Library of Heaven's Path

by Little Merger

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

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Library of Heaven's Path #Chapter 801: Xu Changqings Shock - Read Library of Heaven's Path Chapter 801: Xu Changqings Shock Online - All Page - NOVEL NEXT

Chapter 801: Xu Changqing's Shock

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"You..." Hearing those words and seeing the other party's disdainful gaze, Xu Changqing's face turned livid in fury.

Even though the Martial Arts School was ranked sixth in the academy, standing behind the Physician School, it was still a huge power in Hongyuan City. On top of that, within the Ten Great Master Teachers, in terms of one-to-one combat, even if he wasn't ranked first, he was at least in the top three!

Yet, the other party didn't recognize him and even asked him for money?

And that wasn't the worst yet! The other party actually said that he was broke?

Broke your head!

How could someone dare to come to the Martial Arts School without even knowing who the school head is? Where did this freak come from?

Reining his anger back in, Xu Changqing said, "I am just here to take a look, not to listen to the lecture!"

As the head of the Martial Arts School, he must maintain a bearing worthy of such. He couldn't possibly fight with the other party over a mere insult.

"Take a look?" The plump man assessed him doubtfully.

Xu Changqing nodded as he stroked his beard, bringing out the disposition of an enlightened expert.

He had already made it so obvious. The other party couldn't possibly not recognize him after this.

"Alright then!"

The plump man seemed to have realized something, and he put the basket on the floor and said, "You may enter!"

"Thank you." Seeing that the other party had finally realized his true identity, Xu Changqing nodded in satisfaction and raised his leg to walk through the door. However, before he could step into the courtyard, he suddenly heard the quiet mutterings of the plump man.

"What the heck, why is he putting up such a front? If he has no money, he should just say so! Taking a look... he sure has some cheek to say such shameless words. Who doesn't know that he's going in to learn? Is there anyone more brazen than him? To think that a person like him could become a master teacher as well... The standard sure has dropped!"

The plump man's disdain for Xu Changqing couldn't be any more obvious from his words and tone.

"You..." Xu Changqing staggered, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

He was the head of the Martial Arts School, one of the Ten Great Master Teachers! To be told that he was shameless to his face... Burning fury welled up within him, and he felt as if he was going to go insane.

He had never met anyone as infuriating as the plump man before.

Didn't you see the disposition of an expert that I displayed up just now? Shouldn't my identity be obvious after that?

"Fine! I'll pay!" Knowing that he would only be angered to death for arguing with such a fellow, and it would only drag down his reputation if he were to really squabble with him, Xu Changqing gritted his teeth and threw a spirit stone into the basket.

The spirit stone that just fell into the basket had a brilliant glow, and the overwhelming concentration of spiritual energy in it induced a disturbance in the spiritual energy in the surroundings.

"A high-tier spirit stone?" The plump man's eyes lit up.

He had thought that the other party was just another broke geezer trying to sneak into the lecture, but who could have known that he would whip out a high-tier spirit stone in the next instant... In the end, not only was that fellow not broke, he was even a wealthy man!

"I can go in now, right?" Xu Changqing harrumphed in displeasure.

"Wait, let me get your change. A high-tier spirit stone is worth around 10,000 middle-tier spirit stones, and the cost of the lesson is 200 middle-tier spirit stones. So, I'll return... 9,800 middle-tier spirit stones to you!" the plump man said as his hands fumbled through the basket to take out spirit stones to return the change to the other party.

"There's no need for it!" Xu Changqing waved his hands haughtily.

A high-tier spirit stone might be an invaluable treasure in the eyes of others, but as one of the Ten Great Master Teachers, a Saint realm 1-dan pinnacle expert, it was nothing much to him.

"Great! It just so happens that I don't have the money to give the change to you too!" the plump man said with glowing eyes.

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"..." Once again, Xu Changqing felt a stifled feeling in his chest.

What the heck was this...

How could a man be so shameless!

Why did Xue Zhenyang bring such a fellow here? Wasn't this a clear disgrace to the Martial Arts School?

The more he thought about it, the more furious Xu Changqing felt. Suppressing his urge to slap the plump man to death, he entered the backyard. However, before he could get far, the plump man behind him shouted, "Look, the slightly aged student ahead has generously given us a tip of 9,800 middle-tier spirit stones. You should all learn from his example!"

Xu Changqing's eyebrows twitched uncontrollably, and he nearly lost his sanity in that very instant.

Tip?

Learn from my example?

He was only intending to sneak here to see what was going on and teach Xue Zhenyang a harsh lesson. But somehow, he ended up becoming yet another student coming here to listen to the lecture, and he even paid an additional tip for it...

The heck!

He wouldn't be able to cleanse his reputation now even if he were to jump into the Hongyuan Lake!

And as he had expected, the next moment, the students in the area turned their gazes to him.

"It's School Head Xu..."

"Not only did School Head Xu come, he even paid the school fee and gave such a huge tip to them?"

"Impressive! It looks like he acknowledges the formidable prowess of Zheng laoshi, Liu laoshi, and Wang laoshi as well!"

"Indeed..."

...

Seeing that even their school head had attended the lecture and paid a generous tip for it, a huge commotion broke out amidst the crowd.

Two of the students of the Martial Arts School rushed up to him and invited him to the front. "School head, you are here as well! The front seats are better, so why don't you come over here?"

Xu Changqing's body swayed weakly, and his vision darkened.

Front seats are better...

I am here to cause trouble, not to listen to the lecture!

"Indeed, school head. Our faction leader is currently waiting for you there, so why don't we head there together?" another student added.

"Faction leader? Fine, let's see what in the world is he up to!"

Xu Changqing felt so stifled that he could vomit blood.

However, it would only be more embarrassing if he were to remain there as a spectacle for the other students. Thus, he decided to find his wretched disciple and teach him a lesson instead.

Squeezing through the crowd, they soon arrived at the front row before the podium.

"Teacher, you are here!" Upon seeing Xu Changqing, Xue Zhenyang immediately bowed respectfully.

"Just what in the world are you up to?" On the other hand, as soon as Xu Changqing caught sight of Xue Zhenyang, all of the fury that had been bubbling within him came bursting forth.

Instead of answering his teacher's question, Xue Zhenyang pointed to the podium and said, "Teacher, calm down. Try listening to the lecture first..."

"Listen to the lecture?" As angry as Xu Changqing was, seeing at the entranced looks of the students in the area, he still decided to suppress his rage and turned his attention to the stage.

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The one who was currently lecturing was a young lady only sixteen or seventeen years old. She had a beautiful face which was on par with even the school belles such as Hu Yaoyao and Dong Xin.

"... In essence, leg arts can be defined as the movement of one's legs and feet. As we know, walking and running can also be considered leg and foot movements as well. If we can regard these casual movements as a means to cultivate our leg arts as well, we will surely be able to further refine our mastery of leg arts..."

"Most of leg arts that we cultivate is focused on technique. Take for example the Whirlwind Kick, Hanyang Kick, and Raging Adamantium Kick... There are simply far too many leg arts that I can list that can be classified under this category. However, this is a gross misinterpretation of the essence of leg arts. The core function of a leg is to move, so naturally, in order to bring out the true strength of a leg art, we should not focus merely on the technique of the kick but..."

The young lady spoke clearly and fluently, showing no hint of nervousness or her usual shyness at all.

Xu Changqing initially thought nothing of it, but the more he listened, the more shocked he became. Eventually, his face started to twitch in agitation.

One could recognize a true expert the moment they made a move.

As the head of the Martial Arts School, as well as a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, he possessed deep insight into the comprehension of battle techniques. Even though the other party only spoke about the basics of leg arts, her words precisely hit the nail on the head, guiding him directly to the core of leg arts.

In fact, her understanding on some aspects was even deeper than his!

It could be said that even if Xu Changqing were to take her place, he would be unable to do as well as her!

Is this... really just the foundation of leg arts? There are actually so many variations to the basics of leg art? After hearing for a moment longer, Xu Changqing couldn't help but frown.

Unconventional had become the new convention of martial arts. It was important to make one's battle techniques complex or unorthodox in order to catch one's opponent's off guard.

On the other hand, the young lady was speaking of the orthodox martial arts, leaving out all of the unorthodox variations and maneuvers that most cultivators would incorporate into their movements.

But for some reason, despite the simplicity of the moves she was explaining, it felt as if that was the best way to draw out the maximum prowess out of a leg art.

"... However, one issue with any leg art is the difficulty to put one's full strength into a kick. Thus, I will be imparting a basic leg art to you that will allow you to gather the full strength of your body into your legs, allowing you to display the full might of your cultivation toward your opponent..." the young lady on the podium explained.

"Most martial arts require one leg to support the body and another one to strike the opponent. Naturally, this results in one's strength being divided between the two legs, thus reducing the strength of one's kick significantly. However, if one could put exert one's full prowess into a kick..." As the notion struck Xu Changqing, his eyes lit up in excitement

He immediately pricked up his ears and listened intently. A moment later, he slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Indeed! If one were to execute a leg art in such a manner, that would solve the issue perfectly! This enhances the might and the speed of the kick, making it far deadlier than before!

"As simple as the technique is, it embodies the essence of leg arts. This is a perfect demonstration of how all battle techniques are built upon foundations..."

Musing over the content of the young lady's words, Xu Changqing's heart leaped in excitement.

While the content lectured by the other party might not be as profound as his, it was a perfect interpretation of the basics of leg arts. Even he would benefit greatly if he were to cultivate according to what the other party had said. At the same time, it also gave him a deep insight into the way to further his mastery of battle techniques.

"Teacher, what's wrong?" Xue Zhenyang asked with a slight smile, seeing his teacher's expression.

When he invited Zheng laoshi, Senior Aunt Wang, and Senior Uncle Liu over, he knew that his teacher would surely be enraged at his actions. Nevertheless, he still chose to do so because he had deep trust in their capabilities.

And he was right. In just a short moment, his teacher was also entranced by the lecture.

Honestly speaking, even though the three of them weren't master teachers, their understanding of battle techniques far exceeded any master teacher he had met before. If they were to cultivate according to the methods they had proposed, they would be able to build an impeccable foundation for their battle techniques, and that would in turn allow them to advance their mastery of battle techniques swiftly.

It was as if they were parting aside the clouds and showing them a whole new world above for them to reach for. How could anyone possibly not be taken in by that?

"Impressive!" Xu Changqing nodded. "I never expected that there would be a person who could have such a thorough and deep interpretation of the basics of battle techniques... To be able to listen to such a lecture for just two hundred middle-tier spirit stones, this is definitely a huge bargain!"

To master teachers like them, middle-tier spirit stones weren't anything much. Most seniors in the academy would have hundreds in their storage rings.

It was more than worthwhile to pay this small sum to listen to such an exciting lesson.

Through this lecture, many students would gain a refreshing insight into battle techniques, and the rise of the Martial Arts School wouldn't be too far away!

"Indeed!" Xue Zhenyang nodded in agreement.

If he wasn't deeply impressed by Zheng Yang's understanding of spearmanship, how could he, a top genius of the Master Teacher Academy, possibly be willing to take a person who was several decades younger than him as his teacher?

At that moment, Xu Changqing suddenly asked, "Zhenyang, what is the background of the young lady on the podium?"

"I'm not too sure about the details either. I happened to meet them while I was walking through the streets of Hongyuan City yesterday... Why? Is Teacher interested in taking her in as your direct disciple?" Xue Zhenyang asked.

"Taking her in as my direct disciple?" Xu Changqing sighed deeply and shook his head. "With her deep understanding of battle techniques, how am I qualified to be her teacher? What I intend to do is to invite her to become the Martial Art School's...

"... guest elder!"

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Chapter 802: I'm Not Selling It Anymore!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Guest elder?" Xue Zhenyang widened his eyes in shock.

Even though guest elders might not wield as much authority as other elders in the academy, they had a higher standing than them.

This was because they were formidable figures outside who had been invited to join the academy in order to boost its prestige and reputation.

For example, the emperor of Hongyuan Empire also held the position of a guest elder in the academy. Occasionally, he would visit the academy to conduct a lesson or two for the students, imparting his comprehension of cultivation to them.

For a seventeen-year-old young lady to become a guest elder of the academy... Wasn't that a little too exaggerated?

"That's right. She is more than qualified for it!" Xu Changqing nodded seriously.

It wasn't on a whim that he had made this decision. He had already considered the various complications before saying it.

The other party was able to distill profound concepts into simple and direct explanations, provoking the listeners to think deeper into them.

If such figures could become the guest elders of the Martial Arts School, they would definitely be able to attract more and more students to join them, enhancing the prowess and influence of the school.

In time, it could overtake the Physician School, Beast Tamer School, and perhaps even the Apothecary School to become the number school of the Master Teacher Academy!

The crux of a master teacher lay in clarifying doubts and imparting knowledge. In view of that, very few of them paid little regard to furthering their understanding of battle techniques. On top of that, advancing one's mastery of battle techniques took great effort, and it was highly dependent on aptitude as well. What made things even worse was that it wasn't a supporting occupation, making it a non-crucial aspect in raising one's master teacher rank...

As a result, despite being an impressive school that raised the fighting prowess of its students, there were very few who opted to join it, putting it in the bottom half of the ten schools, ranking above only the less popular supporting occupations such as the Celestial Designer School, Painter School, Demonic Tunist School, and Terpsichore School.

This was truly a disheartening sight.

All along, Xu Changqing had been dreaming of making the Martial Arts School bigger, and with an opportunity standing right before him, he would have to be a fool to not grasp it!

"Alright. I think it would still be best for Teacher to bring this issue up with them personally, so I will invite them to Teacher's room once Senior Wang's lecture ends," Xue Zhenyang said.

As he was the one who had invited Zheng laoshi, Senior Aunt Wang, and Senior Uncle Liu here, if the three of them could become guest elders of the school, it would reflect well on him as well.

With such backing in the academy, his standing would rise as a result as well. By then, wouldn't it just be a walk in the park for him to teach a freshman a lesson?

"Okay." Xu Changqing nodded before leaving the courtyard and walking to a room not too far away.

Sometime later, the door to the room opened, and Xue Zhenyang walked in with Wang Ying, Zheng Yang, and Liu Yang behind him.

"Zheng laoshi, Senior Aunt Wang, Senior Uncle Liu, this is my teacher, the head of the Martial Arts School, School Head Xu!

"Teacher, this is Zheng Yang laoshi. I am currently studying spearmanship from him. This is Senior Aunt Wang Ying, you saw her on the podium just now. And this is Senior Uncle Liu Yang!" Xue Zhenyang hurriedly introduced them to one another.

"School head?" Zheng Yang and the others glanced at one another with widened eyes.

When they heard that someone was interested in meeting them, they were still wondering who it would be. They had never expected that it would be the head of the Martial Arts School.

"There's no need to be alarmed. The reason I have invited you here is to offer you the positions of guest elders at our Martial Arts School," Xu Changqing said with a kind smile.

"Guest elders?" Zheng Yang and the others were taken aback by those words.

They were still students learning under Zhang laoshi themselves, and yet in the blink of an eye, they were going to become guest elders of the great Master Teacher Academy? Were they dreaming?

Wasn't this honor far too great for them?

"Yes!" Xu Changqing nodded. "May I know if you are willing to accept the offer?"

"Of course we are!" Zheng Yang and the others immediately nodded their heads in excitement.

"That's good. I'll make the application right now, and I should be able to give you your identity tokens by today afternoon at the latest!" Seeing that he had their approval, Xu Changqing nodded in satisfaction.

After chatting for a moment longer, Xu Changqing took his leave.

Soon, only Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and Liu Yang were left in the room.

The trio glanced at one another with a dazed look in their eyes, seemingly still unable to believe what had just happened.

A moment later, Wang Ying couldn't help but ask, "This... We became elders of the academy, but Zhang laoshi is still a student here... How are we going to report this matter to him?"

"This..." Zheng Yang and Liu Yang also scratched their heads in distress.

They had been so overwhelmed by excitement upon hearing the invitation that they accepted it immediately without considering the implications.

It was only after calming down that they realized the absurdity of the situation. For them to become elders of the academy when their teacher, Zhang Xuan, was still a student himself... No matter how one looked at it, the matter just seemed ridiculous.

"This... Why don't we hide it from him for the time being? We will just take each day as it comes..." Zheng Yang proposed after a moment of silence.

Escape is always the easiest solution in times of dilemma. Without any hesitation, Wang Ying and Liu Yang nodded. "Let's do that!"

It wasn't that they really wanted to hide it from Zhang Xuan, but... how were they supposed to bring up such a matter with him?

...

"What did you say? School Head Xu promoted those youngsters whom Xue Zhenyang brought over as guest elders?" Hearing the report, Dong Xin and Long Cangyue nearly fainted.

They had thought that School Head Xu would surely teach Xue Zhenyang a lesson, but who could have known that... he would actually make those youngsters into guest elders of the Martial Arts School!

How was that possible?

Was it a joke?

"It's true! Not only that, I heard that School Head Xu went into seclusion as soon as he returned from the True Helios Faction, only appearing later in the night... According to the rumors, he gained new insight into battle techniques, and in a spar with Vice School Head Chen, he managed to defeat the latter in a single strike..." the student continued.

"Defeated Vice School Head Chen in a single strike?"

"Even though Vice School Head Chen's strength wasn't on par with School Head Xu, there wasn't a large disparity between their fighting prowess. In the previous spars, it would take them several dozens of blows before the victor would emerge. Yet, a single blow..." Dong Xin's eyes were filled in incredulity. "Are those youngsters whom Xue Zhenyang invited over really that formidable?"

"I'm not too sure, but I heard that everyone who attended the lecture has achieved a breakthrough of some kind, and the overall strength of the True Helios Faction has been raised significantly!" the student replied.

"I see..."

Long Cangyue and Dong Xin tightly clenched their fists. "It seems like we will have to be careful of the True Helios Faction!"

A similar scene was occurring in the other student factions across the academy as well, and even the teachers were alarmed by the matter.

For three youngsters who weren't even twenty to become guest elders of the academy, this was unprecedented in the history of the Master Teacher Academy.

In an instant, the matter became a hot topic within the academy, and many freshmen also learned of the matter as well.

However, while most people in the academy learned about the new young guest elders in the Martial Arts School, very few knew the names of the guest elders or their background.

...

While a huge ruckus had broken out due to the three new guest elders, Zhang Xuan had also finally returned back to the academy.

The deadline which Vice School Head You set was two days. I should still be able to make it in time!

As soon as Zhang Xuan entered the academy, he didn't return to his residence in the Elite Sector but headed straight to the Tower of Physicians.

Even though Wei Ruyan's condition had stabilized after he had nourished her soul, the stable condition wouldn't last for too long. Treatment still had to be conducted as soon as possible or else her life would be at risk once again.

Zhang Xuan had already made a promise to the deceased Wei Changfeng... Regardless of what happened, he was determined to obtain the Ten-leafed Flower.

Soon, Zhang Xuan reached the Tower of Physicians. He headed straight for Vice School Head's residence and knocked on the door.

It was Sun Yuan who opened the door.

"You..." Upon seeing Zhang Xuan, Sun Yuan was astonished.

He knew very well how dangerous the Cloudmist Ridge was. How could he possibly still be fine after heading to such a place?

"I am here to meet Vice School Head You!" Zhang Xuan said.

Considering that Vice School Head You intentionally ordered Wei Changfeng to pick the Cloudmist Flower despite knowing the dangers there, it was obvious that he had intended to pick on him.

As furious as Zhang Xuan was, for Wei Ruyan's sake, he decided to rein in his fury for the time being.

The Ten-leafed Flower was a rare saint herb that had the ability to heal one's soul. In the entire Hongyuan City, it was likely that Vice School Head You would be the only one who possessed it.

Wei Changfeng had already given up his life for it, Zhang Xuan couldn't let his perseverance and sacrifice go in vain.

Recovering from his daze after a moment, Sun Yuan invited nodded and gestured for Zhang Xuan to enter. "Please enter..."

Soon, he met Vice School Head You in his main hall.

"Vice School Head You, here is a Cloudmist Flower. As promised, I have brought it to you within two days!" Without even bothering with pleasantries, Zhang Xuan immediately flicked his wrist and took out a jade box containing the flower which Wei Changfeng had procured at the cost of his life.

"You obtained it?" Vice School Head was taken aback. He took he jade box over and opened it.

A mysterious mist rose from the jade box, and the flower within exuded a refreshing fragrance that left one's cells moaning in comfort.

Even without undergoing processing, the Cloudmist Flower was still an incredible plant with therapeutic effects.

"This is indeed the Cloudmist Flower!" Vice School Head You nodded.

"Since you have confirmed it, may I trade it for the Ten-leafed Flower now?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"I would have loved to do so, but that won't do!" Vice School You shook his head. "What I want is a living Cloudmist Flower which I can cultivate, but the one you have procured for me is already dead. You didn't fulfill my request, so how can I trade it for the Ten-leafed Flower? If you really want it, bring me a living Cloudmist Flower!"

"A living Cloudmist Flower?" Zhang Xuan's face darkened.

The other party didn't say anything of that sort when they made the deal two days ago!

Yet, at this instant, he was using this kind of excuse to reject it. It was clear that he had no intention of giving the Ten-leafed Flower to them in the first place!

"Fine, if a living Cloudmist Flower is what you want, a living Cloudmist Flower is what you will get..." Even though Zhang Xuan was furious, he knew that it would do him no good to fall out with You Xu right now.

He would have to hold himself back until he obtained the Ten-leafed Flower from the other party.

Thus, he took the jade box back from Vice School Head You's hands and infused a surge of his Heaven's Path zhenqi into the Cloudmist Flower.

At the same time, he secretly took out a droplet of Earth Vein Spirit Essence and dripped it on its stalk.

Even though it had been a day since the Cloudmist Flower had been harvested, it still managed to retain its freshness as it was stored in the jade box.

As long as Zhang Xuan could nourish it with his Heaven's Path zhenqi and Earth Vein Spirit Essence, it should be possible for him to revive it.

As expected, under the nurturing of his zhenqi and the Earth Vein Spirit Essence, the slightly withered Ten-leafed Flower began to recover, and it started to exude an incredible fragrance.

"The Cloudmist Flower came back to life?" Sun Yuan was stunned.

Even Vice School Head You was dumbstruck by the scene before him as well.

In the very first place, he had no intentions of selling the Ten-leafed Flower at all. He only brought up the Cloudmist Flower as an excuse to deal with Wei Changfeng and Zhang Xuan.

He had thought that he would be able to force Zhang Xuan to back off by insisting that the Cloudmist Flower had to be alive, but in the blink of an eye, that fellow actually succeeded in doing so!

"Alright. Now that the Cloudmist Flower is alive, you should be able to trade the Ten-leafed Flower for it now, right?" Heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Xuan passed the jade box back to Vice School Head You.

"Not bad. Since the Cloudmist Flower is alive, I can trade it for the Ten-leafed Flower. However... my Ten-leafed Flower isn't mature yet, so I can't give it to you right now!"

Vice School Head You shook his head and said, "From the current look of it, it'll take around ten years for the Ten-leafed Flower to mature. So, I'm afraid that you will have to come back in ten years..."

"Ten years?"

Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed in fury. "At the very start, you said that you would trade the Ten-leafed Flower for a Cloudmist Flower as long as we brought one over within two days. When I brought one over, you suddenly insisted that it had to be alive. Now that I have revived it, you started saying that I'll have to wait ten years for it. What if you were to come up with some other excuse after ten years?"

"Are you doubting my integrity? Humph! Someone like you who has no respect for your elders wants to buy my Ten-leafed Flower?"

Vice School Head You's face darkened as he flung his sleeves. "Leave! I won't be selling my Ten-leafed Flower anymore!"

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Chapter 803: A Hundred Thousand Academic Credits?

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"You won't be selling your Ten-leafed Flower?" Hearing the other party's words, Zhang Xuan's face turned livid.

If not for this fellow, Wei Changfeng wouldn't have died!

And despite all that had happened, he still refused to sell his Ten-leafed Flower?

Indeed! When a master teacher acted shameless, they could be even more fearsome than the saint beasts of Cloudmist Ridge!

"That's right!" Vice School Head You waved his hands impatiently. "I don't have the habit of selling immature herbs. Leave!"

Knowing that Wei Ruyan's life was at stake, Zhang Xuan forcefully suppressed the rage bubbling within him and said, "In other words, the reason you are unwilling to sell the Ten-leafed Flower to me is because it isn't mature yet. So, if it matures, you will sell it to me?"

"That's right!" Vice School Head You nodded. "The medicinal properties of a herb will only be drawn out upon maturity, so as a physician, how can I sell an immature herb to another? I am not intentionally picking on you. As a master teacher, you should understand the logic behind this as well!"

"I see. Since you insist that you won't sell an immature plant, I shall make it mature this very instant then!"

Glancing at the other party coldly, Zhang Xuan walked to the Ten-leafed Flower in the herb garden, dabbed a few droplets of the Earth Vein Spirit Essence on it, and infused his Heaven's Path zhenqi into it afterward.

Even though the Earth Vein Spirit Essence could speed up the growth of the Ten-leafed Flower as well, it would still take a day before it matured. By pairing it with his Heaven's Path zhenqi, Zhang Xuan could further speed up the maturing process.

Indeed. With the Heaven's Path zhenqi and Earth Vein Spirit Essence infused to the Ten-leafed Flower, the saint herb began growing at a visible pace. Within ten minutes, ten beautiful flowers had bloomed on the ten leaves of the herb, and an invigorating fragrance drifted around it.

"This..." Sun Yuan widened his eyes in shock.

As a saint herb, the Ten-leafed Flower would ordinarily require at least ten years of cultivation before it could bloom. Yet, the other party succeeded in just ten minutes... Just how did he do it?

"Vice School Head You, since the Ten-leafed Flower has matured, you should be able to sell it now, right?" Zhang Xuan stood up and said.

At that instant, Vice School Head You's face was already completely livid.

When he said that the other party had to trade his Ten-leafed Flower for a Cloudmist Flower, the other party succeeded in bringing a Cloudmist Flower. When he said that the Cloudmist Flower had to be alive, the other party revived it. When he said that he couldn't sell it as the Ten-leafed Flower hadn't matured yet, the other party matured it on the spot... Was the other party actually there to slap his face?

Seeing the other party's grave expression, Zhang Xuan asked impassively, "What? Now that the Ten-leafed Flower has matured, is Vice School You thinking of another reason to reject me?"

"Humph! I brought this Ten-leafed Flower up painstakingly. If I insist on not selling it, will you snatch it from me?" Vice School You's eyebrows shot up.

"How could I dare to snatch the possession of a vice school head?" Zhang Xuan shook his head. With a sharp glint in his eyes, he stared at Vice School Head You Xu intently and said, "I will ask you one last time. Are you certain that you won't sell the Ten-leafed Flower to me?"

"That's right! I would rather my Ten-leafed Flower rot in the herb garden than sell it to someone as disrespectful and unruly as you!" Vice School Head You harrumphed.

"Very well!"

Zhang Xuan turned around decisively and left the residence.

"He left just like that?"

Vice School Head You had thought that the other party would cause a ruckus over this issue, but he simply left without saying a word. Taking this entire scene into sight, Sun Yuan couldn't help but say, "Teacher, it's just a Ten-leafed Flower. Since he has already gone that far, why don't you just sell it to him? There is really no need to make things so awkward..."

