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

18. 545

Library of Heaven's Path #Chapter 545: Yin-Yang Lake - Read Library of Heaven's Path Chapter 545: Yin-Yang Lake Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 545: Yin-Yang Lake

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Occupations of the Upper Nine Paths are strict on their rankings, and those that they are willing to make an exception for are all, without a doubt, top-notch geniuses. I thought that Zhang shi's capability as a master teacher was already impressive... but to think that he was equally amazing in other occupations as well!"

"Indeed! Three of the top Upper Nine Paths occupation actually made an exception and promoted him to 4-star... His talent is no longer something that can be summarized with just 'genius' anymore!"

"That's too formidable..."

Everyone in the room was stunned.

If one were to achieve proficiency far beyond ordinary men in an occupation, one could already be considered as a genius. But the person before them, not only was he young, he actually managed to achieve such astounding proficiency in five occupations... Truly, it was a wonder how he studied so much.

The crowd couldn't help but feel despair when comparing their achievement to the young man before them.

"Since the other occupations have made an exception, why can't our Master Teacher Pavilion? Zhang shi's performance should make him more than qualified as a 4-star master teacher!"

Su shi couldn't help but say.

"Indeed!" Ling shi agreed. "Given that Zhang shi already had more than five 4-star occupations, even though his cultivation is lacking, I believe that he is still more than qualified as a 4-star master teacher!"

Not only must a 4-star master teacher possess four 4-star supporting occupation, more importantly, one had to possess the cultivation of a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan.

Even though Zhang shi's cultivation was lacking at the moment, given how the other Upper Nine Paths occupations were willing to make an exception to grant him a 4-star emblem, how couldn't the respected Master Teacher Pavilion do so as well?

"This..." Pavilion Master Kang hesitated.

Indeed! Since the other occupations were willing to go to such extents, why couldn't the Master Teacher Pavilion do so as well?

After a momentary pause, Pavilion Master Kang said, "Alright, I'll send a request to the headquarters immediately..."

Before Pavilion Master Kang could finish his words, Zhang Xuan abruptly asked, "Hold on a moment. The reason why you can't give me a 4-star master teacher emblem straight despite the supporting occupations I have, is it due to my cultivation?"

"Un!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded.

"There's no need to go through so much trouble for that. I'll just make a breakthrough on the spot!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Make a breakthrough on the spot? Cough cough..."

Su shi and Ling shi were dumbfounded.

Even if you were at Transcendent Mortal 1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm pinnacle, it shouldn't be that easy for you to make a breakthrough. After all, to achieve a breakthrough, you have to convert the zhenqi in your body into Origin Energy to harmonize better with the environment.

"Zhang shi, there's no need to rush. You must be careful when making a breakthrough into Origin Energy realm so as to not affect the quality of your Origin Energy. A higher quality Origin Energy will prove to be beneficial to your future cultivation. It would be best if you can accumulate some more experience first.

Pavilion Master Kang advised. However, before he could finish his words, the young man before him suddenly frowned.

Hong long!

A sound reminiscent of an egg cracking sounded from his body. In an instant, the bottleneck which had restrained him suddenly gave way, and a majestic aura gradually emerged from within.

"Origin Energy realm..."

Pavilion Master Kang's body trembled as he swallowed his words.

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He could clearly feel that the other party had managed to achieve a breakthrough...

Others would need to find a quiet and safe place to condition their state before attempting a breakthrough... Yet, this fellow simply did it right after saying he would do so... Do you need to be so savage?

After successfully making a breakthrough, Zhang Xuan said nonchalantly, "Alright, there's no need to feel conflicted about it anymore. Since I'm already an Origin Energy realm cultivator, I've already met the conditions!"

He was already ready to make a breakthrough to the next realm by the time he was at the soul oracle tomb. Back at Pavilion Master Kang's room, he had gathered sufficient Transcendent Mortal 2-dan cultivation technique manuals for him to compile the correct Heaven's Path Divine Art. Under such circumstances, achieving a breakthrough hinged on just a single thought.

"Alright..."

Seeing that the other party achieved a breakthrough so easily without any hiccups, the entire hall fell silent.

Fu Xiaochen trembled violently, unable to utter a single word.

Right after he'd doubted the other party's supporting occupation, heads of the Upper Nine Paths guilds rushed into the hall to present him his emblem. And after which, when he doubted the other party's cultivation... the other party immediately achieved a breakthrough for him...

It was truly impossible to speak to someone like that. Otherwise, he would slap your face once every few minutes, and not to mention, it was the type that would leave you tongue-tied and stifled.

When everything else was done, the remaining portion was simple. Not too long later, an emblem representing Zhang Xuan's identity was presented to him.

The current him was an official 4-star master teacher recognized by the Master Teacher Pavilion.

"Zhang shi and Ruohuan, follow me. I'll tell you two the details of the Master Teacher Tournament!"

When all was done, Pavilion Master Kang beckoned them over.

Leaving the hall, the trio entered a room.

"I believe you all should more or less know some details regarding the Master Teacher Tournament!" Pavilion Master Kang said.

"Un!" The duo nodded their heads.

"The Master Teacher Tournament is an event supported by the Huanyu Empire Master Teacher Pavilion. The content of the tournament changes each time, and if one were to get into the top ten, not only would one earn middle-tier spirit stones as a reward, one will even be given an opportunity to study at 'Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy'," Pavilion Master Kang said.

"Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy?" Jun Ruohuan's breathing hastened.

"Un!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head.

Seeing the agitation on the expression of the other two, Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

"Is that academy famous?"

"Famous?"

Pavilion Master Kang shook his head with a bitter smile. "Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy is established in joint by Hongyuan Empire and the hundred or so Tier 2 Empire Master Teacher Pavilions under them. It's a cradle for 4-star master teachers, and its purpose is to accept and groom talented master teachers. 6-star master teachers conduct lessons personally there to answer their queries. If only I could study in there, I would have long become a 5-star master teacher already!"

"A place to groom talented master teachers?" Zhang Xuan was astounded.

His alternate identity, Yang Xuan, was mistaken by others as a 6-star master teacher. In truth, he had never seen a master teacher of that tier before.

But even so, he knew how fearsome a person who had reached such level would be.

If one were to receive the guidance from such a person, one's cultivation and fighting prowess would surely rise by leaps and bounds.

Putting everything aside, Mo Hunsheng who was trapped in the lotus was just a 6-star soul oracle, but he already possessed such incredible means, so one could only imagine the strength of a master teacher at that level.

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"Originally, I only hoped for our Master Teacher Pavilion to not rank in the bottom few. However, with Zhang shi on our side this time, I hope that... you can try to vie for the top ten!" Pavilion Master Kang said with a serious expression.

Zhang Xuan's performance today had awed him. His expectations couldn't help but rise, and a ray of hope emerged within him... It no longer seemed like a dream for the Myriad Kingdom Alliance to get into the top ten!

If they were to really get into top ten, then as the pavilion master then, his name would go down into history. Perhaps, he might even get the opportunity to be dispatched to the Huanyu Empire Master Teacher Pavilion, thus receiving even better cultivation resources to reach higher realms.

"Top ten?"

Ruohuan gongzi clenched his fists tightly together.

"However, top ten won't be easy at all. Even though the other powers participating in the Master Teacher Tournament have already arrived in the city, they have done well concealing the identity of their participants. Thus, even I haven't managed to gather too much information!"

Even so, Pavilion Master Kang knew the immense difficulty in doing so. "Based on the records in the previous tournaments, one's cultivation will be tested in the tournament as well. It is nearly impossible to get into the top ten without reaching a cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan intermediate-stage."

"Transcendent Mortal 4-dan intermediate stage?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"Indeed. This is why I hope that you can use the next two months to work hard on your cultivation!"

Pavilion Master Kang looked at the duo with glowing eyes. "As such, I've decided to bring you two to the Yin-Yang Lake to cultivate tomorrow!"

"Yin-Yang Lake? Teacher, do you mean the Yin-Yang Lake of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain?"

Ruohuan gongzi hurriedly turned to look at his teacher.

"That's right! Where else can one find the Yin-Yang Lake other than in the Origin Flame Glacier Plain?" Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head.

"But... Isn't the Origin Flame Glacier Plain on bad terms with our Myriad Kingdom City? Would they really allow us to use your Yin-Yang Lake?" Ruohuan gongzi asked doubtfully.

"There's no need to worry about that. I've already negotiated the matter with their old ancestor, and as long as you can pass their selection test, you will be allowed to cultivate in the Yin-Yang Lake! The Yin-Yang Lake harnesses the two attributes of yin and yang. On one end is bone-piercing chill whereas on the other end is searing heat. One will be able to control the energy in one's body by cultivating in it. This makes it easier for one to comprehend higher realms, thus hastening one's rate of cultivation. This is exceptionally useful for those who possess unique constitutions like Pure Yin and Pure Yang Body," Pavilion Master Kang said.

"Pure Yin and Pure Yang Body..." Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

"Indeed. The Yin-Yang Lake is divided into yin and yang. It has the effect of stimulating and thus, awakening the constitution of those possessing a Pure Yin or Pure Yang Body, inducing a huge rise in their cultivation. However... it is a pity that those who possess these two constitutions are truly rare," Pavilion Master Kang lamented.

"This..." Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

Pure Yin and Pure Yang Bodies are indeed rare, but... Zhao Ya's happened to be the former!

Despite only awakening her unique constitution by twenty percent, she already possessed such formidable might. Since this Yin-Yang Lake was useful to her, perhaps he could bring her along to vie for an opportunity for her?

Otherwise, if it came down to it, Zhang Xuan was willing to give up his own slot for the latter as well... Honestly speaking, Zhang Xuan didn't really think the Yin-Yang Lake would make much of a difference to him. After all, as long as he was able to form the Heaven's Path Divine Art and had sufficient spirit stones in his possession, cultivation was as simple as eating and drinking to him. Putting aside Transcendent Mortal 4-dan, as long as he had sufficient quantities of the two, reaching Transcendent Mortal 9-dan in a day wasn't a problem at all!

"However, the Yin-Yang Lake is located at the utmost south of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. It's a long distance away, and even riding on a 4-dan pinnacle aerial spirit beast, just the journey there in itself would take almost a dozen days. If we were to factor in the time required for you to cultivate, the entire trip would take at least forty days. As such, if you don't have any issue, we'll set off tomorrow morning. After all, we have to make it back here before the Master Teacher Tournament," Pavilion Master Kang said with a grim expression.

"No problem!" Zhang Xuan and Ruohuan gongzi nodded their heads.

After hearing the mystical effects of the Yin-Yang Lake, Zhang Xuan was actually rather curious to see it for himself. Also, since it was extremely useful to awakening Zhao Ya's unique constitution, as long as long as he could vie for an opportunity for her to enter the Yin-Yang Lake, her cultivation might soar by leaps and bounds.

"Alright then. The two of you should return for now to make preparations. We'll meet here tomorrow morning!"

After Pavilion Master Kang was done with the briefing, he dismissed the two.

"Alright!" The duo nodded their heads.

Leaving the room, Zhang Xuan immediately returned back to his residence and called Zhao Ya over.

"Tomorrow, I'll take you to a place that would be useful in awakening your constitution so prepare yourself!"

After which, Zhang Xuan returned to his room. Given that the trip would take more than a month, the urgent matter at hand for him was to raise his cultivation as soon as possible. For the time being, he should at least try to reach Origin Energy realm pinnacle first!

Thus, activating the Spirit Gathering Formation, he sat down. Flicking his wrist, a middle-tier spirit stone appeared before him.

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Chapter 546: Elder Hu

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Gu gu gu gu!

Pure zhenqi seeped through Zhang Xuan's entire body along his meridians, through his acupoints, headed straight toward his dantian. Driving the Transcendent Mortal 2-dan Heaven's Path Divine Art, Zhang Xuan fell into a tranquil state, and his aura slowly hiked up.

Origin Energy realm primary stage!

Origin Energy realm intermediate stage!

...

If someone else were to see his pace of cultivation, they would immediately fall into a frenzy.

They had spent innumerable years of hard work just to raise their cultivation, but Zhang Xuan seemed to do the same as easily as eating and drinking. The concept of 'difficult' and 'bottleneck' didn't seem to apply to him at all.

...

In a luxurious mansion in the Myriad Kingdom City, a young man stood at the entrance of the courtyard, loitering around anxiously.

If Zhang Xuan was here, he would definitely be able to recognize the other party as the wealthy customer who often bought from him, Song Chao.

After loitering to and fro for several times, Song Chao couldn't help but turn to the guard at the entrance and ask, "When will elder come out of his seclusion?"

"I've no idea as well! After meeting with Song shi the previous time, elder immediately went into seclusion. Since then, he hasn't come out at all!" the guard replied.

"Alright..."

After obtaining the grade-7 Metal Coffin, Song Chao immediately rushed to this courtyard to look for the elder, only to learn that the latter was currently in seclusion. Thus, he could only wait for the latter to return. Who knew that this wait would have taken him several days.

In any case, he did expect the elder to immerse himself in the research of the Soulless Metal Humanoid after obtaining it.

"Forget it, I'll return for now first!"

Since the other party was in seclusion, it wasn't good for him to simply barge in. Helpless, he decided to leave for now. However, before he barely took a few steps, 'jiya!', the door behind him opened.

"Haha!"

Turning around, Song Chao saw an old man walking out of the room with a bright smile.

He hurried forward and bowed to the latter with clasped fists.

"Paying respects to Elder Hu!"

Stroking his beard, Elder Hu said with a smile, "You came at the right time! The Soulless Metal Humanoid you gave me is indeed not bad. After studying for numerous days, I've benefited greatly from it! If I can reach Consonant Spirit realm because of this, I'll make sure to reward you greatly!"

Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm was a difficult hurdle of the Transcendent Mortal realm due to how intricately it was tied with the study of souls.

He had been trapped in Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle for a very long time already. He had tried many ways to achieve a breakthrough, but all of them turned out to be futile. Thus, when Song Chao delivered a Soulless Metal Humanoid to him just a period ago, he immediately studied it intensely as though it was his only lifeline.

Soulless Metal Humanoids were the personal bodyguards of the ancient soul oracles, and the secret behind souls could be uncovered from them. Even though he was still unable to comprehend how these Soulless Metal Humanoids could be formed, he was able to gain a deeper insight into the concept of souls. This would prove to be greatly beneficial to his future breakthrough into the Consonant Spirit realm.

"Elder, you're being too courteous. I'm glad that this artifact is useful to you..." Song Chao hurriedly nodded.

"Un!" Hearing the other party's humble words, Elder Hu nodded his head in satisfaction. "For you to pay me so many visits in the past few days, did something happen?"

Even though he was in seclusion, he still maintained some basic awareness of his surroundings.

Song Chao hurriedly nodded his head. "I met that person who sold me the Soulless Metal Humanoid just a few days ago. This time, he offered me the grade-7 Metal Coffin which is used to store Soulless Metal Humanoids. Thinking that it might be beneficial for elder's study... I bought it down!"

"Grade-7 Metal Coffin? A coffin used to house Soulless Metal Humanoid? Where is it? Show me!"

Elder Hu's eyes lit up and his breathing hastened.

As he was unable to achieve a breakthrough for such a long period of time, he chose to turn his attention to the study of souls. After years of research, he had learnt quite a bit about the subject. In his research, he had stumbled by the subject of soul oracles and thus, he understood the significance of this coffin.

If he had obtained these items earlier, he would have enjoyed a much greater improvement in the past few days. Even if he was still unable to reach Consonant Spirit realm, his soul would at least become much stronger than before.

"Yes!"

Flicking his wrist, a massive coffin appeared before them.

It was the coffin that Zhang Xuan sold to him for one middle-tier spirit stone back at the herb garden.

"To think that it's a grade-7 Metal Coffin in perfect condition..." Seeing the inscriptions on the coffin, Elder Hu's eyes slowly grew brighter and brighter.

The soul oracles had entrusted blacksmiths to forge these coffins specially for their Soulless Metal Humanoid, and they had the effect of maintaining a Soulless Metal Humanoid in its peak condition for millenniums to come.

"Based on the words of the seller, this coffin was the one used to house the Soulless Metal Humanoid in elder's hands!" Song Chao continued.

"Oh..."

Elder Hu nodded his head. After assessing the coffin carefully, he raised his head and said, "The person who sold those things to you... Where is he? Did you ask him where he obtained those items from?"

"That... I didn't!" Song Chao shook his head.

Under the other party's Impartation of Heaven's Will, he would lose all basic critical thinking ability. Every single meeting would only end with him forking out spirit stones. Under such circumstances, how was he supposed to ask anything at all?

"You didn't ask?" Elder Hu frowned.

Recalling the words that the young man said that day, Song Chao hurriedly replied, "Even though I didn't ask, I know that there are at least three more of such Soulless Metal Humanoids and grade-7 Metal Coffins in his possession. In fact... it seems like he even has the higher tier... Crimson Metal Coffin!"

"Do you mean that 'shattered by none the lock of Crimson Metal, undisturbed a rest for ten millenniums'... The coffin that even Transcendent Mortal 9-dan experts are unable break open, and is used to store a soul oracle's physical body?"

Elder Hu's breathing hastened as his eyes lit up.

A Grade-7 Metal Coffin was only a tool used to store Soulless Metal Humanoid. On the other hand, the Crimson Metal Coffin was something that was used to store the body of the soul oracle himself. Even though they were both coffins, the value of the latter was definitely much greater than the former!

That fellow actually had such good stuff?

"Yes!" Song Chao nodded his head.

"Great! Where is he? Is he selling that Crimson Metal Coffin? What does he want for it?" Elder Hu hurriedly asked.

"That... He intends to sell the Crimson Metal Coffin, just that... I didn't have sufficient money on me then, so I couldn't afford it. Putting everything aside, just this grade-7 Metal Coffin is already worth an entire middle-tier spirit stone..." Song Chao said.

"The grade-7 Metal Coffin is the work of a 4-star craftsman, and it has the effect of maintaining the physical condition of a Soulless Metal Humanoid for millenniums to come. Not only is it not expensive, it is in fact rather cheap! Not bad!"

Elder Hu nodded his head.

Given that it was the work of a 4-star craftsman, and considering the precious materials involved and the secret of soul oracles hidden within it, a middle-tier spirit stone was indeed relatively cheap in comparison.

This was an extremely fair price.

Hearing that he made a fair trade, Song Chao heaved a sigh of relief before asking, "So... does Elder Hu intend to buy it?"

"This is a rare opportunity, we have to obtain it. However... you should also know that even though I am an elder, my stipends are limited. Since a grade-7 Metal Coffin is worth a middle-tier spirit stones, nothing needs to be said about the Crimson Metal Coffin. Even I... am unable to fork out such a price!"

Even though Elder Hu was excited, he didn't allow it to get ahead of himself.

The annual stipends of an elder wasn't unlimited. The number of middle-tier spirit stones he had at hand was extremely limited.

The elder couldn't help but ask, "Right, have you tried buying it with Tutelage Jade Tokens?"

"Tutelage Jade Token? The person selling it is a master teacher himself, and his rank... can only be higher than mine. He won't want the jade tokens..."

Song Chao smiled bitterly.

Back then, when he intended to buy the Rousing From the Drunken Dreams on the auction, the other party refused to sell the work for anything other than spirit stones. After learning that Zhang shi was the seller, he immediately understood the reason.

The other party was a master teacher himself, and chances were that he had an even more formidable teacher above him. While Tutelage Jade Tokens were incomparably valuable to ordinary cultivators, to master teachers like them, their value was negligible.

It was just like how an owner of a gold mine wouldn't want to trade his possessions just to earn back gold.

"Master teacher?" Elder Hu was taken baack.

If the other party wasn't a master teacher, there was a variety of means they could use-guiding the other party or accepting the other party as his student. However, given that the other party was a master teacher like them, the things that they could do both on the surface and beneath the surface would become terribly limited.

The Master Teacher Pavilion was an organization to govern and protect master teachers. If they were to be caught doing harm on the other party for greed, their entire sect would suffer the wrath of the headquarters.

After a moment of hesitation, Elder Hu said, "Never mind, where is he now? I'll talk to him and ask him for the price of the Crimson Metal Coffin. This way, I can make preparations."

The safest and only viable method available was to buy it. It was fortunate that the other party had the intentions to sell it.

"He's currently in the guest residence of Myriad Kingdom Alliance's Alliance Head Residence!" Song Chao said.

While he had been visiting Elder Hu the past few days, he had been keeping a lookout for Zhang Xuan's whereabouts.

After leaving the herb garden, Zhang Xuan didn't hide his whereabouts. Given how even Su shi and the others were able to easily hear of the other party's whereabouts, it wasn't too difficult for him to do so as well.

"Alright then. Prepare the mounts, we'll head over!"

Elder Hu nodded his head.

...

Hu!

Zhang Xuan finally came to a stop.

"There isn't sufficient spiritual energy..."

Zhang Xuan thought that a middle-tier spirit stone should be more than sufficient for him to reach Origin Energy realm pinnacle. But from the looks of it now, he was still underestimating his spiritual energy consumption rate.

Along with the rise in his cultivation, the spiritual energy he needed to make a breakthrough was increasing exponentially. A middle-tier spirit stone only could fuel him up to Origin Energy realm advanced stage. He was still quite a distance away from reaching pinnacle.

"I'll need at least two more middle-tier spirit stone before reaching pinnacle!"

Making a rough calculation, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

The spirit stone he had obtained from Hall Master Han was used up in the midst of cultivating his soul, and this spirit stone turned out to be insufficient to raise his zhenqi cultivation as well. Where was he supposed to find more middle-tier spirit stones?

He thought that he could be considered wealthy already. In the end, as soon as he started cultivating, he ended up being plagued by the issue of lack of spirit stones once again.

On top of that, the Soulrouse Grass also requires huge amount of energy to bloom as well. Based on Zhang Xuan's estimations, the energy required was much greater than the amount needed for him to reach Origin Energy realm pinnacle.

"I really have to find some way to earn some money..."

Rubbing his glabella, Zhang Xuan stood up.

Earning money... It was easier said than done. What was he supposed to do about it?

There were only a few middle-tier spirit stones in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's Alliance Head Residence, needless to say, other powers with the Myriad Kingdom Alliance wouldn't have as much.

'Forget it, I should head to the Yin-Yang Lake first. Based on what Pavilion Master Kang said, the area is rich in spiritual energy, making it extremely apt for one's cultivation. Perhaps, I might be able to raise my cultivation even without using spirit stones...' Zhang Xuan thought.

Since it was a precious ground that enhanced one's rate of cultivation, perhaps he would be able to raise his cultivation even without using spirit stones.

"But before that, I should try to obtain the Transcendent Mortal 3-dan cultivation manual of Heaven's Path Divine Art first!"

Only with a cultivation technique could he raise his cultivation to higher heights. It would be a tragedy if the conditions there turned to be really beneficial to his cultivation, but he didn't have the required cultivation technique to raise his cultivation.

"There are many of such cultivation techniques in the Master Teacher Pavilion. As a 4-star master teacher, I have the qualifications to browse through them now!"

In terms of quantity of cultivation technique manuals and battle technique manuals, there was nowhere that could surpass the Master Teacher Pavilion's library.

In any case, Zhang Xuan was already a 4-star master teacher, so he had the qualifications to browse through all of the books. Since he had time now, he decided to head over to take a look.

Thinking so, he stood up and walked out.

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Chapter 547: Ruohuan on the Verge of Crying

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Right after Zhang Xuan left, Song Chao and Elder Hu arrived at the residence.

After waiting for several hours, they could only leave regretfully.

Right when the duo was waiting, Zhang Xuan arrived at the Master Teacher Pavilion's library.

As the center of the entire alliance, Myriad Kingdom City was both an economic powerhouse and a martial arts hub. Secret manuals were something that was never and would never be in short supply here.

Upon entering the library, Zhang Xuan immediately saw rows and rows of bookshelves extending beyond the limit of his sight.

In terms of quantity, even the humongous library he had visited in Honghai City was far from a match with this.

'With so many books, I won't be able to duplicate all of them without several days of effort even if I were to go full throttle...' Zhang Xuan contemplated.

Given that he was heading to the Yin-Yang Lake with Pavilion Master Kang the next day, even if he were to give it his all, it was clearly impractical for him to duplicate everything in his Library of Heaven's Path within the limited time he had.

'Forget it, I should just focus on cultivation techniques for now!'

Knowing the impossibility of the matter, he decided to focus on the bookshelves relating to cultivation techniques and battle techniques.

As a 4-star master teacher, he had access to all of the resources in the Master Teacher Pavilion. Soon, he found the area where Transcendent Mortal 3-dan cultivation techniques were placed.

With just a glance, Zhang Xuan could tell there was more than a thousand books here.

'Flaws!'

Muttering beneath his breath, he placed his finger on the first book and started collecting the books.

'Compile!'

Soon, a complete Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Heaven's Path Divine Art appeared before Zhang Xuan's eyes.

Without sufficient spirit stones, he was still unable to cultivate it at the moment. Thus, he proceeded forward, hoping to find Transcendent Mortal 4-dan cultivation technique manuals.

But after looking around, he couldn't help but shake his head.

There were indeed Transcendent Mortal 4-dan cultivation technique manuals here, but there were only a hundred books or so. He was still a long way from compiling a complete Heaven's Path Divine Art.

But considering that the strongest expert in Myriad Kingdom Alliance was only at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan, such books were likely to be carefully hoarded by the various powers in the alliance. As such, it was already rather impressive that the Master Teacher Pavilion had a hundred of such books.

'Now to see whether there are any books on soul here...'

Even so, Zhang Xuan didn't wallow in his disappointment. He quickly moved on to look for soul secret manuals.

Having received Mo Hunsheng's inheritance, Zhang Xuan had learned the cultivation technique of soul oracles. However, as there were flaws in the manuals from Transcendent Mortal 3-dan and onward, he only cultivated his soul until Transcendent Mortal 2-dan.

Since there were all kinds of books here, there just might be some manual on souls that might be useful to him here. If he were to compile it along with his existing knowledge, he just might be able to form higher level Heaven's Path Soul Art.

The rise in the cultivation of a soul also boosted his strength as well.

Zhang Xuan looked around as he walked between the shelves, and a long period of time later, he finally stopped.

"'Ways of Strengthening Your Soul', 'What You Have to Know About Consonant Spirit Realm', 'How to Cultivate Your Soul in Clarifying Turbidity Realm'... These are notes from master teachers of previous generations!"

Zhang Xuan's hands brushed across the books.

The soul oracle inheritance had been terminated so it was impossible to find their cultivation techniques anywhere. However, many experts had left behind notes regarding the tempering of one's soul as it was a fundamental condition for reaching Consonant Spirit Realm.

Even though the noted had little to do with soul oracles, they detailed the profound secret of souls. As such, they could be used to fill up the gaps in the soul oracle's cultivation techniques.

Thus, Zhang Xuan began collecting all of these books, and around eleven hours later, he finally managed to collect several thousand of books on the introduction and tempering of souls.

Having overexerted himself in the process, Zhang Xuan's body felt heavy and he was on the verge of sleeping already. Even so, his eyes were glowing in excitement.

"Compile!"

After conditioning his state for a moment, he immersed his consciousness into the Library of Heaven's Path and fused the knowledge in the books along with the inheritance of the soul oracles.

"Hmm? I have the Heaven's Path Soul Art for both Transcendent Mortal 3-dan and 4-dan..."

After double checking the results, Zhang Xuan's eyes glowed in agitation.

He was only giving it a try since there was no better method he could think of. In truth, he hadn't thought it was likely to succeed. Yet, the effects exceeded his expectations. He had managed to complete the Transcendent Mortal 3-dan and 4-dan of Heaven's Path Soul Art in a single go.

In other words, as long as he had sufficient middle-tier spirit stones, his soul cultivation could easily reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan!

"Not bad..."

Zhang Xuan's lips curled up into a smile.

Even though it was a disappointment that he couldn't compile the perfect Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Heaven's Path Divine Art, the results weren't too bad since he'd managed to complete Transcendent Mortal 3-dan and 4-dan of the Heaven's Path Soul Art.

"To think that a night has already passed..."

Unknowingly, while looking for the cultivation technique manuals, a night had already passed.

Walking out of the library, the sun was already high up in the sky, glaring down at him.

"Zhang shi, you're finally out. The pavilion master is waiting for you at the backyard..."

An apprentice walked up to inform Zhang Xuan.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head before walking over to the backyard. It seemed like Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi had already been waiting for some for him already.

"Alright, let's head off!"

Seeing Zhang Xuan walking over, Pavilion Master Kang raised his hand and a massive beast slowly landed on the ground.

It was a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle aerial spirit beast. Most probably, it was the private of Pavilion Master Kang or the Master Teacher Pavilion.

"Ah, hold on for a moment. I would like to bring a student along with me..." Zhang Xuan said.

"A student?"

Pavilion Master Kang frowned. "The Origin Flame Glacier Plain isn't under the jurisdiction of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. It's an independent power, and I had to pay a heavy price before I could obtain these two slots for you two..."

If he could bring people to the Origin Flame Glacier Plain freely, he would have surely brought Fu Xiaochen and the others over long ago. There would be no need for him to waste time on a selection beforehand, cutting it so close for the Master Teacher Tournament.

It was due to the limit that he'd had to go through so much trouble.

"Only two slots? It's impossible to add another person in?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"That won't do. In fact, the two slots are not guaranteed-you all have to undergo the tests of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain first. If it was that easy to negotiate with the Origin Flame Glacier Plain, the master teachers of our Master Teacher Pavilion would be much stronger than they are now. At the very least, we wouldn't be ranking at the bottom in nearly every tournament!"

Pavilion Master Kang smiled bitterly.

"If that's the case... I'll pass on my opportunity to my student then," Zhang Xuan said.

As long as he had sufficient middle-tier spirit stones, it didn't make a difference to him whether he entered the Yin-Yang Lake or not. Since there were only two slots, he would rather pass the chance on to Zhao Ya. After all, this was a rare opportunity for her to further awaken her unique constitution.

"This won't do. You're Myriad Kingdom Alliance's greatest hope in the Master Teacher Tournament, how can you pass on such an opportunity!"

Upon hearing the decision Zhang Xuan made, Pavilion Master Kang quickly refuted his words.

Are you joking?

I'm still waiting for you to break the records in the Master Teacher Tournament. If you don't go to the Yin-Yang Lake, wouldn't the heavy price I paid for this opportunity go to waste?

"My student has to come along!" Zhang Xuan said resolutely. "How about this? If the other party make things difficult for you, I can negotiate with him on your behalf."

"This..."

Pavilion Master Kang shook his head. "You're underestimating the men of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. If it's that easy to negotiate with them, I would have surely tried to obtain more slots. But actually, they aren't to be blamed for this. There's a fundamental limit to the number of the people who can enter the Yin-Yang Lake every time it opens. It isn't even enough for their own use, let alone, outsiders like us."

Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement.

Having read many books, he knew that many of such natural blessed lands had a fundamental limit to them. If too many people were to cultivate on such lands, it was very easy for the place to 'dry up'.

As such, a limit was imposed in view of its long-term sustainability.

"Forget it, you should bring your student along with you for now; I'll negotiate with them later. We'll think of another solution if that fails!"

Seeing the resolute attitude of the young man, Pavilion Master Kang rubbed his glabella and said.

"Un, let's give it try first. Perhaps, we might really be able to get an additional slot!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

While walking there, Zhang Xuan had seen many different things. He had also realized many things that others deemed to be impossible. Even if the men of the Origin Flame Glacier Plains were to be difficult, Zhang Xuan was confident that he could find a flaw in the other party and exploit that to resolve the situation.

"Un!"

Having come to a decision, Zhang Xuan sent an apprentice to call Zhao Ya over. After which, the four of them got onto the back of a spirit beast and flew toward Myriad Kingdom City.

Yesterday, when he returned to the residence, he had entrusted the Demon Cinque Beast with the responsibility of overlooking the safety of the others. Given its immense strength and Zhang Xuan's identity as a 4-star master teacher, there shouldn't be anyone so blind as to harm his students.

Not to mention, Zhao Feiwu, the princess of the alliance, was looking after them as well.

Thus, there was no need for Zhang Xuan to worry for the safety of Zheng Yang and the others.

As for the Soulrouse Grass, as it couldn't be placed in his storage ring, he didn't bring it along with him. Instead, he had Wang Ying and Sun Qiang take care of it. Given their meticulous personality, it should be in safe hands.

This departure was, in truth, a secret of sorts. Even the other master teachers in the Master Teacher Pavilion didn't know about this. Otherwise, if news were to leak out and the other powers tried to hinder them, things might turn out to be disastrous.

But of course, the Myriad Kingdom Alliance had always fared badly in the tournament. The other powers probably had their hands busy with tripping over the potential top ten contenders instead.

...

White clouds flitted past them as the spirit beast soared through the skies. The four of them were seated in the room on the back of the spirit beast. At this moment, Pavilion Master Kang was staring at Zhao Ya, and the perplexed expression on his face was gradually deepening.

After a moment, Pavilion Master Kang couldn't help but exclaim, "Zhang shi, the physical constitution of your student... doesn't seem to be ordinary!"

As a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, he possessed outstanding eye of discernment. Even though Zhang Xuan had Zhao Ya conceal the true nature of her Pure Yin Body to avoid trouble, it still wasn't sufficient to escape from Pavilion Master Kang's sharp eyes.

"Pavilion master sure has an incredible eye of discernment. Zhao Ya possesses the Pure Yin Body. That's why I wish to bring her along so that she could cultivate at the Yin-Yang Lake," Zhang Xuan admitted.

"Indeed..."

Pavilion Master Kang's breathing hastened.

As the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he understood how fearsome such a unique constitution was. Cultivators possessing a Pure Yin Body became insanely strong once their unique constitution was unlocked, and from the looks of it, this young lady seemed to have awakened a portion of it already.

It was no wonder Zhang shi insisted on bringing the latter to the Yin-Yang Lake, even offering to give up this opportunity to her. For the future of such a talented student, the sacrifice was indeed worthy.

"The Pure Yin Body is one of the rare Innate Unique Constitutions. Once it awakens entirely, one's body would become completely flawless. With such a constitution, one's rate of cultivation would reach an insane speed..."

Pavilion Master Kang recited the unique properties of the Pure Yin Body, and the more he spoke, the brighter his eyes glowed. A moment later, he couldn't hold it back anymore. Turning around to look at Ruohuan gongzi, he said, "Alright, I've decided. Ruohuan, you shall pass your slot on to her!"

"Ah?"

Ruohuan gongzi's body swayed, and his eyes widened in shock.

Talk all you want... but why did you have to involve me in this?

It wasn't easy for me to get this slot; do you know how hard I worked? Upon hearing that I was going to the Yin-Yang Lake yesterday, I spent the entire day preparing everything I would need. And yet, due to him bringing along his student, you're going to deprive me of my slot?

"Teacher..."

Ruohuan gongzi immediately looked at his teacher with a panicked expression.

"Say no more, this matter is decided. Don't worry, I will definitely make it up to you for this!"

Pavilion Master Kang waved his hands to signify that this matter wasn't up for debate.

Zhang shi was the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's greatest hope in the Master Teacher Tournament so he had to raise his cultivation as fast as possible.

Without sufficient strength, he would be at a disadvantage for many of the tests.

On the other hand, his student possessed the Pure Yin Body, so the opportunity at Yin-Yang Lake was incomparably important to her.

After pondering over the matter, the only option was to abandon his own student.

"..." Ruohuan gongzi burst into tears.

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Chapter 548: Origin Flame Glacier Plain

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Ignoring the crying Ruohuan gongzi, Zhang Xuan asked, "Who are those Origin Flame Glacier Plain men you spoke of?"

It wasn't that he was without sympathy but that he thought there was definitely a chance at turning the situation around here. Besides, even if they were to end up being stuck with only two slots, Zhang Xuan could simply compensate the other party by providing some pointers to his cultivation.

In any case, Zhang Xuan's guidance would definitely be much more effective than training in that Yin-Yang Lake.

"Origin Flame Glacier Plain is the name of an extremely powerful influence. Just like the Apothecary Guild and Blacksmith Guild, they wield a sizeable number of spirit veins and blessed lands. As such, even though I am the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, I dare not offend them easily. Thus, the most I could do was a propose a fair trade with them," Pavilion Master Kang explained.

"Spirit veins and blessed lands?" Zhang Xuan was astonished.

Just this in itself was sufficient to show that the power was anything but ordinary. After all, given the innumerable formidable powers in the world, how could they possibly allow a small fry hog onto such precious resources?

"Indeed. Every branch of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain has a court chief, and I happen to be acquainted with the current generation of court chief. That was how I managed to obtain the two slots to undergo the trial... Honestly speaking, it'll rely heavily on your abilities whether you can enter or not later on!" Pavilion Master Kang said.

"Acquainted?"

"Un, she was once injured, and I saved her!"

Stroking his beard, Pavilion Master Kang said, "Do you remember the case study on the person who cultivated the Great Ancient Incursion Art, the one whose chest was wounded by searing sword qi?"

"Oh!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

When he first met Pavilion Master Kang, the latter had once posed a test to him. The test was based on a real-life case study of a severely-wounded cultivator attempting to achieve a breakthrough to Transcendent Mortal realm.

That situation was extremely complex, and given the difficulty in the level of treatment, it was natural that Pavilion Master Kang would win the other party's gratitude after the matter.

After chatting a while longer, Zhang Xuan gained a deeper understanding of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain.

This power controlled a significant portion of blessed lands all over the world, and one thing that they didn't lack was resources. As such, wealth meant nothing much to them. Only a master teacher could possibly make them willingly fork out two slots.

After chatting for a while longer, the group started on their cultivation.

Due to a lack of spirit stones, Zhang Xuan didn't focus on attempting breakthroughs in his cultivation. Instead, he spent his time reinforcing his cultivation and enhancing his maximum zhenqi capacity.

After his cultivation reached Origin Energy realm advanced stage, his strength had increased tremendously once more. His strength of 200,000 ding had increased by twofold to 400,000 ding.

A normal Origin Energy realm primary stage expert would only wield a might of 150,000 ding, intermediate stage 200,000 ding, advanced stage 250,000 ding, and pinnacle 300,000 ding. On the other hand, Yin-Yang realm was divided by a difference of 100,00 ding between each tier-primary stage 500,000 ding, intermediate stage 600,000 ding, advanced stage 700,000 ding, pinnacle 800,000 ding!

Despite being only at Origin Energy realm advanced stage, Zhang Xuan already wielded power much greater than that of an Origin Energy realm pinnacle cultivator.

If he were to complement it with his Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle soul cultivation, his total might would exceed 700,000 ding. With such strength, he would be able to stand toe-to-toe with even Yin-Yang realm advanced stage cultivators!

But of course, this was all just theory. Strength wasn't the determining factor of one's fighting prowess. More important than that was one's battle instinct and abilities. If it was that easy to challenge those of higher cultivation realms, master teachers would truly be too overpowered.

But even so, a Yin-Yang realm intermediate stage expert should still be a piece of cake.

Along with Zhang Xuan's rise in strength, his reaction speed and physical prowess had improved significantly. While the change wasn't as obvious as that when he first stepped into Transcendent Mortal realm, there was still a clear growth in his overall fighting prowess.

"It just happens that I still have some time. I should study Heaven's Path Sword Art, Heaven's Path Spear Art, and Heaven's Path Saber Art once more!"

Reinforcing his cultivation had increased his zhenqi capacity significantly. Pleased with the results, Zhang Xuan decided to turn his attention to battle techniques instead.

The current level of Heaven's Path Sword Art and Heaven's Path Movement Art was mainly compiled from the books in Tianxuan Kingdom. Even though he had augmented it several times with more books, the current Heaven's Path Sword Art was already insufficient to meet his requirements. Thus, he had to reorganize everything and compile even stronger moves.

Along his way here, Zhang Xuan had gathered quite a few battle techniques-not to mention, he even collected all of the battle technique books from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. As such, all he had to do was to reorganize the books for compilation.

Thus, he first worked on Heaven's Path Sword Art.

Sword is the emperor of all weapons. There was nearly no cultivator who would be ignorant of swordsmanship. As such, there were innumerable secret manuals on swordsmanship, thus making it convenient to find them.

Not too long later, Zhang Xuan managed to reorganize the entire set of Heaven's Path Sword Art.

Due to the narrow space on the back of the beast, Zhang Xuan was unable to execute it. Thus, he simply played out the skill in his head. It didn't take him too long to master the technique.

After that, he turned his attention to saber art, spear art, fist art, leg art, and movement art.

With the enhanced Heaven's Path battle techniques, Zhang Xuan's fighting prowess rose tremendously.

If Zhang Xuan could only match up to an Origin Energy realm pinnacle cultivator with just his zhenqi cultivation only previously, at this moment, he could easily match up to a Yin-Yang realm primary stage cultivator.

Factoring in his soul cultivation as well, probably even a Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm advanced stage cultivator could be easily destroyed by him.

But of course, his greatest trump card at the moment wasn't his battle techniques-it was the Eye of Insight and Impartation of Heaven's Will.

The former allowed him to see through flaws whereas the latter allowed him to beguile the minds of others. With these two trump cards, he could beguile even Pavilion Master Kang easily.

While Zhang Xuan was cultivating, Zhao Ya had been working hard too. After the last few days of hard work, she finally surpassed the bottleneck of Zhizun realm and advanced into the Half-Transcension realm.

In just a short few months, she'd advanced from a Fighter 1-dan to such a realm. This rate of progress was sufficient to leave innumerable people dumbfounded.

Sometime later, while Zhang Xuan was in the midst of cultivating, Pavilion Master Kang announced, "The Yin-Yang Lake is just right ahead!"

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan calmed his cultivation and stood up.

Through the windows, he saw a towering mountain not too far away. Amidst the peak piled with a thick layer of white snow, a conspicuous dark-green court stood.

"This is the Glacier Plain Court. The Yin-Yang Lake is inside the court!"

Pavilion Master Kang pointed.

Taking a closer look, one could see a plaque on the entrance of the court, and the three words 'Glacier Plain Court' was exceptionally eye-catching.

Silent but dignified.

Standing by the window, Pavilion Master Kang stared at the snowing mountain peak not too far away as he said, "Just by looking at the thick layer of snow here, you probably can't imagine that this place used to be a volcano before the Glacier Plain Court was built. Back then, the searing heat was so unbearable that even a Transcendent Mortal cultivator would suffer grievous burns if he attempted to cross the volcano."

"Volcano?"

Not only was Zhang Xuan stunned, even Ruohuan gongzi seemed to be bewildered by those words.

This towering mountain was completely cloaked in white snow. Just the sight was enough to leave one shuddering in coldness. How could such a place have been a volcano before that?

"Honestly speaking, when I first heard of this news, I shared your reactions as well!"

Seeing through everyone's bewilderment, Pavilion Master Kang shook his head. "This is strength of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain! Not only do they possess the strength to claim blessed lands, they are also capable of changing the geomancy of a land to nurture the blessed land. Under their hands, many treacherous environments had turned into a spiritual energy haven that many looked forward to."

Zhang Xuan couldn't help but ask, "Could it be that... the men of Origin Flame Glacier Plain could be considered to be of a unique occupation?"

To be capable of turning the unusable into a treasure, converting a feared volcano into a snow mountain; unless it was a unique occupation, Zhang Xuan found it hard to imagine that there was any power capable of such a formidable feat.

"Your way of putting it can't be said to be wrong, but it isn't entirely correct either!"

Seeing the confused looks on everyone's faces, Pavilion Master Kang chuckled. "Whether a certain heritage is considered as a unique occupation or not is decided by the Master Teacher Pavilion. One of the factors the Master Teacher Pavilion uses for making such decision is whether the heritage has a complete system of knowledge and a strict progressive ability ranking system. But there are simply some occupations whose members are unable to be judged under a hierarchical structure, such as herbologists.

"The capability of a herbologist depends heavily on their knowledge. Often, medicinal herbs required very specific knowledge to cultivate them, and it was possible for a highly skilled herbologist to be unable to cultivate a basic medicinal herb. Thus, a progressive ability ranking system couldn't really work in this case...

"An occupation without a strict progressive ranking system cannot be considered as a unique occupation. While it is true that the men of Origin Flame Glacier Plain possess mysterious means to turn a volcano into a snow mountain, a marsh into a plain, but... they had no true heritage or a specific way of doing so. Rather, their abilities seem to be more closely related to their talent and ability!

"Besides, there are very few members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain alive in the world. Even in the area of jurisdiction of Myriad Kingdom Alliance or even the entire Huanyu Empire, there is only one of such branch... Given such, how could it possibly be proclaimed as an occupation? But at the same time, they did indeed possess a unique ability, a characteristic that only occupations have. Thus, even the Master Teacher Pavilion was a little troubled and was unable to come to a verdict over this matter."

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

An occupation must have a unique heritage that everyone could take on, and it must have a lot of branches across the world.

But the Origin Flame Glacier Plain men were sorely lacking in their number of members, and their heritage was slightly chaotic. Not to mention, their ability relied heavily on their innate talent as well. As such, they had yet to be proclaimed as an occupation.

"To turn a searing volcano into a frigid snow mountain, how did they do it?" Zhao Ya asked curiously.

"I'm not sure about the details, but it is certain that this place was a volcano a thousand years ago. It was said that the men of Origin Flame Glacier Plain traveled here and reshaped this place over the course of a century to turn it into its current state. On top of that, they even created the Yin-Yang Lake where the power of yin and yang amalgamate with one another, creating a paradoxical combination of clarity and turbidity. It is said that any cultivator that has yet to reach Transcendent Mortal 5-dan will benefit greatly from cultivating in it."

Pavilion Master Kang shook his head. "However, the slots for the Yin-Yang Lake are very limited every year. It is insufficient for even their internal consumption, let alone, to offer it to outsiders. Throughout the years, there were many influential powers who approached them, only to leave in disappointment."

The ability to reshape the environment was a secret of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain men. Even as a powerful 4-star master teacher, he had no access to such secrets.

"Perhaps, it might be a powerful formation created via the terrain such as the mountain pulse and such!" Ruohuan gongzi interjected.

One common method used to change one's environment was via formations. Thus, Ruohuan gongzi immediately thought of the use of formation.

"It isn't a formation. The mountain range extends for several hundred kilometers, how huge of a formation would be required to encompass the area? Not to mention, the spiritual energy required to sustain its activation over so many years?" Pavilion Master Kang said.

Even though formations had the power to alter an environment, its area of effect tended to be limited. While it was theoretically possible to create a formation that extended over several hundred kilometers and modify an entire mountain, it was nearly completely unfeasible to implement it.

Even a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan expert would be unable to accomplish such a task! Perhaps, only the legendary beings surpassing the 9-dans would be capable of doing so.

"Indeed, it's not a formation!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head too. When Pavilion Master Kang raised the topic earlier, Zhang Xuan used the Eye of Insight to look into the matter as well. There wasn't the slightest trace of a formation across the entire mountain range, so that definitely wasn't the case.

Otherwise, given his eye of discernment, it was impossible for him to see through something so basic.

Chuckling, Pavilion Master Kang interjected the conversation and said, "Forget it, let's not bother about that anymore. Our motive here is to enter the Yin-Yang Lake, not to deduce its origin!

"Later on, when we're in, do not act on your own whim. Follow my lead. I'll try to vie for three slots, and even if that fails, we have to try to secure our two slots at the very least!"

"Un!" Everyone nodded.

"Good, let's descend then!"

Hearing the voice, the aerial spirit beast flapped its wings and began gliding toward the Glacier Plain Court.

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Chapter 549: I'll Give You One Chance

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The group of four alighted from the aerial spirit beast as soon as it landed on the solid ground.

Bits of snow were falling from the sky. It was cold, but given that even the weakest of them, Zhao Ya, was at the Half-Transcension realm, the frigid weather didn't affect them much.

After tidying himself up, Zhang Xuan looked at the Glacier Plain Court before him.

From a distance, he could already sense majesty and grandness from the court. But even so, the true extent of its scale didn't hit him until he was right before it. From the front, it extended for more than a thousand meters, and it was around fifty to sixty meters high. It seemed as though it was a residence made for giants.

The entrance gate was nearly a dozen meter tall, and it looked extremely heavy.

Walking up, Pavilion Master Kang took in a deep breath and announced, "Kang Gan of Myriad Kingdom City has come as per our agreement. I seek Court Chief Wu's audience!"

A moment later, 'jiyaaaa!', the huge gate opened, and several figures came out. They were all ladies dressed in white robe. The one leading the group walked up and said, "Pavilion Master Kang, our court chief invites you in!"

The white robe of the ladies put against the snowing landscape created quite a beautiful yet desolate sight.

"Thank you!"

Nodding his head, Pavilion Master Kang led the group in.

Zhang Xuan observed the white-robed female disciples while walking into the court. They were young, probably only in their twenties, but their cultivation was astounding. They were all around Transcendent Mortal 3-dan at the minimum.

They could be considered as geniuses to possess such cultivation levels at their age.

The lady who had welcomed Pavilion Master Kang in previously had even reached Transcendent Mortal 3-dan pinnacle.

Walking into the Glacier Plain Court, the first thing Zhang Xuan noticed was that the spiritual energy in the air seemed to have gotten even more lively. It seemed as though it would dive through his pores at any moment, making it much easier to cultivate.

"What lively spiritual energy!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

Even though the concentration of spiritual energy was no different from how it was outside, the spiritual energy was exceptionally lively. Even if one didn't intentionally attempt to guide the spiritual energy into their body, it would still seep in on their own accord to temper one's body and nourish one's cultivation, thus enhancing one's rate of cultivation.

It was just like a high-pressured hose against a lake of stagnant water. It was clear which one would flow faster through a stream.

The high cultivation of these young ladies proved testimony to that fact. This place was definitely a blessed land for cultivating.

The further they walked in, the greater the liveliness of spiritual energy. It created a compelling urge that motivated one to sit down on the spot to cultivate.

And this wasn't even the Yin-Yang Lake yet. It was no wonder why Pavilion Master Kang would go through so much effort to bring them here. It was indeed worth the effort.

Other than white-robed ladies, there were red-robed ladies in the court as well. In contrast to the cold disposition of the former, the latter felt fiery as though compressed flames were threatening to burst out at any moment.

Sensing Zhang Xuan's doubts, Pavilion Master Kang said, "The cultivation technique of the Glacier Plain Court is the purest attribute cultivation technique, and they can be divided into yin and yang!"

Zhang Xuan nodded.

