't just lie in strength. Currently, Zhang Xuan's reaction speed still couldn't match up to Zhizun realm expert.

This made it difficult for him to keep up with the other party's movements.

If the other party was only a small cultivation realm higher than him, he could still use the Eye of Insight to deduce his next movement. However, the Steel-armed Ape was two small cultivation realms above Zhang Xuan, rendering the technique useless.

Given that Zhang Xuan couldn't predict its next movement, and he couldn't keep up with the other party's movements as well, with just his physical strength, it was indeed difficult for him to triumph over it.

But of course, if this was a life-and-death battle, through using the Heaven's Path techniques, Zhang Xuan could still kill the other party easily.

"Flaws!"

Knowing that it was difficult to defeat the other party barehanded, Zhang Xuan immediately made up his mind. With a thought, a book appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path. He quickly browsed through the contents of the book.

"So that's the case..."

After reading the contents, the edges of Zhang Xuan's lips curled up.

...

"He might be strong, but it will be difficult for him to triumph over the Steel-armed Gold Ape!" Watching the battle, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing commented.

As a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator, he was able to gauge the flow of the battle accurately.

It was clear that Zhang Xuan was in a disadvantageous position.

"It isn't just difficult, it is impossible... To think that despite clearing the first three stages so smoothly, he will fall here. It's truly a pity!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen shook his head in lamentation.

He was looking forward to the first successful challenger of the Ten Beasts Cage here, but in the end, it seemed like his hopes wouldn't be realized.

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Chapter 421: I Want to Challenge Ten Beasts Cage (2)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

That Zhang Xuan had probably learned some kind of incredible body tempering cultivation technique, allowing his physical strength to reach ten thousand ding, thus granting him the ability to challenge those beyond his cultivation realm.

However, the Steel-armed Golden Ape wasn't an easy opponent!

Its greatest advantage lay in that it was an all-rounder. It had no flaws regardless of which angle one was looking from. Even though that young man wasn't weak, he didn't stand a chance at all.

As the battle continued on, flaws would only start appearing in the young man's movements, thus providing the Steel-armed Ape an opening to strike at.

In Hall Master Xie Jiu Chen's view, if Zhang Xuan didn't have anything else, his loss would be inevitable.

"It's truly a pity..."

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing also came to the same verdict, and he sighed as well. Just as he was about to speak, the edges of his mouth suddenly twitched. "Hall master..."

He didn't need to speak any further. Hall Master Xie Jiuchen had also seen the sight, and his face turned pale, and his eyeballs were about to pop out from their sockets.

Unknowingly, the atmosphere between the man and the beast who were still fighting intensely below a moment ago suddenly turned amiable, as though they'd been buddies for several decades.

The ferocious Steel-armed Golden Ape, which was trying to tear Zhang Xuan into shreds a moment ago, was currently patting Zhang Xuan's shoulder with a brotherly look that seemed to be saying 'I'll cover you'.

Not only were the duo shocked, the other spectators were also completely bewildered by this sudden situation.

This... What was going on?

Just a moment ago, they were still trying to rip each other apart. Yet, in the blink of an eye... such a matter happened?

Even if you two knew each other before, you should at least give some signs of it. What is with that sudden change in attitude?

"During the battle, I saw the young man whisper some words telepathically to the Steel-armed Golden Ape, and the latter's attitude immediately changed! What words could he have said to induce such an abrupt change?" Jiang Nanping said in bafflement.

Ever since he missed out on the first twist with the Whirlwind Wolves, he had been looking intently on the situation before, not daring to avert his eyes in fear of missing out a single detail.

Thus, even though the change in the attitude of the human and the beast was swift, he still noticed some details——

When the Steel-armed Ape had the upper hand, the lips of the young man quivered slightly, and it seemed like he had spoken some words telepathically.

Then... the ferocious savage beast's attitude changed all of a sudden.

"I also saw it... But could one sentence really cause the attitude of the Steel-armed Golden Ape to change so rapidly? This... should be impossible, right?"

Even so, Wei Youdao was still puzzled by the situation.

"I also think that it's impossible, but... have you seen someone taming Whirlwind Wolves into cute domesticated dogs just by beating them up? Have you seen someone who made Tiger Head Beasts play dead with a single punch?" Jiang Nanping argued.

"This..." Wei Youdao's face stiffened.

Honestly, if he hadn't witnessed this sight himself, he wouldn't even dare to entertain the possibility.

Even so, he still felt doubtful about the situation. He wondered if the savage beasts had intentionally gone easy on him, even though he knew that it was impossible given the fairness of the Beast Hall.

"However, even if that fellow earned the goodwill of the Steel-armed Golden Ape, it should be impossible for it to let him pass just like that! The Steel-armed Golden Ape is the tamed beast of Elder You, and since it has already promised to guard the final stage and prevent all challengers from getting past it, it should probably fulfill its responsibility..."

Taking another glance below, Wei Youdao still wasn't able to make sense out of the situation.

Even if that fellow used some trick to make the savage beasts in the cage go easy on him, it was impossible for the same trick to work on the Steel-armed Golden Ape.

After all, this was the tamed beast of Beast Hall's Elder You! It had already given its promise to guard the final stage to its dying breath. That fellow might have succeeded in persuading the Steel-armed Golden Ape against fighting, but this didn't mean that it would allow him to pass!

Before Wei Youdao could finish his words, the crisp voice of the young man below suddenly echoed in the air.

"Brother Ape, I need you to step aside so that I can pass!"

The Steel-armed Golden Ape nodded hurriedly, and without any hesitation, it immediately cleared the path. Then, it lifted its gigantic hands to bid the young man farewell.

"I think... it just chose not to fulfill its responsibility..." Jiang Nanping said.

"..." Wei Youdao.

...

Zhang Xian bade farewell to the Steel-armed Golden Ape.

No flaws could hide itself from the Library of Heaven's Path. The Steel-armed Golden Ape was born with some deficiencies, and Zhang Xuan had given him the solution to the problem. Putting aside giving way for him to pass through, even if he were to tell it to become his tamed beast at this moment, it would surely accept the request.

As long as a savage beast hadn't been completely tamed and a contract wasn't established yet, there would not be any problems in changing owners.

It was just like the situation with the Viridescent Eagle. Even though Mo Yu had paid an exorbitant price to cultivate trust with it, it still betrayed her for Zhang Xuan after a beating.

Before long, Zhang Xuan reached the end of the Ten Beasts Cage. Lifting his hand, he touched the wall at the end of the road and a brilliant radiance shone.

Ten Beasts Cage trial, success!

"He has... passed just like that? How long did he take?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen couldn't help but ask.

"This..." Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's lips quivered and he said, "Probably... around half a tea's time!"

"Half a tea's time?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's eyebrows twitched.

Under normal circumstances, challenging the Ten Beasts Cage would take two hours.

A tea's time is equivalent to a quarter of an hour.

And in half a tea's time, an eighth of an hour, the other party subdued ten savage beasts and passed all four stages...

"More importantly... Most of the time expended was spent on walking. Counting the time that he was facing the savage beasts... it adds up to a total of only several dozen breaths!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing continued.

Passing the Ten Beasts Cage in half a tea's time was already an astounding feat. On top of that, to think that he only spent several dozen breaths against the savage beasts...

If not for witnessing this sight personally, if his subordinate dared to report such a matter to him, he would surely have the other party punished for lying so blatantly to him...

"Hall Master Xie, does this count as a pass?"

Just as his eyes were twitching non-stop from shock, a young man walked up toward him.

"You've passed, you've passed..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded vigorously.

If this wasn't a pass, what could be considered as one?

"Then... my spirit beast blood essence!"

The young man stared at him.

"Let's head to the balcony on top. I want to present it to you before the crowd!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen smiled.

It was a glorious affair for someone to pass the Ten Beasts Cage under his leadership, so naturally, he wanted to advertise the matter.

"Alright!"

Knowing the other party's motive, Zhang Xuan nodded silently.

Soon, the group reached the balcony.

"Fellow beast tamers and friends of the Beast Hall, I believe all of you have witnessed this young man's valiant challenge of the Ten Beasts Cage."

Upon reaching the balcony, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen took a jade box from one of the elders' hands, surveyed the surroundings below, and announced with a clear voice.

"Incredible!"

"I wonder what that beast tamer's name is. He shall be my idol from now on! I shall work hard with him as my goal."

"With him as your goal? Don't you think that you are being a little too ambitious here? You'll only end up despairing in the future. In my opinion, you should just aim for Jiang Nanping and Wei Youdao. Or else, Luo Tang, Fang Jin, and the others will do as well!"

"... That makes sense!"

A commotion broke out below.

Upon hearing the discussions, Luo Tang, Fang Jin, Wei Youdao, and Jiang Nanping, who were vehemently vying for the top spot a moment ago, turned red in embarrassment. If there was a hole in the ground at that moment, they would surely have dived in instantly.

They thought that they stood at the very top of Xuanyuan Kingdom, but with this... they realized that the other party was way out of their league!

Clearing the Ten Beasts Cage in half a tea's time, such a result was sufficient to leave them in despair.

"According to the rules of the Beast Hall, the reward for clearing the Ten Beasts Cage is a drop of spirit beast blood essence. Since Beast Tamer Zhang has succeeded in the challenge, I'll present him with the reward now!"

Hal Master Xie Jiuchen's voice reverberated in the surroundings.

He opened the jade box, and a droplet of blood swirling within a bottle appeared in everyone's view. It seemed to exude the majesty of an unparalleled expert, exerting a strong pressure on those within its vicinity.

Spirit beast blood essence!

"Beast Tamer Zhang, congratulations!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen presented the jade box over to Zhang Xuan with a bright smile.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan grabbed the jade box over.

His main goal at the Beast Hall was this, and having achieved his primary objective, he was in good spirits.

"From today onward, I hope that everyone can view Beast Tamer Zhang as their role model and cultivate diligently. The Ten Beasts Cage trial shall always be open to all beast tamers to prove their capability!"

Knowing that this was an ideal occasion to promote the matter, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen stroked his beard and chuckled, "No matter who it is, as long as one passes the trial, the Beast Hall will bestow a droplet of spirit beast blood essence to them!"

"I believe I need not explain the significance of spirit beast blood essence to beast tamers! So, work hard. As long as you give it your all, the sky is the limit..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen declared grandly.

Honestly speaking, his words were extremely motivational.

When everyone saw the reward, they saw the possibility of them standing Zhang Xuan's place...

As soon as the voice came to a halt, an uproar broke out below. Many of the younger beast tamers had their faces red in agitation, and their hands were tightly clenched together.

The spirit beast blood essence was extremely useful to both human and savage beast alike. Every single droplet was worth a fortune, and there was no beast tamer who could resist such a reward.

Since someone else passed the Ten Beasts Cage, why can't I do the same?

In a moment, a wave of excitement swept across the crowd.

"Hall Master, I would like to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage as well!"

"I want to give it a try too..."

In just a few breaths, more than a dozen beast tamers had already rushed up to the tower.

Seeing the motivated faces below, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded in satisfaction. Just as he was about to speak, the young man beside him kept the spirit beast blood essence in his storage ring and started staring at him intently.

"Hall master, since everyone can challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, it shouldn't be a problem for me to attempt it once more, right?"

The two drops that he obtained by Lin Ruotian only granted him a strength of 9999 ding. He didn't even manage to reach Zhizun realm.

Even if this single drop were to help him to break through his bottleneck, he would still be a far way off from Zhizun realm pinnacle.

If he wanted to avenge Lu Chong, he needed to possess at least strength of that level.

Thus, he needed much more spirit beast blood essence.

"What did you say?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was taken aback by Zhang Xuan's question, and for a moment, he couldn't react.

"I said that... I want to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage again!" Zhang Xuan said.

"You want to challenge it again?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's lips twitched. "Didn't you just pass the challenge?"

"That's right. However, you just said 'No matter who it is, as long as one passes the trial, the Beast Hall will bestow a droplet of spirit beast blood essence to one'. I need a lot more spirit beast blood essence, so I would like to continue challenging it!" Zhang Xuan replied seriously.

"Continue challenging it?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's body swayed vigorously.

You successfully completed the challenge in just half a tea's time. If you were allowed to attempt it again and again, wouldn't our Beast Hall fall into bankruptcy?

Given how valuable spirit beast blood essence was, even Xuanyuan Kingdom's Beast Hall didn't have too much of it...

"Indeed!" Zhang Xuan nodded seriously. He started taking out his fingers and started calculating. "Don't worry, I won't get too greedy. Just allow me to challenge it another twenty times!"

"..."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's body swayed, and he nearly fell over the railing of the balcony.

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Chapter 422: Nightmare Beast

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Twenty? And you said that you aren't greedy?

Do you know how many drops of spirit beast blood essence is there in our Beast Hall?

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face was turning green.

If only he'd known the intentions of this Beast Tamer Zhang in advance, he wouldn't have made his previous declaration so valiantly.

He had just said that anyone who successfully clears the trial will receive a droplet of spirit beast blood essence, and this fellow immediately raised the topic.

Why did it feel as though he was tricked?

If he were to challenge it again and again, wouldn't the Beast Hall have to present him with spirit beast blood essence again and again?

Even with the thousand years of heritage behind Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, spirit beast blood essence was still an extremely limited commodity. If that fellow was allowed to do as he pleased, the Beast Hall would surely fall into bankruptcy!

When other people challenged the Ten Beasts Cage, even if they were able to clear, it would likely to be a close call, and they would often have to remain in bed for three to five months to recuperate.

Yet, this fellow passed the challenge as though he was just strolling in the gardens. Not only was he fine... he even managed to collect a group of savage beast minions.

Just look at that, the sweetly smiling Steel-armed Golden Ape was still waving to him continuously, and it seemed as though its hands would tear off at this rate...

And not too far away, the Whirlwind Wolves were still staring at him with looks of desire.

Desire your head!

It had been awhile since they were captured under Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's orders, but due to their arrogant personality, most of the young beast tamers were unable to tame them. That was why he chose to put it in the Ten Beasts Cage as one of the stages...

Yet, after a beating, not only were they not angry, they were stared at Zhang Xuan with a look of desire. Did they really crave for a beating so much?

He could already see that if Zhang Xuan were to be allowed to continue on, at this rate, not only would the Beast Hall go bankrupt, all of the savage beasts within would also become his...

What kind of monster was this?

"Since hall master has agreed to it, I'll go down right now. Honestly speaking, the Ten Beasts Cage is quite an interesting challenge!" Taking the other party's silence as consent, Zhang Xuan prepared to leap down.

He urgently needed the twenty droplets of spirit beats blood essence, and he had no time to waste. Since he had already decided on the matter, he planned to get it over and done with quickly.

"Wait a moment..."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen hurriedly walked over to stop him. With an awkward smile, he said, "There's no hurry. You have just cleared the Ten Beasts Cage, so you must be exhausted. Why don't you rest first? We can talk about it afterward!"

"There's no need for that, I'm not tired! Actually, this challenge is also a form of training to me, so there's no need for Hall Master to worry about me." Zhang Xuan nodded.

Worry...

Who the heck is worried about you!

I am worried that you would collapse the entire Beast Hall...

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen hurriedly waved his hands, "I know that Beast Tamer Zhang possess extraordinary talents in beast taming, and challenging it consecutively isn't a problem for you. But... gathering so many powerful savage beasts isn't an easy feat... Even if you're not exhausted, you should allow the savage beasts to rest for a moment."

"Rest?"

Glancing downward, Zhang Xuan asked, "Are any of you tired?"

The Whirlwind Wolves, Tiger Head Beasts, and Steel-armed Golden Ape hurriedly shook their heads.

"Look, they're not tired!" Zhang Xuan said.

"..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen felt light-headed.

Say, how can someone as capable at beast taming as you lack EQ?

Isn't my intention clear enough? I don't want you to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, why can't you get the hint?

"Cough cough, Beast Tamer Zhang. Perhaps you don't understand the hall master's words. What he means to say is that since you have already cleared the Ten Beasts Cage once, you shouldn't challenge it again. There's not much significance to it like that!"

Seeing the conversation between the two, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing couldn't help but interject.

"I can earn a droplet of spirit beast blood essence every time I clear it. This is extremely important to me!" Zhang Xuan replied with a serious expression.

Of course there is a significance to it! If not, I would not have been so bored as to travel this far just to challenge it.

"You..."

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's face turned gray in frustration. He had tried to beat around the bush, but the other party revealed his intentions straight...

How the hell can we continue talking if you are going to be just like that?

"Alright, I know that you'll definitely clear the challenge. However, the opportunity must be given to the other beast tamers as well. Thus, let's drop the matter!"

Unable to hold it any longer, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen waved his hands and made up his mind.

"This..." Zhang Xuan frowned.

He'd learned about the Ten Beasts Cage from a book in the Beast Hall, so he traveled the distance here to challenge it. He thought that if he could do it twenty consecutive times, he would have sufficient spirit beast blood essence to fuel his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan. Yet, the other party simply turned him down.

"It's alright if you don't allow me to challenge it as well!"

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan glanced at the duo and said, "I urgently require nineteen more droplets of spirit beast blood essence. Regardless of whether I have to buy it or trade for it, I have to obtain it."

"You still need nineteen more droplets?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing glanced at one another, light-headed.

Why in the world would he need so much spirit beast blood essence? To boil a stew?

Normal savage beasts would find it difficult to even absorb a single droplet of the blood essence. Yet, you asked for twenty at a single go... Are you trying to build an army of savage beasts?

"It's possible for us to sell some to you. A single droplet of spirit beast blood essence costs five spirit stones. However, as you're a beast tamer, we can give you a discount and charge you four spirit stones!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said.

"Four spirit stones for a single droplet?" Zhang Xuan widened his eyes. "Forget it, I guess I'll challenge the Ten Beasts Cage after all. You all should hurry up and make preparations!"

He was also trying to find spirit stones to raise his cultivation as well!

Four spirit stones for a single droplet... Why don't you rob a bank?

Grabbing onto his chin, Zhang Xuan started to calculate, "Since spirit beast blood essence is so expensive, after challenging the Ten Beasts Cage twenty times, I don't really need anymore. If so, I can sell them back to you. If I challenge it a hundred times in a day, I can earn 400 spirit stones. Continue that for a month and I'll have more than ten thousand spirit stones..."

"..."

The two leaders of the Beast Hall felt frenzied.

Brother, must you be so determined to wreck our Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall?

What kind of grudge do you have against us?

"Alright, enough! We can give twenty droplets of spirit beast blood essence to you, but we have a condition!"

Feeling so stifled that his chest was about to burst apart, an idea suddenly appeared in Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's mind. He gestured grandly and harrumphed.

If he were to allow the other party to do as he pleased, not only would the Beast Hall fall apart, he would also become a laughingstock of the other Conferred Kingdom Beast Halls in the surroundings.

"A condition?"

"That's right. Our Beast Hall has just captured a savage beast, but it's proving difficult to tame. If you can find a way to tame it for the Beast Hall's usage, we'll be willing to give you ten additional droplets on top of your twenty!"

"But of course, if you fail, you are not to bring up the matter of challenging the Ten Beasts Cage anymore!"

"Ten additional droplets?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up. "Alright, I agree to your condition!"

Judging by how the other party kept pushing the matter down, it would be impossible for him to continue challenging the Ten Beasts Cage. Since the other party had already raised this condition, he would be a fool to not accept it.

Ten droplets were equivalent to forty spirit stones. It was a profitable business to earn this massive sum just by taming a savage beast.

"If you don't agree to it, I'll take it as you have forfeited to it yourself. So, don't ever mention the matter of challenging the Ten Beasts Cage ever again..."

Yet to process Zhang Xuan's reply, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen continued on. But halfway through, he suddenly paused, and his eyes slowly widened. "What did you say? You agree to it?"

"That's right. Why shouldn't I agree to it?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"But... Do you know what savage beast you are going to tame? Why would you agree to it so readily?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was overwhelmed by so much shock that he was about to tear off his beard.

Even a 3-star beast tamer, a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert, like himself was unable to tame the savage beast, yet you agreed to the matter so readily?

Initially, he was only thinking of using this matter to deter the other party from bringing up the matter of challenging the Ten Beasts Cage ever again. After all, since even he was unable to tame it, he didn't think that the other party was capable of doing so either.

Yet, before he could finish his words, the other party had already agreed to the matter.

"Who cares what savage beast it is!" Zhang Xuan waved nonchalantly.

Honestly, to Zhang Xuan, the type or strength of the savage beast didn't matter to him.

What he was concerned about was whether he could earn sufficient spirit beast blood essence.

"... Alright!"

Seeing how confident the other party was, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen hesitated for a moment before nodding his head.

The truth of the situation wasn't too far from what Hall Master Feng deduced. The reason why the Beast Taming Competition was suddenly brought forward was to bring all of the geniuses from the various kingdoms over here to brainstorm on a method to tame that savage beast.

Given how talented the fellow before him was, especially after seeing how he tamed a group of Whirlwind Wolves in the blink of an eye... Perhaps, he might really have a solution to their problem.

As long as he could tame that savage beast, even thirty droplets of spirit beast blood essence weren't a big deal.

"Let's go then. I'll bring you to meet it!"

Coming to a decision, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen decided not to dawdle on. He called for an elder and gave him some instructions before leading Zhang Xuan and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing to the depths of the Beast Hall.

Knowing that this was an opportunity for him to earn more spirit beast blood essence, Zhang Xuan hurriedly followed behind him without much hesitation.

"Teacher!"

"Young master!"

Along the way, Zhang Xuan met Zhao Ya, Sun Qiang, and the others, who were waiting outside for him.

"Let's go together then!"

There weren't many things Zhang Xuan needed to hide from these people. Thus, he invited them to tag along, and they soon arrived at a vast courtyard.

The courtyard was surrounded with high walls that were around a dozen meters thick, similar to city walls. The interiors were slightly blurred, and with a single glance, one could tell that a formidable formation was set up within.

"The savage beast is just inside! I'll just say it first, it isn't too late for you to back down now."

The group came to a stop right outside the courtyard. With a grim expression, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said, "The savage beast is actually a [Nightmare Beast]. Our Beast Hall paid a heavy price before we were able to capture it. Due to the hint of Dragon Bloodline it possessed, it has an extremely arrogant nature, making it nearly impossible to tame it."

"Nightmare Beast? A Half-Transcension savage beast?"

Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

Having assimilated the knowledge from the books in the Beast Hall, Zhang Xuan possessed knowledge of the savage beast.

It was known as the number one strongest savage beast beneath that of spirit beasts. Possessing a hint of Dragon Bloodline, it wielded incredible strength. Even Transcendent Mortal 1-dan primary stage experts would find it hard to face!

To think that the Beast Hall would actually manage to capture such a powerful beast, it was truly incredible!

"Indeed. This fellow has a ferocious nature, and it'll be difficult to even approach it. I can bring you to meet it, but if you find yourself stumped, just give up. Don't take the risk. But of course, once you give up, you mustn't bring up the matter of challenging the Ten Beasts Cage ever again." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen raised his conditions.

He was afraid that the other party would turn his attention back to the Ten Beasts Cage after realizing that he was unable to tame the Nightmare Beast. If so, all of his efforts would be in vain.

"Let's go in and take a look!" Zhang Xuan prompted.

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded. They found the entrance to the formation and led the crowd in.

The courtyard was vast, and on top of the formation, a massive metal cage specially crafted by blacksmiths were laid out within. If a savage beast were to be trapped within it, it would be nearly impossible to escape.

After circling around the courtyard, they finally reached the perimeter of the metal cage. Within it, they saw a five-meters tall and ten-meters long massive savage beast lying quietly on the ground. Upon noticing the presence of outsiders, its eyes immediately turned red, and it released a deafening roar.

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Chapter 423: Ancient Beast Language

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Its roar was so loud that it threatened to burst the ear drums of everyone present.

Of the group, Yuan Tao, Sun Qiang, and the others who had weaker cultivation jolted upon hearing the roar. Their faces paled, and their bodies swayed weakly from side to side.

It seemed like they were injured just by the powerful roar itself.

"You all should leave first!"

Knowing that a powerful savage beast could kill one with its roar by itself, Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

Sun Qiang, Yuan Tao, and the others hurriedly left.

"This is the Nightmare Beast!"

A grim expression appeared on Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face.

The Nightmare Beast was simply too strong; even he wasn't a match for it. If not for the sturdy cage, the unique formation, and the multiple layers of traps laid out in the courtyard, it would have already escaped.

Spirit beasts possessed wisdom that was not inferior to a human in any way. Upon reaching this level, they could already cultivate on their own to raise their cultivation.

Even though the Nightmare Beast before them had not reached the level of a spirit beast yet, it was not too far from reaching that level. On top of that, it possessed a trace of Dragon Bloodline, augmenting its already fearsome prowess. If not for the unique circumstances, it would have been impossible for the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall to capture it.

"It's injured?"

Zhang Xuan glanced at it briefly before frowning.

"Un!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded.

The 'unique circumstances' referred to this fellow being injured, thus giving them an opportunity to strike.

However, judging from its rate of recovery, it should be able to fully recover in less than a month. If they didn't tame it within this period of time, it would surely escape from their grasp by then.

This was precisely the reason why they went to the extent of pushing forward the Beast Taming Competition just to try and find a viable method to tame it.

"Its internal injuries came from its failed attempt at breaking through the bottleneck of a spirit beast!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen explained.

Zhang Xuan nodded.

That was indeed the case.

Even without the Library of Heaven's Path and Eye of Insight, just based on his knowledge of savage beasts, he could tell this much.

At Half-Transcension, be it humans or savage beasts, they would hope to take the one last step to reach a higher order of existence.

This Nightmare Beast forcibly pushed itself to make that breakthrough, but it failed and a rebound occurred, reducing it to its current state. Unable to move, it could only roar to instill fear in its enemies.

Otherwise, if a Half-Transcension savage beast were to go on a rampage, even a Half-Transcension cultivator would be unable to withstand its might. It would have been completely impossible for Xie Jiuchen and the others to capture it and lock it here.

"As long as you can find a viable method to tame it, we'll do it ourselves. If it works, we'll give you thirty droplets of spirit beast blood." Xie Jiuchen explained the terms of this exchange.

Given that young lad's strength, it would be impossible for him to tame a Half-Transcension savage beast.

Thus, he only asked for a viable solution.

If he deduces it to be feasible, all of the 3-star beast tamers would cooperate together to carry it out. As long as they succeed, no price was too heavy to pay.

If they were to tame a savage beast of this level, the strength of the entire Beast Hall would be brought to whole new heights.

In contrast, thirty spirit beast blood essence wasn't a heavy price at all.

"Find a viable method?"

Not expecting the other party's request to be so simple, Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

Delighted, he gestured, "Alright, go over and knock that fellow out then. After I observe him, I'll give you a viable solution to the matter!"

The Nightmare Beast was too strong, so the Eye of Insight was ineffective against it. On the other hand, for the Library of Heaven's Path to be triggered, the other party had to execute a battle technique or... be knocked out.

Given how that fellow couldn't even stand up, it was impossible for it to execute a battle technique. The roar couldn't be considered as a battle technique as well.

Thus, the only way to activate the Library of Heaven's Path was to knock it out.

Only then could Zhang Xuan determine a viable taming method through its flaws.

"Knock that fellow out?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing thought that the other party might have some brilliant situation, so their ears were pricked to listen to whatever he had to say. However, after hearing those words, their eyelids twitched.

That fellow possessed the Dragon Bloodline! Knock it out?

They had to have the capability to do it first!

Those of the Dragon Bloodline possessed outstanding recovery capability, and their defenses were far superior to other savage beasts. Even a Half-Transcension expert couldn't knock out a Half-Transcension savage beast easily, needless to say, them.

"You can't do it?"

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.

Given that the other party couldn't demonstrate battle technique, and they couldn't knock it out either, this situation was a little tricky.

"You should... think of another solution!" Xie Jiuchen said.

Zhang Xuan scratched his head.

There were many beast taming techniques, but given how even the experienced hall master was unable to come up with anything feasible, how could he have any ideas?

The usual method Zhang Xuan used was to raise the other party's strength through the Heaven's Path zhenqi, but given the huge disparity in strength, the effects of the Heaven's Path zhenqi would be minimal.

He wouldn't be able to earn the other party's goodwill through inducing such insignificant growth.

"My opinion is still to... knock it out!"

After a long moment, Zhang Xuan could not find any good ideas. Thus, he could only reiterate his stand.

"..." Xie Jiuchen and Wei Yuqing.

"Actually, we've also thought of a feasible solution, but we aren't able to carry it out!"

A long while later, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen suddenly spoke.

"Oh?" Curious, Zhang Xuan turned his gaze over.

"Since the Nightmare Beast attempted the breakthrough, it must know the method to do so. Such methods are normally left behind by ancient spirit beasts, and if we can find a beast tamer skilled in ancient beast language, he might be able to earn its respect. If so, it would be much easier to tame it." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said.

"Ancient beast language?"

"Un. While beast tamers can converse with their own tamed beast, it is still extremely inconvenient for them to communicate with other savage beasts. Back then, Empyrean Kong shi left behind a [Beast Language Scroll, and as long as one learns it, one would be able to speak with spirit beasts freely. This fellow isn't a spirit beast, but it's already extremely close to that level. On top of that, it also possesses a hint of the Dragon Bloodline, so it should be capable of basic conversation in that language. Otherwise, it wouldn't be able to learn of the method left behind by ancient spirit beats either."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen eyes gradually grew grim, and he spoke slowly, "If there were someone among us who was skilled in it, we'd be able to converse with it and know what it wanted. If so, taming it would be much easier."

Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement.

There was some information on the ancient beast language through the books in Xuanluo Mountain Beast Hall.

However, there were very few people who were adept in it, and most of them were high-ranked beast tamers.

This was precisely the reason why these beast tamers could win the trust of savage beasts easily, and make them listen to them.

"Does our Beast Hall have books on the ancient beast language?"

Zhang Xuan couldn't help but ask.

"We do have some, but most of them are from a faraway era. On top of that, most of them are just the deductions of our predecessors, and we've no way of determining whether they are authentic or not." Xie Jiuchen shook his head bitterly.

Even though the complete heritage of ancient beast language had slowly disappeared, some sounds of words still remained in circulation. However... these were useless by itself. Putting aside whether they were real or not, it was impossible to determine their meaning just by the sound itself.

Countless predecessors of the Beast Hall had tried studying it, but most of the words originated from legends, and their meanings were lost. On top of that, some of these legends were fabricated, and it was impossible to discern truth from falsehood. Realizing the impossibility of the task, everyone eventually chose to give up on it.

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

"Can you take me over to take a look?"

Others might not be able to discern truth from false, but he was different!

With the Library of Heaven's Path, as long as they were in written form, it was a walk in the park for him to determine what was true and what was false!

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Chapter 424: Bizarre Language [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"You want to look at those books?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing glanced at one another in confusion.

The ancient beast language sounded incredible, but its heritage had already been lost. The possibility of learning it through books was zero.

Even if the content of the book was authentic, without a tutor to guide one, it was impossible for one to verbalize the sound out accurately.

What made things worse was that each word of the ancient beast language had a special zhenqi circulation method to verbalize it. Without it, it was impossible to pronounce it accurately, especially with a human's sound box.

Countless predecessors of the Beast Hall had devoted their lives in an attempt to decipher the language, but none had succeeded. Yet, this fellow said that he wanted to browse through those books to learn the language so leisurely... Did he really think that he could master it just by reading through those?

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"This..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen hesitated. Knowing the impossibility of the task, he tried to talk Zhang Xuan out of it, "Studying the ancient beast language isn't something that can be accomplished all of a sudden. Without a proper tutor, I'm afraid that you might accidentally injure yourself..."

"I'm just taking a casual look. If, by chance, I were to succeed, perhaps I'll be able to tame this fellow!" Zhang Xuan smiled.

Hearing the other party insisting on the matter, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen frowned in displeasure.

Given how the other party cleared the Ten Beasts Cage so easily, his talents and strength were definitely top-notch. But why would a genius like him choose to do something so pointless and foolish?

Do you think that the ancient beast language is something one can grasp just by reading books?

If that was the case, there wouldn't be so little beast tamers who knew the ancient beast language.

By chance... If it were possible to succeed by chance, they wouldn't be in such a dilemma.

You must be jesting!

"Fine. Elder Wei, lead him there. Feel free to browse through the books of the Beast Hall. However, I won't tolerate you making a fuss over the Ten Beasts Cage after this!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said, suppressing his displeasure.

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

Even though the Beast Hall had many savage beasts, it was still nigh impossible for them to gather a sufficient number of them for Zhang Xuan to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage another nineteen times. The reason why Zhang Xuan insisted on the matter previously was to force the other party to compromise.

After observing the Nightmare Beast for a while longer, Zhang Xuan was still unable to come up with a better idea, so he decided to follow behind Grand Elder Wei Yuqing to the library.

"The books on the ancient beast language are placed randomly throughout the library, feel free to browse through them!"

As the duo reached the library, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing gestured to the massive collection of books inside.

He shared the same thoughts as Hall Master Xie Jiuchen. To think of learning the ancient beast language just by reading books... You must be dreaming!

If it was that easy to take it on, beast tamers adept in the ancient beast language wouldn't be so valued.

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing left with a look of disappointment on his face. Zhang Xuan noticed it, but he didn't pay it any heed. In any case, he would prefer to be left alone here anyway.

The Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall's library was much larger than that of the Xuanluo Mountain Range branch. Countless books were placed upon tall bookshelves that extended all the way to the limits of one's sight. Since Zhang Xuan was already here, he might as well just collect all of the books within. Thus, placing his fingers on the first book on the first row, he started running.

...

"Seems like he's still too young. His outstanding accomplishment has led to his complacency!"

Returning to the courtyard, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing shook his head.

"Considering how he was able to become a 2-star beast tamer and could face a Zhizun realm savage beast despite his young age, it is no wonder that he would become complacent. But still, to attempt to learn the ancient beast language just by browsing through books, he is underestimating the occupation!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen said with a slight frown on his face.

Initially, he bore great expectations of this young man... However, after hearing the solution the other party came up with, all of his goodwill for the other party vanished.

Knocking the Nightmare Beast out... You must be pulling my leg!

To tame a savage beast, one had to learn its habits, likes, dislikes, and such. Forcibly knocking the other party out would only incur its resentment.

That fellow had a proud nature. It was already difficult to tame, and if they were to really knock it out, the possibility would probably drop to zero.

"Indeed!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded in agreement.

"Let's not talk about him. How are the challengers of the Ten Beasts Cage faring?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen asked.

While the group was tending to the Nightmare Beast, the Ten Beasts Cage had been busy as well.

Many of the geniuses who came to Xuanyuan Kingdom were stirred by Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's speech, and they were spurred to give it a try.

"I took a look before coming here, and the challengers... aren't doing too well!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing flashed a bitter smile.

After bringing Zhang Xuan to the library, he took a look, and the sight he saw brought a bitter smile to his face.

Beast Tamer Zhang had pummeled the Whirlwind Wolves and easily passed the first stage previously, even winning their admiration in the process of doing so. As though emulating his success, the first few challengers also charged straight at the Whirlwind Wolves. However... they ended up as the one being pummeled instead, and two of them were even nearly gnawed to death.

One of the more formidable geniuses managed to get past the Whirlwind Wolves and proceeded on to face the Tiger Head Beast.

He imitated Zhang Xuan's strategy and struck the other party's abdomen. The result? His arms almost fell off from the rebound, and the momentary opening from that nearly turned him into a lump of meat paste.

In less than an hour, more than ten geniuses had already fallen. On top of that, the majority of them didn't even clear the first stage.

Even the famous Jiang Nanping, Fang Jin, and Luo Tang had given it a try. A handful of them was even stronger than Zhang Xuan, but they were still defeated in the first stage.

Those wolves were obedient as though pugs before Zhang Xuan, so the challengers didn't think of them as a threat. Yet, when it came to them, they showed their true might as predators of the forest.

"If it were that easy to clear the Ten Beasts Cage, we wouldn't be no successful challenger for the past thousand years!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen seemed to have anticipated this result, and he shook his head in lamentation.

He knew very well the difficulty of the Ten Beasts Cage. He didn't underestimate it just because Zhang Xuan cleared it easily.

"Un!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded. At this moment, he suddenly recalled a matter and said, "Right, the ruckus Beast Tamer Zhang caused by challenging the Ten Beasts Cage is too great. I'm afraid that... even if we were to host the Beast Taming Competition now, there wouldn't be much point to it!"

"Oh?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen fell into deep contemplation.

"Beast Tamer Zhang is young, and he meets the prerequisites for the Beast Taming Competition... After he cleared the Ten Beasts Cage, his prestige has soared. Under such circumstances, there won't be much point in winning the champion seat..." Grand Elder Wei Yuqing smiled bitterly.

"You mean that... everyone views Beast Tamer Zhang as their goal? So, even if we conduct the Beast Taming Competition and someone wins the champion seat, as long as the champion doesn't clear the Ten Beasts Challenge, he won't be recognized by the masses?"

Xie Jiuchen came to a realization.

If the jade that came before was too radiant, it would dull the glow of those trailing behind.

This Beast Tamer Zhang was clearly such a jade.

He cleared the Ten Beasts Cage in a single go, breaking the thousand year record of Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall. Even if someone were to be hailed as the champion of the Beast Taming Competition, as long as he doesn't clear the Ten Beasts Cage, the prestige of his achievement would surely be compromised.

"Indeed!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded.

"This..."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's smiled bitterly.

Actually, it wasn't that he'd neglected this matter. It was just that, from the very start, he didn't expect that fellow to clear the Ten Beasts Cage, let alone clearing it so easily!

"Since that's the case, pass down an order saying that... the content of the Beast Taming Competition this time around will be the Ten Beasts Cage. Whoever passes the challenge will be the champion!" After hesitating for a moment, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen continued, "Also, check which branch does Beast Tamer Zhang belong to. If no one clears the Ten Beasts Cage... He'll be declared as the champion!"

"Alright!" Wei Yuqing nodded.

This was the only solution left.

If Zhang Xuan knew that he could win the champion seat on top of earning the spirit beast blood essence through challenging the Ten Beasts Cage, it would be hard to say what he would feel.

However, at this very moment, a helpless frown was etched deeply on his forehead.

After a day of hard work, he finally collected all of the books in the Beast Hall into the Library of Heaven's Path.

Upon doing so, he thought that it should be easy for him to compile all of the ancient beast language books to create an accurate manual on the language. However... after taking a look, he finally understood why Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing didn't think well of him.

The predecessors had indeed left behind many books on the ancient beast language, and written in these books were their personal insights on the verbalization of the language. However... after verifying the contents with the Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan realized that the only words that were authentic... numbered less than ten!

How could one communicate with savage beasts with less than ten words?

To think that there would be only ten correct words in several hundred ancient beast language books...

It was no wonder that no one succeeded. With this level of accuracy in the ancient texts, it would take a miracle for one to successfully learn the language.

"Seems like learning the ancient beast language is impossible..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head in disappointment.

If he had mastered the ancient beast language through the Library of Heaven's Path, it would be much easier for him to tame savage beasts in the future. However, from the looks of it now, it seemed like he had underestimated the matter.

The ancient beast language was a creation of Kong shi, and if one could learn it that easily, there would not be so many stumped beast tamers in the world.

"Hmm? There seems to be another book on the ancient beast language over there..."

Just as Zhang Xuan was about to leave the library to convince Xie Jiuchen to knock out the Nightmare Beast, his eyes suddenly caught sight of a book lying in the corner of the room.

It was a thick book with the word 'Language' written in an ancient script on its cover.

As it was placed in a remote corner, he didn't notice it previously.

He walked over and took it out.

This book was around ten fingers thick, and a thick layer of dust cloaked its cover. Its pages had a yellowish tint, hinting at a long history behind them. It seemed to have been placed here for innumerable years, unnoticed by any.

"Flaws!"

Touching it, a similar book appeared on the shelves within the Library of Heaven's Path.

"Hmm? This isn't ancient beast language?"

Flipping it open, Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

Written within the book was the introduction of a unique language, as well as the way to verbalize it. However, there was a clear distinction between it and the ancient beast language. The book didn't reveal what exactly was that language, and the details provided by the Library of Heaven's Path didn't reveal anything significant about its origin either.

"There is a total of three correct words!"

Zhang Xuan flipped through the book.

There were thousands of words described in the ten-fingers thick book, but after verification from the Library of Heaven's Path, there were only three correct ones.

"Compile!"

Zhang Xuan gathered all of the correct portions to form an entirely new book.

"I should try these three words first..."

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan drove his zhenqi according to the circulation method derived from the book through the Library of Heaven's Path.

"Moo!"

A sound echoed, and the world around Zhang Xuan seemed to tremor violently for an instant. At the same time, his body swayed, and the sight before him turned dark.

"What... kind of language is this? How can it be so fearsome?"

The immense energy expenditure from verbalizing that single word had nearly knocked him out. He quickly took deep breaths to recover.

Just verbalizing a single sound had nearly sapped his zhenqi dry. On top of that, his instincts told him that if not for his incredibly pure Heaven's Path zhenqi, even with the knowledge of the correct verbalization method, he wouldn't have been able to verbalize that sound.

After studying the ancient beast language, he realized that even though it was difficult to verbalize the words, it wasn't too hard to speak fluently once one grasps the correct zhenqi circulation method. This logic seemed to apply to the mysterious language as well.

But that single sound he just made nearly caused him to pass out! That was way too fearsome!

"It is said that the more formidable a language is, the more difficult it is to verbalize it. It will have a high requirement on the purity of one's zhenqi as well. Could it be that this language is extremely formidable?"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

Even though he was baffled, it did little to dampen his agitation.

After reading through innumerable books, he knew that humans weren't the only race in the Master Teacher Continent. There were many races, and each of them had their own languages, the more formidable a race was, the more powerful their words would be. At the same time, the requirement on the purity of one's zhenqi would be much greater as well.

Heaven's Path zhenqi was definitely a top-notch existence even among superior zhenqi. Despite this, Zhang Xuan was still unable to sustain the expenditure from voicing out the words. What kind of language did these three words originate from for them to be so powerful?

After studying it for half a day, he realized that he couldn't interpret the contents of the ancient book. In fact, he couldn't even read a single word. Thus, he shook his head and gave up.

"Given that I have only learned a few words, I can't depend on the ancient beast language anymore..."

Zhang Xuan thought that he could return accomplished with the ancient beast language in his arsenal.

"But in any case, I should still try and see if I can hoodwink the Nightmare Beast with these words. It would be good if I succeed. Otherwise, I'll have to look for other solutions!"

Stretching his back lazily, Zhang Xuan walked out of the library and headed toward the courtyard where the Nightmare Beast was housed.

Even though he had only learned a few words, through the Library of Heaven's Path, he was certain that these were authentic words from the ancient beast language. Perhaps, he might be able to convince the other party with just these words.

If, on the off chance, he succeeds, he would be able to earn thirty spirit beast blood essence immediately.

Otherwise, he would have to find a way or another to knock the Nightmare Beast out.

"Beast Tamer Zhang!"

Soon, he arrived at the courtyard. Before walking in, he saw many figures walking anxiously about the previously remote courtyard.

The huge group of beast tamers that he saw above when he was clearing the Ten Beasts Cage were all here.

"What happened?"

Zhang Xuan walked in doubtfully, and he immediately saw two familiar figures amidst the crowd.

"Beast Tamer Zhang!"

The other party also saw him, and they walked up to him.

"Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang, why are you two here?"

Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

These two were the beast tamers from the Xuanluo Mountain Range branch, Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang.