"Audacious! Are you trying to preach to me?" Vice School Head You Xu frowned in displeasure.

"I dare not!" Sun Yuan clasped his fist. "I heard that that fellow has caused quite a bit of trouble in the academy. I fear that... if we offend him, it might bring trouble upon us as well!"

"What a joke! I, You Xu, a Saint realm expert and the vice head of the Physician School, should fear him? After all the things I have gone through, do you think that I would fear a mere student?" Vice School Head You sneered coldly.

"But..." Sun Yuan was still worried.

There had to be something special about that fellow for him to win the favor of Pavilion Master Mo, School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and School Head Ran. If his teacher were to offend him, wouldn't that mean falling out with the three school heads and the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion as well?

Vice School Head You harrumphed coldly. "No buts. If you're truly worried, why don't you follow that fellow then? If he dares to defame and spread malicious rumors about me before School Head Mo and the others, capture him immediately. I shall have him punished severely for slandering a higher ranked master teacher!"

"This..." Sun Yuan was a little hesitant.

"What are you waiting for? It is a huge sin for a lower ranked master teacher to comment blindly on the actions of a higher ranked master teacher. Since he's a lower ranked master teacher, he should act like one! If he really dares to defame me before others, he's simply courting death!" Vice School Head You waved his hands impatiently.

"Yes, Teacher!" Since his teacher had already said so, there was nothing else Sun Yuan could do. Nodding, Sun Yuan backed out of the residence.

It was indeed a crime for a lower ranked master teacher to gossip about the actions of a higher ranked master teacher without any concrete evidence. This was a rule in order to maintain order in the Master Teacher Pavilion. Considering that Zhang Xuan was only a 4-star master teacher whereas his teacher was a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, Zhang Xuan could indeed be taken away if he dared to defame his teacher.

After leaving the residence, Sun Yuan looked around and found the back silhouette of Zhang shi a short distance away. Discreetly, he followed behind the other party.

Even though he didn't approve of his teacher's way of dealing with this matter, he dared not defy his teacher's orders.

Will he find School Head Mo first or School Head Zhao? Sun Yuan thought as he followed Zhang Xuan from a distance away.

He had heard quite a few rumors regarding Zhang Xuan over the past few days. School Head Zhao, School Head Mo, and School Head Wei all gave him preferential treatment. If Zhang Xuan intended to deal with his teacher, it was likely that he would seek one of them to back him.

However, given the esteemed standing of those three and the fact that they weren't from the school, the most that they would do was serve as mediators for this conflict. In order to maintain harmony in the academy, it was unlikely that they would do anything to his teacher.

I think it is more likely for him to find School Head Zhao. After all, the Blacksmith School is the second largest school in the academy, so School Head Zhao is in a better position to exert pressure on my teacher... Sun Yuan deduced.

To his surprise, however, he suddenly saw the young man walking straight through the entrance of the Tower of Physicians.

Hmm? Why is he going to the Tower of Physicians? Sun Yuan blinked blankly in astonishment.

Shouldn't the young man be running to the other schools to complain to the school heads and have them stand up for him? Why did he head to the Tower of Physicians instead?

I should follow him to take a look! Sun Yuan hurriedly followed him.

There was a huge crowd travelling into and out of the Tower of Physicians. Shortly after Zhang Xuan walked in, he disappeared amidst the sea of people. Sun Yuan searched the surroundings for some time but to no avail. Left with no choice, he headed right to the front reception.

It was a young lady who was manning the reception. Upon seeing Sun Yuan, she clasped her fist and bowed. "Sun laoshi..."

It was the same lady who had led Zhang Xuan to Vice School Head You's residence that day.

"Hello. Have you seen Zhang Xuan around here?" Sun Yuan asked.

"Zhang Xuan?" The receptionist was slightly taken aback by the question.

"It's the young man whom you brought to meet Vice School Head You that day!" Sun Yuan frowned.

"H-he... is Zhang Xuan?" The receptionist covered her mouth in shock, and her eyes twinkled with excitement, as if having seen her idol.

Over the past few days, there was probably not a single person in the academy who hadn't heard of the name 'Zhang Xuan'.

Seeing the excited look on the other party's face, Sun Yuan was rendered speechless. He coughed loudly to regain the other party's attention before asking, "Cough! So, did you see him?"

What the heck is wrong with this?

As a senior, do you really need to be admire a freshman like that?

Even if you do, the least you can do is not to express it so clearly in public!

"I did. He took an application form from me, saying that he intends to challenge the Wall of Dilemma to earn some Academic Credits!" the receptionist replied.

"He intends to earn some Academic Credits at the Wall of Dilemma?" Sun Yuan was stunned for a moment before shaking his head with a sigh.

The Wall of Dilemma was also known as the Wall of Incurable Illnesses, and it could be found in every Physician Guild.

Usually, difficult illnesses encountered which no existing physicians in a certain guild were able to treat would be listed on the wall so as to encourage the later generations to muse over the problem and solve it with their own capability. However, it was not without reason that these illnesses were known as 'incurable'.

The success rate of the challengers was extremely slim, and only a handful of physicians in history had succeeded in resolving even one illness on the Wall of Dilemma.

In a sense, this was similar to the Blacksmith School's Passageway of Records. There might be many people challenging it each year, but how many of them succeeded in beating the existing record?

"That's right!" the receptionist replied.

I thought that he would head straight to the Blacksmith School to look up School Head Zhao. Who would have thought that he would challenge the Wall of Dilemma instead... What is he up to?

Just as Sun Yuan was plagued with doubts, a buzz so loud that it caused even the ground to tremor echoed throughout the Tower of Physicians.

"What is going on?"

As the center of the Physician School, the Tower of Physicians was built with the most resilient materials. Unless something major had happened, a building this stable couldn't possibly shake.

"Hurry up, let's go and take a look. The Wall of Dilemma has collapsed!"

"The Wall of Dilemma collapsed? But isn't it just a communication tool with the Physician Guild headquarters? How did it collapse?"

"I heard that someone has just challenged the Wall of Dilemma, and within ten minutes, he managed to solve all of the illnesses listed on it. Due to the sheer speed he solved the problems at, the Wall of Dilemma was unable to catch up and eventually collapsed..."

"Unable to catch up?"

"Indeed! Information transfer over long distance is a very energy-consuming process. The Wall of Dilemma uses high-tier spirit stones in order to process the information written on our side and transfer it over to the headquarter. Yet, I heard that the current challenger solved several hundred illnesses written on the wall within ten minutes... Every single one of the illnesses written on the Wall of Dilemma is complex and requires a thorough treatment method. As a result, the sheer amount of information the Wall of Dilemma had to process resulted in a burden exceeding its limit, thus eventually causing its collapse..."

...

Just as Sun Yuan was perplexed by the situation before him, he heard discussions ahead of him, and the crowd abruptly began rushing toward the Wall of Dilemma to watch the commotion.

He solved the problems so quickly that the Wall of Dilemma was unable to handle it and collapsed? Sun Yuan widened his eyes, unable to believe what he had just heard.

Was that even possible?

He had attempted the problems on the Wall of Dilemma before, and every single one of them was exceedingly difficult. Even if his teacher was here today, he would find it hard to solve even a single problem without pondering over it for several days. How could there exist a person who could solve all of the questions within ten minutes?

Could that person be... Zhang Xuan?

Suddenly, Sun Yuan recalled the words of the receptionist and subconsciously turned his gaze over, only to see the latter with widened eyes.

"Is there anyone else who challenged the Wall of Dilemma today?" Sun Yuan hurriedly asked.

"No. He's the only one..." the receptionist replied with a dazed look in her eyes, as if she couldn't believe what had just happened either.

"Is it really him?" Sun Yuan muttered under his breath as he felt his heart turning cold in apprehension. Unable to hold himself back, he instructed, "Take me over to have a look!"

Thus, the duo rushed over to the Wall of Dilemma, only to see the huge room being reduced to shambles, and smoke was currently puffing out of it.

A middle-aged man climbed out from the ruins with a face caked with dust.

Sun Yuan hurriedly walked up to ask, "Hu shi, what happened?"

Hu shi was also a Vice School Head You Xu's student, as well as his junior. He was in charge of looking after the Wall of Dilemma.

"It's Zhang Xuan. He came here and solved all of the problems on the Wall of Dilemma... Due to accumulating too many Academic Credits, the system exceeded its limit, resulting in the entire room's collapse!" Hu shi explained with quivering lips.

"Accumulated too many Academic Credits?" Sun Yuan was taken aback.

"Indeed. It's not like you don't know the situation with the Wall of Dilemma. In order to encourage students to challenge it, it's set in a manner such that the more questions one solves in a given period of time, the more Academic Credits one will be awarded. If a person solved a question in two hours, they would earn one Academic Credits. If a person solved two questions, they would earn two Academic Credits for the second question, thus earning a total of three Academic Credits. Going by this pattern, a person who solves three questions will earn six Academic Credits, so on and so forth..." Hu shi explained.

Sun Yuan nodded.

There was indeed such a rule for the Wall of Dilemma.

The faster one solved the problems, the more Academic Credits one would earn. This system was implemented to challenge the analytical ability of students. After all, it was common for a physician to be overloaded with patients, so it was imperative for physicians to be able to formulate a treatment method using minimal time as well so that they could treat more patients.

"That Zhang Xuan managed to solve more than five hundred questions within five minutes... As a result, the Academic Credits he earned were far more than the number the entire Physician School possessed at the moment. On top of that, the system was also overclocked, thus resulting in the current state of affairs..." Hu shi explained.

"He earned more Academic Credits than the entire Physician School possesses?" Hearing those words, Sun Yuan felt his vision turning dark, and he nearly fainted on the spot.

"Are you saying that... he actually earned more than 100,000 Academic Credits?"

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Chapter 804: Sun Yuan's Mental Breakdown

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

As Academic Credits were the currency of the academy, their distribution had to be regulated to avoid inflation. Thus, every ten years, the ten schools would be given a set number of Academic Credits to distribute to the students.

The amount was determined by many factors, such as the total number of students in the school, the number of occupation promotions in recent years, the accomplishments of its students...

As the fifth largest school in the academy, judging from recent history, it would usually be given at least a hundred thousand Academic Credits to distribute for the following ten years.

As students spent their Academic Credits on using the services of the Physician School, such as accessing the library or purchasing valuable herbs in the school, the Physician School would earn back the Academic Credits, forming a mini economy in itself.

Given that Zhang Xuan could cause the Wall of Dilemma to be unable to process the distribution of Academic Credits, resulting in a severe error that caused its collapse... That could only mean to say that the Academic Credits he had earned exceeded a hundred thousand!

That was the entire budget the Physician School had to live off for the next ten years!

And yet, it was gone in an instant...

If there aren't enough Academic Credits for the teachers to distribute to the students as rewards for the missions and tasks... Darn it, the Physician School is in deep trouble... Realizing the implications of Zhang Xuan's actions, Sun Yuan's mouth twitched violently, and he nearly burst into tears.

His teacher, You Xu, happened to be in charge of regulating the distribution of Academic Credits in the Physician School. For ten years' worth of Academic Credits to be earned by a single individual... This meant that they had no more Academic Credits to award to the other students!

Earning Academic Credits was no easy task. Students had to undergo laborious tasks or life-threatening missions just to earn a couple of them. If they were to realize that they would be awarded nothing at the end of their efforts...

At this moment, Sun Yuan could already see the huge pandemonium that would arise due to the displeased students!

Furthermore, the distribution of the Academic Credits was a major affair concerning the development of the students. If the Physician School was unable to compensate its students properly for their efforts, that would be flouting of the rules of the academy as well. As the vice school head in charge of its regulation, his teacher would surely be severely punished!

Sun Yuan had thought that the fellow would rush to the Blacksmith School to complain to School Head Zhao, but who knew that just by challenging a Wall of Dilemma, he had already managed to corner his teacher!

Without a doubt, students would start withdrawing from the Physician School due to this matter, and its overall prowess would fall rapidly. Perhaps, by the end of this decade, they might very well be the last place among the ten schools.

And for allowing such an incident to happen under his watch, his teacher would indubitably be stripped of his responsibilities.

"Indeed!" Having realized this much as well, Hu shi also had a bitter smile on his face.

"Right, where is Zhang Xuan? Why isn't he here?"

At this moment, Sun Yuan suddenly realized that the culprit of this mess had disappeared, so he couldn't help but ask.

"Zhang Xuan? After clearing the Wall of Dilemma, he headed straight for the Malady Platform..." Hu shi said.

Realizing that it was possible that Zhang Xuan wasn't quite done yet, Sun Yuan's body trembled in apprehension at what that could potentially happen next. Fearfully, he asked, "Malady Platform? What is he going to do there?"

"The Malady Platform has a unique mechanism that allows physicians to experience illnesses themselves so that they could better understand its symptoms, and they can also treat themselves so as to verify the effectiveness of their proposed treatment method... If he is heading there, I guess he should be trying to assess his current proficiency in the Way of Medicine," Hu shi replied.

The Malady Platform allowed a physician to put themselves in the shoes of the patients to better understand what they would be going through, thus building compassion within them for those who were suffering. At the same time, through verifying their treatment methods here, they could avoid mistreating their patients.

"Since he was able to overcome even the Wall of Dilemma, does he really need to verify his proficiency in the Way of Medicine?" Sun Yuan rolled his eyes.

The Wall of Dilemma was already the most difficult test in the entire Physician School. Given that Zhang Xuan was able to solve over five hundred illnesses within five minutes, would he still need to verify his proficiency in the Way of Medicine at the Malady Platform?

"This... Crap!" At this moment, Hu shi also realized what was going on.

Just as he was about to rush over with Sun Yuan, a loud rumbling suddenly echoed from afar, and smoke could be seen rising in the distance. It seemed something else had collapsed too.

Sun Yuan mouth twitched uncontrollably. "That's where the Malady Platform is! Let's hurry over to take a look..."

With Hu shi and a few others, they hurriedly rushed to the Malady Platform, and the sight before them upon reaching it left them staggering weakly.

At this moment, the massive building housing the Malady Platform was reduced to ruins, and a middle-aged man was looking at the rubble with a dazed look.

"Zhou shi, what happened?" Sun Yuan hurried forward to ask.

Zhou shi was also a direct disciple of Vice School Head You Xu, Sun Yuan's disciple. He was in charge of maintaining the Malady Platform.

"A student said that he wanted to verify a new treatment method he had, so I allowed him to enter after paying the required Academic Credits. Who knew that... within three minutes of his entry, this happened..." Zhou shi's face was pale, and his lips was quivering in agitation.

Knowing that this wasn't the time to be concerned about the collapse of the Malady Platform, Sun Yuan asked anxiously, "What is the freshman called... and where is he now?"

"I believe his name is Zhang Xuan, and from the direction in which he was heading... I think he's going to the 'Ancestor Forest'!" Zhou shi replied.

"Ancestor Forest?" Sun Yuan was taken aback. "The Ancestor Forest is a place where the will of the predecessors lingers alongside their tombstones. Engraved on their tombs are the most outstanding feats they achieved in their lives and how they had achieved them. It serves as an inspiration to the later generation to learn from their example and their wisdom. Why would Zhang Xuan head there..."

If the Wall of Dilemma and Malady Platform were premises to verify one's expertise as a physician and earn Academic Credits, the Ancestor Forest would be a place to admire and worship the predecessors.

All renowned physicians of the Master Teacher Academy would have a tombstone erected for them there. The illnesses which they had discovered a cure for, along with the cure itself, would be inscribed on their tombstones alongside their name so that the later generations could admire their work...

It was nothing more than a platform to motivate the current students, and there was not a single Academic Credit that could be earned there. Why would Zhang Xuan head there?

"I think we should still go over to take a look," Hu shi said.

"Yes!" Sun Yuan nodded in agreement.

Even though they couldn't see how Zhang Xuan could break anything in the Ancestor Forest—the Ancestor Forest had absolutely nothing to do with tests or Academic Credits—there was simply something extraordinary about him that it would be unwise to gauge him via common sense. It was still best for them to take a look themselves.

As such, they rushed off to the Ancestor Forest, but as usual, before they could reach their destination, the ground shook intensely, and the sound of countless tombstones shattering sounded.

The violent shaking caused even cracks to appear on the ground, and even the resilient Tower of Physicians was shaking violently.

"What happened?" Rushing into the Ancestor Forest, they realized that the entire area had been reduced to rubble. Sun Yuan and the others felt as if they were going insane.

This was a place to honor the glorious deeds of their predecessors! How could it be destroyed as well?

Did Zhang Xuan... destroy them with his own hands?

The reason the Wall of Dilemma and Malady Platform collapsed was due to Zhang Xuan's overwhelming capability exceeding the limits of the mechanism, resulting in its own collapse. Considering that the destruction occurred due to the limitations of the Physician School's facilities, it would be unreasonable to lay blame on him. After all, he hadn't flouted any rules at all; all he did was challenge that which should be challenged.

But for the Ancestor Forest... there was no examination involved here, so there shouldn't be any mechanism for him to overwhelm. Could he have created the ruins here with his own hands?

To intentionally destroy the property of the Physician School, not to mention disrespecting the predecessors and their heritage, that was a grave sin that could have Zhang Xuan sent straight to the Tribunal of Master Teachers to be judged!

"This... How could this be?"

At this instant, a middle-aged man with a ghastly pale face walked over with a stupefied expression on his face. It was as if he had just suffered a blow so great that he was losing his mind.

"Ye shi..." Sun Yuan shouted.

Ye shi was also his junior, and he was in charge of maintaining the Ancestor Forest.

As the Tower of Physicians was under Vice School Head You's jurisdiction, the facilities in the area were mainly taken care of by his students.

Seeing that Sun shi, Hu shi, and the others were standing before him, Ye shi finally snapped out from his daze. Gesturing to the rubble behind him, he exclaimed with a defeated look, "Wrong! To think that they are all wrong!"

"Ye shi, what happened? Did someone destroy the Ancestor Forest using brute force?" Sun Yuan asked.

"Brute force?" Ye shi shook his head and sighed deeply. "Take a look yourself..."

Without explaining, Ye shi took out a Record Crystal and tossed it over to Sun Yuan and the others.

Catching it, Sun Yuan hurriedly infused his zhenqi into the Record Crystal to activate it.

With a flash of light, a completely unharmed Ancestor Forest suddenly appeared before their eyes. Following which, a young man walked into the scene.

Who else could the young man be if not Zhang Xuan!

Zhang Xuan swiftly walked up to the first tombstone.

The tombstone contained the writings of the first head of the Physician School. Inscribed on the tombstone were the contributions he had made to humanity in his lifetime, the most significant one being formulating a cure for the Demonhound Affliction.

The Demonhound Affliction was a bizarre disease that was rampant in that period of time. Those who were bitten by a hound-type beast would begin shedding their skin and growing fur within three months. A few days after the transformation began, they would lose their rationality and turn into monsters that would bite anyone they saw. Those who were bitten by the infected would be inflicted with the Demonhound Affliction as well.

What made things worse was that the disease was so potent that not even Saint realm experts could suppress the symptoms.

Due to its nature, the disease spread swiftly, causing great calamity to the human race. The first head of the Physician School, through half a year of tireless research, finally managed to formulate a vaccine against the Demonhound Affliction.

However, the vaccine was only effective for prevention; it couldn't save those who had already been transformed. In order to suppress the plague, the academy had to dispatch countless experts to slay those who had been infected and cremate their corpses, resulting in a huge death toll.

Even though the first head of the Physician School failed to save those who had already been infected, he played a major role in suppressing the plague, saving many innocent lives through doing so. He was honored for his contribution in that calamity, and his story was passed down from generation to generation.

Just as Sun Yuan and the others were perplexed by what Zhang Xuan was going to do, they saw the latter glance at the tombstone briefly before speaking.

"The Demonhound Affliction is a disease caused by the virus present in the blood of hound-type beasts. It can be easily cured by taking two qian 1 of Sunflower Hemp, four qian of Crimson Frond, half a liang of Violetdawn Stalk, and a pinch of a hound-type beast's heart flesh! A disease that can be cured so easily, and yet you had all of the afflicted killed and cremated. On top of that, the vaccine you came up with is at least dozens of times more expensive than mine as well. I really don't understand how you can feel proud of your achievements and have a tomb erected here. Are you that intent on having the later generations learn of your shameful failure?"

Kacha!

Hearing those words, the will contained within the tombstone realized that there was indeed a far better medicine to the one he had formulated back then, and he had wronged those who were killed in the plague. The tombstone began to shake violently before abruptly bursting into smithereens.

Without sparing the first tombstone a second glance, Zhang Xuan walked on to the second tombstone, and just like before, he took a glance and spoke a few words, and the will contained within felt ashamed of its deeds too and broke apart.

The same scene occurred again and again as he walked down the path.

From the moment he glanced at the tombstone to the moment he spoke, there was only an interval of two breaths. But despite that, each time he spoke, a tombstone would surely burst apart.

In other words... the prescription that he had proposed was even more advanced, effective, and easier to concoct than the ones the predecessors had come up with!

"In a battle in the Way of Medicine against the predecessors, he was able to display such overwhelming knowledge that left the latter ashamed of themselves, to the point that they would willingly erase all traces of themselves..."

The mouths of Sun Yuan, Hu shi, and the others twitched at the sight before them.

They finally understood why Ye shi would look so defeated!

Guarding the Ancestor Forest, he had been studying their wisdom day after day, and he was filled with awe and respect for them. But a man suddenly walked in and said that everything was wrong, and he even won the acknowledgement of the predecessors at that... It was extremely fortunate that his mind didn't break immediately!

Wall of Dilemma, Malady Platform, and the Ancestor Forest... Three of the most important facilities of the Tower of Physicians have been destroyed. Just what kind of monster did Teacher offend?

Taking another glance at the ruins of previously majestic lands, Sun Yuan shook his head and sighed deeply.

To point out the mistakes in the predecessors' deeds and induce the erasure of the flawed solutions on the tombstone, preventing them from misleading future generations, not only did Zhang Xuan not err, he had even contributed greatly to the Physician Guild!

If the Physician Guild were to learn of this matter, they would surely reward him handsomely for it...

But still, to be able to come up with even more brilliant solutions to difficult diseases that took the predecessors months or even years to formulate... Just how did that fellow do it?

"Wait, where is Zhang Xuan?"

After a moment of shock, Sun Yuan suddenly realized that he still hadn't found Zhang Xuan, and he quickly looked around to find him.

"Sun laoshi, bad news! Zhang shi has headed to the higher floors of the Tower of Physicians. He intends to take the physician examination..."

All of a sudden, a student running toward them shouted frantically. However, before he could finish his words, the ground shook yet again.

Following which, the massive tower in the distance abruptly collapsed, and countless rock fragments rained down on the earth.

"The Tower of Physicians... is gone as well!" Sun Yuan cried.

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Chapter 805: Life-and-Death Physician Duel

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The Tower of Physicians consisted of seven floors in total.

The first floor was mainly used for miscellaneous matters, such as patient diagnosis, the Wall of Dilemma, sales of medicinal herbs, and such.

From the second floor onward were the mechanisms for the 1-star to 6-star physician examination.

Just like the Ocean of Weapons, mechanisms and formations were incorporated into the Tower of Physicians to create a simulation for the examinees. As such, not only would they have to possess deep understanding of the Way of Medicine, they must be experienced in treating patients as well.

Treating an illness was unlike smithing or pill forging. A single illness could easily have thousands of different methods to cure it. One had to assess the patient's constitution and overall condition before choosing the most suitable one.

As such, the examination in the Tower of Physicians couldn't be as routine as the one in the Ocean of Weapons. Thus, the wills of countless predecessors had been left within the Tower of Physicians to assess the proficiency of the examinees.

The wills of the predecessors wouldn't have much trouble conducting examinations for others, but when it came to Zhang Xuan...

Zhang Xuan was able to even criticize the 'correct answers' left behind by the predecessors in the Ancestor Forest to such a degree that they seemed completely worthless... If he were to come up with far better solutions than those of the predecessors in the Tower of Physicians, they would surely feel ashamed of their own ignorance and think that they were unworthy of assess the work of others...

Thus... just like what happened in the Ancestor Forest, the Tower of Physicians ended up collapsing as well!

It had been millenniums since the Physician School first came into existence, and yet, the crystallization of countless predecessors' wisdom over all those years couldn't even compare with that fellow...

It was no wonder School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and even the reserved School Head Wei would regard with him respect and give him their personal tokens... That fellow was a complete monster!

Sun Yuan and the others hurriedly drove their zhenqi to form a barrier to protect themselves from the flying rubble thrown out from the collapsing building.

At this point, Sun Yuan and his juniors were feeling their hearts bleed within.

Vice School Head You was in charge of the affairs concerning the Tower of Physicians. For Zhang Xuan to have destroyed the entire place while abiding by the rules... this meant that all responsibility for the damage would have to be shouldered by their teacher alone!

Wasn't it just a mere Ten-leafed Flower...

To think that single darned flower would cause the doom of the Physician School!

This wasn't just a matter of the destruction of facilities and the reparation cost, but the reputation of the Physician School as well!

For a freshman to literally destroy the four most prided assets of the Physician School with his knowledge, and on top of that, not a single one lasted more than ten minutes...

Furthermore, all of the Academic Credits had been swiped by him, leaving the Physician School currently deep in debt with the pending payments for the missions and tasks undertaken by students... Without a doubt, it wouldn't be long before the students began abandoning the Physician School, and by the next year, it would fall to the very bottom in the rankings, beneath even the Terpsichore School!

Just what the heck was this!

No, I must inform Teacher of the matter immediately! Just as Sun Yuan was feeling deep desolation within, he suddenly recalled his teacher.

When he left, his teacher was still gleeful about teaching a freshman a lesson, not realizing the calamity he had just brought upon the Physician School.

Thus, he immediately rushed from the ruins to Vice School Head You's small residence.

Stepping through the doors, he saw Vice School Head You watering the plants leisurely, oblivious to the mess that had happened outside.

In order to retain a dense concentration of spiritual energy within the herb garden, a formidable formation had been set up in the courtyard. But while spiritual energy was unable to escape, sound was unable to enter as well.

Despite the huge commotion outside, isolated from the rest of the world, the herb garden remained unaffected.

Seeing that it was Sun Yuan, You Xu raised his gaze and glanced at him. "You are back. How is it? Did you capture that fellow?"

Sun Yuan's lips twitched. "I didn't..."

"You didn't? Did he not go to School Head Zhao or the others to complain? You know the rules as well, defaming a higher ranked master teacher warrants the death penalty," You Xu sneered coldly.

"He didn't find the other school heads to complain. Instead, he went to the Tower of Physicians..." Seeing that his teacher was still immersed in his world, Sun Yuan wasn't too sure how he could break the news to him.

"He went to the Tower of Physicians? For what?" You Xu was perplexed.

Not knowing where to start, Sun Yuan said, "Teacher, I think it might be better if you head outside to see for yourself..."

"See for myself?" You Xu was growing more and more intrigued by the baffling words his student was spouting. Nevertheless, seeing the grim expression on his student's face, he nodded and left his residence.

As soon as he stepped out of the door, a sight of ruins appeared before his eyes. The towering Tower of Physicians from before was nowhere to be seen.