Actually, even without the other's explanation, he could tell as much via the Eye of Insight.

Harnessing the attribute of flame, the yang cultivation technique granted a searing edge to the zhenqi of the red-robed ladies, thus building a fiery disposition. On the other hand, the white-robed ladies who guided them were austere, and it seemed as though they rejected all that tried to approach them.

A difference in cultivation technique would also cause a difference in one's disposition.

Pavilion Master Kang continued, "The Yin-Yang Lake is divided into the Yang Lake, Yin Lake, and the Amalgamation Lake. One would have to enter the segment compatible with one's cultivation technique to benefit from the effects of Yin-Yang Lake."

Zhang Xuan was surprised upon hearing those words.

When he first heard of Yin-Yang Lake, he thought that it was just the name of a blessed land. But from the looks of it now, it wasn't as simple as he thought.

After walking around for a bit longer, the lady guiding them around stopped. "The court chief is inside, please proceed in."

Pavilion Master Kang and group walked in.

It was an extremely vast hall. Unlike the extravagance that Zhang Xuan expected, the ornaments that filled the room were relatively simple. A lady was seated at the topmost center seat, and she was looking down at the group with an impassive expression.

Zhang Xuan assessed the lady before him.

She seemed to be in her thirties, but perhaps due to her beautiful features, time didn't seem to leave much of a mark on her face. Her black hair complemented perfectly with her white clothes, and she looked as though she had come out from a painting.

But of course, while she was pretty, she was still unable to compare up to Zhao Ya. Thus, after taking a brief look, Zhang Xuan began assessing her cultivation.

Her cultivation seemed to be deeply concealed, making it hard to detect. Even so, Zhang Xuan still felt danger from her. The other party's soul seemed to exert an immense pressure on his soul, as though the true nature of his soul would be easily seen through.

'Is this... Consonant Spirit realm?' Zhang Xuan thought.

Zhang Xuan felt even greater pressure from her than from Alliance Head Zhao, Xue Yiyao, and Pavilion Master Kang. Given that the latter three were all Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle experts, most likely, this court chief had already surpassed that level.

At Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm, one's soul would be significantly augmented, granting one greater control over the environment.

Such an expert could wield immense might with the slightest of movements, and their fighting prowess was extraordinary.

"Eye of Insight!"

Activating the Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan took a look at the other party and frowned.

In the midst of his observation, Pavilion Master Kang stepped forward and clasped his fist.

"Court Chief Wu, pleased to meet you once again!"

Knowing that the other party's cultivation was above his, even Pavilion Master Kang, as a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, didn't dare to pull his weight. Thus, his attitude was extremely respectful.

"Same here! Are these the ones taking on the Yin-Yang Lake trial?"

Court Chief Wu asked as her gaze fell on the trio standing behind Pavilion Master Kang. Then, a frown appeared on her forehead, "Why are there three of them?"

"It's like these, these three are the most outstanding youths of my generation. I truly find myself unable to choose among them, so I decided to bring them all along. I hope that court chief can make an exception and allow them all to challenge the trial for an opportunity to enter the Yin-Yang Lake," Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly explained.

"Pavilion master, you should know the rules of our Yin-Yang Lake. Two slots means two slots, no exceptions can be made!"

Court Chief Wu shook her hands grandly. She felt like a block of ice, as though nothing in the world could change her will.

"This... Alright then!"

Seeing the other party's determined expression, Pavilion Master Kang knew that it would be futile even if he were to push on. Thus, with a bitter smile, he shook his head and said, "May I know in what form the trial will be presented? I would like to allow my juniors to prepare themselves!"

"The trial is simple, they just have to walk out from my Room of Fire and Ice!" Court Chief Wu said nonchalantly.

"Room of Fire and Ice?" Pavilion Master Kang frowned in confusion.

"The Room of Fire and Ice is a tool our Glacier Plain Court uses to test one's capability. Similar to the Heart Inquisition Crystal, by dripping a drop of fresh blood on it, one's mind will be put under the agony of blazing flames and frigid ice. If one can endure the torture and find the exit within two hours, one would be deemed to have passed the test! Otherwise, it would be deemed as a failure, and they will be unqualified to enter the Yin-Yang Lake," Court Chief Wu explained.

Everyone nodded their head in understanding.

In truth, they didn't expect for the trial to be a test on their mental fortitude.

Such a test was more related to one's will rather than one's cultivation.

After explaining, Court Chief Wu said, "You should hurry up and select the two who are taking the trial!"

"There's no need for that. Ruohuan, you'll sit out of this one!" Pavilion Master Kang instructed.

"Yes..."

Ruohuan gongzi's face couldn't be any more bitter.

But even though he felt indignant, this was a decision made by his teacher. Thus, he could only nod his head in agreement.

The fundamental principle of a master teacher was to respect one's teacher. The commands of a teacher mustn't be disobeyed.

Just as he was depressed at having lost such a good opportunity, Zhang shi's voice sounded, "Wait a moment!"

After which, he lifted his head to look at the lady in the center and said, "Court Chief Wu, may I know under what conditions can the three of us take on the trial?"

Hearing the interjection, Court Chief Wu frowned in displeasure, "Pavilion Master Kang, is this the junior that you brought here? How can a junior interrupt a conversation between seniors!"

"Zhang shi..."

Not expecting the latter to suddenly speak up, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly turned to the latter anxiously.

Even though it was a pity that not everyone would gain the opportunity to take on the trial, it was better than nothing. If they were to enrage the other party, it was likely that the opportunity could be taken away from them.

While Pavilion Master Kang held immense prestige in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, there was only one Glacier Plain Court throughout the entire Huanyu Empire. Before the head of the only Glacier Plain Court, not to mention, a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert, his position had indeed become insignificant.

Disregarding Pavilion Master Kang's anxious gaze, Zhang Xuan continued speaking nonchalantly.

"Age isn't what that determines one's position. Just because one is young, that doesn't mean he must be a junior. Similarly, an old person could have simply wasted his time away... How about this, Court Chief Wu, I'll grant you an opportunity... I'll provide you guidance personally in exchange of an additional slot for the trial. What do you think of it?"

"What?"

Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi staggered; they nearly spurted blood.

It was clearly conveyed to them during the journey that they shouldn't utter anything unnecessary-Court Chief Wu wasn't an easy person to get along with...

Can't you see that even the pavilion master himself is treading very carefully around the other party?

To grant the other party an opportunity of your guidance... The heck! Let's put aside the fact that you've only just received your 4-star master teacher emblem, even Pavilion Master Kang, a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, is unqualified for such a matter!

After all, the other party was a true-blue Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert! Regardless of whether it was her knowledge or experience, she was far superior to the rest of them here. For a fellow like you who have just barely reached Transcendent Mortal 2-dan to speak like that... Aren't you afraid of being pummeled to death?

"Guide me?"

As expected, after hearing those words, Court Chief Wu's eyebrows shot up and a powerful aura emanated from her, leaving all existences trembling before her presence, "You wish to guide me? And you call that giving me an opportunity?"

Ignoring the other party's fiery aura, Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

"Indeed. This opportunity will only come once so I advise you to grasp it firmly!"

Seeing how Zhang shi was getting more and more overboard, Ruohuan gongzi's lips twitched. He hurriedly sent a telepathic message to Zhao Ya in hopes that she could stop her teacher.

"Zhao Ya, you should mediate the situation..."

He knew that Zhang shi valued this student of his a lot, and perhaps, her words might be effective against him.

"Alright!"

Nodding her head, Zhao Ya stepped forward, "Court Chief Wu, my teacher is right. This is a good opportunity that you shouldn't miss. Otherwise, you'll surely regret for life!"

"The heck..."

Ruohuan gongzi nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

Big sis, by mediation, I meant that you should stop your teacher... Why in the world are you persuading Court Chief Wu instead?

Not to mention, to say that the other party would regret for life...

Isn't your confidence in your teacher way off the charts?!

For a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan master teacher to speak to a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert in such a manner, not to mention, that complete lack of embarrassment when speaking those words...

How in the world are you teacher and disciple be so confident?

"You..."

Court Chief Wu was also about to explode from hearing those words. "Pavilion Master Kang, take your people and leave. Our Glacier Plain Court doesn't welcome such arrogant people!

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Chapter 550: Neither Male Nor Female

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Court Chief Wu, Zhang shi isn't as reckless as you think he is..."

Not expecting Zhang shi to drive the usually composed Court Chief Wu to the point that she was chasing them away, Pavilion Master Kang's lips twitched violently, and he was about to go insane.

Only he himself knew how far he had worked for these two slots. Yet, this fellow actually offended the other party as soon as he arrived...

Ignoring Pavilion Master Kang's explanation, Court Chief Wu bellowed loudly, "Send our guests off!"

Huala!

The few white-robed ladies who had brought them in walked forward and with menacing gazes, they said, "This way please!"

"Court Chief Wu..."

Pavilion Master Kang was still trying to salvage the situation when Zhang Xuan interrupted him, "Alright, Pavilion Master Kang. Why should you waste your time with this fellow who god knows what her gender is? Let's just leave."

Jiya!

Ruohuan gongzi's legs suddenly caved in, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

Pavilion Master Kang also stood petrified on the spot.

He had known this Court Chief Wu for many years. Beautiful and elegant, the latter could leave many ladies embarrassed over their form... To actually say that 'god knows what her gender is' to such a person...

Even if the other party disagreed to giving them another slot, two was actually fine as well... And even if the other party chased them away, at the very least, they could still leave peacefully.

Yet, Zhang shi just had to insult the other party. It would be a miracle if the other party didn't kill you on the spot...

Pavilion Master Kang quickly drove his zhenqi and stepped in front of Zhang Xuan. If Court Chief Wu were to make a move, even if it meant that he would sustain grievous wounds, he would ensure that the others could leave safely.

"What did you say?"

Not beyond expectations, Court Chief Wu's face turned livid as though steel, and rage seethed in her eyes. If looks could kill, Zhang Xuan would have been torn apart countless times.

"Stop feigning ignorance, shouldn't you understand what I am saying the clearest? Do you really need me to point it out?"

Even before this impending crisis, Zhang Xuan didn't panic at all. "If I'm not mistaken, the hair on certain parts of your body grow at a very rapid pace!"

Pu!

That comment dealt the final blow to Ruohuan gongzi. He nearly failed to catch his breath and died on the spot.

The heck!

Big brother, are you doing this intentionally?

It was already shameless of you to scold the other party for being neither a man nor a woman. And now, you are even talking about the other party's hair... No matter how long the other party's hair is, it is hidden beneath her clothes. How the heck does that concern you?

To speak such words in public, are you a hoodlum?

Besides, even if her hair grows at a rapid pace... How in the world can you tell?

What in the world are you using a master teacher's discernment ability for...

Pavilion Master Kang was currently undergoing the same shock as his student was going through. Thunder seemed to rumble ceaselessly in his head, and the zhenqi that he had just gathered nearly dissipated due to his shock.

He was the head of a Master Teacher Pavilion, one of the most esteemed experts in the Myriad Kingdom City... Yet now, it seemed as though he had accompanied this hoodlum here to provoke the head of the Glacier Field Court. Ah... his dignity and his honor...

His face warped in conflict, and at this moment, even the thought of suicide flashed across his mind.

But regardless, he was the one who brought Zhang shi here. No matter how absurd the other party's behavior was, he was still a member of the Master Teacher Pavilion. He couldn't simply give up on the other party just like that.

Gritting his teeth, Pavilion Master Kang was just preparing himself for the storm-like wrath of a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert when the raging Court Chief Wu's face suddenly paled. "H-how did you know?"

"Ah?"

Pavilion Master Kang's zhenqi really dissipated this time, and his entire body slackened weakly.

Zhang shi was actually spot on?

He said that Court Chief Wu was neither male nor female, and that her hair was growing rapidly on certain places... But not only did the other party didn't lash out, she even admitted to it?

Are my ears playing tricks on me or has Court Chief Wu gone mad?

"Simple. Despite the overwhelming yin nature of your body, many of your acupoints are exuding yang energy. Your gestures are that of a demure maiden, but your words are full of might."

As though knowing the other party would admit to it, there wasn't the slightest surprise in Zhang Xuan's expression. "If I'm not mistaken, you must be suffering from a conflict of yin and yang in your body, and you are unable to balance the both of them! That is precisely the reason why you grew a moustache and beard, and your pores are getting thicker!"

"This..."

Court Chief Wu's body jolted.

The other party's words were spot-on! She was indeed suffering from a clash of yin and yang in her body. Over the past two years, she'd even begun growing a beard!

If not for her shaving it diligently every day to retain your honor, she would have long died from embarrassment from the mocking of others.

She thought that as long as she mediated the yin and yang energy within her carefully, she would be able to solve the problem. But who could've known that... as time passed, her condition only continued to worsen. In fact, her pores were even starting to become thicker.

This matter involved a lady's pride. Embarrassed, she didn't dare to find anyone to take a look at it. Never in the world did she expect this fellow to see through her affliction in a single glance.

How... in the world did he manage to see through it.

"By hair growing rapidly on certain parts of the body... you mean the beard?"

Seeing the trembling shocked Court Chief Wu, Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi widened their mouths in astonishment. At the same time, they wiped the sweat off their reddened faces.

When they heard about hair growing in certain parts of the body, their minds immediately thought of indecent stuff. After all, how could they have possibly imagined that a female would grow a beard?

"After being injured by searing sword qi, you thought that you are unable to bring out the fullest extent of the might of the 'Great Ancient Incursion Art'. Thus, you decided to switch to a yin nature cultivation technique instead. In the end, you failed to control the energies in your body properly and ended up in such a state. Even though you are still able to suppress it with brute force at the moment, that will be unfeasible in the long run. Within three years, the situation will spiral beyond your control," Zhang Xuan said.

If the other party didn't execute a battle technique, he would be unable to utilize the Library of Heaven's Path and determine the exact specifics of the other party's condition. Even so, through the sharp discernment ability of the Eye of Insight, he was able to see that this Court Chief Wu shaved her beard on a daily basis.

As such, he was able to deduce that the other party was suffering from a conflict of yin and yang. Factoring in the previous problem that Pavilion Master Kang spoke of, it wasn't too difficult for him to deduce the cause of the affliction.

The Great Ancient Incursion Art centered around the concept of sharpness and burst power. It only allowed its user to launch three extremely powerful strikes before drying out. This was the reason why Zhang Xuan thought the patient was a male back then when he looked at the case study.

Therefore, he was rather surprised upon hearing Pavilion Master Kang calling the patient a 'she' then. Upon seeing Court Chief Wu at this moment, it wasn't too hard for him to tie things together.

She must have switched from the Great Ancient Incursion Art to a yin attribute technique, thus resulting in a clash of energy that she was unable to mediate between.

The best way to solve such a matter was to destroy one's foundation and start afresh... But as the strongest expert and the chief of the Glacier Plain Court, how could she bear to do so?

Thus, she tried to suppress the energy in hopes that the problem would die down soon. However, as time passed, the situation only worsened, and she found herself slowly losing control.

As for why Court Chief Wu, despite being a female, would choose to cultivate a yang attribute technique that was more suited for males, Zhang Xuan wasn't too sure either. However, he felt that it might be related to the Yin-Yang Lake.

After all, the red-robed ladies that he had seen previously were all cultivating yang attribute cultivation techniques as well.

After hearing those words, while Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi felt that it was a little far-fetched, Court Chief Wu's face turned ghastly white.

The other party's analysis was spot-on.

Back then, even though she was treated by Pavilion Master Kang, there were some side effects to the treatment. For one, she found herself unable to fully unleash the might of the Great Ancient Incursion Art anymore. Thus, she changed to a yin nature cultivation technique instead in hopes of using it to achieve a breakthrough, as well as to neutralize the lingering searing sword qi in her body.

And due to that, she improved swiftly. It didn't take her long to neutralize the sword qi and recover fully rom her wounds.

But... that also left behind a trauma in her, thus resulting in the current situation.

"May I know if there is any... treatment method for it?"

Since the other party could see through it, perhaps he would be able to solve it. Thus, Court Chief Wu couldn't help but look at the other party expectantly.

"There's indeed some ways to treat your affliction. The most direct method is to dissipate your cultivation and start anew!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Dissipate my cultivation... That won't work. My lifespan is already beyond a hundred now. If I were to dissipate my cultivation, I'd surely die from old age instantly," Court Chief Wu hurriedly said.

It was not that she had never thought of this method before.

But given her current age, without her cultivation sustaining her bodily functions, she would immediately age swiftly and die in less than three days.

What was the use of treating her affliction if she were to die because of it?

If so, she might as well just persevere on with the current situation.

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

The other party's words were indeed true.

The extended lifespan of a Transcendent Mortal came from the augmentation of their cultivation. If their cultivation were to disappear, they would immediately revert back to ordinary lifespan of a human.

"Is there any other solution?" Court Chief Wu asked.

"That... How about this, you execute a punching routine for me so that I can analyze your condition... However, I can't guarantee you that I'll be able to find a solution."

Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

While he had a rough idea of what the other party's affliction was, without the Library of Heaven's Path accurately pointing out the specific causes resulting in the other party's current condition, he wasn't too sure how the problem could be treated.

Naturally, he wouldn't be able to guarantee whether he could treat the other party's affliction either.

After hesitating for a moment, Court Chief Wu nodded her head.

"Alright. Regardless of whether Zhang shi is able to treat my affliction or not, I promise to grant you a third slot for the trial!"

She was about to go insane being tortured by her current condition as she saw more and more characteristics of a male appearing on her every day.

If the person before her could really treat her affliction, she would be willing to pay anything without hesitation, let alone, a single slot for the trial.

"Un!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

In the end, the reason why he went through so much trouble was to obtain that additional slot. Since the other party had given him her word, naturally, he had to give his all in his treatment as well.

"Just like that... he succeeded?"

It was just a moment ago that Court Chief Wu seemed as though she would tear all of them apart. Yet, at this very instant, not only did her rage fade completely, she even promised to give them the slot. Pavilion Master Kang was dumbfounded.

Wasn't he way too formidable!

Even though he was seeing this for himself, he still found the situation hard to believe.

On the other hand, Ruohuan gongzi was about to be driven insane from shock.

All along, he felt that luck had been a huge factor in why he lost to the other party in the selection round. He thought that as long as he cultivated hard, it wouldn't be impossible for him to turn the situation around two months later, thus reclaiming the title of the number one genius of Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

It was only after this incident that he realized that... the other party's eye of discernment and meticulousness toward details weren't things that he could compete with!

In fact... even his own teacher seemed to be unable to match up to Zhang shi!

This fellow... Was he really a person who had just qualified as a 4-star master teacher?

Unaware of the doubts in Ruohuan gongzi's mind, Zhang Xuan turned to Court Chief Wu and waved his hands.

"Let's begin then!"

"Alright!"

Nodding her head, Court Chief Wu whipped out her arm and executed a powerful punch.

Zhang Xuan's eyes were fixated on the other party's movements, but in truth, his consciousness was in the Library of Heaven's Path. He was busy flipping through the book to look through the details of the other party's affliction.

Hu!

Soon, Court Chief Wu finished her display and turned her gaze to Zhang Xuan. "Are there other ways... to treat my affliction?"

As she spoke those words, her breathing couldn't help but hasten.

If even the young man before her was unable to treat her affliction, she really couldn't imagine what kind of terrors awaited her in the future and how she could endure them.

"This... There's indeed a solution to your problem!"

Exhaling deeply, Zhang Xuan looked at Court Chief Wu with a bizarre expression and asked, "What do you think of our Pavilion Master Kang?"

"Ah?"

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

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Chapter 551: Zhang Xuan's Shady Dealing [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

I asked you for a solution to my problem, why are you suddenly asking me about Pavilion Master Kang?

But even though Court Chief Wu was perplexed, knowing that this was probably related to the treatment, she replied earnestly, "I've known Pavilion Master Kang for many years, so I guess we can be considered to be familiar with one another."

Standing by the side, Kang Gan was already bewildered. He had no idea what Zhang shi was thinking of.

"Since the you are familiar with him, that should make things simple!"

With a bright smile on his face, Zhang Xuan continued, "Our pavilion master is a righteous and honest person. On top of that, he's a master teacher, so he has a bright future ahead of him. More importantly... his looks are above average as well..."

The more Zhang Xuan spoke, the more confused Court Chief Wu became. Bewildered, she asked, "Pavilion Master Kang is indeed a fine man. For the welfare of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he was willing to pay a heavy price just to obtain the slots to enter the Yin-Yang Lake for his juniors... Just that, what does this have to do with treating my conflict of yin and yang?"

"This had everything to do with it!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes rotated between the two parties involved and said, "Why don't the both of you... get married?"

Pu!

Pavilion Master Kang choked on his own saliva and nearly fainted over. Ruohuan gongzi also widened his eyes in shock.

Aren't you trying to treat Court Chief Wu? Why does it seem like you're matchmaking instead?

To dare to propose a matrimony between Pavilion Master Kang and Court Chief Wu... You sure are brave...

"Marry?"

Court Chief Wu's body shook, and her vision went dark. She had only asked this fellow to treat her... how in the world did it turn into a talk about marriage instead?

What the heck does the other party mean by trying to get me to marry Pavilion Master Kang?

"That's right. There is no problem with you cultivating a forceful yang cultivation technique. The main issue lies in you changing your cultivation technique halfway through, resulting in a collision between yin and yang. The best way to completely cure you of your affliction is to find a spouse whose cultivation is around your level and possesses outstanding control over zhenqi to mediate the yin and yang within your body!"

Zhang Xuan continued, "As a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert, Pavilion Master Kang is just a step away from reaching Consonant Spirit realm. On top of that, he is a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, and his knowledge and control over zhenqi is superior even when compared to yours. Thus... he is the most ideal candidate in mind! If the two of you get together, in just three to six months, you will be able to completely neutralize the yin and yang energy in your body and make a complete recovery!"

"This..."

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

She didn't expect for her situation to be able to be solved in such a manner.

Ever since she started cultivating, she had been guarding her purity closely. She never tried to get close to any men, and she didn't allow any men to get close to her either. For her to marry someone so abruptly... Even if it was to treat her physical affliction, she still found it hard to accept.

While she was still hesitating, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly said, "Are there no other solutions? This... won't work!"

Even though he was still single... how could he accept marrying a bearded beauty?

Just the thought of the other party's beard growing even more diligently than his made his goosebumps stand on ends.

"Of course there are other solutions, but this is the simplest one!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Let's use the other solutions then. As long as it's within my means, I'll definitely give my all..." Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly said. However, before he could finish his words, a vicious glare fell on him and a cold voice sounded.

"Kang Gan, what do you mean? For you to turn down a marriage with me so hurriedly, are you hinting that I am unworthy of you?"

Even if it was to treat her affliction, she didn't want to marry this old man either. But... even if the marriage didn't go through, she should be the one rejecting the other party! For this old man to quickly reject her as though he had stepped on something disgusting, what the heck did he mean by that?

Am I that repulsive?

In terms of cultivation, as a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan, I am way superior to you. In terms of standing, as the only head of Glacier Plain Court throughout the entire Huanyu Empire, there are countless pavilion masters wanting to fawn over me. In terms of appearance, even though there are others that are more beautiful than me, I am at least a 'one in ten thousand' beauty. Even though I'm no longer in my youth, my beauty still lingers on...

I haven't even agreed to the marriage yet, what rights do you have to be rejecting me so anxiously?

"Court Chief Wu, you must be jesting. How could I dare to harbor such thoughts? I just think that..."

Not expecting the other party to fault him over this matter, Pavilion Master Kang's lips twitched, "... I am unworthy of you! I am the one who is unworthy of you!"

"It's good that you have some self-awareness!"

Hearing those words, Court Chief Wu's expression finally softened. Turning to the young man before her once more, she said, "What other ways are there? As long as it's within my means, I'll definitely give my all!"

"..."

Pavilion Master Kang was rendered speechless. Wasn't that exactly what I said? If not for you interrupting the conversation, we could have progressed much faster than that...

"There's another way to do so. That's to find an expert with Pure Yin Body whose cultivation is on par with you. You can make use of her blood to neutralize the remaining yang energy within your body. You don't need too much of it, just one drop is sufficient," Zhang Xuan said.

"Pure Yin Body?"

Court Chief Wu smiled bitterly.

Unique constitutions were like a grain of sand amidst a gigantic ocean. If it was that easy to possess a unique constitution, everyone would have been an expert by now.

The reason why their Origin Flame Glacier Plain had been training their members in yang attribute and yin attribute cultivation techniques, even going to the extent of creating the Yin-Yang Lake, was just so to groom a cultivator with the Pure Yang Body or Pure Yin Body...

But after so many years, there hadn't been a single success yet.

Besides, even if they were successful, that person would surely have been taken away by the headquarters already. To find such a person to cure her affliction was nigh impossible.

"This... Since it won't work, why don't... Pavilion Master Kang and I get married?" Court Chief Wu proposed hesitantly with an awful complexion.

Hearing the bearded lady's intention to marry her, Pavilion Master Kang nearly fainted on the spot. He hurriedly shouted, "N-no need for that. Isn't there a person with Pure Yin Body here?"

"There is?"

Court Chief Wu was taken aback. "Where?"

There might not even be the birth of a person with this unique constitution over the span of a millennia, so how could such an expert be found so easily?

"Zhang shi's student, Zhao Ya, is a person possessing the Pure Yin Body. On top of that, she has even awakened it by twenty percent already..."

Afraid that the other party would lay her thoughts on him, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly said, "You... possess the Pure Yin Body?"

Narrowing her eyes, Court Chief Wu hurriedly assessed the girl before her.

"Yes, she possesses the Pure Yin Body. There's no mistake about it!"

After saying so, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly turned to Zhang Xuan and asked, "Since your student possesses the Pure Yin Body and a single droplet of her blood can solve the court chief's affliction, why would you propose for the both of us to get married..."

This Zhang shi was truly... Since the second method was that simple, why would he propose for the both of them to get married?

"Zhao Ya is my student. I have the responsibility to protect her from any harm. Naturally, I've no choice but to sacrifice you. Besides, I'm doing you a huge favor by helping you find a wife. Tsk, for my goodwill to go unreciprocated..." Zhang Xuan replied.

Pavilion Master Kang staggered.

To protect your student, you actually decided to sacrifice me...

And you still dare to say that you are doing me a favor...

Goodwill your head!

Why don't you try marrying a bearded lady yourself?!

While the duo was arguing, Court Chief Wu was slowly walking to Zhao Ya with a body trembling in disbelief. "You... really possess the Pure Yin Body?"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ya's eyebrows shot up. Driving the zhenqi in her body, the characteristics of her constitution immediately appeared. A surge of cold air blew into the hall, gushing toward the skies.

As her cultivation reached Half-Transcension, the powers of her unique constitution were gradually drawn out. With her current strength, there was no one of equal cultivation realm as her that could defeat her, not even master teachers. Most probably, only a monster like Zhang Xuan could match her on equal grounds.

"Indeed... She possesses the Pure Yin Body... There's hope for our Origin Flame Glacier Plain..."

Feeling the powerful aura exuded from Zhao Ya, Court Chief Wu's eyes reddened. She rushed forward to grab Zhao Ya's arm and asked, "What's your name?"

"Zhao Ya!"

Seeing the normal Court Chief Wu suddenly behaving so frenziedly, Zhao Ya frowned and pushed her hand aside.

"Zhao Ya xiaojie... do you want to go to the headquarters with me? As long as you agree to it, you'll be granted the best cultivation resource immediately. You'll be able to awaken your Pure Yin Body completely in the shortest time possible, thus becoming the strongest expert across the entire continent swiftly..." Court Chief Wu said in agitation.

"There's no need for it. I wish to follow behind my teacher," Zhao Ya replied nonchalantly.

It was due to Zhang shi's guidance that she had been able to come so far. The other party's position in her heart was already comparable to that of her own father, and he was the person she respected the most in the world. It was impossible for her to leave him on her own accord.

"Teacher? Who is your teacher?"

Due to her agitation, Court Chief Wu was a little muddle-headed at the moment.

"It is Zhang Xuan, Zhang shi!" Zhao Ya said proudly.

"Zhang shi?"

Only then did Court Chief Wu finally come to a realization. She hurriedly turned to Zhang Xuan and asked, "Zhang shi, can you... lend your student to our Origin Flame Glacier Plain? We truly require a Pure Yin Body expert..."

"Lend?" Zhang Xuan shook his head. "My students are thinking humans. They can decide on their own. If they wish to follow you, I'll support them with all my heart. If they are unwilling to do so, no one will be able to force them into a decision!"

Even though Zhang Xuan's voice was calm, it carried immense confidence.

As the owner of the Library of Heaven's Path, he was destined to walk a path different from the others. Even though he might be weak at the moment, he had the confidence to grow stronger in the shortest time possible. As long as Zhao Ya was unwilling to accept the other party's request, Zhang Xuan would not allow anyone to force her into it.

Hearing the other party's confident words, Court Chief Wu recovered from her agitation and hurriedly shook her head.

"That... is not what I mean. Zhang shi, please don't misunderstand my intentions!"

"Why don't you tell us what is going on?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Through his eye of discernment, he could tell that Court Chief Wu's agitation was for real.

She didn't even react so intensely when she heard that there was a cure for her affliction. Most probably, there was something much deeper to the matter.

On top of that, she even said something along the lines of 'there was hope for the Origin Flame Glacier Plain'.

"This... I apologize but it concerns the utmost secret of our Origin Flame Glacier Field, so I'm unable to tell you anything further than this..."

With a conflicted expression, Court Chief Wu hesitated for a moment before saying, "How about this, I'll consult with the headquarters about this matter while you enter the Yin-Yang Lake. Regardless of the reply of the headquarters, I'll give you an explanation for this matter."

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Every single occupation had their secrets and privacy. It was normal for the other party to have some things she was unwilling to reveal.

Changing the subject, Court Chief Wu asked, "Just to confirm, the three slots should refer to the three of you, right?"

"Yes. Me, Ruohuan gongzi, and Zhao Ya." Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Good. The Room of Ice and Fire is right ahead. Only after passing the trial can you enter the Yin-Yang Lake!"

Court Chief Wu explained, "The reason why we have the trial is due to the bizarre nature of the Yin-Yang Lake. The amalgamation of yin and yang can create huge stress on one's body, putting them in immense pain. If one couldn't even endure the Room of Ice and Fire, one might end up being seared to ash by the flow of yang energy or frozen into an ice block by the flow of yin energy in the Yin-Yang Lake."

"I see."

Zhang Xuan nodded.

He was wondering why they still had to undergo the trial despite everything that had happened. This seemed to be the true reason behind it all.

It was just like how one had to be administered suspect penicillin before the real injection. Otherwise, one might die from the inability to adapt in the Yin-Yang Lake.

As such, the trial was, in truth, a preventive measure to assess one's ability beforehand.

Walking up to the entrance of the Room of Ice and Fire, Zhang Xuan assessed the interior of the room. It was somewhat similar to the House of Trust he had entered during the master teacher examination in Tianwu Kingdom.

"Who wants to give it a try first?" Court Chief Wu asked with a smile.

"Me..."

Hearing those words, Ruohuan gongzi quickly rushed forward anxiously.

After several rounds of competing with Zhang Xuan, he had finally understood a fact. If he were to allow the latter go first, putting aside how all of his glory would be stolen from him, he might even wreck the entire area...

After all, his history with Elder Wu, Elder Yun, and Elder Bai spoke a lot... Regardless, one thing was for sure-Zhang Xuan shouldn't be allowed to go first.

This was a safety precaution.

Rather than dealing with the possible problems in his aftermath, he might as well be the first to clear the trial.

At the very least, he could still retain a little bit of confidence.

Seeing the other party volunteering so actively, Court Chief Wu nodded her head and instructed, "Drip of a droplet of blood on the crystal outside the door before entering!"

"Yes!"

Walking up to the crystal, Ruohuan gongzi bit his finger, dripped a drop of blood on it, before walking into the room.

As soon as he walked in, rumbling sounds reminiscent of thunder began echoing ceaselessly. It was hard to imagine what kind of terrors were occurring inside.

Court Chief Wu seemed to have known this would happen, and she was standing quietly by the side with her hands behind her back.

Jiya!

After an unknown period of time, a charred figure walked out of the room. His hair was standing at ends, and black smoke was rising from his body. Who else could this be other than Ruohuan gongzi?

At the current moment, Jun Ruohuan bore no resemblance to the dashing gentleman he usually was. Instead, he seemed like a beggar who had just climbed out from a rubbish dump. With a body completely charred, he was in an extremely miserable state.

"Even though his mental fortitude had been breached, given how he was able to clear the test within two hours, his foundations are still quite strong. Alright, you are qualified to enter the Yin-Yang Lake!"

Glancing at the bit of incense still burning outside the room, Court Chief Wu nodded her head.

Even though Ruohuan gongzi had stayed inside for nearly two entire hours, he was still able to leave within the allotted time. On top of that, he still retained his consciousness. This showed that he possessed outstanding endurance and perseverance. With these, he was qualified to enter the Yin-Yang Lake.

"Didn't Court Chief Wu say that the Room of Ice and Fire is a test of one's mental resilience? Why would..." Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

"The Room of Ice and Fire is indeed a trial on one's mental resilience. However, if one's mental fortitude is breached, one's physical body will incur injuries as well. Even so, to be able to walk out under such conditions, that person must possess outstanding endurance."

After explaining, Court Chief Wu turned to look at Zhang Xuan. "Zhang shi, are you going in next, or is Zhao Ya going?"

"Allow me!" Zhao Ya stepped forward.

With the same procedures from before, Zhao Ya entered the room. However, in just an hour later, she was already done. Seeing this sight, Ruohuan gongzi fell into depression, and internally, he was shouting 'monster'.

One must know that Zhao Ya's age and cultivation was way beneath his.

Of course, this trial didn't mean that Zhao Ya's capability was above that of Ruohuan gongzi. Rather, the Pure Yin Body granted Zhao Ya immunity to the cold and a form of defense against the heat... This trial might have been difficult for most cultivator, but for her, it wasn't anything much.

As such, even though Zhao Ya's condition was slightly unkempt when she walked out, she was in a much better state than Ruohuan gongzi.

"It's my turn!"

Since the other two had cleared, Zhang Xuan followed the same procedures as before and walked into the room.

...

Seeing Zhang Xuan walk into the room, Ruohuan gongzi asked, "Teacher, how long do you think Zhang shi will take?"

"Since you took around two hours and Zhao Ya around an hour, I think that Zhang shi... should be able to clear the challenge in less than fifteen minutes!" Pavilion Master Kang said.

That fellow had created too many miracles. Since even his student was able to clear the trial in an hour, most probably, he wouldn't even take half of the time.

"Fifteen minutes?"

Ruohuan gongzi shook his head, "I think he would only take a maximum of five minutes!"

Ruohuan gongzi had a very deep impression of the latter's monstrous capability. Every time he thought it was impossible for the other party to succeed, the other party would do so in a manner that exceeded their expectations.

Taking this situation for example, in truth, he also shared his teacher's thoughts that the other party would be able to complete the challenge within fifteen minutes. But... for some reason, his subconscious made him feel that the result would be even more frightening than his estimates.

"Five minutes?" Hearing the conversation between the duo, Court Chief Wu shook her head.

That was the Room of Ice and Fire, an extremely fearsome trial. Clearing it within five minutes? Surely you two must be dreaming!

"Court Chief Wu, you simply don't understand how fearsome Zhang shi is... In truth, I'm thinking that five minutes might be an underestimation..." Ruohuan gongzi explained.

"Is he that incredible?"

Hearing this talented master teacher declaring the matter so confidently, Court Chief Wu's opinion wavered.

That Zhang shi did indeed see through a problem that escape Pavilion Master Kang's eyes, and honestly speaking, there was something bizarre about him. Perhaps, he really might be able to accomplish the unthinkable.

"Indeed. Let's wait and see then!"

Ruohuan gongzi said so with a confidence even greater than that when he challenged the trial.

"Five minutes have passed..."

It didn't take long for five minutes to pass, but the room didn't seem to be opening any time soon.

"Perhaps... ten minutes..."

With an awkward expression, Ruohuan gongzi changed his words.

But after ten minutes had passed, the room still remain sealed.

"Could it be... fifteen minutes?" Having two of his guesses fail, Ruohuan gongzi uttered doubtfully.

But... a pity it was, but after fifteen minutes had passed, not a figure emerged from the shut doors.

Thirty minutes!

Fifty minutes!

Eighty minutes...

...

Soon, two hours passed but the Room of Ice and Fire remained bizarrely quiet.

"The time has ended but the other party isn't out yet... Seems like he failed to clear the trial!"

Court Chief Wu shook her head in lamentation.

She thought that the young man would create a miracle just as the others had said. But from the situation, it seemed like they were overestimating him.

Not only did the latter fail to create a miracle, he didn't even pass the trial.

"He failed..." Ruohuan gongzi muttered with a face warped as though it was suffering from constipation.

Every time he doubted that fellow, the other party would immediately make a comeback and prove him wrong. This time, he announced his trust in the other party's ability to achieve an outstanding result... But in the end, he failed?

Zhang shi, are you intentionally trying to oppose everything I've said...

Clutching his chest, Ruohuan gongzi felt a stifling sensation in his chest.

Pavilion Master Kang's body also shuddered. He was on the verge of crying.

Zhang shi had fared so well in the Master Teacher Hall, why would he suddenly fail here?

What in the world... happened inside?

...

Going back to two hours ago, when Zhang Xuan just entered the room...

Beyond the room was a long passageway that seemingly stretched to the ends of the world.

Hong long!

As soon as the door closed, Zhang Xuan immediately felt stifling heat assaulting him from all directions. It was as if he had accidentally walked into an incinerator.

Driving the Heaven's Path zhenqi, he turned his gaze backward and frowned.

The door which had just shut on its own accord actually disappeared from view, as though it had never existed from the start.

"Do I have to walk through the entire passageway to leave?"

Zhang Xuan frowned.

Could this Room of Ice and Fire actually be a formidable formation? And the only way to leave it is to walk to the end of the passageway?

Slightly doubtful, Zhang Xuan proceeded forward.

Xiong xiong!

But right after taking a few steps, the heat seemed to intensify. A sea of flames appeared in the surroundings, and there was no way to avoid it if Zhang Xuan wanted to proceed any further.

"Forget it, I should continue heading forward!"

Even after walking around the area, Zhang Xuan was still unable to find the exit. Thus, he decided to proceed forward.

The Heaven's Path zhenqi was extraordinarily powerful. Despite the searing heat scorching his skin, it was unable to hurt him at all.

Just as Zhang Xuan was standing right before the flames, ready to step over it, his eyes suddenly blurred, and in an instant, it was as if he had stepped into a field of ice. Piercing chill penetrated his bones and spread across his body via his meridians, causing him to shudder involuntarily.

He was on the verge of being reduced to an ice block.

As a Transcendent Mortal expert, under normal circumstances, even if he were to sleep in an ice vault, as long as he had zhenqi to protect his body, he wouldn't feel cold in the least. But at the current moment, he was shivering involuntarily. This was an extremely eerie situation.

Driving his zhenqi to ward off the cold, Zhang Xuan thought, 'It's no wonder Ruohuan gongzi was in such a terrible state when he exited. He probably suffered greatly under the torture of the alternating flames and ice...'

While Transcendent Mortal experts had the ability to ward off the effects of one's environment, but still... an abrupt steep change in temperature would still be hard to tolerate.

It was just like how one could tolerate having one's hand being plunged into a bowl of cold water, but if one were to put one's hand in a bowl of warm water before that, the huge contrast in the temperature would be difficult to bear.

Just as Zhang Xuan was able to proceed ahead, a thought suddenly appeared in his mind.

'Fire and ice... No, it can't be a formation. Even a 4-star pinnacle formation is incapable of such might.'

Even a 4-star pinnacle formation would be incapable of the abrupt steep change in temperature that occurred in this Room of Ice and Fire. But if that was the case, how in the world was this trial created?

'Besides, I didn't sense the movement in spiritual energy before entering. If there's a formation here, I would have surely sensed it...'

As a 4-star formation master, if there was a formation here, even though he hadn't tried using the Eye of Insight, he would have noticed it. Given the alternating fire and ice despite the lack of formation...

There must be something much deeper to the trial. At the very least, it wasn't as simple as simply walking through the corridor.

Furthermore, Court Chief Wu had said previously that this was a test of one's mental fortitude, and that Ruohuan gongzi's mental fortitude had been breached. This left him even more perplexed.

"I should see what's going on... Eye of Insight!"

With such doubts in mind, Zhang Xuan activated the Eye of Insight.

Hu!

A dazzling radiance glowed in the surroundings, and several lines of insight surfaced in his eyes.

After taking a brief look, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

"It's indeed a test of one's mental fortitude... My soul and consciousness has been brought into an illusion!"

Through the Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan finally made sense of the happenings.

The fire and ice that appeared before him weren't real; it was just an illusion.

It was just like the crystals in the House of Trust-through one's blood, it created illusions that made one feel as though one was braving through a land of flames and ice. Those who succumbed to it would be permanently trapped within it. No one could save them.

The Eye of Insight had the ability to see through falsehood. Despite how realistic the illusion was, under Zhang Xuan's sharp eyes, it still revealed its true nature. In truth, the exit from before was still at the same place, and his physical body was standing motionlessly at the center of the room. The interchanging heat and chill that he was experiencing at the moment wouldn't hurt him at all.

That was to say, the pain and torture he had just felt was an assault on his consciousness.

"To possess such means without the use of a formation, the Glacier Plain Court is indeed impressive!"

After taking another look, he confirmed that this wasn't a formation. But still, to be able to generate effects similar to a formation, the Room of Ice and Fire wasn't as simple as it looked.

It was just like the traps from celestial designer that he had seen in the soul oracle tomb back then.

There were some non-formation master occupations that could create things that was in no way inferior to a formation.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for them to create their own heritage and pass it on for innumerable years without declining.

"There must be something here that is affecting my consciousness, causing me to perceive the interchanging heat and chill!"

Even though it wasn't a formation, a lifelike illusion of this level that made one unable to discern one's soul from one's body definitely had to be powered by some powerful artifact or unique energy.

"Flaws!"

After understanding the situation, Zhang Xuan brought his consciousness back into his physical body, and went around touching the wall and the ground in the Room of Ice and Fire.

Not too long later, a book surfaced in his mind.

"I see..."

After reading through the content, Zhang Xuan smiled in understanding.

"Origin Flame Ice Plain, a bizarre phenomenon created by the overlapping of an Origin Fire and an Ice Plain... Going by the directions, it should be somewhere here!"

After measuring the room, Zhang Xuan walked to a certain location and tapped on several parts.

Kacha!

As the mechanical trap whirred into action, a huge hole appeared before Zhang Xuan's view.

It was like a pitch-black abyss, and its depth was inestimable.

"I should go down to take a look!"

Facing this hole of unknown depth, others might be hesitant to proceed downward. However, possessing the Red Dust Heaven Ascending Steps, Zhang Xuan had no such worries.

Leaping downward into the abyss, Zhang Xuan's body fell swiftly. After a moment of freefall, Zhang Xuan activated the Heaven Ascending Steps momentarily to slow his falling speed. Repeating the process several times, Zhang Xuan fell several thousand meters before stepping on solid ground once more.

This underground cavern was extremely vast, and it was impossible to see its ends with just a single glance. A huge lake of a radius of two meters stood right before him. However, the lake had an extremely bizarre appearance; half of it was flowing with lava whereas the other half had ice floating on it.

He thought that the liveliness of the spiritual energy was already amazing in the hall above, but here, under the effects of the lake, the spiritual energy in the surrounding was several times that of the hall.

'Could this be the Yin-Yang Lake?' Zhang Xuan thought.

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Chapter 552: Court Chief Wu Making a Move [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

It couldn't be that this was the Yin-Yang Lake, could it?

If that wasn't the case, how could there be such a bizarre thing?

But if that was the case... Why was it that small?

With just a radius of two meters, it would already be extremely cramped for one to enter it.

After all, cultivating wasn't bathing. There was no cultivator who would be willing to let their guards down before another at such proximity to cultivate.

If the Yin-Yang Lake was only this big, there was no reason why the Glacier Plain Court would be so famous.

Not to mention, it didn't match with how they had so many powerful disciples who were cultivating yin and yang cultivation techniques.

"I should take a look to see what's happening first..."

Walking forward, Zhang Xuan touched the surface of the lake lightly.

Hu!

A book appeared in his mand.

"Origin Flame Glacier Plain Seed Water. Created by members of Origin Flame Glaicer Plain by fusing the Origin Flames created by sealing the earth veins with unique material [Glacier Plain]. It is an extremely rare material. Flaws: 1, it requires specialists to sustain it or else it'll be damaged very easily..."

There were many things written in the book.

Soon, Zhang Xuan finished reading through the book.

"Turns out it isn't the Yin-Yang Lake... I thought that I'd found it."

Zhang Xuan shook his head in disappointment.

From the looks of it, the Yin-Yang Lake probably couldn't be found that easily. After all, it was the most important resource of the Frigid Plain Court so how could outsiders get access to it so easily? Not to mention, this underground chamber wasn't guarded at all.

Based on the description from the Library of Heaven's Path, this [Origin Flame Glacier Plain Seed Water] was made by the members of the Glacier Plain Court fusing Origin Flame with Ice Plain.

Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that Ice Plain referred to a land harnessing the power of ice. However, from the looks of it now, it seemed to be the name of a unique material, just like the Origin Flame.

"Pavilion Master Kang said that this land used to be a volcano before it became a land of ice... This should probably be the reason behind it."

On the way here, Pavilion Master Kang had told them some details regarding the Origin Flame Glacier Field.

This place used to be a searing sea of flames, a place uninhabitable even to the most resilient of weeds.

The members of the Glacier Plain Court had changed the entire landscape into a land of snow.

And if Zhang Xuan wasn't mistaken, it was most probably the doing of this small lake.

The small lake had sealed the heat energy in the earth vein through the Ice Plain, resulting in the inability for heat to disperse in the region. Given the height of the mountain, it was just a matter of time before snow filled its entire terrain.

It was just like if someone were to seal the heat of the burning lava through some means, as time passed, the temperature in the region would naturally fall.

A thought suddenly emerged in Zhang Xuan's mind.

'Given how this item is capable of creating illusions, it must have a certain degree of effect on one's soul. What if... my soul were to enter the lake?'

Even though this wasn't the Yin-Yang Lake, there was one thing he could confirm-this lake had an effect one a cultivator's soul. Given the huge amount of energy harnessed within the pool... Was it possible for his soul to be tempered by the energy within?

"Let me give it a try!"

Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan immediately got down to business. In any case, this was part of the trial, so he wasn't really causing any trouble anyway.

Sitting down on the ground, Zhang Xuan immediately drew his soul out, and his soul headed for the lake.

Tzzzzz!

As soon as he entered, the surge of cold and heat immediately assaulted him, making his soul feel as though it had been plunged into a pot of burning oil and a river of freezing water simultaneously, placing him under great agony.

But at the same time, his soul became stronger and more tangible.

"Not bad!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

The soul cultivation technique he was using was the Heaven's Path Soul Art. This made his soul exceptionally resilient, fearing neither yin or yang, thus allowing him to devour such overwhelming power. If it was any other soul oracle, their soul would have already dissipated from the heat in the water.

In fact... this didn't just apply to soul oracles. Even bodies of Consonant Spirit realm expert would easily crumble before this simultaneous assault of heat and chill.

Unlike the body, the soul is intangible. It wouldn't expand or contract when in contact with heat or chill, which would make a material very fragile.

As such, Zhang Xuan was the only one who could make use of this precious resource to train his soul. No one else in the world would be able to do the same.

"Absorb..."

Understanding this fact, Zhang Xuan chuckled as his soul swallowed both the yin and yang energy in the water.

Driving the Heaven's Path Soul Art to the maximum, Zhang Xuan's cultivation soared furiously.

Kacha!

The sound of a wall breaking down sounded. In just a few breaths, Zhang Xuan's soul cultivation had increased from Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle to Transcendent Mortal 3-dan primary stage.

But still, his cultivation showed no sign of stopping. On the contrary, he seemed to be absorbing the energy even faster.

Transcendent Mortal 3-dan primary stage!

3-dan intermediate stage!

3-dan advanced stage!

...

Absorbing the yin and yang energy in the lake, Zhang Xuan's cultivation surged swiftly, a fold faster than the pace his zhenqi cultivation usually progressed.

"This lake is the amalgamation of yin and yang, the collision of heat and chill. This is sligned with the Heaven's Path Soul Art, thus hastening the rate of my cultivation..."

Zhang Xuan also understood the underlying principle behind this sight.

The single origin conceives two, two conceives three, and three conceives all.

The Heaven's Path cultivation techniques were created by putting countless formulas together, and it contained the utmost truth of the world. On the other hand, the lake before him represented the amalgamation of yin and yang in the world...

It was due to the two factors in harmony with one another that his cultivation speed had been boosted significantly.

But in truth, this increase in rate of cultivation wasn't too useful to him.

After all, the main problem he had at hand was the lack of spirit stone. Even if he were to absorb spiritual energy from a spirit stone instead, he could easily achieve a breakthrough within two hours. Cutting it down by half into one hour didn't make much of a difference.

So, it wasn't as effective as it sounded.

But still, this was due to his cultivation technique being too overpowered. If anyone else could raise their rate of cultivation by twofold, they would probably be smiling in their sleep.

Hong long!

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Xuan's soul trembled before he stopped his cultivation.

Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle... reached!

In less than two hours, his soul cultivation had increased by Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle. That was two whole realms!

Upon making the breakthrough to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity realm, one's strength would raise from 800,000 ding to 1,000,000 ding.

Every single tier would mean an increase of strength by 200,000 ding. In other words, having reached 4-dan pinnacle, the strength that Zhang Xuan could derive from his soul added up to more than 1,600,000 ding!

Factoring the 400,000 ding from his zhenqi, that would mean Zhang Xuan's strength was currently standing at 2,000,000 ding! Even Pavilion Master Kang wouldn't be a match for him!

That was how powerful he was at the moment!

Zhang Xuan never expected that his cultivation would increase by so much in less than two hours.

But still, given that the soul oracles had already disappeared from the face of the world, it was best for Zhang Xuan to avoid using this power.

Otherwise, all kinds of trouble might end up coming his way. This could prove to be extremely troublesome.

"Time to return!"

Now that Zhang Xuan's soul cultivation had reached its cap, he stopped his cultivation and his soul dived back into the body. Then, he stood up.