"Why are we here?" Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang coughed. "The Beast Taming Competition has been brought forward, but we weren't able to contact you. Thus, we came here in advance!"

"The Beast Taming Competition has been brought forward?" Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes in surprise.

If the other party hadn't raised this matter, he would have already forgotten the issue.

Ever since arriving at Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, he immediately rushed to the Ten Beasts Cage. Right after that, he went to the courtyard to meet the Nightmare Beast before busying himself at the library. As such, he had no way of knowing that the Beast Taming Competition had been brought forward.

Besides, he didn't explicitly agree to the competition then. Thus, he didn't pay much attention to the matter.

"You didn't know?"

Seeing the confused expression on the other party's face, the two great beast tamers swayed.

"I didn't!" Zhang Xuan confirmed their suspicions.

"But... you are the champion of the competition!" The two beast tamers scratched their heads in frenzy.

Are you for real? Just a moment ago... Hall Master Xie Jiuchen announced that Zhang Xuan was the champion of the Beast Taming Competition!

He even specially visited them to offer his congratulations...

Despite being the champion, he actually didn't even know that the competition had been brought forward...

Can you be any more confusing than that?

"Champion? What champion?"

Not only were the duo baffled, Zhang Xuan was also bewildered by the situation as well.

I don't even know when the competition is held, how in the world did I become the champion?

"The content of the Beast Taming Competition this time is the Ten Beasts Cage. Of all of the participants, you're the only one who succeeded... So naturally, you became the champion!"

Seeing that the other party really knew nothing at all, Hall Master Feng could only explain the situation speechlessly.

To think that even someone as confused as him could become the champion, he was truly speechless.

For every single competition, their Xuanluo Mountain Range branch would always go around searching for talents to vie for a good placing. Yet, they had never succeeded...

This time, they managed to win the championship, yet the candidate himself didn't even know what was happening.

"I see... Is there any prize for the champion?"

After hearing that he became the champion just because he challenged the Ten Beasts Cage, Zhang Xuan was speechless. But soon, recalling something, his eyes lit up.

Becoming the champion wasn't anything much to him, what he was more concerned about was the reward!

If he could win twenty or thirty spirit beast blood essence, he could spare himself much hassle.

"The reward is five spirit stones. I have already claimed it for you, you can check on it!"

At which, Hall Master Feng took out a narrow jade box. Opening it, five spirit stones placed side by side appeared before Zhang Xuan's eyes.

"Just these?"

Zhang Xuan thought that he would be able to earn generous rewards by winning the championship. Yet, for the reward to be only five spirit stones, the Beast Hall was truly miserly.

However, no matter how little the reward was, it was still useful to him. There was no reason for him to reject it.

After keeping the spirit stones into his storage ring, he glanced at the surroundings and asked, "What's happening? Why are so many people gathered here?"

Yesterday, when he came, a formation was set up here, and no outsiders were allowed to enter. Why did the situation become like that all of the sudden?

"The Beast Hall caught a Half-Transcension savage beast, and they wish to tame it. However, they had been unable to find a feasible method to do so. The reason why the pushed forward the Beast Taming Competition was to gather the hall masters, elders, and talented beast tamers from all around Xuanyuan Kingdom here to brainstorm on a viable method to tame the Nightmare Beast!" Hall Master Feng explained.

The motive of pushing the competition forward was for this savage beast. Since the competition was already over, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen decided to gather all of the beast tamers here to brainstorm over this matter.

This led to the current commotion outside of the courtyard.

"Oh!" Zhang Xuan came to a realization.

It seemed like the other party didn't think that he would succeed in learning the ancient beast language.

But it was no wonder why the other party would think so. Even with the prowess of the Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan had only found a few correct words. It would take a miracle for anyone to learn the language through those books.

"Has anyone succeeded yet?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"No one has succeeded yet. A Half-Transcension savage beast is too strong, the possibility of succeeding is extremely low..."

Shaking his head, Hall Master Feng sighed.

Even a 3-star beast tamer like Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was helpless before the Nightmare Beast. How could normal beast tamers like them have any good ideas?

Several ideas were brought up, but they were all refuted.

"Look, the genius Wei Youdao intends to give it a try!"

"Wei Youdao? The genius who managed to reach the third stage of the Ten Beasts Cage yesterday?"

"Yes, that's him..."

...

Just as the trio was talking, a commotion broke out among the crowd. Zhang Xuan turned around and saw a youngster walking toward the Nightmare Beast in the metal cage.

In front of the metal cage stood Hall Master Xie Jiu Chen, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing, and a few other beast tamers. A grim expression hung on their faces.

They also knew that it was unlikely for anyone to succeed, and they were already prepared for a worst case scenario.

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Chapter 425: Allow Me!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

At this moment, the Nightmare Beast was currently lying lazily on the ground. It wasn't even angry; it just couldn't be bothered to lift his head to glance at the other party. Instead, it seemed to be using some kind of unique method to heal the injuries it had sustained.

"Hall Master, I would like to give it a try!"

Walking forward, Wei Youdao clasped his fists.

"Go on!" Glancing at Grand Elder Wei Yuqing, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded.

The grandson of his old friend had been blessed with exceptional talent for beast taming, and the other party had made a name for himself among the younger generation

If not for Zhang Xuan's abrupt appearance, Wei Youdao might very well become the number one genius of Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall's younger generation.

In any case, there was no better solution for the matter at the moment. If the Nightmare Beast were to recover substantially from its injuries, it would be impossible for the Beast Hall to confine it any further. Since that was the case, he might as well grant everyone a chance. Perhaps, someone might just succeed.

"Thank you, hall master!"

Taking a deep breath, Wei Youdao walked up to the Nightmare Beast.

With a flick on his wrist, a jade bottle appeared in his palm.

Uncorking the cap, a dense fragrance wafted out, revitalizing everyone's spirit.

"It's the Seven-colored Honey from the Cloud Mist Mountain!"

"It's said that the Zongshi realm savage beast Heaven Snow Bee concocted this honey from the nectar gathered from seven different colored flowers. It has an alluring fragrance, and it's incomparably sweet. Even spirit beasts would find it difficult to rein in their craving!"

"This thing is incomparably expensive and rare. Even with plenty of spirit stones at hand, obtaining it is no easy matter. Yet, to think that he would have an entire bottle of it!"

"Since he is willing to take even that out, the Nightmare Beast should probably cave in!"

...

Catching a whiff of the fragrance from the jade bottle, a huge commotion was stirred in the surroundings.

The Seven-colored Honey was formed by seven different colored nectars. It possessed a fragrance that opened up one's pores with a single whiff.

Savage beasts tended to be gluttonous; it would be difficult for the other party to hold back from such a delicacy.

"The Seven-colored Honey is ranked fifth among the ten most favored objects of savage beasts. It is impressive that Wei Youdao was able to obtain such a good item, not bad!"

Hall Master Feng's eyes also lit up.

"Ten most favored objects of savage beasts? There's such a ranking?" Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He had read nearly all of the books in the Beast Hall, but he had never heard of such a ranking.

"There is!"

Hall Master Feng chuckled. "Actually, we only created this list out of boredom, and it isn't officially recognized by the Beast Hall, so it isn't recorded in any book. Seven-colored Honey isn't just fragrant, more importantly, it has the effect of nourishing and expanding a savage beast's meridians! Usually, if a beast tamer were to take out a single droplet of it, he would be able to induce Complete Submission in a Zongshi realm savage beast. The jade bottle that Wei Youdao might be small, but there are at least several dozens of droplets in it. He must be truly determined if he is taking so many droplets out at once!"

"Nourish and expand a savage beast's meridians?"

Upon hearing the effects of the Seven-colored Honey, Zhang Xuan was astounded.

The meridians of humans and savage beasts had a certain cross sectional area. If one were to drive one's zhenqi too quickly, it might cause one's zhenqi to seep outward, resulting in severe internal injuries.

Expanding one's meridians was equivalent to increasing the quantity of zhenqi one could drive within a specific period of time. This quality made the Seven-colored Honey extremely valuable. Putting aside savage beasts, even the eyes of the cultivators in the area reddened in desire upon learning of the effects of the Seven-colored Honey,

"What other objects are there in this ranking?" Zhang Xuan couldn't help but ask curiously.

If he were to know the most favored objects of savage beasts, it might help him in taming powerful savage beasts in the future.

"As it's unofficial, it's mostly speculation. The publicly acknowledged number one object is Dragon Blood, number two is the inner core of spirit beasts, number three is ancient beast blood essence, number four is Godfall Flower, and number five is Seven-colored Honey!"

"I see!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

He had heard of the first four objects.

The Dragon Tribe was incomparably powerful. If a savage beast were to possess the slightest trace of the Dragon Bloodline, it would be significantly stronger than normal savage beasts.

Taking the Nightmare Beast for example, even though the Dragon Bloodline within it was so meagre that it could be disregarded, it still granted it the potential to reach Half-Transcension.

Just this in itself made the Dragon Bloodline a desired object that could send all savage beasts and spirit beasts into a frenzy.

As for the ancient beast blood essence, as shown in the Xuanluo Mountain Range branch, it possessed the same effects as well. If used appropriately, it could induce a Bloodline Evolution in a savage beast.

As for the inner core of a savage beast, it was something that spirit beasts nurture and cultivate day and night over a long period of time. It harnessed the essence of their cultivation and strength. If a savage beast could obtain it, even if it still wasn't able to make the leap to become a spirit beast, its cultivation would definitely be enhanced significantly.

As for the Godfall Flower, rumor had it that it could nurture a savage beast's spirit.

Of these four incredible objects, the very fact that the Seven-colored Honey could be placed at the fifth place proved testimony to its fearsome effects.

Zhang Xuan couldn't help but take a glance at the situation.

As expected, upon catching a whiff of the fragrance, the lazy Nightmare Beast in the cage was stirred into action. It lifted its massive head, and a glaring radiance pierced from its eyes.

It was clearly interested in the object.

Grabbing the Seven-colored Honey in his hands, Wei Youdao confidently declared, "I know that you understand the human language, and you know our purpose here. As long as you swear to the Dragon Bloodline within your body to remain loyal to the Beast Hall, this bottle of Seven-colored Honey will be yours!"

With this object, he didn't need to resort to any ploy. He only had to state his conditions.

"Roar!"

The Nightmare Beast was initially rather interested in it, but after hearing Wei Youdao's words, it began to lie back down lazily.

"I know that you've attempted a breakthrough to become a spirit beast and failed. The Seven-colored Honey can expand your meridians and heal your wounds. It could help you surpass your bottleneck, so why do you remain so obstinate? Besides, you're only pledging loyalty to the Beast Hall, not to an individual. If you do so, the Beast Hall will surely devote massive resources to your cultivation and your growth... I hope that you can consider this matter!" Wei Youdao said.

Even though his words were moving, the Nightmare Beast remained indifferent.

There was no difference to whom it would pledge loyalty to. In its eyes, it was still becoming the puppet of the humans. Rather than being restricted, it would prefer to venture out and live its life as it pleased.

"Seems like it's a failure!"

The crowd had finally seen a flicker of hope, but upon seeing this sight, their expression sunk again.

They thought that the Seven-colored Honey, ranked fifth on the list, could move the Nightmare Beast. However, they seemed to have underestimate the fellow's control.

"Even though the Seven-colored Honey is irresistible to ordinary savage beasts, this Nightmare Beast isn't too far away from reaching the level of a spirit beast. As such, its effects would be severely limited. On top of that, as a proud bearer of the Dragon Bloodline, how could it serve the humans for just a bit of Seven-colored Honey?"

Among the crowd, a 2-star pinnacle beast tamer commented.

"Indeed. The Dragon Tribe is one of the strongest tribes in the continent, and they have the pride matching their standing. Even though this fellow's bloodline might be weak, it still won't lower its head to humans just over such small benefits. The only way for it to work is to offer it Dragon Blood!"

"Dragon Blood? You must be joking! Do you think that it's that easy to find some? Putting aside how difficult it is to find a member of the Dragon Tribe, even if you manage to find one, it would be impossible to subdue it! Even the weakest of their members is a Half-Transcension, like this Nightmare Beast before us. It isn't a being that normal beast tamers like us can hunt down."

A commotion broke out.

The Beast Taming Competition had gathered dozens of hall masters and elders from the surrounding kingdoms. To be able to become the head of their organizations, their eye of discernment and knowledge far exceeded that of ordinary beast tamers.

The Seven-colored Honey was valuable, but it wasn't sufficient to make a savage beast with a hint of Dragon Bloodline lower its head.

"My apologies!"

After a moment of persuasion, the Nightmare Beast still remained unmoved. In the end, Wei Youdao could only retreat in defeat.

"Is there anyone else who likes to try?"

Expecting this outcome, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen sighed. Turning to the crowd yet again, he asked.

Silence.

Initially, after hearing this news, many people were tempted to give it a try. However, after seeing the 2-star pinnacle and 3-star primary beast tamers falling in defeat, the others lost their courage as well.

"Allow me!"

Suddenly, a faint voice broke the silence.

"It's Beast Tamer Zhang Xuan!"

"Since he managed to clear the Ten Beasts Cage so easily, he must have a deep insight into beast taming. Perhaps, he just might succeed!"

"I don't deny that his beast taming skills are incredible, but his cultivation is way too low!"

"That's true. It's already a formidable feat for a beast tamer to tame a savage beast one or two small cultivation realm above him... He is only at Zongshi realm pinnacle while the other party is at Half-Transcension. That's a total of six small cultivation realms. It's impossible for him to successfully tame it!"

"Indeed. If he were at Zhizun realm pinnacle, it might still be possible. But given his current strength... I don't think that he'll succeed!"

After identifying the source of the voice, the crowd flew into an uproar.

Zhang Xuan's feat of clearing the Ten Beasts Cage had awed everyone in the Beast Hall. Thus, almost everyone here had heard of his name.

His appearance had generated hope in some, but most simply shook their heads grimly.

Beast taming wasn't just about technique, strength also played a major role.

If one's cultivation realm differed too much from the savage beast, it would only look down on one. Given the lack of respect, how could it possibly allow one to tame it?

"I've heard that he came here to give it a try after clearing the Ten Beasts Cage yesterday, but he failed!"

"Then why is he still volunteering again? Does he have a better idea in mind?"

"I don't know. Let's wait and see then..."

There were some who knew that Zhang Xuan had already attempted yesterday. Even though they didn't know what had happened, given that the Nightmare Beast hadn't been tamed yet, it was clear that he had failed.

"You... succeeded in learning the language?"

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's eyes lit up.

That fellow ran to the library, claiming that he was going to learn the ancient beast language. Yet, he appeared here today. Did it mean that he had succeeded in learning the language?

"Succeed? I'm still far from that..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

It wasn't that the ancient beast language was too difficult, but that the level of this Beast Hall was simply too low. There were insufficient books here for the Library of Heaven's Path to work its wonders.

"Then..."

Hearing Zhang Xuan admit that he was still far from success, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was baffled.

"I've only learned a few sounds, so I would like to give it a try. If it doesn't work, we can try the method I mentioned the previous time!" Zhang Xuan said.

"The method you mentioned?"

Hearing those words, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen fell speechless.

Given how that fellow ran off to the library to study, he thought that he had given up on the idea. To think that he was still harboring those thoughts!

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Chapter 426: The Might of the Mysterious Language

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"The ancient beast language is expansive and profound. It's impossible to succeed just by learning a few sounds!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing interjected.

The other party said that he would study the language, and he cooped himself within the library for an entire day. Despite everything, Wei Yuqing still bore some expectations of the other party, yet he returned saying that he had only learned a few sounds... Are you here to amuse us?

Even if you had learned the entire ancient beast language, it still remains an uncertainty whether that fellow will listen to you. With just a few sounds, do you think that the other party will bother with you?

You must be joking!

Given Zhang Xuan's declaration of 'Let me try!', they thought that he was very confident of the matter. Yet... to think that he was here just to cause trouble.

Seemed like even top geniuses weren't reliable either...

"If it doesn't work, you all should just think of a way to knock it out!"

Honestly speaking, Zhang Xuan did not have much confidence either, given that he had only learned a few sounds.

"We'll talk about that later. You should give it a try first..."

Afraid that the fellow would continue pestering him on the matter, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen hurriedly interjected.

What the heck is going through your mind!

Just because you managed to tame the Whirlwind Wolves by pummeling them, do you think that the same method will work again?

This is the Nightmare Beast, a top-notch savage beast possessing the Dragon Bloodline, a proud and noble existence. Even if you were to beat it to death, it would not lower its head to you.

If it were that simple, they would have long done it.

"Alright!"

Sensing the other party's reluctance, Zhang Xuan decided to give it a try first. Thus, he took two steps forward to the Nightmare Beast.

The massive savage beast was nonchalant to Zhang Xuan's presence. It didn't even bother taking a glance at him.

"He's starting..."

Wei Youdao clenched his fists tightly.

He had even gone to the extent of taking out the Seven-colored Honey, but it proved to be useless. What kind of solution would the fellow who managed to clear the Ten Beasts Cage come up with?

He stared fixedly at the situation in front with widened eyes, fearful that he would miss out a single detail. However, in the next moment, his lips couldn't help but twitch.

That fellow didn't take out anything of interest to the Nightmare Beast, and instead, he simply frowned. After a long moment of struggling, a bizarre sound suddenly escaped from his throat.

"Gu!"

It sounded like lightning, and no one could understand what it meant.

"This is ancient beast language?"

Wei Youdao didn't comprehend the other party's bizarre action, but Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's face immediately tightened. They hurriedly turned their gazes over to the Nightmare Beast.

That fellow had gone off to study the ancient beast language previously, so it was likely that this sound was a part of the language.

Even though it was just a single sound, there was an off-chance that it might just work!

Under the intense gazes of the crowd, the lazy Nightmare Beast suddenly opened its eyes...

Then, it yawned lazily, lay down, and fell silent.

"It is ineffective?"

Seeing that it was completely ineffective, Zhang Xuan scratched his head.

Of the ancient beast language, Zhang Xuan had only learned a total of eight words. He had no problem reading or verbalizing it, but as the meaning wasn't written in the books, he couldn't tell what it was either.

In other words, he only knew how to speak those words, he didn't know what they meant at all.

Even if he were to voice out all of them, that fellow still wouldn't know what he was up to.

"The next one."

Even so, it was still worth a try. Thus, Zhang Xuan opened his mouth once more, "Wu!"

It sounded like the call of an eagle, crisp and bright, piercing one's ears.

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing hurriedly turned their gazes over, but the Nightmare Beast seemed to have fallen into a deeper sleep. With its paws cushioning its head, it lay comfortably on the spot.

"This... So, is it working or not?"

The duo stared at one another in confusion.

If that fellow's ancient beast language was useful, why was there no response from the Nightmare Beast?

But at the same time, the Nightmare Beast did at least adjust its sleeping posture, so whether it was completely useless or not...

Could the sounds that Zhang Xuan was voicing a lullaby...

I thought that you went away to learn the ancient beast language, why did you learn a lullaby instead?

What is the use of your lullaby!

What I want is to tame it, not for it to sleep...

"Ji!"

Amidst their bewilderment, the young man before him voiced the third sound.

This time, not only did the Nightmare Beast get into a comfortable sleeping posture, it even stuck its tongue out, and saliva was flowing out of its mouth.

"The heck!"

"With just three notes, he managed to bring the Nightmare Beast into a deep sleep?"

The surroundings beast tamers were stunned.

They thought that the young genius would use some kind of inconceivable beast taming technique on the Nightmare Beast.

While their thoughts were spot-on, it was completely different from what they were thinking.

Aren't we supposed to tame it? What do you mean by luring it to sleep?

"Hmm?" Zhang Xuan was baffled as well.

However, upon seeing the sight, his eyes lit up.

"This is good as well. If I can knock it out with these words, I won't have to waste my effort on trying to knock it out!"

Besides the ancient beast language, Zhang Xuan had a backup plan. He could knock the Nightmare Beast out, and through the Library of Heaven's Path, he would be able to determine its flaws and tame it.

But it was a pity that Xie Jiuchen, Wei Yuqing, and the others refused to cooperate with him, and Zhang Xuan wasn't a match for the Nightmare Beast himself. Thus, he had been unable to carry it out. If he could lure it to sleep through the ancient beast language, that would be perfect.

"Wu Ya Hai Wu Wu!"

The more he thought about it, the happier he got. Thus, he voiced of the remaining words all at once.

Hearing those words, the crowd immediately turned their gazes to the Nightmare Beast.

This was especially so for Hall Master Xie Jiuchen. Anxiety could be seen in his eyes.

However, with a single look, he suddenly felt a wave of vertigo striking him.

The drowsy Nightmare Beast abruptly opened its eyes, and its massive body rose up.

吼!

Roar!

A deafening roar pierced through the heavens, parting the clouds above. The crowd in the surroundings felt dizzy-headed under the powerful roar.

At the same moment, the massive head suddenly charged straight toward the metal cage.

Weng!

The formation immediately activated, sealing its movements. Even so, under the powerful charge, the sturdy metal cage was bent out of shape, and it seemed as though it would collapse soon.

"This is bad..."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's eyes narrowed, and his face reflected his astonishment.

He thought that the fellow was still immobile from its severe injuries. To think that he had recovered sufficiently to stand up and exert such offensive might after a few days of recuperation.

But of course, perhaps it was agitated by Beast Tamer Zhang's 'ancient beast language', it seemed to be in an extremely bad mood.

If the Nightmare Beast were to escape under such conditions, the Beast Hall would be in grave danger. Most likely, it might be wiped off the face of the world.

"See what you've done..."

The more Hall Master Xie Jiuchen thought about it, the more furious he became. Thus, he turned around and chastised Zhang Xuan.

What in the world is this?

I asked you here to tame the savage beast, not to provoke it.

"Elders, prepare the [Constellation Beast Confinement Formation]!"

Knowing that it was useless to blame this fellow at this point, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen bellowed.

"Yes!"

The elders of Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall also knew how dangerous the situation was, so they immediately got into action. They hurriedly rushed to their places with a grim expression.

The Constellation Beast Confinement Formation was a powerful formation used to trap savage beasts. Many of the elders in the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall had studied and cultivated it. As long as they ran to their allocated location to infuse their zhenqi into the formation, they would be able to activate it even without in-depth understanding of the formations.

"What's going on?"

"Beast Tamer Zhang seems to have provoked that savage beast?"

"Isn't he here to tame it? How did he end up provoking it instead?"

...

Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, and others also felt nervous upon seeing the situation.

That was a Half-Transcension savage beast! Once it went on a rampage, the entire Beast Hall would be reduced to ruins!

Hong hong hong!

Amidst everyone's shocked gazes, the Nightmare Beast threw its body at the metal cage several more times, and a huge hole, through which he could escape, appeared in it.

Weng!

As soon as its head appeared outside, a clear buzz suddenly echoed. The Constellation Beast Confinement Formation had been activated. A white light shot out from the locations of the elders, forming a gigantic net that wrapped itself around the Nightmare Beast.

Trapped by the gigantic net of light, the Nightmare Beast became even more irritated. It howled furiously, and its giant claws grabbed at empty air.

Tzzzzzz!

White energy emanations reminiscent of sword qi shot out from the claws of the Nightmare Beast, striking straight at the net trapping it.

The net tremored violently, and as though a shield struck by a powerful hammer, a deep reverberation sounded.

Pu! Pu!

Under the massive force, some of the elders standing at the center of the formation spat out large mouthfuls of blood.

Half-Transcension savage beasts were already an extremely strong existence, and this fellow possessed the Dragon Bloodline on top of that. Its immense strength allowed it to match up to even a Transcendent Mortal expert. Even though the elders were strong as well, most of them were only at Zhizun realm intermediate and advanced stage. They weren't a match for this fellow at all.

"Hurry up and infuse more zhenqi in to reinforce the formation..."

Seeing that the Nightmare Beast was about to escape, Xie Jiuchen panicked. He hurriedly called for help.

As soon as the formation collapses, the entire Beast Hall would surely be destroyed. They could not back away at this point.

Hong long!

Knowing the severity of the issue, most of the elders immediately got into action. They charged forward and infused all of their zhenqi into the formation.

Accompanying the furious surge of zhenqi into the formation, the darkened net suddenly glowed brilliantly once more.

While the formation had been strengthened, the Nightmare Beast seemed to have derived strength from its rage as well. Roaring furiously once more, its lower limbs pushed against the ground, and its massive body struck the massive net in midair.

Si la!

Under the violent power contained in the massive body, the Beast Confinement Net caved in and was torn apart.

Deng deng deng deng!

All of the elders who had operated the formation collapsed onto the floor with pale faces.

Hu!

After escaping from the formation, the Nightmare Beast glared at Zhang Xuan with widened eyes. Carrying unparalleled strength in its body, it charged swiftly toward him.

"It's over..."

Seeing that the formation and metal cage had failed to contain the Nightmare Beast, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face was ghastly pale.

He didn't expect that the savage beast would suddenly go on a rampage in the midst of the beast taming process.

Given that so many people were unable to withstand the might of the Nightmare Beast, no matter how talented Beast Tamer Zhang was, he would surely be torn to shreds.

"Moo!"

Knowing that it was impossible to save the other party, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was about to avert his gaze when the young man released another bizarre sound.

Xie Jiuchen staggered.

It was precisely because of your random babbling that provoked this fellow. Yet, to think that you wouldn't learn your lesson...

Are you that intent to die?

Just as Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was about to urge Zhang Xuan to hurry up and leave instead of continuing to dabble in the ancient beast language or whatever it was, he saw the Nightmare Beast suddenly kneeling onto the floor after hearing the sound. It stuck out its tongue, and it licked the young man all over. Its appearance... was no different from the Whirlwind Wolves back then.

"Word of Submission, Bloodline Suppression... Could this be the True Voice of Dragons?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's eyes narrowed, and his face paled.

"What in the world was going on?"

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Chapter 427: True Voice of Dragons

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The True Voice of Dragons was a language that only ancient Pureblooded Dragons were capable of using. As long as one's Dragon Bloodline didn't reach the level of a Pureblooded Dragon, a single word would cause a suppression from its bloodline, forcing it into submission.

The Nightmare Beast was still baring its fangs at Beast Tamer Zhang previously, but at the very next moment, it suddenly fell to the floor and became as tame as a pup. If this wasn't the language depicted in the legends, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen had no idea what other languages were capable of such a feat.

But... didn't this language disappear along with the Dragon Tribe, its heritage lost?

How did he learn of it?

More importantly... Even if the members of the Dragon Tribe were to impart the True Voice of Dragons to him, it was impossible for humans to learn it.

This was not just a matter of talent. Even if one possessed superior zhenqi, the human body was still unable to withstand its sharp notes.

This sound had to travel through all of the meridians within one's body and harmonize all of one's acupoints before it could be produced. Even if one cultivated the most profound cultivation technique, it was impossible for one to open up all of their meridians and acupoints!

"Can it really be... that he's the True Incarnation of Dragons?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen narrowed his eyes, and his body trembled uncontrollably.

Legends had it that the Dragon Tribe traveled across the world, and they took on many forms. Some became beasts, some became humans, some became spirits, some became monsters... No one could discern their true identity.

Just by pummeling the Whirlwind Wolves, the latter immediately submitted to him and fawned on him; with a single fist, he caused the Tiger Head Beasts to play dead; with just a few words, he made the Steel-armed Golden Ape waved him goodbye, as though buddies with decades of history behind them...

If he isn't a True Incarnation of Dragons, how can he possibly achieve such ridiculous feats?

Even 5-star beast tamers are incapable of such a feat!

"Regardless of whether he is one, I mustn't reveal this matter... Otherwise, I'll surely be silenced!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's face paled.

The members of the Dragon Tribe were incomparably strong, and from birth, they were granted with powerful destructive might.

If this Beast Tamer Zhang was a True Incarnation of Dragons, and he exposed the other party's true identity when he wished to conceal the fact, he might incur the wrath and killing intent of the other party to himself.

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's conjectures caused his face to slowly pale in fear.

On the other hand, the crowd, baffled by the sight before them, was about to go insane from bewilderment.

The rage of the Nightmare Beast was not feigned in the least; even the grade-3 pinnacle formation maintained by so many elders was torn apart. Its might was truly fearsome.

Yet, this strong, proud fellow was suddenly lying on the floor, licking the other party's pants... What in the world happened in between?

"What is it doing?"

"I've no idea. Could it be that... there's something about Beast Tamer Zhang's pants that's even more delicious than the Seven-colored Honey? Is that why it's licking it non-stop?"

"It can't be that... it has been tamed? But even if it's tamed, it couldn't possibly have changed its attitude so quickly!"

...

Some of the older beast tamers tore their beards out, but their minds were too preoccupied for them to feel pain.

The sight before them was simply too frightening.

In the blink of an eye, a Half-Transcension savage beast, who was thinking of slaughtering everyone here just a moment ago, was suddenly lying so docilely on the floor. No one could accept this abrupt twist.

"With a scream... this fellow was tamed?"

Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, and the others stared at one another, and their heads were about to burst from shock.

Wei Youdao had taken out the Seven-colored Honey, which was ranked fifth on the list, but even so, he was disregarded. Just when they thought that this haughty fellow could never be tamed... Beast Tamer Zhang simply cried out a word, and that fellow immediately sprawled on the floor and fawned on the other party, as though afraid that the other party would not take him in...

When did a Half-Transcension savage beast became so shameless?

Was it insane, or were our eyes playing tricks on us?

"Hmm?"

In truth, Zhang Xuan was dumbfounded as well.

Previously, when he accidentally agitated the Nightmare Beast through the ancient beast language, he was anxious as well.

He only gave that bizarre language a try, especially since he could escape with the Heaven's Path Movement Art if he failed. He didn't think that the other party's attitude would change completely after hearing it.

If only he'd known before those words were so formidable, he wouldn't have wasted his effort with the ancient beast language.

Glancing at the massive head, which kept cuddling itself up to him, Zhang Xuan suppressed his astonishment and asked, "You wish to submit to me?"

"Roar!"

The Nightmare Beast hurriedly nodded its head.

"This..." Even though the other party had admitted to the matter, Zhang Xuan was still a little dumbfounded.

Wasn't it being... a little too easy?

"Then... let's establish the contract then!"

Even though Zhang Xuan was bewildered, he knew that this was a good opportunity. Touching the other party's head, he drew a droplet of blood from the tip of his forefinger.

As though fearing that Zhang Xuan would change his mind, the Nightmare Beast hurriedly swallowed it with a contented look.

After which, Zhang Xuan felt a will being bound to his own, allowing him to communicate with the other party.

"This is... Complete Submission?"

The beast tamers in the surroundings felt light-headed.

Just by shouting a few bizarre sounds, the other party actually succeeded. When did taming a Half-Transcension savage beast become so easy?

"To think that we even thought about competing with him..."

Many of the geniuses of the younger generation were on the verge of tears.

Even though Zhang Xuan had passed the Ten Beasts Cage, there were still a few who refused to concede.

However, upon seeing this sight... they realized that the difference in their capability was simply too vast...

Even Hall Master Xie Jiuchen, a 3-star beast tamer, was unable to succeed, yet, in just a dozen breaths or so, the other party was already done. This feat was so incredible that it felt that it could not have been done by a human.

"This is a truly master beast tamer!"

Someone amidst the crowd sighed.

Hearing those words, the rest nodded their heads in agreement.

Most probably, only masters of this level would be capable of taming the Nightmare Beast so easily and clear the Ten Beasts Cage in half a tea's time...

Everyone turned their gazes toward the 'master', curious to see how he would do now that he had established a contract... only to see the other party walking toward Hall Master Xie Jiuchen.

"Hall Master Xie, I've already tamed this fellow, so twenty droplets of spirit beast blood essence... Wait, you said that you're going to give me ten more. When will you be passing those to me?"

"Spirit beast blood essence..."

Xie Jiuchen's body swayed, and his mouth twitched.

When I told you to tame this Nightmare Beast, I meant that you should convince it to serve the Beast Hall as the organization's tamed beast.

Yet... not only did you take it for yourself, you even have to cheek to ask for compensation...

Can you be more reasonable?

It is just like I have asked you to help me court a beautiful lady that I met with much difficulty, and yet, you seduced her for yourself... and you even expect me to pay you for it...

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen felt so stifled inside that he was on the verge of throwing up blood.

You cannot be so unreasonable...

"Beast Tamer Zhang, you have tamed the Nightmare Beast to become your tamed beast. Isn't it inappropriate for you to expect us to pay you spirit beast blood essence like that?"

Seeing the hall master go speechless from rage, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing could not help but interject.

"Inappropriate? Didn't I tame the Nightmare Beast?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"That's right..."

"Didn't you say that you'll pay me the spirit beast blood essence as long as I tame it?" Zhang Xuan continued.

"Yes..."

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was on the verge of tears.

Initially, he thought that no matter how formidable this fellow was, he was only a Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivator. Given how the Nightmare Beast disregarded even them, how could it possibly submit to such a weak fellow?

Never in their dreams did they expect that the other party would really succeed...

"Since you've agreed to it, then we should get it over and done with. Otherwise... I'll go and clear the Ten Beasts Cage!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Forget it. Grand Elder Wei, go and fetch the spirit beast blood essence.

The corner of Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's lips twitched, and he hurriedly waved his hands.

There was no way to undo the matter of the Nightmare Beast anymore. On the other hand, if that fellow were to continue challenging the Ten Beasts Cage, it would not be long before all of the savage beasts in the Beast Hall would become his...

If that truly happened, then as the hall master of the Beast Hall, he would become a huge laughingstock...

"Alright!"

Even though Grand Elder Wei Yuqing felt frustrated as well, he still fulfilled the hall master's command. A moment later, he returned with a jade bottle in his hands.

Taking the jade bottle over, Zhang Xuan uncapped the lid and took a look. Scarlet blood flowed within the container, and it filled up to half of the bottle. Making a rough estimation, he confirmed there were around thirty droplets inside.

"Great!"

Zhang Xuan's purpose at the Beast Hall was this. Having obtained what he wanted, Zhang Xuan happily placed the bottle into his storage ring.

Seeing the sight, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's heart bled.

Despite the huge accumulation of Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall over a span of a thousand years, it only had around fifty droplets here. Having more than half of it taken away in an instant, he could not help but feel a sense of loss.

However, upon thinking that it was possible for the other party to be a True Incarnation of Dragons, he hurriedly pushed down his displeasure.

"Alright, there's no use for you to follow me. You might as well submit to the Beast Hall and stay here! As long as you agree to it, I'll take care of the afflictions you are suffering from. It's also not entirely impossible for me to help you become a spirit beast!"

Oblivious to Hall Master Xie Jiuchen's reactions, Zhang Xuan turned to the Nightmare Beast and waved his hands casually.

This fellow was strong, but it was not capable of flying. Thus, its usability was limited to Zhang Xuan.

Xuanyuan Kingdom was only a temporary resting point. Zhang Xuan had to reach the Myriad Kingdom Alliance within three months, and it would be impossible for him to take the other party along. Since that was the case, he might as well sell a favor to the Beast Hall.

Of course, if the other party had not given the spirit beast blood essence to him, he would've rather let the Nightmare Beast loose than help tame it for the Beast Hall.

In the end, Zhang Xuan was no Samaritan. If the other party had reneged on his promise, why should he help them?

"You... What did you say? You want the Nightmare Beast to submit to our Beast Hall?"

Initially, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen was displeased by the other party's extortion, but upon hearing his words, his breathing hastened in agitation.

"Un!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

"This..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing were stunned. Their eyes slowly turned red.

This was a Half-Transcension savage beast! If anyone of them were to tame it, it would be impossible for them to give it up. Yet, this fellow was saying that he would give it to them. Wasn't he being too generous?

They thought that the other party was a selfish and greedy person who only knew how to extort from others. However, Zhang Xuan's actions had changed their opinion of him.

Perhaps, he really might have some urgent use for the spirit beast blood essence.

A Half-Transcension savage beast which possessed the potential to make the breakthrough to become a spirit beast was clearly much more valuable than thirty droplets of spirit beast blood essence. In fact, even a hundred droplets would still be unable to match up to its value.

Since the other party was willing to give away such a formidable savage beast directly, how could he possibly be a greedy person?

"We... We misunderstood him. Geniuses have their own pride, so how could he possibly act dishonorably just for this bit of interest..."

A thought suddenly appeared in their heads. The impression the two had of Beast Tamer Zhang immediately went through a 180-degree reversal.

But at that moment, the young man before them suddenly spoke up hesitantly, "Oh, right... Since I convinced the Nightmare Beast to submit to Beast Hall, shouldn't you all offer some token of appreciation? For example, spirit stones, pills, medicinal herbs, or that sort. I wouldn't mind a carriage or two of them..."

"..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing.

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Chapter 428: Uncle Sun Qiang Is Here (1)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

We are the Beast Hall, not some spirit stone mining clan. How much of it do you think we possess?

Still a carriage or two... Just a few dozen would already be almost their entire stock...

As for pills, medicinal herbs, and the sort, even if the Beast Hall had them, they are mainly reserved for the savage beasts. How in the world are we going to find so many for you?

They had just thought that this fellow was generous when he gave himself in right after...

"Beast Tamer Zhang, you must be jesting. It's not that we don't want to give some to you, but it's just that we don't have that many resources here..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen replied with a reddened face.

"It's alright if you don't have those. However, there's something that I really require, and I hope that you won't turn me down!" Zhang Xuan turned to look at them.

"Feel free to speak!"

"I need over a thousand Half-Zhizun and Zhizun realm cultivation technique manuals. There are no requirements to their quality, and the more there are, the better it is!" Zhang Xuan said.

Zhang Xuan's motive wasn't spirit stones or medicinal herbs, but this.

Only with sufficient cultivation technique could he form the Zhizun realm Heaven's Path Divine Art and achieve a breakthrough.

No matter what, if he wanted to avenge Lu Chong, he would require strength.

"A thousand Half-Zhizun and Zhizun realm cultivation technique manuals?"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen blinked.

What did he need those for?

It's not like you could boil cultivation techniques together to make a stew... On top of that, to demand nothing of their quality.

"This is simple, I can prepare them for you. However, I'll require at least three days!" After pondering for a moment, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded.

Zhizun realm cultivation techniques were valuable in Tianwu Kingdom, and it was nigh impossible to find even a single one in the market. However, in Xuanyuan Kingdom, most clans would possess several books. Collecting a thousand of them was troublesome, but with the connections of the Beast Hall, it would not be too difficult.

"Fine!"

Hearing that it was possible for the other party to collect all of them, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

With this, he had met two main goals he had at the Beast Hall, spirit beast blood essence and cultivation technique manuals.

"Alright, I'll cure your wounds now!"

Zhang Xuan turned to look at the Nightmare Beast.

The fellow had suffered some afflictions when it failed in its breakthrough to Transcendent Mortal realm. Previously, Zhang Xuan had promised to treat it as part of his deal, so it was time for him to fulfill the end of his bargain.

"Roar!"

The Nightmare Beast knew that it would not be able to follow behind Zhang Xuan once its injuries had recovered, so it howled in reluctance.

The other party was an expert capable of producing the True Voice of Dragons. If it were to follow behind him, it would surely be able to reach great heights in the future.

Staying at this Beast Hall meant losing this great opportunity.

However, the master had already made its stand. Contractually-bound to Zhang Xuan, it did not dare to protest.

"For me to solve your problem, I've to know what problems you are suffering from first!"

Ignoring its unhappiness, Zhang Xuan glanced at it and said, "Alright... Knock yourself out!"

"Roar???"

The Nightmare Beast widened its eyes in bewilderment.

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and Grand Elder Wei Yuqing were speechless as well.

It seemed like this fellow had not given up his intention of knocking the Nightmare Beast out...

"What are you roaring for, hurry up!"

Zhang Xuan chastised with a slight frown.

He had no time to waste here, he needed to make use of his time to cultivate Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan.

"Roar~~~~"

It stared at Zhang Xuan pleadingly, but upon seeing the other party's determined gaze, it gritted its teeth before striking its massive hand on its head.

Padah!

The sight before it turned dark, and it passed out.

If Xie Jiuchen and the others wanted to knock it out, they would probably have to go through a huge hassle. It was much simpler for it to do the work itself.

"What is it doing?"

"What's happening?"

When the Nightmare Beast barged out of its cage, the other beast tamers immediately retreated far away. Thus, they missed out on the conversation of the others. However, upon seeing the huge fellow knock itself out, bizarre expressions appeared on their faces.

"Beast Tamer Zhang is about to treat that huge fellow!"

Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang chuckled.

"Treat?" Luo Tang, Fang Jin, and the others were bewildered.

One had to knock out savage beasts before treating them?

"This is Beast Tamer Zhang's unique diagnosis method, the Unconscious Treatment Method!" Hall Master Feng explained.

"Unconscious Treatment Method? Beast Pummeling Taming Method... What the heck is with his techniques?"

The duo found themselves at the end of their tolerance for this insanity.

They had seen many eccentric things in this world, but such a bizarre sight was one they could have never imagined.

Ever since they were apprentice beast tamers, there was an iron-clad rule seared deep in their minds: To tame a savage beast, one had to have an intimate relationship with it first. One must never come into conflict with.

Yet...

Yet, the Beast Pummeling Taming Method and Unconscious Treatment Method...

If anyone else were to try pummeling a savage beast, they would definitely be beaten to death. Yet, not only was this fellow still in perfect condition, he even managed to get the savage beast to submit to it...

Just by thinking about it made them feel stifled.

Amidst everyone's bewildered and gloomy gazes, Zhang Xuan had already touched the Nightmare Beast and formed a corresponding book. Flipping through it, he found the root of the fellow's illness.

"Indeed, he suffered severe injuries from his failed breakthrough. Not only are his meridians injured, his internal organs are also damaged. He will require the nourishment of medicinal herbs... I'll write down a prescription for you all now. If you all treat him, it'll help you all in earning his good will!" Zhang Xuan said.

This fellow was indeed severely injured. After all, if that wasn't the case, it would have been impossible for the Beast Hall to capture him.

On top of that, he overexerted himself previously, exacerbating his injuries.

Even though Zhang Xuan could treat it without the Library of Heaven's Path given his current level of medical knowledge, he would be only able to treat its symptoms, not the root of its illness.

Knowing the specific location of the injuries had made it much simpler to cure the Nightmare Beast. However, to heal it to the point that it could try for Transcendent Mortal realm once more would still take at least half a year.

Of course, if Zhang Xuan were to use his Heaven's Path zhenqi, the other party's recovery rate would be boosted.

However, Zhang Xuan's current cultivation realm was far too lacking as compared to the other party. Putting aside the doubt of the effectiveness of the Heaven's Path zhenqi under such circumstances, there was a chance that Zhang Xuan's pure zhenqi might be revealed, and this would bring him a whole string of trouble.

Thus, he would rather dump the problem on the Beast Hall. In any case, this would also serve as a platform for them to strike up a relationship with the Nightmare Beast.

"Yes!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded.

Zhang Xuan took out a piece of a paper and a brush, and started writing down a prescription. The main ingredient of the prescription just so happened to be Wei Youdao's Seven-colored Honey.

He was only responsible for providing the prescription. As for how the other party would negotiate the matter, that was no longer a matter for him to worry over.

"I need a quiet chamber!"

After dealing with this matter, Zhang Xuan raised his request.

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen did not dare to keep Zhang Xuan waiting. He hurriedly prepared a quiet and spacious residence for him.

This Beast Tamer Zhang had successfully cleared the Ten Beasts Cage. Just that in itself was sufficient reason for the Beast Hall to give him a residence already.

Not to mention, the other party even tamed the Nightmare Beast and gave it to the Beast Hall. It would be hard for the Beast Hall to return this debt.