"This rubble... is the Tower of Physician? What happened? Was there an enemy attack?" The huge contrast between what he expected to see and what he saw left You Xu on the verge of insanity.

That was the Tower of Physicians, the trademark building of the Physician School! For it to collapse all of a sudden... Who was the culprit?

Could it be the Otherworldly Demons?

"No, it is..."

But just as Sun Yuan was about to speak, a resounding voice echoed throughout the entire Physician School. "I, Zhang Xuan, request the physician headquarters' permission for a 'Life-and-Death Physician Dual' against 6-star physician, Vice School Head You Xu. I beseech your approval!"

Hong long!

The next moment, a physician emblem flew into the air, and with a brilliant flash of light, a massive word appeared in the sky—Permitted!

Life-and-Death Physician Duel? Sun Yuan's vision darkened.

Life-and-Death Physician Duel was a platform for physicians to resolve irreconcilable grudges between them through a duel, somewhat similar to how the Master Teacher Confrontation worked.

As long as the headquarters gave its permission, both parties would be able to decide on a type of duel to resolve their grudges.

So, the reason he took the 6-star physician examination is for this! Realization suddenly struck Sun Yuan.

Typically speaking, the headquarters would only approve of Life-and-Death Physician Duel between physicians of similar rank. Thus, Zhang Xuan decided to get his 6-star physician emblem first.

However, entering the higher levels of the Tower of Physicians to take the physician examination required Academic Credits, which Zhang Xuan lacked as a freshman... That was why he went for the Wall of Dilemma first!

In other words... Zhang Xuan was intending to challenge his teacher in a battle of their medicinal knowledge and force him to his death!

This duel was indeed the most straightforward and official way to destroy another physician in public!

It was no wonder that fellow specially asked his teacher one last time before leaving. It seemed like he was indeed giving his teacher one last chance. However... it was a pity that his teacher thought little of the other party's threat, thinking that it was impossible for a mere student to do anything to him...

But now, not only did the other party destroy the Tower of Physicians, he was even challenging his teacher to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel... What should they do now?

"Life-and-Death Duel? How conceited can you get! But that works fine by me too, I have been wanting to teach you a lesson as well! Since you are the one who came at me, don't blame me for getting nasty!"

Vice School Head You hadn't expected a freshman to dare challenge him to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, and his face immediately darkened upon hearing those words. Flicking his wrist, he took out his physician emblem. Following which, he bit his finger and dripped a droplet of blood on the emblem.

Hula!

With a glimmer of light, the emblem flew into an air, and an authoritative voice boomed, "I, You Xu, agree to the duel!"

"Teacher..." Not expecting his teacher to accept the duel without any hesitation, Sun Yuan's body shook weakly.

Too overwhelmed with shock, he hadn't had time to explain to his teacher the various unbelievable feats that Zhang Xuan had accomplished before his teacher suddenly accepted the duel in his moment of delay.

This was truly a disaster!

Just like the Master Teacher Confrontation, the Life-and-Death Physician Duel was overlooked by the headquarters. Once accepted, any party that backed out would be severely punished. Some had been stripped of their physician licenses due to this matter, and there were even a few who were killed outright!

If it had been before, he would have surely thought that the freshman who dared to challenge his teacher was a fool seeking death... But after all he had seen, his instincts were telling him that even if his teacher went up against that fellow for ten thousand rounds, it was unlikely that he would win even a single round!

Or to put it in other words... his teacher stood no chance at all!

Nevertheless, as Vice School Head You's student, it was still his duty to warn him of the matter so that he could be prepared. "Teacher, you shouldn't have agreed to the duel. That Zhang Xuan isn't as simple as he looks..."

"What's wrong?"

Seeing how little faith his student had in him, You Xu's face darkened, and he harrumphed coldly. "He's just an insignificant fellow, there's nothing to fear. I shall make him learn the price of daring to stand against me! You should return to the residence first and heat up some fine wine for me. I should be done by the time it's warmed up..."

Then, ignoring Sun Yuan, he leaped into the sky, in the direction his emblem had flown to.

In his view, no matter how talented Zhang Xuan might be, he was only a twenty-year-old brat. On the other hand, he had been immersed in the study of the Way of Medicine his entire life. To challenge him to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, what else could that be other than committing suicide?

"Heat up some fine wine? Teacher..." Sun Yuan nearly burst into tears.

Indeed, there is someone who will be destroyed in a few moments, but... that will be you and not Zhang Xuan!

Sun Yuan hurriedly shouted for his teacher, only to realize that the latter was too far to hear him.

"No, I have to inform him of this matter before it's too late..." Sun Yuan said determinedly.

If his teacher were to let his guard down in the duel on top of everything else, there truly would be no hope at victory whatsoever. Thus, Sun Yuan swiftly pursued his teacher.

...

In the head of the Apothecary School Lu Feng's residence, School Head Mo clasped his fist and asked, "School Head Lu, do you have any news regarding Senior Byzantium Helios Beast?"

In response to the question, Lu Feng shook his head.

Lu Feng was a tall old man with a black beard. Despite being the head of the Apothecary School, the number one school in Hongyuan Academy, he was dressed in exceptionally simple clothing, giving others the impression that he was an ordinary old man.

"I have tried following all of the clues we have, and I have paid a personal visit to Leiyuan Peak as well. However, I am still unable to find anything significant yet," Lu Feng said worriedly.

As soon as he had learnt that the Byzantium Helios Beast had been captured by the Otherworldly Demons, he had immediately begun his investigation. However, despite seven days' effort, he was still unable to find anything at all. At this point, he was starting to feel a little anxious inside.

The longer it took them to find the Byzantium Helios Beast's whereabouts, the slimmer the chances that he would be alive.

Were they going to lose the old principal's tamed beast too, shortly after losing the old principal?

"I haven't been able to find anything either. I had the students of the Beast Tamer School ride their aerial beasts to search the surroundings, but there was no sign of the Otherworldly Demons or Senior Byzantium Helios at all. It's as if they've disappeared into thin air!" School Head Mo shook his head and sighed deeply.

He felt extremely helpless and frustrated by this issue.

It was by his invitation that Senior Byzantium Helios went to the Leiyuan Peak to invigilate the students' exam. But who could have known that he would disappear in the midst of the examination?

If it wasn't for him, Senior Byzantium Helios would have never gone missing... As such, School Head Mo had always blamed himself for this matter.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore... The best we can do now is wish Senior Byzantium Helios good luck!" Lu Feng shook his head before turning to School Head Mo once again and asked, "I heard that you are very interested in the freshman named Zhang Xuan from the newest batch, and you intend to take him in as your direct disciple?"

"There's indeed such a matter, but... I fear that I don't have the fortune to do so!" School Head Mo replied with a bitter smile.

"You don't have the fortune to do so?" Lu Feng was slightly perplexed. "Just what kind of talent does that fellow have to make an old withered tree like you blossom?"

"His affairs are truly incredible. You will understand once you hear his story..."

Stroking his beard, School Head Mo was just about to tell the latter Zhang shi's formidable deeds when the ground suddenly shook intensely. In the next moment, a deafening rumbling sounded in the distance.

Following which, they saw the towering Tower of Physicians, which stood at the very center of the Physician School, collapse abruptly.

"What happened?" Narrowing his eyes, Lu Feng hurriedly rushed out of his residence and headed right for the Physician School. However, before he could get far, he heard an impassive voice echoing resoundingly in the surroundings.

"I, Zhang Xuan, request the physician headquarters for a 'Life-and-Death Physician Dual' against 6-star physician, Vice School Head You Xu. I beseech for your approval!"

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Chapter 806: Movements from All Fronts

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Zhang Xuan? Life-and-Death Physician Duel?"

School Head Zhong and School Head Mo glanced at one another, and their eyes slowly widened in shock.

It was just a moment ago that they had begun talking about the other party when such a situation occurred... Just what in the world had happened?

Wasn't that fellow a skilled beast tamer and a blacksmith?

When did he become a physician as well? Not to mention, he was going to challenge You Xu?

"Something big is going to happen. Let's head over to take a look!" Anxious, School Head Mo hurriedly left with School Head Zhong, headed in the direction of the tower of Physicians.

...

"What did you say? Zhang Xuan... is going to challenge Vice School Head You to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel? Is he insane?" Long Cangyue widened his eyes in shock, unable to believe what he had just heard.

"Isn't that fellow a blacksmith and a terpsichore? When did he become a physician too?" Dong Xin was also astonished by the news.

"Challenging Vice School Head You, a Saint realm expert..." Long Cangyue's lips quivered in fear at that thought.

As powerful as his Ashen Moon Faction was in the academy, that was only relative to those small confrontations amongst the student populace. Yet, that fellow actually went head-to-head with a vice school head of the academy, challenging him to a Life-and-Death Duel...

Was he tired of living?

"It was just yesterday that the True Helios Faction caused a huge uproar in the academy, and this fellow managed to top that... Let's go over to take a look!" Dong Xin said with a bitter smile.

They had thought that it was insane for the True Helios Faction to bring in three youngsters to lecture them, but that fellow had to be completely out of his mind to go head-to-head against a vice school head...

Was he trying to start a revolution?!

"Yes!" Not daring to waste a single second, the duo rushed out of the residence.

...

"Teacher... challenged Vice School Head You Xu? What happened?"

In Zhang Xuan's residence in the Elite Sector, Luo Qiqi was still pacing around the room, worried for her teacher's safety after he went to the Cloudmist Ridge, when she suddenly received the news from Hu Yaoyao, and her body trembled in shock.

That was sheer arrogance!

The opponent was a vice school head and a 6-star pinnacle physician... To challenge such an opponent to a Life-and-Death Duel given his current strength...

Wasn't that just madness?

"No, I must stop him..." Unable to remain seated, Luo Qiqi leaped up and rushed for the Physician School.

...

The light fragrance of flowers drifted in a tranquil and vast courtyard in the Master Teacher Academy.

A beautiful figure stood amidst a field of flowers with her hands behind her back. That image felt so peaceful that it seemed as if it could have been a painting.

Her silky, black hair fell on her snowy robe as if long streaks of ink, and the vibrant colors of the flowers in the surroundings seemed to complement her disposition, creating an inexplicably bewitching sight.

"He is challenging the 6-star pinnacle physician, You Xu?"

The figure turned around, revealing her alluring face.

It was the young lady who had captured Zhang Xuan's heart, Luo Ruoxin.

Back then, after learning that Zhang Xuan was fine, she had returned back to her residence, and the two of them hadn't met each other since. Who would have thought that the next time she heard of his name would be when he challenged a vice school head to a duel?

"He sure is gutsy..." Luo Ruoxin's lips curled up into a faint smile.

Even though she hadn't spent much time with Zhang Xuan, she did know that he had a daring side to him.

Back then, with just a cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan, he stepped into an encirclement of Consonant Spirit realm spirit beasts to save her. Such a feat in itself took extraordinary courage.

"For him to go to the extent of challenging You Xu to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, it seems the latter must have committed some kind of intolerable crime..."

Based on her impression of Zhang Xuan so far, he didn't seem like a person who would get angry over minor matters. For him to go to this extent, it seemed that You Xu must have done something deplorable.

"I should go and take a look, too!" With a slight smile, she stepped forward lightly, and in a blink of an eye, she had already disappeared from the courtyard.

...

In the True Helios Faction, Zheng Yang and the others were currently sitting at a table filled with sumptuous dishes, enjoying the highest of privileges.

"Uncle Qiang, Teacher has challenged a vice school head to a duel..."

But despite the delicacies before her, Wang Ying was so worried that she couldn't find the appetite to eat.

"It's just a duel, no worries. Don't you have confidence in your teacher's prowess? That vice school head will be utterly destroyed by the time we are done with this feast, so you can rest assured!" Sun Qiang said as he stuffed another large piece of spirit beast meat into his mouth.

"But..."

"There are no buts, eat. Nothing can possibly happen to your teacher..." Sun Qiang waved his hands casually. "Besides, there's nothing you can do even if you head there too. Do you know anything about the Way of Medicine at all?"

"This..."

A bitter look appeared on Zheng Yang and the others' faces.

Unable to share their teacher's burden, they couldn't help but feel helpless at that instant.

"Enough, there's no need to feel conflicted over this matter. Just eat your food! Your teacher might look docile usually, but there has never been a single occasion where he has not succeeded when he makes a move. If you're still worried, we'll head there once we are done eating!" Sun Qiang said while stuffing his mouth with more food.

You must be joking! If it is a matter which even the young master is unable to resolve, there is nothing we will be able to do there either.

Not to mention... is it even possible for there to be something which the young master and the old master are unable to resolve in this world?

"Alright then..." Seeing how calm Sun Qiang was, and recalling the various incredible deeds that their teachers had done, Zheng Yang and the others slowly lifted their chopsticks and began to dig in.

...

"Hahaha, he's truly courting death! Vice School Head You's mastery in the Way of Medicine is beneath only that of School Head Zhong Dingchun, making him one of the top physicians of Hongyuan Empire. To challenge him to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel... he must be tired of living!"

"Seems like there will be a good show ahead!"

"That freshman has allowed fame to get to his head; he has started to forget his place. To dare to provoke even the vice school head, just how arrogant can a person get..."

...

As Zhang Xuan's resounding voice reached the corners of the Master Teacher Academy, a huge uproar followed.

Some were shocked, some were agitated, but most were waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

Establishing the Xuanxuan Faction amidst the oppression of the other student factions, causing a huge commotion in the Blacksmith School, winning the favor of three school heads... Zhang Xuan had been in the spotlight ever since he had entered the academy. While there were some who admired his capability, there were naturally also a few who were unsatisfied with him.

There were many seniors who were waiting for him to fall off his high horse.

Thus, upon hearing that he had challenged the vice school head of the Physician School, they immediately rushed over to watch his fall from grace

...

On a platform not too far away from the ruins of what used to be the Tower of Physicians, Zhang Xuan stood proudly with a cold gleam in his eyes.

It was not without a reason that he caused such a huge commotion with his challenge. His motive was simple—deterrence!

He simply didn't have the time or effort to deal with everyone who came his way.

Each occupation had its own way to resolve conflicts amongst its members. The Life-and-Death Physician Duel was the official way for physicians to deal with irreconcilable grudges amongst themselves.

It was one thing for You Xu to refuse to sell the Ten-leafed Flower, but he had intentionally misled Wei Changfeng to cause his death. There was no way Zhang Xuan could forgive him!

Given Zhang Xuan's previous rank, the Physician Guild would never acknowledge his request for a Life-and-Death Physician Duel with You Xu. Understanding that much, he could only obtain a 6-star emblem first.

Just as Sun Yuan had deduced, the reason he went to challenge the Wall of Dilemma was to earn the Academic Credits.

Despite possessing the favor of three of the school heads, Zhang Xuan didn't have a single Academic Credit on him. Naturally, he wasn't able to enter the Tower of Physicians.

"Zhang shi, how did you end up challenging Vice School Head You to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel?"

At that moment, a figure suddenly appeared right in front of Zhang Xuan. It was the head of the Blacksmith School, Zhao Bingxu.

He had rushed over as soon as he received the news, so he arrived even earlier than School Head Mo.

"What happened? Do you need me to mediate in the conflict between you two? It's not that I don't trust you, but Vice School Head You's proficiency in the Way of Medicine is astounding. If not for his advanced age, he would have surely become one of the Ten Great Master Teachers instead of Zhong Dingchun in the previous selection!"

Zhao Bingxu quickly sent a telepathic message to Zhang Xuan, hoping that he would rescind his reckless decision.

He truly admired Zhang Xuan's capability, and he was unwilling to see anything happen to such a talented genius.

It was not without reason that it was called the Life-and-Death Physician Duel. Just the slightest carelessness could potentially result in one's death!

Knowing that the other party was saying those words out of concern, Zhang Xuan replied respectfully, "I am grateful for your goodwill, but I know what I am doing. Allow me to resolve this matter myself."

So what if You Xu is a vice school head? So what if he is a talented physician?

I will still crush him to a pulp!

"Alright then... However, you must be extremely careful! Vice School Head You once went to an ancient domain together with the old principal and a few others, but he ended up being the only one who managed to return alive, whereas the others went missing, and he was extremely self-reproachful about that.

"Perhaps it was due to the heavy blow of the matter, but his temper has become extremely eccentric since then. I fear that he might attempt to kill you in the duel... If you find yourself in danger, it'd be best for you to admit defeat straight. Don't worry, Mo Zhu and I will step forward to help you mediate the matter," Zhao Bingxu advised Zhang Xuan through zhenqi telepathy.

Back then, when the old principal discovered an ancient domain, he had taken a team with him to explore the grounds. However, all of them had gone missing in the expedition, and You Xu was the only one who had returned alive.

After that incident, his temperament abruptly changed. He began isolating himself in his residence, choosing to avoid contact with everyone else as much as he could.

Despite being the head of the Blacksmith School, Zhao Bingxu had no confidence that his words would hold any sway over You Xu.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

After saying what he had to say, Zhao Bingxu heaved a sigh of relief and leaped down the platform.

This was a duel conducted with the approval of the Physician Guild headquarters. Not even he, as a 6-star pinnacle master teacher and one of the Ten Great Master Teachers, could reverse that decision.

Hu hu hu!

Soon, School Head Mo, School Head Zhong, and the others arrived as well.

"What happened for Zhang shi to become so angry as to recklessly challenge You Xu to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel?" Wei Ranxue asked anxiously.

"I am not too sure about the details either, but my men are currently looking into it!" Zhao Bingxu replied.

"Looking into it?"

"One of my students happen to be a close friend of You Xu's direct disciple. He should be reporting back soon," Zhao Bingxu replied with a nod.

The Master Teacher Academy might be big, but as the school heads, they still had some connections throughout the academy. It shouldn't be too difficult for them to look into a matter.

"Teacher!"

A short moment later, a middle-aged man suddenly ran up to the group.

"Un. What have you found out?" Zhao Bingxu asked.

"According to my friend, it seems that Zhang shi, together with Wei Changfeng of the Spirit Emporium, paid a visit to Vice School Head You, hoping to purchase a Ten-leafed Flower from him to save a person. However, Vice School Head You demanded a Cloudmist Flower as payment," the middle-aged man said.

"Cloudmist Flower? He was trying to make them scale the Cloudmist Ridge?" Upon hearing those words, a frown appeared on School Head Mo's forehead, and his face darkened.

"Un! So, this morning, Zhang shi brought back a Cloudmist Flower, but Vice School Head You adamantly refused to make the trade... Infuriated, Zhang shi went to take the 6-star physician examination and challenged him to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel!"

The middle-aged man swiftly revealed the news that he had heard.

Considering how huge this matter had become, it would be impossible for them to cover up the matter anymore. Thus, Sun Yuan didn't bother hiding anything from the middle-aged man.

"To refuse to make the trade after they obtained the Cloudmist Flower, You Xu is intentionally making things hard for them!" Zhao Bingxu frowned deeply in disapproval.

"Indeed. There are many Saint realm beasts in the Cloudmist Ridge, such that even I wouldn't dare to enter too deep myself. They must have paid a heavy price in order to procure the Cloudmist Flower! And yet, You Xu still refused to make the trade. It's no wonder Zhang shi flew into a rage! Even if I was in his place, I doubt that I would have been able to hold back my temper either!" School Head Mo exclaimed furiously.

Master teachers must honor their words! If we can't even keep a promise we have made, what right do we have to preach to others?

Breaking one's promise was one of the greatest taboos that a master teacher could make.

"But regardless of whether You Xu has done it intentionally or not, it is still too reckless of Zhang shi to challenge him to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel... Can he win against him?" Wei Ranxue frowned in worry.

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Chapter 807: You Xu's Eyes Reddened

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"This..." School Head Mo and School Head Zhao fell silent.

They had seen the young man's talent in beast taming and smithing, but in the Way of Medicine...

One must know that treating a patient was an extremely complex study. Due to differences in constitution and cultivation technique, each patient's condition was unique. Even if two people were suffering from the same ailment, the medicine that was effective on one might not necessarily be effective on the other.

In order to make the correct judgements for a treatment, knowledge was not enough. One needed vast amounts of experience as well.

As such, most physicians chose to roam the world and even frequent battlefields. Only by expanding their horizon and encountering more patients would they make progress in the Way of Medicine.

As such, the older a physician was, the more likely they would be skilled.

Even if Zhang shi possessed superb talent, he was only twenty this year. Could he really be a match for the experienced You Xu who had lived for nearly a thousand years?

"I think so... I asked him, and he seems really confident," Zhao Bingxu replied.

Despite his positive words, his tone carried slight traces of hesitation.

So far, he had only seen the other party's aptitude in smithing. As for treating a patient... never before. Without anything to work with, it would be hard for him to make an accurate deduction.

"Please be assured, Zhang shi will surely emerge victorious!" Seeing the conflicted and worried expressions of the trio, the middle-aged man who had just reported the matter to them spoke up.

"Zhang shi will surely emerge victorious?" The four school heads turned to look at the middle-aged man doubtfully.

Zhang Xuan was going to face one of the top physicians of Hongyuan Empire, how could that fellow be so confident of the outcome?

"It seems like you are still unaware," the middle-aged man said.

"You should have heard of the Three Great Trials of the Physician School, right?"

"The Three Great Trials? Do you mean the Malady Platform, Wall of Dilemma, and Tower of Physicians?" School Head Mo replied.

Those three infrastructures formed the basis of the Physician School, so even the other school heads had heard of them as well.

"Zhang shi... In the first ten minutes, he tore down the Wall of Dilemma. In the next five minutes, he left the Malady Platform crumbling. While strolling through the Ancestor Forest to return to the Tower of Physicians, he induced the shattering of all the tombstones erected there... After which, in less than ten minutes, he managed to clear the 4-star to 6-star physician examinations, leaving the wills of the predecessors in the Tower of Physicians feeling defeated, thus resulting in the collapse of the Tower of Physicians as well," the middle-aged man said with a bitter smile on his face.

"The current state that the Physician School is in was caused singlehandedly by him... How could a person who possesses such astounding medical skills possibly lose?"

"T-this..." School Head Zhao and the others widened their eyes in shock.

When they arrived at the Physician School, they had also been perplexed to see the mess it was in. To think that the culprit behind this would be that fellow as well!

Tearing down the Wall of Dilemma, crumbling the Malady Platform, destroying the Ancestor Forest, and demolishing the Tower of Physicians... Just how formidable must one's medical skills be to be able to achieve all of these feats?

Unbelievable!

Standing beside School Head Mo, the head of the Physician School, Zhong Dingchun, who had remained silent all this while, staggered weakly upon hearing those words, and muttered in disbelief, "All of this happened... just because You Xu was unwilling to sell a medicinal herb to Zhang shi?"

The middle-aged man nodded. "From the current news we have, that seems to be the case!"

"You Xu, screw your grandmother..." Zhong Dingchun nearly spurted a mouthful of blood out of sheer frustration.

Freaking hell! Do you think that it was easy for the Physician School to come this far? Yet, you caused such a mess just by offending a single person. How do you expect me to face the preceding heads of the Physician School?

With this, I will become the most disgraceful school head in the entire history of the Master Teacher Academy...

During my administration, a student actually managed to cause such devastating damage to the Physician School, and through legitimate means at that... The heck, just what have I done so wrong to deserve this?

I was doing nothing in my residence when this came out of nowhere. You Xu, are you sure you aren't a spy sent by others to do me in?

Zhong Dingchun gnashed his teeth furiously. "After this, I will make sure to strip him of his position as the vice head and make him grind himself to dust reconstructing the Tower of Physicians... No, that won't quell my anger. I will make him clean every single toilet in the Physician School..."

The other vice school heads helped their own school by bringing in top-notch talents and maintaining order, but this fellow... not only did he break his promise, he even set such a talent thoroughly against the Physician School...

What will others think of the Physician School when they learn of it?

Just why in the world did I appoint this darned thing as the vice head of the Physician School...

"My condolences!"

Seeing the frenzied state that School Head Zhong was in, School Head Mo and the others shook their heads and sighed deeply.

Of all people You Xu could have offended, he just had to pick on the most monstrous student the Master Teacher Academy had ever had since its inception.

It was fortunate that the other party had only torn down the Tower of Physicians before challenging You Xu to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel. If he had headed to the other facilities as well... this day might just have been the final day of the Physician School!

At this point, Wei Ranxue couldn't help but heave a long sigh of relief. Thank god that the examination for our Terpsichore School is much easier... Otherwise, who knows what could have happened to our Terpsichore School!

While attempting to take the blacksmith examination, Zhang Xuan had destroyed half of the Blacksmith Guild along with the entire Passageway of Corridors. It was even worse for his physician examination—the Physician School lost its Wall of Dilemma, Malady Platform, Ancestor Forest, and Tower of Physicians, and it seemed that a vice school head was still waiting to get onto that list...

It was truly fortunate that she had made the wise call to apply for the 6-star terpsichore emblem for Zhang Xuan directly. Otherwise, her small Terpsichore School couldn't possibly have survived the Zhang Xuan Ordeal.

Hearing those words, School Head Mo's eyebrows immediately began twitching. "Then... should I apply for a 6-star beast tamer emblem for him, too? What if he suddenly thinks of taking the examination in a few days' time?"

"..." The middle-aged man.

"..." The other three school heads.

...

Meanwhile, amidst a huge gust of wind, Vice School Head You Xu landed on the platform.

Placing his hands behind his back, he gazed at Zhang Xuan menacingly with narrowed eyes. Carrying a domineering aura as if the entire world was in his grasp, he sneered coldly, "With your measly capabilities, you dare challenge me? I won't bully you. I will let you choose what kind of duel we shall have!"

A duel between physicians could be mainly classified into two categories—quantity and quality!

In a duel of quantity, the physicians would be gauged based on the number of patients they could treat to a satisfactory degree within a set period of time, conventionally two hours. On the other hand, in a duel of quality, the physicians would be tasked to come up with a prescription for the same patient, and they would be judged on how easy it was to concoct the prescription, its price, and the effectiveness of it.

"As expected of Vice School Head You, he sure is magnanimous!"

"Of course! As a 6-star pinnacle physician, it's a piece of cake for him to deal with a freshman..."

"You're my idol, Vice School Head You!"

Under normal circumstances, the challenged person in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel would have the right to select the format of the duel, and yet, Vice School Head You decisively gave away this advantage to Zhang Xuan. His magnanimous actions immediately won him the applause and admiration of many amidst the crowd.

Did you see that?

That is the magnanimity that a master teacher should have!

For a freshman who has barely learned peanuts about the Way of Medicine to be so arrogant as to challenge a veteran such as Vice School Head You... Even if he's given you the advantage of choosing, can you win?

"There is no doubt; that fellow Zhang Xuan will surely lose. Just because he has achieved that little bit here and there, he forgot his own place. Today, Vice School Head You will beat him back to where he belongs!"

"I heard that he established a new student faction called the Xuanxuan Faction or something a few days ago. Those freshmen sure are brazen to attempt to overthrow the long-established hierarchy right after their enrollment. As their ringleader, he must be punished sternly as a warning to others..."

Upon hearing that Zhang Xuan was so brazen as to challenge a vice head of the Physician School, many of the seniors couldn't help but gloat gleefully.