Taking a look at the lake before him, the lake which showed a sight of the amalgamation of yin and yang before had disappeared altogether. At the current moment, it was no different from a normal lake. The yin and yang energy it harnessed before had been completely sapped dry by him.

Zhang Xuan's soul was twofold larger than that of an ordinary Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle soul oracle. As a soul, his height was more than a single zhang (3.33m) tall, and even two ordinary humans stacked together would be unable to match up to his size.

"Two hours have already passed. I should leave the room now!"

Making a rough calculation, Zhang Xuan scratched his head in embarrassment.

For the Room of Ice and Fire trial, Zhang Xuan had to leave the room within two hours to gain an opportunity to enter the Yin-Yang Lake. Given that the time had passed, it wasn't wrong to say that he had already failed the test.

Pavilion Master Kang had worked so hard for him, going to the extent of even giving up on his student just so that he could get this opportunity... He wondered if the other party would faint in anger at his failure.

"Forget it, I'll just deal with it when it comes my way!"

In any case, Zhang Xuan was content with his gains here. Executing the Red Dust Heaven Ascending Steps, Zhang Xuan flew back to where he came from.

Possessing a zhenqi cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 2-dan advanced stage now, Zhang Xuan could now sustain his flight for at least more than a dozen seconds.

Covering a distance of several thousand meters in this time period wasn't too hard of a task for him.

In just ten breaths, Zhang Xuan returned to the Room of Ice and Fire, and tapping on a few spots on the wall, the trapdoor closed.

After ensuring that everything was in place, Zhang Xuan tidied his clothes before walking out.

The moment he walked out, he saw Court Chief Wu, Pavilion Master Kang, and Ruohuan gongzi standing anxiously in front of the door. From the looks of it, if he didn't appear soon, they would immediately barge into the room.

"Zhang shi, are you okay?" Pavilion Master Kang asked worriedly.

"I'm fine!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

"Then you..." Ruohuan gongzi was perplexed. Since the other party was fine, why didn't he come out earlier? In the end, he exceeded the timing and lost the opportunity to enter the Yin-Yang Lake...

Court Chief Wu was also bewildered by the situation before her.

Even though Ruohuan gongzi and Zhao Ya had left the room within the allocated time, their states were rather unkempt when they walked out. On the other hand, not only was Zhang shi completely uninjured, his clothes were also completely intact as though they were new. He looked exactly the same as how he did when he first walked into the room...

What was going on?

This situation would normally only occur to geniuses who broke out of the illusion very quickly. Otherwise, under the effects of the illusion, one would suffer the assault of the power of yin and yang. Even if one's physical body was still fine, one's clothes would surely be tattered.

"Oh... I felt that the yin and yang energy in the room wasn't too bad so I started cultivating. But due to my moment of excitement, I actually forgot about the time..." Zhang Xuan replied sheepishly.

He couldn't reveal the matter about the soul oracle, so he replied with a half-truth instead. However, hearing those words, everyone staggered and nearly spurted blood.

To cultivate... in a treacherous place like the Room of Ice and Fire?

Anyone else who entered the area would be thinking of how they could hold on, and yet, this fellow actually thought it was a good place and lost track of the time while cultivating...

Are you serious?

Court Chief Wu frowned.

"The Room of Ice and Fire has a special mechanism that plunged one into illusions as soon as they entered... How did you cultivate under such a situation?"

"I just happened to do so by sheer luck..." Zhang Xuan shook his head. Feeling that it might be dangerous for him to continue speaking of this matter, he changed the topic. "If that's the case, could I be considered to have passed the trial?"

"The conditions for passing the trial states that one must pass the Room of Ice and Fire within two hours... Even though you missed the timing due to being immersed in your cultivation, rules are still rules. I can't make an exception and qualify you..."

Court Chief Wu shook her head.

Even though she would have loved to see the young man before her succeed... the rules of the Glacier Plain Court were absolute.

Regardless of the reason behind the young man's delay, he had failed the trial, and thus, he failed to earn the qualification to enter the Yin-Yang Lake.

"Alright..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He had already known this would be the result when he looked at the timing. In any case, he didn't bear much hope for the Yin-Yang Lake for the first place. Besides, his soul cultivation had increased tremendously within the last two hours. Thus, he wasn't too disappointed.

"I'm willing to pass my slot on to my teacher..." Zhao Ya offered anxiously.

"There's no need for that!"

Zhang Xuan was touched by Zhao Ya's thoughtfulness, but he shook his hands. "The Yin-Yang Lake isn't of much use to me. Instead, you, as a cultivator possessing the Pure Yin Body, should make full use of this chance to cultivate properly and metamorphose."

"But..."

"Why? Are you disobeying my words now?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"No, just that..."

"No 'just that'! Follow Court Chief Wu to the Yin-Yang Lake and cultivate properly. Try to awaken your unique constitution further during this period of time!"

Then, turning to Court Chief Wu, Zhang Xuan said, "Court chief, since I've failed to earn the qualification to enter the Yin-Yang Lake, please bring Zhao Ya and Ruohuan gongzi over. I'll wait here with Pavilion Master Kang..."

"Un!"

Seeing that Zhang shi didn't insist on tagging along, Court Chief Wu heaved a sigh of relief. She beckoned to the duo and said, "The two of you, follow me."

"Yes..."

Seeing the displeasure on her teacher's face, Zhao Ya didn't dare to say much. Thus, she followed Court Chief Wu to the Yin-Yang Lake. Ruohuan gongzi also followed closely behind. Before leaving, he turned around to look at Zhang shi with a look of awe.

Despite losing such a precious opportunity, Zhang shi didn't cause a fuss or leverage on the other party's weakness for the other party to make an exception for him. As expected of the person whom even his teacher was impressed with. He was indeed a true master teacher.

"Zhang shi, this opportunity is so hard to come by... It's truly a pity!"

After the trio left, Pavilion Master Kang couldn't help but lamented.

The nature of the Yin-Yang Lake made it extremely beneficial to the cultivation or Origin Energy realm and Yin-Yang realm cultivators. Otherwise, Pavilion Master Kang wouldn't have paid such a heavy price to bring the master teachers who passed the selection over.

He thought that given Zhang shi's ability, the latter would surely be able to pass the trial easily. Who could have expected that... he would actually fail!

If Zhang shi could have entered the Yin-Yang Lake, the chances of him getting into the top ten would be increased greatly.

And now... With the cultivation of a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage cultivator, it would be nearly impossible for him to succeed.

Before leaving the Myriad Kingdom City, Zhang Xuan had already made a breakthrough to Transcendent Mortal 2-dan advanced stage. However, this sudden leap in cultivation would raise doubts in the mind of others, Zhang Xuan chose to hide it. Thus, even Pavilion Master Kang was unaware that his cultivation had already increased by several tiers.

"Actually, it's nothing much..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head, "The Glacier Plain Court has its own rules as well. A failure means a failure; there's nothing much I can do about it. Speaking of which, I require middle-tier spirit stones for my cultivation. If Pavilion Master Kang has any of them... I am willing to exchange them with something of equivalent value."

What Yin-Yang Lake or blessed land... As the one who grasped the Heaven's Path Divine Art and Heaven's Path Soul Art, nothing was more useful to him as middle-tier spirit stones.

As long as he had sufficient spirit stones, achieving breakthroughs was a walk in the park.

"Middle-tier spirit stones?" Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback by the request. "I do have a few of them. If you need them for your cultivation, I can give them to you straight..."

As the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he had gathered quite a few middle-tier spirit stones over the years. However, as he required them for his own cultivation as well, he didn't have many of them left.

Still... if Zhang shi could get a better placing in the Master Teacher Tournament, he would have no regrets even if he were to go bankrupt because of this.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion was where he had devoted his effort to. As the pavilion master, naturally, he wished the best for it as well. If Zhang shi could actually reach top ten, even if he were to die on the spot, he could at least face his predecessors proudly.

"Give them to me?"

Zhang Xuan was taken aback. Knowing the other party's thoughts, he actually felt impressed by the other party's devotion. "Pavilion Master Kang, there's no need to stand on ceremonies. I won't take your spirit stones for free..."

Even though the other party had his own motives as well, he was an upright person. Zhang Xuan wasn't willing to take the item from such a person without giving something equivalent in exchange.

Just as Zhang Xuan was considering whether he should help the latter achieve a breakthrough to Consonant Spirit realm when they return back to Myriad Kingdom City, a savage aura suddenly burst in the air, gushing into the heavens. It seemed as though the rage of an incredible expert had erupted.

Feeling the suddenly outburst of power, Pavilion Master Kang and Zhang Xuan narrowed their eyes simultaneously.

"It's Court Chief Wu... Shit!"

This aura couldn't be any more familiar to them-it belonged to Court Chief Wu.

What did this fellow intend to do by releasing such a powerful aura all of the sudden?

Could it be that... she means harm to Ruohuan gongzi and Zhao Ya?

She was a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert! If she were to really harbor such thoughts, even if the two of them were to work together, they would still be unable to withstand a single blow from her!

There was too huge of a difference between their cultivation!

"Let's go over and take a look!"

With a darkened complexion, the duo rushed toward the place where the aura was released from.

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Chapter 553: The Shy Zhang Xuan

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Stepping against the ground, Pavilion Master Kang charged forward as though a leopard. He shook his arms, and zhenqi gushed frenziedly from his body, causing his speed to hasten once again.

Spirit intermediate-tier battle technique--Proud Eagle Soaring the Skies!

This was a movement technique, and even if it wasn't the strongest one in the Myriad Kingdom City, it wasn't too far off from that. Executing it, Pavilion Master Kang's speed surged. Even an expert of Alliance Head Zhao's caliber would find it hard to keep up.

Worried over the safety of his student, he even went to the extent of executing his ultimate move. "Zhang shi, I'll be going on ahead to take a look... Hmm? Where's he? The heck!"

Continuing on forward, Pavilion Master Kang turned his head to speak to Zhang shi. However, halfway through his words, his body stiffened, and he nearly fell to the ground.

There was no one behind him at all. Instead, there was a figure, who was now only the size of a black dot, flitting swiftly in front of him, about to disappear at any moment.

Who else could it be... other than Zhang shi?

He had used his strongest technique to move as fast as possible, and they thought that it would be impossible for the Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage Zhang shi to catch up. Who could've known that... before he could finish his words, the other party had already disappeared!

The other party's speed was more than twofold faster than his!

One had to know that he was a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert, and on top of that, he had executed his strongest movement technique... And yet, he still nearly failed to even catch the other party's silhouette.

Even though he had seen the sight for himself, he couldn't help but think that maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him.

Was that still a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan cultivator?

Even a 5-dan wouldn't possess such speed...

'Wait a moment, he isn't 2-dan primary stage but... advanced stage?'

Pavilion Master Kang frowned.

Rushing at full speed, Zhang shi's true cultivation was fully revealed... That wasn't the level of a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage but an... advanced stage.

How was that possible?

He had seen the other party making a breakthrough to Origin Energy realm right before him clearly-it couldn't possibly be faked... And yet, in just half a month, the other party actually advanced two small realms to reach 2-dan advanced stage?

No matter what, that was Transcendent Mortal 2-dan... To progress from primary stage to advanced stage in such a short period of time, not to mention, his cultivation had been reinforced and he seemed to be on the verge of making a breakthrough at any time...

How did he do it?

Wasn't that way too formidable?

Besides, even if the other party was at Origin Energy realm advanced stage, the other party was two huge cultivation realms weaker than a Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle expert like him. How could the other party be even faster than him given such? Not to mention, despite traveling at such speed, the other party's ability to make abrupt turns and leaps was absurd. At the very least, he knew that his Spirit intermediate-tier movement technique Proud Eagle Soaring the Skies was incapable of such a feat.

'Could it be that... he had cultivated a Spirit high-tier movement technique... or even a Spirit pinnacle battle technique?'

Pavilion Master Kang was shocked by his own thoughts.

Only the more powerful empires had the qualification to access such techniques. Even though he was the head of Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, he was still unqualified to learn or even to access them.

Yet, Zhang shi, who had come from an Unranked Kingdom... actually had learned a battle technique of such level. His background must have been incredible...

'Su Fan and Ling Yuheng probably didn't tell me the complete truth... Zhang shi's background isn't simple at all! I'll have to ask them about it when I return!' Pavilion Master Kang thought.

Strength wasn't something that came from nowhere. Given how formidable Zhang shi was, his teacher and background must be anything but ordinary!

Given how Su shi and Ling shi vouched for him with all their might, they must know something about him.

"Zhang shi... Wait for me!"

Suppressing his shock, Pavilion Master Kang raised his gaze once more, only to see that Zhang shi's figure had disappeared altogether. Thus, he quickly chased the other party's back.

The Glacier Plain Court wasn't too big. The place where the savage aura was released was only several hundred meters away from them. After making a few turns, Zhang Xuan arrived at a vast hall.

Court Chief Wu, Ruohuan gongzi, Zhao Ya, as well as several red-robed and white-robed female disciples were present in the room. Every single one of them was shaking in fear before the immense might Court Chief Wu was releasing.

Before the group was an immense lake of around twenty meters wide. The lake was divided into two portions. It seemed like innumerable spirit stones had been embedded to it, creating a lake of pure spiritual energy.

"Could this be the... Yin-Yang Lake?"

Even though Zhang Xuan had heard of the name of Yin-Yang Lake, this was his first time seeing it.

"Something's wrong... I've heard that the water of the Yin-Yang Lake is divided by their attribute; one end should be searing hot while the other end should be icy cold. Even though the lake in front is filled with spiritual energy, it doesn't seem to carry such attributes..."

Zhang Xuan frowned.

The Yin-Yang Lake was famous across the world due to the yin and yang energy flowing within it. One end was bone-piercing cold while the other end was unendurable heat. The both of them met at the center, forming a mystical sight.

Cultivating within the lake, one's zhenqi would be tempered by the power of hot and cold, yin and yang, thus making one's zhenqi even more dense. This would increase the speed of one's cultivation as well.

Even though the lake before him was divided into two, all Zhang Xuan could sense from it was the flow of spiritual energy. There was no heat or coldness from it... Could this not be the Yin-Yang Lake?"

During that period of time, Pavilion Master Kang also arrived on the scene. Upon seeing that his student wasn't injured, he turned to Court Chief Wu and asked with a doubtful expression, "Court Chief Wu, what happened?"

What in the world could have happened to send Court Chief Wu, a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan, into such rage?

"Something has cropped up with the Yin-Yang Lake..." Court Chief Wu said. Then, turning to the female disciples by the side, she bellowed, "Repeat what you said just now!"

"Yes!"

A female disciple stepped forward and said with a trembling voice, "Just as always, we came over here to clear up the... seed water, but we realized that... the power of yin and yang within the seed water had disappeared completely, just like... the Yin-Yang Lake..."

"The seed water is buried deep within the ground, and the power of yin and yang within it originates from the earth vein and Ice Plain. How could it possibly disappear all of the sudden?" Court Chief Wu couldn't believe this matter.

"Reporting to court chief... this is a sample that we brought up from below. Look..."

The female disciple flicked her wrist and a pail appeared in her hands. It was a pail of clear water. Spiritual energy was dancing vigorously in it but... the water didn't carry the slightest chill or heat at all.

"The yin and yang attribute has really disappeared from the seed water? What's going on?"

Court Chief Wu's eyes reddened.

The Yin-Yang Lake was the very basis of the Glacier Plain Court. If it was ruined, this branch would be as good as destroyed.

While she was lashing out furiously, Zhang Xuan's mouth was twitching vigorously.

Initially, he wasn't too sure what the 'seed water' the other party spoke of referred to, but after seeing the water in the pail the female disciple brought over, he immediately shuddered.

Wasn't that what he absorbed just a moment ago?

Could it be related to the Yin-Yang Lake?

"Court Chief Wu, can you tell me what the seed water is? If there is any trouble, you could tell me about it. Perhaps we might find a solution to the problem by discussing it..."

Seeing the state of the court chief, Pavilion Master Kang suddenly got a bad premonition.

"This concerns the deepest secret of the Glacier Plain Court, so I didn't want to reveal it to you. However, given the current situation, it seems like I can't hide it any longer!"

Court Chief Wu hesitated for a moment before nodding her head.

Even though the group before her were all outsiders, they were also master teachers. This was a huge crisis and she had no choice but to pin her hopes on them.

"This is the Yin-Yang Lake!"

Court Chief Wu gestured to the giant lake before them. "Are you all curious why there is no collision between searing heat and frigid coldness in the lake, as is said in the rumors?"

Everyone nodded their heads.

This was especially so for Pavilion Master Kang. He had noticed all of this as soon as he arrived, and this had left him perplexed.

"The spiritual energy from the Yin-Yang Lake originates from spirit stones, I believe you all should be able to tell as much. However, the yin and yang energy within originates from the seed water!

"The seed water is created by the Glacier Plain Court by fusing the searing heat of the earth vein and the frigid coldness of the Ice Plain through a unique method. It is usually buried deep in the mountain vein, and only when it is required will we take a pail of water from it and pour it in this lake..." Court Chief Wu explained.

Even though it was just a brief introduction, it concerned the deepest secret and most fundamental secret behind the existence of the Glacier Plain Court.

The supposed Yin-Yang Lake wasn't naturally-formed but man-made. Its very foundation was the seed water. Only by pouring a pail of seed water in the Yin-Yang Lake would yin and yang energy be granted to the water, turning it into a blessed land for cultivators.

It was just like a bottle of syrup and the cordial made of it. The most important part of it wasn't the cordial but the bottle of syrup!

And at this moment... the yin and yang attribute of the seed water... had actually disappeared altogether!

Without the seed water, the Yin-Yang Lake would be reduced to nothing more than a lake concentrated in spiritual energy. Even though it was still useful to one's cultivation, its effectiveness was significantly lower than before...

"This..."

Pavilion Master Kang's mouth twitched.

He thought that it might be a simple problem, but from the looks of it, it was something way beyond his ability.

The seed water was the most fundamental secret of the Glacier Plain Court. How could he possibly know how to fix something like that?

Even Court Chief Wu, who had spent her entire life alongside it, was unable to solve it. What kind of solution could he possibly offer?

Honestly speaking, he felt that his luck was truly bad. He'd gone through so much effort to get the slots in hope that the cultivation of their participants of the Master Teacher Tournament could increase significantly through this. Never in his dreams did he expect to stumble by such a problem...

"Right, Zhang shi..."

Shaking his head, Pavilion Master Kang was just about to tell the other party that he was helpless before this issue when he remembered the miracle-making Zhang Xuan. Thus, he turned his gaze to the latter, but the sight he saw made him frown.

At this moment, Zhang shi had a bizarre look on his face. He looked as though he had done something wrong, and his face was red in guilt.

"Zhang shi, what's wrong?"

It was bizarre for the active Zhang Xuan to behave in such a manner instead of offering a solution. Court Chief Wu, also sensing that something was amiss, turned her gaze to the latter.

Everyone else also followed suit, and soon, all eyes were gathered on him.

"I..."

Hearing the question, Zhang Xuan's face reddened further. Scratching his head, he said, "That... Court Chief Wu, previously, at the Room of Ice and Fire, didn't I tell you that... I cultivated for a while?"

Court Chief Wu and Pavilion Master Kang was surprised to hear Zhang Xuan raise up this issue all of the sudden, but they still nodded their heads.

The other party did indeed say such words. It was due to this matter that he failed to pass the trial.

Scratching his head in embarrassment, Zhang Xuan continued, "Cough cough... while I was cultivating, I accidentally exerted too much force and... sapped the yin and yang energy in your seed water dry..."

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Chapter 554: Compensation

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Ah?"

"Exerted too much force?"

Court Chief Wu, Pavilion Master Kang, and the others were stunned.

Ruohuan gongzi's mouth twitched, and he nearly fainted on the spot.

He had been wondering why Zhang shi would fail the trial despite the fact that even he could clear it. So, this was the main reason behind it... The latter had already gone ahead and absorbed the seed water dry, rendering the Yin-Yang Lake obsolete... Under such circumstances, was there still a need for him to clear the trial?

To think that he was even awed by the other party's openness in admitting his defeat... Looking at it now, the other party was truly shameless!

What do we do now given that you have gone ahead to sap the seed water dry?

Ruohuan gongzi truly felt like crying now.

Ever since he met this fellow, regardless of what he did, be it the selection round or the current trial, there was nothing that went his way. He seemed to be either getting slapped on the face or was on the way to be getting slapped on the face.

If not for his strong mental resilience, he would have long gone mad from this.

"Y-you... actually sapped the power of yin and yang within the seed water dry?"

Court Chief Wu finally recovered from her shock and stared at the young man before her with a frenzied look.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan replied sheepishly.

Even though he knew the name of that small lake below through the Library of Heaven's Path, he had no idea that it would be so important to the Yin-Yang Lake... He had only wanted to temper his soul for a bit, he didn't think that something so important would turn out to be so fragile, breaking down when it had only boosted his soul cultivation from Transcendent Mortal 2-dan to 4-dan.

But thinking deeper into it, that was to be expected. After all, the seed water was only responsible for the production of yin and yang energy. The spiritual energy contained within it for Zhang Xuan's cultivation was lacking. The bulk of the spiritual energy for the Yin-Yang Lake mainly came from the innumerable spirit stones embedded in the surroundings.

As such, the yin and yang energy within the seed water was quickly sapped dry by him.

Upon understanding all of this, Zhang Xuan felt extremely stifled.

If only he'd known how easily that thing broke down, as well as its importance, he would have never touched it!

Just like his zhenqi cultivation, his soul cultivation could be raised as long as he had sufficient middle-tier spirit stones.

He had no way to compensating for the seed water and Yin-Yang Lake!

But still... the seed water wasn't completely useless. After all, its effects were different from that of the spirit stones. A soul that had absorbed the yin and yang energy would be similar to have undergone a lightning tribulation, making it even more tangible and purer. This was something that a spirit stone could never hope to achieve.

"The seed water is hidden deep underground, and the Room of Ice and Fire is only connected to it so that one would be exposed to the power of yin and yang... There's a distance of several thousand meters between both ends. Even at such a distance, you were still able to absorb it?"

Court Chief Wu found the matter too difficult to believe.

Given the distance between the Room of Ice and Fire and the seed water, how did he manage to sap everything dry?

"Cough cough... When I entered the Room of Ice and Fire, I found a mechanism that exposed a trapdoor..." Zhang Xuan said.

Court Chief Wu trembled.

That was a mechanism designed by a 5-star celestial designer! Even she could only open it with the token given to her as the court chief. Yet, this fellow was actually able to activate it... How in the world did he do it?

More importantly... that was only a small ventilation pipe. It only had two purposes-the Room of Ice and Fire trial, and to connect the seed water to the environment so as to nourish it. As such, the ventilation pipe was just a straight vertical opening with a height of several thousand meters... There was nothing there to break one's fall... Jumping down just like that would surely result in death!

Besides, if he had really gone down, how in the world did he get back up?

"It's my fault for absorbing the yin and yang energy of your seed water dry. How about this... I won't take advantage of you. I've taken a good look at your battle technique just now, and the Glacier Plain Court's Yin Formula and Yang Formula possess a fatal flaw. If I'm not mistaken, all who cultivate those two formulae will die early!"

Zhang Xuan felt guilty at destroying the centerpiece of the other party's court. It just so happened that he had taken a good look at the yin and yang attribute disciple just now, and he realized that there were some problems with their cultivation techniques. He hoped to make it up to the other party through this way.

"You..."

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

The yin and yang formula disciples were usually groomed to take care of the seed water. As such, facing frequent immense pressure from the earth vein and the Ice Plain, their lifespans were severely limited. Even if they managed to make the breakthrough into Transcendent Mortal realm, sixty was still a huge hurdle for them.

However, this was a secret of their Glacier Plain Court... This Zhang shi actually managed to see through this as well?

"I can modify your cultivation technique so as to get rid of this trauma in compensation for your loss!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Modify... the cultivation technique?" Court Chief Wu shuddered.

This flaw had been existent in the heritage for the Glacier Plain Court for innumerable years. If it could really be resolved, that person would really be a benefactor to all of the members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. Putting aside destroying a branch, even if he were to destroy ten of them, the headquarters wouldn't even frown in the least.

However... even if it could be modified, it was hard to believe that it could come from the hands of a young man who wasn't even twenty yet.

"The greatest flaw with those two cultivation techniques is that yang and yin energy will accumulate, causing one's meridians to be blocked. Even though yang and yin energy are the most original energy of the world, very few cultivators have a constitution compatible with it. If it were to accumulate for an extended period of time, it was very easy for one's foundation to be destroyed. This is similar to ginseng; even though it brings many benefits to the human body, there are still some who are incompatible with it. As long as one's constitution is in conflict with it, even the best tonic could turn into lethal poison..."

Knowing the other party's concerns, Zhang Xuan continued, "If it can be solved at its very root, the compatibility between one's constitution and the yin and yang energy will increase. It won't be difficult for them to regain their lost lifespan!"

Court Chief Wu didn't cultivate the Yin Formula or Yang Formula, but the other disciples did. Furthermore, due to their lower cultivation, Zhang Xuan's Eye of Insight was able to work perfectly on them.

Through his observations, he realized that most of them were suffering from the same trauma, and if they weren't treated soon, their lifespan could be severely limited.

A Transcendent Mortal realm cultivator's lifespan can usually reach two hundred to three hundred years. To live until only sixty was truly tragic in comparison.

Court Chief Wu was hesitant, but soon, gritting her teeth; she took out two manuals and passed them over. "Zhang shi, I'll be troubling you for the cultivation techniques..."

Initially, she was still harboring some doubts, thinking that the other party was trying to make use of this opportunity to peek into their cultivation technique. Only after hearing the explanation did she realize that she was wrongly doubting the other party.

The other party was even able to see through the essence and main flaws of their cultivation technique-this meant that the Yin Formula and Yang Formula probably didn't mean much to the other party at all. So how could he possibly resort to such underhanded tricks to attain their cultivation technique?

"Un!" Taking the cultivation technique manual, a corresponding book immediately appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path.

Lowering his head to browse through the manual, it was exactly as what he perceived using his Eye of Insight previously-those who cultivated these two manuals would suffer a serious trauma that would shorten their lifespans.

But fortunately, the flaws of the cultivation techniques were clearly shown through the Library of Heaven's Path. Thus, modifying the cultivation technique wasn't too difficult.

Soon, Zhang Xuan picked up his brush and started changing the incorrect portions of the cultivation techniques that resulted in the shortening of lifespan before passing it back.

"This..."

Grabbing hold of the cultivation technique, Court Chief Wu took a look and started trembling.

As a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert who had governed over the Glacier Plain Court for many years, she could easily tell whether the modifications were effective or not.

And based on her evaluation, she could foresee everyone in the Glacier Plain Court recovering from their trauma if they were to cultivate by this modified manual.

To change a cultivation technique right after taking a look... How formidable was this young man?

Even Pavilion Master Kang was incompatible of such a feat!

"Thank you Zhang shi for saving countless members of our Glacier Plain Court!"

She knew that this cultivation technique would surely cause a huge uproar if she were to report it back the headquarters. Who knows how many current and future members would be saved by cultivating this modified technique? Unable to hold back her agitation any longer, Court Chief Wu kneeled to the floor and kowtowed.

"Ah... Court Chief Wu, what are you doing..."

Not expecting the other party to kowtow to him, Zhang Xuan was alarmed. He hurried forward to pull the other party up.

Court Chief Wu shook her hands and replied gravely, "I am thanking you in the stead of our entire Glacier Plain Court. Please don't turn down our gratitude!"

Due to the limitations of their cultivation technique, there were more than a hundred thousand disciples who were unable to live past sixty. Once this cultivation technique got out, they would be saved from the tragic fate of an early death... In other words, Zhang shi, with this action, had saved the lives of more than several hundred thousand people. Her bow represented the gratitude of all of these people.

"Alright then..."

Since the other party was adamant, Zhang Xuan could only concede.

On the other hand, Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi's vision turned dark, and they nearly spurted blood.

When they learned that Zhang shi had devoured the yin and yang energy in the seed water clean, they thought that Court Chief Wu would surely kill him. Who knew that in a blink of an eye, the latter would actually be kneeling to him...

Zhang shi, what other incredible feats are you capable of?

To modify a cultivation technique and solve a problem that had plagued the members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plains for so long...

That was no longer a feat that a master teacher was capable of. In fact, Pavilion Master Kang even thought that a 5-star master teacher couldn't possibly fare any better than him.

After kowtowing grandly three times, Court Leader Wu finally stood up.

Even though the other party had ruined the seed water, in exchange, he had saved countless lives of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. His contributions had far exceeded his misdoings.

"The reason why we traveled here is to cultivate at the Yin-Yang Lake in preparation of the Master Teacher Tournament. Since I inadvertently ruined the Yin-Yang Lake, resulting in you being unable to advance your cultivation... How about this, I'll offer you some pointer so that you can reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month as compensation!"

After dealing with Court Chief Wu's matter, Zhang Xuan turned his attention to Ruohuan gongzi.

Initially, this fellow came excitedly in hopes of using the Yin-Yang Lake to boost his cultivation. Who could have known that the yin and yang energy contained within the lake would be sapped dry by him, resulting in his plans being messed up. Naturally, Zhang Xuan should also compensate him as well.

"Reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month?"

Ruohuan gongzi was taken aback.

He was a master teacher himself, and his teacher was even the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Throughout his life, he had come into contact with all kinds of ingenious solutions to boost one's rate of cultivation. But even so, he knew that it was impossible for him to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle without at least a decade of hard work. To do so in a month...

You must be dreaming!

"When you cultivate, do you feel your spirit sea is being blocked, as though you are trying to force through a narrow tunnel?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Ah... Yes!"

Ruohuan gongzi nodded his head.

The main reason why the progress in his cultivation had been slow wasn't due to the lack of resources or his lack of knowledge on how to progress further. Rather, the zhenqi in his body seemed to have met with some kind of impetus, making it difficult for him to drive it around his body.

"The solution is simple. Eat this pill, I guarantee you that you will be able to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month!"

Zhang Xuan nonchalantly took out a fist-sized red pill.

Ruohuan gongzi's body swayed and his face distorted.

"This is... the grade-2 Libido Pill that is fed to savage beasts?"

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Chapter 555: The Glacier Plain

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

As a 4-star master teacher, Ruohuan gongzi possessed outstanding eye of discernment. The pill in the other party's hand looked upright, but in truth, it was the Libido Pill that was fed to savage beasts.

The more formidable a savage beast was, the lower the probability of survival of its offspring. Thus, in order to encourage reproduction, beast tamers would feed this pill to the other party.

After consuming it, the savage beast would immediately become lively. It would go without rest for several days and nights, thus guaranteeing an offspring.

This pill which was even larger than a fist should have been meant for just savage beasts. Yet, the other party was asking him to consume it?

Ruohuan gongzi swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and at this moment, he even felt like dying.

"That's right. This is indeed a medicine for the consumption of savage beasts. However, it happens to be effective for your condition, so hurry up and consume it... Oh, you have to swallow it whole. You mustn't chew it..." Zhang Xuan instructed.

"Swallow it whole?"

Ruohuan gongzi staggered.

How in the world am I supposed to swallow a fist-sized pill whole? Even if I can stuff it into my mouth, it surely won't go down my throat!

Big brother, what kind of grudge do I have with you? You aren't trying to raise my cultivation but kill me, right?

"You have to swallow it whole. Otherwise, its effects will be reduced!"

Throwing the pill to Pavilion Master Kang, Zhang Xuan instructed, "Since you are his teacher, you should help him swallow it whole!"

"Me?"

Seeing the Libido Pill meant for savage beasts in his hand, Pavilion Master Kang's mouth twitched. Raising his head, he asked, 'Can this... really help Ruohuan's cultivation?"

"Of course!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Alright then..."

Gritting his teeth, Pavilion Master Kang walked up to Ruohuan gongzi. "Ruohuan, come here and eat your medicine. Ah, don't run..."

He rushed forward to grab Jun Ruohuan and pushed him down to the floor. Then, he forced this giant pill into the other party's mouth before using his zhenqi to force it down the other party's throat.

"Cough cough..."

Ruohuan gongzi kept coughing non-stop, and his saliva flew around the place.

At this moment, he no longer bore the slightest resemblance to a gentleman. A beggar would be a more apt description for him.

What dashing and refined disposition? It had all disappeared along with the wind at this current moment.

Seeing that the latter still had the effort to allow his snot to run, Zhang Xuan bellowed, "Don't get distracted! Guard your vitals and drive your cultivation technique!"

"Yes!"

Even though he was dismayed, he knew that if he didn't follow the other party's instructions, chances were that he might be forced to swallow yet another one. If he had to undergo that experience once more, he might really die. Thus, he hurriedly sat cross-legged and started cultivating.

As soon as he sat down properly, he immediately felt an indescribable heat burning his body, causing his pores to widen.

Hong long!

Under the stimulation of medicine, his narrow meridians which had impeded his flow of zhenqi widened, and in an instant, his turbid zhenqi seemed have turned clear, allowing it to smoothly circulate around his body.

Kacha! Kacha!

With a crisp sound, he broke through his Transcendent Mortal 4-dan primary stage bottleneck and advanced to intermediate stage.

"He... really succeeded?"

Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback. Even Court Chief Wu widened her eyes in shock.

They thought that Zhang Xuan's method was inconceivable and ridiculous. Thus, they were shocked to see that Ruohuan gongzi actually made a breakthrough. Only then did they understand that the other party possessed true capability and saw through the root of the problem...

"There are two ways to solve the slow flow of zhenqi in his body. Firstly, expand his meridians, and secondly, purify his zhenqi..."

Seeing the shocked gazes of the duo, Zhang Xuan chuckled. "The Libido Pill has the effect of boosting a savage beast's blood circulation and widening their meridians. Naturally, it's useful for humans as well!"

When he was competing with Ruohuan gongzi in the selection rounds, the latter had once used the ability of a master teacher, and thus, he had the flaws of the latter recorded in the Library of Heaven's Path. Even though it had been half a month since then, the other party's cultivation hadn't undergone much change, and thus, the flaw still remained the same.

That was why Zhang Xuan was able to easily find a solution to the other party's problem.

Other than that, more importantly... Zhang Xuan had secretly infused a surge of Heaven's Path zhenqi into the pill. After the other party consumed it, not only did his meridians expand, his zhenqi also became purer. As such, it was much easier for him to achieve a breakthrough.

Just that, the Heaven's Path zhenqi was too important to allow others to learn of it. If Ruohuan gongzi were to chew on the pill slowly, there was a possibility that he might realize that something was amiss. That was why he had Pavilion Master Kang force it into the other party's mouth.

This way, the medicine could dissolve in his stomach, and the Heaven's Path zhenqi would immediately fuse with the other party's own zhenqi, making it undetectable and untraceable.

"This..."

Pavilion Master Kang was stunned.

He could sense that there was something deeper to it, but... other than the explanation Zhang Xuan offered, there didn't seem to be any other plausible reason to it.

"Then... what about after this? Will he be afflicted by libido due to the pill?" Pavilion Master Kang asked.

This method did allow his student to achieve a breakthrough, but what about after this?

Given the size of the pill, the medicinal property must be exceptionally strong. How were they supposed to deal with it?

"Oh, this... I didn't think that far!" Zhang Xuan shook his head nonchalantly.

"You didn't think that far?" Pavilion Master Kang staggered. On the other hand, Ruohuan gongzi felt a stifling sensation at his chest, and his cultivation nearly went berserk.

What do you mean by you never thought about it?

You made me consume such a huge Libido Pill, then... you want me to deal with it myself?

"Don't worry, this is a Libido Pill aimed at savage beast. Given the inferior intelligence of savage beasts, it is natural for them to cave in to them. Surely Ruohuan gongzi isn't worse than a beast, right?"

Zhang Xuan continued, "In fact, this is a precious opportunity to assess his self-control... If a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan expert can't even do that much, he would truly be too weak-minded!"

"Un!" Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head in agreement.

Transcendent Mortals have an extremely powerful control over their own body, and they could already control their own lust.

Compared to achieving a breakthrough, this little bit of libido was indeed insignificant in contrast.

"..." Tears streamed down Ruohuan gongzi's eyes.

He thought that there was a solution to ease his urge, but it turned out that... he indeed had to cope with it himself... For a moment he felt incomparably depressed. It was hard to tell whether it was due to the stifled sensation in his heart or his body's reaction.

A moment later, after reinforcing his cultivation and suppressing the urge, Ruohuan gongzi walked up to Zhang Xuan and bowed.

"Thank you, Zhang shi!"

Even though the process was lengthy and cruel, he was still awed by the other party's capability.

His resentment toward the other party for devouring the yin and yang energy of the seed water dry had also vanished completely.

Honestly speaking, even if the Yin-Yang Lake was perfectly fine, in a months' time, he could only progress from Clarifying Turbidity realm primary stage to intermediate stage. But now, in the blink of an eye, he had already made the breakthrough. This was already much better than his estimates.

"There's no need to stand on ceremony. Given your swift zhenqi flow, as long as you have sufficient middle-tier spirit stones, reaching Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month shouldn't be a problem at all.

Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

The Heaven's Path zhenqi had been infused into the other party's body, turning the originally viscous zhenqi thinner. This should boost the other party's future speed of cultivation significantly. In a sense, it wasn't wrong to say that it was a blessing in disguise for the other party.

"Zhang shi, I am grateful for you for helping my student. Please accept these five middle-tier spirit stones as compensation..."

Checking his student's physical condition, Pavilion Master Kang noticed the immense change in the other party. He knew that there was probably more than the Libido Pill, and grateful to Zhang Xuan, he took out a jade box and passed it over to Zhang Xuan respectfully.

Conventions dictated that guidance from a master teacher warranted payment. The other party's means were profound even in his standards. In his view, it was already comparable to the ability of a 5-star master teacher. Five middle-tier spirit stones weren't cheap, but it was probably insufficient to fully repay the Zhang shi for his help.

But this was already the full extent of his wealth. He couldn't take out any more money than that even if he wanted to.

"Pavilion Master Kang, you're being too courteous. Being unable to use the Yin-Yang Lake is a huge mistake on my part..."

After trading some pleasantries, Zhang Xuan took the jade box, took out a middle-tier spirit stone, and passed it to Jun Ruohuan. "Cultivate diligently during this period of time with this middle-tier spirit stone. It should be sufficient for you to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle!"

After which, he passed one to Zhao Ya, and turning to Court Chief Wu, he asked, "Court chief, since the seed water is already ruined, may I borrow the Glacier Plain of the Glacier Plain Court to use?"

Even though Zhang Xuan had absorbed the yin and yang energy from it dry, the earth vein and Glacier Plain were still intact.

"What do you intend to do?"

Court Chief Wu was alarmed.

The Glacier Plain was one of the most important asset of their Origin Flame Glacier Plain. Outsiders were strictly forbidden from coming into contact with it.

Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before saying, "Given Zhao Ya's Pure Yin Body, if she were to absorb the Glacier Plain, her cultivation should improve swiftly. Most likely, she should gain sufficient strength to solve your affliction within half a month. Otherwise, if she were to cultivate as per normal, it would be hard to reach the same level without half a year of effort."

Initially, he intended to make use of the Yin-Yang Lake to boost Zhao Ya's cultivation. Since the plan was out of question now, he could only think of an alternative.

It was fortunate that the Glacier Plain was still intact. If they were to make use of this, the effects should be much greater than the supposed Yin-Yang Lake.

"This..."

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

She didn't expect the other party to still be thinking of her affliction.

Suppressing her hastened breathing, Court Chief Wu replied, "Given that she possesses the Pure Yin Body, she is of utmost importance to us members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. Putting aside one Glacier Plain, even if we had to give her our all, it wouldn't mean much at all. I'll bring the Glacier Plain over..."

Saying so, she turned around and left.

Not too long later, she returned with a jade box in hand.

Opening it slowly, an object similar to a spirit stone but exuding a dense aura of coldness diffused in the room. For an instant, it felt as though one would be turned into a block of ice.

Others might only feel bone-piercing chill from it, but as soon as Zhao Ya saw the item, her eyes immediately glowed, and she could feel the blood in her body flowing quicker.

Passing the jade box to her, Zhang Xuan instructed, "Zhao Ya, follow the cultivation technique I imparted to you a few days ago. If there's anything you are unsure of, feel free to ask me!"

"Yes!" Zhao Ya nodded.

After making all the arrangements, Zhang Xuan said, "Alright, I need to go into seclusion to cultivate now too!"

Of the five middle-tier spirit stones that Pavilion Master Kang gave him, he'd given one to Ruohuan and one to Zhao Ya, leaving him with three. It should be more than sufficient for him to reach Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle already.

Court Chief Wu had already sent a few people to tidy up the rooms for their lodging.

Thus, in the next few days, Zhang Xuan, Ruohuan, and Zhao Ya devoted themselves to their cultivation.

Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

With the help of the three middle-tier spirit stones, Zhang Xuan managed to reach Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle on the very first day, and he spent the next few days reinforcing his cultivation.

On the other hand, just two days ago, Ruohuan gongzi had managed to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan advanced stage.

But the one who improved the swiftest during this period of time wasn't him but Zhao Ya.

In half a months' time, through the help of the Glacier Plain, Zhao Ya managed to awaken her unique constitution to thirty percent. At the same time, her cultivation leaped from Half-Transcension all the way to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan! At the current moment, her cultivation was even stronger than her own teacher's!

The further awakening of the Pure Yin Body had also made her disposition much more refined. From afar, she looked like a sacred goddess from the heavens, unsullied by the dirt of the mortal world.

Ruohuan gongzi found feeling of admiration for the latter sprouting in his heart, but... recalling Zhang shi's immense strength, he could only obediently retract such thoughts.

He was already reduced to such a terrible state despite doing nothing out of hand. If he were to really set his sights on the other party's students, he probably wouldn't survive to participate in the Master Teacher Tournament.

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Chapter 556: Zhao Ya's Departure (1)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

After the huge improvement, there was no longer as big of a gap in the cultivation between Zhao Ya and Court Chief Wu. Within a day, Zhang Xuan successfully utilized the blood of the former to resolve the affliction that had plagued the latter for many years, thus winning him the latter's gratitude.

"Zhang shi, the envoy from the headquarters hopes to meet you!"

By this time, it wouldn't be too much longer before the start of the Master Teacher Tournament. Just as Pavilion Master Kang and the others intended to leave, Court Chief Wu walked over.

She had reported the improvements in the Yin Formula and Yang Formula to the headquarters, and due to this matter, the envoy rushed all the way here.

"Alright!"

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan followed Court Chief Wu to the hall of the Glacier Plain Court.

This was where Court Chief Wu had hosted them when they first arrived in the Glacier Plain Court. As soon as they arrived, they saw a middle-aged lady sitting at the very center. Noticing their arrival, she turned her head to look at them.

"Envoy, this is Zhang shi!" Court Chief Wu stepped forward and introduced.

"Zhang shi, I am Liu Xuan from the Origin Flame Glacier Plain headquarters!"

The envoy clasped her fist respectfully. Her eyes were filled with commendation for the young man before her.

She was still doubtful when she first received the news, but after looking at the modifications made to the cultivation technique, she was immediately stunned.

She thought that a person capable of modifying their cultivation technique would surely be an old elder, but contrary to her expectations, it turned out to be a young man who had yet to reach his twenties.

"Zhang Xuan, master teacher!"

Zhang Xuan clasped his fist and returned the greetings. At the same time, he began to assess the lady before him, and with just a single look, his eyes couldn't help but narrow in shock.

The cultivation of the lady before him felt like the vast ocean-unfathomable. Even with his current eye of discernment, he realized he couldn't gauge the full extent of the other party's strength!

In fact, the power she harnessed felt even more fearsome than what Zhang Xuan felt when facing Mo Hunsheng back in the soul oracle tomb!

Mo Hunsheng had already achieved the cultivation of Transcendent Mortal realm 9-dan. To be even stronger than him, how powerful was she?

It was no wonder why she could rush here from the headquarter within half a month... Truly fearsome!

"Not bad!"

On the other hand, the middle-aged lady, upon seeing the young man's nonchalance despite noticing her fearsome cultivation, nodded her head in commendation. Then, with a chuckle, she said, "There are two reasons why I made the journey here from the headquarters!"

"Oh?" Zhang Xuan turned to look at her.

"Firstly, the modifications Zhang shi made to the cultivation technique had saved innumerable members of our Origin Flame Glacier Plain. On behalf of the entire Glacier Plain Court, thank you. At the same time, we would like to extend our invitation to you to visit the headquarters as a guest. Our Glacier Plan Court is willing to honor you with the privileges equivalent to an elder!"

"Elder?"

Listening into the conversation by the side, Court Chief Wu's body trembled.

The Glacier Plain Court headquarters was one of the most famous and strongest powers across the entire Master Teacher Continent. As the court chief of a branch, she had a rough idea of the extent of its influence and strength. Even if she were to devote her entire life into it, it would still be impossible for her to become an elder of the headquarter.

That was a position only granted to the strongest and most talented of their members.

"What are the conditions?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Since the other party had pushed such an attractive offer in front of him, naturally, she had to have her own demands as well. After all, there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

"Zhang shi is indeed candid!"

Seeing how the young man before her didn't get blinded with joy by the offer, Liu Xuan nodded her head in commendation. "Simple. We hope that Zhang shi can help us solve the problems regarding our cultivation technique and... become a permanent resident of our Glacier Plain Court!"

"A permanent resident? In other words, I'm not allowed to leave the premises?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

The fundamental heritage to an occupation lay in its unique techniques. As such, they would never show it to an outsider easily. Since the other party had requested him to solve the other problems regarding their cultivation technique and become a permanent resident of the Glacier Plain Court, her intentions couldn't be any clearer... In order to prevent the cultivation technique from leaking out, Zhang Xuan's movements would be tightly restricted. Without permission, he wouldn't be able to leave the premises!

If that was the case, what difference was he from a prisoner?

"Zhang shi, please don't misunderstand. Leaving isn't a problem, but you'll have to pass the loyalty test of the Glacier Plain Court first so as to ensure that you won't betray us. After all, you should know how important the heritage of an occupation is. We also have to make precautions against having our cultivation techniques leaked out..."

Having her intentions pointed out directly, Envoy Liu Xuan felt slightly awkward.

"I understand that you have your own considerations. However, I can't agree to your invitation!" Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

Becoming a prisoner?

You must be joking! I don't have such masochistic tendencies!

Despite being rejected outright, Envoy Liu Xuan had no intentions of giving up yet. "Actually, our Glacier Plain Court isn't a bad place to be. All of our members are ladies, and as long as Zhang shi desires for it, you can marry as many of them as you wish!"

The Glacier Plain Court was filled with incomparably beautiful ladies, and there were quite a few powerful male guests who decided to reside there permanently out of lust.

"Let's talk about the second matter instead!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Restricted by his physical condition, he had no choice but to become a 9-star master teacher before thirty to ensure his survival. Compared to that, prestige and lust seemed negligible in comparison.

This was also the reason why even though he knew that Princess Mo Yu, Shen Bi Ru, and a few other ladies were interested in him, he still remained unmoved.

Given that his life was hanging by a thread, how could he possibly have the time and effort to be thinking about romance?

Seeing the other party rejecting her offer, a hint of disappointment appeared on Envoy Liu Xuan's face. However, she soon adjusted her mental state, turned to look at the young man before her, and spoke seriously.

"The second matter is regarding your student... Zhao Ya!"

Zhang Xuan frowned.

"The Pure Yin Body is extremely important to our Origin Flame Glacier Plain. I believe that Court Chief Wu should have told you that before," Envoy Liu Xuan said.

"Court Chief Wu did say something along that line, but she didn't elaborate on the reason behind it!"

Previously, Court Chief Wu had only said that the fate of the Glacier Plain Court was reliant on the existence of a Pure Yin Body cultivator.

"The heritage of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain originated from an old ancestor possessing the Pure Yin Body. As such, there is a rule stating that the highest court chief of the Glacier Plain Court must possess the Pure Yin Body... It has been a thousand years since the death of the previous court chief, but we have been unable to find a single person who possesses the Pure Yin Body! Left without a leader, many other powers began to exploit the weakness of the Glacier Plain Court, and to date, it's already on the verge of collapsing."

Envoy Liu Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. "If we could find a successor possessing the Pure Yin Body to take on the mantle, our Glacier Plain Court might be able to avert the dissolution and rise again once more."

"Highest court chief?"

Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He didn't expect this to be the reason why they wanted Zhao Ya.

"Indeed!" Envoy Liu Xuan nodded. "Thus, I hope to bring Zhao Ya back to the headquarter and find a way to quickly awaken her unique constitution so that she could inherit the position of the court chief as soon as possible."

"I can also awaken her unique constitution myself!"

Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

Even though both his strength and the resources he possessed were lacking, he was still able to induce swift growth in Zhao Ya... He had the confidence in awakening the latter's unique constitution eventually.

"I've heard of Zhang shi's affairs and I know that you're a capable person. It's indeed likely that Zhao Ya's Pure Yin Body will be fully awakened one day if she were to stay by you. However... Zhang shi, have you ever considered how long it would take for that to happen? Ten years? Twenty years? Fifty years? Or perhaps, even a century?"

Envoy Liu Xuan stared deeply at Zhang Xuan. "The awakening of a unique constitution only becomes harder the further one progresses. The resources required for it will grow exponentially. Even if Zhang shi is willing to give in without any expectation for returns, do you think that Zhao Ya... is willing to quietly accept so much from you?"

"This..."

Zhang Xuan found himself unable to refute the other party's words.

Indeed. Similar to the cultivating, the awakening of a unique constitution would only grow harder and harder the further one progressed.

Even if he was capable of obtaining the required resources to help Zhao Ya, could she really bear accepting this much from him?

Given Zhao Ya's nature, this was something she wouldn't be able to accept.

Furthermore, she couldn't spend her entire life living under Zhang Xuan's protection.

The purpose of a teacher was to guide one down the right path, not to give them everything that they required.

Envoy Liu Xuan continued, "If she were to come to our Glacier Plain Court, we can offer her the most perfect inheritance and the most generous cultivation resources. She would be able awaken her unique constitution in the shortest time possible, thus becoming a figure able to shake the entire continent. Given how deeply you care for your student, you should also hope that she would become independent and accomplish something of her own as soon as possible."

Zhang Xuan fell silent.

As a teacher, he had to think of the long-term benefit of his students.