After settling Zhao Ya and the others in, Zhang Xuan turned to Hall Master Xie Jiuchen and asked, "Right, Hall Master Xie, may I trouble you on another matter?"

"Feel free to speak!" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen chuckled.

Despite this fellow young age, Xie Jiuchen already viewed him as a fellow peer, or perhaps, even a senior.

Putting all things aside, just the fact that Beast Tamer Zhang was able to tame the Nightmare Beast so easily and produce the True Voice of Dragons showed that his capability was far beyond his.

"Hall master, may I trouble you to assign a person to escort a friend of mine to Gale Valley of the Duskfall Mountains?"

Zhang Xuan called Sun Qiang over and gestured to him.

"Duskfall Mountains... Gale Valley? You are going to the... Poison Hall?" Hall Master Xie Jiuchen narrowed his eyes.

The Xuanyuan Kingdom Poison Hall branch was well-hidden, and very few people knew of its exact position. Even so, as the head of the Beast Hall, Xie Jiuchen was well-informed on such matters.

It was in Gale Valley!

That region was usually forbidden lands for ordinary cultivators. Why was Beast Tamer Zhang sending his subordinate over?

"You know of the Poison Hall as well? Indeed, I need him to make a trip for me!"

Zhang Xuan chuckled.

"But... the surrounding area of the Poison Hall is treacherous land..." Hall Master Xie Jiuchen tried to talk Zhang Xuan out of it.

The Poison Hall had a horrible reputation, and there were many casualties under them. To abruptly pay a visit was an extremely dangerous affair.

More importantly, this subordinate of his was only at Dingli realm!

"Ah, I have a friend at the Poison Hall, and I just need Sun Qiang to look for him in my stead. There won't be any danger, so you don't have to worry! It's just that I need someone to protect him on the way to avoid unnecessary trouble," Zhang Xuan explained.

Back then, when Gu Mu left, he had left Zhang Xuan with a token, saying that he could bring it to look for him when he needed help.

Since Zhang Xuan was going against the Xuanyuan royal family now, he needed all the help he could get.

However, Zhang Xuan urgently needed to cultivate now so that he could gain sufficient strength to exact his vengeance. Thus, after much contemplation, he decided to send Sun Qiang over.

This fellow might be arrogant, but he was able to retain his composure even before experts like Su Fan and Ling Yuheng. As such, he was in a much better position than Zhao Ya and the others.

"Alright then! I'll go make preparations!"

Hearing that Zhang Xuan had a friend at the Poison Hall, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen hesitated for a moment before eventually nodding his head.

Then, after the other party left, Zhang Xuan turned around to face Sun Qiang.

"Butler Sun, I have something I require your help on."

"Young master, feel free to speak!" Sun Qiang hurriedly clasped his fist.

As the sole direct disciple of the old master, Sun Qiang had to obey Zhang Xuan's commands.

"Take this token, visit a poison master named Gu Mu in the Gale Valley Poison Hall and have him meet me at Xuanyuan Kingdom!" Zhang Xuan instructed, taking out a token.

"Alright!" Sun Qiang nodded his head. "May I know if this Gu Mu is young master's friend? How should I address him?"

Zhang Xuan had never told anyone about the happenings in the Poison Hall, so Sun Qiang did not know about the matter.

"Oh, this Gu Mu... is my teacher's grandstudent, meaning, my junior nephew!" Zhang Xuan replied.

Initially, Zhang Xuan was going to say that the other party was his grandstudent, but if the other party were to find out that his senior granduncle was not even twenty yet, he would surely bear doubts. Thus, he might as well push the identity of the elusive expert to his 'teacher'.

In any case, his 'teacher' had always been an unfathomable figure. Adding another layer of secrecy to his identity did not mean anything much at this point.

"The old master's grandstudent?" Sun Qiang's eyes lit up.

He did not expect the old master to be so formidable as to have a grandstudent in the Poison Hall.

"As a servant of the old master, even if I am of inferior standing to the old master, I am at least of the same standing as the young master! Since that Gu Mu lad is the old master's grandstudent, young master's junior nephew, that means that he's my junior as well..." Sun Qiang thought. "As his senior, it's only right for him to run over as soon as he's called. Besides, as his senior, he should at least welcome me grandly with good alcohol and meat!"

The more he thought about it, the more satisfied Sun Qiang felt with the job he was assigned.

Seeing the other party's delighted expression, Zhang Xuan warned, "The Poison Hall is a dangerous place, so be careful!"

"Young master, rest assured!" Sun Qiang nodded.

"I'll leave a surge of zhenqi with you just in case someone tries to poison you. At the very least, you'll be able to protect yourself this way!"

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan flicked his finger, and a surge of Heaven's Path zhenqi flew through the other party's meridians, seeped into his dantian, and lay dormant within.

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Chapter 429: Uncle Sun Qiang Is Here (2)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Zhang Xuan's Zongshi realm Heaven's Path zhenqi could neutralize all poison of grade-3 and below.

It was hard to tell what kind of dangers Sun Qiang would meet, so it was best for him to be careful.

With this surge of zhenqi, Sun Qiang should be able to protect himself from the poison of ordinary poison masters.

"Thank you, young master!"

Knowing that the young master was doing this for his safety, Sun Qiang bowed in gratitude.

After the last few days of fellowship, he knew that even though the young master might be inferior to the old master, he was also a man of great capability.

Since he decided to do so, he must have his own considerations.

After explaining the method of triggering the surge of zhenqi and ensuring that the other party understood his words, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

Even though Sun Qiang was a little coarse, his ability to get things done was reliable. All along, he had been able to reliably accomplish the tasks Zhang Xuan entrusted to him, saving him a lot of hassle.

'Yang shi' was an unfathomable, advanced master teacher, and the butler of such a figure had to possess a befitting disposition. Even though Sun Qiang's cultivation was so-so, he had been able to play the role of a butler perfectly.

Otherwise, Zhang Xuan would not have gone through the trouble of bringing him here from Tianxuan Kingdom.

"These are a few pills beneficial to your cultivation. Remember to cultivate hard even when traveling."

With a flick of his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out several pills that he obtained from the Lin Clan and passed them over.

"Yes!" Sun Qiang hurriedly received them.

He was no fool. Given that his cultivation was already lagging behind, he knew that if he did not work harder, he would soon lose his value.

While Zhang Xuan was delegating a few more points for Sun Qiang to take note of, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen returned with an elder before him. It was Wei Yuqing,

"The Poison Hall is dangerous, and after much consideration, I decided to assign Elder Wei to follow him. This way, his safety can be guaranteed!" Hall Master Xie said.

On top of being a 3-star beast tamer, Wei Yuqing was a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert. Other than Xie Jiuchen, he was the strongest person in the entire Beast Hall. Also, he possessed the deepest understanding of the affairs of the Poison Hall as well.

It should be safer for him to escort Beast Tamer Zhang's subordinate.

Beast Tamer Zhang was an important guest of the Beast Hall. On top of that, they had yet to fully tame the Nightmare Beast. Thus, no matter what, they had to protect the other party's subordinate well.

"I'll be depending on Elder Wei then!"

Zhang Xuan clasped his fist.

"Don't worry!" Wei Yuqing nodded with a smile. "Even though I've never been to the Poison Hall, I've heard some rumors about it. If it's just looking for someone, there won't be any danger!"

As long as they weren't going to the Poison Hall to wreak havoc, it should be fine.

After all, even though poison masters were formidable, beast tamers, as a member of the Upper Nine Paths, were not to be trifled with either.

"Un!" Since Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was making a move personally, Zhang Xuan felt reassured.

The duo left on an aerial savage beast. After trading some pleasantries with Zhang Xuan, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen took his leave.

The Nightmare Beast had awoken, and he had to make use of this opportunity to strike up an intimate relationship with the latter before it recovered fully.

"Time to start!"

After the crowd left, Zhang Xuan found himself a quiet room, conditioned himself, and sat down cross-legged.

With his recent gains, he should have sufficient spirit beast blood essence to reach Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan.

After adjusting his state, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist, and a few droplets of spirit beast blood essence appeared in his palm.

There was a dense concentration of spiritual energy in the room. This was a unique cultivation chamber in the residence, and a spiritual energy gathering formation had been set up here.

Closing his eyes, Zhang Xuan began to drive his zhenqi according to the formula stated within the Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan. Then, with a flick of his finger, the blood droplets suddenly turned into a mist, permeating into the pores throughout Zhang Xuan's body.

The spirit beast blood essence was the essence of the blood extracted from a spirit beast. Even though it wasn't as valuable as inner cores, harnessed within every droplet was the very essence of a spirit beast. The energy contained in every droplet was even purer and denser than those in spirit stones.

A huge spiral formed within his body, taking in all of the energy within the blood to nourish every single cell within him.

"The effects are indeed significantly less effective than before..."

Taking a look at his body after absorbing the first batch of spirit beast blood essence, Zhang Xuan frowned.

Along with the rise in his strength, the requirement on the spirit beast blood essence would increase as well. In the past, a single drop could induce massive improvements, but now, its effects had been greatly cut.

But in any case, Zhang Xuan had sufficient spirit blood essence in his possession, so he had no worries.

Based on his previous calculations, twenty droplets of spirit beast blood essence should be sufficient for him to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle.

As long as his strength reached that level, it would be possible for him to face even a Half-Transcension cultivator through the Eye of Insight and Library of Heaven's Path.

He would be able to exact vengeance then.

Tzzzz!

Under the effects of the Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, the constitution of Zhang Xuan's muscles were modified, making his physical strength soar to new heights.

Boom!

After an unknown period of time, with the sound of an explosion, Zhang Xuan seemed to have broken a shackle binding his body. It felt as though he was submerged into a tub of hot water, and a feeling of relaxation spread all over him.

Finally, he had broken through the 9999 ding bottleneck to reach the level of Zhizun realm!

Even though there was only a single ding of difference between 9999 ding and 10,000 ding, it set apart the boundary between a Half-Zhizun and Zhizun. With this leap, one's level of existence became completely different.

Zhizun was the peak of the Fighter realm. Regardless of whether it was one's physical body, spirit, or energy, one would be approaching the limits of a human at this realm.

Only when one had reached this realm could one attempt to break their mortal limits to become a Transcendent Mortal. Upon success, their lifespan and strength would be enhanced immensely.

If one could not even take the step to Zhizun realm, one would be doomed to remain as a mortal for life. One could only watch helplessly as time left its mark on one.

In other words, it was the stepping stone to become a true expert.

Many cultivators found themselves locked outside its gates, unable to take the final step in, and thus, dying in regret.

After previously absorbing the two droplets of spirit beast blood essence, Zhang Xuan also found himself stuck before this hurdle, unable to raise his strength by that final ding to push through the next realm no matter how he cultivated.

However, with sufficient blood essence in his hands, he could finally take that final step.

With the breakthrough in his cultivation, Zhang Xuan's reaction speed and senses were enhanced immensely.

His vision became much sharper and clearer.

As expected of the top realm of a Fighter. Just the breakthrough in his physical body had brought him many benefits.

Even though his strength was just increased by a single ding, his overall fighting prowess rose by almost two folds.

If he were to fight with the Steel-armed Golden Ape once more, even without the Library of Heaven's Path, he would be able to crush it easily with just his strength.

This was Zhizun realm!

"Finally!"

Knowing that it would be easier to raise his cultivation now, having broken through his bottleneck, Zhang Xuan frenziedly absorbed the spirit beast blood essence within the jade bottle and drove the Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan. Once again, his strength rose at a rate visible to the eye.

10,100 ding!

10,200 ding!

10,300 ding!

...

30,000 ding!

In just a single day, Zhang Xuan reached 30,000 ding straight, granting him strength equivalent to a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert.

At this moment, he had already expended a total of eighteen drops of spirit beast blood essence.

"The expenditure is greater than I've expected..."

He thought that it would only take at most ten droplets for him to reach Zhizun realm advanced stage, but contrary to his expectations, it took eighteen instead. That was far beyond his estimations.

It was fortunate that he received ten additional droplets from Hall Master Xie. With twelve droplets remaining, it should be sufficient for him to push to Zhizun realm pinnacle.

"Continue!"

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan closed his eyes and continued cultivating.

...

While Zhang Xuan was in seclusion, Sun Qiang had finally arrived at the Gale Valley in the Duskfall Mountains after half a day of traveling.

Similar to the Red Lotus Range, it extended far beyond the horizon, and the Poison Hall was hidden somewhere amidst this vast plot of lush greenery.

If one didn't know the exact location of the Poison Hall, putting aside finding it, one would probably end up dead at the hands of the powerful savage beasts prowling around or from the poisonous mist which lingered in the air.

"Be careful!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing took out an antidote pill in advance.

The duo abandoned the aerial savage beast and began proceeding through the mountain valley on foot.

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's strength of Zhizun realm pinnacle made the weaker savage beasts dare not approach him. On top of that, he was an experienced veteran, and under his guide, the duo avoided most of the danger.

After a day of walking, having circled around innumerable savage beasts and poisonous mist, a massive infrastructure appeared before them.

Countless tall dark-gray stone buildings reminiscent of ancient relics clustered around it.

The layout was similar to the Red Lotus Range Poison Hall, but it was clearly larger and grander. There were all kinds of formidable formations laid out in the area.

After circling around a massive boulder, they finally arrived at the entrance.

Before they could walk in, they seemed to have triggered some kind of mechanism. Jiya! A loud sound echoed, and immediately afterward, and the ringing of bells sounded.

Huala!

A few poison masters wearing long robes appeared before the duo.

Even though Poison Hall was well-hidden and no one would easily attempt to besiege it, it was still one of the most hated and feared occupations in the continent. As such, they went to the extent of building a strong defensive system.

"Who dares to barge into the Poison Hall?"

A young man walked forward as he assessed the two intruders with a cold gaze.

These few people seemed to be in their thirties, and they had all reached Zongshi realm, and the young man who spoke had even reached Zongshi realm pinnacle.

But of course, what was fearsome about poison masters wasn't their strength but their ability to utilize poison.

Even though they were only at Zongshi realm, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing didn't dare to underestimate them.

"I am a 3-star beast tamer from the Beast Hall, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing. I'm here to seek a friend!"

Wei Yuqing stepped forward and clasped his hands.

After a day of accompaniment, Wei Yuqing realized that Sun Qiang was only at Dingli realm. It was likely that the poison masters would simply disregard his presence so he chose to take on the job of interacting with the other party.

"An elder from the Beast Hall?"

Taken aback, a grim look slowly surfaced on the young man.

Even though they rarely interacted with the outside world, poison masters still roughly knew the various powers out in the world. Given that the other party was an elder of the Beast Hall, his strength was most probably at Zhizun realm pinnacle. This wasn't a figure that they could trifle with.

"May I know which poison master within our Poison Hall are you looking for?"

The young man replied politely.

"It's a poison master named Gu Mu!" Sun Qiang said.

"Gu Mu?"

The young man was taken aback by Sun Qiang's words, and a furrow slowly appeared on his forehead. "You're looking for Hall Master Gu Mu?"

"Hall master?"

Sun Qiang and Wei Yuqing were dumbstruck.

Wei Yuqing knew that they were here to look for Zhang Xuan's junior nephew... He thought that the other party would just be some unknown poison master, to think that he would be the head of the Poison Hall!

The standing of the head of the Poison Hall was in no way inferior to the head of the Beast Hall.

"That's right!" Seeing that the other party clearly didn't know that Gu Mu was the hall master despite being here to look for him, a wary look appeared on the faces of the poison masters. "May I know the reason why you are looking for the hall master? I'll help you relay your message!"

"The reason?"

Sun Qiang hesitated for a moment, but upon recalling his standing, he straightened his plump body and stood imposingly.

Placing his hands behind his back, his eyebrows shot up, and an arrogant look appeared on his face, "Hmph, tell him that his Uncle Sun Qiang is here, so he should hurry out to welcome me!"

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Chapter 430: Gu Mu's Teacher Is Here Too [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Uncle Sun Qiang?"

Wei Yuqing was just about to explain the matter when he heard these words. His lips trembled, and he nearly bit his own tongue.

As the head of the Poison Hall, there were no doubts about the other party's strength and his ability to utilize poison. Even if Hall Master Xie Jiuchen were to come personally, there was no guarantee that he could defeat the other party.

Even Wei Yuqing had to bow respectfully before such an elder for fear of offending the other party.

Yet, this fellow declared that 'uncle is here' as soon as he arrived.

Where in the world did that come from?

Even if Gu Mu was Yang shi's grandstudent, you should have nothing much to do with it!

For a Dingli realm fellow to claim to the be uncle of a Zhizun realm expert...

And to declare it so loudly and imposingly at that...

Wei Yuqing felt his face turn green.

He thought that it should be a simple matter bringing Sun Qiang here to look for someone. How could he have known that Sun Qiang was such an unreliable companion?

"What did you say?"

"Where did this fool come from!"

As expected. As soon that Sun Qiang spoke those arrogant words, everyone's fury immediately erupted.

They had always admired Hall Master Gu Mu's incredible strength, so how could they tolerate a random stranger claiming to be his uncle, his senior? This was an insult!

Furthermore, even if Hall Master Gu Mu were to really have an uncle, the other party should at least be a powerful Transcendent Mortal expert. How could such a shameless-looking Dingli realm fellow like you be his uncle?

"Audacious!"

Used to such situations, Sun Qiang's eyebrows shot up as he bellowed authoritatively, "Hurry up and call him out. Otherwise, don't blame me if I get that lad Gu Mu to tear you apart!"

"Lad? Gu Mu?"

Wei Yuqing's mouth twitched yet again.

He felt that a heart problem would crop up if he continued listening to these words.

"You..."

The faces of the poison masters steeled in fury. Unable to hold back their fury, they were about to make a move on Sun Qiang when a voice echoed.

"What happened? Who are these visitors?"

Turning to the origin of the voice, an imposing young man walked over with widened strides.

It had not been long since the bell rang, and it was already ringing for the second time. When did the Poison Hall get so bothersome?

"Poison Master Wu Xi, you came at the right time. These fellows popped out from nowhere and claimed to be Hall Master Gu's uncle..." The group hurriedly explained the matter to the young man who had just appeared.

"Teacher's uncle? I don't recall teacher having any relatives..."

Wu Xi frowned in confusion.

Even though he was baffled, he chose to handle the matter prudently. Thus, he clasped his fist and asked.

"I am Wu Xi, and Hall Master Gu Mu is my teacher. May I know how to address you and where did you come from so that I can report this matter to teacher."

Seeing the other party's respectful attitude, Sun Qiang nodded his head in satisfaction. "How to address me? I am your teacher's uncle, so you can address me as grandfather!"

Wu Xi's eyebrows twitched, and his body swayed for an instant.

As the direct disciple of the hall master, he possessed a high standing in the Poison Hall. For a Dingli realm fellow out of nowhere to claim to be his grandfather...

Stifled, he nearly exploded.

Even so, if the other party was truly his teacher's uncle, there would be no problem with the address.

"Since you claim to be teacher's uncle, may I know if you have... anything to affirm your identity?"

Suppressing his rage, Wu Xi clasped his fists respectfully.

"Here!"

With a flick of his wrist, Sun Qiang threw the token Zhang Xuan gave him over.

"It's teacher's token..."

Upon seeing the object, Wu Xi's face changed.

He had seen teacher's token once, and it was a one-of-a-kind object. To think that he would see it on this plump man... Could this unimpressive fellow truly be teacher's uncle?

"Elder, please wait for a moment. I'll report this matter to teacher now!"

Given that the other party was able to take out his teacher's token, it was highly likely that his words were true. Thus, Wu Xi hurriedly clasped his fists respectfully. At the same time, he also changed his method of address to 'elder'.

"Un, go on!"

Sun Qiang waved his hands proudly.

Seeing the imposing Wu Xi behaving so respectfully, the other poison masters were dumbfounded.

They thought that this fellow was bragging. To think that it was actually true!

Just a moment ago, someone had just appeared claiming to be the hall master's teacher. Given his powerful and majestic disposition, no one doubted his words at all.

And now, the uncle had appeared as well. However, why did this uncle seem so weak and unimpressive?

...

In the lounge of the Poison Hall, Gu Mu was seated on a chair, and he had an extremely respectful and humble look on his face.

In the past twenty days, his cultivation had leaped considerably. Vaguely, one could sense that he was just a single step away from reaching Half-Transcension.

It seemed like it wouldn't be long before he managed to make that breakthrough to a whole new world.

Seated before was a white-haired elder. His eyes were deep as though an abyss, filled with the vicissitudes of life, leaving one with an unfathomable impression of him.

Seated beside the elder was a youth dressed in a white robe. The youth had rosy lips and held a foldable fan in his hands. Taking a closer look, he was even more dashing than the refined Ji Mo gongzi, who won the hearts of the ladies in Tianwu Royal City.

In fact, the disposition and appearance of this youth far exceeded that of Ji Mo. The difference was as huge as though the gap between the heaven and the earth.

A feature that stood out for that youth was his smooth and pale skin. Even Zhang Xuan, who had already cultivated the Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan, could not match up to his complexion. Perhaps, only Zhao Ya could be a match for him.

The youth sat quietly on a chair beside the elder. Even though he didn't speak a single word, he exuded a pressure that caused the white-haired elder to feel slightly restrained, not daring to speak excessively.

"Teacher, this is the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed. Upon consumption, it'll increase a person's chances of breaking into the Half-Transcension realm by twenty percent!"

With a flick on his wrist, Hall Master Gu Mu took out a jade box and passed it over to the elder.

Opening the box, a blood-red object the size of a peanut appeared before everyone's gazes. It exuded astonishingly concentrated spiritual energy which revitalized one with just a single breath.

Crimson Flame Lotus Seed!

This was the treasure obtained back when he was at the Red Lotus Range.

"Un!"

Nodding his head, the elder took it and passed it to the youth beside him, "Gong-gongzi!"

"This is the reason why you came here?"

The youth who was addressed as 'gongzi' glanced at the seed for a moment before closing it.

The incomparably valuable Crimson Flame Lotus Seed that other cultivators would kill to obtain seemed to be something of zero value in his eyes.

"I heard that this object is beneficial to gongzi's recovery..." the elder hurriedly explained.

"You've been troubled!"

Upon hearing that it was for him, 'gongzi' nodded his head, kept the jade box, and fell silent once more.

"Well done!"

Seeing the finicky 'gongzi' accept the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, the elder heaved a sigh of relief. Only then did he turn to Hall Master Gu Mu and nod his head in satisfaction.

"Teacher has done so much for me, it's only right for me to be filial to you!"

Gu Mu hurriedly clasped his fist humbly.

The person seated before him was his ex-teacher, 4-star Poison Master Jin Conghai.

When Jin Conghai was still a 3-star poison master, he accepted Gu Mu in as his student and groomed him. Eventually, he managed to break through his bottleneck, so he left Xuanyuan Kingdom. With this departure, he was gone for two whole decades.

Even so, his guidance had played a fundamental role to Gu Mu's current accomplishments.

Otherwise, he would probably still be trying to crawl ahead as a 2-star poison master.

Knowing that the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed was an incredible treasure, he immediately sent the news over to his teacher. As such, his teacher made a detour to the Xuanyuan Kingdom Poison Hall.

"Since we've obtained what we needed, let's go!"

The 'gongzi' didn't seem to care for pleasantries or that sort. Waving the fan in his hand, he stood up.

"Yes!" Jin Conghai nodded.

"Teacher, may I know... where are you heading in such a hurry to? If it's within my means, I wish to offer my assistance..."

Hall Master Gu Mu hesitated for a brief moment before asking.

He thought that his teacher would stay a period of time, during which, he could seek his guidance on his cultivation to break through his bottleneck. Yet, the other party was going to leave right after arriving. This left him slightly disappointed.

"Gongzi is intending to head to a Tier 1 Kingdom below Xuanyuan Kingdom. There's nothing we need your help on, you don't have to worry about it!"

Jin Conghai shook his hands and rejected the other party's offer with a smile.

"There is a total of twenty-seven Tier-1 Kingdoms under Xuanyuan Kingdom. May I know which one is gongzi and teacher intending to head to? I am familiar with some of them, so perhaps I can help lead the way."

Knowing that his teacher was deferential to this 'gongzi', Hall Master Gu Mu asked for the latter's opinion as well.

"Tianwu Kingdom!" Jin Conghai said.

"Tianwu? I've just returned from there a few days ago. In fact, this Crimson Flame Lotus Seed came from the branch there! I am well-versed with the directions there, so if I may, I could guide you both!"

Gu Mu's eyes lit up in excitement.

Given that he had just come from Tianwu Kingdom, he was still rather familiar with the basic layout of the region.

"You've just returned from Tianwu Kingdom?"

Hearing the Gu Mu's words, the nonchalant 'gongzi' suddenly turned around and asked, "Good, I've something to ask you about."

"Gongzi, feel free to speak!" Gu Mu replied respectfully.

After a momentary pause, the 'gongzi' was just about to voice his query when anxious footsteps sounded outside. Then, Wu Xi appeared in the group's sight. "Teacher!"

"What's wrong?"

Given that the other party interrupted the esteemed 'gongzi's' words, Gu Mu's complexion immediately darkened.

"There's a person outside claiming to be your uncle, and he insists on meeting you..." Wu Xi hurriedly said.

"My uncle?"

Gu Mu was baffled. "When did I ever have an uncle?"

His father was the sole son in his family, so how could he have an uncle?

"But... he has your token!"

Wu Xi quickly lifted the token Sun Qiang gave him up.

Upon seeing the token, realization suddenly struck Gu Mu. "Could he be someone senior granduncle sent?"

It was just a few days ago that he gave this token to the mysterious 'senior granduncle'.

Even though the other party looked young, he possessed unfathomable means. The reason why he managed to touch on the gates of Half-Transcension in just a short span of twenty days was because of this senior's guidance.

The other party had cured him of his affliction and helped him tame the Lava Beast, thus granting him sufficient time and hope to avenge his wife.

To be honest, the gratitude he felt toward this mysterious senior didn't pale to that of his teacher.

"What senior granduncle?"

Hearing Gu Mu's mutterings, Jin Conghai turned his head over.

"I was just about to report this matter to teacher..."

Gu Mu hurriedly walked forward and asked, "May I know if... teacher has a young-looking senior uncle?"

Since the other party was his senior granduncle, then naturally, he would be his teacher's senior uncle.

"Senior uncle?"

Jin Conghai was bewildered. "Young-looking? What's his name?"

"His name is Bai Chan... However, I think that it's just an alias. I'm not too sure what his real name is either!" Gu Mu said.

Gu Mu had Liao Xun investigated the matter, but the results showed that Bai Chan was only an ordinary physician in Tianwu Royal City. Most probably, senior granduncle did not want others to know his identity, that's why he chose to conceal his true name.

Seeing that Gu Mu was unclear of the matter as well, Jin Conghai asked, "Where's he now?"

It was common for a cultivator to have many teachers throughout his entire life. However, most of them could only be considered as a half-teacher. More often than not, one would only have a single true teacher.

His teacher had already passed away many years ago, and he didn't hear of his teacher having any juniors at all. Where did this senior uncle appear from?

"I haven't met him ever since I parted with him at Red Lotus Range. However, I gave him my token, and someone is looking for me now with it. Most probably, that person should be his junior or his student!" Gu Mu said.

Since the other party claimed to be his uncle, it meant that the other party was a junior of his senior granduncle.

"My teacher, Jin Chengxue, has already passed away, thirteen years ago. He'd never spoken of our lineage, so I'm not too sure about the details as well. However, if he's truly related to my teacher, I should be able to recognize it..."

With a deep frown, Jin Conghai suddenly felt intrigued to know who this 'senior uncle' was. After a moment of hesitation, he turned to look at 'gongzi'.

"It's only out of interest that I'm heading to Tianwu Royal City. It isn't much of a problem for me to push back my schedule for a few days. Since this is a problem regarding your lineage, you should investigate it properly to prevent anyone from making use of your name!"

Knowing Jin Conghai's intentions, 'gongzi' shook his hands casually.

"Thank you, gongzi!"

Upon receiving the other party's approval, Jin Conghai's eyes lit up. Then, turning to Gu Mu, he issued an instruction.

"Allow him in. I would like to see if this senior uncle is real or not..."

"Yes!"

Gu Mu nodded before gesturing to Wu Xi.

The young man walked out, and before long, he returned with two figures behind him.

The one walking in front was a plump man whose cultivation was only at Dingli realm. His hands behind his back, his chests were puffed up, and he carried a slight air of superiority.

Sun Qiang.

The other man was an elder possessing a cultivation of Zhizun realm pinnacle. He had a composed disposition, but there was a sharp glint in his eyes.

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing.

As soon as the trio walked in, before Wu Xi had a chance to introduce them, Sun Qiang's eyes swept across the people in the room and he said, "Which of you is Gu Mu?"

Seeing how that fellow arrogantly addressed the hall master by his name, the complexion of Wu Xi and the others turned awful.

"I am!"

Gu Mu frowned as well, but he clasped his fist and responded politely.

"I believe you have seen the token already. The old master hopes for you to make a trip to Xuanyuan Royal City."

Without the slightest hesitation, Sun Qiang walked up to the main seat and waved his plump hands, "You should hurry up and make preparations!"

"May I know... the reason why senior granduncle is asking me to head for Xuanyuan Royal City? And what should I prepare?" Gu Mu asked in confusion.

Since the other party had the token, it was unlikely that this plump man was an imposter. Besides, Gu Mu had given his word that regardless of who it was, as long as they came to him with the token in hand, he would fulfill their demands regardless of what it was.

Sun Qiang replied, "As a subordinate, I dare not comment on the old master's affairs. I advise you to do the same as well... When you reach Xuanyuan Royal City, he'll inform you on the rest!"

"This... Yes!" Gu Mu nodded.

Not only was this Dingli realm fellow fearless before the Zhizun realm pinnacle Poison Hall Hall Master, he even spoke with a lecturing tone. Grand Elder Wei Yuqing felt so faint-headed that the whites of his eyes were showing.

He thought that given Sun Qiang's weak cultivation and shabby background, it was unlikely for him to be experienced in this kind of huge matter. Thus, as a Zhizun realm pinnacle, the grand elder of the Beast Hall, he intended to bring him along and teach him a thing or two...

In the end... he became the countryside bumpkin instead.

Before the fearsome head of the Poison Hall, he was so scared that he didn't dare to utter a single word. On the other hand, the other party was able to speak nonchalantly, lecturing as he pleased, not giving the slightest consideration to the hall master's face at all...

He sure was bold!

Where in the world did he get such confidence from?

Did he really think that the other party wouldn't dare kill him?

Even the composed 'gongzi' couldn't help but widen his eyes in astonishment.

He had seen arrogant people before, but this plump man clearly topped them all.

Given the other party's strength, even an apprentice in the Poison Hall could easily extinguish his measly life. Yet, he was able to speak fearlessly here. Could his backing truly be that great? Was he certain that Gu Mu wouldn't make a move on him, that's why he was able to remain fearless?

"This friend here, may I know how I can address your old master?"

Unable to hold himself back anymore, Jin Conghai spoke up.

The other party's confidence and boldness had left him puzzled as well.

If the other party was an imposter, he would surely show some hints of fear. However, Jin Conghai could sense that this plump man was truly confident and fearless.

This meant that he must have something to fall back on...

Such boldness was not something an imposter could possess.

"Audacious! Who do you think you are? I'm speaking to Hall Master Gu Mu, this isn't your place to butt in!"

Sun Qiang's eyebrows shot up furiously.

"The heck!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nearly spurted a mouthful of blood. He nearly couldn't hold back his urge to escape.

Due to Sun Qiang's lack of strength, he was unable to gauge the strength of this elder. However, as soon as Wei Yuqing walked in, he had already noticed the peculiarity with this elder. Given the deeply concealed and exceptionally calm aura of the other party, there was a high chance that he was a Transcendent Mortal expert!

It was precisely of this elder that he didn't dare to move or speak at all. Yet, this fellow... berated him!

Doomed!

Wei Yuqing thought that this should be an easy mission since they only had to look for a person. But from the looks of it now, this simple mission was going to claim his life...

He wasn't the only one astounded by this situation. 'Gongzi' and Gu Mu also nearly bit their tongues.

How dare a Fighter 5-dan Dingli realm weakling speak to a Transcendent Mortal expert like that...

This was no longer boldness, this was madness!

"You..."

Having been bellowed at, Jin Conghai's face darkened. He flung his sleeves and said, "I am Hall Master Gu Mu's teacher, 4-star Poison Master Jin Conghai. Even so, I still have no rights to speak?"

"Gu Mu's teacher? 4-star poison master?"

Sun Qiang was taken aback.

He thought that the other party was just a sidekick, and he didn't expect him to be such a formidable figure.

Even so, Sun Qiang didn't panic in the least. He simply stared at Jin Conghai with a look of disdain.

"So what if you're a 4-star poison master? Even 4-star master teachers like Su Fan and Ling Yuheng have to pay respect to the old master in the capacity of a student, not daring to refute even when reprimanded... Why, do you think that you're superior to 4-star master teachers?"

Trying to scare me?

Let me tell you, I, Brother Qiang, am no bumpkin!

Back then, even the 4-star master teacher 'Little Su' acted subserviently to the old master, not daring to speak loudly or go against his wills. You are just a mere poison master. No matter how incredible you are, do you think you can match up to the number one occupation in the world?

Didn't I try to spare your pride already? What are you bragging for!

"Su Fan? Ling Yuheng? Do you mean Elder Su and Elder Ling from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's Master Teacher Pavilion?"

Jin Conghai was about to erupt from rage when he heard those words. His face immediately warped in shock.

As 4-star master teachers, Su Fan and Ling Yuheng were famous figures in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Not only were they powerful, they also possessed incredible influence as the elders of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Their standing was comparable even to the nobles of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's royal family.

Yet, these two noble and powerful master teachers actually paid respect to his old master in the capacity of a student... Are you for real?

If that's true... Then who in the world was his old master?

A grave look surfaced on Jin Conghai's face.

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Chapter 431: Wreaking Havoc in Xuanyuan Kingdom (1) [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"You know Little Su and Little Ling?"

Sun Qiang frowned.

"I've... met them once!"

Hearing him address 4-star master teachers in such a manner, the corner of Jin Conghai's lips twitched.

Those two were powerful figures in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and yet, in this plump man's mouth, they seemed as though insignificant small fries...

His head spun frenziedly.

"Since you know them, then it won't be a problem to tell you then!"

Sun Qiang's expression finally alleviated slightly upon seeing the fear on the other party's face, and he revealed, "The old master, Yang Xuan, is a master teacher. As for his rank... he has never revealed it before, so I don't know either. However, Su shi has once hinted that his capability has definitely reached the level of a... 6-star master teacher!"

"A 6-star... master teacher?"

'Gongzi', Jin Conghai, Gu Mu, and the others leaped in shock.

Even the most formidable master teacher in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, Pavilion Master Kang, was only at 4-star pinnacle. He was still a far way off from reaching 5-star, needless to say, 6-star.

In the ranking system of a master teacher, the higher the rank, the greater the difference between each ranking.

Even though there was only a difference of two ranks between 6-star and 4-star pinnacle, there was actually a huge disparity in their cultivation. Even if all of the experts of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance were to band together, they wouldn't be able to match up to an expert of this class.

To think that the old master the other party was speaking about was such a formidable existence...

It was no wonder why this plump man, despite being only at Dingli realm, could act so fearlessly before them.

With such a huge backing, putting aside Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators and Transcendent Mortal experts... Even the powerful Fleeting Cloud Sect wouldn't dare offend him!

On the other hand, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's body shuddered, and he nearly fainted from shock.

He had never seen the old master that Sun Qiang was speaking of, but he had seen the young master... it was the incomparably talented Beast Tamer Zhang!

To that genius, taming a beast was as though a walk in the park, and even the incredibly difficult Ten Beasts Cage was no more than a slight workout for him!

All along, he had thought that Beast Tamer Zhang might be the direct disciple of some high-ranked beast tamer. He never could have imagined that Beast Tamer Zhang's teacher would be a 6-star master teacher!

It was no wonder why he was so formidable despite his young age.

'I must hurry back to inform the hall master of the matter!' Grand Elder Wei Yuqing thought.

"That's right! However, the one who wishes to meet Hall Master Gu this time is Young Master Zhang Xuan. Make some preparations and bring more poison along. At the very least, you won't panic when the time comes!"

Seeing the fear in everyone's eyes, Sun Qiang nodded his head in satisfaction.

Who was Yang shi?

As the butler of a master teacher whose ranking potentially exceeded 6-star, even if he didn't possess sufficient strength, he mustn't lose out in his disposition. If he were to be frightened by these small fries, how could he still proudly claim to be the old master's butler?

"Yes!"

Upon learning that 'senior granduncle' was a 6-star master teacher, bits and pieces of Gu Mu's interaction with the other party gradually surfaced in his mind.

Solving his affliction, helping him tame the Lava Beast, expelling the Contract Gu from the Great Herb King's body...

All of his feats were anything but ordinary.

At that moment, he realized that... this fellow might not necessarily be bragging.

That senior granduncle 'Yang shi' might truly be a person of such great means.

"Gongzi, is what he said true?"

Jin Conghai communicated telepathically with 'gongzi'.

Gongzi might be young and his cultivation could not compare up to him, but he was extraordinarily sharp when it came to discerning people.

"His tone is confident, and there isn't the slightest hint of a lie in his words. That Yang shi probably isn't an ordinary figure!" Gongzi replied calmly.

"This..."

"Actually, it's not difficult to determine whether his words are true or not. Based on his words, his young master is probably at Xuanyuan Royal City. If I recall correctly, we have to pass by there to reach Tianwu Royal City so we can go over to take a look. If the old master he speaks of is truly a 6-star master teacher, then befriending him would surely be beneficial."

Gongzi continued, "If that's not the case, you can handle the matter as you please!"

"Yes!" Jin Conghai hurriedly nodded.

That plump man had spoken so confidently that even he was unable to gauge whether the other party's words were true or not.

If this plump man was truly the subordinate of a 6-star master teacher, offending him could potentially be calamitous. Getting on bad terms with an expert of that caliber spelled certain doom.

In any case, since they were heading for Xuanyuan Royal City anyway, they could take a look. Through assessing the young master the other party spoke of, they might be able to determine the authenticity of the other party's words.

Upon coming to a decision, the duo decided to speak no more.

As all of Gu Mu's possessions were kept in his storage ring, there was nothing for him to prepare. Soon, he was ready to set off.

Thus, the group left the Poison Hall, headed in the direction of Xuanyuan Royal City.

...

Hu!

In the chamber, Zhang Xuan finally opened his eyes.

"Such a pity..."

Lamentation surfaced on Zhang Xuan's face.

Ever since Sun Qiang left, Zhang Xuan had been immersing himself into his cultivation. Today was already the third day since then.

On the first day, his physical strength reached 30,000 ding.

In the next two days, he expended a total of five droplets of spirit beast blood essence, but his strength had only reached 35,000 ding before reaching a bottleneck.

"There's nothing wrong my cultivation method, it's the spirit beast blood essence that became ineffective!"

Exhaling deeply, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

The Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan was a formula to enhance one's physical body through absorbing spirit beast blood essence. As a cultivation technique compiled by the Library of Heaven's Path, it was impossible for there to be any problems with it. At the same time, Zhang Xuan could sense that he hadn't reached the cap of his cultivation yet.

The problem was that... the spirit beast blood essence had lost effectiveness.

All Zhang Xuan could found in Xuanyuan Kingdom's Beast Hall was the blood essence of grade-1 spirit beasts. An item of that rank was useful and powerful when one's cultivation was still weak. However, after reaching the strength comparable to a Zhizun realm advanced stage, the effects of the blood essence had become minimal.

Using an analogy, when there was a huge difference between the height of two connected ponds, the flow of water from the higher pond to the lower pond would be extremely fast. Eventually, when they finally reach the same height, the height of the lower pond would stop rising.

This grade-1 spirit beast blood essence was only sufficient for Zhang Xuan to reach Zhizun realm advanced stage. At this level, the height between both ponds would be already equal. No matter how much more grade-1 spirit beast blood essence Zhang Xuan absorbed, it would be difficult for his strength to progress.

Immersing his consciousness into the state of his body, Zhang Xuan saw that the blood droplets flowing through his body were round and satiated. They were dense as though mercury, and every single droplet had immense strength packed within it. They were in no way inferior to the grade-1 spirit beast blood essence that Zhang Xuan consumed before.

Even though Zhang Xuan's cultivation had not progress by much in the past two days of cultivation, his efforts were not completely futile. He managed to reinforce his cultivation and adapt to his newfound strength. At the very least, he wouldn't lose control of his strength as he did back then in Master Lu Chen's house.

"I still have seven droplets left. I'll give three of them to Yuan Tao and find a way to further awaken his Emperor's Bloodline. As for the last four, I'll give them to the Howling Firmament Beast!"

Since he still had remaining spirit beast blood essence, and there was no point for him to keep them, he might as well just give it away.

Yuan Tao possessed the Emperor's Bloodline, and the spirit beast blood essence was a treasure that could be used to awaken one's unique constitution.

As for the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast, as Zhang Xuan had yet to make a breakthrough in his zhenqi cultivation, he was still unable to trigger a Bloodline Evolution in it yet. However, through channeling the energy contained within the spirit beast blood essence properly, raising its cultivation by one or two small realms could still be easily done.

With the knowledge from the books contained within Xuanluo Mountain Range and Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, coupled with the Eye of Insight, even without utilizing the Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan was still capable of such a feat.

In fact, putting aside Zhang Xuan's unique abilities as a master teacher, just in terms of the capabilities of a beast tamer, he was superior to typical 3-star beast tamers.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Xuan immediately got to action. Summoning Yuan Tao and the Howling Firmament Beast over, he distributed the remaining seven droplets of spirit beast blood essence and explained the method to using them clearly.

After dealing with that matter, he saw Hall Master Xie Jiuchen walking over with a delighted expression.

"Beast Tamer Zhang, I've managed to gather all of the books that you require!"

In exchange for taming the Nightmare Beast, Zhang Xuan demanded compensation in the form of cultivation technique manuals. After three days of hard work, the Beast Hall finally managed to gather a thousand manuals of Half-Zhizun and Zhizun realm cultivation techniques each.

Huala!

As Hall Master Xie Jiuchen spoke, he flicked his wrist and two huge bookshelves appeared before Zhang Xuan. An entire collection consisting of two thousand books were placed in them.

Fearing that Zhang Xuan would be unsatisfied, the Beast Hall had used all of its connections and paid a heavy price to gather all of these books from the distinguished clans. As such, most of the cultivation techniques within the pile were actually rather decent.

Even though they were only copies, being able to gather so many valuable manuals within a short span of three days proved testimony to the immense influence the Beast Hall wielded.

"You have my gratitude, Hall Master Xie!"

After a brief glance, Zhang Xuan could instantly tell that the Beast Hall must have paid a heavy price for it. Grateful for the favor, Zhang Xuan asked, "How is the taming of the Nightmare Beast coming along?"

"That fellow's injuries are starting to recover, and it's no longer as resistant to us as it was... It's all thanks to Beast Tamer Zhang's help!"

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen nodded with a bright smile on his face.

Even though the Nightmare Beast was reluctant to submit to the Beast Hall, it had already signed a contract to Zhang Xuan, and Zhang Xuan's words were law to it. Resigning to fate, its attitude toward the Beast Hall improved significantly.

As time passed, even if the Beast Hall was unable to tame it completely, as long as they were able to build a good relationship with it, it shouldn't be a problem for them to rely on its help during times of crisis.