This is the Master Teacher Academy, not whatever rundown village you come from. Instead of lying low obediently, you chose to go around causing trouble. Now, you shall suffer the consequences of your actions!

Hearing the discussions below, You Xu felt surge of confidence, and he mocked Zhang Xuan coldly. "Why? You are the one who challenged me. Are you scared speechless now that I am standing before you?"

Seeing You Xu's majestic disposition, another round of cheers broke out beneath the stage.

In stark contrast to the delighted cheers of the crowd was Sun Yuan, who was on the verge of bursting into tears after rushing over to the platform as fast as he could and seeing what he saw.

His teacher was currently overloaded with confidence, but if his teacher had seen what he had seen just a moment ago, he wouldn't be acting in such a manner...

Not daring to waste a single moment, Sun Yuan hurriedly sent a telepathic message over.

"Teacher, I have a matter that I must inform you of right now!"

"Right now? Can't you see that I'm busy?" You Xu's eyebrows shot up in displeasure.

His student, Sun Yuan, might be a talented physician, but wasn't he way too lacking in his sense of timing? Couldn't Sun Yuan see that he was busy over here?

"This matter is really urgent, so I can't put it off. Otherwise, I fear that teacher might be disadvantaged in the duel!" Despite seeing his teacher's livid expression, Sun Yuan knew how important this matter was, so he pushed on.

"Disadvantaged?" You Xu frowned.

"Yes. Zhang shi, just a few moments ago, managed to clear the 6-star physician examination!" Fearing that his teacher would lose his patience, he hurriedly got straight to the point.

"He cleared the 6-star physician examination despite his lacking cultivation as a freshman? It seems like he does possess some true capability..." You Xu was stunned for an instant before nodding slightly.

It was no wonder the other party had won the favor of School Head Zhao and the others. He was indeed a talented individual.

But, so what?

The other party was a freshman who had only recently cleared the 6-star physician examination. On the other hand, he was a veteran who had immersed himself in the Way of Medicine of nearly a thousand years. Did he need to fear an inexperienced brat?

"Not only so, he went to the Wall of Dilemma... and singlehandedly, he solved all of the problems on it!" Sun Yuan continued.

"Wall of Dilemma? Is that even within the means of a new 6-star physician? Let me guess, he went back without even solving a single problem, right..."

You Xu was in the middle of his sentence when the meaning of Sun Yuan's words suddenly struck him, and he froze. "What did you just say? H-h-h-h-he solved all of the problems on it?"

"Yes, and that's not all..." Sun Yuan swiftly went through what he had encountered previously.

"The Malady Platform collapsed?

"The tombstones in the Ancestor Forest shattered out of sheer embarrassment?"

"While clearing the 6-star physician examination, he left the lingering will of the predecessors ashamed of their ignorance, thus inducing the collapse of the Tower of Physicians?"

"So, he is the culprit of the mess I see before me..."

Every single matter that Sun Yuan spoke about was like a bolt of lightning striking You Xu. In that instant, he felt as if someone had thrown him down an abyss that was thousands and thousands of zhang 1 deep, and it was just a matter of time before he went splat.

Putting everything aside, he couldn't even solve a single question on the Wall of Dilemma. Yet, the other party actually solved more than five hundred of them in a single breath...

Was that even humanly possible?

I am facing such a monster in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel?

You must be pulling my leg, right?

You Xu had thought that the other party was just a mere chick which he could squash with one hand tied behind his back. Yet, he realized that his judgement had failed him, and the other party was actually a majestic dragon of the heavens, an existence who could destroy his world with a breath!

"That's right... I fear that the odds are against Teacher in this duel!" Sun Yuan said worriedly.

You Xu's body swayed weakly, and it looked as if he would collapse at any moment.

How in the world is this 'the odds are against me'? More like I don't even have a single odd in my favor at all!

If he were to really compete with the other party, it would definitely be his head that rolled.

If only he'd known that this would happen, he would have never agreed to it.

"Why didn't you say so earlier..." You Xu couldn't help but berate in fury.

If only Sun Yuan had told him this earlier... What was the point of telling him this now that he had agreed to the duel? His acceptance had already reached the Physician Guild headquarters; it was too late to back out now.

"Didn't Teacher tell me to warm up some fine wine to wait for your return," Sun Yuan replied indignantly.

It wasn't that I didn't want to speak, but you didn't give you a chance to do so!

You Xu's mouth twitched. "Warm up some fine wine..."

As the memories regarding everything that had happened earlier flashed through his mind, You Xu couldn't help but feel extremely stifled inside.

I only refused to sell you a Ten-leafed Flower, did you need to leave the Physician Guild in such a state?

To challenge me on a Life-and-Death Physician Duel on top of everything else...

Even if I win this duel by some chance, I will still be skinned alive by the school head!

Just what the heck is this!

Looks like I have reaped what I have sowed. As bitter as the fruit may be, I have no choice but to swallow it...

In that instant, You Xu felt his eyes reddening.

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Chapter 808: Content of the Duel

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

But as stifled as he was, as an old monster who had lived for nearly a thousand years, he swiftly recovered and began thinking of a solution to his current plight.

Since he was able to clear the Wall of Dilemma, it is unlikely that he would stumble on difficult illnesses!

Since he was able to overcome the Malady Platform, it means that he has a deep understanding of the newest illnesses!

Since he was able to make the predecessors' wills voluntarily destroy their own tombstones out of shame, it means that his understanding of the Way of Medicine has reached an incredible level...

...

The more You Xu pondered the matter, the more awful his complexion became.

No matter how he looked at the matter, he couldn't see himself winning at all.

Unless... Suddenly, a thought struck You Xi's mind, and a vicious glint flashed in the depths of his eyes.

Alright, it's decided then!

Just as he made his decision, Zhang Xuan suddenly raised his gaze and said, "Since Vice School Head You is so generous as to offer me the opportunity to decide on the format of the duel, I will graciously take you up on the offer. The duel format I propose is..."

"Hold it right there!" a voice abruptly interjected.

Without regard for all of the words he had said before, You Xu raised his hand and said, "Since you are the one who challenged me, naturally, I should be the one deciding the format of the duel!"

I would have to be a fool to allow you to decide the duel format!

"Is this the magnanimity that you all spoke about?" Zhang Xuan muttered with a wry smile.

Upon hearing those words, the students who had still been cheering in support for You Xu a moment ago abruptly fell silent. They felt a stinging pain on their cheeks, as if they had been sharply slapped on their faces.

Just a moment after they praised the other party for his magnanimity, the other party reneged on his words.

As a 6-star master teacher, can't you at least have a sense of shame and honor your words?

"Fine, speak then!" Zhang Xuan replied coldly.

It mattered not to him what the other party chose. There was only one thing he was here for, and that was to avenge Wei Changfeng! He would achieve this regardless of whatever stood in his path.

"Good. As physicians, in order to save the lives of our patients, we have to be skilled in all aspects."

Vice School Head You gazed at Zhang Xuan with a sharp glint in his eyes as he continued, "Naturally, this includes curing poison as well. This is an essential skill that all physicians must learn. The duel format I propose is very simple. Do you dare to participate in a Duel of Poison Curing with me?"

"Duel of Poison Curing?" Zhang Xuan raised his eyebrows.

Even though it wasn't as varied as the master teachers', a duel between physicians could come in many forms as well, and poison curing happened to be one of them.

Poison masters and physicians were nemeses of one another. If one wanted to progress further as a physician and earn the respect of others, one had to be skilled in the Art of Poison Curing. Otherwise, it would truly be shameful if a high-ranking member of the Physician Guild were to succumb to a secret attack by the poison masters.

Throughout history, there were simply far too many cases of physicians being poisoned to death.

"That's right. Not only must a physician be good at treating illnesses, he must also be capable of curing poison as well. Without comprehensive knowledge in all aspects of medicine, one cannot be considered a full-fledged physician!

"So, do you dare to take me on in a Duel of Poison Curing?" You Xu asked with a smirk on his face.

"Preposterous! That damned fellow!"

School Head Zhong Dingchun was already incensed when he saw You Xu suddenly reneging on his words. However, upon seeing the latter proposing a Duel of Poison Curing, he couldn't hold himself back any longer and cursed furiously.

"What's wrong?" School Head Mo asked.

"Poison curing is an extremely dangerous duel format. The lives of those involved will be put at risk!" Zhong Dingchun said.

"Put at risk? What do you mean by that?" School Head Zhao and the others were perplexed.

They had heard of the Duel of Poison Curing before, but as it was a less common form of dueling among physicians, they weren't too sure about the rules.

"In order to test a cure for a poison, we will need someone who is afflicted with the poison. In other words... a person must be afflicted with the poison to carry out this duel!" Zhong Dingchun said.

"A person must be afflicted with the poison?"

Since it was a duel, it was natural that an extremely potent poison would be used. It would still be fine if the physicians managed to cure the poison, but what if they were to fail?

Wouldn't the person afflicted end up being poisoned to death?

"Indeed. This duel is simply far too dangerous, so most physicians tend to avoid it. Yet, of all things, that fellow chose this one..." Zhong Dingchun gritted his teeth.

Curing poison was no joking matter.

Just wrong move could cause the poison to mutate, rendering the existing antidotes useless. A life could easily be lost due to it!

"Wait! I understand that someone has to be afflicted with the poison in order to assess the physician's poison curing skills accurately, but surely there's no need to use a human as a test subject here? It should be possible to use Pill Sample Beasts instead. After all, physicians carry the noble mission of treating the ill and supporting the wounded. How could they take a life so lightly?"

There were spirit beasts with similar constitutions to a human, so there should be no need to use a human for the duel.

"It's not like that..." Zhong Dingchun was just about to explain when Zhang Xuan's voice suddenly echoed through the surroundings.

"Sure, a Duel of Poison Curing it shall be then. What are the rules?"

"It's simple!" Upon seeing Zhang Xuan agree to the duel, You Xu heaved a sigh of relief. With a smirk, he said, "We will each take out a poison for the other to consume, and whoever succeeds in curing the poison within a given period of time will be deemed to be victorious!"

"We will be testing the poison with our bodies?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"That's right. I have already told you the rules, so what do you say about it? Do you dare take up the challenge? If you don't... it will be considered your loss for this duel!" You Xu harrumphed coldly.

"They will each consume the poison of the other? If they fail to cure it, won't they die on the spot?"

"Indeed! Aren't the rules of this duel a little way too frightening?"

"Even though it's called the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, it's just a metaphor. To think that they would really end up pitting their lives against one another in this duel..."

Upon hearing the rules, a huge commotion broke out amidst the crowd.

Even Wei Ranxue, School Head Zhao, and the others were stunned.

It was no wonder Zhong Dingchun was so furious upon hearing the name of the duel! Who would have thought that it was so vicious?

It would still be fine if they could cure it, but if they couldn't?

One must know that there were many kinds of mystical poisons in the world, and there were even some that could cause instantaneous death!

Just as everyone thought that Zhang Xuan would never agree to a duel with such ridiculous rules, the latter suddenly announced, "Fine, I agree to it!"

School Head Mo's face paled, and he hurriedly exclaimed, "You can't agree to it! That's too dangerous..."

He had heard about Yang shi's existence from Mo Gaoyuan. If Zhang shi were to be poisoned to death, there was no one in the Master Teacher Academy who could withstand Yang shi's wrath. The Master Teacher Academy could very well become a relic of the past due to this!

"Damn it, how can he be so shameless? He's a Saint realm expert, a different level of existence from Zhang shi. Even if Zhang shi has some formidable poison on him, it's unlikely to work against him!" Wei Ranxue's face also reddened in fury.

Naturally, the prowess of a poison was also correlated with a cultivator's cultivation realm. This was just like how a drop of water could drown an ant but was completely ineffective against an elephant.

As a higher level of existence, Saint realm experts could survive lethal doses of poison that would cause a Chrysalis realm expert to die many times over.

Considering the fundamental difference between their strength, Zhang Xuan was already at an overwhelming disadvantage before the duel had even started!

In the first place, it couldn't be said that the rules of the duel were fair to both sides!

Infuriated, Zhao Bingxu turned to School Head Zhong with a livid expression on his face. "Zhong Dingchun, is this the character of a vice head of your Physician School?"

You Xu reneging on his promise was a dishonorable and shameful action for a master teacher to make, but ultimately, the medicinal herb was still his. It was his freedom of choice to choose whether he wanted to sell it or not, and there was no way anyone could force him into it.

But at this very moment, You Xu was exploiting his inherent advantages as a Saint realm expert to challenge the other party to a Duel of Poison Curing, which would put their lives at stake. This was a clear attempt to corner the other party and kill him!

This reflected a fatal flaw in You Xu's character.

School Head Zhao didn't have much contact with You Xu, so he didn't know him well as a person. However, to go to the extent of having a student of the academy killed despite being a vice school head, was that person really a master teacher?

While there were master teachers who were selfish and lacked compassion, even they wouldn't do something as disgraceful and vicious as this!

"I..." Zhong Dingchun's face turned crimson in embarrassment upon hearing those words.

While You Xu didn't infringe on the rules of the Life-and-Death Physician duel, his actions lacked the righteousness and magnanimity a master teacher should have.

There was nothing to say about his actions but shameful, utterly shameful.

"You need not blame School Head Zhong. I have had some interactions with You Xu before, and he wasn't like that before. Perhaps it is due to his age encroaching on him and his fear of death growing, he becomes more willing to abandon his dignity and honor for his life." School Head Mo sighed.

It is often only when death approaches that one's desire to live kicks in. This desire to live gnaws at one, prompting one to do anything as long as one can push death further away from them.

School Head Mo continued, "The fear of death is never an easy hurdle to overcome. There are some who are able to uphold their morals and values even in the face of death, preserving their honor and dignity. But ultimately, most men are only mortals. They succumb to fear, clinging desperately to every additional day they can get. After all, honor and dignity mean nothing to a dead man.

"But as a master teacher and a vice school head of the Physician School, he isn't just anyone. In order to extend his longevity, he goes around hunting down spirit beasts to procure their blood. It is only because we are colleagues and the misfortune he encountered in that expedition with the old principal that I had turned a blind eye to his actions. And yet, he still doesn't know repentance!"

"Hunting down spirit beast?" This was the first Zhong Dingchun was hearing of this, so he couldn't help but turn to School Head Mo with a questioning gaze.

Those who trod on the Way of Medicine should possessed a deference for life in their soul. While it was impossible to expect them to save everyone that they met, they should never allow a life to slip away easily, and this included the lives of spirit beasts as well.

Yet, to go around hunting spirit beasts just to sustain his life... Was this truly the doing of a physician?

"Indeed. I learned of this coincidentally a few days ago while looking into the whereabouts of Senior Byzantium Helios. It's said that within the past year, just counting the number of Half-Saint realm beasts, You Xu has already killed more than twenty of them!" School Head Mo harrumphed.

"More than twenty? What is he killing so many Half-Saint beasts for?" School Head Zhong was astonished.

You Xu had done all of this discreetly behind his back, so despite being the head of the Physician School, Zhong Dingchun was completely unaware of this.

School Head Mo shook his head. "Regarding that, I am not too sure either."

He had also been bewildered when he first heard the news, but considering that You Xu hadn't done anything that would infringe on the interests of the Master Teacher Academy, he didn't have a good reason to investigate the matter either.

"Even on the Hongyuan Mountain Range, Half-Saint beasts can be considered a great power. You Xu might be a Saint 1-dan expert, but it wouldn't be easy for him to hunt them either. To kill over twenty of them in a single year..." Zhong Dingchun could hardly believe his ears.

Half-Saint realm beasts were able to stand their ground even against Saint realm cultivators. Even if they were no match for You Xu, they could have still fled easily.

How could so many of them be hunted in a single year?

Besides, it was not like there were Half-Saint beasts lying all over the Hongyuan Mountain Range. It might not be too difficult to find a single one, but finding twenty of them... Difficult!

"I am not too sure about it, but it seems like You Xu has some ties with the Cloudmist Ridge too. Regardless, I have verified the news regarding the twenty Half-Saint beasts, so there is no mistake about it. If you still harbor some doubts, you can question You Xu after the duel!" School Head Mo said.

"Un!" With many doubts still lingering in his head, Zhong Dingchun nodded slowly.

Most of the saint beasts in the Hongyuan Mountain Range resided in the Cloudmist Ridge. If the Cloudmist Ridge was involved in this matter as well, then there was a good chance that it was true.

"Put that aside for now. As the head of the Physician School, can't you stop the duel?" Seeing that the duo was still in the mood to discuss other matters, Wei Ranxue snapped at them.

The urgent matter at hand was to deal with the duel between You Xu and Zhang Xuan. Otherwise, a life might be lost just like that.

"The Life-and-Death Physician Duel is conducted with the approval of the Physician Guild. Once it has started, it can no longer be stopped. If we were to interfere in it, we would just end up complicating things..." Zhong Dingchun shook his head.

It was not that he was unwilling to interfere in the matter but that he couldn't!

The Life-and-Death Physician Duel was conducted with the approval of the Physician Guild headquarters, and attempting to interfere in it would mean challenging the authority of the entire Physician Guild. Even as one of the Ten Great Master Teachers, he didn't have the power to go against the Physician Guild.

This was the rules, and it mustn't be broken.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed You Xu to still stand proudly on the stage.

He would have already rushed forward to give him a good pummeling!

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Chapter 809: Cheers, Feel Free

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Hearing Zhong Dingchun's words, Wei Ranxue questioned heatedly, "What can we do then? Are we to watch as they kill one another?"

She was still intending to study terpsichorean arts from Zhang Xuan. If something were to happen to him, who would she learn from?

"Calm down. It's impossible to interfere in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, but if we see either of them in mortal danger, we can advise that they give up. As long as they admit defeat, I believe that given our standing, they shouldn't go so far as to kill the other party despite our mediation!" Zhao Bingxu said.

After a moment of hesitation, Wei Ranxue was unable to come up with a better solution either, so she could only nod in agreement. "... I guess this is all we can do for now!"

While the few of them were communicating telepathically amongst themselves using their Saint Intent, a huge commotion had broken out amidst the crowd as well.

Those who were standing around the platform were nearly all physicians, and upon hearing that it would be a Duel of Poison Curing, they glanced at one another with astounded expressions on their faces.

This was no longer a means to resolve their conflict; it was a battle to the death!

In this duel, it was highly likely that one of them would lose their life.

For a student to actually go so far against a vice school head... Just what was he up to?

"Teacher..." Luo Qiqi, who had arrived just a moment ago, heard the news, and her face immediately paled in fright.

"A Duel of Poison Curing?" Standing beside her, Hu Yaoyao's eyebrows also shot up. It was difficult to tell what she was thinking, but her fists were tightly clenched by her sides.

"Take out your poison, we will swap with one another. The time limit is an hour, and whoever succeeds in curing the poison first wins. If either of us dies... he can only blame himself for being indolent in his studies!" You Xu roared with laughter.

Based on the other party's accomplishments, it was unlikely that he would be a match for him in a battle in the Way of Medicine. However, in the field of poison curing... there was not a person in the Master Teacher Academy who was a match for him!

"Fine by me!" Zhang Xuan replied with a cold smile.

"Let's begin then!" You Xu flicked his wrist and took out a murky-green jade bottle. "This is my poison!"

With a flick of his finger, the bottle flew in Zhang Xuan's direction.

Zhang Xuan raised his hands and caught it casually.

Even without opening the bottle, he could feel an astounding power rippling within it, threatening to burst forth at any moment.

Intrigued, Zhang Xuan activated his Eye of Insight and assessed it.

In an instant, he saw a black aura shrouding the bottle. Even if a Saint realm 1-dan expert were to consume it, their physiological structure would likely be destroyed in an instant, resulting in immediate death.

Uncorking the lid slightly, a pungent smell immediately surged from the bottle. Even the smell itself carried a poison that could result in the immediate death of an ordinary human.

"What... kind of poison is that?" Beneath the stage, Zhong Dingchun's face warped in astonishment.

As the head of the Physician School, a 6-star pinnacle physician, he could sense the fearsome aura within the jade bottle. Even if it was him who came into contact with it, the chances were that he wouldn't walk out from the encounter alive.

"This poison is extremely formidable?" School Head Mo asked worriedly.

"Formidable? Putting aside an hour, I don't think that I would be able to find a cure to it even if you were to give me a day!" Zhong Dingchun shook his head grimly.

"Even you are unable to find a cure to it? Then..." School Head Mo widened his eyes in shock.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhong Dingchun replied, "We can only have faith in Zhang shi's capability... His proficiency in the Way of Medicine is far above mine, so it might be that he is able to achieve what I can't!"

After learning of Zhang Xuan's astounding deeds, Zhong Dingchun knew that the other party's medical skills were way above his, so it would be hard for him to make a judgement at the moment. Since that was the case, he decided to wait and see first.

"It seems you are prepared."

Corking the bottle, Zhang Xuan turned his gaze back to You Xu.

It was no wonder the other party proposed a Duel of Poison Curing. The poison he had at hand was indeed fearsome.

"This is a poison that I obtained coincidentally, and it is effective even against Saint realm experts. Where is your poison?" You Xu sneered coldly in response.

"My poison?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

Even though he was a poison master, he had never concocted a poison before, needless to say, one that would be capable of killing a Saint realm expert.

There wasn't any poison he could take out from his storage ring at that very instant.

"What? You don't have any? Going by the rules, that would mean a loss on your part..." You Xu said coldly.

The rules of the duel had been stated clearly, both parties had to offer a poison of their own to the other party. If Zhang Xuan was unable to take anything out, it would mean an automatic victory for You Xu.

It was not without reason that You Xu had chosen this format of duel. He didn't think that there was anyone in Hongyuan Empire who was capable of taking out a poison more potent than the one in his jade bottle.

"Of course I do, hold on for a moment!" Waving his hands casually, Zhang Xuan fell into a short moment of contemplation before turning his sights to School Head Mo.

"School Head Mo, by any chance, do you have some 'Spirit Solution of Vigor'?

"Spirit Solution of Vigor?"

School Head Mo was stunned for a moment before a peculiar expression slowly crept across his face. "Do you mean... the urine of saint beasts?"

"Indeed. If you do have some, can you give some to me?" Zhang Xuan asked.

The Spirit Solution of Vigor was the academic terminology for the urine of saint beasts, and it was commonly used amongst physicians so as to make it sound less dirty.

While the Spirit Solution of Vigor was only normal excretion for saint beasts, it was an object of fear for low-tier spirit beasts.

Beasts usually used their urine to demarcate their sphere of influence, and saint beasts were no exception to the rule.

As such, most beast tamers tended to carry some with them so as to deter the assault of spirit beasts.

You want some? School Head Mo frowned in confusion. He glanced at Zhong Dingchun, hoping that he might have some clue what Zhang Xuan was up to, but the latter looked equally perplexed as well.

The other party has taken out such a formidable poison, and instead of finding a poison to go against him, you are asking for the urine of saint beasts instead?

Even though the Spirit Solution of Vigor is effective at keeping spirit beasts at bay, surely you aren't thinking that it'll work on Saint realm cultivators too?

"Of course!" But despite School Head Mo's bewilderment, he felt that Zhang shi wouldn't be asking him for it without any reason. Thus, flicking his wrist, he took out a chi 1 long gourd and threw it to the platform.

Catching the gourd, Zhang Xuan swirled it slightly, and an astringent odor immediately diffused from it. Satisfied, Zhang Xuan nodded and turned to You Xu. "Alright, this is my poison!"

"..."

In that instant, You Xu's face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot, and he nearly choked to death.

The heck!

I took out a lethal poison, and yet you presented me with a gourd of beast urine... What do you mean by that?

To call it your poison on top of that... Do I look blind to you?!

Everyone here saw with their own eyes that School Head Mo just passed it to you, and you haven't even uncapped it yet... The hell is this a poison!

You are just intentionally trying to humiliate me, aren't you?

Zhang Xuan, screw your grandmother...

Even if you want to humiliate me, you shouldn't have done this. This is cheating!

Not only was You Xu frenzied, the crowd who was watching the show from below also abruptly fell deathly silent upon seeing that scene. Their eyes bulged from their sockets, as if they had seen a ghost.

This is a Duel of Poison Curing, a duel that can very well determine one's life and death.

The poison that Vice School Head You took out carries a frightening aura, and just the smell makes one feel as if death is encroaching upon oneself. It is one thing for you not to take out a poison to match him, but... a gourd of urine?

More importantly... if you had taken it out discreetly, we wouldn't have thought much of it. But you asked School Head Mo for it in public and passed it to Vice School Head You Xu right after you received it ...

Could you have been any less discreet than that?

On the other hand, Zhong Dingchun also widened his eyes, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

As a 6-star pinnacle physician, he naturally knew that the urine of saint beasts carried no poison whatsoever.

School Head Zhong turned to School Head Mo and asked, "School Head Mo, could it be that... there is something special about your Spirit Solution of Vigor?"

"There isn't. I just procured it from my saint beast not too long ago..." School Head Mo was also a little dazed by the abrupt twist of events before him. He couldn't comprehend what the young man on the stage was up to.

"What's wrong? I have already prepared my poison. If you dare not drink it, it'll be your loss..." Zhang Xuan said as he continued holding the gourd up to You Xu, who was still reluctant to take it.

"You..." You Xu's breathing hastened, and in that instant, he was truly tempted to rush forward and crush the neck of the young man standing before him.

He had thought that this would be an easy duel for him. No matter how potent the other party's poison was, there was no way the other party would win. Yet, who could have known that the fellow wouldn't play by the rules, presenting him with a gourd of urine instead... If he were to drink it, even if he won this duel, he would never be able to hold his head high before anyone anymore!

Drinking urine to achieve a victory... Screw that!

But if he didn't drink it, that would mean that he was backing out from the duel, and going by the rules of the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, Zhang Xuan would be able to do anything to him...

He was a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, the vice head of the Physician School... How did he end up getting cornered like that?

Seeing the other party's agitated breathing and hateful gaze, Zhang Xuan sneered coldly. "Stop wasting time. If you aren't going to drink it, just surrender. You are the one who decided on the content of the duel, not me!"

In truth, he hadn't intended to humiliate You Xu either.

He had no poison on him, and so far, the only books he had read on poison were those from the Red Lotus Ridge Poison Hall. As such, his current proficiency as a poison master was still only at 2-star. With his current capability, it was impossible for him to concoct a poison capable of killing a Saint realm expert.

Besides, even if he could, he didn't have the ingredients on him to do so at this very instant!

Without any poison formula or medicinal ingredients for him to work with, how in the world was he going to concoct a poison?

Left with no choice, Zhang Xuan could only bank on his Heaven's Path zhenqi.

After learning the Heaven's Path Poison Art, he was able to turn his zhenqi into either a medicine or a lethal poison at a whim.

If he wanted to win against You Xu in the Duel of Poison Curing, he would have to use this.

However, it would be difficult to hide the Heaven's Path zhenqi from You Xu, a Saint realm expert, and considering the unbelievable purity of it, the revelation of its existence could potentially bring Zhang Xuan great trouble. Thus, he had to use something with an overpowering odor to conceal it.

While strong alcohol did work against Luo Qiqi and the others, it was doubtful whether it would be effective on a Saint realm expert or not.