He had come to the same thoughts. While he could guarantee that he would be able to awaken Zhao Ya's unique constitution and groom her to become one of the strongest experts in the future, admittedly, he would be unable to do it as quickly as the Glacier Plain Court could.

After all, just the resources in itself had created an irreconcilable gap.

Besides, given that the previous court chiefs all possessed Pure Yin Body, they probably possessed a complete inheritance on the method to awakening the unique constitution. In a way, this was much more efficient and effective than him fumbling around for a solution.

"My opinions are of little importance. The ultimate decision is on her. Regardless of what her choice is, I'll support her!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He was just a teacher. While he had the responsibility to guide his students down the right path, he didn't have the right to dictate their future. If Zhao Ya intends to follow the envoy of the Glacier Court Plain, he would support her decision.

And if she refuses... He wouldn't allow anyone to force her into the decision, not even the mighty Glacier Plain Court!

"Teacher, I'm willing to leave with her!"

After a moment of silence, Zhao Ya walked over with a determined expression.

"You're willing to leave with her?"

"That's right. I've seen everything that teacher has done for us, and I hope that one day, I'll be able to do something for you too..."

Walking forward, Zhao Ya clenched her trembling fists tightly. "And this... is an opportunity for that."

She had clearly seen everything her teacher had done for her throughout this difficult journey, and it distressed her that she was unable to do anything in return.

But now, as long as she agreed to follow the envoy, she would gain control over the immense power known as the Glacier Plain Court. With such backing, she would gain the strength to support her teacher, standing side by side with him instead of just dragging him down.

More importantly... she had some private interest in this matter as well. Perhaps... with the rise in her position, she might be able to fulfill this wish of hers.

Zhang Xuan sighed.

"You need not rush to a decision. I'll give you three days to consider it properly. No matter what you decide, you'll have my support!"

"There's no need for that, I've already thought it through and this is my decision!"

With reddened eyes, Zhao Ya kneeled onto the floor and kowtowed. "Teacher, thank you for your grooming and your support. Regardless of where I go in the future, I'll forever remain as your student!"

"Get up!"

Knowing that his student had already made up her mind, Zhang Xuan nodded his head as he pulled her up.

Eagles had to undergo tribulations before they could soar freely in the skies.

Students were the same as well.

No matter how reluctant he was, he still had to allow the harsh storms to temper her, so that she could mature and become a true expert.

"Yes!"

Zhao Ya stood up.

Since the decision was clear, there was nothing much for Zhang Xuan to hesitate over. Thus, he turned over to the envoy with menacing threat gleaming in his eyes.

"Envoy Liu Xuan, I hope that all you said is true. If I find there's any falsehood in your words and you mean my student harm, not only will I kill you, I'll eradicate the entire Glacier Plain Court as well!"

He might be weak now, but if the other party meant his student harm, he didn't mind barging into the Glacier Plain Court and wiping this power off the face of the world.

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Chapter 557: Zhao Ya's Departure (2)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Eradicate the Glacier Plain Court?"

Envoy Liu Xuan was stunned by those words.

"That's right. I mean what I say!" Zhang Xuan's gaze was indifferent, but there seemed to be some compelling authority behind it.

"This..."

If anyone else were to say such words, Envoy Liu Xuan would have surely thought that the other party had a screw loose.

After all, the overwhelming might of the Glacier Plain Court was known even throughout the entire continent. Even 9-star master teachers would dare not utter such words, let alone some 4-star master teacher.

For an insignificant figure which she could kill with a single pinch to actually utter such arrogant words...

If it was under any other circumstances, she would surely mock the other party for his arrogance. But for some reason... looking into the determined gaze of this young man, her heart couldn't help but beat with slight apprehension.

It seemed as though a subconscious part of her was saying that the young man before her... might just really do as he said!

"Don't worry, our Glacier Plain Court values its words. Reneging on promises is something we despise..."

She instinctively gave her guarantee without much thought.

"Un!" Hearing the words of the other party, Zhang Xuan felt a heavy burden weighing on his heart being released. Then, turning to Zhao Ya, he said, "If you find yourself unable to cope there, you can come to look for me at any Master Teacher Pavilion. Don't worry, even when following behind me, you'll still become one of the strongest experts in the world!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ya nodded her head.

"Alright, I'll be leaving then!"

Since everything was settled, there was no longer any reason for Zhang Xuan to remain here. Thus, he began walking toward the entrance.

"Teacher..."

Seeing the back of her teacher slowly disappearing in the distance, Zhao Ya kneeled down and kowtowed eight times. Her determined gaze was free of any hesitation. "Teacher, I won't let you down. I'll surely become one of the strongest experts in the world!"

"You're a good student!"

Helping Zhao Ya up, Envoy Liu Xuan gazed at the silhouette in the distance and sighed. "He's a good teacher as well."

"He's the good teacher, but I'm not a good student."

Zhao Ya shook her head.

For her, he was willing to go through so much hardship. Yet, she had chosen to leave his side.

"Don't worry. Once you awaken your Pure Yin Body fully and become the court chief, it won't be difficult for you to repay your debt to him. Rather, if you were to follow behind him, you would just impede his progress. There's no banquet in this world that doesn't end. All students have to leave their teacher's side eventually; this is the way of the world. After all, one can't possibly stay behind the protection of one's teacher forever."

Envoy Liu Xuan continued, "If he had tried to forcefully keep you with him, he wouldn't have been a good teacher."

Everyone had to grow up at some point. Even the strongest expert in the world couldn't possibly keep his student with him at all time, and even more so, the student shouldn't become completely reliant of the teacher. Only after undergoing storms could one truly become independent.

"I know that! Just that... I am reluctant to part with him!"

Zhao Ya's eyes turned red. Turning around, she walked away.

Envoy Liu Xuan knew that she would be in low spirits for a short period of time, but as long as she could turn the pain of parting into her drive, she would grow swiftly in the time to come.

Only through such experiences could she temper her mental resilience.

...

While Zhao Ya's departure wasn't planned, it wasn't beyond expectations.

In truth, Zhang Xuan had already been harboring some thoughts of having his own students train independently to temper themselves. Just that, he wasn't able to bring himself to do it.

Since such an opportunity came by, it would be a waste if he were to restrain his student instead.

Seated cross-legged in the room on top of the aerial spirit beast, Zhang Xuan was motionless as if a statue.

Ruohuan gongzi couldn't help but ask, "Teacher, it has been five days since Zhang shi has been in this state... Is he alright?"

Ever since the trio left the Glacier Plain Court, Zhang shi had been seated on the same spot, not moving in the slightest. He couldn't help but feel perplexed as to what the other party was doing.

"I've no idea either..."

Pavilion Master Kang shook his head in worry.

Knowing how much Zhang shi cared for his students, could it be that he was in such a state due to his depression from Zhao Ya's departure?

"Wait, could this be..."

He glanced at Zhang Xuan doubtfully once more when his eyebrows suddenly shot up in disbelief.

"What's wrong, teacher?"

Noticing the peculiarity in his teacher, Ruohuan gongzi hurriedly turned his gaze over.

"This isn't due to excessive sadness but... Soul Enlightenment!" Pavilion Master Kang exclaimed.

"Soul Enlightenment?" Ruohuan gongzi was baffled.

He had never heard of such a phrase before.

"Un. Even though Zhang shi is meditating, there isn't the slightest disturbance in the spiritual energy around him. In other words, he isn't cultivating his zhenqi. But to remain seated for five days despite not cultivating, it could only mean that he managed to dive into a state of enlightenment!" Pavilion Master Kang explained.

Even though cultivation was an extremely mundane task, it wasn't easy for one to remain completely motionless for five days straight doing nothing at all. The more plausible reason was that the other party's mind had managed to reach a unique state that propelled the maturing of his state of mind.

And this was known as Soul Enlightenment.

"Soul Enlightenment is a mental state that only comes by chance. If a master teacher succeeds in reaching such a state, his Soul Depth will increase significantly..." Pavilion Master Kang said in awe.

Given how the young man before him was able to beguile him with his Impartation of Heaven's Will, it could only mean that the other party's Soul Depth of at least the same level as his. It was difficult to imagine how powerful he would be once he broke out of this Soul Enlightenment.

"The more powerful he is, the better it'll be. It's about time for the rise of Myriad Kingdom Alliance..."

Pavilion Master Kang's eyes glowed in anticipation.

The stronger Zhang shi became, the more likely Myriad Kingdom Alliance would achieve outstanding results in the Master Teacher Tournament. As the head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, having a master teacher under him achieve such astounding results could be considered as a huge honor.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance had been suppressed for too long. It was about time... for them to cleanse away their previous shame and rise up above the other powers!

Excited, Pavilion Master Kang turned to Ruohuan gongzi and instructed, "Don't disturb Zhang shi, you should focus on your cultivation as well. Before returning to Myriad Kingdom City, you must reach Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle. Otherwise, don't bother calling me your teacher!"

"What?"

Ruohuan gongzi was dumbstruck.

What did the other party undergoing Soul Enlightenment have to do with him? Why was his teacher suddenly urging him to cultivate?

But knowing that his teacher was saying this for his own good, Ruohuan gongzi obediently sat down, took out the middle-tier spirit stone that Zhang shi gave him, and continued to cultivate.

Unlike Zhang Xuan, the significance of a middle-tier spirit stone was great to his cultivation. Just one was sufficient to raise his cultivation from Clarifying Turbidity realm primary stage to pinnacle.

As such, the spirit stone was still concentrated with spiritual energy.

...

Pavilion Master Kang's guess was spot-on, Zhang Xuan was indeed in the midst of a Soul Enlightenment.

While the separation with Zhao Ya had left him slightly down, this experience had also given him a greater insight into the true essence the responsibilities of a teacher.

Memories of his past ever since his transmigration flashed through his head as though a movie screen. Slowly, as though a jade that was being tempered, excessive thoughts flowed out from his mind, bringing him tranquility.

Only after a heavy storm would a rainbow emerge.

While Zhao Ya's departure was a trial for her, the same could be said for Zhang Xuan as well.

As his mind broadened, his Soul Depth began rising slowly from 14.1.

Unlike the Book of Heaven's Path and Soul Tempering of a Mentor's Calligraphy which induced an instantaneous surge in his Soul Depth, Soul Enlightenment was a gradual process.

14.1!

14.2!

14.3!

...

In just five days, Zhang Xuan's Soul Depth had increased by 2.0, reaching a total of 16.1!

Hu!

He finally opened his eyes.

His gaze was composed and deep. It seemed to compel others to trust him.

A Soul Depth of 16.1 was already comparable to that of a 5-star master teacher. Previously, to beguile Pavilion Master Kang, he had to utilize words to shake the mental resilience of the other party before he could succeed. But now... as long as he executed the Impartation of Heaven's Will, the other party would be coaxed into doing anything instantaneously.

On top of that, his Eye of Insight had also become more potent than before, allowing him to peer even deeper into all that his gaze fell upon.

At the same time, he also managed to reinforce his cultivation in the past five days. As long as he willed it, he would be able to reach Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm immediately.

"I should focus on my cultivation now..."

The rise in Soul Depth had given him a deeper insight into cultivation as a whole, thus boosting his rate of cultivation. Even though he didn't have any more middle-tier spirit stones at hand, his cultivation still rose quickly.

The Master Teacher Tournament was about to begin-he had no time to waste.

...

While Zhang Xuan and the others were busy cultivating on top of an aerial savage beast, an elder wearing a bamboo hat approached the city gates of Myriad Kingdom City.

Looking at the grand city walls, he clenched his fists tightly together.

'Myriad Kingdom City... I'm finally here! I must grasp onto this opportunity to get back what I lost and... exact my vengeance!'

A look of savagery appeared on the face of the elder as a malevolent aura shrouded him. Staring deep into his eyes, one could nearly see the frenzy and hatred that clouded his mind.

A gust of wind blew, and the left sleeve of the black robe he was wearing fluttered freely in the wind, revealing his missing arm.

If Zhang Xuan were here, he would surely have recognized the other party.

That elder was the old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Ding Hong!

Back then, he had burned his essence blood to escape, and after three months of journey, he finally arrived at Myriad Kingdom City, the very core of the alliance!

He desired for vengeance!

The other party had actually killed his descendent and destroyed his kingdom, turning him into nothing more than a roaming vagrant now. How could he possibly simply let this grudge go?

'I mustn't go to the Alliance Head Residence. Given how even the envoy was sided toward him, it would be suicidal if I were to head there!'

Even though hatred had filled his mind, he didn't allow it to cloud his judgement. He knew very clearly what his current plight was, and to exact vengeance, recklessness was something he couldn't risk.

The envoy back then turned a blind eye to the downfall of the royal family, even going to the extent of supporting a female emperor. If he were to head to the Alliance Head Residence in an attempt to redress his grievances, the odds were that he would only be silenced.

'Given that Zhang Xuan is a master teacher, heading to the Master Teacher Pavilion is out of question too!'

Within the past month, news about the young genius becoming a 4-star master teacher and becoming a representative of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance for the Master Teacher Tournament had been spreading like wildfire. Naturally, Ding Hong had also caught wind of such news.

As a 4-star master teacher who was going to represent the Master Teacher Pavilion in the Master Teacher Tournament... wasn't it clearly a futile attempt to report the other party to the Master Teacher Pavilion?

'There isn't anyone in Myriad Kingdom City that I can rely on... Seems like I can only depend on other powers!'

Viciousness flashed across his eyes.

Even though the Alliance Head Residence and the Master Teacher Pavilion wouldn't stand up for him... Wasn't the Master Teacher Tournament just around the corner?

Since no one in the alliance would redress his grievances, he could seek the Master Teacher Pavilions from other powers!

Given the monstrous capability of that Zhang Xuan, the other powers would surely be delighted to find a reason to lay their hands on him.

Ding Hong didn't just want Zhang Xuan to die, he wanted to rip the other party's reputation to shreds as well.

'There is a total of twenty-eight powers involved in the tournament. Mingxia Empire and Henghai Empire are of equal strength to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, so it might be difficult to render their assistance. Thus, I should approach the stronger Cascading Sand Sect and Frigid Gale Sect, or perhaps, even the strongest Fleeting Cloud Sect!' Ding Hong thought.

As the previous emperor of a Conferred Kingdom, he had a clear picture on the various powers located in the vicinity of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

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Chapter 558: Ding Hong's Scheme

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Even though this Fleeting Cloud Sect was only a sect, it had a total of five half 5-star master teachers. Of the seventy-seven Master Teacher Tournaments held, it had been the champion thirty-six times.

On the other hand, the best result the Myriad Kingdom Alliance had achieved so far was only twenty-third place, fifth from the bottom.

It was due to this that Ding Mu had wanted to be initiated into the Fleeting Cloud Sect back then.

'As long as I can render their assistance, it wouldn't be a problem for me to become the new alliance head, needless to say, exact vengeance!'

A menacing gleam flickered across Ding Hong's eyes.

Given the strength of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, there would be no one who would dare to oppose him in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

'However, to them, I am no better than an ant. Without paying a suitable price, it'll be impossible to goad them into action.'

Naturally, it was impossible to render the help of those behemoths so easily. Without sufficient benefits on the table, it would be impossible to drive them into action.

Not to mention, dealing with Zhang Xuan meant making an enemy out of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Ding Hong knew that he held insufficient weight to get them to go that far.

If he was still a Transcendent Mortal 1-dan cultivator, they might still have spared him a glance. However, the burning of his blood essence had caused his cultivation to drop to the Zhizun realm. With his current level of cultivation, he was no better than an ant before those immense behemoths. He was an existence that they could easily crush to death.

'Unless... I use that news as leverage to strike a deal with them!'

Ding Hong's eyes turned cold as he recalled what Ding Mu had said to him previously.

His grandson had once talked to him about the matter after he got into trouble. The reason why he got into a fight with that Zhang Xuan was due to a treasure the latter had in his possession-a treasure that would send any master teacher into a frenzy.

'Kong shi's handwritten letter! There's no master teacher who wouldn't be moved by this artifact. If I were to reveal this news to the Fleeting Cloud Sect, even if I don't say much about the matter, they would surely be driven into action!'

Ding Hong gritted his teeth tightly.

Kong shi's handwritten letter one of the greatest treasures a master teacher could obtain. Ding Hong didn't think that anyone could resist its allure, not even those half 5-star master teachers of Fleeting Cloud Sect.

Zhang Xuan would surely become a target for all of these powers if he were to leak the news.

Just as Ding Hong was in the midst of looking for the Fleeting Cloud Sect's dwelling place, a thought suddenly struck him.

'No, this won't do. Given the strength of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, once they learn of the news, they would surely try to silence me so as to prevent any news from getting out...'

If the Fleeting Cloud Sect decided to kill him so as to seal off the news, he wouldn't be able to retaliate at all.

After all, given the importance of Kong shi's handwritten letter, it would be best if fewer people knew of it.

Not to mention, a 4-star master teacher was involved in the matter as well.

"Actually, why don't I send a message each to Fleeting Cloud Sect, Mingxia Empire, Henghai Empire, Cascading Sand Sect, Frigid Gale Sect? If I were to send them letters simultaneously and invite all of their heads out at once, they could curb one another. If so, it would become difficult for them to kill me!"

Regardless, Ding Hong used to be the emperor of a Conferred Kingdom. Politics was like a second nature to him, and it didn't take him long to find a solution to the problem. "After all, it doesn't matter to me who receives Kong shi's handwritten letter eventually!"

His main goal was to kill Zhang Xuan and take back his country. Even if he were to obtain Kong shi's handwritten letter, it would be completely useless to him. Since that was the case, he might as well use it as a trading term.

"Alright, I'll do just that then..."

After analyzing the matter carefully and confirming that there was no problem-he would be able to ensure his safety while getting his vengeance-Ding Hong nodded his head in satisfaction. Walking into the streets, he soon vanished amidst the huge crowd.

...

It was an ordinary-looking mansion sitting in the middle of Myriad Kingdom City, but all of the participating powers in the Master Teacher Tournament knew that it was currently resided by the most popular contender for the champion placing, Fleeting Cloud Sect.

The Fleeting Cloud Sect was created by a half 5-star master teacher, Mo Liuyun. While it was considered to be a branch of the Master Teacher Pavilion, it was also an independent entity that was no different from the other empires.

Within the sect, only master teachers had the qualification to become the sect leader or take on high-standing roles. However, it was still densely populated by members of the other occupations as well. In fact, there were quite a handful of Transcendent Mortal 5-dan experts within their members.

This was the reason why the Fleeting Cloud Sect was considered to be the number one power among the twenty-eight in the region.

Luo Xuan, as the greatest genius of Fleeting Cloud Sect, was the most popular contender for champion of this Master Teacher Tournament. He was only twenty-nine this year, but his cultivation had already reached Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle.

At the current moment, the person in question had just completed his cultivation. Stretching his back lazily, he walked out of the room.

"Senior!"

But before he could get far, a young man suddenly rushed up to him.

"What's wrong?"

Luo Xuan frowned.

"Reporting to senior, someone has just delivered a letter, saying to deliver it to the sect leader!" The young man said.

"Is my teacher a person whom anyone could just send a letter to?" Luo Xuan flung his sleeves.

The leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, Luo Huang, happened to be his teacher.

As a half 5-star master teacher possessing a cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm pinnacle... It was beneath him to allow just anyone to send him a letter.

"Where's the letter?"

After harrumphing, Luo Xuan stretched out his hand.

"Here it is..."

The young man passed it over.

Luo Xuan was just about to tear it open when the young man hurriedly said, "The person who delivered the letter said that there's a special seal on the letter! If it isn't the sect leader who opens it, it will be destroyed immediately..."

"You actually believe this kind of nonsense? If there's truly a seal, do you think that I, as a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, wouldn't notice it?"

Luo Xuan harrumphed.

As a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, he possessed exceptionally sharp eyes. If the other party had truly left something of that sort on the letter, there was no reason why he wouldn't notice it. But it was clear that there was nothing at all-the other party was just trying to hoodwink the ignorant.

Ssssla!

Tearing the letter open, Luo Xuan saw a card in it.

Lowering his head to take a glance, a frown crept onto Luo Xuan's forehead.

There was only a line of word written on the card: In three days' time at Sea Gazing Gazebo. News regarding Kong shi's relic.

There was no signing off, and there was no name either.

Even the handwriting looked messy. Clearly, the other party had found someone to write in his place.

Keeping the card, Luo Xuan asked with a frown, "Who is the one who delivered the letter?"

"It's a man dressed in black robe. I didn't catch a good look at his appearance," the young man quickly replied.

"Where is he?"

"He has already left..." the young man answered.

"Alright. Don't speak of this matter to anyone else. I'll go look for teacher right now!" Luo Xuan instructed before heading to the centermost residence in the residence. It didn't take too long for him to arrive at his destination.

In the courtyard, a middle-aged man was currently in the midst of executing a fist art. His movements were slow, but the powerful wind generated with every single punch of his created a huge pressure on those looking at it.

The leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, Luo Huang!

The strongest expert of the twenty-seven powers neighboring the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Upon seeing the other party's arrival, Sect Leader Luo Huang retracted his fist and smiled, "You're here!"

"Teacher!"

Luo Xuan clasped his fist and said, "Someone has just delivered a letter..."

"A letter?" Wiping his sweat with a towel, Luo Huang turned to look at Luo Xuan.

He knew this disciple of his very well; if it wasn't for something important, it was impossible for the latter to pay him such an abrupt visit.

To interrupt his cultivation for a single letter, the letter had to be of the utmost importance.

"Yes..." Luo Xuan passed the card over.

"Kong shi's relic?" Taking a look, Sect Leader Luo Huang frowned. "What's your view on it?"

"Given that this matter concerns Kong shi, I think that it is unlikely to be a lie. Besides... it's better to be safe than sorry for such matters!" Luo Xuan replied.

"Empyrean Kong shi didn't leave behind too many personal possessions when he departed. If what that is written on the note is true, then regardless of what the relic is, its value will be, in the truest sense, priceless! Becoming a 5-star master teacher wouldn't be a problem at all if I can obtain it!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head.

Kong shi was the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, the very first master teacher in the world. No matter how insignificant the relic he left behind was, just the essence that it harnessed could bring unimaginable benefits to those in possession of it.

Regardless of whether the content of the note was true or not, this was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

"This means that..."

Luo Xuan gazed at his teacher to confirm his intention.

"Of course, we have to take a look!" Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head. "Right, where is this Sea Gazing Gazebo?"

"It's the most famous and bustling tavern in Myriad Kingdom City. Most probably, the other party is hoping to make use of the crowd to protect himself," Luo Xuan replied.

As a 4-star master teacher, how could he possibly be unable to discern the little schemes the other party had in mind?

"That probably isn't just it!" Sect Leader Luo Huang contemplated for a moment before shaking his head.

"Not just it? What does teacher mean?" Luo Xuan was in bewildered.

"Simple. Since the other party delivered the letter to us, the chances are that they delivered it to others as well. Most probably, he intends to gather all of us at the Sea Gazing Gazebo in hopes of jacking up the price for his information!" Sect Leader Luo Huang said.

"Jacking up the prices? Damn it, I'll send someone to capture that fellow immediately..."

Narrowing his eyes, Luo Xuan came to a realization and immediately prepared to rush out of the room.

As one of the strongest powers in the region, wealth was not something the Fleeting Cloud Sect was lacking.

The only fear they had was that... this news wasn't exclusive.

If the other powers were to learn of the existence of Kong shi's relic and vied with them over it, they would be forced into a very troublesome position.

In fact, out of bitterness of failing to obtain the relic, some might even leak the news to the headquarters. If so, all of the efforts spent on vying for the relic would have ended in vain.

"There's no need for that. It's already too late!" Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head. "Putting aside how the one who delivered the letter is unlikely to be the one spearheading the entire matter, even if he is, you can't guarantee that we're the first one that he visited... Perhaps, the other powers might have already learnt of the matter!"

"Then... What do we do?" Luo Xuan asked in a panic.

Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hands.

"Suppress the news, don't let anyone learn of it. In three days, you will accompany me to the Sea Gazing Gazebo. I would like to see who that person is personally, and which of Kong shi's relics he possesses information of! If it turns out to be a farce, even if we remain idle, I believe the other powers would be more than willing to make the other party understand what living hell is like!"

"Yes!" Luo Xuan nodded.

The same sight was also occurring in the dwelling of the other powers.

Mingxia Empire, Henghai Empire, Cascading Sand Sect, Frigid Gale Sect, White Helios Sect, Spiraling Cosmos Sect...

The top few powers who had come to attend the Master Teacher Tournament had received the same letter, and the leaders of the respective groups had seen the content on the card.

All of the powers immediately became restless. The experts of the various powers were waiting expectantly for what that was to come in three days. They wanted to see what kind of incredible person had delivered them the letter, and what news of Kong shi's relic he had with him.

While all of this was happening, Zhang Xuan was sitting by the side of the window in the room on top of the aerial spirit beast. He was looking at the fleeting white clouds and mountains with a depressed look.

"Since they have taken away my student, I should have asked them for some spirit stones as compensation... Even if not that, if I had offered that Envoy Liu Xuan some pointers, I could have probably earned a hefty sum as well! How could I have been so dumb?"

"Offer Envoy Liu Xuan some pointers?"

Looking at the regretful expression on the other party's face and the mutterings that came out from his mouth, Pavilion Master Kang's body stiffened.

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Chapter 559: Ding Hong's Condition

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Zhang Xuan felt deep regret.

To him, every single middle-tier spirit stone was an extraordinarily valuable commodity... However, to that Envoy Liu Xuan, given how powerful she was and that she came from the headquarters, it could very well be no different from spare change!

It was a pity that when Zhao Ya left, Zhang Xuan was a little overwhelmed by self-reproach. On top of that, his pride also didn't allow him to lower his head-he didn't want others to think that he was selling his student off for spirit stones... But still, he couldn't help but feel that it was a great pity given his current plight.

Even if not for his student... he could request for spirit stones just by offering the other party pointers!

There was no flaw which was beyond the heavens. Through the Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan was confident that he would be able to offer invaluable advice to the other party on her cultivation and receive some compensation in exchange.

With this compensation, his cultivation from there onward would be smooth-sailing. He wouldn't have to worry about the lack in resources anymore. His students would also be entitled to the best training resources as well...

But to miss the opportunity by like that...

"Forget it, there's no use crying over spilt milk..."

Knowing that it would be difficult for him to meet another expert of Envoy Liu Xuan's caliber once more, Zhang Xuan decided to let the matter go. He then turned to Pavilion Master Kang and asked, "Pavilion master, may I know who possesses the most middle-tier spirit stones in Myriad Kingdom City?"

"Middle-tier spirit stones?"

Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback. "These items are cultivation necessities. Every prestigious clan would at least have one or two in their possession... But if you're talking about who possesses the most middle-tier spirit stones, it could only be those powers who have traveled here to participate in the Master Teacher Tournament!"

"Powers?" Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

Pavilion Master Kang contemplated for a moment before saying, "Indeed. The Myriad Kingdom Alliance is considered weak even among its own tier. As such, the quantity of middle-tier spirit stones it can obtain from Huanyu Empire is severely limited. On the other hand, the Fleeting Cloud Sect, White Helios Sect, and Spiraling Cosmos Sect, due to their overwhelming strength and the backing of half 5-star master teachers, obtained the most middle-tier spirit stones each time. While it would be difficult for me to even take out three of them, their pavilion masters or sect leaders would be able to easily take out a dozen or even more!"

"So many?"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

If he could obtain a dozen or so, he would surely be able to reach Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm pinnacle easily. Complementing such strength with his soul cultivation, he would be a match for even Transcendent Mortal 5-dan experts.

Cupping his lower jaw, Zhang Xuan thought, 'It seems like I must find an opportunity to plunder some from them...'

Looking at the other party's expression, the edges of Pavilion Master Kang's lips twitched.

Those are powerful sects and empires! It is already a huge blessing that they aren't plundering from us, and yet, you still hope to steal spirit stones from them?

"Cough cough. Zhang shi, the minimum cultivation required for a half 5-star master teacher is the Consonant Spirit realm. Such experts possess astounding strength that we can't hope to match up to. Furthermore... our Myriad Kingdom Alliance can't be said to be in friendly relations with them..."

Afraid that this fellow might really do something insane, Pavilion Master Kang couldn't help but advise him from the side.

In the Consonant Spirit realm, through the nurturing of one's soul and its harmonization with the flesh, one's fighting prowess would be multiplied.

It is one thing for them to not cause trouble in Myriad Kingdom City, and yet, you still dare to set your gaze on their spirit stones... Aren't you just looking for trouble?

"Don't worry, I won't go overboard!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head before falling into deep thought.

It would be clearly impossible for him to steal the spirit stones from them. While his cultivation did advance greatly recently, he was still a way off from being able to match a Consonant Spirit realm cultivator.

If he were to utilize all of his means, he might still be able to match a Consonant Spirit realm primary stage cultivator. However, against an intermediate stage or even higher, the only course of action he could take was to escape as far as he could.

From Pavilion Master Kang's words, it seemed like these sects had plenty of Consonant Spirit realm intermediate stage and advanced stage cultivators.

But while Zhang Xuan couldn't fight them squarely, hoodwinking them shouldn't be a problem.

Back then, in Tianxuan Kingdom, when his pockets were completely empty, and his cultivation was low, didn't he still manage to convince innumerable experts to bow down willingly to Yang shi?

"Seems like I have to find a way to get to them and offer them guidance or cure their illnesses so as to earn some middle-tier spirit stones..."

Zhao Ya's departure had given him a drive like never before.

If he was sufficiently strong, he would be able to easily obtain the cultivation resources his students needed-there would be no need for his own students to follow behind others!

In the end, it all boiled down to him being weak.

Without sufficient strength, everything else was just empty talk.

Thus, his priority at hand was to gather as many middle-tier spirit stones as possible and raise his cultivation.

...

While Zhang Xuan was planning to sweep away the spirit stones of those sects and empires, Sect Leader Luo Huang and Luo Xuan arrived at the Sea Gazing Gazebo.

"Sect Leader Luo, why are you here too?"

Before they could walk into the tavern, they heard a surprised exclaim. Turning around, they saw a middle-aged man standing not too far away.

It was the leader of White Helios Sect, Bai Kaizhi.

A Consonant Spirit realm advanced stage expert, half 5-star master teacher.

"Sect Leader Bai, you're here too!" Having guessed this much, Sect Leader Luo Huang wasn't surprised in the least. On the contrary, he chuckled softly.

"You were the one who sent the letter to me?" Seeing the other party's confident expression, Sect Leader Bai was perplexed.

"I am not so bored as to waste my time with this. If I really managed to obtain news of Kong shi's relic, I would have surely claimed it for my own already. Do you think I would waste my words with you?" Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head. "Most probably, we aren't the only ones that he contacted. I wonder who is the mastermind behind this matter. In any case, let's head in first!"

"Un!" Sect Leader Bai was stunned for a moment before comprehending the situation. He nodded his head, and the duo walked into the tavern side-by-side.

As soon as they walked in, they immediately saw several familiar silhouettes. Of the twenty-seven powers that came to Myriad Kingdom City, fourteen were gathered here!

Furthermore, the mastermind clearly did his homework. These fourteen powers were ranked at the front among the twenty-eight powers in the region.

Asking around, they realized that everyone that had gathered here had received the same letter that spoke of Kong shi's relic. To Sect Leader Luo Huang's disappointment, no one seemed to know any more than that. The mastermind who sent the letters to the all of them and the relic mentioned within the card remained a mystery to everyone.

"Could this be a hoax?" Someone expressed their doubt.

"Unlikely. Even though we aren't based in Myriad Kingdom City, given our combined influence, it would just be a matter of time before we catch onto the traces of that person!"

A sect leader harrumphed. "Thus, it's impossible unless... he's tired of living!"

Given how even the Lin Clan from the Tianwu Kingdom could easily bring out search tools such as the Seeking Mouse, it wouldn't be too hard for powerful influences like them to trace down a person.

The only reason why they hadn't done so was because they didn't wish to take any risks-after all, Kong shi relic was at stake here.

"That's true. Let's continue waiting then!"

Finding those words logical, the crowd decided to wait a while longer.

Those that had gathered here were all master teachers, and even the weakest of them was at 4-star pinnacle. Patience was one thing that they didn't lack.

"Greetings. I am the one who gathered all of you here today!"

Soon, a deep voice echoed, and a one-armed elder walked into the tavern.

Ding Hong didn't try to conceal anything at all; an appearance of an elder in his sixties, a cultivation of Zhizun realm, and a face that looked incredibly ragged. With a look, one could easily tell that he had suffered grievous injuries and had yet to recover from them.

Everyone turned their eyes over.

They thought that a person who dared to gather all of them here would have to be at least a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert or even higher... To think that it would only be an insignificant Zhizun realm cultivator. Everyone couldn't help but frown.

"Pardon me for inviting all of you here so abruptly. Just as what was written in the card, I'm here to offer you news on... Kong shi's relic!"

Ding Hong surveyed the crowd as he said those words.

He knew that there was no disguise he could don nor lie he could spout that would fool a half 5-star master teacher. Since that was the case, he might as well come out clean. In any case, with the secret he held, he need not fear being silenced.

"Kong shi's relic? Before you go on any further, I would you to take note of who you are standing before. If there's any falsehood in your words, I believe little has to be said of your plight!"

Flinging his sleeves, Sect Leader Luo Huang harrumphed.

"I understand, and I can assure you that there are no lies in my words... The relic I am speaking of refers to Kong shi's handwritten letter!" Ding Hong clasped his fist and reported.

"Kong shi's handwritten letter?"

Everyone jolted in shock.

There were many incredible weapons among Kong shi's relic, but to a master teacher, there was nothing that could be more valuable than his handwritten letter.

Such letters usually harnessed the essence, spirit, and soul of the writer. By studying the characters in it often, one's Soul Depth could rise quickly. No treasure could possibly rival that.

"Indeed. Back then, the ancestor of a small clan once saved the life of Sage Min, and in gratitude to that small clan, Kong shi personally wrote a letter to them. Ever since then, the letter had been passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom," Ding Hong said.

"Sage Min?"

"You mean one of the 72 Sages of Kong shi's disciples?"

"He's one of the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and very few know not of his name! If what you said is true, the value of that handwritten letter is indeed priceless!"

"Putting everything aside, if one were to seek Sage Min's descendants with that letter in hand, the latter would surely honor one as an esteemed guest..."

"Indeed...'

Hearing those words, everyone's breathing hastened.

Of Kong shi's three thousand known disciples, the most formidable of them were known as the 72 Sages. As one of the 72 Sages, Sage Min had participated in the founding of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and he was honored by all master teachers for such.

To have saved such a person and obtained Kong shi's handwritten letter...

Disregarding the value of the handwritten letter in itself, just the story behind it would make countless experts wrestle with one another over it.

Suppressing his hastened breathing, Sect Leader Luo Huang lifted his head and asked, "Alright, what are your conditions?"

Hearing those words, everyone in the room fell silent.

Indeed. Since the other party went through so much effort to gather all of them here, surely, he must have his own motives. In fact, they would feel unnerved if he didn't.

"Sect Leader Luo is indeed a candid person!"

Ding Hong chuckled lightly. "My conditions are simple. Firstly, I wish to become the alliance head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Secondly, I want my cultivation to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle! Last but not least, I want you to kill a person for me. Don't worry, the strength of this person isn't too high-just a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage cultivator. Whoever promises me these three matters, I'll tell you the whereabouts of Kong shi's relic."

"The alliance head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance is supported by the Myriad Kingdom City Master Teacher Pavilion. Even though I can't interfere in the matters of Myriad Kingdom Alliance directly, Pavilion Master Kang should still defer to me on this matter. After all, changing an alliance head wouldn't harm the foundations of the empire. It shouldn't be too difficult to achieve this," Sect Leader Luo Huang said. "As for your cultivation, as long as you follow my guidance strictly, there's an eighty percent chance that you can reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle... As for the assassination, I can agree to it too."

"Sect Leader Luo, there's no need to be so hasty. We possess the capability to do as much as well. I believe no one here intends to give up on Kong shi's relic!"

"Indeed. This friend here, on top of becoming the alliance head of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, our Spiraling Cosmos Sect can make you an honorary elder. You'll be entitled to equivalent privileges as them!"

"Our Frigid Gale Sect also agrees to your conditions. On top of that, we can offer you five middle-tier spirit stones and fifteen Transcendent Mortal 2-dan female disciples..."

...

An uproar immediately burst within the Sea Gazing Gazebo.

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Chapter 560: Greed Drives a Human's Heart

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

No one expected the other party's conditions to be so simple.

The position of alliance head in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, raising the cultivation to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, and killing a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage cultivator. There was no rational person who would turn down such terms.

Compared to Kong shi's handwritten letter, those were nothing at all.

"Everyone, calm down!"

Just as everyone was speaking excitedly, vying with one another for the slot, Ding Hong surveyed the crowd and said, "Allow me to finish my words first before making your decisions!"

In an instant, the room fell silent.

"Even though the person I want you to kill isn't too strong, his identity is a little unique. He's a master teacher, and... he's representing the Myriad Kingdom Alliance for the Master Teacher Tournament as well!" Ding Hong said.

"A master teacher representing Myriad Kingdom Alliance? You mean... Master Teacher Zhang Xuan whose name has been going around recently?"

Everyone was taken aback.

While they didn't pay much attention to the candidates of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, they did happen to hear of Zhang Xuan's name.

Despite being under twenty, he triumphed in the selection round and became a 4-star master teacher on the spot. This had caused quite a commotion in Myriad Kingdom City.

To kill a public figure, not to mention, a 4-star master teacher at that?

Those who were still smiling a moment ago immediately turned grim.

Master teachers were forbidden from killing one another. If the headquarters were to learn of it, the consequences would be disastrous.

Not to mention, this fellow's name had been on the rise recently. If any harm were to come to him at this moment, the most likely suspects would be them.

Frowning, Sect Leader Luo Huang asked, "What grudge do you have with Zhang shi?"

While master teachers were forbidden from killing one another, there were exceptions to the rule. It had to meet at least one of the following criteria:

1) The grudge between both sides had reached an irreconcilable stage.

2) The master teacher had committed a deed against the master teacher moral code.

3) The master teacher had shown severe disrespect toward a higher ranked master teacher through their words or actions.

...

These were also the fundamental rules of the Master Teacher Pavilion... Devoid of camaraderie-kill! Devoid of morals-kill! Devoid of respect-kill!

As role models, master teachers were expected to conduct themselves with the highest of values. It was also for this reason that the Master Teacher Pavilion was so respected throughout the continent.

Gritting his teeth, Ding Hong roared furiously, "He killed my kin and destroyed my country. Unless he dies... my hatred will never be quelled!"

For an esteemed elder of a country like him to end up wandering around as though a lost vagrant, not daring to return back to his homeland... It was all that fellow's fault!

"Your hatred will never be quelled unless he dies? Good!"

Seeing the lack of falsehood in the old man's expression, Sect Leader Luo Huang heaved a sigh of relief. "I can help you raise your cultivation to Transcendent Mortal 3-dan swiftly so that you could exact your vengeance personally. What do you think of it?"

Since the other party had an irreconcilable grudge against Zhang shi, under the first condition to killing a master teacher, he was allowed to raise the other party's cultivation so that the other party could exact his vengeance.

After all, given the grudge between the two, as long as it was a fair duel, the Master Teacher Pavilion wouldn't be able to object to it.

"Indeed!"

"Why didn't I think of that?"

"Sect Leader Luo is indeed sharp..."

Hearing those words, everyone slapped their foreheads.

As long as they didn't make a move themselves, they wouldn't have to take responsibility for this matter. Even if the headquarters wished to punish someone for the matter, the blame wouldn't fall on them.

"This is a good idea, however... there is something very bizarre about that fellow. I fear that I won't be a match for him!"

Ding Hong shook his head.

The other party's offer was extremely tempting, but having fought with the other party himself, he knew that the other party possessed incredible means.

Despite possessing the cultivation of a Transcendent Mortal 1-dan, he actually lost to a Half-Transcension lad. From that experience, he felt that he wouldn't be a match for the other party even if he were to reach Yin-Yang realm.

And once that happened, he would be a goner.

"You fear that you won't be a match? In other words, you want us to kill him in your stead?"

Luo Huang frowned.

"That's right!" Ding Hong nodded in affirmation.

"This..." The crowd fell silent.

If the other party was just an insignificant figure, killing him wouldn't result in any repercussions. However, the other party just had to be a participant of the Master Teacher Tournament, not to mention, a famous one.

If they were to make a move, the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion would surely retaliate. Once this matter reaches the headquarter, even the strongest Fleeting Cloud Sect would be unable to bear the consequences.

"I'll be honest, Kong shi's handwritten letter isn't in my hands now. No matter who he is, as long as he promises me to accomplish these two matters for me after obtaining the handwritten letter, I'll tell him where it is now."

Seeing the hesitation in everyone's eyes, Ding Hong pushed on.

"It isn't difficult for us to make you the new alliance head and raise your cultivation. However, the matter regarding Zhang shi... has huge repercussions. Even our Fleeting Cloud Sect would have to give this matter some serious consideration!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang contemplated for a moment before replying, "Since that's the case, why don't you tell us where the handwritten letter is first? We will discuss our next course of action after that. If we deem it to be worth the risk, you can count on us for it. Even if it isn't, we'll still fulfill the other two conditions you asked for."

Killing a 4-star master teacher was no joke. Such a matter couldn't be decided on a whim. Thus, they decided to put the matter aside for now and focus on the location of the handwritten letter first.

"Indeed. Don't worry, there are so many of us here. We won't risk damaging our credibility over a small matter like this!" another sect leader said.

"Besides, the handwritten letter isn't in your hands. That lowers the value of your information!" another added.

If Kong shi's handwritten were really in the old man's hands, then even if they had to face the wrath of the headquarters, it would still be worth the risk... But given that the letter was in the hands of another... Just a piece of information couldn't guarantee that they would be able to obtain the handwritten letter. Since that was the case, they had to give the matter some more thoughts.

After all, it was one thing if they were the only ones to know of the information. However, given that so many people knew of the matter, if something were to happen to Zhang shi, there was a high chance that an information leak might occur. If so, not only would they be unable to keep Kong shi's handwritten letter, it might even bring about a great disaster for their sect.

"I believe the honor of all of the master teachers here. To speak of the truth, Kong shi's handwritten letter is with Zhang Xuan at this very moment. He stole it away from me, cutting my arm off in the process even... As long as you kill him, you'll be able to obtain the handwritten letter!"

Ding Hong spoke of the words that he had prepared beforehand.

"Zhang shi stole the handwritten letter from you?"

"He was the one who cut off your arm?"

Everyone was stunned for a moment before frenzied joy gushed into them.

As master teachers, they could tell that Ding Hong wasn't being completely honest here... But all of that didn't matter to them at this moment.

The important matter at hand was him admitting that the handwritten letter was stolen by Zhang Xuan.

That, in itself, was a breach of the moral code of master teachers. This was sufficient to warrant his death.

"Tell us more about the matter. If it's indeed true, Zhang shi would have breached the master teacher moral code. As master teachers, we have the responsibility to purge black sheep like him!" Sect Leader Luo Huang declared righteously.

"Indeed! If you have any grievances, feel free to speak. All of those here today are the noblest of master teachers. If the other party had truly exploited his own identity to oppress you, we will definitely redress your grievances!"

"Such a person mustn't be allowed to remain in the Master Teacher Pavilion!"

Another two master teachers bellowed out.

Most of those seated knew that the matter wasn't that simple. However, seeing the look of determination the eyes of the various sect leaders, they could only sigh and shake their heads.

Even they themselves found it hard to resist the allure of Kong shi's handwritten letter.

"Since everyone is interested in the matter, allow me to speak of it then!"

With reddened eyes, Ding Hong began recounting the matter. "The relic belongs to Qu Clan, and our Ding Clan has been close friends with the Qu Clan for many generations now. In fact, we even once co-governed Xuanyuan Kingdom. Unfortunately, the Qu Clan couldn't withstand the trial of time and slowly went into decline. Just three years ago, the final successor of the Qu Clan came and entrusted the relic to us before passing away."

At which, Ding Hong's eyes suddenly burned in fury. "But who could have known that Zhang Xuan would learn of it. He barged into my great grandson's inauguration ceremony, killed him, and stole the handwritten letter. He even tried to silence me. If not for an escaping art that I practiced, I might have died then!"

Clenching his jaws tightly together, Ding Hong roared furiously in anger, "To conceal the vile deeds he committed for Kong shi's handwritten letter, he created all kinds of excuses to justify his actions! It's fortunate that the heavens took pity on me and I managed to survive the ordeal. Otherwise, the truth would have never seen the light of the day!"

Given that the target he was hoping to have killed was a master teacher, he knew that he had to come up with a sufficient reason for the others to justify their actions.

Thus, he crafted this story.

It was their Ding Clan who tried to snatch the handwritten letter from Lu Chong, but he twisted the story to blame Zhang Xuan for all that happened instead. Only this way would these master teachers be willing to kill Zhang Xuan in his stead.

"Atrocious! How could there be such a person among us?"

"How in the world did such an immoral person become a master teacher?"

"He must be taught a lesson! We must instill in him the dignity a teacher should have..."

"That explains why the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion had always ranked at the bottom. It's time to do some reorganizing to clear up such degenerating culture!"

...

Hearing Ding Hong's words, the master teachers were infuriated.

"Sect Leader Luo, I suggest that we confront Zhang Xuan at this instant to have him explain this matter!"

"That's right! We should have him hand over the handwritten letter as well. It's an insult to Kong shi to have such an immoral person to hold onto his relic!"

"Indeed! I share your thoughts as well!"

...

Everyone turned their eyes to Sect Leader Luo Huang.

"All of your words make sense. A master teacher must be upright to guide others. But of course, we can't only listen to one side of the story. We should also hear Zhang shi's defense. If it is true that he breached the master teacher moral code, we mustn't let him off the hook even if the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion sides with him!"

Sect Leader Luo announced righteously as he flung his sleeves.

"Alright, let's go over to confront him now!"

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

Seeing that he had everyone's support, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head in satisfaction. He then turned to Ding Hong and asked, "This friend over here, why don't you follow us there? Until the truth of this matter is revealed, you shall be the most esteemed guest of our Fleeting Cloud Sect. No one will dare to do you any harm!"

"Alright!"

A savage gleam flashed across Ding Hong's eyes.

"Zhang shi lives in a residence in the vicinity of the Alliance Head Residence. I know where it is, allow me to lead the way!" one of the master teachers shouted before walking at the front.

Since they had already come to a decision, the crowd followed behind him and walked out of the Sea Gazing Gazebo, headed for Zhang Xuan's residence.

Seeing the grand line-up here, Luo Xuan couldn't help but shake his head.

Given that everyone knew that Kong shi's handwritten letter was with Zhang shi, how could this 'trial' be fair?

Regardless of whether Zhang shi admits to it or not, one thing was for sure-he would surely be unable to keep the handwritten letter.

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Chapter 561: Sun Qiang Evicts

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

A beautiful figure walked over to Zhang Xuan's current residence-the princess of the alliance, Zhao Feiwu.

Upon seeing her, Sun Qiang hurried forward and said with a bitter smile, "Princess, the young master isn't back yet..."

Ever since the young master's departure, Princess Zhao had been visiting once every few days. This residence was on the verge of becoming her permanent dwelling already.

"I know. I'm just here to walk around..."

Hearing those words, disappointment clearly flickered across Zhao Feiwu's face for a moment, but she quickly hid it with a smile.

Knowing that this princess harbored exceptional feelings for the young master, Sun Qiang hurriedly said, "Princess, there's no need for you to worry. I'll immediately send someone to inform you as soon as the young master is back..."

"Alright!" Zhao Feiwu nodded her head, and just as she was about to speak, she suddenly caught someone walking toward the residence from the distance out of the corner of her eye. It was the garden owner of the Southern Herb Garden, Xue Yiyao.

This garden owner was known for her eccentric personality and her headstrong personality, bending to none, even the Alliance Head Residence. Why would she suddenly come here?

Perplexed, Zhao Feiwu asked, "May I know the reason for Garden Owner Xue's sudden visit?"

"Zhang shi has resuscitated my Earth Vein Spirit Vine, thus saving my entire field of medicinal herbs. I'm here to thank him for the favor," Garden Owner Xue said.

In the past few days, the spirit of the new Earth Vein Spirit Vine had successfully fused with the original one, thus allowing it to recover. All of the withering medicinal herbs returned back to perfect health, and only then did Garden Owner Xue finally affirm that Zhang shi's solution was truly effective. Thus, she decided to make this visit to thank him once more.

Even though she had given him many spirit herbs in compensation, but compared to the entire field of medicinal herbs, that was truly not worth mentioning at all.

"Zhang shi is out training for the Master Teacher Tournament, and he isn't back yet..." Sun Qiang explained.

Instead of telling others that he was heading for the Yin-Yang Lake, Zhang Xuan told others that he was going to go out to train instead. This could ensure that the news wouldn't leak out and thus prevent sabotage from other participants.

"Training?" Garden Owner Xue was taken aback. "Alright then. I'll pay a visit once more when Zhang shi returns!"

Since Zhang shi wasn't around, there was no point to her staying here. Thus, she prepared to turn around to leave.

But just then, she suddenly felt an overwhelmingly powerful aura behind her, exerting an immense pressure on her.

"Is Zhang shi in? Sect Leader Luo Huang of Fleeting Cloud Sect, Sect Leader Bai Kaizhi of White Helios Sect, Sect Leader Huang Qi of Cascading Sand Sect... A total of fourteen sect leaders and nation elders are here. Ask him to come out to pay his respects!"

A clear bellow reverberated in the area, tremoring even the clouds.

Very few people knew that Zhang Xuan had left Myriad Kingdom City.

On top of that, these powers didn't think of that rising master teacher as a potential opponent, so they didn't pay much attention to him. As such, they didn't know that the other party wasn't around.

"Fourteen sect leaders and nation elders were here to visit?"

"What are they up to?"

"Zhang shi is a master teacher of our Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Why are they finding him for?"

...

When that voice echoed in the air, many guards and soldiers who heard those words were stunned.

Zhang shi was going to represent the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance in the Master Teacher Tournament. Why was this group of people looking for him?

Sun Qiang, Zhao Feiwu, and Garden Owner Xue traded glances, and they immediately noted that something was amiss.

Even if they wanted to pay Zhang shi a visit, it was impossible for fourteen heads of their respective powers to visit simultaneously. It was certain that they were up to something.