"That's good!"

Seeing that everything was going well, Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

"Beast Tamer Zhang, you should continue on with whatever you're busy with. I'll take my leave now!"

Given that Zhang Xuan had requested for these cultivation techniques, it was likely he was planning to cultivate or research them. Thus, deciding not to be a nuisance, Hall Master Xie Jiuchen left.

As soon as the other party was gone, Zhang Xuan immediately slid his fingers through the secret manuals to duplicate them in the Library of Heaven's Path.

"Compile!"

With a hushed exclamation, two secret manuals appeared in Zhang Xuan's mind.

They were the Half-Zhizun and Zhizun realm Heaven's Path Divine Art manuals.

Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan began browsing through them.

It didn't take him long to complete the two books.

"Time to try cultivating it!"

Choosing not to waste his time, Zhang Xuan sat down cross-legged, and with a flick of his wrist, a spirit stone appeared in his palms and he started cultivating.

He had obtained ten spirit stones from the Lin Ruotian's storage ring, and five from winning the championship of the Beast Taming Competition.

In other words, there was a total of fifteen spirit stones in Zhang Xuan's hands at the moment. Back when Liang Qingming and Lin Long were smashed to meat paste by the Book of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan was unable to find their storage rings.

Even though there weren't many of them, he calculated that it should be sufficient to raise his cultivation considerably.

Kacha! Kacha!

The spirit stones that were sapped dry were reduced to powder. At the same time, an immense amount of spiritual energy surged into Zhang Xuan's meridians, causing his cultivation to steadily grow stronger.

Boom!

Around ten minutes or so later, his body jolted and his cultivation broke through Zongshi realm pinnacle to reach Half-Zhizun.

Jiang Shu, Mo Tianxue, and the others had cultivated their entire lives, only to be kept out of this level. If they were to know that this fellow had only spent a dozen minutes to accomplish his feat, they would probably die from excessive vomiting of blood.

Half-Zhizun meant that that one already had half a foot into Zhizun realm, and one's level of existence was already undergoing a metamorphosis.

Even so, Zhang Xuan didn't stop then. He continued absorbing spiritual energy from the spirit stones greedily.

Kacha!

An hour later, Zhang Xuan's body jolted, and he had successfully reached Zhizun realm.

Cultivating from Zongshi realm pinnacle to Zhizun realm didn't even take him an hour.

As expected of the Heaven's Path Divine Art. With sufficient spiritual energy, cultivating was no different from eating or drinking. The concept of bottlenecks didn't exist in Zhang Xuan's training.

Having achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation, Zhang Xuan immersed himself in the sensation of having an immense amount of zhenqi flowing through his body.

At this moment, just his zhenqi strength itself amounted up to 10,000 ding. He had truly stepped into the top ranks of the Fighter realm.

Two hours later.

Coming to a stop in his cultivation, Zhang Xuan sighed.

Along with the rise in his cultivation, the demand for the quality and quantity of spirit stones was rising exponentially.

In the past, five spirit stones were more than sufficient for him to reach Zongshi realm pinnacle. However, at this moment, fifteen spirit stones were only barely enough for him to reach Zhizun realm. It wasn't even sufficient for him to reinforce his cultivation as a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator.

The main reason why Zhang Xuan's spirit stone expenditure was so exaggerated was due to the absurd purity of his Heaven's Path zhenqi, which in turn resulted in an absurdly high demand in the quality of spiritual energy that he absorbed.

If it was any other Zhizun realm expert, a single low-tier spirit stone would be sufficient to raise their cultivation significantly. However, Zhang Xuan found himself unable to absorb most of the impure spiritual energy contained within the spirit stone.

About eighty to ninety percent of it went to waste.

Even so, the gains were great. Despite still being in Zhizun realm primary stage, his zhenqi strength had risen by another 5000 ding to reach 15,000 ding. With such strength, he could easily crush any Zhizun realm primary stage expert.

"Along with my physical strength of 35,000 ding, I'll be able to defeat even Zhizun realm pinnacle expert. Coupled with the prowess of the Eye of Insight and Library of Heaven's Path, I'll be a match for even a Half-Transcension expert!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes gleamed in confidence.

Adding both his zhenqi strength and physical strength together, his overall might summed up to an astonishing 50,000 ding. This made him significantly stronger than the 40,000 ding of strength that a typical Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator possessed.

Pairing that with his Heaven's Path battle techniques and the various abilities of a master teacher, it would be possible for him to defeat even a Half-Transcension expert.

In the fourth day upon reaching Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, as well as the seventh day that Lu Chong fell into coma, Zhang Xuan, from a Zongshi realm cultivator, finally gained the strength surpassing a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert!

In other words...

He finally possessed sufficient strength to avenge his student!

"Lu Chong, look at me... I shall avenge you!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed as he muttered hoarsely.

Since he had already achieved sufficient strength, it was time for him to make a move.

But before that, he had to gain some understanding of the overall strength of Xuanyuan Kingdom first.

Thus, walking out of the chamber, Zhang Xuan walked to another room, knocked on the door, and entered.

"How is it?"

Without wasting any words on pleasantries, Zhang Xuan immediately got straight to the point.

Before his seclusion, on top of instructing Sun Qiang to look for Gu Mu and Hall Master Xie Jiuchen to gather the secret manuals, he had also arranged for Mo Yu to head to Xuanyuan Kingdom to look into Ding Mu's affairs.

If Zhang Xuan wanted to kill the Xuanyuan Kingdom's crown prince, he mustn't allow the Beast Hall to hear of it. Otherwise, if word were to leak out and that fellow were to choose to hide in some remote corner in the world, given how large the alliance was, it would be impossible for Zhang Xuan to find him.

Thus, he decided to entrust this job to Mo Yu.

The other party probably had already looked into his affairs, and it wasn't too hard to dig up news of his students. It would be extremely easy for Zhao Ya and the others to be noticed and captured if he were to send them instead.

Besides, Mo Yu was a 1-star master teacher, and given her standing, it would be relatively easier for her to gather intelligence.

"I've gathered some news..."

A slight frown crept onto Mo Yu's forehead as she replied, "As soon as Ding Mu returned to Xuanyuan Kingdom, he immediately chose to hide in the Master Teacher Pavilion. Even now, he hadn't stepped out from it!"

"Master Teacher Pavilion?"

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.

Things always seemed to go in the worst direction.

If one wanted to go against the Conferred Kingdom, the greatest obstacle wasn't the country itself but its Master Teacher Pavilion.

The Master Teacher Pavilion had a responsibility to maintain peace and stability in its region, so it rarely allowed anyone to wreak havoc in its territory. Otherwise, given how many experts there were in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, they could easily travel to a weaker kingdom and proclaim themselves as emperors.

With such instability, the kingdom system would fall apart eventually.

While killing the crown prince might result in chaos, it wasn't as destabilizing as killing an emperor. Given Zhang Xuan's standing as a master teacher, the other party would probably just overlook the matter. However, from the looks of it, he seemed to have been underestimating the severity of the matter.

"It's said that the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, Luo Qianhong, is indebted to the royal family, and he's a close friend of Ding Mu as well. As such, he intends to stand out to mediate the matter!" Mo Yu revealed the news that she had just heard.

The other party had intentionally put word out, so it wasn't difficult for Mo Yu to hear of it.

"Hmph!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed and dense killing intent poured out of him, "As long as he hands over Ding Mu, I'll allow him to mediate whatever he likes!"

Mediate?

If he were to accept it, then what about Lu Chong?

You must be dreaming!

"Zhang Xuan, there's more news..."

Seeing the other party's expression, Mo Yu knew that he was determined to kill Ding Mu. A hint of worry flashed across her eyes.

"Hmm?" Zhang Xuan turned around to look at Mo Yu.

"The Xuanyuan Kingdom's emperor, Ding Chong, has announced that he will pass down the throne to Ding Mu!" Mo Yu said.

"Pass down the throne?" Zhang Xuan's forehead furrowed.

If Ding Mu remained as a crown prince, even though killing him might bring some trouble, it wasn't beyond his means to resolve it.

However, once he inherits the throne and becomes the emperor, killing him would rattle the foundation of the kingdom. The other Conferred Kingdoms might strike at this good opportunity.

If so, there would be war, and the population would suffer. Given such, the Master Teacher Pavilion would surely step in to stop Zhang Xuan.

"Seems like he's well-prepared!"

As long as Ding Mu was successfully inaugurated as the new emperor, it would be difficult for Zhang Xuan to strike.

It seemed like that fellow was truly frightened by the sight of Liang Qingming being crushed by the Book of Heaven's Path.

However... So what if he became the emperor?

So what if the Master Teacher Pavilion was going to stop him?

Since the other party injured Lu Chong, he should be ready to face his wrath!

If the kingdom tries to stop him, he will eradicate the kingdom. If the Master Teacher Pavilion tries to stop him, he will eradicate the Master Teacher Pavilion!

At most, he would just have to find some way to form more golden pages. Even if he had to become everyone's enemies, he was determined to avenge his student!

Coming to a decision, Zhang Xuan asked, "When is his inauguration ceremony?"

The inauguration of an emperor was not a minor affair. The royal family, nobles, envoys from the surrounding Conferred Kingdoms... there were many people to be invited. Given the huge amount of preparatory work required, it should take some time.

It had only been seven days since that fellow's escape. Even if the announcement of him inaugurating as the emperor was made as soon as he returned, there should still be some time before the inauguration ceremony.

"It is... today!"

Mo Yu smiled bitterly.

As the princess of a country, as well as a potential emperor candidate groomed by Mo Tianxue, she was well-aware of the various formalities required for an inauguration ceremony.

The other party should have taken two days at minimum to travel from Tianwu Kingdom back to Xuanyuan Kingdom. In other words... in just five days, the other party managed to complete all of the formalities. They sure were efficient.

Before the inauguration was held, Ding Mu would continue to hide in the Master Teacher Pavilion. And when he's finally inaugurated as the new emperor, it will become even harder to kill him...

Even Mo Yu couldn't have expected that Zhang Xuan would force the crown prince of a Conferred Kingdom up the wall.

"Today?"

Flinging his sleeves, Zhang Xuan stood up and walked out.

"What are you going to do? It can't be that... you intend to barge into the inauguration ceremony?"

Mo Yu's face paled.

"Indeed!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"But your current strength... Didn't you say that you'll only head over after reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle? You're being too reckless like that..." Mo Yu hurriedly persuaded.

"Zhizun realm pinnacle?"

Without turning back, Zhang Xuan's aura suddenly burst out. In an instant, it was like a flood dragon was rising to the heavens, or a tiger stepping out of the forest, leaving one feeling helpless and insignificant.

"... I've already reached it!"

Chapter 432: Wreaking Havoc in Xuanyuan Kingdom (2)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Going over without reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle is courting death..." Mo Yu anxiously shouted. However, halfway through her words, she finally came to a realization and her lips quivered, "What did you say... You've already reached it?"

Four days ago, when this fellow went into seclusion, he was only at Zongshi realm pinnacle. Yet, he was saying that he had already reached Zhizun realm pinnacle?

That is Zhizun realm! Countless people have been stuck at its gates, unable to surpass the bottleneck their entire lives. Yet, in four short days...

Do you have to be so exaggerated?

What in the world did you eat to become so scary?

Overwhelmed with shock, Mo Yu hurriedly took a closer look. Feeling the powerful aura the other party was exuding, she trembled.

Even though she had finally reached Zongshi realm, before him, she couldn't help but feel as helpless as an ant before a wave.

"You've really reached Zhizun realm pinnacle?"

Mo Yu was stunned.

What kind of monster was this?

Just a few days ago, when the other party told her that he wanted to exact vengeance, she told him that he had to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle to stand a chance.

In truth, she had hoped that he would back down after being told the difficulty of the matter.

In this way, the other party would give up on these dangerous thoughts and focus on the Master Teacher Tournament instead. Yet... the other party simply made breakthroughs as though they were nothing.

In just a few short days, he rose from Zongshi realm pinnacle to Zhizun realm pinnacle. It was as if those so-called cultivation bottlenecks were a concept non-existent to him... Could he still be considered as a human?

If she were to say that he would at least require the strength of a Half-Transcension, would he rise to that level as well?

She had always been proud of her talent, but why did she seem no different from a trash before this person...

Even the incredible genius Mo Hongyi, compared to him, was... nothing at all.

It was no wonder why Zhao Ya and the others thought nothing of it when Zhang Xuan said that he was going to aim for Zhizun realm pinnacle. She'd only realized at this moment that the others weren't just fawning over Zhang Xuan; it was the absolute truth, and perhaps... they might even be underestimating him.

"Wait a moment, I'll go along with you..."

Multiple emotions flashed across Mo Yu's face, and by the time she regained her composure, that fellow was already far away. She hurriedly rushed over to catch up.

"You're still far too weak. It'll be better for you to stay here with Zhao Ya and the others!"

Zhang Xuan stopped and waved her away.

Even though Mo Yu had improved swiftly during this period of time, breaking through the Zongshi realm barrier, her strength was still far from enough to match up to those experts in Xuanyuan Kingdom.

Bloodshed couldn't be avoided in this confrontation. Zhang Xuan was confident of holding his ground, but it would be difficult for him to protect others along with him.

"I am a master teacher of the Master Teacher Pavilion. On top of that, I am a princess of Tianwu Kingdom as well. As long as I don't make a move, they won't do anything to me!" Mo Yu hurriedly said.

As she spent more time with the young man before her, she gradually found it harder and harder to part with him. For some reason, knowing that he was headed for danger, she wanted to follow him as well so that she could lend her assistance if something were to really happen.

"Alright then. Later on, just remain on the back of the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast. If there's any sign of danger, leave straight away!"

Seeing the worry on the other party's face, Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before eventually nodding his head.

He felt that it was his responsibility to exact vengeance for Lu Chong given that he was his teacher, but this had nothing to do with Mo Yu at all. He didn't want his own affairs to result in any harm to the other party.

"Alright!"

Knowing that this was the other party's bottom line, Mo Yu agreed in gratitude.

Reaching the courtyard, they climbed onto the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast, and with a roar, the latter soared into the skies.

After consuming the spirit beast blood essence and driving the spiritual energy using the method Zhang Xuan gave him, this fellow made a breakthrough once more, reaching Zhizun realm intermediate stage.

At its current strength, it was on par with Ding Mu's Gold-scaled Lightning Beast.

Given the short proximity between Beast Hall and the capital, it didn't take long for them to arrive at their destination.

"Today is Crown Prince Ding Mu's inauguration ceremony! With such a genius becoming our emperor, it seems like we can finally hold our head high before other Conferred Kingdoms!"

"Indeed! Despite only being thirty-two this year, he is already a 3-star formation master and a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert!"

"Throughout the entire history of Xuanyuan Kingdom, there have only been a handful of people who managed to reach Zhizun realm before thirty. Given his talents, he will surely be able to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in less than ten years. With sufficient luck, he might even be able to reach Half-Transcension in his lifetime."

"Crown Prince Ding Mu has always been my idol, as well as my goal! I heard that today's inauguration ceremony will be held at the Heaven's Altar. I must go over to have a look!"

"Wait for me, I want to go as well..."

Walking along the wide streets of Xuanyuan Royal City, such discussions could be heard all around.

Before Crown Prince Ding Mu's inauguration had even started, everyone was already thrilled.

"He sure knows how to make his move!"

Zhang Xuan's complexion darkened further.

Perhaps, the other party couldn't stand the idea of a threat looming the shadows. Thus, he decided to make a huge fuss of this celebration to bait him out.

Without a doubt, an impeccable trap must have already been set up at the Heaven's Altar, just waiting for him to walk into it. If Zhang Xuan were to really make a move, the other party would surely mobilize the entire army of the kingdom to crush him.

However...

So what if he had set up an impeccable trap?

Since the other party dared to lay his hands on his student, then he should be prepared for the most brutal vengeance.

With a grim expression, Zhang Xuan stepped onto the back of the Howling Firmament Beast and flew toward the Heaven's Altar.

...

Xuanyuan Kingdom, Green Leaf Pavilion.

This was the information hub of Xuanyuan Kingdom. There were countless information dealers and clients walking in and out of here daily; it was even more bustling than some of the massive markets in the city.

In here, one could buy all kinds of information, as well as sell exclusive news.

The Green Leaf Pavilion would compile all of this news based on their value and create a ranking on them.

The rumors that 'The scrolls of the Green Leaves resound across the capital' didn't come from thin air.

In the past, Hall Master Feng had mentioned the ranking of items that savage beasts were fond of. Even though it was an unofficial ranking made by beast tamers, it had the shadows of the Green Leaf Pavilion in it.

If not for this massive information network pulling its connections, such private news wouldn't have spread so far.

Not only so, it had also created a ranking of the experts in the kingdom in the form of the Green Leaf Board and Young Leaf Board.

Only the most powerful experts in the kingdom were on the Green Leaf Board.

Even the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, Half-Transcension Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong, was only in third place on the Green Leaf Board.

As for the Young Leaf Board, recorded on it were the most powerful young geniuses.

And of the Young Leaf Board, Crown Prince Ding Mu was listed on the very top.

"Pavilion Head, why is the Crown Prince listed on the top of the board? His strength is only at Zhizun realm advanced stage while the second placed Ling Luoye was clearly already at Zhizun realm pinnacle!"

In one of the executive room in the Green Leaf Pavilion, two figures were seated face-to-face.

The one speaking was a gray-robed elder. He was staring at the ranking board on the table in incomprehension.

Elder Liao Qingxun.

Opposite to him was a white-robed elder. He had eyebrows that were slightly arched upward, snowy hair, and eyes that were sharp as though lightning. With a single look, one could tell that he was an extraordinarily intelligent person.

Pavilion Head Dai Feng.

"The Young Leaf Board ranks the young geniuses based on their strength. Even though Ling Luoye's cultivation was above that of the crown prince, if a battle were to break out between the two of them, it was more likely that the crown prince would emerge victorious!"

Pavilion Head Dai Feng chuckled.

"Oh?" Elder Liao Qingxun was clearly doubtful of the latter's words.

"You don't believe me? I'll explain it to you then!"

Seeing the doubt in the other party's eyes, Pavilion Head Dai Feng calmly picked up the teacup on the table, scraped the floating tea leaves on top and said, "Ling Luoye's indeed talented to have reached Zhizun realm pinnacle at thirty-four. However... if a person's cultivation rises too quickly, all kinds of problems will occur. Firstly, his cultivation technique, [Profound Ripple Art, is a water element cultivation technique. As such, it lacks offensive power. On top of that, his strongest battle technique, [Frigid Water Dance] was also relatively lacking in power. As such, he could only be considered as average among those of the same cultivation realm.

"On the other hand, Crown Prince Ding Mu...

"Firstly, I believe you should have heard of the royal family hunting down a wounded spirit beast! Back then, they procured quite a substantial amount of spirit beast blood essence. The royal family possesses an extremely powerful physical body cultivation technique known as [Spirit Blood Body Nourishment Formula]. Anybody that was tempered by it would become incredibly resilient and powerful!

"Other than that, the cultivation technique he cultivates, [Might of the Celestial Bear, grants him extraordinary strength. On top of that, he also learned the [Heaven Shattering Fist] which was known for its aggressiveness. Putting aside how none of those in the same cultivation realm would be able to match him, it wouldn't be hard to face those of higher cultivation realm than him as well.

"But of course, most importantly of all, as a 3-star formation master, he had at least seven to eight grade-3 formation plates on him. If he were to throw all of them out, it would be difficult for even a Transcendent Mortal expert to kill him, needless to say, a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator!

"Thus, without doubt, he was worthy of being the first place!"

At which, Pavilion Head Dai Feng turned to look at the other elder with a wide grin, "How is it? Do you still think that Ling Luoye can defeat him?"

After a moment of contemplation, Elder Liao Qingxun shook his head.

"... Impossible!"

Given the Crown Prince Ding Mu's powerful cultivation technique, extraordinary talents, and numerous aces, even despite his cultivation realm being only that of Zhizun realm advanced stage, probably not even Zhizun realm pinnacle experts would be willing to offend him.

"It's due to all of this that he was ranked at first place of the Young Leaf Board. He's deserving of his position on the Young Leaf Board. Putting aside Ling Luoye for the moment, there hasn't been anyone who could match him in the past five hundred years, and I believe there won't be anyone like him in the next five hundred years either!"

Pavilion Head Dai Feng chuckled.

"Indeed. Crown Prince Ding Mu is truly a talented person..."

Elder Liao Qingxun felt awed by the explanation and insight.

"It's about time for you to change your method of address. It's going to be Emperor Ding Mu from today onward!" Pavilion Head Dai Feng reprimanded with a smile.

"You're right, it's Emperor Ding Mu. No wonder everyone is thrilled about this inauguration. With such a genius leading Xuanyuan Kingdom, its national strength would only continue to grow further. Soon, among Conferred Kingdoms, no one would dare offend us!"

Recalling the sight outside, Liao Qingxun commented.

A nation being weak wasn't just a problem of its weak military; more importantly, it was related to the character and attitude of its leader.

If its leader was a talented and headstrong person, the nation would surely grow strong.

"Indeed. He'll become a much better sovereign than old Emperor Ding Chong. At the very least, his reputation should strike fear in the surrounding kingdoms, and those ambitious kingdoms would be hesitant to make their move. Seems like Xuanyuan Kingdom is about to usher in a new era of unparalleled growth!"

Pavilion Head Dai Feng was filled with anticipation for the future.

Elder Liao Qingxun nodded in agreement. Just as he was about to say something, the ground suddenly shook and a deafening sound resounded across the entire capital.

"Ding Mu, I, Zhang Xuan, am here. Get out here to face your death!"

"Face your death?"

"Someone has barged into the Heaven's Altar during the inauguration ceremony... to kill Emperor Ding Mu?"

Pavilion Head Dai Feng and Elder Liao Qingxun were dumbstruck.

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Chapter 433: Bai Chen

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The duo had just said that with Ding Mu's inauguration, no one would dare to wreak havoc in Xuanyuan Kingdom anymore when they heard this stark provocation. They felt a stinging sensation on their cheeks, as though someone had just struck them.

What was going on?

They hurriedly stood up and looked out of the windows.

The Green Leaf Pavilion was a tall infrastructure, and from the executive room, they could see the vast field around the Heaven's Altar.

The field was filled with a massive crowd, and in the air, a young man stood on the head of a massive Howling Firmament Beast. The young man was currently staring coldly down upon the inauguration ceremony below.

"From the looks of it... he isn't even twenty yet. However, given how deep his aura is, his cultivation has probably already reached Zhizun realm pinnacle... When did such an expert appear in the city?"

The mouths of the duo twitched.

They had just said that Crown Prince Ding Mu's feat was unsurpassed in the past five hundred years, and would remain to be so in the next five hundred... and at the next moment, this fellow appeared. Wasn't this too coincidental?!

"Zhang Xuan... If I recall correctly, a few days ago, a beast tamer going by this name won the Beast Taming Competition. However, that person's cultivation should only be at Zongshi realm pinnacle? Why is his cultivation suddenly at Zhizun realm pinnacle?"

A beast tamer was bellowing for the inaugurating crown prince to face his death...

What was going on?

The two heads of the largest information network in Xuanyuan Kingdom stared at one another in frenzy.

...

In the house on the back of a flying massive savage beast, a few people stood by the window.

Standing at the very front was a white-robed young man. With his hands behind his back, he carried an ethereal aura.

Gu Mu stepped forward and announced, "Gongzi, Xuanyuan Royal City is right ahead of us!"

Not too far away, a massive city came into sight. It extended for several hundred kilometers, and its thick city walls were connected to the meandering mountains. It resembled a sleeping behemoth.

"The layout of this city is indeed interesting. To think that it would be a formation!"

Opening his fan, the gongzi chuckled.

Those within might not realize anything, but from above, it was clear that the city that was connected with the mountains appeared to be aligned with some formation theories. There seemed to be a slight gathering of spiritual energy in the region.

"The Xuanyuan royal family is a clan of formation masters, and the generations of emperors had been skilled formation masters themselves. In this field, Crown Prince Ding Mu seemed to be an exceptional genius..." Gu Mu explained.

"Pui, genius my head!"

Before Gu Mu could finish his words, a disdainful voice sounded. Turning to take a look, they saw Sun Qiang with a contemptuous expression on his face.

"You disagree with my words?"

Knowing that there was a high chance that the other party was a butler of a 6-star master teacher, Gu Mu dared not get angry. Rather, he gazed at the other party with a look of bewilderment.

"This Ding Mu, having offended the young master, probably won't live for long. In terms of talent, who could match up to the young master?"

Sun Qiang's lips curled up in pride.

Sun Qiang had witnessed how Ding Mu's subordinates severely wounded Lu Chong, and he knew that the other party's actions had piqued the young master's killing intent.

While the young master was a headstrong person, he had the capability to match it. Even without the assistance of the old master, the young master's wrath wasn't something that the mere Xuanyuan Kingdom could withstand.

In Sun Qiang's eyes, there was no genius in the world who could even compare to the pinky of the young master.

Genius? Stop bringing shame to the word.

"Is this... senior uncle very talented?" Gu Mu asked.

"Of course. The young master isn't twenty yet, but he's already a 3-star painter, 2-star master teacher, 2-star beast tamer... and on top of that, he was recruited as an elder of Myriad Kingdom Alliance Physician Guild. Do you think that a fellow like Ding Mu could match up to the young master's talents?"

Sun Qiang was filled with pride.

The reticent 'gongzi' standing by the window suddenly turned around and asked, "Isn't your young master from Tianwu Kingdom? How did he become an elder of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?"

How could a small figure from Tianwu Kingdom become an elder of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Physician Guild?

"Who do you think the young master is? He solved all of the problems written on the Physician Guild's Wall of Dilemma in a single taking. Among those questions, there are even problems that the physicians from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Physician Guild are unable to solve. As such, in awe of the young master's capability, they decided to recruit him as an elder..."

Sun Qiang harrumphed.

He liked speaking of the young master's accomplishments. He was just about to brag more about the various feats the young master had done when the calm gongzi's face paled and his body trembled.

"Isn't your young master... called Zhang Xuan? If I recall correctly, isn't the one who solved the questions on the Wall of Dilemma called Liu Cheng?"

"Oh, Liu Cheng is an alias that the young master used during the 2-star master teacher examination!" Sun Qiang said.

"Zhang Xuan is Liu Cheng? Your young master?"

'Gongzi' and Jin Conghai glanced at one another in shock.

"Indeed!" Sun Qiang nodded.

"Since he's a physician, why is he involved with the matters of poison masters as well? These two occupations are contradictory to one another..." A moment later, gongzi asked once more.

A master teacher could take on many occupations at once. Initially, upon hearing that Yang Xuan was a skilled poison master, as well as Gu Mu's senior granduncle, they thought that Zhang Xuan would be a skilled poison master as well... But if that was the case, how could the other party be a skilled physician too?"

"The young master is a talented individual. What is bizarre about him mastering two occupations at once?"

"The responsibility of a physician is to bring salvation to the world, and only those with benevolence in their hearts are suited for the occupation. On the other hand, the poison masters concoct poison for malicious means, and those who take on this occupation tend to be callous... Given how the two occupations are at the opposite end of the spectrum, could it be that your young master has dissociative identity disorder?" 'Gongzi' was still baffled by this matter.

Given how physicians and poison masters stood at the opposite ends of the spectrum, he couldn't understand how one could take on these two occupations simultaneously.

"What's so bizarre about that? Our young master is normally a gentle person, and he rarely argues with others. Even though he's capable of utilizing poison, unlike other poison masters, he doesn't kill everyone that he gets into a dispute with. On the contrary, he tends to resolve problems through reason and seeks to win over others via morals..."

Upon learning of the other party's doubts, Sun Qiang glanced at the other party contemptuously.

Expert? If you're truly an expert, how could you not know this? How embarrassing.

Just as Sun Qiang was about to continue introducing the various strengths of Zhang Xuan, a deafening voice suddenly sounded from the city.

"Ding Mu, I, Zhang Xuan, am here. Get out here to face your death!"

"Zhang Xuan?"

Upon hearing these words, the group on the back of the savage beast fell silent. Everyone's gazes hurriedly turned to Sun Qiang.

This is the man that you said is gentle, rarely argues with others, and uses morals to win others over?

It seemed like the other party had already slaughtered his way to the other party's doorstep!

"What is he up to?"

Wei Yuqing was stunned.

He was just gone for a few days. Why was Beast Tamer Zhang wreaking havoc in the royal palace, even threatening to kill the crown prince?

"Grand Elder Wei, let's go over to take a look!"

Of the crowd, only Sun Qiang understood the abrupt situation. Knowing that there was no time to be wasted, he hurriedly instructed.

It seemed like the young master couldn't wait any longer, so he decided to make his move today.

"Alright!"

Knowing how urgent the matter was, Wei Yuqing tapped his feet and the savage beast dashed straight toward the direction of the voice.

...

Standing at the very center of the Heaven's Altar, Ding Mu was just about to undergo the final rituals to be officially inaugurated as the emperor when he heard those words. For a moment, he was dumbstruck.

He thought about the various forms that the other party may exact vengeance on him; assassination, life-and-death duel, poisoning...

But one thing he never expected was for the other party to do it so openly.

Before the innumerable civilians, master teachers, officials, and nobles of the Xuanyuan Kingdom, the other party fearlessly rushed here and declared brazenly that he would kill him... Was this fellow insane?

This was Xuanyuan Kingdom, his home ground! Putting aside the troops, there were many formations laid out all over as well... To dash right here fearlessly, was the other party really a genius 2-star master teacher?

"This is the master teacher who wishes to kill you?"

A middle-aged man walked over.

The head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, Luo Qianhong.

In the past few days, Ding Mu had been staying in the Master Teacher Pavilion. He had told him about the recent events, and it seemed that a master teacher desired for his death. Initially, he thought that Ding Mu was just overthinking it, but to think that the other party really came knocking.

"Un!"

Ding Mu nodded. Clasping his fist, he said, "It's a misunderstanding. I hope that Brother Luo can mediate the situation for me!"

"The other party is just a mere 2-star master teacher. He won't dare to defy my words!"

Luo Qianhong waved his hands.

There was strict ranking hierarchy to master teachers. 2-star master teachers possessed incredible standing in the kingdom, but to a 3-star intermediate master teacher like him, the other party's standing didn't mean much.

In fact, the other party had to pay respect to him in the position of a student, otherwise, he could report the matter to the Master Teacher Pavilion and have the other party's master teacher license revoked.

"I'll thank you in advance then..."

Seeing that the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion was going to stand up for him, Ding Mu heaved a sigh of relief.

"Bai Chen, go over and issue a stern warning to that young man. Don't allow him to delay His Highness's inauguration ceremony. If he doesn't know what's good for him, I permit the use of violence to deal with him!"

Luo Qianhong instructed one of his subordinates.

"Yes!"

A master teacher dressed in a long robe walked out of the crowd.

This master teacher seemed to be in his forties, and his eyes were gleaming with spirit. On the emblem pinned on his chest, there were three bright stars.

He was a 3-star primary master teacher.

His cultivation was also at Zhizun realm pinnacle.

Upon receiving the orders, Master Teacher Bai Chen turned to look at Zhang Xuan above and frowned, "Today is Crown Prince Ding Mu's inauguration ceremony, so I ask of you not to cause trouble and leave immediately. If so, we will not pursue this matter. Otherwise, don't blame me for getting nasty!"

"I'll leave after killing Ding Mu!"

Couldn't be bothered to waste his words, Zhang Xuan leaped down the back of the Howling Firmament Beast.

Even though he didn't possess any technique capable of breaking his fall, given his Zhizun realm cultivation and powerful physical body, an altitude of a dozen meters didn't mean much to him.

Hu!

Landing on the stairs of the Heaven's Altar, the ground below cracked. After which, without any hesitation, he began walking up.

"I am 3-star Master Teacher Bai Chen. As a master teacher, you should be well aware of the rules. A lower-ranked master teacher has to unconditionally obey the commands of higher-ranked master teacher. It can't be that you are intending to defy my words?"

Upon seeing the young man disregarding him, Bai Chen's complexion turned awful. He immediately stepped forward to block Zhang Xuan's path.

He heard the conversation between the pavilion master and Ding Mu, and he knew that the other party was a master teacher as well.

A mere 2-star primary master teacher should bow respectfully upon seeing a 3-star primary master teacher like him... Yet, to dare to disregard him altogether, how brazen!

"Scram!"

Seeing the men from Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion blocking his path, Zhang Xuan bellowed coldly.

"You... You're courting death!"

He thought that after revealing his identity, the other party would retreat out of fear. Yet, the other party dared to ask him to 'scram'. The arrogance of the other party caused Bai Chen's face to turn livid, and he nearly erupted from rage.

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Chapter 434: Bai Chen's Breakdown

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Ever since clearing the 3-star master teacher examination seven years ago and becoming an elder of the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion, Bai Chen had been well-respected no matter where he went. Even the Xuanyuan Kingdom royal family had to welcome him with the grandest of formalities.

If a 2-star master teacher were to show the slightest disrespect to him, he would immediately bellow at the other party, and the other party wouldn't even breathe loudly out of fear.

Yet, this fellow actually told him to... scram!

Bai Chen's eyes narrowed.

Is there something wrong with your head? How dare you ask me to scram! Unforgivable!

Boom!

His aura abruptly burst out.

Master teachers, due to their State of Insight and their deep understanding of cultivation techniques and battle techniques, tended to be the strongest among all of the other occupations.

Even among Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators, Bai Chen definitely ranked among the top. Even though his name wasn't listed in the Green Leaf Board, he was, without a doubt, one of the top figures within this kingdom.

Yet, such an expert was insulted by a mere 2-star master teacher. How could he tolerate such humiliation? With a livid expression, the might of a Zhizun realm pinnacle came gushing out as though a massive torrent.

Kacha! Kacha!

Unable to take the pressure, cracks appeared on the stairs beneath his feet.

"You were scared into hiding in the Master Teacher Pavilion because of this fellow?"

Taking this sight in, Luo Qianhong shook his head.

He thought that the master teacher who struck so much fear in the crown prince, who was ranked first in the Young Leaf Board, that he was sent into hiding would be an incredible fellow, but from the looks of it, the other party seemed to be a fool.

Putting aside how he walked in so openly to wreak havoc on such a major affair, he even dared to spout such rude words to a 3-star master teacher. Even the word 'fool' was insufficient to describe him.

This wasn't Tianwu Kingdom, where a 2-star master teacher could reign mighty. Here, even a 3-star primary master teacher would have to lie low!

Given the innumerable rules of the Master Teacher Pavilion, just by picking a few, one could condemn a lower-ranked master teacher to the pits of hell.

"I must be blind as well..." Ding Mu uttered awkwardly.

Back then, Zhang Xuan had used a mystical treasure to crush Liang Qingming and Lin Long, and the sight of it was a huge shock to him. That was why he escaped immediately then. After which, fearing that the other party would mobilize the help of his teacher, the unfathomable Yang shi, he decisively chose to go into hiding. Yet, contrary to his expectations, the other party came alone...

If Yang shi was here, Ding Mu might still be frightened. But a 2-star master teacher, honestly speaking, meant nothing to him at all.

It wasn't because master teachers meant nothing at all. Rather, even though a 2-star master teacher was a huge asset to a Tier 1 Kingdom, to a Conferred Kingdom... it just wasn't that important.

"To charge here instead of resolving the issue at the Master Teacher Pavilion, that's a lack of rationality. On top of that, despite being a junior, he dares to talk back to a 3-star master teacher. That's a lack of respect. Furthermore, despite being the civilian of a vassal state, he dares disregards the emperor. That's a lack of patriotism. Lack of rationality, respect, and patriotism; just with these three, we can revoke his master teacher license!"

Luo Qianhong shook his head as the disdain in his eyes deepened.

"Even so, given how he dared to provoke Bai shi, there's probably no need to revoke his license anymore!"

Nodding his head, Ding Mu's lips slowly curled up.

"Of course!"

Putting his hands behind his back, Luo Qianhong exuded an authoritative disposition as he said, "Not only do we need to teach him a good lesson, it's also about time to reorganize the Master Teacher Pavilions of those vassal Tier 1 Kingdoms. Otherwise, if even trash like him can become a master teacher, how can the prestige of master teachers be upheld?"

"You're right. It's about time for some reorganization!"

Nodding his head, Ding Mu was just about to speak when his eyes lit up. "Look, Bai shi is making a move..."

Not too far away, Bai Chen spread open his fingers, and leaving a huge gale of wind behind him, he dashed forward to claw at Zhang Xuan.

An expert pulls his weight as soon as he makes a move. With the strength of a Zhizun realm pinnacle, a towering pressure came crashing down on Zhang Xuan. Even before his blow could reach, the stairs beneath him were already cracking from the immense shock wave.

"Bai Chen's [Great Reversal Hands] is a Phantom battle technique, and it possesses immense strength. Back then, when he was still at Zhizun realm advanced stage, he managed to subdue the Zhizun realm pinnacle Zhou Tian with a single palm. This fellow is probably in for misfortune!" Luo Qianhong commented.

The intruding master teacher had a frightening aura shrouding around him, and he seemed to possess the strength of a Zhizun realm pinnacle. However, through his acute discerning ability as a 3-star intermediate master teacher, Luo Qianhong could tell that the other party was only at Zhizun realm primary stage.

Even if he utilized some physical body cultivation technique to boost his physical strength... what about it?

In the end, a strong physical body amounts to mere brute strength. One couldn't execute the full might of battle techniques through mere brute strength. When faced with an expert, the other party would surely crumble quickly.

Just as the duo was giving their comments on the battle, Bai Chen's palm was already right before Zhang Xuan.

Hmph!

Not expecting that a master teacher would attack him straight without even trying to understand the situation, Zhang Xuan's complexion darkened. Harrumphing coldly, lines of insight surfaced in his eyes.

In that instant, it was as though the other party's movements had slowed. The gaps and flaws in his movements suddenly seemed to magnify, becoming clear to Zhang Xuan's eyes.

Thus, Zhang Xuan slightly tilted his body to the side before sending a kick right at the other party's ankle.

"What?"

Bai Chen had wanted to cripple this arrogant 2-star master teacher to serve as a warning to the rest against disrespecting him, but upon seeing the other party's kick, his face paled.

His Great Reversal Hands was powerful, and it would be difficult for even those of the same cultivation realm to withstand his blow. However... no matter how powerful it was, there were still flaws to it. Zhang Xuan's kick was aimed right at the center of where his zhenqi was gathered. Once struck, no matter how weak the other party's kick was, he would immediately suffer a rebound and sustain severe internal injuries.

Having the flaw of his ultimate technique seen through in an instant, Bai Chen felt so stifled that blood was threatening to spurt from his mouth.

At this moment, he could no longer be bothered with offense anymore. After all, once the other party's kick lands, not only would his attack be rendered ineffective, he would also be crippled. Thus, he hurriedly exerted all of his force on his feet and leaped backward.

Even so, forcefully retracting his strength in the midst of an attack and leaping backward had caused the zhenqi flowing through his body to go into chaos. A sweet sensation welled in his throat and a mouthful of blood spurted out from his mouth.

"Damn it!"

Even before crossing blows with the other party, Bai Chen was already injured. He couldn't help but feel frenzied.

As a master teacher, his discernment and knowledge far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators. When had he suffered such a humiliation?

"Damn you!"

Bellowing furiously, Bai Chen shot out two fists simultaneously. His fists felt as fleeting as the wind, but undeniably, if it were to land on one, one would be crippled if not dead.

Phantom battle technique, Consecutive Breezy Fist!

In terms of burst strength, this technique was not a match for the Great Reversal Hands. However, the execution of this technique was much faster, and its reach was significantly greater as well. There weren't many obvious flaws to it, so the other party shouldn't be able to do the same as he did before.

With a savage expression, Bai Chen howled furiously.

However, just as before, before his fists could reach the young man before him, the other party's foot appeared in his sight once more.

Upon seeing the area that the kick was aimed at, Bai Chen coughed another mouthful of blood again. He was already on the verge of tears by now. Helpless, he could only hurriedly retract his offense.

The Consecutive Breezy Fist was a well-known battle technique in the Master Teacher Pavilion, and it was said to be the creation of a 4-star master teacher. Its swift movement left very few flaws for one's opponent to exploit, and even Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong would have to take on this battle technique squarely. Yet, this fellow sent a leg straight at the opening of the battle technique without any hesitation...

If the kick were to really land on him, even if he survived this blow, he would surely be lying on the bed for months.

For two consecutive kicks to land on the flaw of his battle techniques... Was this fellow's eye for discernment really that incredible, or was it just a coincidence?

"I don't believe it!"

Howling furiously yet again, he flicked his wrist and a long saber appeared in his hands. He slashed the saber art furiously, and in the blink of an eye, afterimages appeared.

Phantom battle technique, Saber of Sorrowful Departure!

The Saber of Sorrowful Departure consisted of sixty-four moves, and the movements connected with one another, allowing one to launch a continued offense against one's enemy to push the other party into a corner. Unless one possessed an even more powerful weapon and battle technique, it would be impossible to withstand this swift saber art.

Hu hu hu!

With the saber flying all around the place, Bai Chen didn't think that the other party would be able to find the weakness in this move. However, just as this thought appeared in his mind, the other party's foot appeared in a momentary gap in the movements of the saber art yet again, headed straight for his mingmen.

"I... Pu!"

Bai Chen hurriedly retracted his saber and backed away. Once again, the sudden withdrawal of force caused his face to reddened and fresh blood spurted out of his mouth.

Three consecutive Phantom battle techniques consisting of palm, fist, and saber, and Bai Chen only ended up injuring himself. He was about to go insane.

Wasn't this fellow only a 2-star master teacher?

To see through the flaws in the battle techniques of a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert with a single look...

When did 2-star master teachers become so formidable?

If even 2-star master teachers were that formidable, then what did he, a 3-star master teacher, count as?

Bai Chen felt more and more stifled as he fought on, and he was on the verge of going insane. The crowd watching the commotion by the sides stared at one another frenziedly.

The two were both Zhizun realm experts, and on top of that, they were both master teachers. As such, their movements were extremely fast. On top of that, with their eye of discernment, more often than not, they could tell the other party's attacking trajectory and deduce the outcome before the attack even lands, and through that, determine their next movement.

In other words... the Bai shi who had just furiously declared that he would teach his foreigner a lesson, in the eyes of the crowd, leaped backward as soon as the other party lifted his legs on the three occasions, and on top of that, he even spurted a mouthful of blood each time...

The heck! Do you think that you're a clown in the circus?

Why does it feel that Bai shi is even more unreliable than the person who came to wreak Crown Prince Ding Mu's inauguration ceremony?

"Is Bai shi... dancing?"

"It does... look like it!"

Some spectators amidst the crowd commented.

As soon as the young man raised his leg, Bai shi would jump backward. It was as though a human was toying with his own dog, and at the same time, it resembled a dancing couple as well. You advance while I retreat... and an occasional spurting of blood for a touch of intimacy...

Didn't you furiously declare that you would kill the other party?

To be jumping around the area... Are you sure you aren't flirting with the other party instead?

No one does it the way you do...

Pu! Pu! Pu!

Bai Chen was already severely injured before, but after hearing those words and seeing the bizarre gazes in the crowd's eyes, he nearly failed to catch his breath and fainted on the spot.

Dancing... Dance your head!

You're the one who is dancing, your whole family is dancing!

It only appears that way due to my battle techniques being completely suppressed by the other party's movements...