On the other hand, the Spirit Solution of Vigor carried an astringent odor. On top of that, drinking such a thing in public, the other party would surely try to gulp it down as fast as he could so as to get it over with as soon as possible. With that, the Heaven's Path zhenqi would be able to swiftly fuse together with the other party's own zhenqi before he could detect anything.

Once this was done, putting aside a 6-star physician, even if a 9-star physician was there that day, they would be helpless before this situation.

The Heaven's Path zhenqi was not a lethal poison but incredibly pure zhenqi. As such, unlike typical poison, the body wouldn't inhibit its movements at all, allowing it to easily seep into the vitals of a cultivator. Even if the cultivator were to notice its existence, it would be impossible for them to expel it from their body.

In the truest sense, it could be considered an incurable disease.

"This is a Duel of Poison Curing, and yet, you offered me a gourd of saint beast urine instead. This is an infringement of the rules!" You Xu gnashed his teeth together in savagery.

"As a physician, you should know that saint beast urine is a type of medicinal ingredient as well, otherwise it wouldn't be known as the Spirit Solution of Vigor among physicians either. It is used to treat 'Berserk Syndrome', 'Ice-Fire Zhenqi Clots', 'Beast Scabs', and several hundred different types of illnesses.

"Since it's a medicinal ingredient, naturally it can be used as a poison as well. Your poison is concocted out of many medicinal ingredients, so why can't mine be the same? Since I am willing to consume yours, you shouldn't have any problem with mine as well. If you refuse to drink it, I will have to ask you to just admit defeat!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

Despite the astringent odor of the Spirit Solution of Vigor which left one on the verge of fainting with just a sniff, it did possess medicinal properties as well.

And anything that possessed medicinal properties could be utilized as poison. This was common knowledge among physicians.

Since the Spirit Solution of Vigor could be classified as a poison as well, this wasn't an infringement of the rules.

Seeing that there was no way around it, You Xu gritted his teeth furiously and spat, "You want me to admit defeat? Dream on! Fine, I will drink it. However, we shall start at the same time!"

"Start at the same time? There is no need for that!"

Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan poured the poison in the jade bottle into his mouth before turning his gaze back to You Xu with an inviting gesture.

"Cheers, feel free!"

Chapter 810: Zhang Xuan's Poison

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"He drank it all, just like that?"

"Cheers? Does he think that that is wine?"

"To drink lethal poison so nonchalantly... he sure is cool!"

"Indeed. He might be a freshman, but with this, he has my complete respect!"

...

Seeing Zhang Xuan gulping down the poison without any hesitation, a huge commotion broke out among the crowd.

Previously, when he had first uncorked the lid, everyone could feel the overwhelming aura of the lethal poison contained inside.

Putting aside physicians, even poison masters would not dare to swallow such a poison!

Yet, the young man before them had gulped it down casually as if he was drinking wine, even smacking his lips when he was done. Just his courage in itself was truly admirable! Even the seniors who had their reservations about him couldn't help but feel a surge of respect for him.

There was probably not a second person in the Master Teacher Academy who would willingly drink lethal poison as readily as him!

"You..." Not expecting the other party to drink his poison so quickly, leaving him no time to react at all, You Xu's mouth twitched uncontrollably.

What do you mean by cheers, and that it's my turn?

The hell! With such a huge gourd, there is at least four to five jin 1 of urine inside! On top of that, the astringent odor... How am I to drink this?

"I have already drunk your lethal poison, but you still aren't going to drink mine? Fine by me as well. You are the one who set the rules, and you have failed to follow them. Since that's the case, I will report it to the Physician Guild this instant to have your physician license revoked!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"You..." You Xu's complexion turned extremely awful, and he felt as if he was going to explode at any moment.

He had heard of how troublesome this fellow was, but he had never thought much of it. To think that it would actually be true!

To leave the Tower of Physicians in such a state and force him into accepting his duel... and now, the other party was even making him drink saint beast urine!

Refuse, and he would lose the duel, subjecting him to the whims of the other party.

Drink, and the reputation he had built up painstakingly over the course of his life would go down the drain.

There was no way out for him.

Neither option was one he could accept.

He had thought that he was ingenious to have thought of proposing a Duel of Poison Curing, but who knew that it would turn out to be the stinkiest decision he had ever made!

Forget it! Even though the Spirit Solution of Vigor is urine, it's still a type of medicinal ingredient...

But ultimately, could one's life possibly be more important than one's reputation?

"Fine, I'll drink it then!"

Gritting his teeth in determination, You Xu pinched his nose and took the gourd. Tilting his head upwards, he gulped it down.

The predecessors of the Physician Guild had also needed to consume all kinds of saint beast urines back then in order to formulate prescriptions to treat specific illnesses. Thinking about it from that perspective, drinking the Spirit Solution of Vigor didn't seem to be much of a deal anymore.

Gudong, gudong!

The odor from the Spirit Solution of Vigor was so overpowering that You Xu's lips began twitching wildly, and tears streamed down his cheeks.

Elder Mo's gourd was extremely large, storing around four to five jin of the Spirit Solution. Despite the speed at which You Xu was gulping it down, it still took him three minutes before he was able to ingest all of it.

The urine of saint beasts was far harsher to the nose than a human's. Putting aside whether there was any poison in the Spirit Solution of Vigor in the first place, just the smell itself already left You Xu extremely nauseated, and he felt as if he would vomit at any moment.

"I'm done!"

After exhaling a mouthful of foul-smelling breath, You Xu glared at Zhang Xuan savagely with a reddened face.

Just as You Xu was going to see if his poison had started to act on Zhang Xuan yet, he suddenly saw the latter gazing at him in admiration, even giving a thumbs up toward him.

"You drank it all? Impressive! When I said feel free, I meant that you don't have to finish drinking the entire gourd. Actually, my poison only requires you to drink a mouthful. I truly didn't expect Vice School Head You to have such a unique taste, gulping down an entire gourd of it... I am truly in awe of you!"

The purpose of the Spirit Solution of Vigor was just to conceal the unique presence of his Heaven's Path zhenqi. You Xu just had to drink a single mouthful for the Heaven's Path zhenqi infused in it to seep into his body.

Who could have known that the other party would be so drastic, finishing such a large gourd to the last drop? He sure was impressive!

"You..."

You Xu's body swayed weakly, and a mouthful of orange-yellowish liquid spewed from his mouth. A repugnant odor could be smelled from his breath.

A mouthful is sufficient? Screw you!

You are toying with me, aren't you?

"I will remember this! Let's see if you can laugh until the very end! If you can't neutralize the poison within the next hour, you will have lost the duel!"

Knowing that it was impossible for him to win a verbal fight against Zhang Xuan, You Xu gritted his teeth and harrumphed coldly.

"Neutralize the poison within the next hour? There's no need to be that troublesome. I have already neutralized the poison..." Zhang Xuan looked at You Xu with a wry smile on his face.

The latter's poison was indeed formidable. If it had been in the past, even with Zhang Xuan's Heaven's Path zhenqi, it would still have taken quite a bit of effort for him to neutralize it.

However, the previous transfusion of soul essence with Wei Ruyan had resulted in a change of his constitution, granting his body with properties reminiscent of the Innate Poison Body.

To the current Zhang Xuan, drinking You Xu's poison was not much different from drinking any beverage. Its lethality was completely ineffective on him.

On the contrary, the spirit from the medicinal herbs used to concoct the poison further reinforced his cultivation and his soul. His soul had grown yet again from its size of ten meters. Even though he would have to draw out his soul in order to ascertain how much the growth was, it was a fact that his soul energy had grown significantly more condensed.

In other words, not only was the poison not harmful to him, it even boosted his cultivation.

"You have already neutralized the poison?" You Xu staggered, and he nearly fell from the stage.

Are you for real?

That poison was his greatest trump card! With it, he could even kill opponents who possessed a higher cultivation than him... Yet, the fellow hadn't attempted to consume an antidote or done anything at all, how in the world did he manage to neutralize his poison?

"That's right. If I'm not mistaken, the core ingredients of your poison are 'Green-leafed Heart Nexus Plant' and 'Soulless Flower', and you added another 49 medicinal ingredients to complement them. Should an ordinary Saint consume just a single drop, their heart and mind would be corroded, resulting in a swift death.

"Not only so, this poison has the effect of numbing one's nerves as well. When diluted heavily, it can be used to make others obey one's commands. This property of it is extremely potent as well, working on Saint realm experts too."

At which, Zhang Xuan chuckled lightly. "The poison you concocted is indeed formidable. However, it is nothing before me! It just happens that I do know how to make an antidote to it. Three qian of Green Bamboo Shoot, two liang of Silverwear Grass, four qian of White Angelica Wood... Grind all 23 medicinal ingredients into powder, and that would be the antidote to your poison. There isn't even a need to concoct anything at all."

"Y-you..."

Every word that Zhang Xuan spoke made You Xu widen his eyes a little more. By the time he was done saying everything, the latter's eyes were already bulging as if he had seen a ghost.

Given that You Xu had the poison in his hands, it was natural that he would have the antidote as well. Regardless of whether it was the poison or the antidote, the other party's analysis was spot-on!

In other words, the reason Zhang Xuan was still fine despite drinking his poison was because he had neutralized it instantaneously...

Was that still the feat of a human?

Just how could one possibly do that?

Why did it feel as if he wasn't consuming poison but just having a meal instead?

"Am I right?" Zhang Xuan glanced at You Xu with a provocative smile.

When he received the jade bottle, he had used the Library of Heaven's Path to analyze its content. As a result, he knew the various ingredients of the poison, and from that, he was able to formulate an antidote to it.

Saint realm poison? A piece of cake!

"You... Fine, you might be right! However, this isn't your victory yet... I can neutralize your poison, too! Open!"

Gritting his teeth, You Xu's zhenqi began surging furiously.

Hong long!

In the next instant, all of his acupoints abruptly opened, and a fiery aura immediately gushed into the surroundings. In an instant, it felt as if he was a searing cauldron.

"This is... the 'Grand Circulation Cauldron Poison Expelling Art'?" Zhong Dingchun exclaimed with narrowed eyes.

Hearing the lengthy name of the technique that the other party had stated, School Head Zhao, School Head Mo, and the others turned to him with questioning gazes.

"This is a technique created by 6-star pinnacle Physician Qian Buyou five thousand years ago. This technique allows one to expel the poison within one's body without consuming an antidote.

"Despite the profound variations of poison in the world, poison is, in essence, a foreign substance that isn't compatible with the human body, invading one's meridians and acupoints. The Grand Circulation Cauldron Poison Expelling Art was designed based on this fundamental interpretation of poison; by using one's body as a cauldron and one's zhenqi as a power source, it expels all poisonous substances from one's acupoints in a gaseous form!

"However, due to the technique's inability to clearly differentiate between poison and other essential parts of the body, the usage of this technique inflicts permanent damage on the foundation of one's body. Nevertheless, it has never failed in dealing with poison before. As long as it isn't the kind of poison that results in instantaneous death, this technique will be able to resolve it. However, this technique went missing a few thousand years ago... How did You Xu learn it?" Zhong Dingchun explained with a deep frown.

The Grand Circulation Cauldron Poison Expelling Art was an incredibly effective skill in dealing with poison, but at the same time, it was an extremely difficult skill to master. Furthermore, it was said to have disappeared from the world several thousand years ago.

It was bizarre that You Xu knew of the technique when he, the head of the Physician School, didn't know of it.

On top of that, the poison which the other party had just taken out was also something he had never heard of before.

His doubts only served to deepen after Zhang Xuan described the prescription.

The core ingredients of the poison, Green-leafed Heart Nexus Plant and Soulless Flower, were medicinal herbs that had gone extinct several centuries ago. It was impossible to find them anywhere now... If that was the case, how did that fellow concoct the poison?

On top of that, even though poison masters and physicians shared many similarities in their fields of specialty, the core capabilities they possessed were still different from one another. It would be difficult for a physician to concoct a lethal poison capable of killing a Saint realm expert unless there was a poison master working with him!

But... poison masters had always been the nemeses of physicians. Could that fellow have some secret connection with them?

I will have to question him thoroughly on this matter after this matter is over... Zhong Dingchun thought with a grim expression.

While Zhong Dingchun was contemplating the issue, School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and the others came to a realization upon hearing his words.

"No wonder he challenged Zhang shi to a Duel of Poison Curing! He has such an ace up his sleeves!"

Despite the various reasons that You Xu had come up with to convince Zhang Xuan to accept the duel, it was still bizarre that a physician would choose to compete not on patient treating but poison curing. It turned out that he did have the absolute confidence in achieving victory over Zhang Xuan on this aspect.

A technique that could resolve any poison easily... It was natural that he would choose the format of the duel to be poison curing, especially after hearing about the formidable feats Zhang Xuan had performed in the Physician School!

Hong long!

While they were chatting, a yellowish gas gushed out of Vice School Head You's body, reminiscent of steam fleeing from the various apertures of a cauldron.

"Pungent!"

"This foul smell is really intolerable!"

"Hurry up and seal your six senses, or else you will be stunk to death..."

"Sealing the six senses don't work at all! That pungent gas seeps right into our acupoints..."

...

As more and more yellowish gas was expelled from Vice School Head You's body, the crowd beneath frowned in displeasure.

The smell of the Spirit Solution of Vigor alone was already overwhelming to any human. Yet, the Grand Circulation Cauldron Poison Expelling Art further refined it before releasing it into the air, worsening the odor many times over.

Even Saint realm experts like Zhao Bingxu, Wei Ranxue, and the others couldn't stand it, and they hurriedly created a barrier of zhenqi to ward off the odor.

Otherwise, they might really just faint from the sheer acridity of the stench!

Hu!

After some time, You Xu's body finally stopped expelling yellowish gas. His entire face was ghastly pale from frailty, and it looked like he had been choked by the stench as well.

However, the excited gleam in his eyes couldn't be concealed. Flinging his sleeves, he declared proudly, "I have neutralized your poison too!"

While he did take longer than Zhang Xuan to neutralize the poison, arguably, he did consume the poison later, and the quantity he consumed was much more as well. As long as he were to grasp onto these points firmly, he should be able to force the duel into a draw.

"You have neutralized my poison?"

Seeing You Xu's confident face, Zhang Xuan shook his head and gazed at You Xu in sympathy. "Do you even know what poison you are inflicted with?"

You Xu harrumphed coldly. "No matter what kind of poison you used, my Grand Circulation Cauldron Poison Expelling Art is able to resolve it easily..."

However, before he could finish his words, he suddenly felt an intense pain assaulting his chest.

Pfffft!

A mouthful of blood spurted from his mouth, and his body began shaking uncontrollably. At the same time, his face swiftly turned black.

You Xu widened his eyes as his body stiffened in shock.

"I haven't neutralized your poison yet?"

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Chapter 811: Busybody

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

As a 6-star pinnacle physician, You Xu's understanding of the human body had reached a profound level. He could easily tell whether he had been poisoned or not.

In just that brief moment, he instantaneously realized that the lethal poison had already reached his vitals. At such a point, there was nothing he could do to salvage the situation anymore.

Unknowingly, his fate had already been sealed.

Didn't the Grand Circulation Cauldron Poison Expelling Art dispel the poison from his body?

Just what was going on?

"That is right, you didn't neutralize my poison at all..."

"I didn't neutralize it? How is that possible!"

Unable to believe it, You Xu anxiously drove his zhenqi in an attempt to suppress the poison within his body, but his actions were completely futile. Flustered, he pointed a finger at Zhang Xuan and yelled furiously, "Could it be that your poison was not in the Spirit Solution of Vitality? T-that... That's cheating!"

He had already expelled every last drop of the saint beast urine, but the poison still remained in his body. Could the saint beast urine have been a cover to conceal the true poison?

"I cheated?"

Zhang Xuan gazed at You Xu disdainfully and bellowed authoritatively, "We were sincere and polite when we pleaded with you to sell the Ten-leafed Flower to us, which we needed urgently to save a life. It was one thing for you to reject us, but you exploited Wei Changfeng's desperation to save his daughter and baited him into picking a Cloudmist Flower from the Cloudmist Ridge, causing him to suffer a tragic death under the relentless assault of saint beasts... And yet, you are accusing me of cheating?"

Zhang Xuan slowly walked forward as he spoke, and he carried an overpowering disposition that made one dare not look him in the eye.

"Vice School Head You made them pick a Cloudmist Flower from the Cloudmist Ridge? Isn't that no different from sending them to their deaths?"

"Is that the reason behind the conflict between them?"

"I thought that Zhang shi only challenged Vice School Head You in order to make a name for himself. I didn't expect for there to be such a story behind this matter..."

...

Hearing the resounding and powerful voice on the stage, a huge commotion broke out amidst the crowd.

Most of those gathered here had only known that Zhang Xuan had challenged Vice School Head You, but they didn't know the story behind it. After hearing his words, they finally understood why Zhang Xuan would go to the extent of challenging a vice school head of the academy.

"I..."

Hearing the criticisms below the stage, You Xu panicked. On top of that, watching as Zhang Xuan's seemingly immense figure advanced toward him, he suddenly felt a deep surge of fear, and he subconsciously took a step back.

"But nevertheless, as per your request, I managed to procure the Cloudmist Flower. Yet, when I went to your residence to make the trade with you, you insisted that the Cloudmist Flower should be alive. Fine, since that's your request, I revived the Cloudmist Flower as per your wish, but you still refused to make the trade... Was I the one cheating then?"

Zhang Xuan continued to advance on You Xu with a sharp glint in his eyes.

"I..." You Xu trembled in fear as he took yet another step back.

"You said that the Ten-leafed Flower hadn't matured yet and thus couldn't be sold. Thus, I used my secret art and expended my zhenqi to hasten its maturity. But after all was done, you still refused to make the trade, disregarding the honor you have as a master teacher... Was that me cheating as well?"

It felt as if Zhang Xuan's sharp words were going to penetrate You Xu's soul. His voice echoed loudly from the stage, sounding clearly in everyone's ears.

"I..."

Three consecutive "I"s, You Xu's lips parted in an attempt to refute Zhang Xuan's claims, but he simply couldn't find other words to say.

What the other party had said were facts. There was no way to refute facts.

"There is actually such a matter?"

"It is one thing for Vice School You to refuse to sell the medicinal herb to Zhang shi, but to make things difficult for him on top of that, resulting in the loss of a life... That's going too far!"

"I used to respect Vice School Head You and viewed him as my role model, but to think that he's actually such a person... He has truly soiled the reputation of the Physician School this time around!"

...

Indignant and shocked exclamations broke out amidst the crowd.

Previously, there were many seniors who thought that Zhang Xuan was being extremely arrogant and disrespectful to challenge a vice school head despite merely being a freshman. However, after hearing these words, they realized that he was provoked into doing it!

Who could have expected a 6-star master teacher to actually be so vicious and dishonorable? If they were in Zhang shi's shoes, they would have been burning in fury as well!

"The Ten-leafed Flower is a medicinal herb that I have cultivated painstakingly. If I wish to sell it, good for you. But if I refuse, who are you to question my judgement? Am I to be labeled a criminal just because I refused to sell it to you?"

Seeing that the public opinion was completely against him, You Xu gritted his teeth and forced himself to stand his ground.

"The Ten-leafed Flower is yours, so it's your choice to decide whether you want to sell it or not. I can't force you into it. However, it's also my choice whether or not I want to challenge you to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, what can you do about it?" Zhang Xuan said coldly.

"You..." You Xu's body stiffened.

Since he couldn't even defeat the other party in a Duel of Poison Curing, there was no way he would stand a chance in anything else!

In other words... victory was impossible for him in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel against the other party!

Furthermore, even if the other party did not dare kill him with so many people watching, the problem lay in that the other party could challenge him in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel any time he wished!

There was no way he could take it if that were to happen!

With each Life-and-Death Physician Duel, he would lose a layer of his skin. Come a few more times, and he would be on the verge of death, if not dead by then.

"You... Fine, I admit that I am no match for you! I will compensate you however you want me to, is that enough?" You Xu spat through gritted teeth.

"Compensate?" At this point, Zhang Xuan was already standing right before You Xu. Gazing down on him coldly, he asked, "Are you able to compensate for Wei Changfeng's life?"

You Xu took a step back fearfully before frustration finally overwhelmed him, and he bellowed angrily, "Just what do you want then?!"

"Simple... I want you to pay with your life!" Zhang Xuan uttered coldly.

The fellow before him was the cause of Wei Changfeng's death. Thus, there was only one thing he wanted from the other party—his life!

Because of you, Wei Changfeng was forced to scale the Cloudmist Ridge in order to save his daughter, resulting in his eventual death at the hands of a saint beast... As the culprit behind it all, how can I allow you to continue living in this world?

"You want me to pay with my life?" You Xu's face warped in savagery. "I am the vice head of the Physician School, a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, but you want me to give up my life simply because of an insignificant figure like him? Why should I do that?"

"Why should you do that? HAHAHAHA!" Zhang Xuan roared with laughter. "You want to know why? Let me tell you why then!

"Simply because I solved 503 problems on the Wall of Dilemma singlehandedly!

"Simply because I have left 432 new treatment methods on the Malady Platform!

"Simply because I have contributed far more effective solutions to the illnesses recorded in the Ancestor Forest, allowing them to be resolved easily!

"Simply because I did not make a single mistake in the 5-star and 6-star physician examinations, leaving behind perfect treatment methods for 73 illnesses!

"I might have destroyed the Tower of Physicians, but my contribution to the Physician Guild is far greater than that. It is in view of this that the headquarters granted me permission to challenge you to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, and yet you still dare to ask me why?

"I defeated you fair and square as a physician. Why, you ask? Simply because I defeated you in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel!"

As if an almighty deity from the heavens above, Zhang Xuan exuded an inviolable aura that allowed no one to question him in the slightest.

You Xu would take a step back fearfully with every single point that Zhang Xuan made, but Zhang Xuan would push forward with a forceful step each time, cornering him slowly.

"I..."

Eventually, You Xu suddenly realized that the ground behind him was empty; he had reached the edge of the stage.

Indeed, the other party hadn't played any trickery against him. What the other party depended on what his true capability to challenge him to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, and he had won fair and square as well. There was nothing You Xu could say to refute that.

"Kill yourself!" Zhang Xuan said with unquestionable authority.

At this point, You Xu's face was completely pale, and he couldn't speak a word at all. His confidence had been completely shattered.

"I..." In this instant, he felt as if he was an utter failure, and his very existence was shameful. Rather than to live so pathetically, he would be better off dead.

Thus, he raised his hand and pressed it down forcefully on his head.

"Hold it right there!"

But just as the palm was going to strike down on You Xu's head, a deafening bellow suddenly echoed from the sky, and a figure descended to the ground.

Along with the bellow, You Xu's body suddenly jolted, and the lifeless expression vanished from his face. He lifted his head to look at Zhang Xuan once more, but this time, his eyes were reddened with fury.

"You dare to use the Impartation of Heaven's Will on me? I will kill you!" You Xu howled in rage.

No matter how slow he was, it was clear that the other party had used the Impartation of Heaven's Will against him. Utilizing the pressure of the heavens, the other party made him lose himself. If not for that bellow snapping him out of his trance in the nick of time, he would already be dead!

Hong long!

The overpowering aura of a Saint 1-dan pinnacle expert engulfed the entire area, and the stage creaked loudly under the pressure, threatening to shatter at any moment.

Gathering destructive might in his palm, You Xu thrust his fist at Zhang Xuan furiously.

In face of the other party's offense, Zhang Xuan stood proudly with his hands behind his back, viewing the other party's attack with disdain.

"Enough, Vice School Head You!"

Just as the attack was about to land on Zhang Xuan, another bellow sounded, and a massive hand fell in between Zhang Xuan and You Xu, dissipating You Xu's offense.

With the disappearance of the attack, Zhang Xuan sighed.

The Life-and-Death Physician Duel was conducted under the supervision of the headquarters. Had You Xu dared to land that palm on him, he would have been killed remotely by the headquarters!

It was a pity that someone had stopped him.

Turning to the intervening figure, Zhang Xuan saw a white-bearded old man dressed in a master teacher robe. He carried an air of dominance about him, hinting at his extraordinary standing.

"You are Zhang Xuan?" The old man glanced at Zhang Xuan emotionlessly with an overbearing disposition.

Looking at how the old man was still putting on airs here after stopping him from killing You Xu, Zhang Xuan frowned in displeasure.

"I am the head of the Apothecary School, Lu Feng!"

As the old man introduced himself, he stared down at Zhang Xuan impassively, exerting immense pressure on him. "No matter what, You Xu is a vice school head of the academy. Even if he has erred, he doesn't deserve to die. How about this, I will have him give the Ten-leafed Flower to you and compensate you with some spirit stones, and we will call this matter off!"

"Call this matter off?" Zhang Xuan's face darkened.

If not for this old man interfering in this matter, You Xu would have already died by now!

A Ten-leafed Flower and some spirit stones... Could these things bring Wei Changfeng back to life?

Waving his hands grandly, School Head Lu Feng said, "Yes. By challenging a teacher's authority, you have already violated the respect a student ought to show a teacher. If you drop this matter now, the academy will be lenient with you for this matter..."

"Be lenient with me?" Zhang Xuan's eyes were utterly cold. "What if I insist on taking his life?"

"Humph, this is the Master Teacher Academy! Do you think that a student like you will be allowed to act as you please?"

A freshman should have leaped at the opportunity to resolve the matter peacefully, especially since he was already mediating it. Yet, the other party dared to talk back at him publicly. School Head Lu Feng's face immediately turned livid.

"Besides, You Xu is not only a physician but a 6-star pinnacle master teacher of the Master Teacher Pavilion as well. How he should be dealt with is a matter for the Master Teacher Pavilion and Master Teacher Academy to discuss. A 4-star master teacher like you has no place in a matter like this!"

"Are you the principal of the academy?" Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed.

"I'm not!"

Not expecting Zhang Xuan to ask such a question, School Head Lu Feng was stunned for an instant. However, he swiftly recovered and said, "But with the disappearance of the old principal, and considering the fact that the Apothecary School is the number one school in the academy, I can be considered the stand-in principal, and I have the right to determine the major affairs within the academy. Don't worry, my words count here. Not even You Xu will be able to override my decision!"

"Since you aren't the principal, what are you spouting so much nonsense for? Stop being a busybody and move aside!" Upon hearing that the other party wasn't the principal, Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up, and he flung his sleeves majestically.

"Otherwise, shall I challenge your Apothecary School right here, right now?"

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Chapter 812: Seniority

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"What?"

"Did he just say that School Head Lu is a busybody?"

"He's going to challenge the Apothecary School?"

Watching the spectacle on the stage, the crowd below felt as if they were going bonkers.

Ever since the disappearance of the old principal, most of the affairs in the academy had been taken care of by School Head Lu Feng. He might not be the official principal, but the power he wielded was as good as one.

Furthermore, he was also the de facto leader of the Ten Great Master Teachers, and School Head Mo and the others usually heeded his words for most affairs, granting him immense influence as well... Yet, a freshman dared to say that he was a busybody and asked him to move aside. That was truly brazen!

"Why is Zhang shi so reckless?" School Head Wei, School Head Zhao, and the others nearly fainted after hearing Zhang Xuan's words.

They were thinking that with School Head Lu's intervention, the matter could be resolved swiftly. However, they didn't think that Zhang shi would take such a forceful stand on this matter.