After a moment of hesitation, Sun Qiang stepped forward and greeted the group, "Guests, the young master is not around at the moment!"

An elder waved his hands majestically.

"Not around? Hah, more like you are hiding him! You'd better bring him out, or else don't blame us for conducting a search on our own accord."

Kong shi's handwritten letter was simply too precious to them. What if that fellow were to escape after hearing of the news?

"Search?"

Sun Qiang frowned. "The young master is an esteemed 4-star master teacher who will be representing the Myriad Kingdom Alliance in the Master Teacher Tournament. For all of you to come knocking and even threaten to search the residence, may I ask if the young master has turned his back against the responsibilities of a master teacher or sullied the name of the Master Teacher Pavilion? Besides, even if a search must occur, it should be conducted by the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion instead. What rights do you have to do so? Do you have a search warrant with you?"

As a qualified butler, Sun Qiang had studied the various convention and laws governing master teachers so as to act with propriety.

Given the young master's esteemed standing as a 4-star master teacher, no one had the rights to search with residence without a search warrant from the Master Teacher Pavilion.

"We might not have any search warrant, but given that so many senior master teachers are before him, don't you think it is a huge breach of etiquette for him to not pay his respects?"

"Indeed, get him out to greet us! Does he intend to breach the master teacher moral code?"

Two middle-aged man of the group threatened.

They had made the journey here to ask about Kong shi's handwritten letter. If that fellow were to remain hidden, they wouldn't be able to do anything at all.

"Pay respects?"

Hearing the other party's arrogant words, Sun Qiang's face immediately flushed in anger. "Audacious!"

"What?"

Zhao Feiwu and Garden Owner Xue's body suddenly swayed weakly.

The one who is acting audaciously... seems to be you instead!

The visiting group included sect leaders and nation elders of the fourteen strongest empires in the region. They were all either powerful experts or half 5-star master teachers... And yet, an insignificant Transcendent Mortal 1-dan cultivator like you actually dared to shout to them? Where did your guts come from?

"The young master is the esteemed direct disciple of great Master Teacher Yang Xuan! How dare you bunch of goons who haven't even reached 5-star yet cause a ruckus here?"

Sun Qiang waved his hands arrogantly. "What are you all waiting for? Scram!"

Old Master Yang Xuan was a master teacher with a ranking of at least 6-star. As his butler, he had to carry himself with pride and disposition which wouldn't bring shame to his name.

How dare this bunch of goons demand for the young master to pay respects to them? Who gave you such guts?

"..."

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others stared at one another, dumbstruck.

They thought that their identity would surely scare Zhang Xuan out of his wits, and the latter would immediately give up and rush out. But never in their dreams did they expect to be blocked at the door by his butler... Not to mention, the other party even said that they were being audacious and chased them away...

The heck! Am I hearing things?

"What did you say? I dare you to repeat yourself!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang's eyebrows shot up as a powerful aura burst forth from him.

He was the sect leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm pinnacle expert. To be chased away by this insignificant fellow, how could he possibly take it lying?

"What did I say? Are you deaf? How can someone as dumb as you remain as a master teacher... I truly wonder how you became a sect leader like this!"

Sun Qiang waved his hands and said, "Fine, since you didn't hear me clearly the first time, I'll repeat myself for your sake... I am asking you to scram, don't cause any trouble here!"

"You're courting death!"

Seeing that his teacher had been humiliated, Luo Xuan couldn't hold back his rage any longer and charged forward.

Hong long!

A gigantic palm carrying an indescribably violent aura came charging toward Sun Qiang, eradicating everything in its path.

Qiu!

But before the palm could strike Sun Qiang, a sharp call echoed from the skies. Following which, a gigantic shadow fell straight down to the ground.

Due to the incredible speed from its movements, a shrill sonic boom threatened to pierce everyone's ears.

"The heck..."

Luo Xuan barely managed to release a shout of exclamation before he was seated upon.

His entire body was immediately bent in an unnatural anger, and a mouthful of fresh blood spewed from his mouth. He nearly breathed his last at that moment.

Demon Cinque Beast!

Back when Zhang Xuan left, he had entrusted the safety of everyone in the residence to him. Thus, upon seeing Luo Xuan make a move against Sun Qiang, it immediately swooped down to protect the latter.

As a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert who was on the verge of achieving a breakthrough at any moment, the Demon Cinque Beast was significantly stronger than Luo Xuan. Not to mention, it possessed astounding speed and nearly invincible defensive capability. The latter didn't even have a chance to react before he was mortally wounded.

Luo Xuan felt as though he was on the verge of breaking down.

He was the genius who was the strongest contender for the champion seat for the Master Teacher Tournament, an expert who was just a step away from reaching Consonant Spirit realm, and yet, he nearly died from being squashed by a spirit beast... Just the thought of it left him incredibly frenzied.

"Beast, how dare you!"

A crimson glow extended across Sect Leader Luo Huang's face all the way down to the neck as he bellowed furiously.

He was the sect leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, the strongest power among the 28 kingdoms in the region... And yet, his student actually ended up being squashed by a spirit beast right before him. Infuriated, he prepared to charge up to teach the other party a lesson.

"Why? Is a half 5-star master teacher like you going to lay his hands on an ordinary civilian? What wrong have I committed? What wrong has Zhang shi committed?"

Sun Qiang stepped forward.

In view of their standing, master teachers wouldn't make a move on ordinary civilians as long as they didn't sin. Sun Qiang was only preventing anyone from trespassing into their residence, so he couldn't be said to have sinned. Rather, Luo Xuan, who lost his composure and charged at him, was clearly at fault here. If Luo Huang were to make a move instead, the only one who would be embarrassed would be him.

But even though Sun Qiang was confident that the other party wouldn't stoop down to his level, he was still feeling a little worried.

"You..."

Having his intentions questioned, Sect Leader Luo Huang retracted his outstretched palm.

The other party was just a subordinate. To kill the other party over such a small matter would only make him seem petty.

"I'll repeat it once more. The young master isn't in the residence now. No matter what you're here for, be it to acknowledge him as your teacher or to seek his guidance, I'll have to ask of you to leave!"

Seeing that the other party didn't make a move in the end, Sun Qiang harrumphed while heaving a sigh of relief on the inside.

"Acknowledging him as our teacher?"

Hearing those words, everyone felt faint-headed.

Acknowledge your head!

Have you seen anyone coming to acknowledge a teacher in such a manner?

Besides, that Zhang Xuan is only a 4-star primary master teacher. What right does he have to become the teacher of us half 5-star master teachers?

Seeing the awkward situation, an elder walked over and asked, "Sect Leader Luo, what do we do now?"

They were all esteemed experts. They couldn't possibly just come over to overturn everything in the other party's house, going to the extent of even laying their hands on the other party's subordinate!

If they were to do so, even if the headquarters didn't pursue this matter, they would probably die of shame.

But... If they didn't do so, how could they ascertain whether Zhang shi was around or not?

"Let's return for now!"

With a darkened face, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hands.

"Return?"

Everyone was taken aback.

Are we supposed to retreat just like that?

Chased away by the other party's subordinate, aren't we a little too useless?

"What else can we do?" Sect Leader Luo Huang harrumphed.

He was also getting a huge headache over this matter.

But from the looks of it, Zhang Xuan really didn't seem to be around. Otherwise, given the huge commotion that had occurred, it was impossible for him to still remain hidden.

Quarreling with another person's subordinate while the person isn't around... He couldn't afford to lose his reputation over this!

More importantly, this butler had way too much bravado. Anyone else would have surely trembled in fear before their presence, but this fellow... didn't think much of them at all...

I wonder if this fellow really has some kind of backing or he's simply that brave!

Sect Leader Luo Huang feared that if he were to continue fighting with the other party, he would die of anger first.

After a moment of hesitation, Sect Leader Luo Huang ordered, "We'll send someone to keep a lookout at this residence. As soon as Zhang Xuan returns, they'll report back to us, and it won't be too late for us to capture him then!"

Instead of embarrassing himself here, he might as well leave for the moment first.

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Chapter 562: Returning to Myriad Kingdom City

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Yes!"

Even though everyone was reluctant, there was no better solution at hand.

If they were to really blow things up and the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion got involved, the headquarters might be alarmed, and their envoy might arrive even before Zhang Xuan returned. If so, they would be put in a difficult position.

Huala!

Thus, as swiftly as they came, they retreated. And after seeing all of them leave, Sun Qiang's legs caved in and he fell to the ground.

He was the butler of Master Teacher Yang Xuan, and he knew he couldn't lose out to others in terms of disposition, but... his cultivation was simply too low at the moment. With a strength of only Transcendent Mortal 1-dan, it had taken all of his courage to stand before so many experts.

Recalling how close he came to danger just a moment ago, Zhao Feiwu stepped forward and asked, "Don't you... fear death?"

To yell at so many Consonant Spirit realm experts to scram, even her father wouldn't be able to muster such courage. Where did the confidence of this plump butler come from?

After a moment later, Sun Qiang finally recovered. Standing up, he shook his head in response.

"Of course I do!"

"But if you're scared, why would you still..."

Even Garden Owner Xue was perplexed by the other party's actions.

Since he felt fear, why did he still do it?

If Sect Leader Luo Huang were to really make a move then, he would have surely died on the spot.

If that were to happen, nothing could remedy it. It would mean nothing even if Zhang shi were to redress your grievances in the future!

A dead life couldn't be brought back!

"I am indebted to the old master. From a humble Zhenqi realm cultivator, he had brought me to a position where I'm respected and trusted by so many... As long as he allows me to remain at his side as his butler, I have the obligation to ensure that the old master's dignity isn't being trampled on... even if it means my death!" Sun Qiang said with determination.

If not for the old master, he would probably spend his entire life in the small shop he had in Tianxuan Royal City. He would have never met so many master teachers, needless to say, step into a position where no one dares to belittle him.

The old master had given him a second life. If he, as a butler, was unable to uphold the old master's dignity, he would have failed in his duties.

This was the faith he held, and he was determined to live his life by it.

This was precisely the reason why he mustered his courage and stood before those experts despite the danger.

His strength might be lacking, and his cultivation might be low, but... the dignity of a high-ranked master teacher mustn't be thrown away!

"This..."

Zhao Feiwu was in awe.

This plump man may look like an unreliable figure, but yet, he had things which he was unwilling to compromise on as well.

It seemed that even though the people that gathered around Zhang shi were all eccentric, they seemed to be oddly and unreservedly united. Conflict and politics didn't seem to exist among them.

Perhaps... this might be due to his charisma.

A moment later, Zhao Feiwu suddenly thought of something and asked, "The old master that you spoke of refers to Yang shi? Where is Yang shi at the moment?"

She had heard of Yang shi-Zhang shi's teacher-but she had never met him before.

"The old master likes to spend his time roaming freely across the lands. I've no idea where he is either!"

As soon as he spoke of Yang Xuan, Sun Qiang's face immediately lit up in admiration.

"You don't know where he is?" Zhao Feiwu was perplexed. "Then... Is he not going to spectate the Master Teacher Tournament?"

His student was participating in such an important tournament for the first time, was Yang shi, despite being the other party's teacher, not going to support Zhang shi at such a crucial moment?

Sun Qiang contemplated for a moment before replying, "This... I'm not too sure as well. However... I think he should be coming soon!"

It was clear that those who had come together harbored malicious intentions toward Zhang shi. If the old master didn't appear soon, something bad might really happen.

But... Old Master, where are you?

...

Ah choo!

Zhang Xuan rubbed his nose.

Naturally, he wasn't aware that Ding Hong was already at Myriad Kingdom City and had already convinced the fourteen strongest powers currently in the city to move against him. He was still on the back of the aerial spirit beast, glancing down at the winding mountain range below as his eyes slowly lit up in excitement.

After half a month's journey, he was finally returning to Myriad Kingdom City!

"I'm finally back. Judging by the timing, the Soulrouse Grass should have matured already. I should be able to craft the Soulrouse Incense and wake Lu Chong now!"

As the Soulrouse Grass could not be kept in his storage ring, Zhang Xuan chose not to bring it with him. It had been fifty days since his departure, and it should have already matured under Wang Ying's care and be ready to be crafted into the Soulrouse Incense.

With this, Lu Chong would be able to come back to life, and he would have resolved a boulder weighing down on his heart.

Honglong!

A distance away, a disturbance in the surrounding spiritual energy could be felt, and a powerful aura suddenly burst out.

"I've achieved a breakthrough?"

Ruohuan gongzi slowly opened his eyes.

At this moment, his eyes were clear, and his body was seemingly filled with endlessly vitality and might.

Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle!

Under Zhang Xuan's pointers and the nourishment of a middle-tier spirit stone, he had really managed to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within half a month.

"Zhang shi, thank you for your guidance!"

Sensing overwhelming energy far superior to before flowing through his body, Ruohuan gongzi clasped his fist in gratitude.

If not for the other party, who knew how long it would have taken him to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle.

"There's no need to stand on ceremony!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

The surge of Heaven's Path zhenqi he infused into the other party previously had made the other party's originally turbid zhenqi purer. Building on such a foundation, it wasn't too hard for the other party to advance several small realms consecutively within a short period of time.

If the other party couldn't do as much under such conditions, the other party would truly be unworthy of his title as a 'genius'.

"Zhang shi, your cultivation..." Pavilion Master Kang raised his doubts.

Seeing Ruohuan gongzi's swift improvement in the past few days had delighted him, but at the same time, doubts started sprouting in his mind.

If Zhang shi could induce such massive improvements in others, why couldn't he do the same for himself?

Given that the other party hadn't even reached Transcendent Mortal 3-dan yet, he would surely in a huge disadvantage competing in the Master Teacher Tournament.

"Don't worry. I'll try my best to advance to the Yin-Yang realm pinnacle before the tournament, and if possible, perhaps even Clarifying Turbidity realm!"

Knowing what the other party was worried about, Zhang Xuan waved his hands nonchalantly.

To advance his cultivation, he needed middle-tier spirit stones-to do so through absorbing spiritual energy in the air was simply too inefficient. However, this just happened to be the resource he was sorely lacking at the moment.

Since any advancement otherwise would be insignificant in comparison, he decided to find some way to procure more middle-tier spirit stones in the capital first before raising his cultivation.

"Un!"

Hearing Zhang shi's guarantee, Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head. "We're about to arrive at your residence..."

Walking up to the entrance of the room on top of the spirit beast, Zhang Xuan suddenly turned around and said, "Un. I'll be bidding you farewell here then. I'll be busy during this period of time so don't look for me. Rest assured, I'll surely appear at the Master Teacher Tournament when the time comes!"

To procure more middle-tier spirit stones, it was likely that he would have to appear in public as Yang shi. If Pavilion Master Kang were to visit during this period of time, given the abrupt disappearance of Zhang shi and the latter's familiarity with him, there was a chance that the latter might tie the two together and realize that Yang shi was actually Zhang shi. Thus, Zhang Xuan decided to take precautions against that.

"Alright!"

Thinking that Zhang Xuan might be intending on going into seclusion, Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head.

After saying all that had to be said, Zhang Xuan leaped off the back of the spirit beast, and not too long later, Pavilion Master Kang departed along with the spirit beast.

As soon as Zhang Xuan returned to the residence, Sun Qiang suddenly rushed up to him.

"Young master!"

Noticing that something was amiss from Sun Qiang's anxious expression, Zhang Xuan asked, "Did something happen while I was away?"

"The Fleeting Cloud Sect and thirteen other powers came to find you while you were away..."

Sun Qiang swiftly recounted the entire matter.

"Why are they looking for me?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had never seen those people before. Why would they suddenly pay him a visit?

"Inform me the next time they come over..."

Zhang Xuan had been in a dilemma as to who he should procure spirit stones from when these people came knocking at his door. This worked out fine as well. At the very least, he didn't have to go out there to search for customers.

"Yes!" Seeing the composure on the young master's face, Sun Qiang suddenly felt the burden on his shoulder being lifted, and he heaved a sigh of relief. "Young master, may I know where the old master is at the moment, and will he be coming over?"

"Teacher?"

Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment. However, he quickly recovered and replied, "Teacher told me that he will be coming over in the next few days... Alright, I have to speak with Wang Ying. Where is she?"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

Since he was going to appear as Yang shi, it was best for him to let the news out in advance so that it wouldn't be too abrupt and unnatural.

"She's currently in the midst of caring for the Soulrouse Grass. Young master... are you intending to cure Young Master Lu Chong now?" Upon recalling something, Sun Qiang's eyes suddenly lit up.

As the butler of the residence, how could he be unaware of what Wang Ying was up? For the young master to look for her so anxiously as soon as he returned, most likely, this was something that had to do with Lu Chong.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head. "Lu Chong's issue is intricately tied with the topic of souls, and I would require absolute silence for the treatment. Make sure that no one interrupts me!"

Sun Qiang nodded. However, a moment later, he finally realized the reason behind the incongruity he had been feeling since the young master's arrival and asked, "Young master, didn't Zhao Ya xiaojie leave with you? Why isn't she here?"

Since Zhao Ya left along with Zhang Xuan, it didn't make sense for the latter to return alone.

"She has gone somewhere else; she won't be returning for the time being..."

Zhang Xuan shook his hands before walking over to the room where the Soulrouse Grass was being cultivated.

"Teacher!"

As soon as Zhang Xuan entered the room, he immediately saw Wang Ying.

Nodding his head to acknowledge the other party's greeting, he turned his gaze to the Soulrouse Grass placed in the middle of the room.

By now, it was already around half the height of a human, and it emitted a unique scent that left with one feeling confusion. It seemed as though one's soul would be trapped in it the moment one put one's guard down.

Harnessing soul energy, the Soulrouse Grass possessed the ability to interfere with one's psyche.

"You've worked hard over the past few days. You should take a rest!"

Seeing how well the Soulrouse Grass grown, not to mention, the complete lack of scratches on it, one could easily imagine how much effort Wang Ying had put into its cultivation.

"Un!"

Having been complimented, Wang Ying's face reddened, and she hurriedly walked out.

"Time to start!"

Drawing his soul out from his body, Zhang Xuan grabbed the Soulrouse Grass lightly in his palm and began to infuse his zhenqi in to forge it.

He would have required a lot of preparation beforehand to forge the Soulrouse Grass successfully before, but after his soul had been tempered by both yin and yang energy, thus becoming even stronger and compact, forging it wasn't a problem for him anymore.

Under the inflow of zhenqi from Zhang Xuan, the medicinal herb melted, turning into a puddle of flowing green liquid.

And with a flick of his fingers, the liquid began gathering together, forming an incense stick.

Soulrouse Incense!

It possessed the ability to awaken a dormant soul after being lit.

"Based on what Mo Hunsheng said, to increase the chances of waking Lu Chong, it'll be best for me to infuse a portion of my soul into it!"

By infusing a portion of his soul into the Soulrouse Grass before lighting it, its effectiveness could be enhanced.

"Soul split!"

Zhang Xuan carefully split a portion of his soul, and in the process, his face gradually paled.

Even though his soul had reached the cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, dividing his soul would still cause significant damage to him.

But as long as Lu Chong could be safe, there was no sacrifice too great.

Fusing the divided portion of his soul with the incense, he was finally ready to awaken Lu Chong.

"Great! I should begin now..."

Having completed all preparations, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Retracting his soul back into his body, he walked forward toward Lu Chong.

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Chapter 563: Attack [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Zhang Xuan placed the Soulrouse Incense on the Soul Aperture on Lu Chong's glabella and lit it.

Smoke slowly rose from the Soulrouse Incense, and along with it came a distant and vague song reminiscent of the melody of gods and demons, leaving one intoxicated. If one were to stare intently at the smoke, one would be able to see a faint silhouette dressed in loose robe dancing a unique dance which seemed to hold a certain allure for a soul.

"Return, soul! Why roam in distant lands when your belonging lies here? Abandoning for paradise for sufferings in a foreign land. Return, soul! There is nowhere else you can rest! Giants of astounding stature seek to reap you. In the lands they bring you ten suns sear, metal flows in rivers and stones exist in mere dust..."

The voice slowly seeped into Lu Chong's glabella, resonating with his sleeping soul.

"Whether he will awake or not will count on this!"

As the distant voice grew louder and louder, Zhang Xuan took in a deep breath and drew his soul out as well. After which, his soul dashed straight into Lu Chong's consciousness.

And the next moment, an ocean stretching to the horizons appeared before his eyes.

"How can his inner world be so large?"

Standing in the midst of the other party's consciousness, Zhang Xuan was stunned.

Even with his soul cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, Zhang Xuan found himself unable to perceive the ends to the other party's inner world.

The inner world of an ordinary cultivator was usually only the size of a pond-Lu Chong's case was indeed extraordinary.

"Where is Lu Chong's soul?"

Quickly recovering from his astonishment, Zhang Xuan remembered his purpose here and hurriedly scanned the surroundings.

A dormant soul would usually be lying asleep in a corner of one's inner world. With the assistance from the Soulrouse Incense, it shouldn't be difficult to wake the soul up.

Flying around the vast inner world, Zhang Xuan soon found a gigantic figure lying amidst dense mist.

Despite lying horizontally in the ocean, it was still as tall as a mountain. The eyes of the figure were tightly shut.

"This... Isn't this a little... way too big?"

Zhang Xuan widened his eyes in disbelief.

Not only was Lu Chong's inner world huge, even his soul was humongous as well. In fact, it seemed to wield even greater strength than Zhang Xuan's Transcendent Mortal 4-dan soul... But how could that be possible?

One must know that Lu Chong was only at Zongshi realm when he went into a coma. How could a Zongshi realm cultivator possess such a powerful soul?

"Could this be... Acquired Soul Physique?"

Suddenly, a thought flashed across Zhang Xuan's mind.

There were physical constitutions in the world which, when awoken, could induce a rapid rise in one's cultivation. Similarly, there were also physical constitutions that could enhance one's soul as well... and one of them was the Acquired Soul Physique.

Just as stated in the name, this constitution didn't come with one at birth. Thus, even master teachers would be unable to perceiving one's plausible aptitude in this aspect before its appearance. Usually, such unique constitutions usually appeared after the host underwent a major event in his life.

It was similar to how some people gained the ability to see ghosts after falling off the stairs, or how some recalled their past lives after suffering an injury to the head and began to chant ancient Sanskrit sutras.

If Zhang Xuan wasn't mistaken, Lu Chong belonged to this category as well.

He was originally just an ordinary person, but the massacre of his clan had diverted the course of his life. After which, he met Zhang Xuan, and to save the latter, he sacrificed himself and fell into a coma...

These experiences had caused a qualitative evolvement of his soul.

"If my conjecture is true, given the size of his soul, when he finally wakes up, his cultivation will probably be stronger than mine..."

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

He thought that it would take a long time before Lu Chong fully recovered from the impact of that incident, but to his delight, this incident actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

But still, if Zhang Xuan didn't possess an in-depth knowledge of souls, this unique constitution would probably have gone to waste... But now, as long as the latter wakes up and is imparted the Heaven's Path Soul Art, his cultivation would surely soar.

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan walked up to the gigantic body and shouted, "Lu Chong, I am Zhang shi. Wake up!"

...

While Zhang Xuan was attempting to wake Lu Chong, Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others received news of Zhang Xuan's return.

"Since he's back, it's about time for us to pay him a visit and ask of the matter!"

"Indeed. Given how he is barely qualified as a 4-star master teacher, how can he be qualified to hold onto Kong shi's handwritten letter?"

"If he hands it over obediently, we can still choose to let the matter go. But if he decides to make things difficult for himself... we'll conduct a trial on the spot to investigate the origin of the letter! If it is proven that he has breached the master teacher moral code by stealing the possession of an innocent party, he shall be punished!"

...

Voices rang up in agreement.

Kong shi's handwritten letter was an unparalleled treasure for all master teachers. As leaders of their respective powers, no matter how kind-hearted they could have been before, for the welfare of the masses behind them who were relying on them for support, they had no choice but to harden their hearts.

If sacrificing one Zhang Xuan could lead to the rise of their power, then this was a gamble that was worth taking on.

Sect Leader Luo Huang interjected the commotion and asked, "Everyone, calm down for a moment. Don't you think it is weird how the butler was able to stand before us without the slightest fear, even showing disdain?"

"This..." Everyone suddenly stopped to think about the matter.

Despite their huge line-up, they still ended up being chased away by an insignificant butler. Just by recalling the incident left their hearts boiling in anger. But still, there was indeed something doubtful about the matter. Was that butler truly fearless of death, or did he have some kind of backing to fall back on?

"If I'm not mistaken, that fellow's backing must be the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion!"

"He probably still doesn't know that the matter regarding Kong shi's handwritten letter has been leaked. Otherwise, he definitely wouldn't dare to do so!"

"I think that it might be the Demon Cinque Beast. That spirit beast is indeed powerful. Even a Consonant Spirit realm primary stage expert might have a tough time fighting with it!"

"With such a powerful tamed beast and his young master's standing in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, he would be unworthy as a master teacher's butler if he didn't have that much pride in himself."

The group in the room discussed.

Even though the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion wasn't as powerful as them, they still didn't dare to go overboard. After all, the Master Teacher Pavilion was strict in enforcing its rules, and they could get into trouble if the headquarter were to learn of the matter.

That butler was probably able to keep his bravado having guessed as much.

Hearing the responses from the crowd, Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head.

"Seems like everyone doesn't know much about that Zhang Xuan. To tell you all the truth, I've had my subordinates look into his affairs for the past few days!"

As the most powerful individuals in the region, they honestly didn't think much of Zhang Xuan. Rather, they were more guarded toward those of their own group, such as the Fleeting Cloud Sect, Cascading Sand Sect, and Frigid Gale Sect, fearing that they might backstab them. Thus, the information they had on Zhang Xuan was severely limited.

After all, who would have the effort to worry about a mere ant when there were other threats looming in the area?

They had never entertained the possibility that this rising star of Myriad Kingdom Alliance might not be as simple as he looked on the surface.

"Oh?"

Seeing Sect Leader Luo Huang's grim expression, everyone turned their gazes toward him.

"It's said that this Zhang Xuan isn't even twenty this year, and it was only two months ago that he had passed his 2-star master teacher examination. His improvement is, in the truest sense, frightening..."

Sect Leader Luo Huang spoke slowly. "But of course, we can't exclude the possibility that he had been hiding his true strength from the start to create such fanfare..."

There were also quite a few master teachers who trained to a certain level before breezing through multiple examinations at once.

As such, a 2-star master teacher rising straight to the level of a 4-star wasn't too shocking.

"However, what is worrying is that... despite his young age, he has already attained the strength of a 4-star master teacher. In fact, in the selection round, he even triumphed over Pavilion Master Kang's direct disciple, Jun Ruohuan... Aren't you all curious about his teacher?"

Sect Leader Luo Huang finally revealed his worry.

"This..."

Everyone fell into deep thought.

They didn't think much of Zhang Xuan before-after all, how could a mere 4-star primary master teacher stand against them all?

A 4-star primary master teacher might be a prestigious figure in Myriad Kingdom City, but to huge sects and influential powers like them, it meant nothing at all.

However, after hearing Sect Leader Luo Huang's words, they realized that they had been negligent.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance had been lagging behind in terms of resources as compared to the other kingdoms. It had no half 5-star master teacher or Consonant Spirit realm experts... and thus, it had no long-range Tutelage Jade Tokens as well. As such, cultivating a single 4-star master teacher was difficult on its own.

Under such conditions, raising a 4-star master teacher who wasn't even in his twenties yet was indeed an extraordinary feat.

"Based on the news I received, Zhang Xuan's teacher is a half 5-star master teacher known as Yang Xuan."

Sect Leader Luo Huang revealed the intelligence that he had gathered.

According to the intelligence, Yang Xuan rarely appeared in public, and on the occasions he did, it was in lower tiered kingdoms. However, due to the weak eye of discernment of those living in those regions, they were unable to perceive the other party's cultivation clearly, thus resulting in a lack of concrete evaluation of Yang Xuan's strength.

But based on the other party's feats, Sect Leader Luo Huang determined the latter to be a 3-star to 4-star master teacher. However, it was clear that a 4-star master teacher couldn't possibly raise a student as talented as Zhang Xuan...

What that allowed him to make his final evaluation was... Su shi and Ling shi visiting him and leaving respectfully.

To be worthy of being treated with such respect by a 4-star master teacher, it was highly likely that the other party was a half 5-star master teacher like them.

After all, if the other party was any stronger, he would have surely gone to higher tiered empires already instead of staying in an insignificant place like the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Besides, if a master teacher of that caliber were to visit a lower tiered kingdom, the regional Master Teacher Pavilion would surely be informed to make preparations to welcome him. It was impossible for there to be no news on the matter at all.

More importantly... Those who had come into contact with Yang Xuan didn't seem to note that the latter was capable of 'Spirit Gathering Diction'!

This was a fundamental ability to a 5-star master teacher. Those who hadn't grasped this ability couldn't qualify as a 5-star master teacher.

"Half 5-star master teacher? Since the other party is of equal standing as us, what do we have to fear?"

"Indeed! So what if he's a half 5-star master teacher? Kong shi's handwritten letter is of vital importance to all master teachers... Even if he's a full-fledged 5-star master teacher, I say that we should still confront him for it!"

"Despite being a master teacher, he kept Kong shi's handwritten letter for himself instead of submitting it up to the headquarters. Even if he's a 5-star master teacher, he will surely be severely punished for his misdeed!"

...

After hearing that the Zhang Xuan's teacher possessed strength of their tier, the crowd heaved a sigh of relief.

An elder asked, "Sect Leader Luo Huang, what's your view on this matter?"

"Based on my intelligence, that Yang Xuan doesn't seem to be in Myriad Kingdom City at the moment. However... to avoid unnecessary trouble, I think that we should unite as one for the moment, obtain the handwritten letter as soon as possible, and decide on its allocation later on. Otherwise... it is likely that none of us will obtain the relic," Sect Leader Luo Huang said grimly.

Whether it would be boiled or fried, they would have to take down their prey first.

It was too early to be talking about the allocation when their prey hasn't been caught yet.

To date, it was still unconfirmed whether Kong shi's handwritten letter was truly with Zhang Xuan, and, if it was, whether it was authentic or not.

If they were to delay the matter and Yang Xuan were to arrive in the city, even though they had no fear for the other party, it would still be unwise for them to go overboard-after all, the other party was a fellow half 5-star master teacher as well.

"Sect Leader Luo, rest assured. We are all mature adults, we know what we should do!"

"A treasure such as Kong shi's handwritten letter can't possibly belong to a single power. At the very least, we know this much!"

"Let's talk about it after obtaining it from Zhang shi's hands!"

The crowd nodded their heads, indicating their approval toward this course of action.

"Since everyone is agreeable to it, I'll start delegating the roles then!" Seeing that he had everyone onboard, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head in satisfaction. "When we're there, I hope that Sect Leader Hu and Sect Leader Bai can curb that Demon Cinque Beast!"

"The rest shall move with me to capture that Zhang Xuan and secure Kong shi's handwritten letter. We'll have to move fast, or else it'll be troublesome if he hides the object!"

"Alright!"

Everyone nodded in consent.

Since they have decided to make a move, naturally, they should do it as soon as possible. Who knew what kinds of hiccups could occur if they were to delay the matter?

"Let's set off then!"

After confirming the details of the plan, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hand, and the group marched off toward Zhang Xuan's residence.

...

Sun Qiang stood in an empty residence with a deep frown etched on his forehead.

The young master didn't think much of the group that came knocking a few days ago, but Sun Qiang still couldn't help but worry about it.

It was clear that the other party bore malicious intentions. He was able to chase them away by insisting that the young master wasn't around the previous time, but now that the young master had returned, it wouldn't be easy for him to stop them the next time.

Garden Owner Xue walked up to Sun Qiang and asked, "Where's Zhang shi?"

Zhang shi had saved her herb garden from a huge calamity the previous time. Knowing that the group of people who came the other day would surely come knocking again to cause trouble, she volunteered to stay behind.

"The young master is in the midst of treating Young Master Lu Chong, so you'll have to wait for a while longer!" Sun Qiang replied.

"Alright!" Garden Owner Xue replied. Then, with a slightly worried expression, she remarked, "Now that Zhang shi is back, I fear that the group of men would return once more to look for him!"

"Indeed..." Sun Qiang sighed. "If only the old master were around... There would be no need to fear those creeps!"

"Yang shi... If it isn't a sensitive question, may I ask what rank is he as a master teacher?"

Seeing the immense confidence Sun Qiang had in his old master, Garden Owner Xue couldn't help but ask about it.

"I've no idea as well, but... it seems as though there's no problem he can't solve. Based on Su shi and Ling shi's previous evaluation... it seems like he is at least a 6-star master teacher!" Sun Qiang replied.

"At least a 6-star master teacher?"

Garden Owner Xue narrowed her eyes.

One had to possess a minimum cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 9-dan to become a 6-star master teacher.

To be at least a 6-star master teacher, doesn't that mean that the other party had already reached such a level?

"That's right. I've been with the old master for some time now, but I haven't met a single problem that could stumble him yet. If the old master is willing to help you, the issue with your soul can surely be easily solved!" Sun Qiang said confidently.

He had witnessed the old master's prowess, and there was no problem too great for him.

In the past few days that Garden Owner Xue had been here, he had learned of her damaged soul, so he couldn't help but say that.

"He can heal my soul?"

Garden Owner Xue's face reddened, and her breathing hastened.

Her soul had been injured for some time now, and to cure it, she even went to the extent of consuming the spirit contained within medicinal herbs to make up for her deficiency... But it ended up being futile in the end. If Yang shi was truly able to solve her problem, she would be willing to do anything in exchange.

Anything.

"Un. However, I would advise you not to bear too much hope for it. Given the old master's standing, he wouldn't help anyone easily!" Sun Qiang shook his head.

With a bitter smile, Garden Owner Xue shook her head.

"You're right..."

If Yang shi was truly a 6-star master, it would surely be an exorbitant price to pay to engage his help.

And she knew that she had no treasures that could possibly hold any allure to an expert of that caliber.

"There's no need to think so much into it for now. After all, we don't know where the old master is currently. If he's in the city, I can plead for you on his behalf. Despite the old master's incredible capability, he's an amiable person," Sun Qiang remarked. But halfway through his words, a powerful aura suddenly surged straight at him, shrouding the entire residence.

"Zhang shi, Fleeting Cloud Sect's Luo Huang, White Helios Sect's Bai Kaizhi, Cascading Sand Sect's Huang Qi... fourteen sect leaders and nation elders have come to visit you. Come out and pay your respects!"

Hong long!

And in the middle of those words, more than a dozen figure suddenly appeared in the courtyard. Every single one of them possessed immense might, and their presence felt like an unmovable mountain.

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others... had arrived!

Hualala!

Hearing the voice, Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others immediately rushed out of their rooms and stared at the group warily.

Gritting his teeth, Sun Qiang stepped forward and replied, "The young master is currently in seclusion, so it isn't convenient for him to meet you. You should come back another day!"

A middle-aged man stepped forward and harrumphed coldly.

"In seclusion? Hahaha, more like he is too guilty to meet us after breaching the master teacher moral code!"

The overwhelming pressure in the air instantaneously heightened. Sun Qiang felt as though a mountain was slowly making its way toward him. Given his strength, no matter how much effort he put in, it was impossible for him to stop its path.

Consonant Spirit realm expert!

At this level of cultivation, one could exert pressure directly on an opponent's soul. Even Pavilion Master Kang wouldn't stand a chance against the middle-aged man.

Seeing the other party attempting to pin blame on Zhang Xuan, Garden Owner Xue frowned and stepped forward.

"Zhang shi is an upright and compassionate man. How could he possibly breach the master teacher moral code? I'll have to ask you to not utter falsehood!"

Frowning, the middle-aged man thrust his palm forward.

"Who do you think you are? Do you think that you are qualified to be speaking here?"

"This is bad!"

Not expecting the other party to be much more forceful than before, resorting to violence without any hesitation, Garden Owner Xue narrowed her eyes and threw out a fist to meet the other party's attack.

Hong!

The palm collided with the fist, but in the next instant, an immense force traveled through Garden Owner Xue's fist and struck her chest.

Pu!

Spewing a mouthful of blood, she was sent a dozen meters back.

She could already be considered as one of the strongest experts in Myriad Kingdom City, but despite that, she was still unable to withstand a single blow from the other party.

A Clarifying Turbidity realm cultivator couldn't possibly hope to match up to a Consonant Spirit realm expert.

Roar!

The Demon Cinque Beast responsible for protecting the courtyard yelled and leaped down.

"You beast, who do you think you are baring your fangs at?"

Sect Leader Bai harrumphed coldly, and along with the middle-aged man from before, he stepped forward and placed his palm on the ground.

Huala!

A zhenqi net fell from the sky, locking the Demon Cinque Beast in place.

Roar!

Trapped in the net, the Demon Cinque Beast struggled vigorously, only to find its efforts futile.

It was as if this zhenqi net was made of the hardest material in the world. Despite its violent thrashing, the net didn't even budge the slightest bit.

The Demon Cinque beast was an invincible existence in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, but its strength was still lacking compared to these sect leaders, not to mention, both of them had moved in unison to subdue it.

"What are you doing?"

Seeing the group injuring Garden Owner Xue and sealing the Demon Cinque Beast in place in just a few seconds, Sun Qiang's face warped in astonishment. In that instant, he felt as though his heart was falling through an abyss. His worst premonition had come to be.

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Chapter 564: Descending From the Heavens

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The other party was at least slightly fearful of him the previous time, retreating at his bellowing. But from the looks of it, the other party seemed intent to accomplish whatever they intended to do this time around.

What in the world had happened for this group to even disregard the young master's identity as a 4-star master teacher?

"What are we doing? Stop playing the fool!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang sneered coldly. "Where's Zhang shi? Get him to come out at this very instant, or else don't blame us for getting nasty!"

Sect Leader Bai's eyebrows shot up in disdain.

"The Master Teacher Pavilion does indeed have its rules. We might be unable to lay our hands on a person of Zhang shi's standing, but if it was just a mere butler and a few other students... Do you think that the headquarters would punish us for crippling insignificant ants?"

Master teachers were governed by strict rules, but this didn't mean that they were saints. Just the bloodshed in the wars against the soul oracles and the Otherworldly Demons could easily fill an ocean.

It was true that the Master Teacher Pavilion frowned on senseless murder, but as long as one didn't go overboard in one's actions, the headquarters would usually just overlook such actions.

If these people refused to cooperate, they were willing to cripple or even kill them. The worst that could happen to them from this was just a dip in their reputation.

"The young master is in the midst of his seclusion, and he mustn't be interrupted at the moment. If you wish to meet him... please return tomorrow!"

Despite knowing that what the other party said was the truth, Sun Qiang knew that he couldn't back down at this point.

The young master had entrusted him to keep anyone from interrupting him. Unless he dies, he would never allow anyone to barge in at this point!

"Since you're seeking death, don't blame us for getting nasty!"

Not expecting this fellow to continue standing his ground, Sect Leader Bai flicked his finger.

Peng!

A sword qi flew through the air, and before Sun Qiang could react, he was already struck in his chest, and fresh blood spurted from his mouth.

How could he possibly stand against an opponent whom even the Demon Cinque Beast and Garden Owner Xue were no match for? If not for the other party's reluctant to sacrifice his reputation by killing a mere underling, he would have already been killed by now.

"Damn it!"

Upon seeing the sight, the eyes of Zheng Yang and the others reddened in anger. Roaring furiously, they charged forward.

But given that there haven't even reached Half-Transcension yet, how could they possibly be a match for a group of Consonant Spirit realm experts? With just a few flicks of Sect Leader Bai's finger, they were all already lying on the ground, injured.

They had devoted all of their strength, and yet, they couldn't inflict the slightest injury to their enemies. They couldn't help but feel frustrated at their helplessness.

All along, under the protection of their teacher, they had been able to cultivate peacefully without any worries. But at this moment, they finally realized that they were nothing without their teacher.

In the face of danger, other than dragging him down, they were unable to do anything at all.

With his hands behind his back, Sect Leader Luo Huang spoke impassively, "There is a limit to my tolerance. If he were to come out now, I might still consider sparing your lives!"

"I've already said that the young master is in seclusion. No one is to interrupt him now..."

Sun Qiang struggled to his feet and stood before Sect Leader Luo Huang. Zheng Yang and the others also followed suit.

They knew that they weren't a match, but even the slightest time they could stall now would be invaluable for Zhang Xuan. No matter how weak they were, they couldn't back down now.

Zhang Xuan was an important person to them. If the other party wished to cause him any trouble, they would have to step over their corpses to do so!

"Since you are so intent on dying, I'll fulfill your wish! Let's see whether he can continue hiding after his butler and students are dead!"

Seeing how even a group of ants dared to disregard his authority, Sect Leader Luo Huang's face darkened, and killing intent appeared on his face.

You wish to hide behind your butler and students?

Fine, continue doing so then! Let's see how long you can hold out for!

Placing his middle finger on his thumb, just as Sect Leader Luo was about to flick a surge of sword qi toward the group who dared to defy him, he suddenly saw two figures rushing over.

The one in front was an elder who exuded a powerful aura. A hint of worry was etched on his glabella.

"Sect Leader Luo, what are you doing?"

Even before arriving at the residence, the elder roared, and his voice reverberated across the entire residence.

"Zhang shi is a master teacher of our Myriad Kingdom Alliance. For you all to charge into his residence and injure his butler and students, is this a declaration of war against the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?"

His voice was seething with fury.

Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion's Pavilion Master Kang Gan!

Following behind was a middle-aged man who bore a mark of authority between his brows. With a glance, it was clear that he was a person of great standing... Myriad Kingdom Alliance's Alliance Head Zhao, Zhao Feiwu's father.

Given how huge of a ruckus this matter had caused, it was impossible for them to be unaware of it.

Just that, they never expected for Sect Leader Luo and so many experts to actually seek trouble with a master teacher who had just passed the 4-star master teacher examination.

Even though Zhang Xuan had shown outstanding results in the selection round, this was only in terms of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's standard. It didn't make any sense for so many experts to confront him together.

"Declaration of war?"

Seeing that Pavilion Master Kang had arrived on the scene, Sect Leader Luo Huang chuckled lightly and dissipated the sword qi he had gathered on his fingertip. Placing his hands behind his back, he said, "Pavilion Master Kang, you're exaggerating the matter. The only reason why we're here is because we've received a complaint regarding Zhang shi, and we would like to weed out a black sheep sullying the reputation of all master teachers. This has nothing to do with your Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion!"

Narrowing his eyes, Pavilion Master Kang questioned, "Weed out a black sheep? What do you mean by that?"

Sun Qiang and the others were perplexed as well.

These fellows had barged in here, demanding to meet Zhang shi without any reason at all. Yet, all of the sudden, they started talking about weeding out a black sheep...

"Simple. Someone told us that Zhang shi has killed his kin, stole his family heirloom, and eradicated his kingdom!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang raised his eyebrows. "As a master teacher, without the permission of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he wreaked havoc in a kingdom and toppled its order... As half 5-star master teachers, are we unqualified to question him on this matter?"

"This..."

Pavilion Master Kang was stumped.

He had been busy preparing for the Master Teacher Pavilion for the past few months, so he wasn't too sure about the events that transpired in Xuanyuan Kingdom. On top of that, Zhao Feiwu had pushed down the matter so very few people knew about it. Luo Qianhong, out of shame, also didn't report this matter to them as well.

As such, Pavilion Master Kang was unaware of this matter.

"Stole a family heirloom? The matter probably isn't as simple as that!"

Alliance Head Zhao had heard the story from his daughter, but thinking nothing much of it, he didn't enquire about the details.

"Isn't as simple as that? We have an eye-witness here!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hand, and a single-armed elder walked out from the crowd.

Ding Hong!

Knowing that Zhang Xuan was living in this courtyard, his eyes were burning with fury.

"My grandson, Ding Mu, was killed by Zhang Xuan, and he had one of his acquaintances take control of Xuanyuan Kingdom. In fact, even my arm was severed by him. It is due to him that I was forced to wander around aimlessly with nowhere to return to..."

At which, Ding Hong roared furiously, "And the only reason for his deranged actions is due to a single relic... Kong shi's handwritten letter!"

"Kong shi's handwritten letter?"

Hearing those words, Pavilion Master Kang's eyebrows twitched.

Even though he wasn't too sure what it was, nothing that was related to Kong shi could be ordinary.

"Indeed! Because of this relic, he destroyed my entire clan! Is this an action befitting of a master teacher?" Ding Hong howled.

His words were phrased in an extremely misleading manner. Knowing that master teachers had the ability to discern truth from falsehood, he chose to warp the truth in a manner that sounded as if Zhang Xuan had done all of this just for Kong shi's handwritten letter.

There was nothing wrong with the details-everything that had occurred did originate from Kong shi's handwritten letter, just that the story was presented in a manner biased against Zhang Xuan.

"You're lying! It's your grandson who tried to..."

Seeing the other party twisting the facts around, Zheng Yang was so furious that if he could, he would have rushed forward to tear Ding Hong apart at this instant.

"Audacious! Your seniors are talking, a junior like you have no place to be interrupting in our conversation!"

Before Zheng Yang could finish his words, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hands.

Hu!

A surge of energy gushed toward Zheng Yang, Sun Qiang, and the others, sealing their mouths. No matter how much they struggled, they were unable to get a single word out.

"What are you trying to do?" Pavilion Master Kang's face darkened.

"Nothing much. I just don't want others to be interrupting our conversation!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang gazed at Pavilion Master Kang impassively and asked, "You've heard what the other party had said. As a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, you should be able to easily discern whether this Emperor Ding Hong has lied or not!"

As long as one's cultivation didn't exceed that of a master teacher by too much, it would be impossible for one to get away with lying blatantly to a master teacher. Given the huge disparity between Pavilion Master Kang and Ding Hong cultivation, it was impossible for Pavilion Master Kang to be unable to discern it if the latter was lying.

It was precisely for this reason that the others believed Ding Hong's words regarding Kong shi's handwritten letter and were willing to go to such extent for it.

"This..."

Pavilion Master Kang was stumped.

While this single-armed Emperor Ding Hong's words were emotionally-charged, he could sense that the other party's resentment toward Zhang shi was true.

Zhang shi had killed his grandson and eradicated his kingdom?

All because... he wanted to obtain Kong shi's handwritten letter?

If it was anything else, Pavilion Master Kang would surely defend Zhang shi. After all, in the time that he had been with the latter, he had gained some understanding of the latter's personality.

If he was a greedy person, he wouldn't have given a middle-tier spirit stone to Ruohuan gongzi.

But... Kong shi's handwritten letter possessed an allure that no master teacher could resist.

Could Zhang shi truly be guilty of this?

Seeing the hesitation in Pavilion Master Kang's eyes, Sect Leader Luo Huang immediately stepped forward and announced, "Zhang Xuan has disregarded the master teacher moral code and willfully stole, killed, and usurped the authority from a kingdom. On top of that, as half 5-star master teachers, he failed to observe decorum to greet us, and instead, even allowed his subordinate to insult us. Just by this charge of insubordination in itself, we can report to the headquarters to have him stripped of his license and indicted by the Hall of Commandment!"

His words were infused with a quality that befuddled one's soul-a unique ability of Consonant Spirit realm experts-that made one inclined to believe his words.

"This matter surely isn't as simple as it sounds. We should first investigate the matter thoroughly before coming to a conclusion..."

Even so, Pavilion Master Kang still felt that it was unlikely for Zhang shi to commit such atrocities.

"Investigate the matter? Do we even need to investigate it? The truth will become clear once we verify whether Kong shi's handwritten letter is on him or not!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang flung his sleeves.

"This..."

Pavilion Master Kang was stumped.

If Kong shi's handwritten letter was truly with Zhang Xuan, then no amount of explanation could cleanse him of this charge.

"Alright, hurry up and get Zhang shi out. Are we going to wait all day for him?"

Frowning, Sect Leader Luo Huang was in the middle of his words when he suddenly felt an indescribably powerful aura from the heaven. After which, an extremely cold voice that was devoid of the slightest emotion boomed in the area.

"To justify your plundering so brazenly with blatant lies, the master teachers of Huanyu Empire sure are shameless!"

At which, a figure suddenly appeared in mid-air. His robes fluttered like an immortal descending from the heavens.

"Flight? S-S-S-S-Saint?"

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others narrowed their eyes in astonishment.

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Chapter 565: I Pronounce All of You Guilty! [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Only upon reaching Transcendent Mortal 8-dan Ethereal Treading realm would one be able to step on thin air and ascend. But even so, this 'flight' would be limited to vertical displacement and was temporary. As such, it couldn't be considered as flight.

True flight would require one's cultivation to be at Half-Saint at minimum!

Beyond the nine dans of a Fighter was Transcendent Mortal.

And beyond the nine dans of a Transcendent Mortal was Saint.

But even a Half-Saint would only be capable of basic flight. The maneuvers would still be severely restricted.

Yet, the person before them was able to walk on air as though there were transparent steps beneath his feet. As though a haughty deity, he stood in the air, inducing immense fear in those that set their eyes on him.

More importantly, that person's aura was so powerful that they couldn't even begin to gauge the limits to his strength. A powerful pressure pressed down on their soul, forcing them to lower their heads in submission.

The pressure the other party exerted wasn't just limited to their physical body. It penetrated all the way down into their souls, and as though a mountain crushing down on them, it robbed them of all intent to retaliate.

Only one who had surpassed a Half-Saint, a Nascent Saint or even a true Saint, would possess such strength!

Even in Huanyu Empire was one unable to find a single expert of this caliber... Why would one suddenly appear here?

Not to mention... from the looks of it... the other party was speaking up for Zhang Xuan?

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others felt as though their hearts had been plunged into a lake of frigid water, and their faces turned ghastly pale in fright. Their arrogance from before had faded completely without a trace.

They thought that Zhang Xuan was an insignificant figure with humble origins. And yet, in the blink of an eye, he had turned into a primordial beast who could rip them apart at any moment.

While everyone's knees trembled in fear, Sun Qiang's eyes reddened as he uttered, "Old Master..."

Who else could the powerful person stepping in midair be other than his old master, Yang Xuan?

He had thought that he would truly die in this crisis, but in this crucial moment, the old master had come to their rescue!

"This is... Yang shi?"

The heavily injured Xue Yiyao glanced at the middle-aged man standing in midair and her heart jolted, and her face reddened in agitation.

It was no wonder why Sun Qiang was so confident. Yang shi was indeed worthy of his confidence!