The more he thought about it, the more furious Bai Chen became. As a 3-star master teacher, a prestigious and respected figure in Xuanyuan Kingdom, even if he were to win against the other party now, he would surely become a laughingstock.

"Today, it'll be either you die or I die..."

Roaring furiously, he whipped the saber around once more. His saber gleamed, as though creating a spherical light force field around him.

With such a swift saber art, even if a pail of water were to be splashed over one, one would be able to completely deflect it.

Just as he thought that the other party would be completely helpless before this technique, he lowered his head, only to see a foot leisurely being stretched over toward him. Just as the several times before, it shot straight through the gaps in the saber art.

"The heck!"

What the heck is this?

How in the world can you know the flaws of every single battle technique I display...

Did you study all of my battle techniques before coming?

Is there a point to this?

Can't we have a hot-blooded and valiant fight?

To strike so mercilessly at my flaws, don't you know what love and concern for one's elders is?

Bai Chen cried.

Chapter 435: The Night Rain Drenches Every Traveling Downstream!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"No, that's not it. This fellow seems rather skilled!" Luo Qianhong said with a grim expression.

The inexperienced spectates the commotion while the veteran analyzes the technicalities.

Bai Chen's jumping around and occasional spurting of blood may look ridiculous in the eyes of others, but Luo Qianhong was still able to discern something about the situation.

Clearly, the young man's kick had posed a huge threat to his old friend, impelling him to back away even despite the threat of a rebound occurring.

In other words... That fellow had seen through the flaws of Bai Chen's movements and struck directly at its openings. That was why he was able to neutralize his attacks so easily, putting Bai Chen in such a difficult position.

"It can't be that... he knew that Bai shi would make a move, so he decided to study his battle techniques and cultivation techniques in advance?"

Ding Mu could also roughly tell what was happening, so he couldn't help but comment in astonishment.

"Study in advance? That's impossible! There is no cultivator who would reveal all of his cultivation techniques and battle techniques to others, even to his closest kin in case his enemies found out about it through certain means."

Luo Qianhong shook his head.

"I know of Bai Chen's Great Reversal Hands, but he has never utilized the Consecutive Breezy Fists and Saber of Sorrowful Departure before anyone, so even I am unaware of it. How could a foreigner find out about such confidential secrets beforehand?"

"That..." Ding Mu's face paled.

He suddenly recalled the various legends of that young master teacher.

Back then, he didn't think much of it. He attributed it all to the other party having a good teacher. However, from the looks of it, he was vastly underestimating the other party.

"Most probably, he might have cultivated or studied these battle techniques before, thus granting him some knowledge of its flaws..." Luo Qianhong deduced. Then, he turned to look at the crown prince and said, "Are you hiding something from me? Is that person really just an ordinary 2-star primary master teacher?"

The other party had only told him that he offended a master teacher of a Tier 1 Kingdom.

Since the other party was just a 2-star master teacher of a vassal kingdom, he didn't think much of it so he didn't investigate the matter.

To think that this negligence would result in such a huge problem.

When that fellow bellowed on top of the savage beast, Luo Qianhong thought that the other party was an ignorant, reckless fellow. Even if he was talented, given his young age, he should not pose a threat at all. However, after seeing all that had happened... he couldn't say the same about it now.

An ordinary 2-star master teacher seeing through the flaws in the battle techniques of a 3-star master teacher in an instant?

Without a doubt, Ding Mu must have misled him!

"He..."

Under the other party's interrogation, Ding Mu clenched his fists tightly and said, "I don't know much about him either, just that... it has only been ten days since he became a 2-star master teacher!"

"Ten days?"

Luo Qianhong frowned.

Logically speaking, a 2-star master teacher who had just passed the examination shouldn't be so formidable?

Peng!

Luo Qianhong was baffled. However, before he could make sense of the situation, the sound of a foot sinking into flesh sounded. He hurriedly turned around, only to see Bai Chen, unable to dodge any longer, being kicked in the face and flying forty to fifty meters back. His head smashed into the wall of a building, and the immense force caused him to pass out.

After being forced to withdraw his battle techniques halfway through executing them, he had already suffered significant damage via the rebound of his strength. Unable to withstand this humiliation, the thought of dying with the other party flashed through his head and he decided to go all out. Yet... it ended up being a one-sided event.

"Bai shi was sent flying with a single kick?"

"How is that young lad so strong?"

"Didn't they say that the crown prince is the greatest genius in Xuanyuan Kingdom? The other party defeated Bai shi despite being... under twenty, doesn't this mean that he's even more talented?"

Not one person in the crowd was able to make sense of the 'dancing' previously, and now, Bai Chen had been kicked unconscious. No matter how foolish they were, it couldn't be more apparent now that the other party's strength surpassed even that of the 3-star primary Bai shi.

The crowd stared at one another blankly.

Hualala!

While everyone was overwhelmed with shock, the young man continued walking up the stairs, closing the distance to the crown prince. Upon seeing this sight, the soldiers in the surroundings immediately advanced forward to protect their liege.

"Wait a moment!"

Seeing that Ding Mu intended to have his guards make a move, Luo Qianhong shook his hands to wave them away.

"Pavilion Master Luo..." Thinking that the other party was going to betray him, Ding Mu looked at him worriedly.

"I'll help you reconcile with him. It'll be best to end this matter peacefully."

Luo Qianhong was angry that Ding Mu didn't tell him the truth, but he was indebted to the Xuanyuan royal family and this was a debt he had to repay. Besides, it was already too late to back out of it. Thus, he could only face it straight on.

"I'll be depending on Pavilion Master Luo then!"

Ding Mu nodded.

"Un, continue on with your ceremony and make haste. As long as you become the emperor and the royal seal is in your hands, things will become easier to settle. I'll also be in a better position to speak up for you!" Luo Qianhong said.

"Yes!"

Ding Mu nodded as he hurriedly walked toward the throne in the center.

Upon seeing him being bestowed the crown and undergoing the final rites, Luo Qianhong heaved a sigh of relief. Then, he turned around to face Zhang Xuan. Looking at the guards by the side who already had their weapon drawn, he commanded, "Clear away!"

"Pavilion Master Luo!"

Knowing the other party's identity, the soldiers hurriedly opened up a pathway and bowed.

"You must be Zhang Xuan, Zhang shi. I am the head of the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion, Luo Qianhong!"

Walking forward, Luo Qianhong clasped his fist, "Even though I am not aware of the grudge between you and Ding Mu, it's always better to make comrades than enemies. Since we're both master teachers, allow me to play the role of a mediator to resolve the conflict between the both of you. No matter what you request, I'll have Ding Mu prepare it!"

"The only thing I want is Ding Mu's life. As soon as I get that, I'll leave!" Zhang Xuan spoke impassively.

What compensation could match the life of his student!

"Not only is Ding Mu the crown prince, he's also about to become the emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom. If he were to be killed, it'll surely cause chaos in the country. The population will suffer. There's no Master Teacher Pavilion that could watch idly as all of these unfold. If this matter blows up, you might even end up losing your identity as a master teacher..."

Luo Qianhong frowned.

"Scram!"

While Luo Qianhong spoke, the ceremony was still going on. It was clear that he was trying to stall for time. Zhang Xuan's complexion immediately darkened.

"The only reason I am hesitating to make a move on you is due to your immense talent. Don't you try to overstep your boundaries!"

Luo Qianhong harrumphed.

I am already trying to spare your pride. So what if you are a genius? Do you think that I, as a 3-star intermediate master teacher and a Half-Transcension expert, would fear you?

"If you don't scram, I'll leave you in the same state as that fellow!"

Seeing that Luo Qianhong was still stalling for time, Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up. Without any hesitation, his figure immediately blurred.

Hu!

He disappeared from the spot, and in the blink of an eye, he leaped several dozen meters forward, appearing right before the other party.

Heaven's Path Movement Art.

When Zhang Xuan was fighting with Bai Chen, he didn't utilize any of the Heaven's Path battle technique. It was just to add in the element of surprise when he was facing a stronger enemy. Otherwise, once his ultimate techniques were revealed, the enemy could take precautions against them. If so, the effectiveness of the techniques would be minimized.

Reaching Zhizun realm, the Heaven's Path zhenqi became purer and more concentrated. As such, the speed and distance of the Heaven's Path Movement Art had increased significantly.

Even Luo Qianhong, as a Half-Transcension expert, was incapable of moving at such speed. Before he could even react, Zhang Xuan was already right before him.

"You..."

Luo Qianhong's eyes narrowed and he hurriedly tried to retreat.

However, before he could even take a single step back, a fist slowly magnified right before him.

Heaven's Path Fist Art!

The speed of the fist was in no way slower than the movement art, and in fact, it might even have exceeded the latter. A sonic boom resounded deafeningly on top of the Heaven's Altar. Knowing that it was impossible for him dodge already, Luo Qianhong propelled the zhenqi in his body and sent a fist of his own to face the other party's blow.

Boom!

Both fists collided, and Luo Qianhong felt his palm turning numb. His face paled, and he had to take eight steps backward consecutively before he managed to steady his figure.

In order to ward off the rampaging might of the other party, his feet sank three inches into the ground. Even a layer of granite on the incomparably resilient ground of the Heaven's Altar was reduced to dust under the powerful shock wave

"What a powerful fist art!"

A sharp pain came striking Luo Qianhong's shaking arm.

In that clash, he could tell that even though the other party possessed massive strength, he was still a way off from matching up to a Half-Transcension like him. What a truly fearsome fist art that was!

It was aligned with the world, and to Luo Qianhong's shock, he realized that... there were absolutely no flaws he could exploit!

Under this abrupt encounter, even a 3-star intermediate master teacher like him ended up suffering a setback.

Taking a deep breath, Luo Qianhong suppressed his chaotic breathing, and raising his palms, he charged ahead.

The fact that the other party had forced him back had embarrassed him. He mustn't allow the other party to take the initiative once more.

Boom!

The zhenqi of a Half-Transcension expert gushed out, creating a river on the Heaven's Altar. In an instant, it felt as though the air had turned viscous.

Fighters cultivate their own bodies to bring out the full strength of their physical bodies and zhenqi.

The cultivation of a Mortal Transcendent expert was very different from that.

True Mortal Transcendent experts were capable of utilizing Origin Energy from their surroundings to display a battle prowess several folds of their own strength

Using the words from Zhang Xuan's previous world, if Fighters fought with their own fists and flesh, Mortal Transcendents would be equivalent to using robots and external equipment.

There was no basis for comparison for the two.

How could a bare-handed martial artist defeat tanks and cannons?

At Half-Transcension, one wasn't able to fully utilize the strength of nature yet, but still, one was still able to unleash a might far exceeding that of the 40,000 ding limit of Zhizun realm pinnacle experts!

In fact, even Zhang Xuan's 50,000 ding was insignificant compared to the other party.

With the full might of a Half-Transcension expert unleashed, Luo Qianhong gained control of the surroundings. Then, harrumphing softly, he dashed forward and struck Zhang Xuan with his palm.

Phantom pinnacle battle technique, Whisking Sleeves!

The warm breeze whisks willow tugging one's sleeves, the night rain drenches every traveling downstream!

This gentle palm seemed to hold no weight to it, but having gathered an immense amount of the surrounding Origin Energy, it was capable of breaking through even steel and Phantom equipment.

A Half-Transcension expert coupled with a Phantom pinnacle battle technique was a frightening force. Even an expert of the same level would find it hard to withstand the immense might.

With this move, Luo Qianhong had taken out nearly all of his aces.

Sou!

The palm flew straight toward the young man with frightening speed, threatening to land at any moment. However, not only did the other party not dodge or evade, he even dashed straight toward the palm.

"This is bad!"

The Whisking Sleeves was a very flexible battle technique, making it hard for someone to withstand its might... but even so, there was still one major flaw to it—the 'stream'.

And this fellow happened to be standing right at the location of the 'stream'!

To determine its flaws and find the location precisely in that short moment...

How was that possible!

In that instant...

Luo Qianhong's shock was indescribable.

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Chapter 436: Expelling an Army with Words (1)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Formidable!"

On the back of the savage beast, 'Gongzi' and the others, who had just arrived, caught the sight, and even Jin Conghai couldn't help but exclaim.

"He's indeed formidable to be able to see through the flaw of the attack in an instant. Charging straight into the eye of the storm to tide through the barrage... To do that... just possessing an exceptional eye of discernment wouldn't be sufficient. More importantly, one has to have great mental fortitude!" 'Gongzi' nodded in agreement as well.

"Most probably, even this Luo Qianhong will lose. However... there are many troops in this Xuanyuan royal palace, and no matter how powerful Zhang Xuan is, he is still an individual. It'll be impossible for him to withstand the might of a country. What should we do? Should we help him?" Jin Conghai asked hesitantly.

"He must have realized this problem as well. The reason why he asked for Gu Mu's assistance is probably to ward off these soldiers!" 'Gongzi' said.

Of the many occupations, master teachers possessed the strongest individual offensive power. However, in terms of facing multiple enemies at once, poison masters reigned supreme.

With a sufficient poison stockpile, it was futile no matter how many enemies charged at a poison master.

"That should be so!" Jin Conghai nodded in agreement.

"Let's not rush in first. Given how this young 2-star master teacher managed to see through the flaws in the battle technique in a Half-Transcension expert in an instant, his eye of discernment and knowledge are indeed incredible. If he wishes for someone's assistance, he would have already rendered Yang shi's help. Since he didn't do so, he probably wishes to do the deed alone. We'll only go in when he's unable to hold on anymore!"

'Gongzi' chuckled.

"Yes!" Jin Conghai nodded. Then, looking at the sight below, his eyebrows shot up. "Luo Qianhong has lost!"

As Jin Conghai spoke, on the Heaven's Altar, Zhang Xuan had dived out from the 'stream' and struck the other party's chest with his elbow.

Peng!

Struck with immense brute strength, Luo Qianhong's face warped together. He was immediately sent flying, crashing heavily onto the ground.

The head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, a 3-star intermediate master teacher, a Half-Transcension expert on the third place on the Green Leaf Board, was defeated in just a few breaths.

The crowd flew into an uproar.

All along, Luo Qianhong was a figure synonymous with invincible in their hearts, and he possessed innumerable fans. They thought that he would surely be able to defeat that young lad, who wasn't even twenty yet, easily. However, the one who was defeated turned out to be Luo Qianhong himself... Not to mention, he was utterly crushed.

On the top of the Green Leaf Pavilion, Elder Liao Qingxun subconsciously asked, "Pavilion head, does the first place on the Young Leaf Board... still belong to Crown Prince Ding Mu?"

"Ding Mu? Nonsense! Of course it's that Master Teacher Zhang Xuan! How can the two of them be compared with each other? You must be pulling my leg!"

Pavilion Head Dai Feng said.

"But you... you just said that there was no one who could match Crown Prince Ding Mu in the past five hundred years, and it would be like that for the next five hundred..." Elder Liao Qingxun asked in bewilderment.

It was just a moment ago that the other party praised the crown prince up to the stars. Why did he suddenly change his tune for another person?

Wasn't this way too fast?

"Did I say that? Elder Liao, let's not bother about such unnecessary matters. Hurry up and send some men to look into that young man's background!" Having his lapse in judgement exposed, Pavilion Head Dai Feng's face flushed. He hurriedly issued some instructions to clear away his awkwardness.

"Yes!" Elder Liao Qingxun immediately walked out to attend to the matter.

The Green Leaf Pavilion was in charge of gathering intelligence on everything within the territory of Xuanyuan Kingdom. For such an expert to appear without them noticing, it was truly a failure on their part.

"His strength..."

The crowd was in disbelief. Mo Yu, who was on top of the Howling Firmament Beast, was even more so.

She had witnessed the other party's growth for herself throughout the journey.

She thought that even if Zhang Xuan were to become a Zhizun realm pinnacle within four days, he would surely be the weakest of that tier. After all, it would take some time to adapt to one's newfound strength, and on top of that, one's zhenqi would be a little unstable as well.

Yet... Zhang Xuan actually managed to defeat a Half-Transcension expert so easily!

Was that fellow... even human?

Not only did his cultivation raise quickly, it was even reinforced perfectly. His strength was stable and deep, and there wasn't the slightest sign of instability... How in the world did he do it?

...

That strike caused Luo Qianhong severe injuries. He felt so stifled that he could go insane. At this moment, all he felt was regret.

Why was he so foolish as to listen to Ding Mu's lies?

How could a person who could force him into hiding in the Master Teacher Pavilion be an ordinary figure?

If he didn't get involved, he could at least uphold his honor. Yet, all he had done now was embarrass himself. After this incident, his prestige as the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion would surely plummet, and many people would find faults with him.

"As a 2-star master teacher, I challenged a 3-star master teacher. This can be considered as insubordination... After I'm done with the matter here, I'll offer an explanation to the Master Teacher Pavilion through crashing the pavilion myself!"

Flinging his sleeves, Zhang Xuan harrumphed.

Pavilion Crashing referred to the act of challenging an entire Master Teacher Pavilion as an individual.

Regardless of whether it was a conflict, a dispute, or unintentional disrespect, as long as one didn't betray humanity, one could crash a pavilion to absolve one of his crimes, and the headquarters would not pursue the matter.

"Crashing the pavilion?"

Luo Qianhong's face turned pale.

Even though a successful Pavilion Crashing rarely occurred, as long as it happened, the Master Teacher Pavilion would be as good as destroyed. It would become the laughingstock of the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance!

He would be forced to step down as the pavilion master, and in the worst case scenario, the headquarters might even summon him to conduct an investigation.

After all, if one was forced to the point of resorting to Pavilion Crashing, this meant that the matter had reached a dire state.

Putong!

Luo Qianhong's body was suddenly sapped of strength, and he fell to the ground.

It was just a moment ago that he was standing majestically before the crowd, but after hearing those words, he found himself falling into despair...

What kind of monster did Ding Mu offend?

...

Ignoring the despairing Luo Qianhong, Zhang Xuan glanced forward and saw that the inauguration was about to come to an end. As such, he hurriedly advanced forward.

"Stop him!"

Seeing that even the Master Teacher Pavilion had failed to stop the other party, and the other party even declared his intentions of Pavilion Crashing, Ding Mu's complexion turned awful.

Hualala!

Along with his bellow, innumerable soldiers immediately stepped forward to surround Zhang Xuan. The swords that they drew gleamed coldly under the sun.

These soldiers weren't strong, and most of them were only at Dingli realm. However, it was their numbers that were truly impressive. On the vast Heaven's Altar, there were at least several thousands of them.

A formation consisting of several thousand soldiers... Even a Half-Transcension would have to back down before such a terrifying force.

"Zhang Xuan... be careful!"

Mo Yu's face paled.

As an individual, how could he possibly withstand an army?

A Dingli realm soldier was no threat to him, and fighting ten was just a walk in the park. However, when the numbers added up to several thousands, the nature of the event changed.

No matter how strong an individual was, there was a limit to one's stamina. In a battle of attrition, Zhang Xuan would eventually lose.

This was the reason why itinerant cultivators didn't dare offend kingdoms.

There was nothing an individual cultivator could do before the might of an entire country.

"This will be troublesome..."

Jin Conghai frowned.

As a Transcendent Mortal realm expert, it would be difficult for even him to face a few thousand Fighter realm cultivators at once.

Killing a commander was easy, but facing off with an entire army was difficult.

"Indeed, this will be troublesome. Unless... he uses the means of a poison master!" 'Gongzi' frowned as well.

Even Jin Conghai would be troubled to face so many soldiers, needless to say, the other party.

Even though the strength this Zhang Xuan had displayed was outstanding, he was still far from matching up to his subordinate, Jin Conghai.

The only way to achieve victory was to use the means of a poison master.

Otherwise, no matter how powerful he was, he would surely eventually run dry before this huge army.

"He can't use the means of the poison master here. As a master teacher, killing the crown prince of a Conferred Kingdom is already a huge blemish on his records. I fear that if he were to use poison... he might incur the displeasure of the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters. On top of that, he might be regarded as a traitor, given the hostile relationship between the Master Teacher Pavilion and the Poison Hall..."

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said. "Hall Master Gu Mu, if things get down to it... I think it would be better for you to make a move!"

As an elder of the Beast Hall, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing had a deep understanding of the affairs of the master teachers.

This occupation served as the moral compass of the entire continent.

To kill an inaugurating crown prince was already scandalous in itself. If Zhang Xuan were to use the means of a poison master on top of that, his reputation would be ruined.

As a master teacher, reputation was everything. Who would be willing to admit a person with questionable conduct as their teacher?

It would become a huge blemish of his life that he would never be able to wash off.

It would be nigh impossible for him to win the respect of other master teachers around the world and advance to a higher rank.

"Alright!"

Hall Master Gu Mu nodded.

He was invited here precisely for this matter. As long as he were to offer his assistance, he could be considered as to have repaid the debt of his 'senior granduncle'.

"Let's wait awhile longer first. Look at Zhang Xuan's gaze, it seems like he has an idea in mind!"

After agreeing to the matter, Hall Master Gu Mu was about to make a move when 'gongzi's' voice suddenly echoed.

"Gaze?"

Hall Master Gu Mu was taken aback. He hurriedly glanced downward and he realized that something was amiss as well.

Despite being surrounded by so many experts, the young man below didn't panic at all. Instead, he faced everything with composure.

Way too much composure.

If it was anyone else, they would have surely panicked under such circumstances.

"He must already have an idea in mind. Otherwise, he couldn't possibly remain so calm!"

'Gongzi' said. "Let's watch on first!"

"Un!" The crowd nodded in agreement as they turned their gazes to the sight below. Just as they were wondering what kind of method the young man was going to use to deal with these soldiers, a voice echoed.

"The core of cultivation lies in persistence. Only with diligence can one achieve improvement. For a Dingli realm to reach Pixue, there are three main factors. Firstly, one must accurately gauge the strength required for opening one's acupoint..."

A crisp voice echoed from the young man's mouth.

"A lecture?"

"He's conducting a lecture now?"

"Has he gone mad?"

...

Everyone was wondering what kind of strategy the young man would have against the thousands of soldiers before him. When the other party started preaching, everyone stared at one another in bewilderment.

What was this?

Surrounded by soldiers, yet he started preaching?

Everyone thought that the troublemaker would surely fail terribly, but the other party had yet to lose yet. Everyone thought that the interference of the Master Teacher Pavilion could mediate the conflict, but the other party declared that he would crash the pavilion, not sparing the Master Teacher Pavilion any pride at all...

Now, just as everyone thought that the Heaven's Altar would be washed with blood, the young man began preaching...

Can you at least obey common sense?

Your actions are way too unfathomable!

The group on top of the savage beasts were also stunned, unable to comprehend what Zhang Xuan was up to.

"No, this isn't just a lecture..."

Suddenly, 'gongzi' seemed to realize something and his face warped in shock. His body trembled lightly as he said, "This is Impartation of Heaven's Will... Expelling a Hundred Enemies With a Word, Eradicating An Army With a Phrase!"

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Chapter 437: Expelling an Army with Words (2) [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Impartation of Heaven's Will?"

Everyone was bewildered.

Those who were slightly more knowledgeable knew that Impartation of Heaven's Will was a unique ability to master teachers. As long as one's Soul Depth was above 3.0, and the content one spoke was aligned with the essence of cultivation and was devoid of errors, there was a chance it could be triggered. Once triggered, those listening to the lecture would find their zhenqi being driven automatically, resulting in their cultivation being raised subconsciously.

This sounded incredible, but in truth, all master teachers were capable of doing so.

Given how talented that Zhang Xuan was, it wasn't completely unexpected for him to be able to utilize this ability in the midst of his lecture!

"The Impartation of Heaven's Will isn't a very powerful ability. However... if one can reach a high level of mastery in it, its effects can be amazing!" 'Gongzi' said as his body trembled in disbelief.

"A high level of mastery?" The crowd was even more bewildered.

"Elder Jin should know that my physical condition hasn't been good ever since a young age, resulting in my inability to cultivate. As such, I've spent my time immersed in books, and I've read nearly all of the books accessible to me once. I once read, in an ancient manual, that when the Impartation of Heaven's Will reaches the highest level, one would be able to utilize the Voice of Truth, which was capable of striking the depths of a person's soul directly. Even if the other party was an enemy, he would willingly concede to you and address you as teacher!"

Taking a deep breath, 'Gongzi' suppressed his heavy breathing and spoke up.

"Voice of Truth?"

Everyone widened their eyes in shock.

Did the Impartation of Heaven's Will possess such incredible effects?

If that was the case, wouldn't one be almost invincible?

Regardless of who it was, one just had to conduct a lesson for the other party to submit to him. All 'living beings' in the world would be considered as one's student!

Wait a moment!

A person suddenly flashed across Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's mind as his face paled and his eyes narrowed. With quivering lips, he asked, "Do you mean... Empyrean Kong shi?"

It was said that Kong shi's words could bring about a celestial phenomenon, and there was none who had heard his lecture who wouldn't call him teacher. Even the most formidable and most hostile enemy would immediately concede to him and willingly serve him as his student.

There was a very old legend depicting Kong shi when he hadn't reached the level of a 9-star master teacher yet. Back then, there was a person named 'Tui' who carried intense animosity against him and thus, wanted to claim his life.

He had looked into Kong shi's affairs and heard that the other party often held lectures beneath a certain tree. Thus, he decided to hide within the lush leaves of the tree with a weapon in hand, ready to strike when Kong shi appeared.

In the end, his efforts paid off. Kong shi walked over to the tree and began conducting a lecture. However, after hearing a few words, 'Tui' immediately felt embarrassed by himself, and he leaped out of his hiding spot and acknowledged Kong shi as his 'teacher'.

It was due to this legend that Kong shi earned himself the nickname of 'World's Teacher', and his name spread far and wide.

Without any exception, those who had heard Kong shi's words would eventually become his student. This was the ability that only Kong shi possessed. Could Zhang Xuan be capable of the same feat as well?

"Indeed. The person I am referring to is Kong shi!"

Clenching his fists tightly, 'gongzi's' face turned red in agitation. "Kong shi's Impartation of Heaven's Will had reached an incredible level. With an utterance, the entire world would tremble before him. With an articulation, a gale would rage and thunder would rumble. Expelling a Hundred Enemies With a Word, Eradicating An Army With a Phrase!"

"It was said that when the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe sent its army to assassinate him, Kong shi was alone. However, without any fear, he began to preach, indifferent even when the swords and axes were before him. A few minutes later, the army of Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was completely wiped out due to infighting..."

At which, 'gongzi's' pitch-black eyes turned to look at the others, "Don't you think that what Zhang Xuan is doing resembles the plot of the story?"

"It does resemble it a bit..."

With pale faces, the crowd trembled slightly.

"What you mean is that... Beast Tamer Zhang, no, Zhang shi intends on conducting a lecture to command these soldiers to back off?"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's body shuddered in disbelief.

There were many legends on Kong shi going around on the continent, and over time, they had become overly exaggerated, making it difficult to determine fact from fiction.

Thus, very few people took the stories for real.

The matter of preaching to destroy the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was one of such common legends, and many people simply laughed it off. However, looking at Zhang shi preaching before so many enemies, their hearts started beating wildly.

"I'm not too sure either, this story only happened to appear in my mind... Since Zhang shi chose to do so, he probably has his reasons for it. After all, he can't possibly just be doing it out of boredom!" 'Gongzi' said.

He wasn't Zhang Xuan; he couldn't accurately guess the other party's thoughts.

"Now that gongzi raised the idea, I think that what you say is really true. Look!"

In disbelief, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was just about to continue enquiring about it when Jin Conghai's voice sounded.

Jin Conghai had a grim look on his face as he stared at the scene on the Heaven's Altar beneath with a look of incredulity.

Turning his gaze over, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was also stunned.

Half of the ferocious soldiers who had wanted to attack Zhang Xuan together suddenly fell in a daze, and as though the best treasures in the world had appeared before them, a look of delight slowly spread on their faces.

As for the other half, they went further as to dump their weapons on the ground and sat cross-legged, beginning to cultivate as per the other party's guidance.

All of a sudden, the menacing atmosphere suddenly turned into a sight of harmony.

"It... it... is actually true?"

With widened eyes and mouth agape, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing seemed to have petrified. No words could describe his shock at the moment.

Suddenly, an aura behind him began to surge intensely.

Pila pala!

The sound of beans popping echoed.

Unknowingly, drunk on Zhang Xuan's words, Sun Qiang's zhenqi became driving on its own accord, and he broke through his Dingli realm bottleneck, successfully stepping into the realm of a Pixue cultivator.

"Breaking through one's bottleneck through just words? Seems like the rumors are true..."

Taking in this sight, 'gongzi' and the others clenched their fists tightly.

If they weren't sure before, it couldn't be any clearer now.

To break through the bottleneck between Dingli and Pixue with just words...

This was similar to the ability depicted in that legend between Kong shi and the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

Even if other master teachers were able to do the same as well, it would still require accumulation on the cultivator's part and some time. But how long has it only been since Zhang Xuan started his lecture?

Twenty breaths?

Thirty breaths?

At most, it was only forty breaths. In other words, in less than a minute, not only did Zhang Xuan manage to stimulate the zhenqi in Sun Qiang body, he even successfully induced a rise in cultivation realm in the latter...

Such capability couldn't even be seen in 4-star pinnacle master teachers!

"Wait, look at those citizens around the Heaven's Altar..." Gu Mu said.

The group hurriedly shifted their gazes over to the crowd.

The citizens who were busy watching the commotion also began sitting down and meditating according to Zhang Xuan's guidance. The sound of beans popping echoed throughout the square, and it was hard to imagine how many people had managed to achieve a breakthrough during this short period of time.

These people were residents who had grown up here in Xuanyuan Kingdom, and they each possessed a dear patriotism toward the royal palace.

Thus, when the young man barged into the Heaven's Altar and declared his malicious intentions against the crown prince, they felt deep hostility for the latter. However, in an instant, all of these emotions turned into admiration and gratitude.

An itinerant cultivator, without the guidance of master teachers and formidable cultivation technique, would have to spend much effort just to break through a small cultivation realm.

But now, with just a few words from the other party, they were making this leap in their cultivation. This was something they couldn't have fathomed before.

The hostility they felt slowly faded, turning to gratitude and admiration.

Having benefitted from Zhang Xuan's guidance, the latter could be considered as half a teacher to them already.

"Ho-how is this possible?"

In the Green Leaf Pavilion, Pavilion Head Dai Feng grabbed the edges of the windows tightly as he watched the phenomenon unfold before him. His head spun in astonishment.

As the head of an intelligence-gathering agency, he had heard of the legend between Kong shi and the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe as well.

He thought that it was just a legend, but... to think that it would be true!

To remain unaware when such a formidable master teacher had come to Xuanyuan Royal City...

The Green Leaf Pavilion could close down its services already!

"No, this can't be! I'll investigate myself to see who this Zhang Xuan is... What kind of existence did Crown Prince Ding Mu offend?"

Upon thinking of this, Pavilion Head Dai Feng's lips twitched; unable to remain seated, he dashed down the pavilion.

For the Green Leaf Pavilion to be unaware of such huge news was a massive failure!

If he didn't gather all information related to the background of this fellow, he wouldn't be able to sleep well tonight.

...

"What are you all doing? Stop listening to his nonsense and kill him!"

Seeing all of the guards falling into a daze, Crown Prince Ding Mu bellowed frenziedly.

The reason why he had stationed an army on top of the Heaven's Altar was to guard against any sudden movements or mystic treasure of that young man.

Yet, with just a single lecture, the other party had successfully left everyone dazed. What was this?

I told you all to kill him, what are you all doing listening to his lecture?

This isn't a classroom...

"I'm commanding all of you to kill him..."

Gritting his teeth, Crown Prince Ding Mu continued howling.

However, before he could finish his words, all of the soldiers turned their heads simultaneously.

"Shut up!"

Boom!

Even pebbles could be stacked up into a mountain.

With so many trained Dingli realm and Pixue realm experts roaring furiously at the same time, it was as though a strike of celestial lightning had flown across the heavens, striking down on Ding Mu.

Pu!

Struck by the sonic boom, Crown Prince Ding Mu's ears rang, and blood started flowing down his mouth and his nose.

Even his eyes turned red from the impact, and it seemed as though blood would ooze down at any moment.

Even a Transcendent Mortal expert would have to avoid a combined attack from several thousand soldiers at once, so of course a mere Zhizun realm advanced stage cultivator like him was wounded.

"You all... you all..."

Quickly retreating a dozen steps, Crown Prince Ding Mu felt as though he was going mad.

These were all his soldiers! They lived off the royal family's stipends, and they were specially groomed so that, when the need arises, they could be mobilized... Yet, all of them turned against him!

What in the world?

Ding Mu's body couldn't stop convulsing.

"You! It's all your fault!"

With reddened eyes, Ding Mu glared at the preaching Zhang Xuan with clenched jaws.

Didn't I just kill a student of yours?

Do you have to come all the way here and go to the extent of wounding a 3-star master teacher - the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion - and making so many soldiers turn against me?

Damn it, damn it!

Roaring furiously, Crown Prince Ding Mu scrambled for an idea to win back the hearts of these soldiers.

But at this moment, standing at the very center of the crowd, the young man suddenly stopped his lecture, and scanning the surroundings, he said, "Bow!"

Huala!

In that instant, several thousands of soldiers, as well as the countless spectators, immediately kneeled to the floor as respect and admiration gleamed in their eyes.

Then... their voices echoed in the square.

"Paying respect to teacher!"

...

"It's a Half-Teacher Formality! So many people are bowing to Zhang shi earnestly..."

On the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, Mo Yu swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

She knew that young man's talent as a master teacher surpassed that of ordinary people, but she didn't expect that he would be able to win over the hearts of the soldiers on the Heaven's Altar and the surrounding crowd with just a lecture.

While a half-teacher couldn't compare up to one's true teacher, it was still a relationship surpassing that of most ordinary ones. In this world, the prestige of teachers was immense, and students were expected to treat their teachers with the utmost respect.

At that moment, Zhang Xuan was standing with his hands behind his back, watching nonchalantly at the kneeling crowd as though a conqueror. Ding Mu, who was undergoing the crowning ceremony at this instant, seemed no different from a clown.

"To remain nonchalant before an army of several thousand, and conduct a lesson to turn them into his students instead... Zhang Xuan, perhaps you might really be able to fare well in the Master Teacher Tournament and strike your name out into the world!"

Clenching her fists tightly, Mo Yu's eyes reddened in agitation.

That was a true genius! There was only a single outcome for those who refused to submit... to be crushed!

Regardless of whether you are an expert or an influential individual, before absolute might, nothing else mattered!

Mo Yu could already see the storm that Zhang Xuan would cause during the Master Teacher Tournament.

...

"With just a short moment of preaching, he's able to make so many people willingly acknowledge him as a half-teacher... On top of the absolute control over the Impartation of Heaven's Will, his Soul Depth must have reached at least 12.0! In other words... in terms of Soul Depth, he isn't inferior to a 4-star teacher?"

Luo Qianhong's teeth were clattering together. In that instant, it felt as though he had dropped into an ice vault, and he shuddered in fear.

Even though 'gongzi' was well-informed, he wasn't a master teacher. As such, he was unaware of many matters.

It wasn't that difficult to utilize the Impartation of Heaven's Will - one only had to speak of content aligned with the essence of cultivation - but to make so many people fall into a trance and achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation simultaneously was no simple feat.

There was a high requirement for one's Soul Depth!

Putting everything aside, the insight energy contained within the other party's words felt as though a cool breeze to the ears, inducing subconscious trust into him... With just this, Luo Qianhong could conclude that the other party's Soul Depth was at least 12.0.

Every 3.0 difference in Soul Depth was a demarcation zone for a master teacher. A Soul Depth above 12.0 was equivalent to a 4-star master teacher!

A 4-star master teacher beneath twenty?

What kind of monster is that?

Isn't the other party just a 2-star master teacher?

Isn't the other party just a reckless countryside bumpkin?

If I knew how formidable the other party is, I would never have gotten involved!

Glancing at one another, Luo Qianhong and Bai Chen could see the fear and regret in each other's eyes.

If they could, they truly wanted to tear apart that Crown Prince Ding Mu at this instant.

What one feared the most was a lousy teammate that would pull one down. This time, they were truly done in badly by that fellow...

"Pavilion master, what should we do now?" Bai Chen asked with a tearful face while suppressing his injuries.

Initially, he was plotting his revenge for this humiliation. However, after seeing that the other party's Soul Depth had exceeded 12, such thoughts vanished altogether.

The greatest difficulty to the promotion of a master teacher was Soul Depth. As long as one's Soul Depth reached the mark, with sufficient time, the rest wasn't too much of a problem.

To exact vengeance on a future 4-star master teacher?

He really didn't have the guts to do so!

"Go back and make some preparations for his Pavilion Crashing... All we can wish for is for him to fail. Once he passes, we'll be doomed!"

With a resigned expression, Luo Qianhong shook his head.

If the other party failed the Pavilion Crashing, he could still sell the other party a favor and let bygones be bygones. However, once the other party succeeded, there would be nothing left for him.

What the heck was this!

How did he offend such a monster?

With a stiff body, Luo Qianhong was just about to say something more when the young man standing at the very center of the crowd coldly surveyed the surroundings before speaking with an authoritative voice.

"Since you all address me as your teacher, are you all going to stop me from killing this person?"

Becoming a Celestial Master Teacher had not just granted Zhang Xuan with the Eye of Insight, his Impartation of Heaven's Will had also made a huge breakthrough.

Once these people achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation and became his student, the rest was a walk in the park.

"We wouldn't dare!"

"If teacher doesn't wish to dirty your hands, we can do it for you!"

"Despite his position, Crown Prince Ding Mu has committed many vile deeds. We've long wished to teach him a lesson. As long as teacher gives the order, we're willing to take him down for you!"

...

Hualala!

The army of soldiers immediately opened up a pathway, and at the same time, several voices sounded here and there.

Crown Prince Ding Mu was a willful and arrogant person; he had made many unwise decisions and committed innumerable vile deeds. Even though many soldiers were aware and infuriated by it, none of them dared to voice their complaints. However, before this half-teacher of theirs, their true sentiments came pouring out.

"You all..."

Crown Prince Ding Mu's heart had already turned cold upon facing the betrayal of so many soldiers, and upon hearing those words, he nearly fainted on the spot.

The armies that other kingdoms groomed were willing to lay down their lives for the royal family, but what in the world was with the army he had groomed?

He commanded them to kill someone for him, but all of them ended up acknowledging the latter as their teacher and even offered their 'services'...

The heck!

I am the crown prince, the future emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom! How can I be killed by trash like you?

"It won't be that easy to kill me! Give me the crown..."

Ding Mu's expression warped in savagery.

My life is my own, don't even dream about laying your filthy hands on me!

With a loud roar, Ding Mu rushed toward the old Emperor Ding Chong, snatched the crown from his hands, and placed it on his head.

At this time, he could care less about formalities or traditions. He walked directly to the throne at the center of the Heaven's Altar and sat down.

"Under the decree of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, I am now the emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom. Let's see who dares to touch me now!"

With a face distorted by insanity, he bellowed furiously.

Sitting on the throne with a crown on his head, he could be officially considered as the new emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom. As such, he was under the protection of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Putting aside a 2-star master teacher, even a 4-star master teacher would have to think twice before laying a hand on him!

Otherwise, if an emperor could be killed that easily, what was the use of the existence of the alliance?

The alliance was a balance of power between the various kingdoms. While internal struggles were reluctantly overlooked, the murder of an emperor was something that was vehemently disallowed.

"This..."

"This is bad!"

The soldiers who had offered to make a move for Zhang Xuan looked at one another hesitantly upon seeing this move.

If a crown prince was killed, the emperor could still appoint a new one. However, killing an emperor was synonymous with challenging the prestige of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

"This..."

Zhang Xuan's face darkened as well.

He didn't expect the fellow to be so shameless as to ignore the ceremony and immediately don the crown either.

Now that the other party was the emperor, killing him would bring about a lot of trouble.

"Haha, I am now the emperor! With the backing of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance behind me, do any of you dare touch me? Are any of you qualified to touch me?"

Seeing the hesitance in everyone's eyes, Ding Mu roared in laughter. Glee reflected in his eyes.

Knowing that Zhang Xuan would go after him, he had already planned out his countermeasure. Everything he prepared was just for this day!

You might be capable, talented, strong, and above all, you have a good teacher.

However, I am not lacking either. I have an entire Conferred Kingdom behind me. I have the Myriad Kingdom Alliance behind me!

With such an identity, even if I have faulted, only the alliance had the rights to pursue it. A 2-star master teacher like you...

Aren't worthy!

"Also, all of you! Despite living off the stipends of the kingdom, how dare you all betray the kingdom? You all deserve to die!" Ding Mu roared furiously with a savage expression.

"We..."

The faces of the crowd paled.

Even though there was just a thin line between the crown prince and the emperor, of a kingdom, this gap meant everything.

The crown prince didn't possess the authority to behead so many soldiers, but the emperor did.

"Zhang Xuan, Pavilion Master Luo has proposed to mediate the matter previously but you disagreed. It's too late to change your mind now!"

After mocking Zhang Xuan, Ding Mu stared haughtily at the crowd, and with the disposition befitting of an emperor, he declared, "I'll give you all a chance to make up for your mistakes. As long as you all kill this intruder, I'll pardon you all for your previous sins. On top of that, I'll even confer a nobility on the one who finishes him off and grant him a life of utmost prestige and wealth!"

"Why? Do you all still intend on going against my orders, the orders of your emperor..."

Seeing the crowd hesitating, Ding Mu gazed downward at the faces below, suppressing the entire square with the majesty of an emperor.

Weng!

However, before Ding Mu could finish his words, a jade token flew out. Then, bright light burst forth from it, forming a gigantic image.

The image consisted of just three words — Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Following which, a deep voice reverberated in the air.

"The succession of the throne requires a prior announcement and a complete ceremony. Ding Mu has disregarded the rules and snatched the imperial authority willfully. The alliance declares his inauguration invalid!"

The voice echoed loudly throughout Xuanyuan Royal City, and even the clouds seemed to tremor slightly under it.

"This is... a decree from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's envoy!"

Someone uttered amidst the crowd.

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Chapter 438: The Great Xuanyuan Formation

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Silence.

Ding Mu had just declared his unparalleled authority within the kingdom when the decree of the envoy arrived the next instant. Everyone was dumbfounded.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was several hundred thousand kilometers away from Xuanyuan Kingdom, and even when riding on a Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast, it would still take several dozen days of journey to travel here. This envoy... sure is efficient...

"This... Impossible! How can this be possible..."

While jaws were falling to the ground, Ding Mu's final string of rationality finally snapped.

Are you playing with me?

I had just barely managed to become the emperor and force the other party to step down. Victory is right before me, and yet, such a twist just had to occur at this moment. With this, no matter what I do, I'll just be regarded as an unofficial and unrecognized sovereign!

Conferred Kingdoms were vassal kingdoms to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and if the latter refused to recognize his position, nothing he said would be useful!

"Your Majesty, that... is an authentic decree from the envoy of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. I've seen it before..."

Seeing the doubt on Ding Mu's face, an official walked over with a nervous look and reported.

The decree of the envoy couldn't be forged. The words 'Myriad Kingdom Alliance' possessed a unique authority to it that no one else could imitate.

With just a single look, one could determine whether it was authentic or not.

"Men, the Left Minister is spouting nonsense and shaking the foundation of the country. Kill him!"

Ding Mu was already in a frenzied state, and the words of the official pushed him off the edge. He immediately bellowed a command.

"Your Majesty..."

The crowd stared at one another hesitantly, not knowing what to do.

"You all..."