School Head Lu was an austere man, and he regarded discipline and order very highly. Insulting him in public was an immense humiliation to him; there was no doubt that he would fly into a rage over this matter.

And just as they had expected, School Head Lu's face darkened, and a steely glint could be seen in his narrowed eyes. With a voice reminiscent of the ominous rumbling of thunder, he bellowed, "What did you say?"

"Are you deaf? But even if you are deaf, surely your eyes should be able to see, right? It's in my capacity as a 6-star physician that I have challenged You Xu in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel. In this matter, there is no distinction between teacher or student, so we can only be considered peers... So, don't bother using those principles to your convenience to pressure me!

"Also, we haven't even determined the winner of our duel yet, but you barged in and interfered in our battle willfully, terminating it forcefully... To talk to me about rules, why don't you try to practice what you preach?" Zhang Xuan sneered coldly, with a fearless gaze.

While it was indeed a taboo for a student to challenge a teacher's authority, Zhang Xuan had challenged You Xu to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel as a fellow 6-star physician, so until the moment the duel ended, his position would not be that of a student but a 6-star physician.

Even if Lu Feng was a 6-star master teacher, he could only be considered a peer in the course of the duel.

And as a fellow peer, what right did Lu Feng have to interfere in a fight between him and You Xu?

"You..." Lu Feng pointed his finger at Zhang Xuan with a livid face before flinging his sleeves backward furiously. "Sharp-tongued, aren't you? But regardless of what you say, I won't allow any harm to come to You Xu today. I will personally report this matter to the Master Teacher Pavilion to have them annul this matter with the Physician Guild!"

"You intend to protect him?" Zhang Xuan's eyes narrowed menacingly.

For a moment, he was a little perplexed by why Lu Feng would go to such an extent to protect You Xu, but after a moment of contemplation, it suddenly struck him.

Back then, when he and Wei Changfeng were attempting to purchase the Ten-leafed Flower, the master teacher who went to purchase a medicinal herb from You Xu seemed to have gone as Lu Feng's representative.

The price was low, and the exchange was completed swiftly without any trouble. Considering this, the relationship between the both of them must be fairly good.

But that was to be expected. As an apothecary and a herbologist in the Master Teacher Academy, the two of them had probably worked together on multiple occasions over the years, and this gradually built camaraderie between them. Otherwise, Lu Feng wouldn't have gone to the extent of offending the Physician Guild to intervene in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel.

"That's right!" Lu Feng declared grandly. "Vice School Head You, let's leave. I would like to see who in the Master Teacher Academy dares to stop me!"

"Yes!" Seeing that School Head Lu was firmly standing up for him, You Xu heaved a sigh of relief and hurriedly followed behind him.

He had already lost the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, so if he were to remain here, the only thing awaiting him was misfortune. At the current moment, the best thing he could do was to leave this area as soon as possible.

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up as he harrumphed coldly. "Leave? I haven't given him the permission to leave yet, who dares take him away?"

Glancing coldly at You Xu, he commanded authoritatively, "After disregarding your honor and morals, what rights do you have to remain as a master teacher? Kneel down!"

"Kneel down?" You Xu was stunned to hear Zhang Xuan's abrupt words. Just as he was about to sneer in response, he abruptly felt an inexplicable power striking his acupoints, and excruciating pain assaulted him.

Putong!

Before he could say anything more, his knees caved in and fell to the ground.

Having planted his Heaven's Path zhenqi within You Xu's body, it took nothing more than a thought for Zhang Xuan to subdue the other party.

"You..." Lu Feng's countenance turned hostile.

Right after he said that he would bring You Xu back, Zhang Xuan made You Xu kneel onto the ground.

That was a direct slap to his face, a resounding one at that.

When did his standing as the head of the Apothecary School become so worthless?

"Zhang Xuan, are you sure you want to go against me?" Lu Feng glared at Zhang Xuan with a disquieting gaze.

"Go against you?"

Zhang Xuan shook his head. "You aren't worthy of that! To tell you the truth, I didn't give a single shit about you before you appeared!"

Possessing the Library of Heaven's Path, there was nothing beneath the heavens that could stand against him. A mere head of the Apothecary School wasn't even worthy of his notice; if the other party hadn't come here to cause a ruckus, why would he have bothered wasting his effort going against him?

"You..." Hearing those words, Lu Feng nearly rushed forward in a frenzy to tear Zhang Xuan apart.

"Enough, I don't wish to waste any more words on you. Until the Life-and-Death Physician Duel ends, no one will be taking him away. Putting aside the fact that you are only a stand-in principal, even if the official principal of the academy was here today, the only thing he would be taking away from here is You Xu's corpse!" Zhang Xuan declared authoritatively.

With his Heaven's Path zhenqi planted deep in the other party's body, the difference between You Xu's life and death hinged on a single thought of his. No matter who it was, they wouldn't be taking You Xu away from here alive today!

"You dare!" Lu Feng roared furiously

"What do I have to fear?" With a wry smile, Zhang Xuan turned to You Xu and ordered, "He thinks that I don't dare do anything. Why don't you try spurting a mouthful of blood to prove him wrong?"

The next moment, an inexplicable power suddenly rampaged within the kneeling You Xu's innards, and unable to hold himself back, 'uweh!', fresh blood gushed from his mouth, dyeing the entire area crimson.

"You..." Lu Feng nearly lost his sanity on the spot.

That was a blatant provocation toward him!

"Why? You still want to try me? You Xu, continue until he submits!" Zhang Xuan ordered with his hands behind his back.

Pu! Pu! Pu!

At Zhang Xuan's command, You Xu began spurting blood endlessly. In just a few moments, his face had already turned ghastly pale, and it felt as if he might pass away at any moment.

"Stop it!" Seeing that his old friend would die if he were to continue spewing blood, School Head Lu Feng yelled furiously, but he realized that he was completely helpless to stop Zhang Xuan.

The poison which Zhang Xuan had planted into You Xu in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel was simply far too potent. Otherwise, the latter wouldn't have been forced to obey his commands either, kneeling and spewing blood on command.

"Stop!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

Only after that word was uttered did You Xu finally stop throwing up blood. His body fell feebly to the ground, and he gasped frantically for air. For a moment there, he could almost feel death's embrace.

Ever since becoming a master teacher a thousand years ago, he had never suffered such humiliation before.

Seeing that You Xu had finally stopped throwing up blood, Lu Feng immediately rushed forward to feed him a general antidote.

You Xu swallowed the antidote and drove his zhenqi to allow the antidote to permeate through his body. A moment later, however, he shook his head.

As a grade-6 pill, the antidote was potent. However, it was completely ineffective against the poison he was plagued with.

The poison which the other party had planted in him had already reached even the most hidden corners of his body, where his zhenqi was incapable of reaching. There was no medicine that could save him anymore.

"Damn it!"

Lu Feng stood up and turned to Zhang Xuan once more. His teeth were gritted so tightly together that it felt as if they would chip off from the sheer pressure between them. "Very well, I acknowledge your capability! However, allow me to offer you a warning. You might have won the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, but You Xu is a 6-star pinnacle physician under the protection of the academy. With your current standing, you have no right to determine his life and death!"

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan frowned.

As rude as the other party's words were, he knew that the other party was right.

If You Xu was an ordinary physician, Zhang Xuan would have killed him without any hesitation. He had the right to do so after winning the Life-and-Death Physician Duel.

However, it was a pity that You Xu wasn't an ordinary physician... he was also a 6-star pinnacle master teacher as well.

Every single master teacher was a pillar of society, a precious asset of the Master Teacher Pavilion. A huge amount of time, effort, and resources had to be devoted to groom every single 6-star pinnacle master teacher, and the death of any single one of them was a huge loss to society. As a result, unless they were to commit some grievous crime that harmed the interest of humanity, even master teachers of the same rank didn't have the right to put them to death.

The only way that a 6-star pinnacle master teacher could be killed was under the decree of a 7-star master teacher or above, or a ruling from the Tribunal of Master Teachers.

This was precisely the reason Zhang Xuan had used his Impartation of Heaven's Will to beguile You Xu into committing suicide instead.

If You Xu had really killed himself, he could pass it off as the other party committing suicide out of shame. There would be no one to testify against him, so he couldn't be charged for it. However, after falling for it once, it would be difficult for him to beguile You Xu into it once again.

"I can spare him, but I will be taking him with me!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

If he had succeeded in making You Xu commit suicide, that would have been the end of things. However, since things had reached this point, he decided to take him to Wei Ruyan for her to end him instead.

Firstly, he would be able to gain some time to find a way to circumvent the rules of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and secondly, Wei Ruyan would be able to personally exact vengeance on the man who had killed her father.

"You want to take him with you? You are in the Master Teacher Academy, and you wish to take one of our vice school heads away with you? Don't you think you are being a little too naive?" Lu Feng sneered coldly.

"Are you intending to not abide by the rules of the Life-and-Death Physician Duel?" Zhang Xuan frowned coldly.

"The rules must be abided, but at the end of the duel, you are still a student of the academy. As the stand-in principal of the academy and the leader of the Ten Great Master Teachers, I believe that I am more than qualified to stop a student!" Lu Feng replied with a grand wave of his hands.

While he had infringed on the rules by interfering in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel previously, as the duel had come to an end, the other party's position had reverted back to that of a student. As the stand-in principal of the academy, he possessed the authority to stop or even teach a student of the academy a lesson.

There was no one who could refute that.

On the other hand, Zhang Xuan's complexion turned extremely awful.

Lu Feng was right. No matter how he put it, he was still a student of the academy. There was a natural hierarchy between teacher and student, and there was nothing he could do if the other party was intent on stopping him.

As long as he was in the academy, he had to respect the rules of it.

He could use poison to threaten You Xu, but if You Xu were to really die, that would be equivalent to a 4-star master teacher killing a 6-star master teacher—in other words, insubordination. Just by this in itself, he would be subjected to an investigation by the Master Teacher Pavilion.

That would make things troublesome for him.

As expected of a stand-in principal of the academy, a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, he was indeed a master at playing by the rules.

"Leave Vice School Head You here and neutralize the poison he is suffering from. For your victory in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, I will compensate him in your stead. At the same time, I will make an exception and overlook this matter, treating it as if nothing has happened. Otherwise, I believe that you should also know that I have the power to teach a student of the academy a lesson. Even if you bring up your grievances to the Master Teacher Pavilion, there is no one who will side with you!" Lu Feng threatened.

"You are really determined to make things difficult for me, aren't you?" Seeing that Lu Feng was determined to stand in his way, Zhang Xuan's gaze turned frosty.

There was indeed nothing scarier than a shameless master teacher!

As the saying goes, 'There is nothing to fear from a hoodlum, what is truly fearsome is a cultured hoodlum'!

"Make things difficult for you? Why would you say such words? I am merely teaching a junior a lesson. If you believe that you are above me in seniority, you are more than free to do so as well!" Lu Feng roared in laughter.

There was an inherent power in seniority.

You are a student; I am a teacher. With just my standing, I can easily force you to lower your head to me!

Trapped in a deadlock, Zhang Xuan racked his brain furiously for a way out, but there was nothing that he could use to turn the tables. Just as he thought that it was the end, he suddenly heard the exclamation of an old man beneath the stage.

"Elder Zheng, Elder Wang, and Elder Liu, you are here! Wait a moment, don't go up now..."

With a gust of wind, several figures leaped onto the stage.

Following which, a voice with suppressed composure, reminiscent of the calm before a storm, spoke. "School Head Lu, we are the three guest elders that the Martial Arts School invited recently. May I ask if with our standing... can we be considered your peers?"

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Chapter 813: Unfilial Disciple, Hurry Up and Pay Respects to Your Grandteacher!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Hearing that voice, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but turn around, and what he saw left him in a trance.

The three elders who had leaped onto the stage were none other than Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and Liu Yang.

Weren't those three fellows cultivating in the residence outside the academy? Why were they here?

Furthermore, considering the tight security of the Master Teacher Academy, how did they sneak in without getting caught?

While Zhang Xuan was astonished by the sight before him, Lu Feng also didn't expect the abrupt situation that fell upon him. He pondered for a moment before chuckling softy and replying, "I heard about the three of you from School Head Xu. Despite your young age, you are geniuses among geniuses, possessing extraordinary insight into battle techniques and cultivation. The fact that you were able to win School Head Xu's approval speaks volumes about your capabilities!

"Since you are the guest elders of the Martial Arts School, you are naturally elders of our Master Teacher Academy as well. Without a doubt, you are my peers!"

The standing of guest elders was higher than that of ordinary elders.

Even though Lu Feng was a school head, in the strictest sense, he was only considered an elder of the academy as well. In other words, despite the age difference between them, the trio were his peers.

"It's good to hear that!" Zheng Yang nodded in satisfaction.

He gestured to the other two, and the three of them turned to Zhang Xuan and kneeled to the ground. "Student Zheng Yang (Wang Ying, Liu Yang) pays respect to teacher!"

"Ah?"

"The three guest elders invited by the Martial Arts School are actually... Zhang shi's students?"

"If Zhang shi's students are of the same seniority as School Head Lu, doesn't that mean that... School Head Lu is lower than him in terms of seniority..."

"Just what is going on?"

...

Not only were the seniors stupefied by the situation before them, the many teachers, elders, and school heads who had gathered in the area were dumbfounded as well.

Many people had heard about the new guest elders recruited by the Martial Arts School, and there were quite a few who had gone to listen to their lessons as well. The three new guest elders might be young, but their understanding of cultivation and battle techniques was truly worthy of respect.

As such, there was no one who had any qualms with their position.

Nearly all of the student populace thought that the reason the trio could achieve such a deep understanding of battle techniques and cultivation was because they had inherited the heritage of some formidable figure in the Master Teacher Continent, but never in their dreams had they expected that... their teacher would be Zhang Xuan!

He was just a freshman, and yet his students had already become elders of the academy...

Just what was with this weird turn of events?

While the others were shocked by the situation before them, on the stage, Lu Feng was on the verge of losing his mind.

It was just a moment ago that he had haughtily said that Zhang Xuan was free to teach him a lesson if the latter's seniority was above his, but the next moment... these three appeared.

Going by seniority, if Zhang Xuan was the teacher of the academy's guest elders, wouldn't that mean that Lu Feng would have to call him... uncle?

The thought of that immediately sent a streak of darkness across his face. An extremely stifling sensation gripped his chest, leaving him short of breath.

The hell with this!

If he had known that this would happen, he would have never said that the trio were his peers... But spilt water couldn't be taken back. Since he had already declared it publicly, he couldn't possibly refute what he had just said.

It took a long time before his soul finally returned to him, and he said, "Zhang Xuan might be your teacher, but he is also a student of the academy as well..."

"Since you say that my teacher is a student of the academy, may I ask, who has he acknowledged as his teacher?" Zheng Yang asked.

Lu Feng's face stiffened.

Given the huge ruckus that Zhang Xuan had caused in the academy, as the stand-in principal of the academy, he'd naturally had someone investigate his background. According to what he knew, the other party had gone into a coma during the recruitment period, so he had no teacher at all!

Realizing what Zheng Yang was possibly driving at, Lu Feng replied with an awful complexion, "He didn't acknowledge anyone as his teacher..."

"Then does my teacher have a student token?" Zheng Yang asked.

Lu Feng hesitated once again.

Most students would receive their student tokens straight from their teachers when they acknowledged them. As for those who didn't acknowledge a teacher, they were still allowed to attend open lectures and they would be given the benefit of the doubt to access most facilities in the academy, but the processing of their student token would be a little more troublesome, requiring at least ten days.

Considering that it was only six days since the start of the semester, it was natural that Zhang Xuan wouldn't have a student token yet!

"Since my teacher doesn't have a student token and he hasn't acknowledged a teacher in the academy, why do you say that he's a student of your Master Teacher Academy? Do you have any proof that he is?" Zheng Yang pressed on.

There was nothing Lu Feng could say to this.

Considering that Zhang Xuan didn't have a student token and hadn't acknowledged any teacher in the academy, even though he was recognized as a student in the academy, there were no official records stating so... If that was the case, it wasn't exactly wrong to say that he wasn't a student of the academy...

Assuming that Zhang Xuan really wasn't a student of the academy but the teacher of guest elders, it would mean that his standing was higher than Lu Feng's. Thus, if Lu Feng dared to hinder his path, that would be a blatant disrespect for his elders, and this was unacceptable for a master teacher!

"Even though he doesn't have a student token, he has a residence in the academy, and he even created a student faction..." Lu Feng argued anxiously.

In the few days since he had entered to the academy, that fellow has already caused two schools to collapse and created so much trouble everywhere. Yet, you are telling me that he's not a student... Are you seriously trying to argue that?

If he wasn't a student, he would have long been kicked out from the academy for all he had done! There was no way the academy would condone such actions from unaffiliated personnel?

"Enough, Junior Lu Feng. It's due to the token that School Head Mo gave me that I was able to obtain a residence in the academy, and the reason I established a student faction is due to the overwhelming support that the freshmen showed me. I don't understand why you are overthinking this matter," Zhang Xuan said.

"I know that it's in consideration of the academy's interests that you want to stop me, and I don't blame you for that. However, it's a fact that You Xu did lose to me in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel, so it's my right to take him away. As a junior, you should know better than to hinder me!"

"Jun-Junior?" Hearing the other party's nagging tone, as if a senior trying to persuade a junior not to do the wrong thing, School Head Lu Feng nearly fainted on the spot.

Do you have to rise up to the occasion every single time someone gives you the opportunity to brag?

If someone says that you are the principal, are you going to start acting like you own the academy immediately?

School Head Zhao, School Head Mo, and the others began muttering in disbelief.

"Elder Zheng, Elder Wang, and Elder Liu are actually... Zhang shi's students?"

"It seems like they are direct disciples at that..."

They had thought that You Xu would surely escape with his life now that School Head Lu was mediating the dispute. But who could have known that three guest elders would suddenly appear at this crucial juncture?

What shook them the most was how Zhang Xuan addressed Lu Feng as his junior... Going by that, wouldn't that mean they were his juniors as well?

Knowing that he would only be cornered if he allowed himself to be swept along at the other party's pace, Lu Feng harrumphed coldly. "Let's just drop the word games here. No matter how you put it, you are only a 4-star master teacher; don't even dream about taking You Xu away today!"

In truth, the matter regarding seniority was indeed very troublesome to iron out. If one were to put it like that, everyone would be everyone's senior in one way or another.

At that moment, an impassive voice suddenly sounded from above.

"Enough, School Head Lu! For a stand-in principal of the Master Teacher Academy to make such a huge fuss like that, don't you think that's shameful?"

Everyone lifted their gazes and saw a ravishing figure descending from the sky.

Upon seeing the figure above, Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

The person was no other than the beautiful teacher who had captured his heart at first sight, Luo Ruoxin!

"Luo shi!" Upon seeing her, School Head Lu hurriedly clasped his fist and reported, "This matter concerns the dignity of the Master Teacher Academy! If we were to allow an outsider to take away one of our vice school heads, wouldn't others start to question the authority of the Master Teacher Pavilion? How can we explain this to the headquarters if they question us on this matter?"

A slight frown appeared on Luo Ruoxin's face as she waved her hands. "That's not a problem for you to worry; Mu Yuan will explain it to the headquarters."

"This... Yes!" Even though School Head Lu was dissatisfied with Luo Ruoxin's response, he dared not to talk back to her.

Even though the lady before him was young, there was a high chance she was a member from a Sage Clan, the Luo Clan. Even Mu shi had to treat her with the utmost respect, so naturally, he wouldn't dare challenge her authority.

Seeing Lu Feng backing down on this matter, Luo Ruoxin turned her gaze to Zhang Xuan and asked, "Could it be that... you have comprehended the Eye of Insight?"

Zhang Xuan didn't expect Luo Ruoxin to ask such a question. He hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I guess you could say so!"

The other party had probably noticed it when he used it in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel against You Xu earlier.

"He has comprehended the Eye of Insight which only 6-star master teachers can comprehend?"

"I heard that it is extremely difficult to comprehend the Eye of Insight, and there are many of the top-notch geniuses in Sage Clans who spend their lives trying to understand it, only to eventually die in regret. Yet, Zhang shi has comprehended it?"

"With talent like his, as long as he doesn't die, he'll at least become an 8-star master teacher..."

"Indeed! So far, there are only ten people who are recorded to have comprehended the Eye of Insight in the books. Six of them became 9-star master teachers, two of them died a premature death, one of them had his cultivation capped after suffering severe wounds, but nevertheless, he still reached 8-star, and the last one went missing after clearing the 7-star master teacher examination... However, rumor has it that the missing 7-star master teacher was seen exerting might comparable to a 9-star master teacher in a fight against the Otherworldly Demons before passing away. All of these point at one thing—those who have comprehended the Eye of Insight will at least achieve strength equivalent to an 8-star master teacher if they are given time and space to grow!"

"Fearsome..."

Hearing Zhang Xuan's admittance, a huge uproar broke out amid the crowd.

Even though the Eye of Insight was said to be an ability that 6-star master teachers could awaken, only a small handful of true geniuses had managed to comprehend it.

Yet, Zhang Xuan had actually managed to comprehend it! It was no wonder he possessed exceptional capabilities in smithing, terpsichorean arts, and the Way of Medicine!

His talent was rare even among the offspring of Sage Clans.

"Eye of Insight?" At the same time, upon hearing of the news, Lu Feng's body trembled uncontrollably in fear.

Even the students beneath the stage knew of the significance of the Eye of Insight, so how could he possibly be unaware of it?

It was definitely no joke to say that the other party's potential was boundless!

To offend such a talent for You Xu... was it really worth it?

It was no wonder Luo shi chose to side with him instead. Possessing such talent, the other party would surely grow to become one of the powerhouses of the Master Teacher Continent one day. Even those of the Sage Clan would be inclined to build a good relationship with him, not daring to offend him in the least.

"As I expected!" Luo Ruoxin nodded for a moment before abruptly leaping off the stage. For an instant, it felt as if she had come here to stop Lu Feng just so that she could ask this question, but the next moment, her soft voice sounded in his ear.

"I will come and find you tonight!"

Leaving behind those words, she stepped into the crowd, and after a few turns, she abruptly disappeared from sight.

Find me? Zhang Xuan frowned.

Possessing the Library of Heaven's Path, he could easily see through anyone. But for some reason, he was unable to see through Luo Ruoxin.

Forget it!

Knowing that it was impossible for him to fathom the other party's thoughts, and that he would get the answer tonight, Zhang Xuan decided to put the matter aside for the time being.

With Luo Ruoxin speaking up on his behalf, Lu Feng didn't dare stop him any longer. After instructing Zheng Yang to carry the poisoned You Xu, he stepped off the stage with his students.

With everything that had happened, there was no one who dared to block his path. In an instant, the seniors immediately opened up a way for him to pass.

As Zhang Xuan walked, he couldn't help but shake his head in disappointment. Given how huge a trouble he had caused this time, it would probably be difficult for him to enter the Master Teacher Academy anymore.

Of the ten schools, he had only challenged the Blacksmith School, Terpsichore School, and Physician School so far. There were still seven more to go, and it felt like a huge loss for him to leave just like that.

Looks like I will have to assume the role of a challenger if I wish to return to the academy...

After Zhang Xuan had denied being a student of the academy, there was no way School Head Lu would acknowledge him anymore.

Those who weren't students of the academy possessed no Academic Credits or student tokens, so they weren't able to enter the academy freely, and they weren't allowed to use its facilities or take the examinations here either.

If Zhang Xuan still wished to raise the rank of his supporting occupations to 6-star in Hongyuan City, there was only one way—challenging the schools!

For example, if Zhang Xuan intended to obtain the 6-star apothecary emblem, he could challenge the entire school, and if no one could match up to him, he would naturally be qualified to apply for a 6-star apothecary emblem.

Why is it just so difficult for me to live a quiet and humble life? Zhang Xuan sighed deeply.

He could already foresee the huge chaos he would bring to the Master Teacher Academy should he challenge the schools.

Honestly speaking, all he wanted to do was to be an ordinary student, study in a peaceful environment, and pass his exams with flying colors. Yet... trouble simply had to come knocking on his door.

But since what had happened had happened, he decided to return to his residence and rest for a few days first. If no better solution came to mind by then, he would just have to resort to challenging the schools.

Once he obtained six 6-star supporting occupations, he would be able to take the 6-star master teacher examination.

With such thoughts in mind, Zhang Xuan walked toward the entrance of the academy. However, on his way there, he suddenly saw a young man wielding a spear run up to him excitedly and block his way.

"I have finally reached the tenth dan of the Fallen Spear Art, achieving the level of Spear-Man Union! Zhang Xuan, I want to challenge you to a duel. Will you accept the challenge?"

The young man flicked his spear, and a resounding whir reminiscent of the roar of a dragon echoed. In that instant, his figure resembled an undefeatable God of War.

That person was none other than Xue Zhenyang.

After listening to Zheng Yang's lecture the day before, he had gone into seclusion, and just a few moments ago, he had finally succeeded in breaking through his bottleneck.

After asking around and learning that Zhang Xuan was here, he immediately made his way over.

With his newfound strength, he would cleanse the humiliation he had suffered and reforge the True Helios Faction's reputation!

Pah!

But before he could even listen to Zhang Xuan's reply, he suddenly felt someone striking the back of his head forcefully.

He quickly turned around, only to see Zheng Yang laoshi glaring at him with a displeased gaze. "Unfilial disciple, hurry up and pay respects to your grandteacher!"

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Chapter 814: So He Was the One Who Bought the Manor!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Xue Zhenyang fell into a daze. The excited gleam in his eyes slowly transformed into a look of horror. Pointing a finger at Zhang Xuan, his gaze alternated between Zhang Xuan and Zheng Yang, and despair gradually painted his face dark. Unwilling to believe what was happening, he asked doubtfully, "G-g-grandteacher?"

When he'd departed from the True Helios Faction, Zheng Yang and the others hadn't gotten on the stage yet. As such, he was still unaware of the background of his spearmanship teacher.

However, at this instant, hearing from his teacher's own mouth that his grandteacher was Zhang Xuan, he suffered a blow so heavy that it threatened to snap his sanity.

When the subordinate he'd sent ended up being taken in by Zhang Xuan instead, the True Helios Faction suffered a heavy blow to its reputation.

In order to exact vengeance, he'd left the academy with a spear in his hands, intending to tour the lands so that he could comprehend the tenth dan of the Fallen Spear Art.

Through surpassing Zhang Xuan in spearmanship, he would bring glory back to the True Helios Faction, sending out the message that he, Xue Zhenyang, was still an irreplaceable genius of the Master Teacher Academy...

After all the effort he had put into it, when his diligence had finally paid off and he had achieved a breakthrough, reality suddenly struck him... Unknowingly, he had become the grandstudent of his nemesis!

The hell!

I don't want to be that fellow's grandstudent! I want to surpass him and cleanse the shame I have suffered due to him! I want to remain the revered genius of the Master Teacher Academy...

Xue Zhenyang howled furiously on the inside. However, before he could sort out his thoughts, excruciating pain assaulted the back of his head once more. His teacher had struck him again.

"Who do you think you are pointing your finger at? Where are your manners? This is the person I have been telling you about, my teacher. What are you waiting for? Hurry up and get on your knees!" Zheng Yang urged with a displeased frown.