With a strength exceeding that of even 6-star master teachers, the other party might truly be able to heal her soul and make it complete once more!

"Su Fan and Ling Yuheng pays respect to Yang shi!"

At the moment that the entire courtyard was completely silent, two figures suddenly appeared-Su shi and Ling shi.

Even though they had received the news at the same moment as Pavilion Master Kang, due to their weaker cultivation, they had arrived late.

As soon as they arrived, they immediately saw the majestic sight of Yang shi appearing from the heavens, and their hearts immediately jolted. They hurriedly clasped their fists and paid their greetings.

They had already realized that the other party was at least a 6-star master teacher when they first saw the other party's Eye of Insight, but even so, it was the first time they were seeing the might of a 6-star master teacher and it was indeed frightening.

It was impossible to even gather the will to resist the other party.

"Elder, you're mistaken. That is not what I meant..."

Calming himself down, Sect Leader Luo Huang clasped his fist. However, halfway through his words, he suddenly felt a surge of soul energy gushing straight toward him, threatening to tear him apart.

Pu!

Spewing a mouthful of blood, he was knocked eight steps backward.

While he didn't suffer significant physical injuries, his soul was already grievously wounded.

The soul was different from the body. A wound on the body could be healed by consuming pills and nourishing with one's zhenqi. However, a soul could only recuperate slowly with time. This injury would require him at least a century to recover completely!

And... he knew that he didn't have a century ahead of him.

With just his soul, the other party was already able to inflict such severe injuries on him, terminating any chance of future progress in his cultivation. Was this... the might of a Saint?

With a pale face, Sect Leader Luo Huang trembled in fear.

After wounding Sect Leader Luo Huang, the middle-aged man in the sky scanned the area with his cold gaze.

"I, Yang Xuan, prefer to lead a carefree life, so I rarely involve myself in the matters of the world. I have no interest in the affairs of my juniors, and I can't be bothered with what you do either... But you seem to be taking my nonchalance as a sign of weakness and seek to climb over my head. To attempt to challenge me... Who gave you the guts to do so?"

The voice was devoid of any emotions, but it carried irrefutable authority that threatened to crush one if one were to show the slightest defiance.

"We dare not to..."

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others immediately clasped their trembling fists and bowed their heads. Their eyebrows twitched vigorously, and tears were threatening to spill from their eyes.

Was this... Zhang Xuan's teacher?

Who was the one said that he was only a half 5-star master teacher?

Even a 6-star master teacher wouldn't be as powerful as he was...

"Dare not to? Then why am I seeing a different picture here..."

Yang Xuan flung his sleeves. "You have already barged into my residence. If I were to remain hidden, were you going to have my butler and my grandstudents killed?"

"This..."

Everyone shuddered.

Truthfully, they did harbor such thoughts.

But... if they had known that Zhang Xuan's teacher was such a fearsome figure, they would have never made the trip here.

"We... didn't know that they are related to elder. We beg of you to pardon us for our blindness..." Sect Leader Luo Huang said through gritted teeth.

"Didn't know? After all you have said and done, you wish to justify your actions with ignorance?" Yang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.

Panicking, Sect Leader Luo Huang quickly explained, "It's... it's this Ding Hong who looked for us! He said that his family heirloom was stolen by Zhang shi..."

At this instant, he was cursing Ding Hong countless times in his heart.

If not for this fellow for talking about Kong shi's handwritten letter and provoking their greed, they would have never been here.

If they had never attempted to seek trouble with Zhang shi, they would have never met with the other party.

"You are speaking of Kong shi's handwritten letter? You're right, it's with me. Do you want it?" Yang Xuan glanced at Sect Leader Luo Huang coldly.

"I dare not to..." Sect Leader Luo Huang replied with a quivering voice.

He did want Kong shi's handwritten letter, but to take it from this fellow? You must be joking!

"Kong shi's handwritten letter is a family heirloom of my grandstudent, Qu Chong. This Ding Hong's grandson, Ding Mu, injured him, leaving him in a coma. Out of anger, my student, Zhang Xuan, killed him and eradicated the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom Royal Family... To comply with the rules, he conducted a Pavilion Crashing of the local Master Teacher Pavilion and cleared all of the required tests."

At which, Yang Xuan narrowed his eyes, "How... did it become a willful breach of the master teacher moral code from your mouth?"

Under normal circumstances, a master teacher was to uphold a high level of morality at all times, and destroying a kingdom was a definite taboo. But Zhang Xuan did have a compelling reason for his actions, and on top of that, he had obeyed the procedures demanded by the Master Teacher Pavilion. Even if the headquarters were to investigate it, there would be nothing they could hold against him for it.

"I..."

Sect Leader Luo Huang went silent.

Given that even Pavilion Master Kang was unaware of the incident, how could he, as a foreigner, possibly know about the ins and outs of it?

But still, given that the other party was a Saint and a high-rank master teacher, it was unlikely that he would lie, even on behalf of his student.

"As a master teacher, not only did you fail to distinguish right from wrong, you were even willing to shamelessly slander and attack your fellow peer just to fulfill your own greed..."

With his hands before his back, Yang Xuan glanced coldly at Sect Leader Luo Huang and uttered, "I pronounce you guilty!"

Sect Leader Luo Huang's body immediately stiffened.

"As for Sect Leader Bai, for laying your hands on my butler and spirit beast and disregarding the honor of a higher ranked master teacher, I pronounce you guilty!" Yang Xuan continued.

Sect Leader Bai's body swayed weakly as well.

He was the one who wounded Sun Qiang and the others. At this point, there was nothing he could say in his defense.

As the saying goes, 'assess the owner before beating up his dog'. No matter how weak Sun Qiang was or how infuriating his words were, he was still the subordinate of a Saint. Beating him up was equivalent to humiliating the Saint, disregarding a high-rank master teacher's honor!

Scanning through the crowd, Yang Xuan declared once again, "And all of you, for allowing yourselves to be blinded by falsehood and abusing your authority to fulfill your own greed... I pronounce all of you guilty!"

"We..."

Everyone's lips went pale.

To be pronounced guilty by a Saint meant that there was no way they could make a comeback anymore.

After pronouncing everyone guilty, Yang Xuan turned around to look at Garden Owner Xue, who was lying on the ground.

"Not bad. At such a crucial moment, you were still willing to stand up for your benefactor... I noticed that your soul is injured, and it is capping your cultivation. If you acknowledge me as your teacher, I will solve your problem!"

"I can... acknowledge you as my teacher?"

Garden Owner Xue's face flushed in agitation. This was a hard-to-come-by opportunity, how could she possibly hesitate at such a moment? She immediately fell to the ground and kowtowed. "I, Xue Yiyao, am willing to come under Yang shi's tutelage and command. I vow to never go against your words..."

"Un!"

Yang Xuan nodded his head, and raising his finger, he lightly pointed it toward Xue Yiyao.

Hu!

Garden Owner Xue suddenly felt a will diving straight into her head. It was a cultivation technique to heal one's soul.

Throughout the years, she had been studying the topic of souls so as to fix her own problem. Even though she wasn't a match for soul oracles, her understanding of souls far surpassed the typical Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle experts by a significant amount. As such, despite having only glanced at the cultivation technique once, she was able to gauge that not only would this technique heal her soul perfectly, it would even help to forge her path forward and allow her to successfully advance to Consonant Spirit realm.

"Thank you, Yang shi!"

Agitated, she fell to the ground and kowtowed.

"Could this be... Soul Impartation?"

Seeing how Yang Xuan imparted a cultivation technique to Garden Owner Xue from midair, Sect Leader Luo Huang trembled even more vigorously.

Soul Impartation was a technique that required profound control over one's soul to achieve. Other than the soul oracles of the legends, only 7-star master teachers were capable of such a feat.

The person before them was capable of flight, and his aura felt overwhelming powerful... Given that soul oracles had already gone extinct, that would mean that... it was likely that he was a 7-star master teacher!

A master teacher of that level could be considered as an expert even among fellow Saints!

If the other party was just a 6-star master teacher, they could still try to talk their way out of it. But 7-star... this was already a level far surpassing their expectations.

Zhang Xuan's teacher... was actually that powerful?

"Demon Cinque Beast, for protecting your owner loyally in the face of danger, you have my commendation!"

Ignoring the shock in everyone's eyes, Yang Xuan turned to the Demon Cinque Beast, raised his hand, and flicked his finger lightly, sending a surge of zhenqi into the latter's body.

Honglong!

In the next instant, the Demon Cinque Beast, as if having consumed a divine pill, released a piercing howl, and its strength surged. At the same time, its soul underwent an evolution as well.

A moment later, its growth in its cultivation slowly came to a halt, and an incredibly powerful aura exuded from it. It didn't pale in comparison to Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others.

Transcendent Mortal 5-dan... Consonant Spirit realm!

After obtaining a surge of zhenqi from Yang shi, the Demon Cinque Beast, who had been trapped at Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle for many years, immediately achieved a breakthrough and successfully reached Consonant Spirit realm.

Possessing the Dragon Bloodline, the Demon Cinque Beast wielded incredible strength and outstanding defensive capability far above its cultivation realm. Even with the strength of a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, it was able to match a Consonant Spirit realm primary realm cultivator. At its current strength, even a Consonant Spirit realm advanced stage cultivator would find it hard to subdue it.

"To achieve a breakthrough just by receiving a surge of zhenqi, how pure must that zhenqi be? Could he actually be... an 8-star master teacher?"

Sect Leader Luo Huang's vision went dark, and his despair intensified.

Legend has it that 8-star master teachers would be summoned to the headquarters for an opportunity to further purify their own zhenqi. As such, master teachers of that tier tended to possess extraordinarily pure zhenqi, reaching the level of superior zhenqi.

A zhenqi of that tier, when infused into the body of a spirit beast, could easily induce a Bloodline Evolution, thus allowing it to achieve a breakthrough.

With just a surge of zhenqi, this Yang shi was able to allow the Demon Cinque Beast to achieve a breakthrough, not to mention, Consonant Spirit realm was an extraordinary difficult hurdle to overcome... Indubitably, no 7-star master teacher was capable of such a feat!

Most probably, the other party was a bona fide 8-star master teacher!

A master teacher of that tier was a behemoth-like existence that could cause the entire Huanyu Empire to collapse with just a stomp of his feet...

Realizing this, the faces of all that had come here for Kong shi's handwritten letter here today twitched, and tears streamed down their face.

What the heck was this?

They thought that Zhang Xuan was just a rookie whom they could bully easily. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect his teacher to be an 8-star master teacher!

Before such an expert, even a 6-star master teacher would kneel in deference, needless to say, them!

...

While everyone was about to faint from shock, a distance away from the residence, an elder's footsteps came to an abrupt halt, and his lips trembled ceaselessly.

It was Hong shi, Hong Qian, the 5-star master teacher from Hongfeng Empire who was invited to conduct the Master Teacher Tournament this time around.

He was resting in his residence when he heard of this matter. Thus, he immediately rushed over, hoping to mediate this matter when he saw this sight.

An 8-star master teacher... The number of them could be counted on one's hands, even across the entire Master Teacher Continent, and every single one of them was an incredible existence that no one could utter their name without deference. Why would such a figure come to such a remote location?

"I must report this matter to the headquarters..."

Harboring this thought, Hong shi took out a palm-sized jade token and wrote the news down. A radiance shone from the jade token, and the words disappeared.

Lower tiered kingdoms depend on the massive Communication Wall whereas 5-star master teachers were already granted access to the Communication Jade Token. Through this, they could send messages to the headquarters instantaneously even from the other side of the world.

It wasn't that he was tattling on Yang shi, but that... the appearance of an 8-star master teacher was simply too startling. He didn't dare to hide such news from the headquarter.

...

At that moment, in Hongyuan Tier 1 Empire's Master Teacher Pavilion, Pavilion Master Mo Gaoyuan, a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, was in the midst of conducting his lesson. Along with his words, spiritual energy seemed to naturally gather in the surroundings-Spirit Gathering Dictum. Suddenly, he frowned and flicked his wrist. A jade token appeared in his palm.

"A master teacher whose ranking seemed to exceed 6-star... Yang Xuan?"

Pavilion Master Mo frowned.

While Hong Qian felt that it was likely for Yang Xuan to be a 7-star or even 8-star master teacher, he couldn't verify the matter due to his lacking eye of discernment, and he didn't dare to make claims about things he was unsure of.

Thus, he chose to write what he had observed instead.

"Flight, Soul Impartation, and inducing a breakthrough in a spirit beast with just a surge of zhenqi?"

After reading the information, Pavilion Master Mo's face turned grim.

Based the news that the other party had sent to him, there was a good chance that the other party was an 8-star master teacher. But... why would such a high-rank master teacher appear in an Unranked Empire such as the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?

"Mo Chen, bring the Master Teacher Registry here!"

Pavilion Master Mo turned to look at a middle-aged man behind him.

His student, 5-star pinnacle master teacher, Mo Chen.

"Yes!" Mo Chen turned around and left. Not too long later, he brought back a book with a texture that greatly resembled jade.

Detailed in the Master Teacher Registry was countless names of master teachers all over the continent, and it could be considered as one of the most confidential documents of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Only pavilion masters of higher branches had the qualifications to browse through it. Furthermore, the book had been enchanted with a unique formation that disallowed anyone from remembering its contents. Even if one had a photographic memory, he would find himself forgetting everything within the book moments after browsing through it.

This was a mechanism created to prevent master teachers from falling into a vulnerable state.

Casually opening the book, Pavilion Master Mo began browsing through the pages one line at a time, and it didn't take him too long to finish the book.

"All master teachers above 6-star have been recorded in the book, but there's no one who goes by the name of Yang Xuan..."

Pavilion Master Mo frowned.

If it was just as the other party said, this Yang Xuan was definitely a higher ranked master teacher than him. Even at the minimum, he had to be a 7-star master teacher... But if that was the case, how could his name not be recorded in the Master Teacher Registry?

"Unless... Yang Xuan is a pseudo identity, or else... he has never taken any higher rank examinations in the Master Teacher Pavilion!"

Recorded in the Master Teacher Registry were the names of those who had taken the master teacher examinations. If the other party had used a false identity, naturally, Pavilion Master Mo wouldn't be able to identify the other party. Otherwise... it would mean that the other party had never taken higher rank examinations!

There were also plenty of master teachers preferred to wander around freely and chose not to bother themselves with examinations. Even though they had managed to reach an astounding level of accomplishment as a master teacher, they didn't bother taking the corresponding examinations. Thus, it was possible for some who carried 5-star emblems to actually possess the strength of a 7-star or 8-star master teacher.

Perhaps Yang Xuan belonged under this category as well.

"But regardless of which case it is, there is a need for me to check it out!"

Thinking so, Pavilion Master Mo stood up.

Given the might the other party had shown up, he had to pay respects to the other party and check out the matter himself.

"Mo Chen, bring the Langya Saint Beast here. I'm going to head out!"

Flinging his sleeves, Pavilion Master Mo kept the Master Teacher Registry properly before turning around to instruct.

Langya Saint Beast was his tamed beast, and its speed was as swift as lightning. In just a single day, it could travel more than a million kilometers!

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was simply too far away. Even though Pavilion Master Mo was capable of flight, his speed wasn't any faster than a saint beast.

After bringing the saint beast as well, Master Teacher Mo Chen asked, "Where is teacher going? Do you need me to accompany you as well?"

After a moment of hesitation, Pavilion Master Mo replied, "I'm heading to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. You should follow me too!"

His student was just a step off from reaching 6-star. Since the other party had asked this question, it might be good to bring him along. This way, he could offer some pointers to the other party so that he could reach 6-star faster.

The duo both had spatial rings, so there wasn't much for them to pack. Leaping on the back of the saint beast, they confirmed the direction of Myriad Kingdom City and set forth.

...

While a 6-star pinnacle master teacher from Hongyuan Empire was making his way to Myriad Kingdom City, on the other hand, Sect Leader Luo Huang was trembling in fear. Knowing that it was unlikely for him to be spared, he gritted his teeth and turned to look at Yang shi.

"Senior, I acknowledge my sins, and I'm willing to accept any punishment..."

Since the other party had already pronounced him guilty, there was nothing else he could do other than seek the other party's verdict.

"It's good that you've acknowledged your sins. Everyone here can leave after forking out twenty middle-tier spirit stones. As for Sect Leader Luo and Sect Leader Bai, for audaciously insulting my butler and harming my juniors... I don't wish to dirty my hands so... just kill yourselves!" Yang Xuan spoke nonchalantly.

"Kill ourselves?"

Sect Leader Luo Huang and Sect Leader Bai Kaizhi's eyebrows twitched violently.

They thought that the punishment would just be being stripped out their position or suffering grievous torture... They would have accepted as they did deserve it for daring to offend such a high-rank master teacher.

But... death would mean the very end. Once they died, there would be nothing left of them.

"You want me to commit suicide? Dream on! Even though I, Bai Kaizhi, might be weak, I will never do something as foolish as killing myself. Since you are unwilling to do it yourself in consideration of your standing, I'll just pardon myself and... farewell!"

Howling furiously, Sect Leader Bai Kaizhi stood up and charged out of the residence.

In truth, his thought was simple.

As a high-rank master teacher, it was unlikely for the other party to do something beneath him such as killing him... Since that was the case, there should be no qualms about leaving.

As long as I manage to leave this area successfully, given how large the world is, there would be nothing for me to worry about.

Sneering coldly in his heart, Bai Kaizhi swiftly rushed out.

Using the most formidable movement technique in White Helios Sect in accompaniment with his cultivation as a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm, he immediately turned into a flash of shadow, and in the blink of an eye, he was already out of the residence.

"This..."

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others clearly didn't expect Sect Leader Bai to refuse to admit his sins and even ran away. In an instant, they were all dumbfounded.

To dare to escape beneath the eyelids of an 8-star master teacher... He sure was audacious!

But this was indeed a wise decision. If he didn't do so, he would have definitely died here. Since he was already doomed, he might as well grasp onto the final straw of hope and make a gamble!

After all, it was indeed unlikely for an 8-star master teacher to actually make a move on his junior personally!

Just as the crowd was feeling impressed by Sect Leader Bai's decisiveness, the space before them suddenly blurred.

Hong long!

An incomparably powerful might suddenly came crashing down from the sky. Before the escaping Sect Leader Bai could come to a realization, he was already crushed into a lump of meat. A huge depression of ten meters radius appeared in his place.

And soon, a nonchalant voice sounded.

"I've only said that I don't wish to dirty my hands... When did I say that I wouldn't do it myself in consideration of my standing?"

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Chapter 566: Invincible

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"This..."

"Strong..."

Hearing that voice and looking at that huge depression before their eyes, all color was flushed out from the faces of those present in the area. At that moment, the entire residence fell deathly silent.

Sect Leader Bai wasn't the strongest among them, but he was far from being the weakest. Not to mention, he was known for his speed. Even Sect Leader Luo Huang would trail far behind him in a race.

But... despite his overwhelming speed, he was still killed in less than half a breath...

Not to mention, Yang shi didn't even move in the least. Even though it happened right before them, no one was able to determine how Sect Leader Bai was killed, and how such a huge depression was created.

Judging from the might of the move, putting aside Sect Leader Bai, even if all of them were to team up together, they still wouldn't be able to withstand that attack!

Strong!

Ridiculously strong!

Terrifying!

Everyone trembled uncontrollably as fear seeped out from their hearts and grasped their entirety.

As Yang shi had spoken casually to them, they subconsciously relaxed. Only at this very instant did they realize that... despite being half 5-star master teachers, they were no different from an ant before the eyes of the other party!

Given the other party's strength, even if he were to destroy the entire Huanyu Empire, it was unlikely for the Master Teacher Pavilion to utter a single word of complaint, let alone, half 5-star master teachers like them.

Rules only applied to weaklings!

True experts reasoned with their might. With true strength, even the Master Teacher Pavilion would have to take a step back and give in!

What had happened before them served as the perfect example. Given that an 8-star master teacher was willing to speak nicely to them, they should've just listened obediently. Since Sect Leader Bai decided to defy him, there was no one he could blame for his own foolishness.

To maintain its strength, the Master Teacher Pavilion was also very realistic. It couldn't possibly punish an 8-star master teacher just to redress the grievances of a mere half 5-star ant. Not to mention... this ant even dared to defy the words of a high-rank master teacher. This, in itself, was flouting the rules already!

The hierarchy among master teachers wasn't just for show.

The words of an 8-star master teacher were no different from an imperial edict. When commanded to die, one had no choice but to die. To actually dare to defy orders and attempt to run away, aren't you afraid of implicating your family and your sect? If word were to spread, no one would spare him the slightest sympathy.

If master teachers couldn't even instill discipline and respect among their own ranks, how were they supposed to do the same to the rest of the world?

"Is that... a battle technique or a divine treasure?"

Pavilion Master Kang and Alliance Head Zhao trembled in fear as they stared at the giant depression just outside the residence.

Yang shi had moved way too fast for their eyes to perceive clearly what he had done.

Vaguely, they seemed to have seen a golden book suddenly appearing in midair and smashing down on the other party... But everything happened too quickly for them to verify it.

After all, they had seen cultivators wielding a sword, spear, saber-and the more remote ones-meteor hammer, chain whip, and jagged scissors... But they have never heard of someone wielding a book as a weapon!

A book... No matter how thick it was, it was no different from a brick! Not to mention, its texture was also soft, thus making it incapable of harming the physical body of a Transcendent Mortal. Since that was the case, how could it be used to kill?

If the other party had really used a mere book to smash a Consonant Spirit realm advanced stage expert into minced meat, leaving no grounds for him to react at all, not to mention, creating such a huge depression at that... How strong must he be?

In any case, the techniques of a higher existence like the other party were something unfathomable to them!

"This..."

Everyone was astounded by how Yang shi's killed Sect Leader Bai in a single move, all except for Wang Ying. She was surprised by the formidable might that Yang shi had shown as well, but what that had truly stunned her was something else that she had noticed.

With a weak personality, she didn't stand out against Zhang Xuan's other students. However, she had a meticulous personality that compelled her to pay attention to every slightest detail. This was also the reason why she could keep up with the others despite her lower talent.

As such, she had grasped the cultivation and battle techniques which Zhang shi imparted her very thoroughly.

Wang Ying, Sun Qiang, Zheng Yang, and the others had seen Zhang shi using this technique before, and given that Yang shi was Zhang shi's teacher, it wasn't too surprising for him to be capable of the same technique as well.

But Wang Ying clearly noticed that... when Yang shi executed the technique, his movements were exactly the same as Zhang shi's, just that the former was significantly faster in his movements.

That day, upon seeing Lu Chong being stabbed by the other party, Zhang shi, out of rage, threw out a golden book and smashed the enemies who tried to them harm into minced meat... And his movements were precise the same as Yang shi's at this moment.

Even when executing the same battle technique, everyone had their own quirks that couldn't be copied by another.

It was similar to how an apprentice cook couldn't possibly cook a dish with the exact same appearance and flavor as his teacher.

For both of their actions to be identical, there was only one explanation... that was that the both of them were the same person!

Wang Ying began examining Yang shi thoroughly, and upon catching sight of something, she clasped her mouth in shock.

No doubt, the person standing in the air had many differences from Zhang shi, be it his appearance and his clothing. Logically speaking, Wang Ying should have been unable to determine anything at all. However... she saw a faint grayish mark around Yang shi's neck.

Back then, in the soul oracle tomb, Zhang shi had his neck grabbed by Mo Hunsheng, and even though he managed to reverse the situation then, the encounter had left a grayish mark on his neck. Two months had passed since then, and the grayish mark had fainted to the point that it was nearly imperceptible. Even so, if one were to pay careful attention, one could still see the rough outline of it. And just a moment ago, when she met Zhang shi, she saw the very same mark on him...

And the location was completely identical!

For Yang shi to share Zhang shi's mark, and for the both of them to share the exact same techniques...

Furthermore... It seemed like Yang shi and Zhang shi had never appeared together before!

Could it be that...

Yang shi was Zhang shi?

While it was inconceivable, it wasn't entirely impossible. After all, Zhang shi had disguised himself as Liu shi before, and it took her a long while before she managed to notice anything at all.

Shocked, Wang Ying's body began to sway weakly.

...

Of course, no one noticed what was going through the mind of Wang Ying. Even if they noticed the shock on her face, they would have attributed it to the astounding means Yang shi had displayed.

At this moment, everyone's faces were inhumanly pale, and they dared not utter a single word for fear to bringing Yang shi's wrath upon them.

"I was foolish to allow the greed for Kong shi's handwritten letter to blind my morals. I deserve to die!"

Seeing how not even the corpse of Sect Leader Bai remained, Sect Leader Luo Huang resigned himself to his fate.

Since Yang shi was willing to make a move against Sect Leader Bai, he didn't think that he would be an exception. Rather than defying the other party and potentially bringing wrath upon his family and sect, he might as well give it up.

Gritting his teeth, Sect Leader Luo Huang raised his head, and with determination gleaming in his eyes, he said, "I hope that Yang shi can spare our Fleeting Cloud Sect and my student after my death. This entire operation was an initiative of my own, and they played no part in this..."

It was nothing much for him to die. What was more important was for the Fleeting Cloud Sect to not be implicated by this matter.

If he were to anger the other party, and the other party directed his wrath toward the Fleeting Cloud Sect, it would be too late for regrets.

"Teacher..."

Hearing his teacher resigning himself to his fate and pleading on his behalf, Luo Xuan panicked.

He had already recovered from the injury he had sustained from being crushed by the Demon Cinque Beast, and thus, he followed the group along for this operation. But he never expected to see an 8-star master teacher in action.

"There's no need to speak any further. Have Elder Wang inherit my position after my death..."

Knowing that it was impossible for him to escape from this, Sect Leader Luo Huang calmed down instead and started to delegate his will.

"Teacher..."

Unwilling to see his teacher die, Luo Huang gritted his teeth. Mustering his courage, he walked forward and clasped his fist. "Yang shi, since the rest of us can redeem for our sins by paying spirit stones, can our Fleeting Cloud Sect exchange for my teacher's life by paying a hundred middle-tier spirit stones?"

"What rubbish are you spouting..."

Hearing his disciple speaking such words, Sect Leader Luo Huang immediately rushed forward to stop him.

The other party was an 8-star master teacher. The only reason why he gave such an alternative instead of killing all of them was probably only because he was unwilling to see so many fellow master teachers dying at once...

Do you really think that an expert of the other party's caliber would actually care about that little bit of middle-tier spirit stones?

Putting aside middle-tier spirit stones, even high-tier spirit stones and top-tier spirit stones might not even move him!

To buy my life with just mere spirit stones... How could the other party possibly compromise with such an offering?

The words of an 8-star master teacher were as good as law. Not even a 7-star master teacher could possibly hope to sway the decisions an 8-star master teacher made. To expect to do so with mere middle-tier spirit stones...

If it could be resolved that easily, Sect Leader Bai wouldn't have taken such a huge gamble, only to end up as meat paste.

Just as he thought that his student was being immature at such a crucial timing and was about to knock the idea off his head, the figure in the air suddenly spoke nonchalantly, "Make it 150 middle-tier spirit stones, and I can spare his life!"

"What?"

For an instant, Sect Leader Luo Huang thought that he was hearing things.

My life... is only worth 150 middle-tier spirit stones.

Middle-tier spirit stones were indeed precious, but given the huge wealth the Fleeting Cloud Sect had accumulated over the years, it wasn't too difficult for them to fork out such a sum.

After all, they had won the championship of the Master Teacher Tournament on many occasions. Just the prize they had earned was already extremely fearsome. Not to mention, the sales of half 5-star master teacher long-range Tutelage Jade Tokens was also a good source of income...

Middle-tier spirit stones were indeed precious, but how could it be compared to his life as the sect leader?

But... the other party actually agreed to such a trade?

While he was overwhelmed with disbelief, Yang shi's dissatisfied voice sounded from the air.

"Why? Are you reluctant to pay? If that's the case, just kill yourself!"

"We're willing to pay, we're willing to pay!"

Only at this moment could he confirm that it was all true. How could he possibly hesitate at such a crucial juncture? Flinging his wrist, he took out a pile of middle-tier spirit stones, and in an instant, the spiritual energy in the air intensified.

150 middle-tier spirit stones, not one more, not one less.

"Un!"

In the air, Yang shi nodded his head in satisfied. Closing his palm, the middle-tier spirit stones flew into his storage ring.

"Alright, you're spared. As for the others, pay the spirit stones and scram!"

"Yes..."

After paying twenty middle-tier spirit stones each, everyone rushed out of the residence as though frightened animals in a stampede.

Only when they were out of the residence did they heave a sigh of relief. They subconsciously glanced at the huge depression at the entrance, and a bizarre expression crept onto their faces.

Cough cough, Sect Leader Bai sure died a wrongful death...

If he had known earlier that he could buy his life with spirit stones, he would have surely never done something as foolish as that!

To be reduced to meat paste over mere spirit stones, if his soul was looking at this sight, rivers would surely be spilling from his eyes at this very instant...

But still, who could have thought that a life of a sect leader would only be worth 150 middle-tier spirit stones. That was a value even lower than a Consonant Spirit realm spirit beast! What in the world was this?

Even so, from this, they could tell that Yang shi truly didn't care about their lives!

Indeed, how could the life and death of a bunch of ants possibly interest him?

Similarly, they wouldn't have been particularly concerned about the life and death of a mere 1-star master teacher as well.

After walking a safe distance away, Sect Leader Luo Huang heaved a sigh of relief and instructed his disciple, Luo Xuan, "After returning, strictly warn all disciples against offending Zhang shi, his students, and even the common populace of Myriad Kingdom City regardless of the situation!

"Yang shi isn't a person we can offend. Not even Huanyu Empire and Hongyuan Empire can afford to get on his bad side as well... Putting aside his rank as a master teacher, just his cultivation itself would make him, even in the territory of a Conferred Empire...

"Invincible!"

Chapter 567: Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Pinnacle [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"In the territory of a Conferred Empire... Invincible?"

Luo Xuan's body stiffened, and his face went pale in fright.

Similar to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, the Fleeting Cloud Sect, as a whole, was an Unranked Empire as well. Above them was Huanyu Tier-2 Empire, followed by Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire, and finally, Conferred Empire...

In other words, this Yang shi was an invincible existence even in an empire three levels higher than theirs!

It was no wonder why he didn't for their lives at all. An expert of that level did possess the qualification to look down on them.

After recovering from the shock, Luo Xuan asked, "Teacher. What about Kong shi's handwritten letter..."

Their main purpose here was to secure Kong shi's handwritten letter. But given the other party's immense might, it would surely be impossible for them to steal it from him, so what else could they do next?

"You'd better forget about the matter regarding Kong shi's handwritten letter. It is best not to get involved in matters concerning high-tier master teacher or else it could bring a huge catastrophe to our sect!" Sect Leader Luo Huang instructed gravely.

To live in this world, one had to know their place. If Yang Xuan was only a half 5-star master teacher or even a 5-star master teacher, even if they couldn't obtain the letter, they would surely spread the news around so that he wouldn't be granted peace. But given that the other party was an 8-star master teacher, if they were to get on his bad side, that would really spell a disaster.

It was an unspoken rule to never speak of the affairs of high-ranked master teacher. Even the Master Teacher Pavilion would step forward to silence them if they dared to say anything unseemly about Yang shi.

A master teacher of that level was a precious asset to the Master Teacher Pavilion. It would be wise to feign ignorance of the matter unless one was tired of living.

"Yes!" Luo Xuan hurriedly nodded his head.

Just as the saying goes, 'a retainer should never gossip about their emperor'.

To gossip about one's superior was insubordination in itself, and in the strict hierarchy of master teachers, that could possibly warrant death.

"Also, from today onward, try to avoid contact with those from White Helios Sect... They are already done for," Sect Leader Luo Huang said.

White Helios Sect was another gigantic sect of a similar scale to their Fleeting Cloud Sect. In fact, there was a chance that the other party might overtake them in the near future to become the strongest power among the twenty-eight regional powers. But... it was a pity that they offended Yang shi, and their sect leader was killed.

Even if Yang shi was magnanimous enough to spare the White Helios Sect, the other sects would still try to avoid them for fear of getting on Yang shi's bad side. In fact, there might even be some, especially their enemies, who would make use of this opportunity to get even with them. It probably wouldn't take long for them to be split among the other powers and disappear in the annals of history.

This was the influence that a high-tier master teacher possessed.

Every single action of theirs could easily cause a chain effect.

In fact... even if Yang shi didn't make a move, just a word of his could make the other sects charge forward and tear him and Sect Leader Bai apart.

It was precisely the reason why he was willing to sacrifice himself just to have Yang shi's word to spare his sect. As long as Yang shi expressed his agreement to the matter, the other sects, in deference to Yang shi, wouldn't dare go that far.

After all, if Yang shi had agreed to sparing the Fleeting Cloud Sect, an attack on them would mean defying Yang shi, and that was no different from courting death!

The same scene was also occurring in the other sects.

The pressure from Yang shi's appearance was simply too great. Even if they wanted to spread rumors about Kong shi's handwritten letter, Huanyu Empire Master Teacher Pavilion would surely stop and silence them.

...

In the courtyard, everything regained calmness once more.

The fourteen powers who had come haughtily all ended up leaving with their heads lowered after paying twenty middle-tier spirit stones each.

"Yang shi..."

Looking at the expert in the air, Pavilion Master Kang, Su shi, and the others bowed respectfully.

"Un, you've done well. I'll go to your branch to conduct a lesson when I'm free!"

Yang shi nodded his head in satisfaction.

"Thank you, Yang shi!"

Hearing the promise, Pavilion Master Kang and the others were delighted.

That was possibly an 8-star master teacher! A single lesson of his could possibly save years of needless effort from their part.

"Alright, you all should leave for now!"

After making the promise, Yang shi casually waved them away.

"Yes!"

Hurriedly nodding their heads, Pavilion Master Kang, Alliance Head Zhao, and the others were about to leave when Yang shi suddenly instructed, "Wait a moment. Free their bindings first before leaving!"

Zheng Yang, Sun Qiang, and the others' mouths had been bound by Sect Leader Luo Huang's zhenqi for trying to explain Zhang shi's actions.

Not expecting the formidable Yang shi to ask them to solve something so simple, Pavilion Master Kang and the others were stunned for a moment. Even so, they stepped forward and freed the few people of their restraints and fed them pills to heal their injuries.

After all was done, they clasped their fists and bowed. "We'll be taking our leave then!"

"Un!"

Yang shi nodded with his head tilted upward, seemingly thinking of something deep and profound. Then, with an unfathomable expression, he placed his hands behind his back and started walking toward the distance.

"Expert! This is a true expert!"

Seeing the other party's disposition and means, Pavilion Master Kang and Alliance Head Zhao found themselves filled with awe for him.

If this didn't constitute as an expert, nothing in the world could!

Despite being a high-rank master teacher, Yang shi didn't abuse his authority and strength and, instead, remained humble and magnanimous. Even though the other party had already barged into his residence, he allowed them to leave after paying some middle-tier spirit stones. And after all was done, he flung his sleeves and left freely, caring not for the matters of the secular world...

At this moment, all they felt for the other party was endless respect and awe.

They bowed to see the other party off when they suddenly heard the sound of something falling from the sky. Sounds reminiscent of 'putong!' and 'aiya!' could be heard. It seemed like someone had fallen from the sky.

They quickly raised their gazes to look around, but Yang shi had already disappeared. All that was left was an endless blue sky.

"Did... Yang shi just fall down?"

The few of them glanced at one another in disbelief.

The person who had just fallen from the sky... couldn't possibly be Yang shi, right?

But as soon as this idea popped into their mind, they immediately shook their heads.

You must be joking!

Yang shi was very possibly an 8-star master teacher, at that level of cultivation even an entire day of flight wouldn't result in his exhaustion. How could he possibly suddenly fall from the sky? He must have moved too fast such that he had disappeared from their eyes.

After reasoning it out within themselves, they hurriedly left the area.

"To think that the old master would be so formidable!"

"Grandteacher is indeed incredible!"

After the departure of the few people, the courtyard fell silent. Sun Qiang, Zheng Yang, and the others were still relishing in the excitement from watching Yang shi's incredible show of strength. Only Wang Ying rushed straight into the courtyard anxiously.

While everyone had been busy recuperating from their injuries, her eyes were fixated on 'Yang shi', and she saw how his face paled and fell from the sky.

If the other party was truly an 8-star master teacher, how could he possibly get exhausted by that short moment of flight and fall from the sky?

Zhang shi must have used some sort of unique method to push himself so as to resolve the crisis.

Upon rushing into the inner courtyard, she glanced at the area where Yang shi fell toward and saw a slight depression on the ground around the size of a head. Most likely, the other party must have crashed into the ground head first. But... why wasn't there anyone around?

"Where is he?"

After overexerting himself and falling from a high altitude, the other party must be injured. But why wasn't he around?

Wang Ying was worried.

"Wang Ying, what are you doing here instead of channeling the medicinal energy from the pill to heal your wounds?"

Just as Wang Ying was about to continue searching, a nonchalant voice sounded. Turning around, she saw Zhang shi standing not too far away with a frown on his face.

With a flushed face, Wang Ying hurriedly explained, "Teacher, I... I seemed to have seen Yang shi falling from the sky, and in fear that he might be injured, I came over to take a look!"

"Injured? You must be jesting. How could a person of my teacher's caliber get injured?"

Frowning, Zhang shi waved his hands casually. "Alright, you should leave and focus on your recuperation. I'm currently discussing Lu Chong's issue with teacher, and I don't wish to be interrupted!"

"Yes, teacher!"

Seeing that Zhang shi's clothes were completely intact, devoid of any signs that he had just fallen from the sky, Wang Ying could only clasp her fist and leave. She was truly perplexed by this bizarreness.

Was she really... mistaken?

Were Yang shi and Zhang shi two different people?

Otherwise, how could Zhang shi possibly be completely fine after falling from the sky, to the extent that there wasn't the slightest disturbance in his zhenqi?

Gritting her teeth, Wang Ying thought confidently, 'Even if I'm mistaken about this matter, I'm certain about the mark Mo Hunsheng left on teacher's neck!'

She had made sure to verify the mark multiple times previously, and she was certain of it! Even if she failed to prove anything this time, she was confident of her conjecture!

'I should try to look for teacher the next time Yang shi appears...' Wang Ying thought.

Since Zhang shi refused to admit the matter, it would be inappropriate for her to ask about it. The only way she could verify her theory was to confirm that Zhang shi was absent whenever Yang shi was around. If she could prove that, then there was high chance that they were the same person!

By then, Zhang shi wouldn't be able to refute her argument anymore.

With such a thought, Wang Ying left.

As soon as she left, Zhang Xuan immediately smiled bitterly and returned to his room.

If Wang Ying was still present at this moment, she would surely be able to verify that Yang shi and Zhang shi were the same person from his back view.

That's because... the back of Zhang shi's head was cloaked with dust. In fact, even his pants were completely soiled. If not for the stone pillars hiding his figure, he would have surely been exposed.

...

Returning to the room, Zhang Xuan quickly changed his clothes, and only then did he heave a sigh of relief.

Wang Ying's conjecture was spot-on-Yang shi was indeed him.

If he had appeared as Zhang Xuan just now, it was likely that a fight would have broken out. Given his current cultivation realm, he wouldn't be a match for all of those experts.

Left without a choice, he could disguise himself and appear as Yang shi.

As for the powerful aura he exuded, that mainly came from Mo Hunsheng.

After being trapped in the Nine Hearts Lotus for so many years, the other party's grasp over his cultivation became weak, and the only thing impressive about him at the moment was his disposition. But in this situation, it happened to be what Zhang Xuan needed the most.

Due to the other party's accumulation over the years, the powerful aura the other party's soul exuded was comparable to even a Half-Saint. On top of that, in order to further convince the crowd of his cultivation, Zhang Xuan appeared from the skies. From the very start, everyone was already convinced that he was a Saint, and that was the main reason why he wasn't exposed.

As for Sect Leader Luo Huang's injuries, it was caused by Zhang Xuan's ability as a soul oracle.

His current soul cultivation was at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle. While it would be hard for him to match the other party in a straightforward fight... in a battle of souls, Zhang Xuan would never lose to the other party.

After all, a Consonant Spirit realm expert would have barely started the cultivation of his soul. There was no way a novice soul could match up to a powerful soul which had even been tempered by the Yin-Yang Lake.

But still, if Sect Leader Luo Huang had retaliated, Zhang Xuan's attack might have collapsed, and he would be exposed. It was fortunate the impression of Yang shi's invincibility as a Saint had been deeply imprinted into Sect Leader Luo Huang's mind, thus making him dare not retaliate at all for fear of inducing the other party's wrath.

As for the Soul Impartation afterward, while it did look formidable, it was actually rather simple. Back then, Mo Hunsheng had also transferred the soul cultivation techniques to him via the same method, and after grasping it, it wasn't too difficult for him to do the same to Xue Yiyao as well.

And regarding the Demon Cinque Beast's breakthrough, it was something he had done on many occasions before.

Everything was perfect, and the only flaw was the Red Dust Heaven Ascending Steps. Even with his higher cultivation and zhenqi capacity, he could still only sustain flight for ten minutes or so.

Naturally, the reason why he fell vertically down was due to his zhenqi being sapped dry.

It was fortunate that no one noticed it. Otherwise, all of his effort from before would have gone to waste.

"Sigh, what is this..."

It was just a moment ago that he inspired everyone's awe and fear. Yet, the next instant, he ended up crashing into the ground and nearly spewing blood. The huge contrast between the two left Zhang Xuan dismal.

The Red Dust Heaven Ascending Step was indeed formidable, and being able to fly was something to rejoice about... However, during its course of activation, one was unable to sense the amount of zhenqi one had left, thus creating a high tendency for one to abruptly fall from the sky.

It was fortunate that Zhang Xuan was able to sustain all the way to the end. Otherwise, if he were to fall in the midst of threatening the others, it would have been hard to explain himself

"Looks like... Wang Ying managed to see through my disguise!"

Recalling how Wang Ying rushed into the inner courtyard and the doubt on her face, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Given that Wang Ying noticed something as well, there was a good chance that the others might have noticed something as well.

If others were to learn that the unparalleled 'Yang shi' was just a made-up character, the group from before would surely return to cripple him.

"Looks like I should forge my clone soon... With a clone, I would be able to appear simultaneously in both identities, and no one will doubt me anymore!"

Zhang Xuan clasped his fists tightly.

He had learnt the Soul Severing Technique from Mo Hunsheng, and using the Nine Hearts Lotus as the foundation, it wouldn't be too difficult for him to forge a clone. However, it would require vast amount of spiritual energy for him to do so, and thus, he had been putting off the matter. However, with at least 600 middle-tier spirit stones in his possession at the moment, he could afford such expenditure already.

"I should raise my cultivation first!"

The Nine Hearts Lotus hadn't matured yet, and the best way to induce its maturity was through vast quantity of Heaven's Path zhenqi... With so many middle-tier spirit stones in his hand now, that wasn't a problem.

Flicking his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out the Spirit Gathering Formation plate, activated it, and sat in the middle of the formation. Following which, he casually threw out a dozen of middle-tier spirit stones and began driving the Heaven's Path Divine Art. The dense spiritual energy in the surroundings began rushing into his body.

The overwhelming spiritual energy flowing through his body left Zhang Xuan with an indescribably soothing sensation, and warm tears gathered in his eyes.

In the past two months, he had been suffering from a huge shortage of spirit stones, resulting in a huge need for him to be thrifty. This was the first time he could afford to cultivate so extravagantly!

It seemed like there was a need for him to extort from those fellows a few more times in the future. After all, he would surely need even more spirit stones in the future.

Hong long long!

Under the surge of spiritual energy, his consumed zhenqi was swiftly replenished, and soon, with a slight buzzing sound, he reached Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle!

But Zhang Xuan didn't just stop there.

Origin Energy realm pinnacle!

Yin-Yang realm primary stage!

...

Yin-Yang realm pinnacle!

Two hours later, Zhang Xuan successfully reached Transcendent Mortal 3-dan pinnacle!

His zhenqi strength totaled up to 1,000,000 ding, which was 200,000 ding greater than other Yin-Yang realm pinnacle cultivators. That was already comparable to a Clarifying Turbidity realm primary stage cultivator!

(Ordinary Yin-Yang realm primary stage cultivators possess a strength of 500,000 ding, intermediate stage 600,000 ding, advanced stage 700,000 ding, and pinnacle 800,000 ding! Clarifying Turbidity realm primary stage cultivator start with 1,000,000 ding, intermediate stage 1,200,000 ding, advanced stage 1,400,000 ding, and pinnacle 1,600,000 ding.)

Adding the strength of 1,600,000 ding derived from his soul cultivation, the maximum strength he could wield at the moment was a hulking 2,600,000 ding!

With this strength, he could even match a Consonant Spirit realm intermediate stage expert.

(Consonant Spirit realm primary stage 2,000,000 ding, intermediate stage 2,400,000 ding, advanced stage 2,800,000 ding, and pinnacle 3,200,000 ding,)

That was something completely unheard of!

"Now, I should nurture the Nine Hearts Lotus..."

As Zhang Xuan didn't have sufficient Transcendent Mortal 4-dan cultivation techniques to form the corresponding complete Heaven's Path Divine Art, he could only stop here. Thus, flicking his wrist, he took out the Nine Hearts Lotus, grabbed it, and began infusing huge amount of zhenqi in.

"AH... DON'T KILL ME..."

But as soon as zhenqi seeped into the lotus, a sound reminiscent of a pig being butchered echoed in the air-Mo Hunsheng.

"Ah, pardon me. I forgot your existence..."

Too anxious to nurture the lotus to maturity, Zhang Xuan forgot that the fellow hiding in the lotus was particularly fearful of Heaven's Path zhenqi.

"..." Mo Hunsheng was in tears.

I had just expended myself to save you and you actually forgot about me so quickly? How heartless can you be?

"Don't worry. I'll pull you out now," Zhang Xuan said sheepishly. As long as Mo Hunsheng remained in the lotus, he wouldn't be able to drive the lotus's maturity with his zhenqi.

As a 6-star soul oracle, Mo Hunsheng would be able survive for a very long time out of the lotus. Otherwise, Zhang Xuan could also loan him the Soulless Metal Humanoid to house his soul.

As for how he should get Mo Hunsheng out, Zhang Xuan had already thought of an idea.

Since the other party needed a soul to take his place so that he could escape, he would just have to make one for him.

"Soul Severing Technique!"

Seated cross-legged, Zhang Xuan drew his soul out. Then, following the method which Mo Hunsheng taught him beforehand, he began splitting his soul in two.

Since there was no other soul he could use, he would just have to use his own.

Furthermore, it just so happened that Zhang Xuan wanted to use the Nine Hearts Lotus to forge a clone. A portion of his soul would have to enter the Nine Hearts Lotus eventually, so this wasn't a problem at all.

Absorbing the dense spiritual energy from the surroundings, Zhang Xuan slowly tore his soul into two.

The severing of a soul was, in essence, no different from tearing one's body into two. The pain that one had to suffer during the process was unimaginable.

Furthermore, it was an extremely risky technique. The slightest mistake could possibly result in the dissipation of one's soul.

If not for having brought the technique up to the level of Heaven's Path, he would have surely dared not cultivate this technique. The success rate was simply too low.

Back then, it had taken astounding luck on Mo Hunsheng's part to successfully split his soul in two.

Soon, the three-meters large soul was severed into two human-sized ones.

"Done..."

After severing his soul, Zhang Xuan had one portion return back to his physical body before exhaling deeply. At his moment, his face was incomparably white.

"Most probably, I won't be able to utilize my soul energy for a period of time!"

This was unlike what he did in the case of Lu Chong, where he only needed to sever a small portion of it.

This time, his soul was divided in two. It would take at least two months for him to recover to his original condition. He had to avoid using his soul energy during this period of time or else he would risk aggravating his injuries.

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Chapter 568: Forging the Clone

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

But still, it was all worth it.

His soul was divided into two, but he could sense the consciousness of the two, as though his existence had been split in two. Even though his fighting prowess had gone down for the time being, once he recovers, his strength would increase greatly.

Furthermore, given that both minds were linked, and they could communicate via mere thoughts, once they collaborate together, the strength wouldn't be as simple as one plus one equals to two. With perfect teamwork, it could easily be three, four, or even higher.

On top of that, the severed soul was capable of cultivating as well. As time passed, it would only grow stronger and stronger.

"Time to begin!"

The soul glanced at the original body and smiled faintly before dashing into the Nine Hearts Lotus.

Hu!

As soon as it approached the lotus, it immediately felt an overwhelmingly powerful suction force pulling it in into a dark space.

"Master..."

After the soul steadied itself, Zhang Xuan saw middle-aged man standing not too far away. The middle-aged man clasped his fist and greeted the soul respectfully.

Mo Hunsheng!

Considering how that fellow was a 6-star soul oracle and how long he had lived, Zhang Xuan thought that the other party would be an elderly with white hair and beard. Yet, to his surprise, the other party looked like a fragile scholar instead.

Having signed the Soul Contract, even though Mo Hunsheng had successfully escaped from the Nine Hearts Lotus, he was still Zhang shi's subordinate. If he were to harbor the slightest thought of defiance, Zhang shi could easily crush him with a thought.

"Is this your original appearance?" Zhang Xuan's divided soul asked.

As an intangible existence, souls could be morphed to take on any shape.

"Yes. The soul of a soul oracle retains the appearance it had when it was first drawn from the body. This appearance of mine will still remain the same even if I live for another ten thousand years," Mo Hunsheng replied.

While souls could be morphed into countless shapes, they would still have a 'default appearance', which was the form of the body when the soul was first drawn from the body.

"Un. I'm here to replace you. You can leave now!"

The severed soul waved his hand. "However, I can't find a suitable body for you at the moment. You can possess the Soulless Metal Humanoid for the time being. Once I find a physical body suitable for you, I'll allow you to possess it!"

While Mo Hunsheng was powerful enough to exist outside in his soul form, as time passed, he would still suffer from the Five Declines and grow weaker.

The only way to prevent that was for him to possess a suitable body.

As a master teacher, Zhang Xuan couldn't possibly allow his subordinate to possess any innocent bystander. Thus, he could only have the other party possess the Soulless Metal Humanoid for the time being.

As the Soulless Metal Humanoid was a body forged specially for the use of soul oracles, diving in and out of it wouldn't incur the Possession Decline.