Seeing that everyone was disregarding his orders, Ding Mu's eyes reddened in rage. Just as he was about to roar furiously once more, an impassive voice sounded in the air.

"Since the Myriad Kingdom Alliance refuses to recognize you, that means that your position is unofficial. No one will listen to the commands of a fake emperor!"

Turning around, he saw Zhang Xuan gazing at him with cold eyes.

In truth, Zhang Xuan was also bewildered by the situation.

Before coming, he had already prepared himself for the worst situation. Regardless of whether the other party became the emperor or not, he would make his move.

Of all things, he didn't expect the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's involvement in this matter.

The appearance of the decree meant that Ding Mu's ascension to the throne was unlawful, and the Myriad Kingdom Alliance wouldn't pursue the affair even if he were killed.

"So what if these useless fools refuse to obey my commands? Do you think that I'll fear you just because of that? You might be strong, but it won't be that easy to kill me!"

Having lost the throne, the backing of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and being unable to mobilize his subordinates, Ding Mu knew that he had no choice but to resort to brute force.

His face warped as though a ravenous wolf as he glared fixedly at the young man before him. Then, he abruptly reached forward to grab the jade seal.

With the jade seal in his hands, his disposition changed all of the sudden. In an instant, he felt as if he were a towering mountain standing before everyone else.

Even a Half-Transcension expert would have to back off before the powerful aura he was emitting at this moment.

"The reason why our Ding Clan was able to build a massive kingdom that no other kingdoms dare to attack and maintain our lineage for more than a millennium isn't just purely through brute force... It is because of a formation!

"The infrastructures in Xuanyuan Kingdom are positioned in a way that aligns with the sun, moon, and the stars, forming a grade-4 primary formation! You wish to kill me? Dream on! Even if I can't become the emperor, I'll pull you down along with me!"

Roaring furiously, the jade seal in his hands flew in the air, triggering the formation. In an instant, it seemed as though the entire capital had come to a life. An incredibly powerful pressure fell down from the skies.

All of the sudden, the crowd in the square suddenly felt something sealing their movements. At the same time, a powerful pressure overwhelmed them, threatening to kill them if they were to make an unwise move.

"It's... the Great Xuanyuan Formation! He's actually triggered the Great Xuanyuan Formation!"

Amidst the crowd, an official's face suddenly paled. His body slackened, and he fell weakly to the ground.

"Great Xuanyuan Formation? What's that?"

There were many people who were unaware of its existence, and a person asked anxiously amidst the crowd.

"It's said that the founding ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom was a formidable formation master. After uniting the lands and building the kingdom, he chose this location to build the capital. Using the mountains, rivers, and the infrastructure as the formation flags, he built an immense formation. Even a Mortal Transcendent expert would die easily if he were to be caught in it!"

"This formation can only be triggered by the imperial seal, and it's the final line of defense of the kingdom. No one here will be able to withstand its immense might..."

The official trembled uncontrollably as he spoke.

Previously, when Ding Mu ordered them to kill the other party, no one listened to him.

Now that he had activated the formation and trapped everyone within it, if he intended to take revenge, who could stand against him?

Hearing those words and feeling the violent might of a formation shrouding them, the crowd's faces warped in fear.

They thought given the disparity in strength between the other master teacher and Crown Prince Ding Mu, even if no one were to obey his commands, there was nothing for them to worry about. No one could have expected for the latter to have such an ace up his sleeves.

A grade-4 formation could kill even a Mortal Transcendent expert, so how could mere Fighter realm cultivators like them withstand it?

And without sufficient strength, it was impossible for them to break out of it.

I looked like... they were doomed!

...

"You are... an envoy of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?"

While a pandemonium had broken out below, in the air, on the back of a savage beast, Wei Yuqing looked at the young man with tightly-clenched fists.

From the attitude of the others toward this 'gongzi', he could tell that the other party's standing was definitely extremely high. Otherwise, Gu Mu's teacher, as a 4-star poison master, wouldn't act so deferentially to him.

But even so... He didn't expect the other party to be an envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

An envoy holding a decree was representative of the head of the alliance. If anyone dared to challenge his authority, he could kill them as he pleased!

In other words, he possessed unparalleled authority within the territories of the alliance.

Yet, to think that the person wielding such immense authority would just be a teenage child...

If he hadn't seen the other party throwing out the token personally, he would have never believed it to be true.

"Un!"

'Gongzi' nodded silently. At this moment, his gaze was directed at the formation below, and a frown appeared on his face.

A moment later, he turned to the elder beside him.

"Is there any way for you to break this formation?"

"Gongzi, you should also know that I'm not adept at formations!"

Jin Conghai's face flushed in embarrassment.

Even though he was a Transcendent Mortal expert, his occupation was a poison master. His knowledge of formations was severely limited. On top of that, the formation below was incredibly massive, and even if a 4-star primary formation master were to be here, it would be hard for him to stop the formation.

"This formation makes use of the mountains and rivers in the surroundings to augment its might. On top of that, it hasn't been used before ever since it was set up, and over time, a massive amount of spiritual energy had accumulated within it. Not just me, I'm afraid that... even if Pavilion Master Kang were to be here, he would be helpless before it!"

After a moment of hesitation, Jin Conghai spoke his analysis.

Even though he wasn't adept in formations, as a Transcendent Mortal expert of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, he still possessed a decent discernment ability. It wasn't too difficult for him to determine how fearsome the formation below was.

Even the head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, Pavilion Master Kang, would be helpless before it.

And Pavilion Master Kang was the most capable formation master throughout the Myriad Kingdom Alliance!

Through this, the fearsomeness of the formation was apparent.

"I know that this formation is formidable, but... do you have any way to save him?" 'Gongzi' couldn't help but ask.

Deciphering and stopping a formation was very much different from saving a person from a formation. In which case, the latter was much easier than the former.

Jin Conghai shook his head and said, "This formation has been nourished over a long period of time, granting it immense might. Life and death hinge on just a single thought of the one controlling the formation! To break it, it'll require sixteen Mortal Transcendent experts standing at sixteen different locations... Even if it's just saving someone from within, it would require at least five people at the same level as me to make a move simultaneously..."

On top of the grade, the scale also determined the strength of the formation.

The larger the formation set up, the more powerful it would be.

This was the reason why formation plates were lacking in might.

The formation below covered the entire Xuanyuan Royal City, extending for a length of several hundred kilometers. On top of that, it had accumulated a frightening quantity of energy over the course of a thousand years, making it a fearsome weapon.

It would already be a blessing if a Mortal Transcendent expert could survive a killing formation of such might. Saving someone within... was completely impossible!

"Then... what should we do? You also know that he's Liu Cheng!"

Hearing that even his guard was helpless before this immense formation, 'gongzi' panicked.

"Don't panic. If it comes down to it, I'll just have to try barging into it..." Jin Conghai gritted his teeth.

He knew of the gratitude that 'gongzi' felt toward Physician 'Liu Cheng'. The other party had specially traveled from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance here just to look for him. If the other party were to die before him, wouldn't he die of regret?

"What do you mean by barging into it?"

At that moment, a doubtful voice sounded within the room. Turning around, the group saw that Sun Qiang was done with his cultivation and had stood up once more.

Under Zhang Xuan's Impartation of Heaven's Will, not only had Sun Qiang reinforced his Pixue realm cultivation, he had even opened up three acupoints. Thus, he was in good spirits.

Sun Qiang had been on the verge of breaking through Dingli realm for a while now, so Zhang Xuan's Impartation of Heaven's Will was exceptionally effective on him.

"Your young master is trapped in Ding Mu's formation, and he's in an extremely precarious situation now. If you can contact Yang shi, you should hurry up. I fear that... Zhang shi might be coming to his limits already!"

Seeing that Sun Qiang was done with his cultivation, 'gongzi' hurriedly advised.

In truth, he regretted not getting Jin Conghai to make a move on Ding Mu when he threw out of the envoy's decree earlier on.

If he had done so, such a situation wouldn't have occurred.

He was here to repay the favor, but not only did he fail to achieve anything, he even landed his benefactor into a precarious situation. How could he have the face to live on if the other party really died? In his view, if not for the decree he threw out, Ding Mu wouldn't have been forced to activate the formation.

"Formation?"

Glancing out of the window to look at the sight below, Sun Qiang brushed the matter off impassively, "Seeing your grim faces, I thought that it would be some serious affair. Turns out that it's just this. Don't worry, the young master is fine!"

Hearing those words, Jin Conghai staggered and nearly fainted. "Do you know how powerful this formation is?"

The one below is your young master! He's trapped in a formation which even a Mortal Transcendent expert would be unable to break out off! Yet, how can you remain so nonchalant? Are you truly that brave, or is there something wrong with your head?

"I have no idea!"

Sun Qiang waved his hands nonchalantly, "But that doesn't make a difference. A small formation like this doesn't mean anything at all!"

Tianxuan Kingdom had no formation masters at all, so how could Sun Qiang know anything about formations. Even if the most basic formation was laid out before him, he still wouldn't be able to decipher it at all.

But even though he knew nothing at all, Zhao Ya and the others had recounted the events at the Lin Clan back then to him at least a few hundred times. On top of that, he had also personally witnessed the young master kicking the formation at the residence of Lu Chong's ancestors to a stop.

He knew that no one could match up to the young master in the field of formations.

It might be something fearsome to the others, but to the young master... it was just a walk in the park.

"Doesn't mean anything at all? A small formation? How can you call Zhang shi your young master and behave like that?!"

'Gongzi's' face darkened and he nearly erupted on the spot.

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Chapter 439: Lucid Mind

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Upon hearing that their young master was trapped, other subordinates would surely hurriedly plead with others to save him. Yet, not only was this fellow not worried, he even looked at them with such an expression...

Are you a subordinate or an enemy?

That was a formation that even Pavilion Master Kang would find hard to break! Yet, to view it with such nonchalance, are you that brave or do you desperately crave for your young master to die here?

'Gongzi' was about to faint from anger, and by the side, Wei Yuqing's eyes were also rolling around the place.

If not for Zhang Xuan entrusting his subordinate to him personally, he would have thought that this fellow was an imposter.

Probably, he was the only one in the world who could watch idly as death loomed above his master.

"What's wrong?"

Sun Qiang couldn't comprehend why the other party had reprimanded him.

"I'll go then! I am indebted to Yang shi, and now that his student is in trouble, I can't sit idly by the side..."

Seeing how this cretin didn't have any intentions to look for Yang shi to save his young master, Gu Mu and the others decided to disregard him altogether.

"You are intending to save the young master?"

Sun Qiang finally came to a realization, and a look of disdain appeared on his face, "I didn't expect you all to be so inexperienced... And to think that one of you is the envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance... It's just a formation, what's the big deal? With the young master around, you all really don't need to worry at all!"

"Inexperienced?"

A fellow from an unranked kingdom who didn't even know what a formation was dared to look at the envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance with disdain?

The crowd was so furious that they nearly spurted blood.

You are the one who's inexperienced, your entire family is inexperienced!

'Gongzi' clenched his jaws together, tempted to tear the fatty before him apart.

But other than having him look for Yang shi, there was no better solution.

Thus, suppressing his anger, he began to explain, "This is the Great Xuanyuan Formation, and nourished over a course of thousand years, it's the first time it's being activated..."

"Oh!"

After hearing the explanation, Sun Qiang simply nodded his head indifferently and said, "Now that you're done, you should take a rest!"

"You..."

'Gongzi' nearly flew into a rampage.

It was as though the fellow before him didn't understand the human language at all. He had wasted his breath on him!

Damn it!

Forget it, this wasn't the time to be lashing out on this kind of heartless fellow. Saving Zhang shi took priority.

As such, he decided to disregard the fatty and turned to look at Jin Conghai instead, "Elder Jin, I might require your strength on this matter. Here is a decree representing my identity. If Ding Mu insists on making a move, you are free to kill him on the spot..."

Just as 'gongzi' was issuing some instructions to Jin Conghai, intending to resolve the matter the brute way, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing and Gu Mu suddenly exclaimed.

"What?"

"Gongzi, look..."

Seeing the expressions on the duo, 'gedeng', 'gongzi's' heart skipped a beat. Thinking that perhaps Zhang Xuan might have already died in that short moment of delay, he hurriedly turned his gaze down and his eyes widened in shock.

That humongous formation which seemed as though it would wipe out everything within it suddenly vanished into thin air. The sight below was completely calm, as though nothing had happened at all.

Zhang Xuan was still walking forward slowly, and at this moment, he was already less than ten meters away from Ding Mu.

"What happened?"

Rubbing his eyes furiously, 'gongzi' was astounded.

It was just a moment ago that he saw the formation ravaging, threatening to claim the lives of those inside at any moment. Yet, why did it disappear all of the sudden?

Did he see wrongly?

"Just now... Just now..."

Wei Yuqing's face was completely pale, and his lips were quivering. It seemed like even speaking was a great difficulty for him at the moment.

"What happened?" Jin Conghai couldn't help but ask as well.

"It seems like... Zhang Xuan stretched out a finger, and then... it simply turned out like this!" Wei Yuqing was on the verge of tears.

Despite witnessing it with his own eyes, the situation simply seemed even more unbelievable to him.

What the heck was this?

With just a light tap of a finger, the ravaging formation came to an instant stop.

Didn't Jin Conghai and 'gongzi' just praise this formation to the skies...

Didn't they say that even the pavilion master of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion couldn't stop him, and it would require at least a dozen Transcendent Mortal experts to forcefully halt it?

Yet, the other party stopped it so easily! Was he dreaming?

"Stopped it with a single finger?"

Jin Conghai and 'gongzi' nearly bit down on their tongues out of shock. Just as they were about to ask if the two of them had seen wrongly, Sun Qiang walked forward with both hands behind him and a proud look on his face.

"Our young master might have never taken the formation master examination, but this kind of weak formation means nothing to him at all..."

Then, he stared at the group disdainfully once more.

How inexperienced.

Envoy? 4-star poison master? Pui!

In the end, you all still panic over minor situations like this!

"You..."

Being looked down, 'gongzi' was just about to rationalize it out with this fellow when Jin Conghai pointed below with a grim look. "Gongzi, look!"

Afraid that he would miss out anything just like before, he ignored Sun Qiang and turned his gaze downward as well.

...

"You... Impossible!"

While 'gongzi', Jin Conghai, and the others were dying from shock above, Ding Mu was also on the verge of suffering a stroke.

The Great Xuanyuan Formation was his greatest backing. One of the main reasons why he hurriedly ended the inauguration ceremony was so that he could gain control of the jade seal...

He thought that once he activated it, even the envoy would mean nothing at all. Yet, before such a formidable formation could work its course, the other party had already halted it with a light tap...

Brother, who the hell are you?

Without raising your legs, you could scare Bai Chen into leaping away; with a single hit, you caused the Half-Transcension Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong to vomit buckets of blood; and now, you stopped such a formidable formation with a single finger...

Are you sure that you are a 2-star master teacher and not the reincarnation of Kong shi?

"You should have expected this when you tried to kill me back then!" Ignoring the other party's shock, Zhang Xuan continued advancing forward.

The Great Xuanyuan Formation might be vast and powerful, but just like any formation, it had a core.

Since Ding Mu activated the formation via the jade seal on the Heaven's Altar, naturally, the core was somewhere around here as well. Through the Library of Heaven's Path, it wasn't too difficult for Zhang Xuan to determine the precise point to strike and stop it.

"You won't know who's the victor until the very end..."

Recovering from his shock, a savage expression reappeared on Ding Mu's face.

Knowing that the formation was already useless, he threw the jade seal on the floor. Then, clenching his fists tightly, he propelled his cultivation and cloaked his hands with a layer of zhenqi.

Phantom battle technique, Heaven Shattering Fist!

Ding Mu was only at Zhizun realm advanced stage, but through this battle technique, he was able to take the top spot of the Green Leaf Board. This showed how formidable this battle technique was.

"Die!"

Knowing the other party was a tough adversary, Ding Mu drove his cultivation to his limits and took the initiative.

Boom!

The air was tightly compressed under his might, causing a deafening sonic boom. In the blink of an eye, his fist was already right before Zhang Xuan, headed for his chest.

"Strong!"

"He's at Zhizun realm pinnacle as well... To think that he'd made a breakthrough as well!"

Upon seeing the massive strength the Ding Mu displayed, the crowd was stunned. Many of those who were aware of the affairs of the crown prince realized that the crown prince wasn't at Zhizun realm advanced stage as per the rumors, he had already reached pinnacle!

"It's not that he made a breakthrough. Rather... he used some kind of secret art!"

Luo Qianhong had a grim look on his face.

He was a good friend of the other party, and the other party had been hiding in the Master Teacher Pavilion the past few days. As such, he had a good grasp over the other party's strength.

Even though he had reached Zhizun realm advanced stage for some time now, it would still take at least half a year before he could make another breakthrough.

Thus, the only plausible explanation was that he had used some kind of secret art.

Rumor has it that the royal family had a secret art which burned their blood essence in exchange for a temporary increment in their cultivation by one to two small realms

"Even so, that Zhang Xuan... is in trouble!"

He clenched his fists tightly.

The reason why Ding Mu could reach the top of the Young Leaf Board wasn't due to his position as the crown prince but because he possessed true strength.

Even without resorting to such secret art, he could defeat a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert. With this leap in his cultivation, even Luo Qianhong himself would find it hard to triumph over the other party.

That Zhang Xuan had only managed to injure him through exploiting the flaws in his techniques and his powerful physical body. On the other hand, Crown Prince Ding Mu, due to the Spirit Blood Body Nourishment Formula of the royal family, possessed a powerful physical body as well.

Regardless of whether it was his cultivation technique, battle technique, or physical body, there was no flaw to be picked from him.

It would be impossible for Zhang Xuan to defeat the other party using the same means.

"This is your ace?"

Just as Luo Qianhong thought that Zhang Xuan would be unable to hold his ground against Ding Mu, the young man's calm voice sounded.

After which, the young man flexed his fingers and grabbed forward, as though capturing a rabbit trapped in a cage.

Hu!

Ding Mu's fist art was dispelled in an instant. Then, as though Ding Mu was a little chicken, Zhang Xuan grabbed at his neck, lifting him up.

What Heaven Shattering Fist, Phantom pinnacle battle technique, blood-burning secret art...

Before that young man, it was as laughable as playing house!

"This is... the realm which even 4-star master teachers find it hard to achieve, [Vanquishing Facade, Lucid Mind]?"

Narrowing his eyes, Luo Qianhong's face reflected his disbelief.

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Chapter 440: Ding Hong [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Most cultivators were able to reach a State of Mind at the level of 2-dan Heart of Tranquil Water.

But to exceed that level was extremely difficult.

It was said that only upon reaching the level of a 4-star master teacher would one have the chance to make the breakthrough.

Heart of Tranquil Water only allowed one to remain impervious to external factors. The higher realm to that was 'Vanquishing Facade, Lucid Mind' that Luo Qianhong just exclaimed.

Upon reaching this level, one would be able to peer through chaos to see the crux of the matter. At the same time, with a clearer mind, one's analytical power would grow substantially stronger.

Even though it was far from a match for the Eye of Insight, it was useful in the sense that it provided a master teacher with a greater degree of rationalizing abilities.

For example, no matter how knowledgeable one was, it was impossible for one to have seen all questions in the world and know the answers to them.

However, if one had reached this state, one could easily deduce the motive of the one setting the question and the content which the question was trying to assess a person on. By seeing through all of the facade, one would be able to provide the most accurate answer.

Knowledge is omnipresent around us, only waiting to be analyzed!

As such, this realm was also known as [Lucid Analytical Realm].

This Zhang Xuan was able to see through Ding Mu's Heaven Shattering Fist and blood-burning secret art, immediately aiming for the neck instead. Clearly, he had seen through all of the facades contained within the moves and the purposes each of them served. Even if the person hadn't reached the Lucid Analytical Realm yet, he wasn't too far from it.

This explained why the other party could neutralize his Whisking Sleeves so easily.

As for whether it was the higher realm, Eye of Insight, this was something that he dared not even imagine.

After all, this was an ability that even most 6-star master teacher didn't possess. How could it appear in a 2-star master teacher who wasn't even twenty yet?

Even so, just the thought that the other party had reached Lucid Analytical Realm had already left him incredibly shocked.

What kind of monster was the other party?

...

"Yo-You..."

Having his neck grabbed, a mix of shock and fear surfaced on Ding Mu's face.

He thought that by using the blood-burning secret art and his most powerful move, even if he wasn't a match for the other party, he would still be able to stand his own ground. He didn't even consider the possibility of being subdued as soon as he made a move.

"Don't kill me! I was bewitched by that woman, Lin Long, back then. I was blind to have made a move on you... As long as you don't kill me, I'll give you whatever you want. Anything that is within Xuanyuan Kingdom's means, I'll give it to you! Even a hundred or two hundred spirit stones isn't a problem at all!"

The young man before him had defeated Luo Qianhong, dispelled the Great Xuanyuan Formation, and even his final ace was crushed that easily. This time, Ding Mu truly felt frightened and helpless.

Xuanyuan Kingdom was qualified to deal with spirit stones, and as long as the other party was willing to spare him, no amount of wealth was too much.

"Spirit stones?"

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

If not for Lu Chong taking the blow for him, he would already have been dead. Could spirit stones be used to trade for the welfare of his student?

"Since I said that I'll kill you, then pardon me... Only one fate awaits you!"

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up as he exerted more force through his fingers.

"AH... Great grandfather, save me!"

Seeing that Zhang Xuan was about to really make a move, Ding Mu's face paled and he hurriedly shouted for help.

"Let him go!"

As soon as Ding Mu shouted for help, a loud bellow reverberated across the entire city.

It sounded as though the rumbling of a thunder, shaking the ground and buildings in the area.

Frowning, Zhang Xuan glanced over.

The voice came from the depths of the royal palace right in front of him. Deep and steady, those words seemed to wield an immense pressure.

Even despite Zhang Xuan's recent massive breakthrough, he found himself on the verge of caving in from the pressure.

"Strong..."

He clenched his fists tightly.

Accompanied with the Eye of Insight and Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan could match up to even a Half-Transcension at his current strength.

Yet, the other party was able to induce such a sensation within him with just words. Without a doubt, the other party's cultivation definitely exceeded that of Luo Qianhong, reaching that legendary realm.

He didn't expect such an expert to exist amidst the Xuanyuan royal family!

...

"Great grandfather? Could it be... He isn't dead yet?"

Atop of the savage beast, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's face darkened.

"You know this man?"

'Gongzi' turned to look at Grand Elder Wei Yuqing.

"Un!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded. "There's a ranking board for the strongest experts within Xuanyuan Kingdom known as the Green Leaf Board, and on it, despite being a Half-Transcension expert and a 3-star intermediate master teacher, Luo Qianhong was only in the third place!"

"Third place?"

'Gongzi' and Jin Conghai glanced at one another.

They had seen the pavilion master's strength for themselves previously when he made a move on Zhang Xuan. Even though he was defeated by Zhang Xuan in an instant, his true strength shouldn't be underestimated.

Among Half-Transcension expert, he definitely ranked amidst the top.

Yet, with such strength, he was only placed at the third rank. Who could the other two in front of him be?

"The one ranked second is not a cultivator, but the greatest backing of Xuanyuan Kingdom — a Half-Transcension savage beast, [Steelback Winged Dragon]!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said.

"You're referring to that powerful savage beast which possesses a trace of the Dragon Bloodline?"

Jin Conghai frowned.

Similar to the Nightmare Beast, the Steelback Winged Dragon also possessed the Dragon Bloodline. Even though it was extremely thin, it granted them a portion of the overwhelming strength of the Dragon Tribe. It possessed steel wings as sharp as knives, and its speed was one that would leave the mouths of onlookers agape. Thick scales filled its body, granting it an impenetrable defense. On top of that, it possessed immense strength and stamina as well.

From birth, it was already destined to reach Half-Transcension realm. In fact, with its powerful physical traits, it could even match up with some of the weaker spirit beasts.

"The other Conferred Kingdoms may not know much about the Great Xuanyuan Kingdom, but the Steelback Winged Dragon is common knowledge. This was precisely the reason why, despite Emperor Ding Chong's weak personality, no kingdom dared to turn their blades to us!"

As the Grand Elder of the Beast Hall, there was no way Wei Yuqing wouldn't know about such a powerful savage beast in Xuanyuan Kingdom.

If not for this formidable backing, even if Zhang Xuan didn't do anything at all, this kingdom would have been annexed by the other Conferred Kingdoms already.

"But if the Steelback Winged Dragon is only ranked at second place, could the first place refer to..." Gu Mu turned his gaze over in astonishment.

"That's right, it's the person who had just spoken, Crown Prince Ding Mu's great grandfather, the 178th emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom... Ding Hong!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing clenched his fists tightly as he said, "This Ding Hong could be considered a genius among geniuses. Eighty years ago, he was already the number one expert in the kingdom, just that, one day... he faded out of public view. Even I had thought that he was already dead and the reason why his name remained on the Green Leaf Board was out of remembrance... Yet, to think that he was still alive!"

"The number one expert eighty years ago? But his lifespan..." Gu Mu widened his eyes in shock.

Making the breakthrough to Zhizun realm meant that one's level of existence had reached greater heights, and there would be an overall enhancement in one's physical attributes. Even though one's lifespan would be increased as well, this increment was minimal, perhaps just a few years at best. Under normal circumstances, a hundred years was already the limit for most Zhizun realm experts.

If Ding Hong was the number one expert of the kingdom eighty years ago, he must have at least reached the Half-Transcension realm at that time. To be still living now...

Didn't this mean that he was already beyond a hundred years old?

"If it's really him, he should be one hundred and fifteen this year!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said.

"A hundred and fifteen? Transcendent Mortal 1-dan... Prolonged Longevity realm?" Jin Conghai asked.

The Transcendent Mortal realm, also known as the Surmounting Mortality realm and the Mortal Metamorphosis realm, meant overcoming the limits of a mortal and reaching a brand new level of existence.

This was the terminology used for the realms, and just like the Fighter 9 dans, it had nine different realms to it as well.

1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm.

Upon reaching this level, there would be a huge leap in one's level of existence. At this realm, one would be able to absorb the spiritual energy in the world to heal the various traumas cultivating had brought to them, and through such means, enhance their longevity.

At Fighter realm, even if one had reached Zhizun realm pinnacle or even Half-Transcension, surpassing the century limit was an extremely difficult task.

But if one were to reach this higher realm, one's longevity could potentially be doubled to two hundred years.

Given that Ding Hong was still alive and kicking despite exceeding the hundred year mark, he must have made the breakthrough to become a full-fledged Transcendent Mortal expert.

To think that there would be a Transcendent Mortal expert in Xuanyuan Kingdom!

"There is a huge gap between the strength of a Transcendent Mortal cultivator and a Half-Transcension cultivator. Gongzi, should we help him?" Jin Conghai asked grimly.

Even though it was just a difference of a small cultivation realm, it represented the difference between a mortal and a transcendent being. How could the two begin to compare with one another?

Zhang Xuan might be able to defeat a Half-Transcension expert easily, but a Transcendent Mortal was definitely beyond his means.

With such a huge difference in their level of existence, there was no way his fighting prowess could match up to Ding Hong.

It was just like how the possibility of a human defeating a tiger bare-handed was practically zero.

"Wait a moment first, let's see how he deals with this matter. We'll only help him when things look dire!" 'Gongzi' shook his head.

The other party had defeated a Half-Transcension expert easily and stopped the Great Xuanyuan Formation with just a single finger. The means that he had displayed had piqued 'gongzi's' curiosity. He was interested to see if the other party had any unique methods to deal with a Transcendent Mortal expert.

Besides, Jin Conghai was a person who had traveled quite far in the path of a Transcendent Mortal. With his strength, it wasn't difficult for him to subdue a Prolonged Longevity realm in an instant. Thus, there was no harm in doing so.

"Un!"

Nodding his head, Jin Conghai turned his gaze back to the field below.

Gu Mu and the others also anxiously shifted their sights.

...

"You're a master teacher, right? Can you sell me a favor and let this unfilial progeny of mine off? I'm willing to offer you two thousand spirit stones in exchange for this favor!"

After a moment of hesitation, the deep and ancient voice echoed once more.

"Two thousand spirit stones?"

The breathing of the crowd hastened.

The value of a spirit stone was immense. It was difficult to trade for a single one even with a massive sum of gold.

Yet, the other party offered two thousand spirit stones immediately. This was truly a generous offer.

With so many spirit stones, one could buy up the entire Tianwu Kingdom!

To be giving away wealth equivalent to the value of a Tier 1 Kingdom just to save Ding Mu, it was clear to see how important the latter was to him.

Upon hearing those words, Zhang Xuan was stunned as well.

Even when he was at the peak of his wealth, he only had fifteen spirit stones in his possession. He knew how valuable spirit stones were, and this two thousand spirit stones would surely contribute greatly to his cultivation.

"That's right, two thousand spirit stones. I believe you should understand the value of my offer!"

The elder spoke slowly and deeply. "Besides, you have nothing to gain from killing him. Rather, you'll face my relentless pursuit for revenge then. You are a wise man, so I believe you should know what to choose!"

The other party's voice may seem calm, but it was laced with threat.

If Zhang Xuan truly intended to make a move, Ding Hong would surely step forward and kill him.

Hearing the other party's threat, Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly together.

Zhang Xuan loved money, and he was in dire need of spirit stones as well. However, he would never compromise his own principles for such material wealth.

If he were to do so, how could he face Lu Chong when he finally wakes up?

Kacha!

With a slight exertion of force, his grip tightened and a crisp sound echoed. Before Ding Mu could make a single sound, his head tilted and he breathed his last breath.

Putong!

The corpse was thrown to the ground.

"You... Audacious!"

Not expecting that this young fellow would actually kill Ding Mu despite all that he had said, Ding Hong couldn't hold back his rage anymore. The restraint present in his voice previously vanished, and his bellow reached even the heavens, threatening to tear the sky apart.

Hualala!

Hearing that thunderous voice, the crowd who was watching the commotion suddenly lost their balance and fell to the ground.

The rage of a Transcendent Mortal caused even the skies to pale!

"This is bad..."

"He should have just exchanged for the two thousand spirit stones!"

"Indeed, he's really doomed this time. That's a Transcendent Mortal! No matter how powerful he is, it's impossible for him to be a match for Ding Hong..."

...

An uproar broke out beneath the Heaven's Altar as well.

Clearly, they didn't expect Zhang Xuan to kill Ding Mu either.

Even more so, they didn't think that there would be such a formidable expert behind Xuanyuan Kingdom.

With just a loud bellow, he was able to make so many cultivators topple down. His strength was terrifying.

Even though Zhang shi had shown them plenty of miracles before, no one thought his prospects looked good.

There was too huge of a gap between Transcendent Mortals and Fighters. It was like a battle between a god and a mortal, there was completely no hope of victory.

"Transcendent Mortal... Zhang Xuan, I've brought harm to you..."

Mo Yu's face paled, and her body trembled uncontrollably.

She knew that Xuanyuan Kingdom was powerful, and without the strength of a Zhizun realm pinnacle, it was best not to cause any trouble here. However, she couldn't have imagined that the famous old ancestor who had rattled the entire kingdom during his time was actually still alive.

And on top of that, he was stronger than he was back then.

Putting aside the increment in one's strength upon reaching Transcendent Mortal realm, Transcendent Mortals could tap into the energy existent in the surroundings, making no Fighter a match for them.

As long as this old ancestor made a move, no matter how many aces Zhang Xuan had up his sleeves, it would be futile.

Master teachers had the ability to see through flaws, but it didn't guarantee their omnipotence.

It was just like how everyone knew that the easiest way to capture a city was to destroy its walls... but without sufficient strength, could one do so?

It was one thing to know the flaws, but it was another thing to be able to exploit them.

Upon reaching Transcendent Mortal, one's physical attributes would have raised to a whole new level. On top of that, most weaknesses would be hidden as well. Even if one was able to find an opening, without sufficient speed and strength to get past the enemy's defense, it would be impossible to get to it.

Roar!

Just as everyone was anxious and worried about what was to happen, the deafening roar of a beast sounded from the depths of the royal palace. Then, a bolt of lightning streaked out from within, and a figure appeared in the aerial space above the Heaven's Altar.

It was a massive aerial savage beast with a length of ten meters, and when its gigantic wings were spread open, it spanned a width of thirty meters. Thick scales covered its entire body, and the sharp aura it exuded was greatly intimidating.

"Steelback Winged Dragon?" Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.

Having read so many books on beast taming, Zhang Xuan instantly recognized this beast that was at the pinnacle of savage beasts.

Similar to the Nightmare Beast, it was a Half-Transcension savage beast which possessed the Dragon Bloodline as well. However, this fellow was significantly stronger, and its nature was even more callous as well.

It was already frightening that there was a Transcendent Mortal old ancestor in the royal palace. To think that there would be such a formidable savage beast on top of that.

As expected of a Conferred Kingdom. Zhang Xuan had truly underestimated the other party.

A man stood proudly on the back of the Steelback Winged Dragon

This person wasn't as old as his voice sounded, and he looked like he was only in his fifties this year. The aura he exuded felt as vast as the ocean, making it impossible for one to peer into its depths.

Upon reaching Prolonged Longevity realm, one's aged body would also become younger as well.

Even though this old ancestor of the Xuanyuan Kingdom was already beyond one hundred years old, he didn't look as old as Zhang Xuan expected.

"It's indeed him..."

Luo Qianhong's eyes narrowed.

Even though he had never met this old ancestor before, he had seen his painting before. All along, he had thought that the other party was dead. Yet, not only was the other party still alive, he was still vigorous.

"I gave you a chance; it's a pity that you didn't grasp it well!"

Clenching his jaws tightly, Ding Hong stared down at Zhang Xuan coldly.

He doted on that great grandson of his greatly. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made Ding Chong bestow him with the position of the crown prince so early on.

Yet, this fellow actually dared to kill his beloved grandson right before him... Unforgivable!

Boom!

The voice reverberated from the heavens, falling down upon Zhang Xuan like a plummeting massive hammer.

Deng deng deng deng!

Zhang Xuan felt a stifling sensation in his chest, as though someone had struck it forcefully. His face paled and he was forced to retreat several steps backward to ward off the force.

A Transcendent Mortal expert was already capable of manipulating the strength of the world. It wasn't difficult for him to launch an attack from a distance.

It was just like Su shi back then. With a single sound, he made the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast fall from the sky and dealt Liang Qingming severe injuries.

Ding Hong's cultivation was not a match for Su shi, and Zhang Xuan was significantly stronger than Liang Qingming as well. Even so, he was still knocked back by the other party's words. The strength of a Transcendent Mortal was indeed fearsome.

"I didn't grasp the chance? Pardon me, but even if I could redo it, I'd still kill him!"

Driving his Heaven's Path zhenqi, Zhang Xuan dispelled the pressure on him and glanced into the sky.

"Eye of Insight!"

Lines of insight flowed within Zhang Xuan's eyes as he tried to look into the flaws of the other party, but as expected, it was futile.

At Zhang Xuan's current level, he could only peer into the flaws of those at most a small cultivation realm higher than him, meaning a Half-Transcension expert. His Eye of Insight was completely useless against a Transcendent Mortal expert at his current cultivation.

Despite knowing that his ability as a master teacher was completely useless to him at the moment, Zhang Xuan didn't panic. Without any hesitation, he turned to the Library of Heaven's Path.

"Flaws!"

Hu!

A book appeared in his mind.

The other party was exerting pressure on him through his voice, and this could be considered as a battle technique of some sort. Thus, the Library of Heaven's Path was able to compile a book on him.

Zhang Xuan hurriedly flung it open and browsed through it.

After a quick look, Zhang Xuan's face turned grave.

There were many flaws on Ding Hong detailed in the book, but given Zhang Xuan's current cultivation... even if he knew of them, he still couldn't pose a threat to the other party.

It was just like how even if an infant knew that the crotch was a man's weakness, putting aside whether the infant could strike it or not, even if he could, he might not be able to injure the other party.

Zhang Xuan's current strength totaled up to 50,000 ding, but wounding a Transcendent Mortal expert with such a level of strength was still nigh impossible.

In other words, this was a hopeless battle for Zhang Xuan!

"Since you wish to die, I'll grant your wish!"

Seeing how this fellow still dared to talk back to him under such circumstances, Ding Hong harrumphed coldly.

Roar!

The Steelback Winged Dragon immediately flapped its massive wings violently.

Sou!

The immense body of the beast swooped down as though an arrow released from a bowstring, and in the blink of an eye, it was already right before Zhang Xuan, threatening to sweep across Zhang Xuan with its dagger-like wings.

Judging from the shrilling sound, it seemed that even metal would be torn apart under the sharpness of the wings, lest to say, a human.

Zhang Xuan narrowed his eyes. While his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan granted him incredible defense, he knew that his body wouldn't be able to withstand this attack.

Hu!

Heaven's Path Movement Art.

In the blink of an eye, he appeared at a distance several dozen meters away, thus dodging this assault.

Roar!

Missing the attack, the Steelback Winged Dragon immediately turned around in midair and darted toward Zhang Xuan once more.

Zhang Xuan retreated once more.

Having the same situation happen again and again, Zhang Xuan's face turned grim.

Even though the number of times Zhang Xuan could use the Heaven's Path Movement Art had increased due to the rise in his cultivation, he knew that there was a limit to his stamina. If this went on, it would just be a matter of time before his zhenqi ran out.

"It's not a solution to continue dodging like that but... a Half-Transcension realm savage beast and a Transcendent Mortal expert... Zhang shi isn't a match for either of them!"

"Indeed, Zhang shi is in a bad position!"

A tense look was on everyone's faces.

Putting aside the Transcendent Mortal realm Ding Hong, even the Steelback Winged Dragon, placed second on the Green Leaf Board, wasn't an existence that Fighter realm cultivators could deal with.

Putting aside its powerful defense and overwhelming offensive ability, more importantly, it was able to fly...

No matter how powerful Zhang Xuan was, he could only withstand its assault. After all, it was impossible for Zhang Xuan to fly into the skies and knock it down.

"Will... Zhang shi be killed?" someone amidst the crowd asked.

Zhang shi had just helped him achieve a breakthrough, and he owed him a debt of gratitude. Yet, upon seeing that the other party was in a difficult situation, he wasn't able to do anything at all. Thus, he panicked.

"If Zhang shi knocks the Steelback Winged Dragon down, there might still be a chance... But is that possible?" another person replied.

The Steelback Winged Dragon was a Half-Transcension realm savage beast. Its aerial capability was its greatest strength, so how could it give up on it?

The only possibility was for one to cripple its flying capability.

But... even if one possessed sufficient strength to break through its nearly impenetrable defense, one had to be able to catch up with it first.

In other words, the Steelback Winged Dragon was already in a position that made it impossible to lose. If this went on, Zhang Xuan would only be killed.

The crowd fell silent. They were anxious, but there was nothing they could do.

"You sure dodge fast, let's see how many more times you can avoid its attacks!"

Since the crowd was able to analyze this much, Ding Hong, being a Mortal Transcendent expert, was able to do so as well. Sneering coldly, he stared at Zhang Xuan haughtily as if he were looking at a dead person.

So what if you could run fast? Can you exceed the flying speed of the Steelback Winged Dragon?

"You're right, I can't go on dodging its attacks forever!" Zhang Xuan abruptly came to a stop. Lifting his head, he said, "Since that's the case... I'll stop dodging then!"

"You'll stop dodging? Hahaha, accept your death then!"

Harrumphing coldly, Ding Hong was just about to get the Steelback Winged Dragon to advance toward Zhang Xuan when a sharp voice suddenly echoed from below.

"Moo!"

Putong!

Before Ding Hong could react, his footing suddenly disappeared. Along with the Steelback Winged Dragon, he plummeted head down into the ground, raising a huge cloud of dust.

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Chapter 441: I'll Make a Breakthrough Then!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Complete silence.

The spectators and soldiers on and below the Heaven's Altar, numbering up to several tens of thousands, were all dumbfounded.

With just his words, Old Ancestor Ding Hong was able to force everyone here to submit to him. The valiant sight of him entering the field on the Steelback Winged Dragon was engraved deep into everyone's mind.

Everyone thought that Zhang Xuan would be crushed helplessly, but before Ding Hong could even wound the other party, he ended up falling from the sky...

The heck!

Could things get any more ridiculous?

For an expert like you, walking out from the royal palace wasn't a big deal. Yet, you just had to put on a show and enter the field riding on the Steelback Winged Dragon. On top of that, you chose to fly at such a high altitude in an attempt to play god and bring heaven retribution onto others... Yet, retribution did appear, but the target seemed to be you.

All gazes immediately turned toward the silhouette who was stabbed more than half a meter deep into the ground. Everyone's mouths were twitching, and they couldn't help but wince at the tragic sight.

Even Transcendent Mortal experts were incapable of flight. Falling from an altitude of fifty to sixty meters unprepared might be insufficient to kill him, but it was more than enough to incapacitate him for a short moment.

It was fortunate that Ding Hong had a strong cultivation. At that height, even a Zhizun realm expert would find himself crippled.

"The Steelback Winged Dragon is a Half-Transcension savage beast, why would it suddenly lose its stability and fall from the skies?"

Recovering from the astonishment, bewildered exclaims echoed amidst the crowd.

It wasn't like this was an untamed savage beast intentionally trying to cause damage. The Steelback Winged Dragon had already served as Xuanyuan Kingdom's guardian beast for several centuries, and it was a respected guardian deity in the hearts of all the citizens.

For such a noble savage beast to plummet from the skies all of a sudden and crash so heavily that it couldn't even push itself up anymore...

Even though they had witnessed this sight with their own eyes, they had no idea what to make out of this matter.

"It seemed like... that fellow dropped right after Zhang shi released a bizarre sound!"

"Indeed! I heard it as well. It sounded crisp and clear, reminiscent of the sound a cow makes, as well as a deafening thunder on the ground. To cause the Winged Dragon to panic like that... I wonder what it was?"

Some of the keener people who noticed the entire proceedings of the matter commented.

The savage beast was perfectly fine a moment ago, but after that crisp call from Zhang Xuan, it suddenly plummeted to the ground. Could there be a relationship between the two?

While the crowd was struck by astonishment, Old Ancestor Ding Hong finally recovered and pulled himself out from the ground. He was so furious that he could explode from rage at any moment.

He thought that as long as he killed Zhang Xuan on the Winged Beast, he would be able to win the hearts of the people and restore ultimate power to the Ding Clan. Yet, never in his dreams did he expect to nearly die from a fall.

If he were to become the first Transcendent Mortal to die from falling from too high up, he wouldn't have the face to meet anyone even as a ghost.

Wiping away the dust from his face, he glared at the young man with reddened eyes. If looks could kill, holes would have appeared on Zhang Xuan.

"Kill him!"

Glancing at the Steelback Winged Dragon which was still recovering from the impact, Ding Hong roared.

However, right after he issued the command, he realized a hint of fear in the gaze of the Winged Dragon directed toward the young man in front of it. Putting aside killing him, it seemed as though it didn't even dare approach him.

"You trash!"

Ding Hong was infuriated.

What the heck was this!

As the bearer of the Dragon Bloodline, you always act so arrogantly in the royal court, disregarding everyone else. Yet, you act so cowardly before an enemy?

Can you be any more useless?

Back then, you even slaughtered a spirit beast before! The other party is just a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert...

Ding Hong bellowed at the Winged Dragon several more times, but this fellow seemed to be adamant not to make a move even if it spelled his death. Suppressing his anger, Ding Hong turned his gaze over to Zhang Xuan.