He had been wanting to introduce his talented student to his teacher for a while now, but now that the chance finally came, the latter was acting completely disrespectful to his teacher. This was truly... If he had known earlier, he should have taught Xue Zhenyang some etiquette beforehand!

Get on my knees? On the other hand, Xue Zhenyang felt as if someone had just torn his world apart.

All along, due to Zheng Yang and the others' age and astounding capability, he had thought that his grandteacher would be a formidable figure and thus imaged him as an old man in his seventies or eighties...

Yet, it turned out to be the nemesis he had set out to defeat in the first place!

Why did fate had to pull such a prank on him?

Before his departure, he had declared proudly that he would defeat Zhang Xuan upon his return... But how could he do so, given his current identity?!

While Xue Zhenyang was suffering a tragic mental breakdown, Long Cangyue and the others, who were watching the commotion, felt their bodies swaying weakly.

Of their four student factions, two had challenged Zhang Xuan, but one became his apprentice and the other his grandstudent... Their standing was gradually becoming one lower than the other.

"Say, if we challenge him as well... will we end up becoming his grand-grandstudents?" Long Cangyue gulped.

"You must be joking! Grand-grandstudent, that means that his standing is three generations higher than us! But we are the direct disciples of the old principal. If he's three generations higher than us, wouldn't that make even the old principal his grandstudent?"

Dong Xin harrumphed coldly. "Don't put yourself down and inflate his ego!"

"But... there is just something uncanny about that fellow," Long Cangyue said.

"There's indeed something weird about him, but... don't you think that's what makes this a challenge?" Unlike Long Cangyue's nervousness, Dong Xin's eyes were glowing in excitement.

As a genius, she had never submitted to anyone before. Formidable as Zhang Xuan might seem, his capability had only served to further stimulate her fighting will.

"A challenge? Forget it. I fear that my Ashen Moon Faction will disappear after the challenge... If you wish to do so, do it yourself!" Long Cangyue hurriedly shook his head.

You must be joking! Which of the four student factions are weak?

Two had already had their turn, and they ended up in such a miserable state. Even a vice school head was utterly crushed by the other party... He had no desire whatsoever to get himself involved in this matter.

"Forget it! If you are really that scared, I'll do it alone then! Don't worry, I'll surely be able to find his weakness and defeat him!" Dong Xin chuckled as her eyes twinkled in confidence.

There was no such thing as a flawless cultivator in the world. So what if Zhang Xuan was formidable?

She didn't believe that he could be perfect!

As long as she paid careful attention, she would surely be able to find something to exploit against him.

By then, her Dong Xin Faction would become the academy's largest faction, unmatched by any other!

And finally, after so many years of competing with Hu Yaoyao, she would emerge at the top!

...

"You accepted Xue Zhenyang as your disciple?"

On the other hand, Zhang Xuan was gazing at the kneeling Xue Zhenyang before him in a daze.

When did Zheng Yang take this fellow as his disciple? Not to mention, what was with the matter of being the guest elder?

Fearing that Zhang Xuan would get furious, Sun Qiang hurried forward and interjected.

"Young Master, I was the one who convinced Young Master Zheng Yang to do so. I saw that this fellow was sincere and determined in acknowledging Young Master Zheng Yang as his teacher, and he also paid the school fee as well, so I took pity on him..."

Discreetly, he passed a storage ring over and sent a telepathic message. "Here are the spirit stones that Zheng Yang and the others have earned through their lectures!"

"Lecture?" The more Zhang Xuan listened, the more bewildered he became. He immersed his consciousness into his storage ring, and what he saw made him have the shock of his life.

Middle-tier spirit stones stacked as if a mountain! Judging from the size of the pile, there were at least several ten thousand of them in there. Even if he were to exchange them for high-tier spirit stones, he would at least be able to get a hundred of them.

Are you sure you earned this sum by conducting a lecture, not by robbery?

"Indeed. It's actually like this..." Sun Qiang swiftly explained the matter of how Zheng Yang and the others became guest elders of the Martial Arts School to Zhang Xuan.

"To think that such a thing could happen!" Zhang Xuan was astonished by what had happened while he was at the Cloudmist Ridge.

Even though what he had imparted to Zheng Yang and the others were just simplified versions of the Heaven's Path Divine Art and Heaven's Path battle techniques, those were already the most profound secret manuals in this world, far surpassing any of their kind.

As master teachers, it was natural that Xue Zhenyang and Xu Changqing would realize how profound they were.

With that, it didn't come as much of a surprise that they would invite Zheng Yang and the others to become guest elders of the academy.

Sun Qiang couldn't help but feel a little unnerved by Zhang Xuan's silence. "Young Master, I'm the one who convinced Zheng Yang and the others into it. If you wish to punish them, please punish me instead..."

He felt that the young master would be moved by the spirit stones, but nevertheless, there was no way he could be certain that he had made the right call.

"Punish? Why would I punish you for this matter? Accepting disciples and imparting knowledge to them, this is a way for them to reinforce their understanding as well!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

Often, just by listening to a lecture, one's understanding of a subject wouldn't be complete. However, if one were to attempt to teach it to another, one would be forced to organize their thoughts and sort out the logic regarding it, and this would reinforce one's understanding of the subject.

As such, it was crucial for students to exchange their knowledge with one another or even serve as the other's teacher. This was not only beneficial to the other party but oneself as well.

Through the lecture, Zheng Yang and the others should have been able to gain deeper insight into cultivation and battle techniques themselves, and that was surely a good thing!

Besides, it wasn't like he had made a loss because of this matter. With the spirit stones earned, he would have nothing to worry about for the time being!

He was still thinking about selling a portion of the Earth Vein Spirit Essence to tide them over for the time being, but it seemed like there was no need for it anymore.

These students of his had truly done something good for him this time around.

Nevertheless, there was still one thing he had to warn them about.

"I don't oppose to you becoming the teachers of others. On the contrary, I think it's good for you to impart knowledge to others. However... I will still have to ask you to do it in moderation. Our heritage is grand and profound, so it might bring us trouble instead if you impart too much to others. Living in this world, it's always best to keep a low profile whenever possible. This is a trait that you should learn from me!" Zhang Xuan warned grimly.

The Heaven's Path Divine Art and Heaven's Path battle techniques, even if just the simplified versions, were too powerful; it would definitely cause a huge uproar if their existence were to be made known to others. Perhaps, it might even end up drawing in enemies far too powerful for them to deal with.

Thus... it would still be best for them to keep a low profile.

"Teacher, rest assured. We only lectured them on the bare basics. Regarding those crucial aspects of our heritage, we made sure to left them out... We have tried our best to keep a low profile as well!" Zheng Yang and the others replied.

"Good!" Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

The few of them didn't speak too loudly, so not many had heard their words. However, Xue Zhenyang, who was just kneeling before them, heard them loud and clear. His body shook frenziedly, and tears threatened to spill from his eyes.

The heck, can we still hold a proper conversation over here?

A twenty-year-old freshman creating a huge storm as soon as he entered the academy, sending all of the seniors into a frenzy...

Three youngsters, only fifteen or sixteen, becoming the guest elders of the Martial Arts School...

How the freaking hell can you call this low profile?

If this is called low profile, what can be considered high profile?

"Alright. Since you have accepted him as your disciple, teach him well. Also, try to conduct a few more lectures in the academy to earn more spirit stones. As you know, we cultivators require a lot of spirit stones to cultivate, so it will be best for us to get as many of those as we can," Zhang Xuan instructed.

Sun Qiang nodded. "Don't worry, Young Master. I will make arrangements!"

As he had expected! As long as it came to money, the young master would have no qualms with it.

"Un. For the time being, we should head over to You Xu's residence to get the Ten-leafed Flower!" Zhang Xuan said.

For the moment, the urgent matter at hand was for him to take the Ten-leafed Flower and save Wei Ruyan.

Other matters could wait, but hers couldn't. If he didn't hurry, the latter might just end up succumbing to her illness.

Given that You Xu's life was in Zhang Xuan's hands and he had lost in the Life-and-Death Physician Duel as well, he had no choice but to obey Zhang Xuan's orders. Thus, it didn't take long for the Ten-leafed Flower to appear in Zhang Xuan's hands.

After obtaining the medicinal herb, Zhang Xuan headed to his residence in the Elite Sector.

His residence outside was currently too small, so it was extremely inconvenient there. On top of that, the treatment to save Wei Ruyan also required an area with a high concentration of spiritual energy, and his residence outside clearly couldn't compare to this.

However, when they arrived at Zhang Xuan's residence in the Elite Sector, he saw someone guarding the entrance. It was Huang Xing, Zhou Tong, and the others, the seniors who had allocated the residence to him back then. Stacked beside them were his personal belongings which he had stored inside the residence.

"What is going on?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"Zhang shi, School Head Lu just passed an order saying that you are prohibited from staying here because you aren't a student of the academy. His authority is higher than that of School Head Mo, so there's nothing we can about it either... I beg your pardon, Zhang shi," Huang Xing said with a reddened face.

He had also heard of the matter in the Physician School, and honestly speaking, he was filled with respect and admiration for Zhang Xuan's actions as well. However, the person standing on the opposing side was the head of the Apothecary School, the stand-in principal of the Master Teacher Academy. No matter how gutsy he was, he dared not disobey School Head Lu's orders.

Thus, he could only move Zhang Xuan's possessions out of his residence.

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan's face turned livid.

He hadn't thought that Lu Feng would act so swiftly!

This residence was built upon a Spirit Gathering Formation, thus resulting in a dense concentration of spiritual energy around it. Such conditions were ideal for the Ten-leafed Flower to nourish Wei Ruyan's soul.

The treatment wouldn't be as effective if he were to conduct it in his residence outside!

However, it was indeed true that he had declared that he wasn't a student of the academy, so he had no right to live there.

What should I do? Zhang Xuan rubbed his glabella, troubled.

Resigned, he placed his possessions in his storage ring and prepared to head back to his residence outside. However, at that moment, a middle-aged man, under the lead of a senior, suddenly walked up to him.

"Zhang shi, this man is looking for you!" the senior reported before retreating to the side.

The middle-aged man clasped his fist and asked, "May I confirm that you are Zhang shi?"

Zhang Xuan frowned. "You are..."

"I am the butler of King Huai Manor, Yu Qing. Our master has bought an accommodation for Zhang shi, and it is located just a short distance away from the academy. He tasked me to deliver the deed to you, and I will be grateful if you accept it!" As he spoke, Yu Qing took out a jade box, and opening it, a housing deed and land deed came into sight.

Taking a look at the land deed, Zhang Xuan saw the location written on it and he froze.

"Accommodation... That manor was bought by your master?"

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Chapter 815: Hu Yaoyao's True Identity

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Written on the land deed was the specific location of the plot of land, and it was indicating the location of the manor that Hu Yaoyao said was where the old residence of Wu Yangzi used to be situated.

Back then, when he learned that the manor belonged to him, he was extremely perplexed. He racked his mind to figure out who it could be, but never had he thought that it would be King Huai!

He never had any interaction with King Huai, except for the fact that Zheng Yang and the others had stayed in his manor for a few days, and his ambiguous relationship with the Yuan Clan, who had taken Yuan Tao with them.

To be honest, they couldn't even be considered acquaintances, having just met once. Yet, the other party was gifting him a luxurious manor worth more than a hundred high-tier spirit stones?

Wasn't this... a little too much?

But thinking about it carefully, King Huai was indeed the only one who had the financial resources to spare to carry this out.

Even though Mo Gaoyuan, School Head Mo, and others were prestigious 6-star master teachers, their wealth still couldn't be compared to a king who wielded immense power in Hongyuan Empire.

"That's right!" Butler Yu Qing nodded respectfully.

"I don't think I have done anything worthy of this gift from King Huai..." Zhang Xuan shook his head.

As much as he was interested in the manor, he had no ties with King Huai whatsoever. It wasn't really appropriate to accept such a valuable gift from a stranger.

"My master has ordered me to deliver the land deed and housing deed to you regardless of the cost. Otherwise, I might be kicked out of the King Huai Manor or even be severely punished for my lapse in duty!" Yu Qing said anxiously.

"Furthermore, this manor is registered under your name. If you continue to turn me down, I really do not know what I will do with the manor!"

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had noticed it just now as well. The owner registered on the land deed and housing deed was indeed him.

In other words, King Huai had guessed that he would reject the gift, so he chose to register the manor straight under his name.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan nodded. "Alright, I will accept it then. Sun Qiang, take the jade box. When I am free, I will make sure to pay King Huai a visit so as to express my gratitude!"

It was a fact that he needed a better accommodation at the moment, and Wu Yangzi's treasure was located within the manor as well. Since the other party was determined to give the manor to him, there was no need for him to refuse it anyway.

At most, he would find an opportunity to offer some guidance to King Huai or resolve the illnesses he was suffering from in order to repay the favor.

Actually, the other party's intention behind giving him the manor wasn't too difficult to figure out.

What King Huai was interested in wasn't him but Yuan Tao.

Yuan Tao possessed the Emperor's Bloodline. Once he returned to the Yuan Clan, a Sage Clan, the Yuan Clan would surely devote their resources to grooming him. It would just be a matter of time before he became a powerhouse of the Master Teacher Continent.

Considering that he was Yuan Tao's teacher, it wasn't too difficult to imagine his standing then.

King Huai might be unable to fawn over Yuan Tao, but if he could get on close terms with him, it would be equivalent to building a connection to the Yuan Clan as well.

Even if Zhang Xuan were to adamantly reject the manor, it was likely that King Huai might still resort to other means to get to him. Since that was the case, he might as well just accept this manor.

"Thank you, Zhang shi!"

Butler Yu Qing had thought that Zhang shi would need some convincing before accepting the manor, but the latter suddenly agreed to it. Excited, he hurriedly passed the housing deed and land deed to Sun Qiang before clasping his fist. "I will be taking my leave then!"

"Un!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands to dismiss the other party.

"Since we have a new residence now, let's head there!"

Without any hesitation, he left with the others behind him.

"This..."

It was just a moment ago that Huang Xing and the others had stopped Zhang Xuan from entering his old residence in the Elite Sector when King Huai suddenly sent him a massive manor. They glanced at one another with blank looks on their faces, not knowing what to say.

It was clear that School Head Lu had done all of this to humiliate Zhang Xuan, but now... not only was Zhang Xuan not humiliated, he even gave a tight slap back to School Head Lu...

If they were to report this matter to School Head Lu, would the latter fly into a rage and punish them instead?

What the heck was this!

If they had known earlier, they would have never gotten involved in this matter!

...

Oblivious to the woes Huang Xing's group faced, Zhang Xuan, Sun Qiang, and the others left the academy, and not too long later, they arrived before a massive manor.

"Young Master..."

Before he could even knock on the doors, 'jiyaa!', the doors creaked open, and a huge army of guards and servants rushed out to welcome him.

A butler stepped forward and reported, "King Huai has sent us here out of worry to tend to your needs."

"I see, help me relay my gratitude to King Huai!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

King Huai had truly put a lot of effort into this matter. Not only did he purchase such a luxurious manor in a prime location, he even refurbished the manor and prepared all of the servants required to manage it.

He sure was generous!

Indeed, it would be difficult for Sun Qiang and the others to tidy up the manor by themselves.

Since he had already accepted the manor, adding a little more to the debt didn't mean much anymore.

All he had to do was to find a way to return the favor when the time came.

Following the butler into the residence, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but gasp in awe.

It seemed like great care had been taken in the refurbishment as well. The manor was extravagant but not lacking in elegance, magnificent but soothing at the same time.

It was exquisitely designed to harmonize with nature. In an instant, Zhang Xuan felt as if he had walked into a massive park.

It was apparent that a Spirit Gathering Formation had been set up here; the spiritual energy in the manor was extremely dense. In terms of concentration, it was on par even with his residence in the Elite Sector.

"Incredible!" Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

From the looks of it, it seemed like King Huai must have spent a bomb on the refurbishment of the manor as well, perhaps even costing more than the manor itself.

In any case, if Zhang Xuan had bought the manor himself, there was no way he would have been able to make it like that.

Walking into the main hall at the very center of the manor, Zhang Xuan instructed, "Sun Qiang, you shall go with the Great Violetwing Beast to bring Wei Ruyan over!"

"Yes!" Sun Qiang nodded before taking his leave.

After finding a place to keep You Xu locked up, Zhang Xuan took a walk around the manor, and he soon arrived at a flower garden.

He paced around the area a few times before finally taking the Ten-leafed Flower out and planting it in the ground.

This was the area in the manor where the spiritual energy focused. By storing the medicinal herb here, he would be able to maintain its freshness.

After planting it in the ground, Zhang Xuan dripped a few droplets of Earth Vein Spirit Essence on it before heaving a sigh of relief.

In order to have the Ten-leafed Flower nourish Wei Ruyan's soul, Zhang Xuan had to keep it alive first. Otherwise, if the flower were to wither, the soul that was bound to it would dissipate as well.

In order to ensure that nothing went wrong, Zhang Xuan took out several dozen formation flags from his storage ring and planted them in the area, creating a formation to keep others out.

Only after this was done did Zhang Xuan finally heave a sigh of relief. Just as he was about to return to his room, he suddenly saw Luo Qiqi and Hu Yaoyao walking over.

"Teacher, is this manor really yours?" Even at this point, Luo Qiqi could still hardly believe that it was true.

After all, this place was simply far too extravagant, and it would be no exaggeration to say that it was on par with the royal palace. To abruptly give such a place to her teacher for no apparent reason, it was normal that she would be skeptical.

Zhang Xuan nodded. "Let's head in to speak!"

Thus, the three of them headed to the main hall.

"Hu Yaoyao, are you certain that this is Elder Wu Yangzi's old residence?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Yes, I am certain!" Hu Yaoyao replied decisively.

Seeing the lack of hesitation in her response, Zhang Xuan frowned.

The reason he and Luo Qiqi were looking for Wu Yangzi's old residence was to obtain the treasure he had hidden. However, this manor had already changed hands several times, and considering the many times it had been refurbished and renovated, probably every inch of ground here had been dug before. Even if there was a treasure here, the chances were that it would have been taken away.

Just as Zhang Xuan was deep in contemplation, Hu Yaoyao suddenly spoke once more. "The reason Zhang shi is determined to find Elder Wu Yangzi's old residence, if I am not mistaken, is to find the treasure that he left behind, right?"

"Treasure? What treasure?" Zhang Xuan feigned ignorance.

"There's no need for you to hide it from me. There are some members in my Bewitching Devil Faction who are blacksmiths too, and I have heard that the both of you found Elder Wu Yangzi's corpse!" Hu Yaoyao said. "Since you've found Elder Wu Yangzi's corpse, surely you've learned of the existence of his treasure as well!"

"It has been two thousand years since Elder Wu Yangzi disappeared. Even if we managed to find his corpse, he would have already been long dead. How could we possibly receive any clues about his treasure from him..." Zhang Xuan shook his head and sighed in disappointment.

"To tell you the truth, I already knew what you two were up to when you asked me about the location of Elder Wu Yangzi's old residence. It's just that I chose not to point it out since you were unwilling to talk about it!"

Chuckling lightly, Hu Yaoyao returned back to her usual coquettish self and said, "Don't worry. Of the entire Hongyuan City, I am the only one who knows about the treasure that Elder Wu Yangzi left behind. Thus, you need not worry about the news being leaked!"

Since the other party had already brought things out into the light, Zhang Xuan couldn't be bothered to keep up with the disguise anymore. Thus, he turned his gaze to her and asked, "Oh? Since you said so, I would really like to ask you what your relationship with Elder Wu Yangzi is. Why do you know so much about him?"

In the first place, it was already bizarre how certain she was about where Wu Yangzi's old residence had been. But to think that she would know about the existence of the treasure on top of that... This was suspicious.

"You want to know?" Hu Yaoyao smiled. Taking a deep breath, she drove her zhenqi.

Weng!

The next moment, with a jolt, her slender body suddenly emanated a slight glow, and the strength of the aura she exuded surged.

"This is... the Quintuple Incandescence Golden Body?" Luo Qiqi exclaimed in shock as she exchanged glances with Zhang Xuan.

No matter how they looked at it, the technique was the secret art they had learned from Wu Yangzi, Quintuple Incandescence Golden Body!

But didn't this physical body cultivation technique go missing long ago?

How did Hu Yaoyao learn it?

Furthermore, from the looks of it, it seemed like she had spent quite some time studying and cultivating it as well, reaching Second Incandescence just like Zhang Xuan.

"Indeed, this is the Quintuple Incandescence Golden Body!" Hu Yaoyao nodded as she halted the flow of her zhenqi. "This is a technique I inherited from my ancestor."

"Your ancestor? Isn't the Quintuple Incandescence Golden Body... Wait, could it be..." Luo Qiqi was astonished.

"In truth, my surname is not Hu but... Wu!" Hu Yaoyao said. "Wu Yangzi is my ancestor!"

"But if you are a descendent of Elder Wu Yangzi, why did you change your surname to Hu?" Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

As a grandmaster blacksmith, Wu Yangzi possessed immense prestige in Hongyuan City. It should have been an honor to have such an ancestor, why would his descendants choose to conceal their heritage instead?

Hu Yaoyao harrumphed coldly. "If we didn't change our surname, our lineage would have been massacred by others long ago!"

"Massacred?" Zhang Xuan frowned. "But this is where the Master Teacher Academy is located. There are actually people who dare to lay their hands on you?"

With both a Master Teacher Pavilion and Master Teacher Academy taking root here, who would dare to lay their hands on Wu Yangzi's descendants?

"Dare? Do you really think that it was possible for Wu Yangzi to be kidnapped by others so easily? Not to mention, does it make sense that he didn't even have a chance to leave a message or call for help?" Hu Yaoyao asked.

"This..."

In truth, Zhang Xuan also felt that there was something amiss with the matter.

Back in the underground chamber, the Otherworldly Demon puppets whom he had faced were all at Saint 1-dan. While they were a formidable force in Hongyuan Empire, it was still nigh impossible for them to deal with a figure who could potentially make the breakthrough to become a 7-star blacksmith so discreetly.

Could there... really be some kind of hidden secret behind this matter?

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Chapter 816: Going to the Apothecary School to Play

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

As an Upper Nine Paths occupation, the Blacksmith Guild had a strict requirement on the cultivation of its members. Considering that Wu Yangzi was known to be extremely close to achieving a breakthrough to 7-star, he must have been at Saint 1-dan pinnacle. On top of that, as the greatest blacksmith in Hongyuan Empire's history, he must have possessed a lot of valuable artifacts as well...

Even if School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, School Head Lu, and the others were to gang up against him, it would still have been extremely difficult for them to kill him!

Yet, a bunch of Saint 1-dan Otherworldly Demons actually managed to infiltrate Hongyuan City and captured Wu Yangzi without anyone noticing, imprisoning him until his death. This was unimaginable in itself.

Judging from Hu Yaoyao's tone, it seemed she knew a thing or two about the matter.

It was likely that Wu Yangzi's capture was not as simple as it seemed.

"What happened back then?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"There are too many implications in this matter, and I don't have any concrete evidence either, so I won't talk about it for the moment. The only reason I revealed my identity to you is to earn your trust. If you really are looking for Wu Yangzi's treasure, I might be able to help you!" Hu Yaoyao said.

"Since you are a descendant of Elder Wu Yangzi, there's no need for us to hide this matter from you. You're right, the reason we are looking for his old residence is to find the treasure he has left behind," Zhang Xuan revealed.

"However, the details he left for us are extremely unclear. He only mentioned that he left something behind in his old residence, but as for what it is and where it is, it isn't clear to us either."

Even though Zhang Xuan admitted it, he didn't tell Hu Yaoyao about the clue to the treasure he had received from the underground chamber.

It was not that he distrusted Hu Yaoyao, but the implications behind this matter were simply too great. Better safe than sorry.

"I have a rough idea of the items he has left behind, but... I have been here many times, and I haven't found any trace of his treasure at all!" Hu Yaoyao said with a doubtful expression.

As Wu Yangzi's descendant, she knew of the existence of Wu Yangzi's treasure. However, the only one who knew where it was buried was Wu Yangzi himself. She had visited this manor many times over the years, hoping to find it, but there was no sign of it anywhere.

"We can take our time. Since this manor is mine now, we can slowly figure out where it is!" Zhang Xuan replied.

Wu Yangzi had said that he had left behind something that could help one reach Sainthood at the Three Stars of the Earth Dragon. As long as one were to place three formation flags according to the three stars, the object would appear automatically.

Zhang Xuan was still unable to figure out what the Three Stars of the Earth Dragon referred to, so he had no idea where to start.

However, with the confirmation of the location of Wu Yangzi's old residence, they had managed to reduce the search perimeter significantly. As long as it was within that manor, they would eventually find it if they were to search carefully.

Most probably, Wu Yangzi's treasure... isn't as simple as to only help one achieve Sainthood! Zhang Xuan thought.

Somehow, he felt that the reason Wu Yangzi's descendants were being hunted down was due to the treasure as well.

Zhang Xuan proceeded to ask Hu Yaoyao a few more questions about Wu Yangzi's old residence, but the manor had gone through far too many hands over the years. It was impossible for anyone to tell what the manor had been like two thousand ago.

"Alright, you should find a place to rest first. I have to treat Wei Ruyan now. We will talk afterward."

Soon, Sun Qiang and the Great Violetwing Beast returned with Wei Ruyan. Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan rushed over to receive them.

He immediately checked on Wei Ruyan's state. After she was nourished by his soul essence two days ago, her condition had improved significantly. But even so, she was still in a coma at the moment.

He carried her to the area where he had planted the Ten-leafed Flower earlier and began his treatment.

He first drew his soul out, and using a soul art, he transferred her soul into the Ten-leafed Flower. After accomplishing this, he heaved a sigh of relief.

For the time being, he would be leaving Wei Ruyan's soul with the Ten-leafed Flower to allow the latter to nourish her. This process would require at least three days.

After which, Zhang Xuan took out the Earth Vein Spirit Essence to nourish Wei Ruyan's body as well, but a moment later, a deep frown appeared on his face.

It seems that the most the Earth Vein Spirit Essence can do is to maintain her current physical condition. If I wish to restore vitality to her body, I will need the Grand Intermittence Pill!

The Grand Intermittence Pill was a grade-7 pill. Given Zhang Xuan's current capability, it would be impossible for him to have it forged.

Furthermore, he didn't have the pill formula nor the medicinal herbs required for it.

"It seems like I will have to pay the Apothecary School a visit..." Zhang Xuan muttered under his breath.

To have the Grand Intermittence Pill forged, he would have to first raise his pill forging skills to that of a 6-star pinnacle apothecary. Following which, he would have to apply for the pill formula of the Grand Intermittence Pill from the headquarters, purchase the necessary ingredients, and finally, find a 6-star pinnacle apothecary to forge it in his stead...

There's still some time before nightfall... I'll just make a quick trip there then!

It was barely dawn when Zhang Xuan had returned to the academy from the Cloudmist Ridge. After which, despite breaking many records in the Physician School and clearing the 6-star physician examination, it had only taken him around thirty minutes in total for that, and the Life-and-Death Physician Duel with You Xu had taken another thirty minutes, too.