"It's no problem. As long as I can leave this darned place, I'm willing to stay anywhere..."

Mo Hunsheng nodded his head excitedly.

He was about to be driven mad from being trapped here for several ten thousand years. As long as he could escape this place, he didn't mind possessing the Soulless Metal Humanoid for the time being.

Besides, Zhang shi had also promised to find a fitting body for him to possess too. There was nothing for him to hesitate for.

"I'll be heading out first then!"

With a bright glow from his soul, Mo Hunsheng dashed out of the Nine Hearts Lotus.

Seemingly realized that Mo Hunsheng was about to leave, a powerful energy lurking in the dark space crept toward him in an attempt to keep him here. However, Zhang Xuan's severed soul harrumphed and blocked its path.

Hu!

The energy was halted for a split moment, and making use of this opportunity, Mo Hunsheng leaped out of the Nine Hearts Lotus and appeared in the outside world.

"You're out!" Zhang Xuan glanced at him.

"Yes!" Having regained his freedom, Mo Hunsheng glanced at his surroundings in agitation.

"You should enter the Soulless Metal Humanoid for the time being!"

With a slight smile, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist and took out a coffin housing a Soulless Metal Humanoid.

Nodding his head, Mo Hunsheng opened the coffin and dived into the Soulless Metal Humanoid. The next moment, the eyes of the Soulless Metal Humanoid opened, and it stood up.

"Master!"

A human-height puppet walked toward Zhang Xuan and bowed grandly, as though a valiant commander greeting his superior.

"You should call me young master like the others!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"Yes, young master!" The humanoid clasped his fist.

Glancing at the humanoid, Zhang Xuan asked, "How strong are you at the moment, and how much of your strength can you exert at the moment?"

Given Mo Hunsheng's powerful cultivation, there was a good chance that the other party was more powerful than him now that he was freed from the Nine Hearts Lotus, even when he was within the Soulless Metal Humanoid.

"I was the one who crafted these Soulless Metal Humanoids, so I can bring out almost hundred percent of my strength in them!" Mo Hunsheng replied.

"Hundred percent? Meaning, you can bring out the full strength of a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan expert?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

The other party was only inches away from achieving the breakthrough to Half-Saint before he was trapped in the Nine Hearts Lotus. Even though he had expended much of his soul energy throughout the years, he was still able to retain his cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 9-dan.

Didn't this mean that he had a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan subordinate beside him now?

With such an expert, even without 'Yang shi's' presence, no one would dare to cause him any trouble!

"Un!" Mo Hunsheng nodded.

"Not bad. For the time being, guard the entrance and don't allow anyone to enter. I'm going to forge my clone and I don't want anyone to interrupt me!" Zhang Xuan instructed.

Mo Hunsheng nodded and left the room.

After which, Zhang Xuan turned his attention to the Nine Hearts Lotus, and a serious expression appeared on his face.

"Time to start!"

With a flick of his finger, a surge of zhenqi gushed into the Nine Hearts Lotus.

The Heaven's Path zhenqi was deadly to Mo Hunsheng due to the imperfections of his Soul Guiding Method, but Zhang Xuan's severed soul didn't possess such weakness. As Zhang Xuan pumped his zhenqi into the Nine Hearts Lotus, its black surface gradually turned white.

This showed that it was gradually maturing.

The lotus required a vast quantity of Heaven's Path zhenqi to mature, but fortunately, Zhang Xuan had sufficient middle-tier spirit stones on hand.

After a period of time, with a light jolt, the last shred of darkness disappeared from the surface of the lotus, resulting in a perfectly milky-white appearance.

"As expected of a God artifact!"

With just a glance, Zhang Xuan felt a jolt run through his body, and he couldn't help but feel allured by the Nine Hearts Lotus.

Previously, the lotus was as black as ink, similar to a demonic tool. However, at this instant, it felt like a treasure that had come from the highest heavens, an inviolable item.

Every single aspect of it spelled extraordinary!

He could foresee that if its existence were to be made known to the public, a huge fight for it would occur. Even 7-star or 8-star master teachers would find themselves unable to hold back their greed.

After all, master teachers were still mortals as well. Unlike true saints, they possessed worldly desires and experienced negative emotions too.

Even the wise Kong shi had once destroyed an entire kingdom out of rage when his student was killed, needless to say, others.

"Forge!"

Knowing how precious this item was, Zhang Xuan decided to get it done as soon as possible. Thus, without any hesitation, he grabbed the lotus and infused a surge of zhenqi into it.

Mo Hunsheng had imparted the way of forging a physical body to him, and it wasn't a very complicated process.

He enveloped the entire lotus with his zhenqi to facilitate the fusing of his severed soul along with the lotus. At the same time, the zhenqi also tempered the lotus, and slowly, a flawless body was being formed.

After some time, the severed soul had fused perfectly with the body, and the formation of the body was complete. Slowly, the pair of eyes on the body opened.

"Done!"

Seeing his clone getting to his feet, Zhang Xuan smiled in delight.

Two pair of eyes in the room stared at one another, and Zhang Xuan suddenly felt a very peculiar sensation. It was as if he was looking into a mirror. At a moment, it felt as though he was the other party, and in the next, it felt as though the other party was him.

As the clone was forged from his soul, it shared the same consciousness as the original body. In fact, even the knowledge and battle techniques they cultivated were shared as well.

In other words, if the clone were to read through a book, the original body would learn the same knowledge as well. But of course, this was all there was to it. The cultivation of the two of them was still separate.

"Currently, the clone is still in its nascent form. The bulk of is cultivation consists from my severed soul. I should first raise its cultivation first!"

The newborn clone possessed no strength whatsoever-even if it did, it mainly originated from the soul fused into the body. It had to start its cultivating its zhenqi from scratch.

After wearing clothes, the clone sat at the center of the Spirit Gathering Formation formed by the formation plate.

Geji! Geji!

The clone began cultivating according to the Heaven's Path Divine Art.

"Hmm?"

A moment later, Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had cultivated the Heaven's Path Divine Art before, and he was very familiar with it. Yet, why was his clone unable to do the same?

The moment his clone tried to do so, an immense pressure would push down on it, threatening to reduce the body into dust if he were to push on.

A conjecture appeared in Zhang Xuan's mind.

"Could it be that... other than my original body, no one else can cultivate Heaven's Path Divine Art, not even my clone?"

He did try to impart the complete Heaven's Path Divine Art to his students before, but none of them had been able to cultivate it for some reason. Left with no choice, he could only modify it or introduce a few minor flaws into the technique.

He thought that it might just be a matter of level of comprehension, but from the looks of it now, given that his clone shared the same consciousness as him, that wasn't the case.

'This might have something to do with the Library of Heaven's Path!' Zhang Xuan thought.

The Library of Heaven's Path had been accompanying him since his rebirth. Perhaps it was only because of its existence that he was able to cultivate the Heaven's Path Divine Art. On the other hand, his clone, even though it was sharing his soul, due to the non-existence of the Library of Heaven's Path to it, was unable to cultivate the Heaven's Path Divine Art.

Most likely, the Library of Heaven's Path was a loophole in the world in itself. The heavens would never allow anyone to peer into its essence, and the very concept of perfection is non-existent in the world. This is a law of the world, and those who attempted to break it would find themselves hindered.

"Since it's impossible, I just have to modify it then!"

Since Heaven's Path Divine Art was out of question, Zhang Xuan would have to introduce some minor flaws into it. He had done the same for Zhao Ya and the others as well, so it wasn't too difficult for him to do so.

Gugugugu!

Cultivating the Heaven's Path Divine Art with some minor flaws introduced, the clone could finally circulate his zhenqi smoothly without any hiccups, and his aura began growing more and more powerful as his cultivation surged.

As expected of a physical body forged by a God artifact. The cultivation speed of Zhao Ya and the others couldn't begin to compare with it.

In just three short days, it progressed all the way from Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm to Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm pinnacle!

In other words, the clone possessed strength equivalent to him now.

While part of the reason was due to there being sufficient spirit stones to fuel his cultivation, it was still a shocking feat.

"This would suffice. There's no need for it to cultivate battle techniques since we can just share them via our souls!"

Given that the clone and the main body shared a common consciousness, they could easily share knowledge. Even without any practice, the clone was able to execute Heaven's Path battle techniques at the same level of the original. But of course, these had to have some minor flaws introduced into them as well.

"Let's see how powerful it is... Come, give me a punch!"

Zhang Xuan looked at his clone with a smile.

Since there was no Strength Measuring Rock Pillar in the room, there was no way to ascertain the current strength of the clone precisely. However, Zhang Xuan could still fathom a rough gauge through trying it out with his own body.

Hu!

The clone sent a punch over, and with a casual smile, Zhang Xuan faced it with one of his own too.

The two punches collided.

Peng!

Before Zhang Xuan could react, he felt a sharp pain on his arm, as though he had been struck by a humongous mountain. He was immediately sent flying, and his head crashed through several layers of walls before being planted in the rock-filled courtyard.

"The heck... What is this..." Zhang Xuan cried.

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Chapter 569: Mo Gaoyuan Seeks an Audience

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Sorry but our young master is currently in seclusion; he isn't meeting any guests!"

In the residence, Sun Qiang looked at two individuals apologetically.

The two individuals were Elder Hu and Master Teacher Song Chao. Upon knowing that Zhang shi was back, they visited the residence everyday no matter how many times the sharp-tongued Sun Qiang tried to chase them away.

"I know, but the tournament is going to begin tomorrow. No matter what, Zhang shi has to come out of his seclusion today..." Elder Hu smiled awkwardly.

Even though the fourteen powers had hushed all news regarding that incident back then, as one of the powers involved in the tournament, Elder Hu did know a thing or two about it.

To be able to chase away so many powerful experts and keep them completely silenced about the matter afterward, Zhang shi's background must be astounding.

Thus, even though his original intention was only to buy the Soulless Metal Humanoid, he eventually ended up visiting every day in hopes of forging a close relationship with this Zhang shi.

"Even though that's true, I can't guarantee you that the young master will come out of his seclusion today..." Sun Qiang nodded his head.

Ever since young master returned, he had locked himself in his room, and it had been half a month since then.

Also, the old master also appeared that once. After that incident, he disappeared without a trace. Even Sun Qiang himself couldn't verify whether these two individuals were truly still in the residence.

"That... After Zhang shi is out of his seclusion, can Butler Sun send someone to inform me of the matter? I'm sure you can tell that I'm really interested in buying the Soulless Metal Humanoid," Elder Hu said.

"This..."

Sun Qiang frowned, and the disposition of a high-rank master teacher's butler naturally flowed out of him. "I don't have the rights to make such a decision. It'll depend on the will of the young master. If he is unwilling to meet you, I can't force a meeting either!"

Ever since that day, Sun Qiang's standing had been on a nearly vertical rise, and even Alliance Head Zhao and Pavilion Master Kang had to visit him personally. As time went by, the authority and prestige he enjoyed gradually built on his disposition.

"Indeed! A person of Zhang shi's caliber can't possibly entertain everyone who comes knocking at his door..." Elder Hu played along with Sun Qiang.

"Of course. The young master is a man of great stature. Even Sect Leader Luo Huang of the Fleeting Cloud Sect has been chased away by me in the past few days!" Sun Qiang spoke proudly.

Sect Leader Luo Huang had paid his visit the past few days, but before he could even reach the entrance, he was already chased away by the guards with sticks in their hands.

You must be joking! Surely you should have thought of this possibility when you came to attack us!

To apologize only after learning of our old master's might... Do you think that there is really such a good deal in the world?

"Indeed. A person like Zhang shi is destined for great things. How could it be possibly to meet him that easily? All I hope is that Butler Sun could help to speak up on my behalf before the other party..." Elder Hu's mouth twitched, but he hurriedly continued with his fawning.

But before he could finish his words, a loud explosion sounded, and following which, they saw a figure being planted onto the ground before them.

"Audacious! Do you think that Zhang shi's residence is a place where you can wreak havoc?"

Seeing how the other party actually dared to make a move here, even going to the extent of tearing down the walls, Elder Hu was just about to display his 'goodwill' toward Zhang shi when Butler Sun rushed forward and asked worriedly, "Young master, what's wrong?"

"Young master? Zhang shi?"

Elder Hu's vision darkened, and his body swayed weakly. For an instant, he felt as though blood was regurgitating in his mouth, threatening to spew out at any moment.

That dirty and unkempt beggar who was head planted into the ground... was Zhang shi?

A man of great stature...

How was that fellow whose head was planted into the ground and was chewing on soil in his mouth... had anything to do with great stature?

He had just gone along with Butler Sun to praise Zhang shi to the point that the latter seemed no different from a deity from the heavens when the latter sudden appeared in such a manner...

Elder Hu felt as though he was about to cry.

And he wasn't the only one who felt that way. Standing beside him, Song Chao's mouth was also twitching violently.

Having met Zhang shi a few times before, he was able to recognize the other party at first sight. There was no doubt-that unseemly person on that floor was indeed Zhang shi. The previous few times, the other party carried such a refined and authoritative disposition that he couldn't help but feel awed toward, but now...

This... was simply too much of an image changer.

"Cough cough cough!"

Plucking his head out of the ground, Zhang Xuan felt dismayed.

Despite being at Transcendent Mortal 3-dan pinnacle as well, not to mention, he cultivated the complete Heaven's Path Divine Art... and yet, he was nearly beaten to death by his clone!

What the heck was this?

For the main body to be unable to match up to the clone... Wasn't he really too useless?

But while he was dismayed, he soon understood the underlying reason behind this matter.

Regardless, the body of his clone was forged out of the Nine Hearts Lotus, a God artifact. Even though the cultivation technique his clone was cultivating was weaker than his, just the might of the physical body itself was easy to make up for its deficiency and even exceed the original body. It would be no joke to say that the clone was an invincible existence in his class.

Unless... Zhang Xuan continued to cultivate the Heaven's Path Golden Body and reached the very limits of it. Otherwise, for a long time, he would remain outclassed by his clone.

"Forget it, since the one stronger than myself is myself, there's no need for me to feel so frustrated over it..." Zhang Xuan consoled himself.

In any case, both bodies could be considered as a part of him, so there was nothing for him to get depressed over.

Seeing Butler Sun's worried look, Zhang Xuan patted the dust off his robe and replied, "I'm fine, there's nothing to worry about. It's just that I met some minor problems with my cultivation a moment ago!"

"Alright!"

Even though Sun Qiang was perplexed to hear that the other party had met with some problems in his cultivation, he suppressed his doubt and clasped his fist, "Young master, Elder Hu and Master Teacher Song Chao from the Blue Frost Sect is here. They are interested in buying your Soulless Metal Humanoid, and they've been visiting for the past few days..."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuan suddenly recalled the matter.

"Song Chao? Soulless Metal Humanoid?"

Back then, in the Southern Herb Garden, Zhang Xuan convinced Song Chao to purchase a metal coffin for one middle-tier spirit stone, and he promised the latter that as long as he brought sufficient money, he would sell the remaining three Soulless Metal Humanoid to him.

But currently, Mo Hunsheng needed the Soulless Metal Humanoid to house his soul. On top of that, there was a need to keep spare in case one of them wore out in the midst of battle...

If Zhang Xuan were to sell all of them, it would be impossible for him to find a second one in the world.

After all, the occupation of soul oracles had already gone extinct in the world, and the number of Soulless Metal Humanoid was extremely limited in the world. It would be no exaggeration to say that the odds were that he would never find a fifth one in the world.

Besides, Zhang Xuan didn't lack middle-tier spirit stones at the moment, so he wasn't as keen to sell them at the moment.

"Zhang shi, I am Elder Hu from Blue Frost Sect. I believe you have met Master Teacher Song Chao before..."

After a moment of hesitation, Elder Hu and Song Chao stepped forward.

"Un, pleased to meet you, Elder Hu!"

Zhang Xuan clasped his fist and greeted the other party. After which, he scratched his head sheepishly and replied, "Pardon me. I did have three Soulless Metal Humanoid in my hands before but... you came too late. I've already sold them already. I'm afraid that you have made a wasted trip!"

It wasn't convenient for him to talk about Mo Hunsheng, so he decided to just claim that he had already sold the Soulless Metal Humanoids.

"You've sold all of them?" Not expecting for such a hiccup to occur, Elder Hu was taken aback.

"Indeed. You should also know that hidden in the Soulless Metal Humanoids are the secrets of the soul oracles. There are simply too many people interested in buying them, and I only had a few of them in my hands..."

Zhang Xuan waved his hands apologetically when the ground suddenly rumbled, and a towering figure rushed into the hall.

"Young master, what happened? Are you alright?" Mo Hunsheng asked worriedly.

He had been standing guard outside the room so as to ensure the young master's safety. Yet, somehow, the young master still ended up being sent flying. Alarmed, he hurriedly rushed over to check on the young master's condition.

"This is... a living Soulless Metal Humanoid..."

Elder Hu's vision went dark.

Big brother, didn't you just say that you've already sold all of the Soulless Metal Humanoid? For a living one to walk out the next moment... What the heck was this?

"Cough cough!"

Zhang Xuan also didn't expect to be exposed right after he uttered the lie, so his face went red in embarrassment. "Th-this... is not a metal humanoid. It is a guard of mine which cultivated a unique battle technique that resulted in his current appearance!"

"A unique battle technique?"

Elder Hu and Song Chao's bodies swayed weakly.

Do you really think we are blind?

This is obviously a Soulless Metal Humanoid, right?

We are all fellow master teachers. No matter how bad our eyes of discernment are, we can at least distinguish between a normal guard and a puppet.

"Alright!" But even so, since the other was clearly unwilling to broach the topic, they weren't in a good position to ask either. After all, while the Soulless Metal Humanoid was important, it wasn't worth getting on Zhang shi's bad side for it.

After chatting a while longer, they confirmed that Zhang shi had no intentions whatsoever to sell the Soulless Metal Humanoid, and thus, Elder Hu and Song Chao could only leave in disappointment.

Before the both of them left, Zhang Xuan instructed them sternly not to spread any news regarding the sentient Soulless Metal Humanoid.

Right after the duo left, Zhang Xuan immediately turned to the tall, golden figure beside him and berated furiously, "For you to run out in such a form, are you that afraid that no one would recognize you?"

The topic of Soulless Metal Humanoids was intricately linked with the soul oracles. If one were to be found running about freely, there would surely bring a huge uproar, and the Master Teacher Pavilion might even choose to conduct an investigation. If so, things would get troublesome.

"I..." Mo Hunsheng also knew that he was too reckless, so he was feeling a little sheepish.

But still, considering that the other party had been trapped for innumerable years in the Nine Hearts Lotus prior to this, he couldn't really be blamed for his lack of consideration. Thus, Zhang Xuan put the matter aside and asked instead, "Is there any way for you to conceal your appearance and aura?"

Mo Hunsheng contemplated for a moment before replying. "There is a way, but it might take a few days..."

"That's good. Then, for the next few days, you should try to stay out of public view..."

Seeing that there was indeed a way for Mo Hunsheng to conceal his aura and his appearance, Zhang Xuan nodded his head. Then, turning to Sun Qiang, he asked, "Butler Sun, in the past few days that I've been in seclusion, did anything happen?"

For the past half a month since he had returned, he had been in seclusion. Thus, there was a need for him to catch up with the latest happenings.

"Reporting to young master, ever since the old master's previous appearance, the other sects and empires have toned it down and the city has become much more peaceful. In the past few days, Pavilion Master Kang, Alliance Head Zhao, and Princess Feiwu have been coming by every day, but after confirming that you were still in seclusion each time, they would leave in disappointment," Sun Qiang said.

The old master's presence had humbled all of the powers in the city. The arrogant geniuses of powerful sects and empires had become as obedient as domesticated kittens, not daring to cause any trouble at all in fear of getting on Yang shi's bad side. After all, the wrath of an 8-star master teacher was something that neither they nor their sects could bear.

After thinking for a moment, Sun Qiang continued, "Also... the perpetrator of the entire incident, Ding Hong, has been killed by Sect Leader Luo Huang of Fleeting Cloud Sect!"

In truth, Zhang Xuan had wanted to get rid of that ticking time bomb that night, but as he was disguised as Yang Xuan, he would surely have exposed his true cultivation if he were to make a move personally. Besides, it was beneath Yang shi to make a move on such an insignificant ant. As such, he'd had no choice but to hold himself back.

However, it seemed like the sect leader of Fleeting Cloud Sect was indeed a smart man. He probably knew of Yang shi's dilemma and completed the job on the other party's behalf.

"Is there anything else?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Young Master Lu Chong should be waking up in the next few days. Other than that, the only important matter left would be the Master Teacher Tournament..."

Sun Qiang was just about to continue speaking when an impassive voice suddenly rang from the outside.

"Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire Master Teacher Pavilion's Pavilion Master, 6-star pinnacle Master Teacher Mo Gaoyuan, seeks an audience with Yang shi!"

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Chapter 570: Yang shi's Disappointment

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"6-star master teacher?"

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows twitched, shocked by the sudden appearance of Pavilion Master Mo.

Wasn't the most formidable master teacher in Myriad Kingdom Alliance only at 4-star pinnacle? Where in the world did this 6-star pinnacle master teacher come from?

The fundamental requirement of becoming a 6-star master teacher was a cultivation realm of Transcendent Mortal 9-dan, and a 6-star pinnacle master teacher... was probably a true Saint!

For a Saint to actually seek his audience...

Just the thought of it left Zhang Xuan's hair standing on ends.

Even acting before a half 5-star master teacher was stressful enough for him. There wasn't a single moment throughout the incident which he didn't fear that the other party would see through his disguise. And yet, to do so before a true Saint...

For pretending to a high-rank master teacher and scaring others with a false identity, that was a breach of the master teacher moral code. The other party would reserve all rights to kill him on the spot!

In other words, the moment he was exposed as a fake... that would be the moment he would breathe his last breath!

"The news of Yang shi's appearance must have leaked out..."

Zhang Xuan rubbed his glabella in dismay.

Given that such a formidable master teacher had run over to seek an audience with Yang shi, that could only mean one possibility... the matter that had happened that day had reached the ears of Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire.

If Zhang Xuan was a little stronger, he would at least be more confident in his disguise. But the choice wasn't up to him now. The other party was already at his doorstep, he couldn't possibly turn the other party away at this point.

What to do?

"No, I should tell the other party that my teacher isn't around..."

Gritting his teeth, Zhang Xuan was just about to instruct Sun Qiang to relay those words, when the person beside him bellowed, "What are you making such a fuss about? Are you trying to show off your loud voice? Don't you know the basic manners to visiting another? Wait at the doorstep first, I'll report this matter to the old master!"

Zhang Xuan turned his face stiffly around, only to see Sun Qiang with a disdainful expression on his face. Sun Qiang, noticing that the young master's gaze was on him, said contemptuously, "Who does he think he is? So what if he's a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, does he think that he's the only one who can transmit his voice telepathically? Even a 7-star pinnacle master teacher would have to wait obediently at the entrance for the old master to summon him in! To cause such a huge fuss, is he trying to start a revolt?"

Putong!

Zhang Xuan's body suddenly felt weak. In that instant, he even forgot to breathe and nearly died of suffocation.

He was still worried over how he should deal with the 6-star master teacher outside when the fellow beside him uttered such words...

It was too late for him to make excuses now!

No matter what, the other party was a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, a person standing at the very tip of the pyramid known as a Tier-1 Empire. To actually bellow at such a figure like that, sparing him no pride at all... Brother Qiang, you are about to break through the atmosphere!

While tears were streaming down Zhang Xuan's face, Sun Qiang looked at him expectantly and asked, "Young master, wasn't the old master discussing the issue regarding Young Master Lu Chong with you?"

Lu Chong's soul was simply too strong. Even though Zhang Xuan had successfully awakened him back then, the other party still needed some time for his soul to fuse properly with his body before he would be able to regain consciousness. However, after half a month of conditioning, it should be about time for him to regain consciousness.

"I..."

Hearing the question, Zhang Xuan was stumped.

He had once told Wang Ying that he was discussing with Yang shi on how they could save Lu Chong... Given that Lu Chong was about to wake up already, it was indeed weird how not a trace of Yang shi could be seen.

"Is he in the room? I'll go and ask him whether he wants to meet this 6-star master teacher or not!" Seeing that there was no response from the young master, Sun Qiang continued.

Knowing that it would be impossible for him to reply Sun Qiang's questions, Zhang Xuan hurriedly interjected, "Cough cough, there's no need for it. I'll go ask him myself. For the time being, you should bring Pavilion Master Mo into the main hall..."

"Alright!"

Nodding his head, Sun Qiang headed to the entrance to invite the other party in.

Seeing the other party leave, Zhang Xuan walked toward one of the room in the residence while rubbing his glabella.

After that fellow's intervention, there was no choice but for 'Yang shi' to appear already. But after giving it some thoughts, this matter would be inevitable even if Sun Qiang hadn't said anything. After all, given that the other party had made the journey here from afar, it was indeed dubious if Yang shi didn't appear.

Besides, it was likely that Pavilion Master Mo would return again after failing to meet him this once. In the end, he was just meeting the other party earlier.

But... How should be disguise himself before a 6-star pinnacle master teacher to convince him?

An expert of that level was likely to have already forged the Eye of Insight, allowing him to see through all falsehood.

He might have been able to pass off as a Saint by utilizing Mo Hunsheng's aura, but if he were to do the same for Pavilion Master Mo as well, he would surely be exposed instantaneously!

The same goes for flight as well. Given that 4-star and 5-star master teachers hadn't come into contact with the ability of flight yet, Zhang Xuan was still able to hoodwink them. To do the same with a Saint was... completely impossible!

There was a fundamental difference between flight induced by a battle technique and the ability of flight that Saints possessed.

"Since nothing works at all... why don't I just abandon all disguise?"

After walking around the room in dilemma, Zhang Xuan suddenly came to a halt.

Since neither his aura nor flight would work... he might as well not disguise himself.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Xuan quickly changed into 'Yang shi's' clothes and walked into the main hall.

...

Mo Gaoyuan was seated on the guest seat in the main hall, and Mo Chen and Hong Qian stood obediently behind him.

Upon arriving at Myriad Kingdom City, Mo Gaoyuan immediately rushed to look for Hong Qian to better understand the affairs that happened that day.

When he heard that Yang shi came from the skies, induced a breakthrough in the Demon Cinque Beast with just a surge of zhenqi, and conducted a Soul Impartation, he was filled with shock.

Wishing to ascertain this matter personally, he brought the both of them along with him to pay Yang shi a visit.

Mo Gaoyuan scanned the surroundings and a frown slowly etched on his forehead.

The layout of the residence was ordinary, resembling not the residence of a high-rank master teacher in the least. More importantly, the spiritual energy in the room was sparse just like anywhere else.

The living quarters of an 8-star master teacher, even without setting up any formation, due to his overwhelming cultivation in itself, could turn a barren plain into a lush field.

Powerful master teachers were aligned with nature, and they would naturally generate a spiritual energy force-field that would nourish their environment wherever they went.

It was precisely due to that reason that the top headquarters of the Master Teacher Pavilion was so concentrated in spiritual energy that even the most ordinary of cultivators would gain the speed of cultivation comparable to the greatest of talents there.

And yet, the residence before him showed no such signs. It was nothing more than an ordinary residence. What was going on?

Just when he was perplexed, a middle-aged man walked into the room.

That middle-aged man had light footsteps, and not the slightest zhenqi disturbance could be felt from him. No matter how one looked at him, he was nothing more than an ordinary human. In fact, one couldn't be blamed if one were to assume that he was a cleaner of the residence.

Just as Mo Gaoyuan was about to ask who was that fellow, Butler Sun hurriedly walked forward and greeted, "Old master!"

Beside him, Hong shi's body also jolted slightly, and the latter hurriedly sent him a telepathic message, "Pavilion Master Gao, this is Yang shi..."

"Him?"

Mo Gaoyuan was stunned.

He had never seen an 8-star master teacher before, but he had seen a 7-star master teacher in the past. Every single movement from a 7-star master teacher seemed to be harmonized with nature, and it exerted an immense pressure on one... But the person before him truly felt no different from an ordinary man...

8-star master teacher?

Are you mistaken?

Frowning, he glanced at Hong shi, only to see the latter nod his heads to confirm his suspicions. Only then did Mo Gaoyuan stand up and clasp his fists. "Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire Master Teacher Pavilion's Pavilion Master, 6-star pinnacle Master Teacher Mo Gaoyuan pays respect to Yang shi!"

After which, he silently observed the other party carefully.

"Un!"

Yang shi remained nonchalantly after hearing the other party's title. Instead, he simply turned around and walked on the main seat before turning to look at Mo Gaoyuan nonchalantly. "What is the reason for your visit?"

"I..." Not expecting the other party to ask him such a direct question, Mo Gaoyuan was tongue-tied.

After all, he couldn't possibly say that he was unable to find the other party's name on the Master Teacher Registry, so he came to verify whether the other party was a fake.

"I heard that Yang shi has come to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and fearing that our reception might be lacking, I decided to come over to take a look..." Mo Gaoyuan replied awkwardly.

But before he could finish his words, the middle-aged man's impassive voice sounded, "Are you done looking?"

"Ah... Yes!"

"Then you may leave now!"

After which, Yang shi stood up, placed his hands behind his back, and started walking out of the room.

"..."

Mo Gaoyuan's lips twitched.

This... What is going on?

Can't we at least converse properly?

Even if you're an 8-star master teacher, surely there's no need for you to act so high and mighty?

No matter what, I'm still a pavilion master of Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire, and I came down specially to pay my respects. Yet, to throw me out like that... aren't you being too impolite?

"To tell Yang shi the truth, I've been facing some problems in my cultivation recently and I would like to consult Yang shi on them..."

Gritting his teeth, Mo Gaoyuan stood up.

He came all the way here from afar, and he couldn't possibly leave just like that!

Since that was the case, he might as well pose a question to the other party. If the other party could easily solve a question that was even beyond him, then there was no doubt about the other party's rank.

On the other hand, if the other party was unable to answer the question, then his position as an 8-star master teacher would indeed be doubtful.

Without turning his head, Yang shi spoke impassively, "Speak!"

"Yes... It's a problem regarding the cultivation of Saint 1-dan..." Mo Gaoyuan hurriedly said.

"Saint 1-dan?"

Zhang Xuan, disguised a Yang shi, nearly keeled over.

I can explain the cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 1-dan, 2-dan, and 3-dan to you perfectly... but Saint?

He had only heard of the name of this cultivation realm just recently, so how could he possibly know the slightest thing about the cultivation of an expert of this level?

Putting aside offering pointer, he hadn't even read books of such a level...

He would surely expose his ignorance the moment he starts to speak on the matter!

Not knowing of the dilemma in 'Yang shi's' mind, Mo Gaoyuan revealed his dilemma.

"... How can one open the Zhukong acupoint without causing one's zhenqi to leak out while maintaining a consistent rise in one's cultivation?"

This question had confused him for a very long time. He'd had to browse through innumerable books before he was able to find the answer. If the other party was able to provide the same answer as him, that would prove that the other party was a high-rank master teacher. Or else... the other party's background would be worth looking into.

"May I know if... Yang shi has any solution to the matter?"

After posing his question, Mo Gaoyuan looked at Yang shi expectantly.

"Zhukong acupoint? Zhenqi leaking out? Maintaining a consistent rise in one's cultivation?"

A mini explosion occurred into Zhang Xuan's head, and he nearly spurted blood.

He had never even heard of this acupoint before, so how could he possibly know anything about zhenqi leaking out and what consistent rise in cultivation? Offering a solution to the problem was even beyond his means.

He was doomed!

"Yang shi..."

A moment had passed, but Yang shi still remained silent. Perplexed, Mo Gaoyuan called him questioningly when a cold harrumph suddenly sounded in the room.

"Are you really a 6-star pinnacle master teacher?"

Yang shi turned to look at Mo Gaoyuan with a cold gaze filled with displeasure.

"I... That's right!"

Mo Gaoyuan was taken aback.

He was the number one expert in Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire, and everyone knew of his name. How could he possibly be a fake?

"That's right? Then why can't you even solve such a simple problem by yourself?"

With his hands behind his back, Yang shi shook his head in disappointment. "Seems like the standards for qualifying as a 6-star master teacher have dropped by a lot during the time that I've been away!"

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Chapter 571: Yang shi, I Was Wrong!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Standards for qualifying as 6-star master teacher have dropped?

You're saying that Mo shi isn't qualified as a 6-star master teacher?

Hong Qian and Mo Chen's body trembled violently.

That was the strongest master teacher of Hongyuan Tier-1 Empire. To utter such words means to question the other party's professionalism. That was a huge insult in itself!

As expected, upon hearing those words, Mo Gaoyuan frowned in displeasure. "I passed the 6-star master teacher examination in Tianhong Conferred Empire, and it has been thirty-seven years since then. In the time, I've groomed two 6-star master teachers, twelve 5-star master teachers, and countless 4-star and 3-star master teachers. On top of that, the Hongyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion has achieved the top ten placing in the Master Teacher Tournament three times under me...

"How am I unqualified as a 6-star master teacher? I beseech Yang shi to correct my errors!"

This was a matter concerning his professionalism and pride as a 6-star master teacher. Even if Yang shi was a true 8-star master teacher, he couldn't and wouldn't back down.

"Those who seek to enlighten must be enlightened; those who seek to correct must be correct. Such is the way of a teacher!"

Challenged by the other party, Yang shi retained his usual composure and said, "If a teacher wishes to guide his student down the correct road, he must first ensure that he is on the right path. If he is treading on the wrong path himself, then the higher his achievements, the greater damage he will cause!"

The slightest mistake in a teaching could lead to the greatest of difference. If even the teacher's understanding is wrong, then the more students he had, the further the wrong teachings would spread, and the greater the harm dealt.

"The question you have just raised can be considered to be one of the simpler ones already. If you can't even solve such a simple question yourself, it only goes to show that your understanding of cultivation is flawed. Under such circumstances, how can you possibly guide your students correctly?"

Yang shi shook his head. "Alright, show me your punching routine so that I can take a look. If I'm not mistaken, given how you are unable to solve such a simple question, you are already going down the wrong path already!"

"Going down the wrong path?"

Mo Gaoyuan's face darkened.

There was no one who could be happy to have such words spoke straight to him.

Not to mention, Mo Gaoyuan knew the answer to that question, and he only wanted to test the other party.

"It doesn't matter to me if you're uninterested!" Seeing Mo Gaoyuan's silence, the disappointment on Yang shi's first deepened, and he shook his hands helplessly. "Sun Qiang, send the guests off!"

"Sure!"

Nodding his head, Sun Qiang walked up and said, "This unqualified Mo shi over here, I'll have to ask you to leave. We don't welcome you here!"

"You..." Mo Gaoyuan was already displeased from the very start. Yet, such an insignificant butler still dared to utter such sarcastic words to him. Infuriated, he nearly coughed out blood.

As a suspected 8-star master teacher, I could still tolerate it when Yang shi said something about me... But who do you think you are?

"Who knows how many lives it must have taken you to accumulate sufficient good fortune for the old master to offer you his pointers. All you have to do is to execute your punching routine, and yet, you are still hesitating... It's the first time I'm seeing such a foolish master teacher. And you claim to be a 6-star pinnacle master teacher?"

The disdain on Sun Qiang's face couldn't be any clearer, "Pui!"

Huang dang!

Hong Qian and Mo Chen only felt their vision turning dark, and they nearly fainted on the spot.

Big brother, do you know how respected the person before you is? To dare to speak to him like that...

He is a person who is the closest to becoming a 7-star master teacher, the number one expert of Hongyuan Empire. Even the emperor had to greet him in the capacity of a student upon seeing him... Yet, a mere Transcendent Mortal 1-dan fatty like you actually dared to utter such disdainful words at him...

'Pui' your head!

Do you think you are qualified to do so?

"You..."

While the duo was frenzied, Mo Gaoyuan nearly fainted on the spot.

In the past thirty-seven years of his life as a 6-star master teacher, there hadn't been a single person who dared to utter such arrogant words before him. Yet, today, his professionalism was first brought into question and now, he was being looked down upon...

On top of that... the one who looked down on him was a mere subordinate!

His face was as black as the bottom of a pot. Mo Gaoyuan suppressed his rage and said, "Yang shi, it just happens that there's one battle technique that I've been unable to decipher, so I hope that you can enlighten me on my faults!"

Even though he was infuriated by the actions of the fatty, he was still Yang shi's subordinate, so it wasn't appropriate for him to lash out at him. Thus, he decided to first test the depths of Yang shi's capability before deciding on his next course of action.

And thus, before the other party could reply, he began executing his battle technique.

As expected of a Saint. As soon as he made a move, an overwhelming might immediately shrouded the entire room. It felt as though everyone was locked in a cage in the other party's grasp, and there was nowhere to escape to.

Escaping from a Saint... was impossible for them!

To seal even space with a single fist... Fearsome!

After taking a glance at the other party's battle technique, a book immediately appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path, and Yang shi immediately immersed his consciousness in to take a look.

After affirming that the book was on Mo Gaoyuan, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. He couldn't help but send Sun Qiang a look of commendation.

To be able to even agitate a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, this fellow was indeed extraordinary.

Hu!

Mo Gaoyuan soon came to a halt. Clasping his fist, he said, "Yang shi, I seek for your guidance!"

"Un!"

Raising his eyelids, Yang shi walked over and said, "You have practiced your Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch well in the past twenty years, having reached Minor Accomplishment in the battle technique!"

Mo Gaoyuan was taken aback.

While there weren't many people who cultivated the Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch, it wasn't really an uncommon technique, so it wasn't surprising that Yang shi would recognize it. But... how did the other party manage to accurately guess how long he had practiced the technique for?

After all, there were some talented people who were able to reach Minor Accomplishment within three days of practice while there were some who could never get past Novice despite devoting their entire lives to the technique. Given that Mo Gaoyuan was still a long way away from achieving Major Accomplishment, most people would have guessed that he hadn't practiced this technique for too long... Yet, the other party was able to guess that he had immersed himself in it for twenty years already. The other party's eye of discernment... was simply way too formidable!

Shocked, Mo Gaoyuan's attitude gradually became respectful, "Yang shi is right. It has been twenty years and one month since I first practiced this technique..."

Knowing that the other party would reply in such a manner, Yang shi wasn't surprised at all. He gazed at the other party impassively and asked, "Do you know the reason why you've only reached Minor Accomplishment in this technique despite practicing it more twenty years?"

"I don't know..."

Mo Gaoyuan shook his head.

He was able to easily reach Major Accomplishment for all other techniques-this was the only battle technique that he had a problem with. He had looked through many books, but he was still unable to understand the reason why.

That was why he intentionally chose to execute this battle technique so as to pose this question to the other party.

"The essence of the Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch lies not in 'Dragon Helios' but 'Dual Nascent'!"

Seeing the incomprehension in Mo Gaoyuan's eyes, Yang shi continued, "As the saying goes, 'fist for the young, stick for the veteran'. For a fist technique to be strong, strength is just one factor. More importantly, one must possess vitality as well. The idea of Dual Nascent behind the Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch refers to one's body and one's heart!

"If you were only a hundred or so when you first cultivated this fist technique, it wouldn't have taken you too long to reach Major Accomplishment. However, it's a pity that you only started when you were 120. Given that you have already aged, and the vitality in your aura is lacking... it's difficult for you to execute a fist technique meant for youths!

"But of course, you can still make up for the deficiency with a young spirit. Through your deep understanding of battle techniques, it wouldn't be too difficult for you to reach Major Accomplishment within twenty years... But it's a pity that a fault occurred while you were striving for Void Pursuit realm, causing a trauma in your mind, resulting in your inability to comprehend the true essence of battle techniques!"

"Trauma when striving for Void Pursuit realm... h-how did you know about it?"

Shocked, Mo Gaoyuan was unable to retain his composure.

Saint 1-dan Void Pursuit realm... It represented the will of one to pursuing the essence of space. At this realm, one would gain the ability to soar freely in the sky.

"How did you know?"

Yang shi chuckled lightly. "The Dual Nascent Dragon Helical Punch, despite being known as a fist technique, is actually a technique that, through a firm footing on the ground, channels the strength throughout one's body into one's fist!"

Formidable fist technique tapped into the strength of one's entire body instead of just one's arms.

Upon hearing this, Mo Gaoyuan, as well as Hong Qian and Mo Chen, nodded their heads in agreement.

Yang shi continued, "But... when you launched your fist, your aura was a little unstable. Even though it looked as though you used utilized the strength of your entire body, in truth, you only channeled the strength from your ankles upward, excluding your feet! The feet are where the Zhukong acupoint is located, and considering the problem you just asked, it isn't too hard to deduce that you've met with some problem in your breakthrough to Void Pursuit realm!"

It was just a moment ago that Mo Gaoyuan asked 'how can one open the Zhukong acupoint without causing one's zhenqi to leak out while maintaining a consistent rise in one's cultivation...'

For the zhenqi to bypass the feet, where the Zhukong acupoint is located, and taking into account the previous question Mo Gaoyuan asked, it wasn't too difficult to deduce the situation.

"The problem in your cultivation caused your zhenqi to leak from your Zhukong acupoint, thus making it difficult for you to raise your cultivation... As such, you intentionally had your zhenqi bypass your feet when practicing the Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch... Even though you managed to solve your problem eventually, thus allowing your cultivation to improve once more, it's a pity that the habit of avoiding your Zhukong acupoint for your battle techniques has already become deeply ingrained into you over the years, causing your progress in the Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch to stagnate!" Yang shi said.

"Th-this..." Mo Gaoyuan's body stiffened, and he fell silent.

The other party's words were spot-on.

Back then, when he was attempting a breakthrough to Void Pursuit realm, he accidentally made a mistake, resulting in a fault in his acupoint which caused his zhenqi to leak out. It was only after many years of studying that he managed to find a solution to his problem, and this Dual Nascent Dragon Helios Punch happened to be a battle technique he cultivated before then.

Mo Gaoyuan was certain that this was his first time meeting Yang shi, and yet, the other party was able to deduce his condition just by looking at his battle technique...

How formidable must his eye of discernment be?

At the very least, he knew that he wasn't capable of such a feat! In fact, even the 7-star master teacher he met back then wouldn't be able to do the same too!

Could the other party really be an... 8-star master teacher?

He had come harboring doubts about the identity of the middle-aged man, but now, he was already seventy to eighty percent convinced.

While Mo Gaoyuan was still in shock, Yang shi's voice continued, "Also, if my eyes don't fail me, you must have met with some kind of danger or were in the midst of a fight when you were attempting a breakthrough to the Void Pursuit realm!"

"Yes..." Mo Gaoyuan nodded.

Back then, he was chased by his enemies, and at that crucial moment, he had no choice but to attempt a breakthrough to Void Pursuit realm to resolve the situation. Even though his breakthrough succeeded, and he managed to slay his enemies with his heightened strength, the forceful breakthrough had resulted in his Zhukong acupoint being damaged... thus resulting in a whole series of problems.

"As 6-star master teacher, you should have known that achieving a breakthrough to Void Pursuit realm requires absolute tranquility, and one has to slowly nourish the Zhukong realm with one's zhenqi... And yet, you allowed yourself to be put into such a dangerous situation, leaving yourself no choice but to attempt such a dangerous breakthrough!

"You failed to assess your enemies accurately, and you failed to assess yourself accurately as well... Is this a mistake that a high-rank master teacher should make? Saying that you are unqualified is already downplaying the matter! Why? Do you have any objections to what I said? Or rather..."

With a slight frown, a majestic aura suddenly burst forth from Yang shi. "... do you still think that I am a fake?"

"I..."

With a reddened face, Mo Gaoyuan panicked.

"I'm sorry, Yang shi! I was wrong!"

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Chapter 572: Lu Chong Awakens

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

It was true that he visited with the intention of testing the other party!

Having his intentions pointed out so directly left him in an incredibly awkward position.

For him to actually doubt the identity of such a formidable master teacher... It was fortunate that the other party had a good temper. Otherwise, if the other party were to offended by this matter, even the destruction of the entire Hongyuan Empire wouldn't be sufficient to placate his wrath. Mountains of corpses and rivers of blood would be left in his wake.

"Pavilion Master Mo admitted his mistake?"

"Does this mean that... what Yang shi said was true?"

Hong Qian and Mo Chen glanced at one another in shock.

To be able to deduce this far through a mere punching routine, Yang shi's eye of discernment was nothing short of terrifying... In other words, there was little doubt that he was a bona fide 8-star master teacher!

The moment such a thought surfaced in their minds, a jolt ran through their bodies.

Putting aside the other party's esteemed ranking, just his cultivation as an 8-star master teacher made him a fearsome adversary that few would dare to cross the line with. The might he possessed was so powerful that it would leave any opponent in despair.

"When Yang shi first appeared, I was baffled by the lack of a powerful disposition that any experts should harness. It was as if he was an ordinary human. But thinking about it now, only a master teacher of Yang shi's level would be capable of concealing his cultivation so thoroughly that not even Pavilion Master Mo is capable of peering through his facade!"

"Most choose to use their strength as a tool to win the deference of others. Only a person standing at the very top, having seen through the illusion of glory and prestige, would be willing to humble himself as an ordinary person!"

Harboring such thoughts in mind, their respect for Yang shi deepened.

There were no experts they knew of that could compare to the middle-aged man standing before them!

To view prestige and glory as nothing more than dirt, to remain humble despite being one of the strongest experts on the continent, and that charming confidence and astounding composure... These were qualities that too few possessed.

From the start to the end, the other party never tried to leverage his superior cultivation against them—a common move used to instill respect and fear. Throughout the entire encounter, he remained nothing more than an ordinary person...

Thinking about how they had acted as compared to the other party, they felt deeply ashamed of themselves.

It was no wonder why the butler would act so arrogantly. To the butler of an 8-star master teacher, a 6-star master teacher was indeed not any different from an ordinary person.

In fact... the cultivation they perceived in him might even be fake. There was a good chance that he wasn't just a mere Transcendent Mortal 1-dan cultivator.

After all, how could an 8-star master teacher, a Saint expert, possibly regard a weakling so highly as to allow the other party to serve by his side?

As this thought came to mind, cold sweat drenched their backs.

It was lucky that they had maintained their etiquette before this Butler Sun. If they had really attempted to make a move against him, who knew what would remain of them now?

"There's no need to apologize. It is only right for master teachers to question everything around them. There are those who pass off as high-rank master teachers to deceive others for their own profits, and it is imperative for us to investigate such matters to prevent such frauds from sullying the name of the Master Teacher Pavilion!"

Yang shi didn't seem to have any intention of pursuing Mo Gaoyuan's faults. Instead, with a deep tone, he lectured the other with in the capacity as an elder.

"I've benefited from Yang shi's guidance!"

Mo Gaoyuan quickly stood up and clasped his fist.

"Alright, you may leave now. I don't want anyone to learn of my presence here. You should know what to do." Yang shi waved his hands.

"Yes!" Mo Gaoyuan nodded before retreating from the room with a bent back. Hong Qian and Mo Chen hurriedly followed suit.

Only after leaving the residence did the tenseness finally leave their bodies. Glancing at one another, they subconsciously wiped the cold sweat off their foreheads.

Yang shi didn't fly into a tantrum or suppress them with his cultivation in the encounter. However, his clear eyes made them feel extremely uncomfortable. Those deep eyes seemed to peer right at their souls, and it felt like no disguise or facade could possibly fool those eyes. Before the other party, they felt stark naked.

It took a moment before they finally regained their composure. Mo Chen turned to Mo Gaoyuan and asked, "Teacher, what should we do now?"

"Let's return!"

Mo Gaoyuan waved his hands.

"Return?" Mo Chen was taken aback.

They had taken nearly half a month to get here, and yet, just after trading some words with Yang shi, they were leaving already? Wasn't this a little too fast!

"Since we've already achieved our aim here, what other reasons do we have to remain here?" Mo Gaoyuan shook his head. "Become a nuisance?"

"This..." Mo Chen was tongue-tied.

Indeed, their aim here was to confirm Yang shi's identity, and since they had already achieved what they were here for, remaining here would only incur his displeasure. Since that was the case, they might as well leave immediately.

Hearing that they were about to leave, Hong Qian clasped his fist and asked, "The Master Teacher Tournament is going to commence tomorrow. Since Pavilion Master Mo and Mo shi are here, won't you remain here to host the event?"

If the both of them could host the event, the prestige of the tournament would immediately shoot up several levels. This could also boost the reputation of Huanyu Empire as a whole.

"We'll decline on the offer. Since that is a matter of Huanyu Empire, we shall not get involved in it!" Mo Gaoyuan shook his head.

Huanyu Empire was a Tier-2 Empire under Hongyuan Empire. There might be several troublesome implications if he were to disregard his identity and host the event.

"To tell the truth... Yang shi's direct disciple, Zhang shi, will be participating in the tournament as well," Hong Qian added in hopes of persuading the other party.

"Yang shi's direct disciple?"

Mo Gaoyuan frowned. But soon, he shook his head once more and replied, "I'll still have to pass!"

It wouldn't be good for him to get involved in the affairs of a branch. His prestigious identity as the pavilion master of the Hongyuan Empire Master Teacher Pavilion meant that even the slightest action and gesture of his could have political implications, so it was imperative for him to act with caution.

"But still, since Zhang shi is participating, allow me to up the stakes!"

Mo Gaoyuan flicked his wrist, and a jade box appeared in his hands. With a light chuckle, he said, "This is a high-tier spirit stone. I shall leave this with you as the prize for the champion of the tournament."

"A high-tier spirit stone?" Hong Qian's breathing hastened.

One high-tier spirit stone was worth ten thousand middle-tier spirit stone.

High-tier spirit stones were an important cultivation resource even to a Saint. Hong Qian had never even seen one before, and yet, Pavilion Master Mo was actually offering it as the prize for the tournament. He couldn't help but feel agitated by the matter.

"Un. Clearly, Yang shi is trying to temper his student through having him participate in this tournament. Since that's the case, I should help to fan the flames through stimulating the motivation of the other competitors. Let's see how this Zhang shi will fare in the tournament this way!" Mo Gaoyuan chuckled.

Since Yang shi wanted to put his student to the test, Mo Gaoyuan decided to lend him a hand.

High-tier spirit stones may mean nothing much to a high-rank master teacher like Yang shi, but to the master teachers from the regions surrounding Huanyu Empire, it was truly a priceless treasure!

Offering this as the reward for the champion would surely motivate the geniuses participating in the tournament to give it their all, and this would in turn serve as a trial to temper Zhang shi.