"To be able to persuade it not to make a move on you, I admit that you're a capable man. But since that's the case... I'll do it myself then. It's your honor to die by my hand!"

Ding Hong didn't know the reason behind the attitude of the Steelback Winged Beast, but it had to be a doing of the brat before him.

But so what?

The other party was just a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator. Even if he could defeat a Half-Transcension expert, he was still a huge way from matching up to a Transcendent Mortal like him. With the huge disparity in strength, no matter what aces the other party had up his sleeves, it was all useless.

Boom!

Harrumphing coldly, Old Ancestor Ding Hong charged forward to make a move.

With a thrust of his hand, rampaging zhenqi infused with the Origin Energy from the world formed a gigantic handprint, and it charged straight toward Zhang Xuan.

Spirit low-tier battle technique, Origin Energy Palm!

Back then, on the back of the savage beast, the other party had used long-range sonic offensive means on him. Even though it was powerful, the distance had whittled down the might of the attack significantly so Zhang Xuan wasn't able to get a clear gauge on the other party's strength. However, at such close proximity, he finally understood how fearsome Transcendent Mortals were.

In an instant, Zhang Xuan felt overwhelming energy rushing toward him, causing his entire body to stiffen from the pressure. Under such a pressure, even driving his own zhenqi felt arduous.

"I'll have to go all out!"

Transcendent Mortal experts possessed great control over the environment they were in, and knowing this, Zhang Xuan knew that it was impossible for him to escape. Thus, he drove his Heaven's Path zhenqi to its maximum capacity and faced the other party's palm with his fist.

Heaven's Path Fist Art!

Propelling the strength of his muscles, zhenqi began gushed forth from his fist. An immense strength exceeding 60,000 ding burst out as though a massive primordial beast tearing open the heavens, colliding with the other party's Origin Energy Palm.

Peng!

Under the intense collision, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but retreat ten steps back. His face flushed and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

Even though he had massively improved in the past few days, and his strength exceeded that of ordinary Zhizun realm pinnacle experts as well, he was still far from matching up to a true Transcendent Mortal.

There was no way he could remain unharmed from that blow.

"You withstood the attack? Not bad. Let's see how much more can you take then!"

Ding Hong was astonished to see Zhang Xuan survive his Origin Energy Palm.

It was no wonder that this fellow could defeat even Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong. His strength was indeed formidable.

Even Half-Transcension experts would definitely end up severely injured under his Origin Energy Palm. Yet, the other party was only forced to retreat several steps.

On top of that, he realized that the other party's physical body was on par with him.

A mere Zhizun realm cultivator actually possessed a physical body on par with a Transcendent Mortal?

How can that be?

Boom!

Even though Ding Hong was surprised, there was no hesitation in his movements at all. His next palm came striking down as soon as he saw Zhang Xuan successfully warding off his first attack.

Upon noticing the absurd resilience of Zhang Xuan's body, he chose to exert more force this time around. Before the palm print even reached the other party, a huge fissure had already been torn on the ground.

"Origin Energy Palm is formed via the ability of a Transcendent Mortal to manipulate the Origin Energy in the world. Flaws: No. 1, if one only cultivates it to the level of an initiate, one won't be able to control if perfectly..."

The various flaws of the other party's battle technique surfaced in his mind.

The Origin Energy Palm possessed immense might, but as a Spirit low-tier battle technique, it was impossible for Ding Hong to fully comprehend it with his cultivation as a Prolonged Longevity realm cultivator. Even if he had studied it for a significant period of time, he would only be able to comprehend the basics.

And in truth, he was a far way off from reaching Consummation.

The Master Teacher Pavilion had allocated various tiers of mastery for battle techniques, and they were namely: Novice, Initiate, Minor Accomplishment, Major Accomplishment, and Consummation.

At Novice, one had a surface understanding of the battle technique and could forcefully execute it.

At Initiate, one would be able to bring out the essence of the battle technique but was still lacking in control.

At Minor Accomplishment, one's understanding of the battle technique had already reached a deep level, and it could be relied on as a life-preserving means.

One must know that most of the cultivators had only reached Minor Accomplishment in the mastery of their battle techniques.

As for Major Accomplishment and Consummation, without decades of practice, it would be impossible to reach that level.

Ding Hong might have studied the Origin Energy Palm for a very long time, immersing him into it for more than several decades, but due to the lack of a teacher and his insufficient cultivation, his comprehension of the skill was severely limited.

Thus, he was only able to reach the level of Initiate.

"Initiate Origin Energy Palm has a total of seventeen flaws..."

Knowing that it would just be a matter of time before he died if he were to face Ding Hong face on, Zhang Xuan hurriedly looked for a flaw in Ding Hong's technique.

The current him wasn't a match for a Transcendent Mortal at all. Only through exploiting the enemy's flaw was there a possibility of him retaliating.

"Found it!"

Suddenly, Zhang Xuan caught sight of something and his eyes gleamed in delight.

Hu!

He finally found a flaw that he could exploit. Without any hesitation, he immediately stepped aside, dodging the other party's assault, and with a flick of his wrist, he whipped out a spear from his storage ring and stabbed it straight toward the opening.

Heaven's Path Spear Art!

He had obtained quite a few weapons from the Lin Clan, and most of them were stored in his storage ring in case of emergency.

It was their time to shine now.

That flaw was actually an opening in between the interval of the execution of the previous attack and the charging of the next Origin Energy Palm.

His spear whizzed and stabbed forward like a valiant dragon.

"Formidable! That Zhang shi's eye of discernment is indeed fearsome!"

On top of the back of a savage beast, Jin Conghai witnessed Zhang Xuan making this pierce and his eyes narrowed.

Despite being a Transcendent Mortal expert, even he was unable to find a flaw in Ding Hong's battle technique yet. For Zhang Xuan to be able to find it in an instant, his battle sense was truly terrifying.

"However... it's a pity that his offensive power is too weak. Even if he augmented his strength with a spear art, it's futile!"

Recovering from his shock, Jin Conghai shook his head.

"Futile?" a bewildered 'Gongzi' asked.

Since Zhang Xuan had found the other party's flaw, why would it be useless?

"That's right!"

Placing his hands behind him, Jin Conghai spoke with a deep gaze, "The Transcendent Mortal Realm... isn't as simple as it seems!"

...

Weng!

Unaware of the conversation of the duo above, Zhang Xuan's spear dived swiftly toward Ding Hong's opening as though a roaring dragon charging toward its prey.

"Hmph!"

Ding Hong narrowed his eyes and he hurriedly retreated.

Huala!

For a moment, the air seemed to have solidified. It was as though the spear was trapped in a bog all of a sudden, and its movement abruptly slowed.

Hu!

The next moment, Ding Hong grabbed the end of the spear.

Kacha!

Exerting his zhenqi, the Phantom spear broke into countless splinters instantaneously. At the same moment, Zhang Xuan felt an ache in his chest, and he was knocked back more than a dozen steps.

"Damn it!"

Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.

He had found the flaw, and the spear was aimed and timed perfectly. Yet, he was still unable to hurt the other party at all.

Transcendent Mortals were indeed fearsome existences. No Fighter, even at Zhizun realm, was a match for them.

"You're indeed incredible to make use of the temporary lapse in between my attacks against me. I truly didn't expect it!" Ding Hong turned his gaze over to Zhang Xuan.

It was impressive for a Zhizun realm cultivator to find the flaw of a Transcendent Mortal cultivator so quickly. If not for Ding Hong having reached Transcendent Mortal realm, he would have surely been injured by the previous attack.

"However, you're too weak! If your cultivation was at Half-Transcension, I might have been injured just now. However, it's a pity that... at Zhizun realm pinnacle, you're still a long way off! Even if you can find my flaws... what can you do to me?"

Ding Hong sneered coldly, "As a show of respect for you, I'll face you with my full strength!"

"You're right!"

Zhang Xuan faced the other party's threat nonchalantly. He simply shook his hands and said, "My offensive capability is indeed far too lacking. With the cultivation of a Zhizun realm pinnacle, it's impossible for me to wound you!

"Since you said that I'd require the strength of a Half-Transcension..."

"I'll make the breakthrough now then!"

Upon saying so, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist and threw something resembling a seed into his mouth.

Boom!

In that instant, it was as though he was set ablaze.

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Chapter 442: Making Breakthroughs As Though Drinking Water, Reaching New Realms Like a Walk in the Park!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The gap between a Zhizun realm and Transcendent Mortal wasn't just limited to strength... perception, spirit, and many other factors were included as well.

If Zhang Xuan remained at Zhizun realm pinnacle, then even if he were to find all of the flaws in the other party's battle techniques and cultivation, it would still be impossible for him to defeat Ding Hong.

No matter how many times he tried, the same scenario would just occur.

There was only a single solution then... Making a breakthrough!

Since that was the case, there was no reason for Zhang Xuan to hesitate anymore!

He had already compiled and read through the Zhizun realm Heaven's Path Divine Art. The only reason why he hadn't made a breakthrough yet was due to the lack of spirit stones to augment his cultivation.

If he were to attempt to make a breakthrough via absorbing from spirit stones, it would definitely take several hours before he could reach Half-Transcension.

Even if he had sufficient spirit stones, it would be impractical for him to do so now.

Unless he made use of that treasure——

Crimson Flame Lotus Seed!

This object was formed through countless years of accumulation of spiritual energy by the Crimson Flame Lotus at the vein of the Red Lotus Range. It contained an immense amount of energy, to the point that it even raised the success rate of a Fighter reaching Transcendent Mortal realm by twenty percent.

Since it was effective even on Half-Transcension experts, it wasn't too difficult to imagine how terrifying it was.

The reason why Zhang Xuan hadn't used it yet was because he was saving it for his breakthrough from Half-Transcension to Transcendent Mortal. However, he had no other choice but to consume it now.

Boom!

The lotus seed melted as soon as it entered his mouth, and a violent energy immediately flowed into his meridians.

Propelling the energy according to the circulation method of the Heaven's Path Divine Art, Zhang Xuan's aura grew stronger rapidly, and in an instant, he broke through his bottleneck.

Zhizun realm intermediate stage!

Zhizun realm advanced stage!

Zhizun realm pinnacle!

...

He was originally at Zhizun realm primary stage, but as the Heaven's Path Divine Art greedily took in the energy flowing through his veins, in less than ten breaths, he consecutively broke through three small realms, reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle.

"Thi-this..."

"That's is Zhizun realm! It would take at least an entire decade for one just to raise his cultivation by one small realm... Yet, in the blink of an eye, his cultivation rose from Zhizun realm primary stage to Zhizun realm pinnacle?"

"Is he still a human? How can this be..."

"AH! OUCH... What are you doing?"

"I just wanted to check whether I was dreaming or not!"

"Since you're the one who wanted to ascertain whether you're dreaming or not, why did you pinch me?"

"Wouldn't I feel pain if I pinched myself?"

"..."

...

Upon seeing this sight, everyone fell into a frenzy.

Their lips twitched uncontrollably.

They had seen people making a breakthrough in their cultivation before, but consecutively within such a short period of time? Never.

Others took several years just to raise their cultivation by one small realm. On the other hand, when that young man realized that he wasn't a match for Ding Hong, he immediately raised his cultivation realm from Zhizun realm primary stage to Zhizun realm pinnacle...

Can you get any more exaggerated than that?

It was no wonder you dared to face the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom alone. With such capability, you can already bash through the heavens!

...

"Making breakthroughs as though drinking water, reaching new realms like a walk in the park?"

'Gongzi's' face paled, and his body trembled in agitation.

He was the envoy of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and having spent most of his time reading books from a young age, he knew quite a lot about the talented figures on the continent. However, this was the first time he had seen or heard something as absurd as this.

To achieve breakthroughs in the midst of a battle... How in the world did he do it?

"The Crimson Flame Lotus Seed... But even though it harnesses a great amount of energy, it shouldn't possess such great effects!"

Gu Mu's eyes were also completely widened.

He had obtained the lotus seed along with his senior granduncle at the Red Lotus Range back then, and he was given one of them. Thus, he was well-aware of its prowess. Even though it harnessed a gigantic amount of energy, it was insufficient for one to raise one's cultivation by so many realms consecutively.

That fellow seemed to be defying common sense...

Is the other party mad, or are my eyes playing tricks on me?

"I've only seen this kind of breakthrough in a book before. It was said that a humble cultivator had once chanced upon the lecture of an 8-star master teacher out of some fortuitous coincidence, and he managed to achieve consecutive breakthroughs in his cultivation... To think that I would bear witness to such a sight myself!"

Jin Conghai swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

He was a Transcendent Mortal expert with a great amount of worldly experience, but upon seeing this sight, even he couldn't help but be shocked as well.

If not for his powerful self-control, he might have fainted on the spot.

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's body stiffened in shock.

"The energy harnessed within the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed is violent and destructive, as though an ignited gunpowder. The moment it seeps into one's vein, one would have to drive the energy furiously around. With a slight misstep, one might potentially implode and die... Yet, to achieve so many breakthroughs consecutively without any hesitation, I can't fathom how deep his understanding of the Zhizun realm is. How confident does he have to be to dare to take such a risk? Also, what kind of cultivation technique was he cultivating to be capable of absorbing such a vast amount of energy in this short period of time?"

Achieving a breakthrough in one's cultivation wasn't just about absorbing energy. More importantly, one had to have a deep understanding of the cultivation realm, one's cultivation technique, and possess absolute control of one's body.

To break through three small realms in a single shot, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing found it difficult to imagine how deep the other party's understanding of the Zhizun realm was.

One must know that consuming such nourishment to attempt to achieve a breakthrough was a double-edged sword.

If one was unable to drive the energy properly, the energy could potentially clog up at a certain location and eventually result in one's death.

There were countless precedents of cultivators being unable to fully absorb the nourishment they had consumed and exploded.

Even if the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed might be gentler compared to many of the other consumable treasures, its violent nature made it far from suitable for the direct consumption for a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator.

Yet, not only was that fellow fine after eating it, he even managed to achieve a breakthrough. What kind of powerful cultivation technique could allow a Zhizun realm primary stage cultivator to take in that vast amount of energy contained within it?

And how confident was he in the cultivation technique to do so without any hesitation?

"Look, he's attempting to break through Half-Transcension!"

Just as Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was overwhelmed by shock, shock exclaims echoed from the bottom. Thus, he hurriedly turned his gaze over.

Despite having broken through three small realms previously, that violent energy within Zhang Xuan's body didn't fade. Rather, it seemed to be gathering strength to make that final breakthrough to Half-Transcension.

He was attempting to surpass Zhizun realm with just a single Crimson Flame Lotus Seed!

...

While everyone was overwhelmed with shock, Ding Hong nearly died from shock.

When he said that only a Half-Transcension could hurt him, he was trying to provoke the other party so as to build a powerful reputation for himself among the citizens present here. Yet...

That fellow really made a breakthrough, not to mention, it all happened in just a few short breaths!

In his short, momentary daze, the other party's cultivation soared from Zhizun realm primary stage to pinnacle, and from the looks of it, it was about to reach Half-Transcension as well.

If he knew how frightening the other party was, he wouldn't have wasted so many words on him.

Wasn't this courting death?

From that fellow's sharp and precise movements, if the other party were to succeed, there would be a high chance that he might really breathe his last breath here.

"Attempting to achieve a breakthrough right before me? You must be dreaming!"

Roaring furiously, Ding Hong clenched his fist and shot it straight toward Zhang Xuan without any hesitation.

Phantom pinnacle battle technique, Merchant Luo Fist!

Spirit battle techniques were far stronger than Phantom battle technique, but given Ding Hong's cultivation as a Prolonged Longevity primary stage cultivator, it was nigh impossible for him to cultivate the Origin Energy Palm to the mastery of Minor Accomplishment, and thus, he was unable to bring out the full strength of it.

In that sense, using a Phantom battle technique that he had reached the level of Consummation in was far more practical.

Merchant Luo Fist was a technique created by a merchant from Luoshui. Even though no one knew the true name of the merchant, the might of his fist, which was comparable to the ceaseless, rapid tides of a river, became a legend throughout Xuanyuan Kingdom.

Eventually, before the merchant's death, he passed this fist art on to the Xuanyuan royal family, and it had been passed on ever since then.

Zhenqi began gushing out ceaselessly from Ding Hong, filling the entire Heaven's Altar. For an instant, it felt as though an endless tide of water was surging through the area.

Amidst the endless water, Zhang Xuan seemed as though a solitary boat that could possibly capsize at any moment.

"Shameless!"

"How can someone be so despicable as to launch an assault when the other party is making a breakthrough in his cultivation..."

"And to think that he's a Transcendent Mortal expert, how shameless!"

Not expecting Ding Hong to attack at this crucial moment, the crowd suddenly exclaimed anxiously.

It was dishonorable for a Transcendent Mortal to strike his enemy when he was defenseless, not to mention, the other party was a member of the royal family.

"Ding Hong's life hinges on a thread now. If Zhang shi were to succeed, he would be put in a dire state. No one can blame him for making a move at such a crucial moment!"

Jin Conghai was infuriated, but he could understand the other party's stand. Once Zhang shi succeeded in making the breakthrough, he would surely be defeated.

In the end, this was a true battle, not a duel!

"Gongzi..."

Jin Conghai anxiously looked at 'gongzi'.

"Since he dares to attempt a breakthrough at this moment, he must have a countermeasure. Let's just watch on..." 'Gongzi' understood Jin Conghai's intentions, but he shook his hands and rejected it.

The young man below had left him astounded time and time again. Every single time that he was placed in a desperate situation, he would reverse it in the blink of an eye.

So this time... Would the same situation happen again?

After all, without any aces up one's sleeves, no sane person would dare to attempt a breakthrough during a battle.

"Yes..."

Jin Conghai nodded and turned his gaze back to the battle. Then, his body froze before trembling slightly, "Shit! He isn't trying to block the other party's attack at all!"

Below, Zhang Xuan seemed to be completely immersed in his cultivation, oblivious to Ding Hong's fist. He stood perfectly still on the spot, allowing the rampaging torrent to drown him.

Even though the Merchant Luo Fist was created by a merchant, it didn't feel crass or subservient. Instead, there was a dominance that threatened to crush everything that stood in its path.

Being in the midst of his breakthrough, Zhang Xuan was completely defenseless. If that fist were to land on Zhang Xuan, he would definitely die on the spot.

Boom!

A loud explosion sounded. A cloud of dust flew into the air, and small rock fragments shot into the surroundings. In an instant, the young man's figure had completely disappeared from sight.

"Zhang shi..."

'Gongzi' narrowed his eyes, and he nearly fell to the ground.

Zhang Xuan's turning of the tables time after time during a dire situation had already built an infallible image within him. Thus, 'gongzi' thought that, like many times before, Zhang Xuan would do the same this time... Yet, the other party didn't do anything at all. On top of it, he was struck in the midst of his cultivation, when he was completely defenseless!

Under that immense might of the blow, could he be dead already?

After all, that was a Transcendent Mortal expert using his full might! Even a fellow Transcendent Mortal expert would find it hard to withstand the attack, lest be said, a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator!

"It's over..."

Wei Yuqing and Gu Mu also saw the sight before them turning dark.

They were both Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators, and putting themselves in the other party's situation, they could see themselves being completely crushed into bits.

They thought that a miracle would happen once more. After all, the young man below had defied common sense too many times... No one could have imagined that he would be killed just like that...

"That's impossible... Zhang Xuan, you can't die!"

Mo Yu's face paled, and her eyes reddened.

Zhang Xuan, aren't you going to save Lu Chong? How can you die here?

If you really die here, how can you face your students who have entrusted themselves to you...

You can't fall here! You mustn't!

"Haha! Attempting a breakthrough on the spot? Such a foolish notion! You deserve to die..."

Ding Hong also didn't expect his attack to work, and he howled furiously in delight.

However, at the very next moment, a familiar voice echoed amidst the dust.

"Thank you for helping me break through my bottleneck!"

Boom!

A powerful aura abruptly surged, and as though a flood dragon, it ascended into the skies, shaking the heavens.

Half-Transcension realm reached!

Chapter 443: Strength of a Hundred Thousand Ding

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"What?"

Narrowing his eyes, Ding Hong saw the dust clearing, and a figure was slowly walking toward him.

Who else could it be if not Zhang Xuan!

At this current moment, Zhang Xuan was still in perfect condition, and there wasn't even a speck of dust on his clothes. It was as if the target of the previous attack wasn't him.

But what stood out the most was the overwhelming aura he was exuding. Ferocious might exuded from every single point of his body; he was clearly many times stronger than before.

"Yo-you..."

Ding Hong's body froze.

He had launched an attack with his full might, and he was certain that the attack landed on the other party. Yet, not only did Ding Hong fail to kill him, the other party even managed to achieve a breakthrough and reach Half-Transcension. This... This can't be real!

As for 'gongzi' and the others who thought that Zhang Xuan was doomed this time, they were completely dumbstruck.

Was he a cockroach?

How could he be fine after being punched like that?

"So what if you've reached Half-Transcension? Die!"

With eyes reddened with frenzy, Ding Hong clenched his teeth, flicked his wrist, and whipped out a sword. Then, he charged straight toward Zhang Xuan.

The reason why he didn't use a weapon before wasn't because he was intentionally going easy on Zhang Xuan, but rather, he didn't think that there was any use for it.

However, given that the other party had reached Half-Transcension realm and considering his incredible means, if he didn't give it everything he had, he would really die here.

Huala!

The cold gleam of the sword shone across the entire Heaven's Altar.

Ding Hong had immersed himself within swordsmanship for more than a hundred years, and he had already reached an incredibly high mastery in the art. With this slash, white sword qi gushed out from his sword, reaching a distance of more than several dozen meters, making it difficult for anyone to approach him.

"It's Sword Intent!"

Everyone's faces froze.

Those who comprehended Weapon Intent had achieved an extremely profound level of understanding of weapons, to the point that their weapon felt no different from an extension of their hands.

This was an abstract state, and it took countless years of hard work before one could achieve it. However, the benefits it brought were massive as well. One who had comprehended Sword Intent could be said to be invincible among those of the same cultivation realm.

"Not only has he comprehend Sword Intent, he's even advanced rather far in it!"

Jin Conghai frowned. "Seems like it's not possible for Zhang shi to achieve victory!"

If Ding Hong had used Sword Intent earlier on, Zhang Xuan might have lost immediately. Even though Zhang Xuan had managed to reach Half-Transcension, the situation was still against his odds.

Sword Intent was a representation of one's level of achievement in swordsmanship, and the strikes of those who have reached this level tended to be swifter and sharper.

This Zhang shi wasn't even twenty yet, and on top of that, he was a spear user. His understanding of the sword was probably far inferior to the other party. It would be nigh impossible for him to achieve victory.

'Gongzi', Wei Yuqing, and the others didn't speak, but every single one of them had a grim expression on their faces. Clearly, they shared the same thoughts as well.

A Transcendent Mortal who had comprehended Sword Intent was a truly terrifying force to reckon with. Even Jin Conghai would face some trouble with him.

Huala!

A sword qi flew across the air, leaving a deep tear on the ground.

Different from the anxious crowd, Zhang Xuan didn't seem flustered in the least. He smiled lightly and stepped forward.

His figure faded, and in the blink of an eye, he had already advanced four to five meters.

It was as though he could foresee the future. His body moved from the left to the right, and the sharp sword qi simply slid past his skin, without leaving a single cut on him.

At that moment, Zhang Xuan seemed as though an agile fish. Even though the sword qi before him was spread widely like a net, he was still able to easily find an opening and slide through.

"Half-Transcension... is indeed powerful!"

Feeling the immense strength surging through his body, Zhang Xuan thought.

Under normal circumstances, it would have been impossible for him to reach Half-Transcension.

Hall Master Xie Jiuchen had gathered a huge collection of Zhizun realm manual under his request, but very few of them detailed the method to breaking through to Half-Transcension. As such, after compilation, a Half-Transcension Heaven's Path Divine Art couldn't be formed.

This was precisely the reason why Zhang Xuan stopped right after he had reached Zhizun realm pinnacle.

However, the energy within the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed far exceeded his expectations. He wanted to stop, but the violent nature of the energy prevented him from doing so. Thus, he was forced to continue striving for Half-Transcension.

Under normal circumstances, without a compiled Heaven's Path Divine Art, it would be hard for him to achieve a breakthrough. It could potentially lead to his cultivation going berserk, and in the worst case scenario, he might even sustain severe internal injuries.

The situation back then was precarious, and Zhang Xuan nearly lost control of the rampaging energy within it.

And at that crucial moment, Ding Hong made a move.

The strong external force that struck the Zhang Xuan who was on the verge of exploding suppressed the rampaging energy within him. Not only was he fine from the collision of energy, he was even able to make use of this as an impetus to advance his cultivation.

If Ding Hong hadn't made a move, Zhang Xuan might have been severely injured from the rampaging energy of the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed.

Even though the other party had intended to kill him, he ended up doing him a big favor instead.

Thus, Zhang Xuan's 'thanks' before was truly earnest.

But of course, if Ding Hong were to learn of it, he might have died out of anger.

What the heck was this!

If only I knew earlier, I wouldn't have been so anxious to strike...

...

The thought disappeared as soon as it appeared.

Entering the sea of sword qi created by the other party, Zhang Xuan's fist struck out.

At the same moment, lines of insight flowed within his eyes.

Eye of Insight.

His Eye of Insight could peer into the flaws of a cultivator a small realm above that of his cultivation.

Ding Hong was a Transcendent Mortal Prolonged Longevity realm primary stage expert, and thus, under the flowing lines of insight, all of the flaws of his movements and cultivation appeared in Zhang Xuan's sight.

Boom!

The Heaven's Path Fist Art, augmented by overwhelming zhenqi, shot straight to the center of the sword qi.

"Damn it!'

Ding Hong didn't expect the other party to slide through the sea of sword qi that he had produced and to even throw a fist straight at him. His face paled, and roaring furiously, he twisted his sword and blocked the fist with the body of his sword.

Ding!

The fist landed on the sword, and a deafening metallic sound reverberated in the air from the collision. Ding Hong couldn't help but retreat two steps back.

"Hundred thousand ding? The strength of a 1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm cultivator?"

Ding Hong's face paled.

Zhizun realm was known as the Ten Thousand Ding realm, and it was representative of the level that a cultivator's strength finally exceeded 10,000 ding.

After that, every small cultivation realm would add an additional ten thousand ding of strength.

Thus, a normal Zhizun realm pinnacle would possess a strength of 40,000 ding.

As for Transcendent Mortals, even though they had reached a level of existence and could draw energy from the heavens to augment themselves, there was a limit to their might as well.

At 1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm, the limit of one's strength was 100,000 ding.

Thus, it was also termed the Hundred Thousand Ding realm.

If Ten Thousand Ding represented Zhizun, then Hundred Thousand Ding represented Transcendent Mortal.

The fellow before him was clearly just a Half-Transcension cultivator... How in the world did he manage to achieve a strength of a hundred thousand ding?

Initially, Ding Hong had been thinking that even though the other party had achieved a breakthrough, he would surely be unable to match up to him in terms of might. However, after taking a blow, he realized that he had lost this advantage.

"So what if your strength has reached 100,000 ding? Do you think that your fist art can defeat my Sword Intent? Don't even dream of it!"

Ding Hong clenched his teeth tightly.

Huala!

His sword began dancing about, and Sword Intent surged out as though a burst of light. In the blink of an eye, it wrapped itself around him, forming a flowing barrier.

"Shameless!"

Upon seeing the move, 'gongzi' harrumphed

"He's indeed shameless!"

Jin Conghai nodded. "Making use of Sword Intent as a defensive measure... To think that a Transcendent Mortal expert would be forced by a Half-Transcension to take defensive maneuvers!"

Ding Hong seemed to have given up on offense, choosing to focus entirely on defense instead.

The Sword Intent had an incomparably sharp nature, and it covered the area around him entirely. No matter how powerful Zhang Xuan's fist was, it was impossible for him to strike through the wall of sword qi.

In other words, Ding Hong was afraid of Zhang Xuan.

He knew that it was impossible for him to kill the other party, so he chose to fight defensively instead.

Transcendent Mortals were respected even in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Yet, at this moment, one was being forced into a corner by a Half-Transcension cultivator. Even though they were witnessing this sight personally, they still felt faint-headed.

"But even though other party had chosen to focus on defense... Isn't Zhang shi helpless before it as well?" Wei Yuqing asked.

"Indeed, there's nothing he can do about it. The Sword Intent has covered his body entirely, and there are no openings to be exploited here. Unless Zhang shi has comprehended Sword Intent as well, otherwise it'll be extremely difficult for him to break through Ding Hong's defense!" Jin Conghai replied.

Within the flowing Sword Intent was incomparably sharp sword qi. No matter how tough one's fist was, it was still made of flesh and blood. How could it face sword qi which was publicly acknowledged for its sharpness?

"Zhang Xuan, you might be formidable, but there's nothing you can do about me now! Since Ding Mu is already dead, why don't we drop this matter?"

Having blocked the other party's attack, Ding Hong heaved a sigh of relief. He turned to the young man not too far away and said.

The other party had killed his most beloved and valued progeny. Thus, he wanted to destroy the other party and restore prestige to the Ding Clan. Yet, at this very moment, he realized that not only was he unable to defeat the other party, he might even die from the other party's assault. After a moment of hesitation, he decided to take a step back.

Ding Mu was already dead, and he had many other progenies. As long as he survived, the Ding Clan could still start anew.

"There's nothing I can about you?" Zhang Xuan shook his head. "You're overestimating yourself!"

"My Sword Intent is flowing around my entire body; do you really think that your fist can break through it?"

Ding Hong sneered coldly. "It's impossible unless you comprehended Sword Intent and face my Sword Intent face on... But do you think that it's possible?"

You must be joking!

To comprehend Sword Intent, he had traveled across and lived in all kinds of barren and desolate lands for more than thirty years before he succeeded.

On the other hand, that fellow wasn't even twenty yet. Even if he started cultivating from his mother's womb, how much could he have comprehended about swordsmanship?

Furthermore, the other party had executed a spear art previously. Judging from his sharp and forceful movements, he clearly possessed some aptitude in it.

Even though there was no limit to the Weapon Intent one could cultivate, there was a limit to a human's talent and energy.

It was already incredible for him to bring his spear art to that height. To be capable of utilizing Sword Intent on top of that... Was it even possible?

"Sword Intent? That's indeed not quite possible!"

Knowing the other party's thoughts, Zhang Xuan chuckled lightly. With a flick of his wrist, a sword appeared in his hands.

"Sword Intent is too mediocre for me!"

As Zhang Xuan spoke, he slowly drew his sword.

Weng! Weng! Weng!

Before the sword was fully drawn, the swords by the waists of the swordsmen amidst the crowd began buzzing. It was as though they were paying respect to their emperor.

"Call of the Myriad Swords, Roar of the Dragons... Thi-this... the realm beyond that of Sword Intent... Sword Heart?"

Ding Hong's vision turned dark.

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Chapter 444: Slaying a Transcendent Mortal

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Sword Heart was the state of driving one's sword with one's heart, controlling it with one's intentions. Every move made in this state could be considered as a sword art in itself.

In contrast with it, Sword Intent was extremely mediocre and immature.

It was like the difference between a weed and a towering tree.

Ding Hong thought that with his Sword Intent, even if he couldn't kill the other party, he could at least force a draw and step down from there. Yet, never in his dreams did he expect that everything he did was only a farce to the other party... The other party's sword mastery was far above his own, reaching the level of Sword Heart!

That was a realm that countless Transcendent Mortal dreamt of and dedicated their lives to, only to never reach it in their lifetime. Yet, a fellow who wasn't even twenty yet and who had just barely reached Half-Transcension actually managed to comprehend it...

When he mocked the other party for being unable to fly, the other party yelled and the Steelback Winged Dragon immediately fell from the sky.

When he mocked the other party for being too weak to hurt him... in the blink of an eye, the other party broke through to Half-Transcension.

When he mocked the other party for his incapability to wield Sword Intent, the other party topped him with the higher realm Sword Heart...

Brother, can you at least tell me what you aren't capable of? At the very least, I can prepare myself. Do you know how terrifying it is...

Ding Hong felt his confidence crumbling.

"You're right, it's indeed Sword Heart!"

Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan finally drew his sword completely.

His sword came from the Lin Clan, and it was only at Phantom intermediate-tier. At the same time, it wasn't too sharp either. Yet, it had an indomitable presence.

Sword qi flowed around its edge. With a slight flick of Zhang Xuan's wrist, the air seemed to have been torn to shreds.

Huala!

Under normal circumstances, as long as one's strength didn't exceed him by too much, Ding Hong's Sword Intent barrier would be hard to break. Yet, for some reason, as soon as the blunt-looking sword came into contact with it, the barrier immediately dissipated without the slightest resistance.

Puhe!

A sword qi flew across, severing Ding Hong's left arm. It was so sharp that not even blood flowed out of his wound.

The sword qi emanated by a swordmaster who had comprehended Sword Heart was indomitable. On top of that, Zhang Xuan's strength also wasn't inferior to him as well. Even though the other party was a Transcendent Mortal expert, he wasn't able to withstand the attack.

"Escape!"

Knowing that he would surely die if he remained here, Ding Hong's face paled. He immediately turned around and fled.

He had stepped in ferociously back then, but he ended up escaping with his tail between his legs.

No one expected for the legendary old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom, a Transcendent Mortal expert, to meet with such an ending. It was truly beyond expectations.

"Incredible!"

"To achieve a breakthrough at that crucial moment and slay a Transcendent Mortal, how valiant! This is how a man should act!"

"From today on, Zhang shi shall be my idol. Don't even try to steal him from me!"

"This is what a true genius is. Compared to him, Ding Mu was nothing at all."

...

The eyes of the spectating youngsters burned with passion.

When Zhang Xuan came alone to challenge the incumbent crown prince, everyone thought that he was being too arrogant and they felt intense loathing toward him. But after undergoing his teachings via the Impartation of Heaven's Will and becoming his half-students, their feelings for him gradually changed into gratitude.

And at this moment, looking at him sending even the old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom fleeing, it evolved into veneration.

A person single-handedly standing against an entire country!

That is how a man should be!

"You all might not know, but I heard that the reason why Zhang shi came after Ding Mu is because the latter had killed his student!"

"How did you know?"

"My cousin, Zhou Jin, is an Imperial Beast Tamer serving the crown prince. He blurted the matter out when he was drunk!"

"Standing up against an entire country alone to avenge his student, even going to the extent of standing against a Transcendent Mortal?"

"On top of that, when he came, he wasn't that strong yet. How much courage must it have taken to make this move..."

"With such a teacher, even if I were to die now... it would be worth it!"

...

Amidst the crowd, some of the well-informed ones spoke of the matter from start to the end. The eyes of the listeners gradually reddened, and they clenched their fists tight.

The greatest fortune that a cultivator could encounter was a good teacher.

Not only was Zhang shi strong and capable at teaching, more importantly, he cared for his students. He stood up against an entire Conferred Kingdom alone just for his student. With such sentiments, he was more than worthy of being addressed as a 'teacher'.

...

While everyone was overwhelmed with agitation, on the Heaven's Altar, Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed as he noticed Ding Hong escaping.

"Hmph, do you think that you can get away?"

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up, and exerting force on his feet, he immediately dashed forward.

After the matter with Ding Mu, he realized the danger of sparing one's enemies. Since he had already fallen out with the other party, he had to clear them out cleanly. Otherwise, the one who would be threatened would be him.

If not for his compassion back then, Lu Chong wouldn't have been sacrificed.

Thus, he was determined to leave no more threats behind.

"Don't even try!"

With a flick of his wrist, Zhang Xuan's sword sliced down.

Tearing through a hundred meters of space, a sword qi flew toward the escaping Ding Hong.

After reaching Half-Transcension, Zhang Xuan had already gained a certain level of control over the environment. In the past, the range of his sword qi was limited to only a dozen meters. However, with his enhanced degree of control and enhanced zhenqi, a hundred meters was no longer a problem.

Huala!

The sword qi struck the other party's back, tearing open a massive, glaring wound in an instant.

Due to the long distance, the sword qi had dissipated significantly. Otherwise, it would have been more than sufficient to slice Ding Hong into two.

"Blood Tribute!"

Feeling the sharp pain on his back, Ding Hong was alarmed. He knew that it wasn't easy for the other party to kill him due to the long distance, but if he were to be struck any more of that sword qi, he would surely die. Thus, gritting his teeth, Ding Hong burned his life force and his speed abruptly increased by a single fold.

Like the Blood Tribute that Ding Mu used back then came from him, even though it allowed him to utilize strength and speed beyond his current cultivation, it had a time limit. After the duration, one's cultivation would automatically fall.

It was a technique that hurt oneself as much as it hurt one's opponent.

It was a move that wouldn't be used unless the situation truly called for it. Usually, Ding Hong would surely go after the other party if he activated the Blood Tribute to avenge his great grandson... But this time, he was truly frightened by the other party.

Every time that fellow looked as though he were going to lose, he would always make a shocking comeback.

He was afraid of the means that the other party would continue pulling out if he chose to continue to fight. If so, once the Blood Tribute duration ran out, he wouldn't be able to even escape.

Sou!

With his hastened speed, Ding Hong disappeared amidst the labyrinth-like infrastructures of the capital.

"Damn it!"

Seeing the other party vanish into the shadows, Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.

Even though he had managed to reach Half-Transcension, he had suffered quite a few traumas in the midst of doing so.

On top of that, he had used the Heaven's Path Movement Art too many times previously, and he was already reaching his limit now. If he were to attempt to catch up, he might collapse before he could catch up with the other party.

On the other hand, he had never learned any other movement arts before. Furthermore, his cultivation was beneath that of Ding Hong, so it would be difficult for him to catch up.

"There's no need to feel pity over this. That fellow has lost his arm, and on top of that, he even used the Blood Tribute. Even if he manages to get away with his life, his cultivation would definitely plummet.

"Based on my estimations, it'll be hard for him to even sustain his cultivation as a Half-Transcension. Thus, he's not a threat anymore!"

Zhang Xuan was just thinking whether he should make use of these soldiers to search through the entire city to cut off the weed at its root when a voice echoed.

Turning around, he saw a youth walking toward him with a bright grin on his face.

He was around the same age of Zhao Ya, but his body seemed a little weak. His black eyes were gleaming with spirit, and his skin was smooth. All in all, he had an exquisite appearance.

"A woman?"

Zhang Xuan frowned.

Even though the other party was dressed in the clothes of a man, it wasn't sufficient to deceive Zhang Xuan's Eye of Insight.

This was an ability that only a 6-star master teacher had the chance to comprehend. It could even see through the hidden flaws of a cultivator, lest to say, a cross-dresser.

"I am Zhao Feiwu, and I came from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Nice to meet you, Zhang shi!"

The youth didn't know that her identity had been exposed, and she clasped her fists with a carefree smile.

This youth was the 'gongzi' from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Just that, no one could have expected that 'he' was actually a she.

"Envoy, thank you for your help!"

Upon hearing that the other party came from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, Zhang Xuan immediately understood the situation.

That alliance decree that declared Ding Mu's inauguration as illegitimate probably came from this person.

Otherwise, he couldn't think of anyone else.

"The Xuanyuan Kingdom has acted on their own whim, conducting an inauguration ceremony without reporting the matter to the alliance. I am just dealing with this matter as per the rules!"

'Gongzi' Zhao Feiwu smiled admiringly at the young man before her. "Speaking of thanks, I should be the one thanking you instead. It's due to your treatment method that I was able to recover. Otherwise, I would still be lying on the bed waiting for my death now!"

"Treatment method?"

Zhang Xuan was stumped.

"It was the final question that Zhang shi solved in your alias as Liu Cheng on the Wall of Dilemma in the Tianwu Kingdom Physician Guild. I was afflicted with the illness, and my father had consulted countless physicians about the matter but they were all at a loss. It's only because of you that I was able to make a full recovery!" Zhao Feiwu said.

The noble 'gongzi' who was cross-dressing as a male was the second princess of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance who lay sickly on her bed just a few days ago.

Upon knowing that the one who provided the treatment method was a physician named 'Liu Cheng' from a Tier 1 Kingdom, she immediately rushed over along with her subordinate, Jin Conghai.

While passing through Xuanyuan Kingdom, Jin Conghai received a message from Gu Mu and headed over to the Poison Hall. Over there, the two of them met Sun Qiang, and upon learning that Liu Cheng was Zhang Xuan, they chose to head over to Xuanyuan Royal City to assist him.

Otherwise, given how the both of them were unrelated, there was no reason for Zhao Feiwu to favor a 2-star master teacher over a vassal Conferred Kingdom, or even harboring the thought of sending Jin Conghai over to save him?

"Innate Muscular Deficiency?"

Zhang Xuan also recalled the matter.

Back then, he only solved the problem thinking that it was a necessity for him to become a physician. He didn't expect to save a person due to that.

Furthermore, from the looks of it, this lady seemed to have a powerful background.

"Exactly!" Zhao Feiwu nodded.

"My treatment method has saved you, but you have already returned the favor by helping me out of this matter. So, we're on equal footing now!" Zhang Xuan clasped his fist.

Zhang Xuan didn't want to owe a debt to anyone as this could bring about a karmic cycle.

Since he had helped the person before, in a sense, the other party's actions could be considered as returning the favor. Thus, neither of them owed anything to the other anymore.

"Equal footing?"

Zhao Feiwu was taken aback.

Despite learning that she was the envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and on top of that, it was clear that she was expressing goodwill toward him, he actually shrugged it off, not demanding anything at all. He was truly a peculiar person.

There were very few people who could resist this kind of opportunity.

However, Zhao Feiwu quickly recovered and smiled, "Let's do that then! However... you've killed the emperor of a Conferred Kingdom and driven away his old ancestor. How should we settle this matter? If we don't resolve this matter properly, it could cause a huge pandemonium."

To think that the royal family of a Conferred Kingdom could be reduced to such a state; the inaugurating emperor dying and the old ancestor fleeing in a fluster. If other kingdoms were to learn of it, they would definitely make use of this opening.

"This..."

Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He was too preoccupied with avenging Lu Chong that he failed to consider this matter.

The current circumstances were indeed dire for Xuanyuan Kingdom. If this matter wasn't resolved properly, it would be a matter of time before the entire kingdom falls into chaos.

"Actually, I have an idea in mind."

Seeing the other party's hesitation, Zhao Feiwu's eyes twinkled and she smiled.

"Oh?"

"Since you were the one who destroyed the royal family, I believe that no one would dare to raise any objections if you became the new emperor. This way, I'll be able to report the matter to my superiors as well," Zhao Feiwu suggested.

The main reason why she had spoken her previous words wasn't to put Zhang Xuan in a spot but to bring up this suggestion.

In truth, she had already considered this outcome. Otherwise, she wouldn't have helped Zhang Xuan.

The person before her was able to stand up against an entire kingdom on his own. If he were to become the emperor, he would surely be able to bring the kingdom to greater heights.

At the same time, she could return the favor as well. Thus, in her opinion, this was a win-win situation.

"Becoming the emperor?"

Zhang Xuan shook his head. "I'll pass on that."

He had to reach 9-star master teacher before thirty to live on. The thought of staying here as the emperor had never crossed his mind.

"This..."

Not expecting to be rejected, Zhao Feiwu was stunned.

An emperor wielded absolute authority over the territory he governed; it was a dream for countless people. Yet, the other party turned her down without any hesitation...

"However, it's indeed my fault that Xuanyuan Kingdom was reduced to its current state. Even though I'm reluctant to become the emperor, why don't I nominate another candidate?" Zhang Xuan said, after a moment of hesitation.