"Yes!" Understanding the intentions behind Pavilion Master Mo's actions, Hong Qian carefully kept the jade box.

"Host the tournament well. Inform me of the results of the tournament as soon as possible!"

Chuckling lightly, Mo Gaoyuan leaped onto the back of the saint beast with Mo Chen. Just as he was about to set off, he suddenly recalled something and turned around, "You would do well to bury the matter regarding Yang shi's deep in your mind and never speak of it! Warn the various sects and empires participating in the Master Teacher Tournament of this matter as well. If any of them dares to blab on this matter, I'll investigate the matter personally and crush them!"

His voice carried a sharp edge that induced goosebumps on one's skin.

Since Yang shi didn't want anyone to learn of his presence, there was a need to halt the flow of news sternly. Otherwise, if a mishap were to occur and the other party were to go on a rampage, no one would be able to stop him.

"Yes!" Hong Qian nodded.

Hu!

After warning Hong Qian, the saint beast flapped its wings, and before long, the trio disappeared amidst the boundless sky.

...

Mo Gaoyuan and the others left in trepidation, not knowing that Yang shi had also heaved a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat off his forehead upon their departure.

It was truly too tiring to put on an act before a 6-star master teacher.

It was fortunate that the other party didn't utilize or hadn't comprehended the Eye of Insight yet. Otherwise, there was no doubt that Zhang Xuan would have been exposed.

"I should be safe now!"

At the very least, the present crisis was over. By the time the other party realized that something was amiss, Zhang Xuan should already be powerful enough to deal with the situation then.

After this matter, there should be no one who would dare to trifle with him within this period of time.

Heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Xuan was in the midst of contemplating his next course of action when an anxious voice sounded behind him. Lifting his gaze, he saw Wang Ying rushing into the main hall.

"Grandteacher, may I know where Zhang laoshi is? I have something urgent I need to speak to him about..."

"What happened?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"Err... Only Zhang laoshi will be able to help me with this matter..." Wang Ying replied.

Even though there was a troubled look on her face, her eyes were still fixated on the grandteacher before her.

She was eighty percent certain that Yang shi and Zhang shi were the same person. Thus, she intentionally came over at this timing and asked such a question. If Zhang laoshi remained absent during this entire period of time, she would be able to affirm her conjecture!

"Only I'll be able to help you with the matter? Wang Ying, what matter is it for you to act so secretively?"

Just as she was staring fixatedly at Yang shi to gauge his reactions, an impassive voice suddenly sounded. Turning around, she saw Zhang laoshi walking in from outside. The latter clasped his fist and greeted, "Teacher!"

"Un!" Yang shi nodded.

"This..."

Wang Ying widened her eyes, dumbstruck.

What was going on?

Yang shi and Zhang laoshi actually appeared together? But... aren't they the same person?

Otherwise, how could they possibly have identical marks on their lower jaws?

Wang Ying was completely stunned.

She was extremely confident in her conjecture, and the abrupt situation caught her off-guard. For a moment, she was at a complete loss.

"Wang Ying!" Zhang laoshi called.

"Ah..."

Returning to her senses, Wang Ying's face reddened in embarrassment.

It seemed like she was indeed overthinking the matter.

Zhang laoshi was Yang shi's student, so how could the both of them possibly be the same person? Her eyes must have been playing tricks on her that day.

"Reporting to teacher and grandteacher, Lu Chong has awoken..." Wang Ying awkwardly clasped her fist.

It had been half a month since Zhang laoshi had used the Soulrouse Grass to save Lu Chong,

"He's awake?" Zhang shi's eyes lit up.

"Yes!" Wang Ying nodded her head.

"You should go over first, I'll hurry over after I'm done!" Zhang shi waved her hands.

"Yes!" Wang Ying said before leaving the room.

Her departure left Zhang shi and Yang shi staring at one another, and after a moment later, the both of them heaved a sigh of relief.

He could tell that Wang Ying was still doubtful of his identity, and thus, he immediately summoned his clone over.

With both Yang shi and Zhang shi appearing at the same place simultaneously, no matter how confident Wang Ying was of her conjecture previously, she would have no choice but to accept it.

"Alright, you should return back to the room to rest first. I'll go take a look on Lu Chong!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands, gesturing for the clone return to the room. After ensuring that he was gone, he reverted back to his original appearance before walking over to Lu Chong's room.

"Teacher..."

As soon as he entered the room, a young man immediately rushed forward and kneeled before him.

Who else could it be other than Lu Chong!

"Everything is fine as long as you're awake!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

The other party had nearly died in order to save him... It was fortunate that the other party was fine now. Otherwise, Zhang Xuan would surely blame himself for life.

All of the efforts he had put into saving Lu Chong hadn't gone to vain.

"Hmm? Your cultivation..."

Zhang Xuan was just about to speak when he suddenly noticed Lu Chong's cultivation and froze.

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Chapter 573: Lu Chong's Peculiarity

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The cultivation of the young man before him was exactly the same as before-Zongshi realm. At the same time, there wasn't the slightest soul energy to be felt within him. It was as if what Zhang Xuan saw before in the other party's consciousness was just a dream.

"Something is wrong..."

Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had once dived into the other party's consciousness, and putting aside how the other party's consciousness extended far beyond where his eye could reach, the other party's soul was also as humongous as a mountain.

A thought popped into Zhang Xuan's mind.

'Is it because he hasn't drawn his soul out yet?'

The strength of one's soul couldn't be perceived that easily. Only when one's soul was drawn out could it be assessed.

Harboring such thoughts in mind, Zhang Xuan instructed, "I'll impart you a soul cultivation technique. From now on, you should just focus on cultivating your soul; there's no need for you to cultivate your zhenqi anymore!"

Raising his hand, he placed a finger on the other party's glabella.

Weng!

A simplified version of Heaven's Path Soul Guiding Formula appeared in Lu Chong's mind.

Lu Chong's Zongshi realm cultivation wasn't built on zhenqi cultivation but the Poison Body he had cultivated through poison tempering. Physical body cultivation complemented soul cultivation more than zhenqi cultivation, and thus, Lu Chong would benefit more from this.

"Thank you, teacher!"

After swiftly browsing through the cultivation technique in his mind, Lu Chong turned to look at his teacher and clasped his fist in gratitude.

Even though his soul had gone into dormancy, he was still able to perceive the happenings around him subconsciously through his senses.

In other words, he was well aware of what his teacher had done for him ever since he'd gone into a coma.

Fighting against a Transcendent Mortal realm expert in Xuanyuan Kingdom despite being only at Zhizun realm; buying down the Soulless Metal Humanoid and venturing into the dangerous soul oracle tomb; severing his soul to nurture the Soulrouse Grass...

The favor that the other party had shown to him was so great that it would be impossible for him to repay it within this lifetime.

Not only so, the other party even gave him such a valuable cultivation technique without any hesitation...

Clenching his fists tightly in determination, Lu Chong thought, 'Teacher, don't worry. I'll cultivate diligently so as to not disappoint you!'

He used to be a willful and lively person, but after the tragedy that befell his clan, reticence overshadowed all of his traits. Rather than expressing his gratitude verbally, he would rather show it through his diligence and perseverance.

After browsing through the cultivation technique manual twice and memorizing it entirely, Lu Chong exhaled deeply and sat down on the floor.

Zhang Xuan also sat by the side to guard him.

A soul drawn out for the first time was extremely vulnerable. The slightest mistake could possibly cause one's soul to dissipate along with the wind. Back then, Zhang Xuan had drawn his soul out in an underground tomb, and on top of that, he was also cultivating the complete version of the Soul Guiding Formula. As such, he wasn't exposed to such vulnerability. However, the same couldn't be said for Lu Chong.

Zhang Xuan drew his soul and began observing Lu Chong's condition intently.

Sometime later, Lu Chong's body swayed, and his eyes gleamed brightly. A silhouette sharing the same appearance as him struggled out of his body.

He had succeeded in drawing his soul out!

"Hmm? His soul seems to be weak..."

Zhang Xuan frowned deeply.

Despite having drawn out his soul, Lu Chong still wasn't as powerful as Zhang Xuan thought he would be. Rather, just like any other cultivator drawing his soul out for the first time, his soul was extremely weak, and even the weakest gust of wind could easily dissipate it.

What was going on?

Given the size of the latter's consciousness and soul back then, how could his soul be so weak?

"Teacher!"

The world a soul perceives is very different from what one's eyes can see. Seeing a different world before him, Lu Chong was visibly excited.

"Your soul is still very weak so try to suppress such intense emotions. Take this spirit stone and quickly cultivate to stabilize your soul!"

After throwing a middle-tier spirit stone to Lu Chong, Zhang Xuan tapped his glabella once again, imparting him the Heaven's Path Soul Art.

Not just wind, even intense emotions could induce instability in a nascent soul. Thus, it was best for Lu Chong to cultivate as quickly as possible to stabilize his condition.

But in any case, given that Zhang Xuan was guarding by the side, and there was sufficient cultivation techniques and middle-tier spirit stones to drive Lu Chong's condition, there shouldn't be any trouble at all. After all, these were much better than the conditions Zhang Xuan had back then.

"Yes!"

Suppressing his emotions, Lu Chong's soul sat before the middle-tier spirit stone and began absorbing the spiritual energy contained within to cultivate.

"His cultivation speed isn't too fast either. Was I really mistaken?" Zhang Xuan scratched his head.

The rate of Lu Chong's cultivation contradicted what Zhang Xuan had seen in the other party's consciousness.

If Lu Chong really possessed Acquired Soul Physique, given his strong fundamentals, his cultivation would surely improve at an unimaginable speed-even Zhang Xuan might be left in the dust.

But contrary to Zhang Xuan's conjecture, there was nothing extraordinary about the latter's performance.

Could it be that... he was mistaken? Did Lu Chong not possess Acquired Soul Physique?

But if Zhang Xuan was mistaken, why would Lu Chong's consciousness and soul be that huge?

While thinking about these doubts, Zhang Xuan noticed that Lu Chong's soul had already stabilized. Since the other party had already overcome the vulnerable period, there was no need for him to stand guard anymore. Thus, Zhang Xuan left the room, looked for Mo Hunsheng, and raised his doubts with him.

Even though Mo Hunsheng had already imparted his techniques to him, the other party's knowledge of souls still far surpassed his.

After all, the latter was a 6-star soul oracle who had lived several ten thousand years.

"That... I'm not too sure as well. Why don't I take a look after Young Master Lu Chong is done with his cultivation?"

Mo Hunsheng wasn't too clear what was going on as well, so he could only shake his head uncertainly.

It would be better if he could take a look personally so as to better understand the situation.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head before returning to his room.

He had spent the entire night guarding Lu Chong for his cultivation, and the Master Teacher Tournament would commence that day. No matter what, Zhang Xuan should make some preparations for it.

While the prize of middle-tier spirit stones was no longer as attractive to him as before, it was still a good opportunity for him to strike out his reputation.

Otherwise, it would be hard for him to advance further as a master teacher.

Walking into the room, Zhang Xuan saw the clone cultivating by the side and said, "From today onward, you're called Clone, and you shall address me as the Main!"

The clone nodded his head.

"I'll be participating in the Master Teacher Tournament soon, so you can't stay here anymore. Otherwise, if someone were to see you while cleaning up the room, it would be difficult for me to explain the matter..."

The residence they were currently staying at was offered by Zhao Feiwu, and there were attendants from the Alliance Head Residence here to tidy up the place. It was one thing if Zhang Xuan was still at the residence, but if he was off participating in the Master Teacher Tournament and one of the attendants were to see another Zhang Xuan here, wouldn't that person be scared to death?

As for disguising himself as Yang Xuan... While the clone was capable of executing Heaven's Path Disguise Art, he didn't possess the Library of Heaven's Path. That made it likely for him to give himself away if he were to meet high-rank master teachers.

The clone had also considered this problem, and he replied, "I'll go into your storage ring then!"

"You can go into my storage ring?" Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment before a bitter smile appeared on his face.

The space in the storage ring was a vacuum. If any being were to enter the premises, they would die swiftly. Putting aside Transcendent Mortals, even Saints would be unable to survive under such conditions!

However, his clone was different. The physical body of the clone was crafted from a God artifact, the Nine Hearts Lotus. Breathing wasn't required for its existence, flame and water couldn't impair it, swords and sabers couldn't wound it. It wasn't a problem for it to be placed in the storage ring.

However, as Zhang Xuan was too used to the concept of 'lifeforms cannot exist in the storage ring', he instinctively asked the question.

"Store!"

Knowing that the clone could enter his storage ring, Zhang Xuan stretched out his hand and drew the clone into his storage ring.

Hu!

The clone immediately entered the storage ring, disappearing from sight.

Bringing his clone along with him would help him avoid many unnecessary problems. As for Yang shi being absent from the residence... It would only be weird if a high-rank master teacher of the other party's caliber appeared frequently around the residence!

Leaving his room, Zhang Xuan headed for the main hall, where he saw Pavilion Master Kang, Ruohuan gongzi, and a few other people waiting.

At this moment, Ruohuan gongzi had already reinforced his cultivation as a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle sturdily. His eyes were filled with a brilliant energetic glow.

On top of his cultivation, it seemed like his comprehension of master teachers as an occupation had deepened significantly.

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan, Pavilion Master Kang chuckled and gestured.

"The Master Teacher Tournament is a public event, and it will be conducted on the field outside the Alliance Head Residence. Zhang shi, let's proceed over!"

"Alright!"

Nodding, Zhang Xuan was just about to leave when a figure suddenly stood in front of him.

"Senior, I'll accompany you!"

"Se-senior?"

Zhang Xuan was taken aback. Turning around, he saw that Garden Owner Xue was in the room as well.

At this very moment, Garden Owner Xue exuded a steady aura which reflected perfect harmony between her soul and her physical body. Clearly, she had broken through her bottleneck and reached Transcendent Mortal 5-dan, Consonant Spirit realm!

It was only due to the impairment of her soul previously that she had been unable to progress any further from Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle.

But half a month ago, 'Yang shi' imparted her a technique that could heal her impaired soul. Along with the strong foundation she had built up through the years, she successfully advanced to become a Consonant Spirit realm expert.

On top of that, one could vaguely sense that her cultivation had already reached Consonant Spirit realm primary stage pinnacle. All she was lacking now was an impetus to advance to intermediate stage.

Zhang Xuan was initially surprised by the rapid growth of the latter, but after thinking about it, he soon came to a realization.

In order to treat her impaired soul, Garden Owner Xue had been spending the past few decades absorbing the spirit of the medicinal herbs in her herb field. Even though it wasn't able to heal her impaired soul, it didn't go to waste either. If Zhang Xuan's conjecture wasn't off, there was a good chance that her cultivation would surge all the way to Consonant Spirit realm pinnacle within a short period of time.

"Indeed. Yang shi has accepted me as his student, and given that you're his direct disciple... Isn't it only right for me to address you as senior?" Garden Owner Xue clasped her fist.

"Ah... That's true!" Only then did it hit Zhang Xuan.

That day, due to the urgent circumstances, he knew that there was a chance that his 'scare' might not work. Thus, he accepted Xue Yiyao as his student and imparted her with a technique to resolve the issue of her impaired soul.

Through doing so, he would be able to earn her gratitude.

And fortunately, everything went according to plan. A golden page was formed out of her gratitude, and it was through this that Zhang Xuan was able to smash Sect Leader Bai, thus successfully instilling fear into the others.

It was on a whim that he decided to do so-after all, there was no better solution then-and he'd forgotten about the matter after that. He didn't really expect the other party to take it seriously.

Given that Garden Owner Xue was 'Yang shi's' student and Zhang Xuan was the direct disciple, given the higher ranking of direct disciples in the lineage, it was indeed right for her to address him as such.

"There won't be any danger in the Master Teacher Tournament, so you need not worry about it. It would be better if you stood guard here!"

Even though he knew that the other party was doing this out of goodwill, Zhang Xuan waved his hands to turn her down.

Given that the Master Teacher Tournament was an activity organized by the Master Teacher Pavilion, anyone who dares to cause trouble in it would be deemed as an enemy of the Master Teacher Tournament. There was no one who would dare to take such a risk. Thus, it was unlikely there would be any threat to Zhang Xuan's safety.

"This..." Garden Owner Xue hesitated.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine!"

Waving his hands, Zhang Xuan followed behind Pavilion Master Kang and walked out of the main hall.

'Master Teacher Tournament, here I come!'

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Chapter 574: Prize of the Tournament

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The reason why Zhang Xuan had traveled all the way to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance was for this tournament. While the final prize was only a hundred middle-tier spirit stones—it no longer possessed as much of an allure to him anymore with his newfound wealth—as long as he emerged as the champion, he would become highly-regarded by the Master Teacher Pavilion. With such, it would be easier for him to gain access to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan cultivation techniques.

Besides, his cultivation and capability had already reached a bottleneck in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. If he wanted to progress any further, he would need to venture into higher tiered empires. The top ten of this tournament will gain the chance to study at Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, and this was a good opportunity as well.

Thus, Zhang Xuan still bore some expectations for the Master Teacher Tournament.

"Zhang shi, I've spent the last few days compiling a list of potential contenders for the top ten places. You should take a look..."

Pavilion Master Kang handed a book over.

He hadn't been idling about the past half a month either. He'd had his men investigate the other powers, and eventually, he managed to compile this list. With this list, the participants of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance would be able to prepare themselves. After all, like the saying goes, 'If you know your enemies and know yourself, you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles'.

"Thank you!"

Knowing that the other party had put in a lot of effort into the list, Zhang Xuan nodded his head and casually flipped it open.

"The number one contender to look out for is Luo Xuan, the direct disciple of Sect Leader Luo Huang of Fleeting Cloud Sect. 4-star pinnacle master teacher. Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle. Supporting occupations: 4-star physician, 4-star formation master..."

"This fellow is actually the number one contender to look out for?" A bizarre expression appeared on Zhang Xuan's face.

Zhang Xuan remembered this fellow. Half a month ago, he used 150 middle-tier spirit stones to bargain with 'Yang shi' for Sect Leader Luo Huang's life.

Based on what Sun Qiang had said regarding the other party, it seemed like the other party had also nearly died from being crushed under the Demon Cinque Beast.

This kind of fool was actually the number one contender for the champion seat of the Master Teacher Tournament?

"Cough cough!" Seeing Zhang Xuan's bizarre gaze, Pavilion Master Kang immediately deduced what he was thinking about and coughed. "Actually, Luo Xuan isn't as bad as you think. He's extremely strong, and even if I were to go against him, it would be hard to tell who would emerge triumphant..."

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in agreement.

The Demon Cinque Beast possessed the Dragon Bloodline; it was normal for cultivators of the same cultivation level to be unable to match up to it. By no means should one judge Luo Xuan's strength through that encounter! And of course, when Zhang Xuan met the latter in the capacity as 'Yang shi', given how even half 5-star master teachers dared not utter a single word of dissonance, naturally, a 4-star pinnacle master teacher like him wouldn't dare to get ahead of himself.

So, in truth, Luo Xuan was still quite a fearsome adversary to face.

At the very least, there were very few cultivators at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle who would be a match for him.

"But of course, even though he is placed number one in the contenders to look out for in the tournament, the truth is that the capabilities of the top ten on the list are around the same level. It'll be hard to say for sure who would be in the first place!" Pavilion Master Kang continued.

Noting that, Zhang Xuan continued looking through the list.

And just as Pavilion Master Kang said, there really wasn't much disparity in the capabilities of the top ten. They were all 4-star master teacher, Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle experts.

Given that they possessed similar cultivation realms and master teacher ranking, it would be impossible to tell who was above whom.

It didn't take long for Zhang Xuan to finish browsing through the book.

Of the twenty-eight powers, a total of fifty-six participants had been elected, and even the weakest of them was a 4-star primary master teacher... in other words, Zhang Xuan was the weakest of the lot.

And considering how Ruohuan gongzi was the only 4-star master teacher back in the selection rounds, it was no wonder why the Myriad Kingdom Alliance was always placed in the lower rankings each tournament...

Furthermore, only powers with talents who placed amongst the top in the tournament would be granted better resources, and it was through such resources that they would be able to groom even more formidable master teachers... And vice-versa.

Thus, this formed both a virtuous cycle and a vicious cycle.

It wouldn't be a mistake to say that if the Myriad Kingdom Alliance were to continue with its placing in the Master Teacher Tournament, it would be a matter of time before it was annexed by other powers, turning it into a mere name in history books.

This was precisely the reason why every single power viewed the Master Teacher Tournament with utmost importance, not daring to let their guard down at all.

"Song Chao?"

As he browsed through the book once more, in the twenty-fifth rank, he saw a familiar name-Song Chao.

He didn't expect the fellow whom he had beguiled for so many times to be placed so highly in the list of contenders.

Digesting the information, Zhang Xuan gained a good grasp of the various contenders in the tournament.

"Zhang shi, your knowledge as a master teacher and in your supporting occupation is unmatched by any of the participants in the Master Teacher Tournament. Even though your cultivation is slightly lacking, as long as your luck is good, getting into the top ten... shouldn't be a problem at all!" Pavilion Master consoled.

Zhang shi had accomplished extraordinary feats in the selection rounds, but before so many geniuses, his radiance became dim. Putting others aside, just his cultivation alone would pose a fatal weakness to him.

It was just like the wooden planks making up a pail; only when all of them were long could one fill the pail with more water. As long as one of the wooden planks was short, it would be all for naught.

Similarly, Master Teacher Tournament assessed one's overall strength. Even if one was proficient in everything except for one aspect, that single aspect would be exploited by one's competitors. Under such circumstances, it would be impossible for Zhang Xuan to achieve an even higher placing than that.

Knowing what Pavilion Master Kang was worried about, Zhang Xuan asked, "Are the tests for the tournament decided yet?"

Pavilion Master Kang pondered for a moment before replying. "It has already been decided... but we aren't privy to such information. The tests are decided solely by Hong shi, and to uphold fairness, it was decided that he will announce the tests on the spot!"

Even Pavilion Master Kang wasn't entitled to the contents of the examination. Otherwise, there was a possibility that he could conduct special training for the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's participants to have them adapt to the conditions they would be subjected to in the tournament. If so, that would compromise the integrity of the tournament.

In any case, given that it was Hong shi hosting the event, as a 5-star master teacher and a master teacher of Hongfeng Empire, there was no need for anyone to worry about him siding with powers.

Hongfeng Empire was a vassal empire directly under Huanyu Empire, and it was significantly stronger than Fleeting Cloud Sect, White Helios Sect, Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and powers of that level.

Even among Unranked Empires, it was ranked at the forefront.

"Even though I'm not too sure what the tests will be, there has been some news on the prize recently!" Pavilion Master Kang's eyes glowed in agitation.

"Prize? Isn't it a hundred middle-tier spirit stones and the opportunity to study in Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy?" Zhang Xuan asked in bewilderment.

Zhang Xuan had heard of it from Su shi back then, and there was nothing to be awed about.

"That was indeed the case back then, but the prize has been raised recently. The new prize is so high that even I can't help but feel moved!" Pavilion Master Kang said excitedly.

Last night, the heads of the various powers in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance received news from Hong shi regarding the increase in the prize of the tournament. When he first set eyes on the information regarding the prize, despite being a top expert and the head of a Master Teacher Pavilion, his breathing couldn't help but hasten, and his eyes widened uncontrollably in disbelief.

He thought that the prize offered previously was already sufficiently generous, but compared to the new one... It was nothing at all! It was as though an ant meeting an elephant!

"Oh? What is the new prize offered?" Zhang Xuan asked in interest.

"The one who is placed first in the tournament will receive a high-tier spirit stone!" Pavilion Master Kang said.

"High-tier spirit stone?"

Wasn't it a hundred middle-tier spirit stone? How did it turn into a high-tier spirit stone?

As though fearing that Zhang Xuan couldn't understand the value of a high-tier spirit stone, Pavilion Master Kang explained, "A high-tier spirit stone has the value equivalent to ten thousand middle-tier spirit stone, and that's assuming that there's a person willing to sell it! Its value is unimaginable!"

"Ten thousand middle-tier spirit stones?" Zhang Xuan's breathing hastened as well.

He had worked so hard, putting himself at grievous risk, only to extort 600 middle-tier spirit stones from the Fleeting Cloud Sect and thirteen other powers. Yet, to think that being placed first in the tournament would earn him a high-tier spirit stone straight... This was way too exaggerated!

"Indeed! And on top of the opportunity to study at Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, he will also be allowed to cultivate in 'Cleansing Lake' for three days..." Pavilion Master Kang continued.

"Cleansing Lake? What's that?" Zhang Xuan asked curiously.

"It's one of the greatest treasures of Huanyu Empire's royalty, as well as the greatest foundation behind its establishment!"

Unconcealable envy shone in Pavilion Master Kang's eyes as he said, "Cultivators who have managed to reach Clarifying Turbidity realm understand that 'turbid' and 'clear' also refers to one's physical body and soul respectively. The Cleansing Lake is a blessed land that nourishes one's soul. Cultivating there, one's soul would undergo a metamorphosis, thus increasing one's chance of achieving a breakthrough to Consonant Spirit realm significantly!

"If I were to get a chance to cultivate there for three days, the chances of me being able to reach Consonant Spirit realm would surely be more than fifty percent! However... the Cleansing Lake is one of the most precious resources of Huanyu Empire, and there are limited slots to its use. Only for the Master Teacher Tournament, which happens once every decade, are they willing to spare a few slots!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head calmly in response, but on the inside, he was astonished.

To increase the chances of Pavilion Master Kang advancing to Consonant Spirit realm to more than fifty percent, that Cleansing Lake was indeed formidable!

A high-tier sprit stone, the opportunity to study at Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, and three days of cultivation in the Cleansing Lake...

Honestly, just any single one of them was enough to send countless experts into frenzy. And yet, for the three of them to be the prize of the champion of the Master Teacher Pavilion, fearsome!

"What about the second place?"

Since the reward for the first place was so generous, what about the second place?

"The second pales a lot in comparison. It's three hundred middle-tier spirit stones, the opportunity to study at Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, and two days in the Cleansing Lake!" Pavilion Master Kang replied.

Even though it was just a single placing, the rewards had decreased by manifolds.

Putting aside the reduction of a single day in Cleansing Lake, there was a difference of thirty times in value between a high-tier spirit stone and three hundred middle-tier spirit stones.

"And the third place is one hundred middle-tier spirit stone and one day in the Cleansing Lake. As for the fourth to tenth place, they won't be allowed to enter the Cleansing Lake, and they will only be given ten middle-tier spirit stones each. But fortunately, all of them will be given the opportunity to study at Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy."

Pavilion Master Kang recounted the rewards of the top ten of the Master Teacher Tournament.

"Seems like... I really must take the first place!"

Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly.

He was still thinking that it would suffice as long as he got into the top ten in the tournament, but with the increased rewards... his determination to obtain the first position was sparked.

Putting aside everything else, just the high-tier spirit stone in itself was invaluable to him.

With this, he could probably cultivate all the way to the pinnacle of the Transcendent Mortal without worrying about spirit stones.

Hearing Zhang Xuan's words, Pavilion Master Kang smiled bitterly.

"Indeed, it would be good to take the first place. However... how could it be so easy?"

There wasn't anyone who wasn't interested in the first place, especially with the increased reward. But considering the talented geniuses who would be participating in the tournament, it would be no easy feat.

Yang shi was a formidable master teacher; there were probably none who would dare to cross his path. However, Yang shi's existence was only known amongst the top echelons of the fourteen powers, the participants of the tournament were unaware of it.

Thus, there would be no one who would go easy on Zhang shi just because he was Yang shi's student.

Zhang shi might be formidable in other aspects... but when it comes to a battle of cultivation, he stood little hope.

Even though Pavilion Master Kang had entrusted his hopes to Zhang shi, he didn't bear much expectation for the latter to take down the champion position.

"We're here!"

Upon hearing Pavilion Master Kang's sigh, Zhang Xuan was just about to speak but Ruohuan gongzi's voice sounded. Lifting his gaze, he realized that they had already arrived in the square in front of the Alliance Head Residence. At the current moment, the square was bustling with huge crowds.

After so many days, the Master Teacher Tournament... was finally going to begin!

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Chapter 575: Rules of the Tournament

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Walking along the packed crowd, Zhang Xuan saw a huge round stage placed at the center of the square. The top of the stage was veiled beneath a layer of fog, making it impossible to perceive what was hidden inside.

Most likely, this should be a formation preventing anyone from peering into the contents inside.

Countless master teachers, dressed in robes, were seated around the stage.

Zhang Xuan briefly scanned the surroundings with his gaze.

As expected of the Master Teacher Tournament. There was a total of several thousand people from all 28 powers, including the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Every single one had an emblem reflecting their respective ranks pinned on their chests, and reflected light glared from them.

How many times in one's life could one see such a grand festival where several thousand master teachers were gathered together? It was no wonder why the citizens of Myriad Kingdom Alliance were so excited, camping at the square from such early hours.

In order to prevent any accidents from occurring, the Alliance Head Residence had been making preparations from half a month ago. All of their elites were stationed around the area, ready to take any countermeasures should any unexpected situation occur.

"So, this is the Master Teacher Tournament... So many master teachers are gathered here!"

"It's so difficult to meet even a single one of those lofty master teachers under normal circumstances, and yet, a few thousand of them were gathered here today..."

"To be able to see so many formidable master teachers competing against one another, I would have no regrets even if I were to drop dead now!"

...

Such discussions were occurring throughout the crowd. Their excitement over the Master Teacher Tournament was apparent through their words and expressions.

The Master Teacher Tournament only happened once every decade, and on top of that, the location where it would be hosted was randomly selected each time... Given that it was conducted in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance this time, there was no way they could miss the festival.

In truth, the Master Teacher Tournament also had the intention of utilizing the fanfare behind the tournament to display the might of the master teachers as well as boost the popularity of this occupation and bring new blood into the organization.

"Look, it's Ruohuan gongzi!"

"He's so handsome! The person beside him must be Zhang shi, right?"

"I think so! I became his loyal fan after hearing of his affairs..."

"Me too! Despite forfeiting the final test in the selection round, he was still able to take the top position. There is no one else in Myriad Kingdom Alliance who is capable of such a feat..."

...

Upon the arrival of the trio, someone exclaimed and a wave of cheering sounded from the crowd.

Even though the selection round was conducted within the Master Teacher Hall, perhaps due to how astonishing those feats were, everyone in Myriad Kingdom City swiftly learned of the matter.

A 4-star master teacher who wasn't even in his twenties yet; a person who, through his astounding capabilities, convinced the Physician Guild, Formation Master Guild, Beast Hall, and other supporting occupations to make an exception and allow for the promotion in his ranking; the candidate stood above Ruohuan gongzi and the other geniuses in the selection rounds despite participating in only four of the tests... All three of these were legendary feats in themselves, and any one of them could easily win one the admiration of the younger generation.

"Zhang shi is so dashing!"

"Dashing? Why does he look like a pervert to me instead?"

"Pervert? Even if he's really a pervert, I'm still willing to marry him and bear his children..."

...

A few young ladies bucked up their courage and shouted loudly. Zhang Xuan's astounding feats previously had captured their hearts.

"Pervert? Bear my children?"

Dark streaks filled Zhang Xuan's face.

What the heck was that?

"Seems like Zhang shi's reputation has exceeded even that of mine!" Pavilion Master Kang chuckled as he stroked his beard.

Just two months ago, there was no one in Myriad Kingdom City, not even him, who had heard of Zhang Xuan. And yet, at this very moment, his name was known in every single household throughout the capital.

The Master Teacher Tournament was indeed capable of inducing a rapid surge in one's reputation.

Right after Zhang Xuan and the rest squeezed through the crowd and gathered together with the group from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, a beautiful figure suddenly rushed up to him in agitation.

"You're finally out of seclusion..."

It was the second princess of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, Zhao Feiwu.

Ever since his return from Yin-Yang Lake, Zhang Xuan had been in seclusion. For the past two months, he had hardly met anyone.

At this moment, Zhao Feiwu was no longer disguised as a male. Instead, she wore a simple dress that brought out her lithe figure. She carried a majestic but warm disposition unique to princesses like her, and from afar, she looked no different from a fairy.

"Un!"

Looking at the young lady before her, Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

It seemed that Zhao Feiwu had been cultivating in the past two months. Vaguely, he could sense that she had reached Fighter 6-dan Pixue realm.

To be able to improve so swiftly in such a short period of time, even though the immense pool of resources from the Alliance Head Residence played a part, she must possess superior talent as well.

"Zhang shi!" Jin Conghai, who was in charge of guarding her, stepped forward and greeted Zhang Xuan.

"Take a seat!"

After trading some pleasantries, the few of them sat down, and soon, from the top of the round stage in the center, an elder could be seen walking over.

"This is 5-star Master Teacher Hong shi; he's in charge of hosting this Master Teacher Tournament!"

Pavilion Master Kang whispered to Zhang Xuan telepathically.

Zhang Xuan shot a glance over to the elder on the stage.

Hong shi had a tall stature, and his hands and legs were extremely long. The aura he exuded seemed to be perfectly aligned with the surroundings, as though there was a giant bridge within his body connecting him to the environment, nourishing his body and soul with spiritual energy.

Transcendent Mortal 6-dan, Cosmos Bridge realm!

One of the basic requirements to becoming a 5-star master teacher was to achieve this level of cultivation.

Cosmos Bridge realm was signified by the presence of an intangible bridge within one's body that aligned one with the world. Even without cultivating consciously, spiritual energy would flow along the bridge to nourish one's body, resulting in a constant rise in one's cultivation.

At such a realm, one's zhenqi and soul would grow at a fearsome pace, and one would truly wield the strength to move mountains and fill oceans.

"To think that he's a formidable figure as well!"

Zhang Xuan had met Hong shi just yesterday, and standing behind Mo Hongyuan, the other party looked no different from a timid quail. Thus, he didn't expect the other party to possess such an impressive cultivation level.

In fact, given his current cultivation realm... even ten of him wouldn't be a match for the other party.

His zhenqi was at Transcendent Mortal realm 3-dan pinnacle whereas his soul was at Transcendent Mortal 4-dan realm pinnacle. In total, his strength added up to 2,600,000 ding, and it wouldn't be a problem even if his opponent was a Consonant Spirit realm intermediate stage cultivator.

But against a Cosmos Bridge realm expert, he wouldn't even be able to retaliate.

Even at primary stage, an expert of that caliber would possess a strength of 4,000,000 ding. Putting aside their deep comprehension and control over the environment, just their immense strength posed a huge threat in itself.

"Everyone!"

Just as Zhang Xuan was harboring such thoughts, Hong shi suddenly stopped in his footsteps and spoke. His voice seemed to harness the roar of the thunders, and it resounded clearly in the surroundings.

The entire square consisting of several ten thousand people immediately fell silent upon hearing his words.

His words were spoken through Impartation of Heaven's Will, thus inducing deference amongst the crowd. No one in the square dared to defy his words.

"I am honored to be invited as the host of the once-in-a-decade Master Teacher Tournament!"

Waving his hands, Hong shi glanced through the crowd.

"I believe everyone should know the rewards for the tournament. In the interest of time, I'll skip the pleasantries and move on straight to the structure of the tournament and the rules behind it!"

Hearing those words, the crowd subconsciously held in the breath, fearing that they might miss a single word.

There were at least several thousand ways to conduct the tests of the Master Teacher Tournament that they knew of, and thus, it was impossible to predict.

Interested, Zhang Xuan's eyes also fell on Hong shi.

He had always been curious how the Master Teacher Tournament could ensure fairness while avoiding harming the camaraderie among fellow master teachers.

"As 4-star master teachers, you have stepped into the ranks of an intermediate master teacher, and there has been a significant rise in your standing. Naturally, this also means a greater responsibility towards enlightening the world, and your capability must be up to par to fulfill that responsibility... Soul Depth, cultivation realm, knowledge impartation, understanding of cultivation, identification of flaws... I believe you have already undergone tests assessing you on those aspects in the selection rounds in your respective empires and sects. As such, it would be meaningless if I were to test you on those aspects as well, and it would be hard to assess your capabilities fully through such too."

Hong shi smiled as he looked at the participants of the tournament.

"But if the participants are not assessed on these, what would they be assessed on?"

Everyone was stunned.

Those were the utmost fundamentals to master teachers, and as such, they were used as criteria to determine the capability of a master teacher.

If they weren't competing on those aspects in the Master Teacher Tournament, then what would they be competing on?

"Calm down, allow me to finish my words first!"

Seeing the doubt in everyone's eyes, Hong shi continued, "The tournament will consist of two main stages-preliminary selection and dueling round. There'll be four tests in the preliminary selection, and only the participants who clear all four tests will be qualified for the dueling round. Those who fail in any one of the tests... will be eliminated from the tournament!"

"Preliminary selection?"

"Dueling round?"

A grim expression appeared on the faces of the crowd.

They thought that the tournament would be similar to the selection round, where they were assessed on their Soul Depth, cultivation, and such. They didn't expect it to take on such a complicated structure.

"I'm sure everyone should understand what dueling is, so I won't elaborate on it. So, I'll just touch on the preliminary selection."

Hong shi continued, "Since you have been chosen as the representative of your power, you must be amongst the top of the younger generation, and there is a good chance that you might advance to become a 5-star master teacher or even higher one day. However... the higher ranked you are, the harder it is for you to advance. Talent isn't all there is to a master teacher, and strength is just one of the many factors you will need. Temperament, courage, wisdom, and intelligence... These are of utmost importance as well. Only with these can you surpass your peers and reach incredible heights in the future.

"Thus, I've designed four tests relating to each of these for the preliminary selection!"

"Tests to assess temperament, courage, wisdom, and intelligence?"

"How can such qualities be assessed?"

"I've no idea too. But since Hong shi is the one conducting the examination, there's no need to worry about the fairness of the tests!"

"Indeed. With so many master teachers present here, it's impossible for him to be biased. I'm just curious as to how these intangible qualities can be assessed!"

...

After understanding the content for the examination, everyone was shocked.

As master teachers, they had heard of tests on one's ability to impart knowledge and comprehension of a cultivation technique. Never in their lives had they heard of tests on one's temperament, courage, wisdom, and intelligence.

After all, as intangible qualities, they couldn't be quantified and measured directly.

Ignoring the commotion amidst the crowd, Hong shi waved his hands and said, "Alright, participants, proceed up the stage!"

"Let's go up!"

Zhang Xuan and Ruohuan gongzi glanced at one another before standing up and walking up to the stage.

The master teachers from other powers also advanced forward.

They were all geniuses below their thirties, and the four stars on the emblems pinned before their chests reflected their talents and capabilities.

Zhang Xuan scanned the faces of the crowd proceeding up the stage, and with the exception of Luo Xuan and Song Chao, he didn't recognize anyone else.

"The primary requirement for the Master Teacher Tournament is that participants mustn't exceed the age of thirty. At the entrance to the stage, there is a crystal ball. Before coming in, touch the crystal ball, and based on the aura of your soul, it'll reflect your actual age!" Hong shi added.

Zhang Xuan glanced at the entrance of the round stage and saw a crystal ball exuding a warm glow being placed on top of a pedestal by the entrance.

To uphold the integrity behind the Master Teacher Tournament, there were strict checks to prevent any unqualified personnel from participating in the tournament.

This crystal ball could peer deep within one's soul. Just by touching it, it was able to accurately determine one's actual age.

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Chapter 576: Ghost Domain Illusory City

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Through pills or unique techniques, cultivators could warp their appearances to make them look young. Sometimes, even high-rank master teacher would be unable to see through some of these disguises.

On the other hand, a human's soul was forged at birth, and it would mature with the passing of time. There was no cultivation technique or means that could conceal one's soul age.

Thus, using one's soul to assess one's age was viewed to be the fairest method, and no one voiced any complaints.

Soon, all fifty-six participants had passed the crystal ball test. Most of them were between twenty-eight and twenty-nine, and the oldest of them all was twenty-nine-year-old and eleven months. Naturally, the youngest of the lot was Zhang Xuan.

He was still two months away from reaching twenty, and everyone couldn't help but be shocked upon seeing such a young participant-after all, the others were around a decade older than him.

Considering his age, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he was the most talented of all those gathered there.

"Why does the Myriad Kingdom Alliance seem to be regressing as time passes?"

"Indeed. To have this child compete with us, it seems like they have given up all hope!"

"They've placed last consecutively so many times. It's no wonder that they have already lost their confidence at this point..."

...

Many people expressed their disdain for the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Despite Yang shi driving away fourteen of the strongest powers in the region singlehandedly that day, the entire incident had been hushed, and all news regarding it had been suppressed. As such, most of the spectators and even the participating master teachers were unaware of the matter.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance had never achieved good results in the past, and upon seeing that they had sent in a lad who was a decade younger than the other participants, naturally, they thought that they had given up on the tournament.

"Since everyone fulfills the requirements, allow me to delve deeper into the details regarding the preliminary selection."

Seeing that everyone had cleared the verification, Hong shi chuckled, "The first round, Temperament!"

At this point, Hong shi waved his hands.

"This is the Ghost Domain Illusory City that was left behind by 5-star Master Teacher Fei Yuzi. This artifact harnesses the concepts of Qi Men Dun Jia, and it is an extremely valuable treasure!"

Hu!

The vision before everyone blurred for an instant as the fog cleared for a corner of the stage, revealing a towering fortress. Red bricks, emerald roof, white walls, and green corridors, from afar, it exuded a sinister aura, sending a cold chill down one's spine.

"Ghost Domain Illusory City?"

"What is that?"

"I seem to remember seeing this in some book before. If I recall correctly, it is a unique treasure harnessing the concepts of Qi Men Dun Jia... As for what exactly it is or how the test will be carried out, I've no idea as well!"

"Qi Men Dun Jia? What's that?"

"It's an extremely rare, unique occupation. I heard that there isn't a single branch even in Huanyu Empire.

...

Seeing a fortress appear amidst the fog, a huge commotion broke out.

Even Pavilion Master Kang and the others couldn't help but frown in doubt.

Despite their vast knowledge, they had never heard of it before.

"There is only one entrance and exit to the Ghost Domain Illusory City. In the Temperament test, you will pass the test as long as long as you leave via the exit within an incense's time of passing through the entrance!"

Hong shi chuckled as he revealed the rules.

"So simple?"

"But we can only see the entrance. Where is the exit?"

"I've no idea either. However, we should be able to find it after we go in..."

...

Upon hearing the simple rules behind the challenge, everyone was taken aback. Even Zhang Xuan felt a little bewildered.

All of them were 4-star master teachers who possessed superior eyes of discernment. Even if the Ghost Domain Illusory City possessed some kind of Beguilement Formation, it shouldn't be too difficult for them to overcome it.

Since this was the preliminary selection for the Master Teacher Tournament, how could it be that easy?

"Do you think that the test is easy? Let me just tell you in advance, don't bank on luck. It isn't as easy as it seems!"

Noticing everyone's doubtful gazes, Hong shi chuckled. "The Ghost Domain Illusory City only allows one person to be on its premises at any time. Since there are a total of fifty-six people here, an order must be established. Since we've just verified everyone's ages, let's go by age, starting from the youngest... And so, the first to enter shall be Zhang shi!"

Since Zhang Xuan was the youngest, he would have to be the first one to enter under such an order.

In truth, the reason why Hong shi made such an arrangement was to see how capable Yang shi's direct disciple was as well.

"Me?" Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes in bewilderment.

"Un!" Hong shi nodded his heads.

"Allow Zhang shi to go up first? Isn't that a little too reckless?" Beneath the stage, Pavilion Master Kang, Elder Su, and the other elders of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion glanced at one another as their mouths twitched.

"I don't think that it's a good idea..." Elder Wu nodded his head in agreement.

During the selection round back then, he had suffered greatly under Zhang shi's hands. The latter's means were simply way too peculiar! To allow him to go up first, Hong shi... You are being incautious.

"This... Hong shi, why don't I go first? Zhang shi can go after everyone is done!"

Ruohuan gongzi also swiftly came to a realization and stepped forward.

"What are you up to? Hong shi has already said that we'll go by age, are you trying to flout the rules?"

"I advise you to just back out of the tournament. To cower right before a challenge, even if your Myriad Kingdom Alliance cares not for its reputation, please don't demean master teachers as an occupation!"

"Isn't it a little too late to feel fear at this point..."

...

Hearing Ruohuan gongzi's words, the other master teachers in the surroundings sneered coldly.

The first one to enter tended to be at a disadvantage given that he wouldn't have any idea about what he could expect from the test. In their view, Zhang Xuan had cowered at the last moment and thus, Ruohuan gongzi tried to step forward in his place.

Furthermore, upon thinking of the latter's age and cultivation, their disdain only served to further deepen.

"Don't worry, the test will be fair. It doesn't matter whether you are the first one to enter or the final one to enter. The Qi Men Dun Jia in the Ghost Domain Illusory City is constantly changing, and it won't repeat itself. The encounter of the first challenger will be of no analytical value to the rest!"

Thinking that Zhang shi was worried about this issue, Hong shi chuckled. "Also, the offensive mechanisms in the artifact will automatically come to a halt within an incense's time. Thus, regardless of your cultivation realm, there'll be no threat to your life!"

"Don't worry, I can deal with it..."

Zhang Xuan turned to Ruohuan gongzi and reassured him.

The Ghost Domain Illusory City sounded fearsome, but it did little to faze him.

"You should enter now!" Hearing the lack of fear in Zhang Xuan's voice, a hint of commendation flashed across Hong shi's face as he beckoned the latter in.

"Un!"

Lifting his feet, Zhang Xuan walked into the entrance of the castle.

As Zhang Xuan disappeared into the entrance, a bitter smile slowly formed on Ruohuan gongzi's face. "I don't doubt that you will be able to deal with it, what I fear is that... the Ghost Domain Illusory City won't be able to deal with you..."

After the days he had spent with Zhang Xuan, he had gained a deep understanding of that fellow.

Even though he often looked confused, his incredible means could easily scare a person to death once he made a move.

Putting aside Elder Wu, Elder Bai, and the others who nearly went insane after being tortured physically and mentally from him, just the experience in the Glacier Plain Court spoke tons about him... They were supposed to cultivate in the Yin-Yang Lake, but before they could even see the Yin-Yang Lake, he had already sapped the seed water dry...

Common sense simply didn't seem to apply to him.

This Ghost Domain Illusory City looked formidable, but Ruohuan gongzi had little doubt that something could go awry given that Zhang Xuan was involved.

"Let's just hope that my thoughts are wrong..."

Grabbing his heart, Ruohuan gongzi thought.

"There's no need to worry. Given Zhang shi's extraordinary strength, he won't be in danger!"

Seeing the awful look on Ruohuan gongzi's face, Song Chao walked over to console.

Failing to meet Zhang Xuan the past few days, he often spent his time at the Master Teacher Pavilion, and at where, he became acquainted with Ruohuan gongzi.

Coming from similar backgrounds and having a common topic from their experiences in being 'wrecked' by Zhang shi, even though they were rivals, they couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to one another.

"Cough cough, I'm not worried that Zhang shi would be in danger but..." Halfway through his words, Ruohuan gongzi abruptly came to a halt. "I hope that I'm just overthinking it!"

"You're not worried that he will be in danger? What do you mean by that? It can't be that you're worried that the Ghost Domain Illusory City will be in danger?"

Before Song Chao could respond, a young man not too far away flung his sleeves and sneered, "What a joke!"

The duo turned around, only to see a young man with thick eyebrows and high nose bridge.

Ruohuan gongzi recognized the other party.

"Frigid Gale Sect's Liao Wuzhi. He is the second in ranking on the list of contenders to watch out for!"

Even though this young man's words were unpleasant to the ear, his capability wasn't to be underestimated.

He was the number one genius of Frigid Gale Sect, the second most popular contender for the champion seat in the Master Teacher Tournament.

Not knowing how to reply, Ruohuan gongzi replied awkwardly, "That... You shouldn't underestimate Zhang shi, he's quite formidable..."

"Formidable?" Liao Wuzhi harrumphed. "It's only because you don't know how fearsome the Ghost Domain Illusory City is!"

"Fearsome?" The duo was taken aback. "Could it be that Brother Liao knows something about it?"

"Of course! I once read an introduction about it in a book!" Tilting up his chin, a hint of pride gleamed in Liao Wuzhi's eyes.

Given how most pavilion masters were unaware of it, he could be considered to be knowledgeable for knowing it.

"The Ghost Domain Illusory City harnesses the concepts of Qi Men Dun Jia, which could be classified into Three Mystics, Eight Gates, and Six Jias. It contains the spirits of Zhifu, Tengshe, Taiyin, Liuhe, Baihu, Xuanhu, Jiudi, and Jiutian. Those who enter its premises would fall into an endless spiral of fear! Those who lack the appropriate temperament will find their mental fortitude breached and lose their confidence!"

With both his hands behind his back, Liao Wuzhi spoke with the composure and confidence reminiscent of a great strategist.

"I've heard of Zhang shi's affairs, and I'm indeed impressed by how he was able to become a 4-star master teacher at such a young age. Just the fact that he was able to defeat you, Ruohuan gongzi, means that he is indeed capable... But in the end, he's still too young. Furthermore, given his smooth-sailing life that lacks experiences of defeat, his mental fortitude must be lacking! This test... will likely be where he will be halted!"

As one of the strongest contender for the champion spot, his analytical ability was beyond ordinary.

Zhang shi might be young but being chosen as the candidate of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance meant that there was indeed something extraordinary about him. As such, Liao Wuzhi didn't look down on him just because of his age.

But while Zhang shi was indeed a genius, he was still way too young and had yet to mature yet. His weak mental fortitude would be his greatest opening.

This test would be the greatest difficulty he had ever faced.

"If my conjecture proves to be accurate, his mental fortitude will definitely be breached within five to ten minutes!" Liao Wuzhi predicted.

"Five to ten minutes?"

"Un! The Ghost Domain Illusory City is simply too formidable. Based on my calculation, even for me, I'll only be able to hold on for around an incense's time. In terms of that, the timing which Hong shi decided on for the test was indeed precise. It is unlikely that there'll be any participants who can persevere any longer than that! Given Zhang shi's young age, it would already be incredible if he could hold on for five minutes..."

Liao Wuzhi waved his hands proudly, and just as he was about to continue, he suddenly froze. As though he had seen a ghost, his body stiffened, eyes widened, and lips trembled uncontrollably.

"Wh-what... is going on?"