But no matter what, a country mustn't go a day without an emperor or else it would lead to social instability and various other problems. This wasn't what Zhang Xuan hoped to see.

"Oh?"

Not expecting Zhang Xuan to reject it and nominate another candidate instead, Zhao Feiwu stared at him with an intrigued expression, "Nominating another emperor? May I know who it is? Don't tell me that you're going to nominate Sun Qiang!"

If it was Sun Qiang, she would probably burst into tears on the spot.

That fellow was weak, yet he was exceptionally arrogant and boastful. More importantly, the words 'wise' and 'astute' were in a whole different world from him. If he were to become the emperor, Xuanyuan Kingdom might fall into greater ruins.

"Sun Qiang? How can that be? There's no way such a great talent should be placed in such a humble position!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Sun Qiang was his butler, and he was going to venture out into the larger world alongside him. How could he leave the other party behind in such a shabby location?

"... Cough cough!"

Zhao Feiwu choked on her own saliva.

Truly, the attitude of the servant reflected the personality of the master.

At the start, she thought that Sun Qiang's boastful nature was an individual problem. However, after looking at Zhang Xuan, she realized that it was impossible for him not to be boastful with such a young master...

An ignorant Pixue realm cultivator becoming the emperor of a Conferred Kingdom, and you think that it's a waste of his talents... Can we still talk properly?

Suppressing the stifling sensation in her chest, Zhao Feiwu asked, "Then who are you nominating?"

"Her..."

Zhang Xuan smiled as he beckoned to the skies, "Mo Yu, come down!"

Roar!

The Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast in the skies howled furiously and swooped down. Mo Yu immediately rushed up to Zhang Xuan with reddened eyes, wanting to dive into his embrace. However, she hesitated and eventually decided against it.

He had truly left her worried just now.

However, she was aware that the other party harbored no feelings toward her. If she were to dive into the other party's embrace, that would truly be awkward.

"Her?"

Not expecting the candidate that Zhang Xuan was going to nominate to be a lady, Zhao Feiwu was perplexed.

"Indeed, I want her to become the first empress of Xuanyuan Kingdom. I wonder if it's acceptable?" Zhang Xuan chuckled.

"Empress? Xuanyuan Kingdom's empress?"

Upon hearing Zhang Xuan's words, Mo Yu's body began trembling uncontrollably.

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Chapter 445: Raising Mo Yu's Cultivation

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Tianwu Kingdom's Emperor, Mo Tianxue, had always been grooming his daughter to become the empress of the kingdom. Thus, even though Mo Yu was still young, she was already adept in the process of governing a country.

In that sense, she would become a much better ruler for Xuanyuan Kingdom than him.

"Her?"

Zhao Feiwu was dumbstruck. She couldn't help but refute, "Her cultivation seems to have only reached Zongshi realm..."

Xuanyuan Kingdom was a land filled with Zhizun realm cultivators. A Zongshi realm cultivator simply wasn't strong enough to stabilize the lands.

"Her cultivation is indeed a little too weak. However, to be able to possess this kind of strength at her age, she could already be considered as a top-notch genius. As long as she has sufficient cultivation resources in the future, it won't be too difficult for her to gain sufficient strength to become a powerful ruler in the future!"

Despite coming from a Tier 1 Kingdom, Mo Yu still managed to reach a high level of cultivation at her age. Once the resources of Xuanyuan Kingdom were channeled toward her, her cultivation would surely soar swiftly. It wouldn't be a dream for her to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle or even Half-Transcension in the future.

"I believe in her talents as well, but what about the present state? The people's hearts are currently in turmoil, and if there isn't a sufficiently strong presence to hold things together, I fear that a calamity may occur!"

Zhao Feiwu was speechless to see how lightly Zhang Xuan was taking this matter.

Not everyone could become the ruler of a country. The primary requisite for it was for one to possess top-notch cultivation. Otherwise, who would be willing to listen to a weakling?

Without sufficient strength, even if Mo Yu were to ascend to the throne with the backing by the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, she might very well be assassinated by her rivals.

After all, the seat of an emperor of a Conferred Kingdom was an incredibly prestigious one. There were countless people who had their eyes set on this position.

Electing a weak emperor would only cause chaos and strife, and this would push the country straight toward the flames of destruction.

"Is that so..." Knowing that his thoughts lacked depth, Zhang Xuan scratched his head in embarrassment. Thus, he turned to Mo Yu and asked, "Do you wish to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle?"

"Of course I do!"

Even though Mo Yu didn't know the significance behind Zhang Xuan's words, she still nodded her head.

Who didn't wish to become stronger?

But could Zhizun realm pinnacle be that easily achieved?

Of the countless cultivators in the world, probably not even one out of ten thousand was able to reach that legendary realm. The difficulty of the matter was unimaginable.

Zhao Feiwu felt perplexed when she heard Zhang Xuan's words.

What is this fellow up to this time?

"Good. Open your mouth then!"

Ignoring the onlookers' bewilderment, Zhang Xuan flicked his finger.

Before Mo Yu could react, a lotus seed was shot into her mouth.

It immediately melted into immense, violent energy which seeped into her meridians in an instant. However, her cultivation was still far too weak for her to bear such immense energy, and she immediately swelled up, nearly exploding into shreds.

"Sit down!" Zhang Xuan immediately commanded.

"Yes!"

Not daring to hesitate, Mo Yu hurriedly sat down. Following which, she felt a huge hand being placed on the top of her head.

Boom!

Dense, pure zhenqi seeped down her body, controlling the rampaging energy of the lotus seed. It guided the rampaging energy in a unique circulation pathway around her body.

Kacha! Kacha! Kacha!

A series of popping sounds echoed, and Mo Yu felt her body abruptly lightened. The bottlenecks which had kept her out previously was broken through in an instant.

Zongshi realm intermediate stage!

Zongshi realm advanced stage!

Zongshi realm pinnacle!

Half-Zhizun!

...

Mo Yu's aura grew stronger at a pace visible to the eye.

"This, this..."

Zhao Feiwu's eyeballs were about to pop out of her head.

She'd thought that this fellow was up to something, and she was right!

Making someone achieve consecutive breakthroughs in the blink of an eye?

Even the most capable 4-star pinnacle master teacher in Myriad Kingdom Alliance was incapable of such a feat!

You... Are you still human?

It was no wonder that Sun Qiang stared at her with such disdain back then. Upon seeing Zhang Xuan's means, she realized that there was a much larger world outside that of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

"To induce a breakthrough in another so easily..."

Jin Conghai also felt a dryness at the back of his throat.

He was a Transcendent Mortal expert, but he was incapable of such feat, and he had never seen anyone achieving such a feat either. Yet, the fellow before him accomplished it so easily, as though it was a walk in the park...

I would like to know if there's anything you are incapable of.

When did such a ridiculous monster appear in Tianwu Kingdom? This is way too frightening...

Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong's mouth was also twitching violently from fear. If not for his strong mental fortitude, he might have turned insane on the spot.

As a master teacher, he understood clearly how difficult it was to achieve that feat.

To be able to achieve multiple breakthrough himself, Zhang Xuan could be considered as a genius. However... To do the same for others as well, that was already surpassing the realm of a mere genius.

"This is... Cultivation Impartation?"

A phrase surfaced in Luo Qianhong's mind amidst his trembling.

It was said that formidable master teachers could design a cultivation technique based on their student's physique and use their own zhenqi to impart energy into the latter to raise their cultivation.

But to do so, there were several conditions that had to be fulfilled.

Firstly, one had to be a 6-star master teacher. Secondly, one had to have absolute understanding of the student, be it the state of their meridians, their body's limit, and innumerable other factors. Lastly, the cultivation technique one designed must be completely compatible with the other party's physique...

There mustn't be the slightest lapse in any of the three conditions, or else the other party's meridians could rupture and die. Yet, this fellow did it so easily without the slightest preparation. On top of that, there didn't seem to be any side effects at all...

Are you really a 2-star master teacher?

Are you sure you are under twenty?

In an instant, Luo Qianhong felt that his time spent studying and understanding the master teacher occupation had been for naught. In the end, despite his efforts, he didn't seem to have achieved anything at all...

"To raise someone's cultivation so easily... My heavens, can anyone tell me that this isn't a dream?"

"Idol, he's truly my idol. I want to acknowledge him as my teacher!"

"Incredible! This is the means of a god..."

...

The soldiers who saw this sight were dumbfounded as well.

They had seen geniuses, but they had never seen such a talented genius.

In fact, the word 'genius' seemed like a gross underestimation.

Kacha! Kacha! Kacha!

Amidst everyone's shocked gazes, Mo Yu's aura continued rising rapidly. Eventually, when it slowed down and came to a stop, Mo Yu opened her eyes and a sharp glint reflected from within.

Zhizun realm pinnacle, achieved!

She had been cultivating ever since she was six, and it took her seventeen years for her to reach Zongshi realm. She thought that it would take at least twenty years before Zhizun realm would be in her reach.

Never had she ever thought that she would succeed in just a few breaths.

This rate of progression was like a dream to her.

"Thank you, Zhang shi!"

Knowing that it was impossible for her to succeed without the help of the person before her, Mo Yu stood up and bowed earnestly.

Her address also changed from Zhang Xuan to Zhang shi.

Initially, she was still harboring thoughts of competing with this young man, hoping to win the other party's admiration one day.

But at this moment, she realized that there was a world of a difference between the two of them, and this gap would only continue growing larger. It would be impossible for her to catch up with the other party.

Putting aside competing and winning his admiration, she probably wasn't even qualified to become the other party's student. In the end, they were just passers-by in this vast world.

"It's no problem at all!"

Oblivious to her thoughts, Zhang Xuan shook his hands. Then, turning to gongzi, he asked, "Is it fine now?"

After a moment of hesitation, Zhao Feiwu said, "She has reached Zhizun realm pinnacle so she does have the qualifications to become the emperor now. However... it'll take more than that to win everyone's trust..."

While a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivator was indeed powerful in Xuanyuan Kingdom, there were many others of the same cultivation realm here as well. Just this by itself wouldn't be sufficient for Mo Yu to stabilize the entire country. At the very least, she would require the strength of a Half-Transcension to do so.

After all, those who were listed in the Green Leaf Board had all reached this realm. Zhizun realm pinnacle was just sufficient for one to be listed in the Young Leaf Board.

"That... Alright then!"

Rubbing his hands, Zhang Xuan turned to the trembling Steelback Winged Dragon and said, "Acknowledge Mo Yu as your master, and from today on, protect her and obey all of her commands!"

"Ah?"

Hearing these words, everyone was dumbfounded.

Even Mo Yu and Zhao Feiwu were perplexed.

Are you speaking nonsense?

This fellow was the guardian beast of the Xuanyuan royal family! On top of that, it was a proud bearer of the Dragon Bloodline. For it to submit to Mo Yu on the first meeting...

How was that possible?

Roar!

Just when everyone thought this massive fellow wouldn't agree to it, the Steelback Winged Dragon smiled in delight and hurriedly climbed over. It began rubbing its massive head on Mo Yu in an attempt to fawn on her.

"The heck..."

"This... Isn't it being way too shameless?"

Everyone's body trembled violently and they nearly spat out blood.

As a proud bearer of the Dragon Bloodline, the Steelback Winged Dragon was usually condescending toward humans. Yet, it fell from the sky with a call from Zhang Xuan and abandoned its owner. Then, it even went on to obey every single command from him...

Can you at least possess some dragon pride?

You make yourself seem as though you're no different from a pug, how can a powerful savage beast like you act so shamelessly!

"This fellow seems to wield a strength that simply leave others speechless..." Grand Elder Wei Yuqing who had just climbed down from the back of the savage beast sighed.

Somehow, this fellow was able to accomplish what others deemed impossible easily. Sometimes, one couldn't help but wonder if he was a high-ranked master teacher in disguise.

"Now that the matter with the kingdom is settled, it's time for me to deal with the Master Teacher Pavilion!"

Zhang Xuan turned around to look at Luo Qianhong with a composed look.

For a Master Teacher Pavilion to cover up Ding Mu's villainy against one of their own members, it was about time to deal with it.

On top of that, if Zhang Xuan didn't resolve this matter cleanly, his action of making a move against a 3-star master teacher would become a permanent blemish on his records. If so, it would be difficult for him to take the subsequent master teacher examinations.

After all, master teachers prided themselves on their morals.

For a master teacher to disregard the clear hierarchy and defy a higher ranked master teacher, no one would be willing to see him climb through the ranks.

"Are you certain that... you want to crash the Master Teacher Pavilion?" Zhao Feiwu asked worriedly.

If Pavilion Crashing only consisted of fighting against the master teachers in the Master Teacher Pavilion, there would be nothing for Zhang Xuan to fear. After all, he was someone who could even slay a Transcendent Mortal. Even the strongest master teacher, Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong, was only a Half-Transcension. There was nothing for Zhang Xuan to fear from them.

"Pavilion Crashing is equivalent to challenging all of the master teachers that have gone through Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion ever since its inception. Even though the location of this Master Teacher Pavilion is remote, it has several thousand years of history behind it. Based on the records, a 5-star master teacher and three 4-star master teachers once emerged from here..."

Zhao Feiwu clenched her fists tightly, "Even though they are already dead, their lingering wills are imprinted within the Master Teacher Pavilion. To crash it meant to stand against them as well. Are you sure you don't want to reconsider the matter?"

If Pavilion Crashing only meant challenging the incumbent master teachers, there was nothing much for Zhang Xuan to worry. However, the tricky part was the deceased seniors.

Some of them had reached 4-star and even higher. As a mere 2-star master teacher, how could you stand against them?

"My mind is made up!" Zhang Xuan said.

There was nothing for him to worry about! Those people were only lingering wills now; if they thought that he would be an easy target, they were about to be proven wrong!

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Chapter 446: The Frenzied Mo Tianxue

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

In Tianwu Kingdom, the head of the Shadow Squad clasped his fist.

"Your Majesty, Her Highness and Zhang shi have arrived at Xuanyuan Kingdom!"

"Un!"

Nodding his head, Mo Tianxue seemed to have recalled something and sighed. "There's nothing bad about the lass except that she's too sentimental. Sigh, she has truly wasted all of the efforts I have spent on her!"

The rise of Mo Hongyi had left Mo Tianxue worried about the succession of the throne. As such, he had always raised his most talented daughter, Mo Yu, as the future empress of the kingdom. In the end, that lass, for her own personal feelings, decided to leave with Zhang shi. This had left him both worried and helpless.

The saying 'it was impossible to keep a daughter by one's side' was indeed true.

Zhang shi was incredibly talented, and a person of his caliber couldn't possibly remain in Tianwu Kingdom for his entire life. Since there was no hope, she should have just given up on it.

She could have remained within the kingdom to cultivate properly and raise her strength to take over the throne.

Mo Hongyi's prestige had been on the steady rise ever since he became a 2-star master teacher, and at such a crucial period, she chose to leave instead.

When everyone has forgotten about you, how do you intend to inherit the throne?

He had truly no idea what was going through the mind of that lass!

"Her Highness might be willful but she listens obediently to Your Majesty's words. She'll probably return after sending Zhang shi off to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance!" the head of the Shadow Squad said.

As the head of the private elite squadron under Mo Tianxue, he was a close aide of the latter and understood his thoughts well.

On top of strength, prestige was also an important factor for one's succession to the throne.

The reason why Mo Tianxue was reluctant to allow Mo Yu to go with Zhang Xuan was because he wanted to keep her by the side so as to have her come into contact with governance matters and achieve some accomplishments in the field so as to win the respect and loyalty of the royal court. Only then would he be able to pass on the throne without any worries.

Yet, she went ahead and left without even informing him. It was no wonder that he was angry.

"Let's just hope that's the case!"

Mo Tianxue smiled bitterly, "If she were able to win Zhang shi's heart, I wouldn't mind it. She would probably have a brighter future by his side anyway. However, Zhang shi is an incredibly talented person, and I can tell that he has no such intentions about her. Even if she were to accompany him all the way to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, it would just be a waste of time!"

The head of the Shadow Squad had no idea how to alleviate Mo Tianxue's worries.

Even though he had never interacted with this Zhang shi, he had seen him various times from the shadows and heard much about his affairs. A genius of that caliber belonged to the larger world out there and wouldn't be tied down by romance.

"Alright, let's not talk about this for now..."

Putting aside his worries, Mo Tianxue was just about to bring up another topic when an elder barged anxiously into the hall.

"Your Majesty, Your Majesty..."

That elder's face was flushed, and his entire body was trembling intensely in agitation.

"Elder Qu, aren't you responsible for keeping watch at the Communication Wall? What are you doing here?"

Mo Tianxue frowned.

Elder Qu, whose full name was Mo Qu, was an elder of the royal family.

Since the Lin Clan had a Communication Wall that could contact Xuanyuan Kingdom, naturally, the Tianwu royal family had one as well. Through this, they could communicate with Xuanyuan Kingdom, understand the various changes in the other country swiftly, and make appropriate countermeasures.

This Elder Qu was the person responsible for maintaining contact at the Communication Wall. His position was equivalent to Pavilion Elder Qian of the Tianxuan Kingdom, and he was the head of intelligence of the entire kingdom.

This job required him to keep a constant lookout on the various happenings around the region, and thus, he would normally send a subordinate to report to the emperor. Unless something huge had occurred, it was impossible for him to report an issue personally.

"Your Majesty, something huge... has occurred!" Elder Qu exclaimed in agitation.

"Something huge?" Mo Tianxue turned to look at Elder Qu. "What is it?"

"Zhang shi has arrived at Xuanyuan Royal City, and just today, he caused a huge ruckus in the capital and he... killed Crown Prince Ding Mu!" Elder Qu said.

"Killed Crown Prince Ding Mu?" Mo Tianxue's face paled, and he nearly fainted from shock.

The standing of a crown prince of a Conferred Kingdom was far above that of an emperor of a Tier 1 Kingdom... To kill a figure of such standing, was that Zhang shi insane, or was he simply tired of living?

"Indeed! Not just so, he even did it in the midst of Crown Prince Ding Mu's inauguration ceremony!"

As though oblivious to Mo Tianxue's darkened complexion, Elder Qu continued, "In the end, even Old Ancestor Ding Hong was alarmed..."

"By old ancestor, do you mean Emperor Ding Hong whose name took the world by storm? He... is still alive?" Mo Tianxue's body swayed weakly.

Hundred years ago, this Emperor Ding Hong had already reached the level of a Transcendent Mortal. Everyone had thought that he was dead given his long period of absence, but to think that he was still alive!

"Indeed. Not only so, he has even become a Transcendent Mortal expert..." Elder Qu said.

"Transcendent Mortal?" Mo Tianxue's voice trembled. "Then Zhang shi..."

Mo Tianxue didn't complete his words, but the meaning behind it was clear. Zhang shi was most probably dead by now.

After running over to kill the inaugurating crown prince, how could the other party's old ancestor possibly spare you?

Mo Tianxue knew this Zhang shi quite well. He was able to defeat a Half-Zhizun with the strength of a Zongshi realm pinnacle, but against a Transcendent Mortal... the gap was simply too large. It was like the difference between a divine dragon and a measly ant.

Most probably, Zhang shi was already reduced to a lump of flesh under the might of the old ancestor.

"Oh, Zhang shi is alright. He broke through the Half-Transcension realm on the spot and subdued Emperor Ding Hong..." Elder Qu said.

"What?" Mo Tianxue's head spun.

To reach Half-Transcension from the cultivation realm of Zongshi realm pinnacle on the spot? Are you joking with me?

On top of that, there's a huge difference between a Half-Transcension cultivator and a Transcendent Mortal cultivator. How could Zhang shi possibly subdue the other party?

"This is what the report from the other side of the Communication Wall said, and I've confirmed it myself. There's no mistake about it!" Elder Qu nodded. "On top of that... that..."

"What?"

Elder Qu hesitated for a moment as he recalled the content of the report on the Communication Wall, and even until now, he seemed as though he was still unable to believe the news. "The primary reason why I'm here is to report this news to you. After Zhang shi subdued Emperor Ding Hong, he nominated Princess Mo Yu for the throne, and she is now the ruler of Xuanyuan Kingdom..."

"The ruler... of Xuanyuan Kingdom?"

Mo Tianxue nearly fell off his throne.

He had just said that Mo Yu was wasting her time over her sentiments, and the latter... went on to become the ruler of Xuanyuan Kingdom!

Did this slap have to come so violently?

There were at least twenty vassal kingdoms like Tianwu beneath Xuanyuan Kingdom. To become the ruler of such a powerful kingdom...

Why did it seem like a dream?

"But Yu-er's cultivation is only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle. How could she become the ruler of a Conferred Kingdom?"

Recovering from the shock, Mo Tianxue suddenly realized that there were some things that were amiss.

When Mo Yu left, she was only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle. It was already difficult for her to ascend to the Tianwu Kingdom throne given her lacking cultivation. To ascend to the throne with such strength in Xuanyuan Kingdom, wasn't that no different from committing suicide?

"This... Zhang shi also thought that her cultivation was too low, so he helped her achieve a breakthrough on the spot through Cultivation Impartation. Currently, Princess Mo Yu is a... Zhizun realm pinnacle expert!" Elder Qu said.

"Achieve a breakthrough on the spot? Zhizun realm pinnacle?"

Putong!

Mo Tianxue's body shook so violently that he fell to the ground. A dazed look was on his face, and he didn't even feel pain when he pulled out a fistful of hair from his head.

Tongxuan realm pinnacle... reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle on the spot. Zhang shi, can you tell me how did you do it?

"Yu-er... sure has good eyes..."

After a long period of time, Mo Tianxue swallowed a mouthful a saliva and muttered slowly with a pale face.

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Chapter 447: Soul Oracle

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

In the Master Teacher Pavilion of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, a gray-robed elder stood at the very front of a room. A warm voice flowing from his mouth drew in spiritual energy from the surroundings.

Spirit Gathering Diction, an ability that only 5-star master teachers possessed!

Seated on the front rows of the room were elders dressed in master teacher robes. All of them were seated upright, and as the words from the gray-robed elder in front washed over them, they fell into a trance-like state.

Weng!

The voice eventually came to a stop, and the gray-robed elder placed his hands behind his back.

"I'll be stopping here for today. If any of you have any questions, feel free to raise them!"

"Hong shi, sorry for the trouble. I'm truly grateful to you for conducting a lecture here right after your long journey!" Pavilion Master Kang stood up and smiled.

Hong shi, Hong Qian, was a 5-star master teacher from Hongfeng Empire. He was specially invited over to host the Master Teacher Tournament.

The gray-robed elder Hong shi nodded.

"It's the duty of master teachers to solve the problems that a cultivator meets so that everyone can become strong. There's nothing troubling about that!"

"Yes!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded. Just as he was about to continue speaking, the ground shuddered and a bell chimed four times.

"Four chimes, someone is crashing a pavilion? To think that I would meet with such an interesting matter right after my arrival!" Hong shi chuckled.

The different number of chimes of the bell held different meanings in the Master Teacher Pavilion. Four consecutive chimes meant that someone was crashing a Master Teacher Pavilion within the territories of Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Even though Pavilion Crashing was equivalent to challenging an entire Master Teacher Pavilion, there were actually quite a few challengers every year. After all, success meant that one would gain great prestige and go down in history.

Master teachers were public figures. On top of being teachers, their reputation was important as well. In order to raise one's reputation quickly, there were many who were willing to take the risk.

But of course, despite the great benefits Pavilion Crashing could bring, the penalties for failure were harsh as well.

"Wu shi, go and look into the matter. Find out which branch is it..."

Pavilion Master Kang frowned.

He felt embarrassed that such an incident occurred immediately after Hong shi's arrival.

"Yes!" The elder known as Wu shi backed out of the room. Before long, he returned and reported, "Reporting to Hong shi and pavilion master, it's from Xuanyuan Conferred Kingdom!"

"Xuanyuan Kingdom?"

Taken aback, Hong shi raised his head and stroked his beard, "I haven't been there for a period of time. My 3-star master teacher examination was taken there!"

"Now that Hong shi mentions it, I do remember the matter. Even though you were only there for less than three years, you towered over all of the master teachers of the kingdom with your talents!" Pavilion Master Kang replied after a moment of contemplation.

Even though Hong shi had already become an esteemed 5-star master teacher of Hongfeng Empire, he originated with Xuanyuan Kingdom, which resulted in his deep ties with Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have gone through the trouble to travel such a long distance to conduct a competition among the younger generation.

"Those are in the past now. But in any case, that person who crashed Xuanyuan Kingdom's Master Teacher Pavilion will probably be in for some pain!" Hong shi chuckled. "I've left a sliver of my will there. Even a 4-star master teacher would find it hard to successfully crash the pavilion."

"You left your will there? It'll be nigh impossible for the challenger to pass then..."

For a moment, Pavilion Master Kang was stunned before a bitter smile crept onto his face.

Pavilion Crashing wasn't just about defeating all of the current master teachers within the Master Teacher Pavilion. The greatest difficulty lay in answering the questions raised by the will of the preceding generations' master teachers.

Hong shi was a 5-star master teacher who possessed incredible means. Since he had left behind a sliver of his will in Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion, who could possibly crash the pavilion successfully?

Even Pavilion Master Kang himself, despite being the pavilion master of Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, would find it hard to succeed, not to mention, a person from a Conferred Kingdom.

"Some youngster hoped to earn prestige quickly through Pavilion Crashing, but how can it be that easy?"

Nodding his head, Hong shi suddenly recalled some matters about the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion and said, "In the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion, other than me, three other 4-star master teacher left behind their wills as well. To get to me, the challenger would have to pass their tests first!"

"Those three tests are probably more than enough to halt the challenger in his footsteps..."

Pavilion Master Kang nodded. Just as he was about to continue speaking, the ground shook once more, and the bell chimed for five times consecutively.

"That... That person successfully crashed the pavilion?"

For an instant, everyone froze.

From the start of the crash until now, it had only been ten minutes or so. To defeat the will of three 4-star master teachers and one 5-star master teacher in such a short period of time...

Wasn't that way too fast!

Hong shi was also stunned.

"Hurry up and find out who it is!"

A moment later, his lips quivered and he hurriedly instructed.

To answer the question raised by will in ten minutes and successfully crash the entire pavilion... How in the world did that person do it?

A huge commotion broke out within the entire Master Teacher Pavilion.

...

Hu!

While a huge commotion was going on in Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, in Xuanyuan Kingdom, Luo Qianhong was staring at the darkened Master Teacher Tower with a helpless look.

There were various steps to Pavilion Crashing. Firstly, one had to defeat all of the master teachers in the Master Teacher Pavilion.

He knew that there was no one in the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion who was a match for Zhang Xuan and there was no point in battling, so he immediately activated the Master Teacher Tower.

Retained within the Master Teacher Tower were the wills of predecessors. To successfully crash a pavilion, one had to walk from the bottom of the tower to the top and extinguish all of the lights in the midst.

Given that the tower was completely dark already, this meant that... Zhang Xuan had passed all of the tests and succeeded in his Pavilion Crashing.

Jiya!

A young man walked out from the tower gate.

Glancing at the young face which reflected an age below twenty, Luo Qianhong shook his head.

He had already guessed that the other party would succeed after his outstanding performance at the Heaven's Altar, but even so... he didn't expect the other party to succeed so quickly.

Those were the wills from a 5-star master teacher and three 4-star master teachers! To pass their tests in ten minutes, even a 5-star master teacher would be hard-pressed to do so!

What kind of monster was he?

"Since Zhang shi has succeeded in the Pavilion Crashing, the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion will listen to your commands."

Stepping forward, Luo Qianhong clasped his fist.

The rules had stated that the losing side of the Pavilion Crashing had to fulfill the demands of the winning side without any complaints.

"I require books and herbs regarding waking a dormant soul!" Zhang Xuan said.

The reason why he caused a ruckus on the Heaven's Altar and killed Crown Prince Ding Mu was to exact vengeance for Lu Chong.

"Zhang shi intends to attempt waking your student?" Luo Qianhong asked.

While Zhang Xuan was in the midst of crashing the pavilion, he had looked into the entire happenings from start to end. He felt great regret for listening to Ding Mu's lies, and at the same time, he found himself impressed by Zhang shi.

How deep of a relationship between a student and teacher must be for a student to be willing to put himself at risk for his teacher?

And for a teacher to cause a ruckus at a Conferred Kingdom and challenge a Master Teacher Pavilion for his student...

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Dormant soul... Honestly speaking, even our Master Teacher Pavilion isn't qualified to come into contact with information regarding souls. However..."

At this point, Luo Qianhong hesitated.

"Pavilion Master Luo, feel free to speak your mind." Zhang Xuan immediately replied.

"I do know that if one becomes a 7-star master teacher, one will gain the ability to influence one's consciousness and search souls! Other than that... there's an ancient occupation known as 'Soul Oracle'. If you were to find their inheritance, you might be able to learn their means and wake up your student's dormant soul!" Luo Qianhong said.

Zhang Xuan frowned.

"Soul oracle? What's that?"

Zhang Xuan had heard the matter regarding a 7-star master teacher being able to search one's soul and rouse a person's consciousness from Mo Yu, but he had never heard of a soul oracle before.

Despite reading so many books and assimilating so much knowledge, there was nothing on this topic at all.

"Soul oracle is a unique occupation that existed in ancient times. I've only heard about this from the predecessors, but it's said that the soul oracles were able to summon and gather souls through celestial dances. However, this occupation has already disappeared for more than ten thousand years, and it's regarded as a mere legend nowadays. As such, no one can tell what kind of abilities they possess for sure."

Luo Qianhong pondered for a moment before replying.

"It'll be easy for me to determine whether it's a legend or not!"

With a flick of his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out a book and wrote a line of words on it. After which, he placed his fingers on it and muttered 'flaws' in his head.

Weng!

For matters that couldn't be ascertained, Zhang Xuan would use this method to confirm its authenticity.

There was nothing that could elude the eyes of heavens. Its words of guarantee were more reliable and useful than anything else.

Casually flipping it open, Zhang Xuan's breathing began to hasten, and his fists subconsciously clenched together.

A line of words was written on the blank page, 'Soul oracles can summon and gather souls', and the book compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path didn't indicate any error with the statement.

In other words...

It was right!

To think that there would be an occupation capable of manipulating souls in this world!

Suppressing his agitation, Zhang Xuan asked, "Pavilion Master Luo, do you know where the inheritance of soul oracles can be found? Or where I can find books regarding the occupation?"

As long as he gathered sufficient books, he would be able to form a Heaven's Path manual and learn the occupation. It didn't matter much to him whether the inheritance was complete or not.

After a moment of contemplation, Luo Qianhong said, "I don't know where you can find the inheritance of soul oracle. However... recently, there have been rumors that a [Soulless Metal Humanoid] was found in Honghai City of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and an auction over it will be conducted in the next few days. The Soulless Metal Humanoid is known to be a product created by soul oracles. If they have truly left behind an inheritance, you might be able to find some clues on it."

"Honghai City?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

A map of Myriad Kingdom Alliance appeared in his head, and he immediately located Honghai City.

Even though Myriad Kingdom Alliance was known as an alliance, it was actually an empire ruling over all of the other kingdoms in the region.

The position of the 'alliance head' was somewhat similar to the position of an emperor in a kingdom.

Honghai City was a large city within the territory of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and its scale was on par with the capital, Myriad Kingdom City.

"Honghai City is known as the trading hub of the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance. The Soulless Metal Humanoid is known to be a special puppet crafted by ancient soul oracles to protect themselves at close proximity. Since one of them was found there, you might really find something there," Luo Qianhong said.

While the chances of unearthing the inheritance of the soul oracles were extremely slim, it still beats searching and engaging the help of a 7-star master teacher.

A 7-star master teacher could be considered to be a figure that stood at the pinnacle of this world. Putting aside how even the strongest experts of Myriad Kingdom Alliance had never met such a figure before, there was also no reason why a 7-star master teacher would go through the trouble of treating the student of an insignificant person like Zhang Xuan.

"Un!"

After hearing the other party's explanation, Zhang Xuan made up his mind. "Since I'm heading for Myriad Kingdom City anyway, I'll drop by Honghai City to take a look then!"

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Chapter 448: The Levels of Transcendent Mortal

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

A gigantic spirit beast glided through a sea of white clouds.

From the back of this gigantic spirit beast, Zhang Xuan glanced out of a window to peer into the distance.

This Transcendent Mortal 3-dan spirit beast was 'gongzi' Zhao Feiwu's mount.

Upon knowing that there was a clue to the inheritance of soul oracles in Honghai City, Zhang Xuan immediately gathered Zhao Ya and the others and left for Honghai City.

As Mo Yu was now the empress of Xuanyuan Kingdom, there were countless matters on her agenda, thus making it imperative that she remains in the capital. Before departing, Zhang Xuan instructed Luo Qianhong to take care of her.

Initially, Zhang Xuan intended to ride the Steelfang Howling Beast to Honghai City. However, after learning that it was over a million kilometers away, he immediately dropped the idea.

Given the Howling Firmament Beast's current speed as a Zhizun realm savage beast, even if it were to travel non-stop through the day and night, it would still take at least a month for it to cover the distance.

In comparison, Zhao Feiwu's Transcendent Mortal 3-dan mount was much faster. On top of that, its back was broad so it wasn't cramped even when the entire group was riding on it. Besides, Zhao Feiwu insisted on it, and Zhang Xuan couldn't find any reason to turn her down either.

To date, it was already the fifth day since they took off from Xuanyuan Royal City.

"Teacher, aren't you a poison master? Why did you become a subordinate of the envoy..."

It wasn't easy for Gu Mu to meet his teacher, so the duo started catching up. Gu Mu raised a doubt that he had been harboring in his mind ever since he learned of 'gongzi's' true identity.

Poison master was an occupation that left others trembling in fear, and most would choose to keep their distance. Given such, how did his teacher become a subordinate to this 'gongzi'?

"The reason why I left the Poison Hall back then was to exact vengeance. However, I fell into my enemy's trap instead, and even though I still managed to kill him in the end, I was severely injured in the process as well. It was 'gongzi's' father who saved me... In order to prevent others from learning of my identity as a poison master, I've been avoiding the use poison in public since then!" Jin Conghai said.

Just like what Gu Mu said, it was rare for a poison master to be subordinated to another. After all, even if poison masters were willing to be subordinated, considering their horrid reputation on the continent, who would be willing to take them in?

After Jin Conghai was saved by 'gongzi's' father, he had been serving the latter by his side. To prevent others from learning of his identity as a poison master, he chose to avoid the usage of poison, and it had been several years since then. In the eyes of others, he was nothing more than a diligent subordinate. Little did they know that a fearsome 4-star poison master hid beneath that cover.

"Teacher!"

On the other hand, Yuan Tao and the others walked over to Zhang Xuan.

After consuming the spirit beast blood essence, Yuan Tao's Emperor's Bloodline was further awakened, thus inducing a significant leap in his cultivation. With this, he caught up with Zhao Ya, who had been the strongest in the group with a cultivation of Zongshi realm pinnacle.

As for Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, Liu Yang, and Sun Qiang, Zhang Xuan gave them a lotus seed each.

Instead of raising their cultivation through Cultivation Impartation, he imparted them a simplified version of Heaven's Path Divine Art instead.

Even so, their cultivation increased by leaps and bounds. In just five days, they had smashed through multiple realms consecutively, thus reaching Zongshi realm primary stage.

Even though they were still slightly weaker than Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao, the foundations of their cultivation were strong and stable. More importantly, they hadn't even consumed a hundredth of the energy contained within the lotus seed.

By the time they fully absorb the energy contained within the lotus seed, they would be Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators as well.

Zhao Feiwu and the others suffered a breakdown when they saw Zhang Xuan giving away the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed so casually to his students and subordinates to enhance the growth of their cultivation. However, as the shocks piled up, they found themselves gradually building up an immunity to his inconceivable actions and feats.

To them, Zhang Xuan was a person who simply couldn't be measured through common sense.

Rather than racking their brains over it, they might as well just accept him as he is.

"Honghai City is right before us!"

Before long, a massive city appeared before everyone's sight.

From their height, the countless buildings beneath the sun looked no different from gleaming small dots.

The scale of Xuanyuan Royal City was astonishing, but it couldn't hold a candle against Honghai City. It was as though putting a remote mountainside village against a bustling city!

As expected of one of the largest cities of Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Putting everything aside, just the large and refined infrastructures reflected wealth far above that of a Conferred Kingdom.

"Honghai City is a trading hub where merchants from all over Myriad Kingdom Alliance, be it Xuanyuan Kingdom, Chihe Kingdom, or Liusu Kingdom, gather... Goods tend to fetch a higher price here, so the merchants from the various Conferred Kingdoms would export their goods here to earn a greater profit margin. Over time, Honghai City grew to become the most prosperous commercial city throughout the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance!" Zhao Feiwu explained.

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

There was some information on Honghai City among the books of Tianwu Kingdom's book collection vault. Known as the City of Merchants, most of the trade and interactions among the vassal kingdoms of Myriad Kingdom Alliance were conducted here.

In terms of prosperity, it even exceeded that of the capital, Myriad Kingdom City.

"Myriad Kingdom Alliance is of a significantly higher-tier than Xuanyuan Kingdom. Even though your strength has reached Half-Transcension and you can be considered rather strong for those around your age, it's best for you to remain careful here."

Zhao Feiwu advised with a grim expression. "The Honghai City Master Teacher Pavilion has a 4-star master teacher behind it. Even though he's only a 4-star intermediate master teacher, his true strength is at Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm, and he's not to be trifled with!"

"Yin-Yang realm?" Zhang Xuan asked.

He knew that above the Fighter realm was Transcendent Mortal, and that there were nine levels to it. However, he didn't know the details behind it.

"There is a total of 9 dans to Transcendent Mortals, and they are 1-dan Prolonged Longevity, 2-dan Origin Energy, 3-dan Yin-Yang, 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity, 5-dan Consonant Spirit, 6-dan Cosmos Bridge, 7-dan Perfect Harmonization, 8-dan Ethereal Treading, and 9-dan Chrysalis!"

Knowing that Zhang Xuan was unaware of the details about the Transcendent Mortal realm, Zhao Feiwu began explaining, "You should already be aware of Prolonged Longevity realm by now. While one's strength will remain at 100,000 ding throughout this realm, one's lifespan will increase by a fair amount with every breakthrough. The average lifespan of a Prolonged Longevity realm pinnacle cultivator is around two hundred years.

"At 2-dan Origin Energy realm, the zhenqi within a cultivator's body will be converted to Origin Energy, thus granting one the strength of manipulating the natural energy present in the environment. The beginning of another origin, the unraveling of a whole new world... There's a huge difference between zhenqi and Origin Energy. The former represented strength and one's existential potential whereas the latter allows one to tap into the power of nature to actualize the mysticisms of the world!

"Take for example, if an ordinary paper is infused with Origin Energy, it could gain 'spirit', enabling it to float in the air and dance by itself. Thus, Origin Energy realm is also known as Mystical Energy realm, in which, Origin Energy is equates to Mystical Energy.

"As for 3-dan Yin-Yang realm, the contrasting nature of yin and yang energy present in one's body will amalgamate, complementing the flaws of one another to bring forth greater power. As such, Yin-Yang realm cultivators are capable of drawing forth incredible destructive might! Take that cliff in the distance for example, a Yin-Yang realm cultivator would be able to easily crush it with a single fist."

Zhao Feiwu had a deep understanding of the various cultivation realms of Transcendent Mortal, and she began explaining them to Zhang Xuan.

"Destroying a cliff with a single fist?"

Zheng Yang and the others were dumbstruck.

They thought that the ability to hurl rocks weighing over a thousand kilograms at Zongshi realm was already an impressive feat.

There is a limit to a human's strength, and destroying a cliff with a single fist is far beyond the means of a human. That is already at the level of deities.

That is also why the Transcendent Mortal realm was known as the Divine realm. The strength Transcendent Mortals possess isn't something that mortal Fighters, or even Half-Transcension cultivators, can take on.

"And for Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity, as most would know, different cultivators will have different levels of purity for their Origin Energy and different weights for their soul. Cultivate diligently in this realm, and one will be able to bring up the purity of their Origin Energy. In other words, this is an opportunity for one to purify their Origin Energy (zhenqi). I believe you should understand the huge difference between an inferior zhenqi and an intermediate zhenqi!"

Zhao Feiwu chuckled as she continued, "Pavilion Master Kang of Myriad Kingdom City is a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, and his cultivation realm is at this level. Only one who has reached this level of cultivation can one tread fearlessly around Myriad Kingdom Alliance. As for 5-dan Consonant Spirit, it's only hearsay for me. It's already beyond the level of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, so I'm not too sure about the details either."

"I see!"

Zhang Xuan nodded.

The 9 dans of Transcendent Mortal is similar to the 9 dans of Fighter. The progression through Transcendent Mortal realm can be considered to be a layer stacking over the previous, and there are no shortcuts to it. The only way to advance is through ceaseless diligence and perseverance.

But to Zhang Xuan, it was just a matter of finding sufficient cultivation technique manuals to form the corresponding Heaven's Path Divine Art.

"We're here, let's alight!"

Amidst their conversation, they finally arrived at Honghai City. The spirit beast flapped its wings gently as it gradually descended to the ground.

Just like the other cities, one needed to pay a toll fee to enter the city. Zhang Xuan flashed his master teacher emblem and he was exempted from the fee.

The broad streets of Honghai City were bustling, and one could see all kinds of objects being sold everywhere.

Phantom pinnacle weapons, the strongest weapon tier among the possessions of the wealthy Lin Clan, could be found easily in any shop in the area.

"Gold coins are technically useless in Honghai City. The currencies that are most commonly used here are Tutelage Jade Tokens and spirit stones," Zhao Feiwu said. "The Tutelage Jade Token of master teachers are valued based on the rank of the issuer. A 4-star master teacher Jade Tutelage Token is equivalent to a hundred from a 3-star master teacher, and a 3-star master teacher's Jade Tutelage Token is equivalent to a hundred from a 2-star master teacher, so on and so forth. As for spirit stones, a 3-star master teacher's Tutelage Jade Token is worth around ten of them!"

"One can use Tutelage Jade Tokens for trading?"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

It was no wonder why master teachers were so well-respected around here. To think that even their lesson time was regarded as a currency! Even if one wasn't interested in cultivating, there is no reason for one to shun money.

But thinking deeper into it, it did make sense.

The guidance of a master teacher could solve the various problems and hiccups that cultivators meet during their training. Putting aside two hours, even just a few minutes of guidance could play a pivotal role toward a cultivator's breakthrough.

Given the value of these Tutelage Jade Tokens, it wasn't surprising for it to be traded as a form of currency.

After listening to Zhao Feiwu's introduction of Honghai City and gaining a deeper understanding of it, Zhang Xuan asked, "I heard that a Soulless Metal Humanoid has been uncovered in this area. If I wish to find where it's sold, where should I go?"

"A treasure as invaluable as the Soulless Metal Humanoid would usually be auctioned by the Appraiser Hall. If I'm not wrong, it should be within the Appraiser Hall at the moment!" Zhao Feiwu pondered for a moment before replying.

"Appraiser Hall?" Zhang Xuan asked. "Is it the guild for appraisers?"

Back in Tianxuan Kingdom, Zhang Xuan had once met a 'master appraiser'... Mo Yang.

That fellow was only an apprentice, but he impersonated a master appraiser to scam others for money.

And unfortunately, many fell for his deception.

Even though appraiser was only a Middle Nine Paths occupation, due to their ability to determine the value of treasures, it was an exceptionally popular profession.

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