Following which, the procuring of the Ten-leafed Flower, obtaining the housing deed and land deed to the manor, moving into the manor... Even after everything was done, it was also only barely noon. There was still some time before the appointment he had made with Luo Ruoxin at night.

As the saying goes, 'vengeance in the moment'. Since he had said that he would pay a visit to the Apothecary School and he happened to have the time for it now, wouldn't it only be right for him to head there?

After all, he was a master teacher.

How could he break his promise?

...

In a vast room within the Apothecary School sat a livid-faced Lu Feng.

In front of him were four other elders gathered around a table.

"The reason I gathered all of you here is to discuss how we can save You Xu!" Lu Feng said gravely.

"School head, it's You Xu's own fault for getting into such a plight. A master teacher should honor his promises. Yet, Vice School Head You reneged on his promise and even willfully caused the death of a Saint. This is more than enough to have him sentenced in the Tribunal of Master Teacher!"

One of the elders shook his head and sighed. "Furthermore, he lost to another in a fair Life-and-Death Physician Duel. Even if we wish to save him, there is no legitimate pretext we can use. If I may... I think it would be in our best interest to drop the matter!"

If Zhang Xuan were here, he would surely be able to recognize the other party as Vice School Head Zhou Qing.

He was the one who had helped Luo Ruoxin to clean her podium when she conducted her public lecture back then.

"Drop the matter? You must be joking! If not for You Xu contributing the saint herbs he had been cultivating to us, do you think that you would have been able to forge a 6-star pinnacle pill? Do you think that you would have been able to make such rapid progress in your pill forging skills over the years?" an elder interjected furiously.

"Indeed! Our Apothecary School is indebted to You Xu. We can't allow him to be taken away just like that, especially not by a student!" another elder added.

"We have to deal with this matter sternly. Otherwise, if we allow students to act as they please, what will become of our Master Teacher Academy?" the last elder said.

Just like most of the schools, the Apothecary School had four vice school heads as well.

"I know that all of us are indebted to You Xu, but... the one who is at fault for this matter is him. On top of that, the other party followed the rules and went by the official procedure, such that even the Physician School has no objection to it. If we were to interfere in this matter any further, I fear that others might say that we are narrow-minded!" Zhou Qing frowned.

"Narrow-minded? Humph! That fellow has no respect for his elders at all, putting down the school head in public. If we don't teach him a lesson, won't others start going over our heads as well?" the first elder harrumphed.

"But it is the school head who interfered in the duel fir..." Vice School Head Zhou frowned, but before he could finish his words, Lu Feng abruptly slammed his palm on the table.

"Enough! The reason I gathered all of you is to discuss how we should resolve this matter, not to bicker with one another!" Lu Feng roared.

At this moment, he was still feeling extremely frustrated inside.

Despite being the stand-in principal of the Master Teacher Academy, he was snubbed by a twenty-year-old fellow in public and left in a tough spot. Just recalling the matter left rage boiling within him.

"That Zhang Xuan has been causing trouble all around ever since he enrolled at the Master Teacher Academy. No matter how talented he is, the Master Teacher Academy will not tolerate a student who attempts to undermine its authority!" School Head Lu Feng waved his hands grandly.

"Besides, in the Physician School, he has already publicly acknowledged that he isn't a student of the academy. Thus, I have sent men to clear away his stuff from his residence in the Elite Sector, disallowing him from taking even a single step into the residence anymore!"

"This..."

Vice School Head Zhou was slightly worried by Lu Feng's extreme actions. "School head, no matter what, Zhang Xuan has School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and School Head Wei's backing. If you do this... won't you draw their discontent?"

Even if Zhang Xuan wasn't a student of the academy, as a person favored by the school heads, it was nothing much for him to possess a residence in the Master Teacher Academy. To kick him away like that, that was equivalent to provoking the three school heads as well!

"Discontent? I am operating by the rules of the academy, what do they have to be discontented about?" Lu Feng sneered coldly. "The residences in the vicinity of the academy are extremely expensive. Let's see where he can go after he gets kicked out!"

Vice School Head Zhou shook his head, disagreeing with Lu Feng's decision. He was going to persuade Lu Feng against it once again when someone knocked on the door outside.

"School Head Lu, Grade-2 student Huang Xing seeks an audience!"

"Come in!" Upon hearing that it was Huang Xing, who was in charge of managing the Elite Sector, outside, Lu Feng gave him permission to enter.

Upon stepping into the room, Huang Xing was shocked to see that the school head and the four vice school heads were all present in the room, and he hurriedly clasped his fist to greet them. "Huang Xing pays respect to School Head Lu and the vice school heads!"

"So, how did the matter which I entrusted you with go?" Lu Feng asked.

Huang Xing twitched for a brief instant before he swiftly replied, "Reporting to School Head Lu, I have cleared out Zhang shi's belongings from the residence and taken back possession of it..."

"Well done!" Lu Feng stroked his beard as he nodded in satisfaction.

A freshman actually tried to go head-to-head with him? Arrogant!

Even though Lu Feng couldn't make a move on Zhang Xuan personally in consideration of his identity as a master teacher, given the prestige he had accumulated in both the Master Teacher Academy and Hongyuan City over the years, it was still a piece of cake for him to make the life of a mere student a living hell.

"How is he faring? Is he searching anxiously for lodging? Tell the realtor agencies that no one is to rent or sell any property to him, or else I will get even with the organization personally!" Lu Feng said.

"This..." Huang Xing hesitated for an instant before replying. "Reporting to School Head Lu, he... isn't looking for lodging!"

"He isn't looking lodging? Could he still be hanging around the Elite Sector, refusing to leave?" Lu Feng frowned.

"That's not it... When Zhang shi came to collect his belongings, King Huai's butler arrived and gifted him a massive manor which spans over three hundred mu 1 in area. Its interior design is also grand and beautiful, reminiscent of the royal palace... So, he moved in there!" Huang Xing said with a flushed face.

"King Huai... gifted him a manor?" Lu Feng widened his eyes in shock.

It was just a moment ago that he'd had the other party kicked from his residence, and now the other party had been given an extravagant manor... Was this for real?

"Yes..." Huang Xing replied nervously.

Even though he was afraid to say it, this was simply the truth... Not only was School Head Lu's action of kicking the other party out of his residence completely ineffective, it had also made a complete enemy out of the other party.

With a livid face, Lu Feng was just about to ask for more details when a young man abruptly barged into the room.

"Teacher, bad news!"

The young man who barged in was Lu Feng's direct disciple.

Seeing the fluster on his direct disciple's face, Lu Feng frowned. "What's wrong?"

"It's Zhang Xuan! H-h-he's come to our Apothecary School!" the young man yelled anxiously.

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Chapter 817: The Exodus

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"He's come to the Apothecary School?" School Head Lu was taken aback for a brief moment before narrowing his eyes. "He is no longer a student of the academy, why didn't anyone stop him?"

Considering that Zhang Xuan was no longer a student of the academy, how could he be allowed to enter the premises of the academy as he pleased?

"He possesses the personal tokens of School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and School Head Wei. On top of that, he's also the teacher of three guest elders, so his seniority is higher than even teacher's... We weren't able to stop him!" The young man's face turned crimson.

It was not as if the Master Teacher Academy was some forbidden land exclusive to only students and teachers. Furthermore, the other party had the personal tokens of three school heads, so how could they stop him?

"What is he doing at the Apothecary School?" Lu Feng asked with an awful complexion.

What the other party said was true. Putting aside the students, even he didn't have the official authority to hinder Zhang Xuan from going to the Apothecary School.

"I'm not too sure either. As soon as he arrived in the Apothecary School, he headed straight for the library," the young man said.

"The library?" Lu Feng frowned. "But he doesn't have a student token on him, what is he doing there?"

To enter the library, there were two things that one needed—a student token and Academic Credits. After clearing the Wall of Dilemma, Zhang Xuan had no lack of Academic Credits. However, without a student token, he couldn't be considered a student of the academy, so naturally, he wasn't allowed to use their facilities!

"He stopped right before the entrance of the library and went into a... daze..." At this point, a bizarre expression surfaced on the young man's face.

"Went into a daze?" Lu Feng and the other vice school heads were dumbstruck by what they heard.

He specially made the trip into the Apothecary School just to stand in a daze before their library?

"That's right. He stood there completely motionless, speaking not a single word, his eyes fixated on the library," the young man replied.

School Head Lu and the four vice school heads blinked blankly.

They were wondering what the fellow could be up to, coming to the Apothecary School, but to think that he would go into a daze... What the heck?

"Is he still there?" Lu Feng asked.

"He was still there when I left. It has been around an hour since then!" the young man replied.

Upon hearing that Zhang Xuan was there, Lu Feng was stunned for a moment. No matter how he thought about it, it felt that there was something wrong with the matter, so he stood up.

"That fellow caused the collapse of the Passageway of Records in the Blacksmith School and the Tower of Physicians in the Physician School... I think that he's up to no good here too. Follow me to take a look!"

Even though he had only met Zhang Xuan once, he still remembered how tenacious Zhang Xuan had been when he cornered him on the stage.

Furthermore, Zhang Xuan had also threatened to challenge the Apothecary School back then as well. For some reason, he felt extremely unnerved, and his heart simply wouldn't calm down. The only way he could ease his mind was to take a look personally.

"Yes!"

Recalling the various deeds that Zhang shi had done in the past, the mouths of the four vice school heads also twitched as well, and they hurriedly got to their feet.

In truth, when they heard about how Zhang Xuan wreaked havoc in other schools previously, they had even gloated over it. But now that it was happening to their own school, they couldn't help but feel as if peril was right behind them, and it left them fidgety.

They immediately rushed off to the library at top speed, and it took them less than ten minutes to arrive at their destination.

The library looked no different from before, towering and majestic. It didn't seem as if it was damaged in the least, and Zhang Xuan was nowhere to be seen either. Perplexed, Lu Feng turned to the student and asked, "Where is he?"

"I have no idea... He was definitely here just now!" the young man said in confusion as he raised his finger and pointed to a specific spot.

That fellow had been standing in a daze in front of the library for some time before he felt that something was amiss and went to look for the school head. Why did he suddenly disappear from there?

But one thing noteworthy about the surroundings was that, perhaps drawn here by Zhang Xuan's reputation, quite a crowd had gathered.

"Wait a moment, I will find someone to ask!" After scanning the surroundings and seeing that Zhang Xuan was nowhere in sight, the young man walked toward the small shack beside the library entrance.

That was where the few Grade-3 students in charge of looking after the library stayed.

But before the young man even reached the shack, 'jiya!', the shack doors opened, and two young men walked out.

Recognizing one of the duo, the young man called out.

"Hu Xu..."

"Senior Lu Hui!" Hu Xu clasped his fist and returned the greeting.

Seeing that the duo was carrying their luggage with them, Lu Hui asked bewilderedly, "Where are you two going?"

Students working as the library guards were expected to stay in the shack for the entire semester in order to take care of it around the clock. It was just a few days since the start of the semester, but why were they both carrying their luggage out of the shack?

"Reporting to senior, we have just listened to Zhang shi's lecture, and his words have enlightened us. We feel that we aren't suited to studying pill forging, so... we have decided to leave the Apothecary School and study another occupation instead!" Hu Xu reported.

"Lecture?" Lu Hui widened his eyes upon hearing those words.

Lu Feng and the others couldn't help but turn their gazes over as well.

That fellow... was lecturing here?

With a bitter smile, Hu Xu said with a depressed look, "Yes. After standing in a daze for a moment, Zhang shi began to lecture us. I was one of the fortunate few who happened to hear it, and it was only then that I realized that even though apothecary is ranked at the top of the Upper Nine Paths, an extremely prestigious occupation, I am simply not suited for it. All those years I have spent studying the art of pill forging, they were all in vain..."

Zhang shi's lecture was comprehensive and profound, and all who had listened to it had benefitted greatly from it.

Although Hu Xu had studied pill forging for some time, the lecture had made him realize that he was simply not suited to be an apothecary.

Even if he were to attempt to force his way through, the mismatch in his aptitude would make it an uphill battle, and eventually, he would only reach a bottleneck.

Rather than suffer on but achieve nothing in the end, it would be much better for him to let go.

In any case, there were nine supporting occupations in the Master Teacher Academy. Even if he didn't study pill forging, there were still others he could explore. Surely, there would be one that would be aligned with his aptitude.

Hearing Hu Xu's words, Lu Hui couldn't help but ask the other Grade-3 student standing beside him, "You also don't think that you are suited for pill forging?"

"That's right, I also don't think that I am suited either. Farewell, senior!"

Leaving those words behind, they turned around and left.

"This..."

With their departure, there would be no one to guard the library anymore. The school head and the four vice school heads glanced at one another with a slightly troubled look, seemingly at a loss about what to do.

However, the worst had yet to come.

The next moment, a few more students walked over, and just like Hu Xu and the student beside him just now, they were carrying baggage with them as well.

Taking a closer look at their faces, one of the vice school heads exclaimed in surprise, "Vice School Head Wei, aren't those... your students?"

Occasionally, the school heads and vice school heads of the Master Teacher Academy would take in some students under their tutelage as well, just like how Wei Ranxue took in Hu Yaoyao.

Recognizing them, Vice School Head Wei replied, "Yes, they are indeed my students, Shu Yongning and the others!"

"But they are carrying their luggage... Could it be that they don't think that they are suited for pill forging, too?" The mouth of the other vice school head twitched.

"How is that possible?!" Vice School Head Wei exclaimed. "Shu Yongning might not be the most talented apothecary among the students under me, but he definitely ranks among the top few. His aptitude for pill forging is extremely high, and it's only a matter of time before he becomes a 6-star apothecary. How can he possibly be unsuited for pill forging?"

Shu Yongning was one of his most outstanding students. If even he was unsuited for pill forging, who else would be?

"Then, he..." the other vice school head asked doubtfully.

For him to be carrying his luggage, it seemed he had the same intention as Hu Xu as well. If he wasn't intending to leave the Apothecary School, what else could he be up to then?

"I'll go ask him!" With a livid expression, Vice School Head Wei harrumphed and stepped forward.

However, at that moment, Shu Yongning seemed to have noticed him and rushed forward to greet him.

"Teacher!" Shu Yongning clasped his fist.

"What happened?" Vice School Head Wei asked with narrowed eyes.

"Reporting to teacher, I... am here to bid you farewell!" Shu Yongning suddenly got to his knees and lowered his head in shame.

"Bid me farewell? Could it be that you found that you are unsuited to be an apothecary, too?" Hearing those words, Vice School Head Wei felt so furious that he could burst into flames on the spot.

"Of course not! It's just that... I don't think that I am suited for teacher's lessons, and it will be difficult for me to make substantial improvement under your tutelage. Thus, I don't wish for you to waste your precious time on me, so I've decided to bid you farewell..." Shu Yongning spoke hesitantly. Flicking his wrist, he took out the other party's tutelage token and handed it back.

Just as teachers could choose their students, students could choose their teachers. This was a two-way relationship.

"My lessons... are not suited for you?" Vice School Head Wei was stunned.

He was the vice head of the Apothecary School, a 6-star pinnacle apothecary, and his knowledge of pill forging was only beneath School Head Lu Feng by a notch.

Yet, this fellow actually wanted to withdraw from his tutelage...

"Yes. After hearing Zhang shi's lecture, I finally understand what pill forging truly means. Even though teacher's lessons are impressive as well... I find Zhang shi's teachings are far more impactful and profound. Thus, I intend to join the Xuanxuan Faction to pursue Zhang shi... I am truly sorry, and I beg for teacher's understanding!"

After placing the tutelage token back into the shocked Vice School Head Wei's hands, Shu Yongning stood up, turned around, and left.

"..."

Vice School Head Wei was completely stunned. His face was twitching non-stop, and he felt as if he was going to lose his sanity soon.

To think that someone would actually withdraw from the lesson of a 6-star pinnacle apothecary like him... Not to mention, the reason was that his lessons were inferior a freshman's...

The hell!

This was a severe slap right to his face!

"Teacher, we are also here to withdraw from your tutelage. Please forgive us!"

"Zhang shi's lecture was a true eye-opener. It was only a short lecture, but it made me realize that only through pursuing him will I be able to make greater progress as an apothecary..."

...

Before Vice School Head Wei could recover from the primary shock, the other students who were with Shu Yongning hurriedly rushed forward and passed their tutelage tokens back as well.

Previously, every single one of them had worked extremely hard to get into his lessons, and they had celebrated for three days and three nights when they succeeded. They had viewed it as a great honor, and they'd gone around the Apothecary School bragging about it before others. Yet, at this very moment, they were withdrawing from his tutelage, and judging from their expressions, it seemed like they were even fearful that he would deny them of their freedom!

Vice School Head Wei couldn't help but feel extremely stifled within.

"Something is wrong here!"

Watching how the students left with a delighted look on their faces after withdrawing from their tutelage, School Head Lu's mouth twitched. He walked up to Vice School Head Wei and asked, "For so many students to withdraw from the lesson at once, could it be that there is something wrong with your lesson and Zhang Xuan managed to grab onto that and exploit it?"

There was only one reason for such an exodus of students—something was wrong with the teacher's lessons!

If that was the case, not only would the teacher's reputation be soiled, the prestige of the entire school would plummet as well!

The main reason the Apothecary School was able to become the number one school of the Master Teacher Academy was due to the overwhelming number of students under them, numbering over sixty thousand... But if a huge number of students were to withdraw from their lessons at once, their position as the number one school would be threatened.

Seeing that School Head Lu was doubting his teaching capability, a bitter smile appeared on Vice School Head Lu's expression. "I... don't think that there's any problem with my lessons..."

He always designed his lessons in a way such that it abided by the conventions of the Apothecary Guild. While they weren't outstanding, there was no particularly glaring mistake with them either. Just what kind of problem could have happened for so many students to withdraw from his tutelage after listening to a lecture from Zhang Xuan?

"Then what other reason could there be?" Lu Feng frowned.

Just as he was about to continue on, another group of students suddenly appeared and rushed up to them.

"School Head, they seem to be your students," Vice School Head Wei remarked.

School Head Lu nodded in response.

Just like Lu Hui, these students were under his tutelage, and he had already taught them for several years.

"Don't worry, I have confidence in my lessons. My students can't possibly withdraw from my tutelage like yours! Most probably, they are just here to report to me with news on Zhang Xuan," School Head Lu said assuredly.

But just as he was about to ask the group what they were there for, they abruptly kneeled onto the floor simultaneously.

"Teacher, we are thankful for your guidance over the years. However, we would like to... withdraw from your tutelage!"

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Chapter 818: Even "They" Have Fled

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

In that instant, Lu Feng's body swayed weakly from side to side.

It was just a moment ago that he had declared his confidence in his lessons, but then these fellows said that they would like to withdraw from his tutelage.

Must you really slap my face like that?

Suppressing his overwhelming rage, School Head Lu asked hoarsely, "Why?"

One of the students hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Reporting to teacher, after listening to Zhang shi's lecture, we feel like we have squandered the past few years of our lives learning pill forging. Thus, we hope that you can let us go! Even though we are withdrawing from your tutelage, you will forever be our teacher in our hearts. We will never show the slightest disrespect to you!"

If there's no comparison, there's no damage.

It was only after hearing Zhang shi's lecture that they finally understood what pill forging truly was and how many detours they had taken under School Head Lu's tutelage!

If they had learned from Zhang shi from the very start, they would have definitely already become a 6-star apothecary or even higher by now!

They knew full well that withdrawing from their teacher's tutelage would sully his reputation, but for their own futures, they had no other choice.

Just like how teachers could choose their students, students could choose their own teachers as well. Even if they had already acknowledged Lu Feng as their teacher, they still had the freedom to withdraw from his tutelage. After all, they were just ordinary students, not direct disciples.

Squandered the past few years of your lives... School Head Lu staggered, and he felt a crushing pressure on his chest. For a moment, he found himself unable to catch his breath.

To think that he, the head of the Apothecary School, as well as the most formidable master apothecary in Hongyuan Empire, would have his lessons described to be... squandering one's life away!

Argh, my heart and my lungs...

Just what did that fellow say for all of you to be so mesmerized and impressed by him?

With a livid expression, Lu Feng dripped a drop of blood on their tutelage tokens as he said, "Fine, I will allow you to withdraw from my tutelage as long as you tell me where Zhang Xuan is!"

His students had already spoken such words. It would only further his humiliation if he were to attempt to retain his students after all of that!

The student pondered for a moment before replying. "After Zhang shi finished his lecture, he headed to the Apothecary Pavilion... It seems he intends to take the 6-star apothecary examination!"

"Apothecary Pavilion?" Ignoring those fellows who had just withdrawn from his tutelage, School Head Lu turned around and beckoned the others. "Let's go and take a look!"

Similar to the Tower of Physicians, the Apothecary Pavilion was a place where apothecaries could interact with one another and take their examinations. There were also all kinds of tests that one could take there.

Leaving Lu Hui behind to guard the library temporarily, Lu Feng and the other vice school heads hurriedly proceeded forward.

Just like the Tower of Physicians, the Apothecary Pavilion was also an extremely tall building, as well as the landmark of the Apothecary School.

Seeing that the Apothecary Pavilion was still standing tall and grand, the group heaved a sigh of relief.

Judging from Zhang Xuan's past history of bringing forth destruction, even Lu Feng couldn't help but feel a little fearful.

Entering the Apothecary Pavilion, there was a huge crowd selling and purchasing pills and looking for pill forging services, as per usual. There didn't seem to be anything out of ordinary.

"Did he not come here?" The school head and vice school heads glanced at one another in confusion.

They had long heard of what had happened to the Tower of Physicians. Wherever Zhang Xuan appeared, destruction and catastrophe followed. If he was truly here, how could everything still be intact?

This didn't make sense!

"Let me ask around!"

After a moment of hesitation, Vice School Head Wei stepped forward and stopped a student. "Student, was there anything... weird that happened here?"

"Vice School Head Wei!"

Recognizing the other party, the student leaped in shock. She pondered for a moment before hurriedly replying, "No, nothing happened at all!"

"Nothing happened at all?"

Vice School Head Wei gazed at the student's face intently for a moment before waving his hands. "I see. You may go!"

"Yes!" The student hurriedly left.

After which, Vice School Head Wei proceeded to ask a few more students, but they gave the same response as well. Having confirmed that nothing had happened, he returned back to a group with a relieved smile on his face.

"It seems like our worry is unfounded. No matter how formidable he is, that Zhang Xuan is still only a twenty-year-old lad. Since he already possesses a profound understanding in the Way of Medicine and smithing, it would be asking too much for him to be skilled in pill forging as well. Perhaps it might be something else that led to the students before withdrawing from the school..."

"Let's hope that's the case!" School Head Lu nodded with an uneasy smile.

Even though nothing had happened, he still had an ominous premonition.

If it was so easy to deal with that fellow, he wouldn't have been so troubled over this matter.

"Let's head to the 6-star apothecary examination Apothecary Forge to take a look," School Head Lu said.

The group headed to the upper levels of the Apothecary Pavilion, where the Apothecary Forges for the apothecary examinations were located. However, the examination area was extremely peaceful. It didn't seem like anything had happened here at all.

Thus, they called the teacher in charge of managing the Apothecary Forges over.

"Did anyone come over to take the apothecary examination earlier?" Lu Feng asked.

"No one at all! I have been here since morning, and I haven't seen anyone here!" The teacher shook his head doubtfully, not sure why School Head Lu would ask such a question.

"No one at all?" Lu Feng was still slightly doubtful.

His students had clearly told him that Zhang Xuan had headed here to take the 6-star examination, but why wasn't he in the Apothecary Forges then?

"No one at all. If school head still doesn't believe me, I have the records here..." Noticing the slightly peculiar state the school head was in, the teacher hurriedly handed over a book recording the students taking the apothecary examination.

School Head Lu took the book and confirmed that no one had been there since the morning. He traded glances with the other vice school heads, and they heaved a sigh of relief together.

It seemed like Vice School Head Wei was right. As talented as that fellow was, he couldn't possibly be that skilled in pill forging as well.

After all, each human had their own strengths and weaknesses. If a human were to be that talented in all aspects, he wouldn't be a human but god!

"It seems I really worried over nothing this time around... Alright, there's nothing else; you can return to your station now. However, if a twenty-year-old young man comes here, make sure to report the matter to me immediately!" School Head Lu instructed.

"Yes!" the teacher replied. At that moment, another thought suddenly struck him, and he asked, "School head, I suddenly remembered something. Other than taking the examination here, it's also possible to take the 6-star apothecary examination at the Ancestral Hall as well!"

"Ancestral Hall? Impossible! The Ancestral Hall is prepared solely for students who intend to challenge the Pill Debate, but it's not like you are unaware of how difficult it is. Even I can't say with absolute confidence that I would be able to pass a 6-star Pill Debate! Why would anyone go through that additional effort for it when there is an easier way?" Lu Feng shook his head.

There were two formats for apothecary examinations.

One of them was to forge a pill with a grade corresponding to the rank which the apothecary was intending to advance to. For example, to clear a 6-star apothecary examination, one had to successfully forge a grade-6 pill.

As for the other format, it was the Pill Debate.

The Pill Debate was conducted in the Ancestral Hall. The Ancestral Hall had a Communication Wall linked to the Apothecary Guild headquarters, and the headquarters would dispatch 6-star pinnacle apothecaries to conduct the examination. These apothecaries would raise questions in order to verify the examinee's comprehension of pill forging, and the examinee had to answer every single question without making the slightest mistake.

However, the 6-star pinnacle apothecaries in the headquarters possessed a far deeper understanding of pills than those in the branches due to their association with higher ranked apothecaries. To answer their questions without making the slightest mistake... nigh impossible!

Putting aside the fact that Zhang Xuan was only a twenty-year-old lad, even a veteran with eight hundred years of experience like him couldn't hope to succeed in a Pill Debate!

As a result, almost all apothecaries would opt for the easier pill forging examination rather than the nearly impossible Pill Debate.

"That's true..." Understanding the logic behind it, the teacher nodded in agreement.

"But regardless of the case, I think that we should still head to the Ancestral Hall to take a look..." Vice School Head Wei interjected.

"Un!"

Since they were already there, they might as well check on the Ancestral Hall as well to bring them peace of mind. Lu Feng emphasized for the teacher to keep a tight watch over the Apothecary Forges once again before heading to the Ancestral Hall with the group.

The Ancestral Hall was located in the vicinity of the Apothecary Forges, so it didn't take too long for them to arrive there.

Just like the Apothecary Forges, the Ancestral Hall was extremely quiet as well. As there were nearly no students who would attempt the Pill Debate, the Apothecary School also didn't bother dispatching anyone to look after the premises.

The group entered the grounds, but the area looked exactly how they remembered it to be. It didn't seem like anything had happened there.

"It doesn't seem like anyone has been here..." Vice School Head Wei heaved a sigh of relief.

As long as the Ancestral Hall was still standing, it should mean that that fellow hadn't been there, and there was no problem whatsoever, so they need not worry about the matter.

However, the next moment, Vice School Head Zhou suddenly widened his eyes and exclaimed, "No, something is wrong!"

"What is wrong? The Communication Walls and the other items are completely undamaged..." Vice School Head Wei asked doubtfully.

There were ten massive Communication Walls erected in the Ancestral Hall, and all of them were undamaged. It didn't seem like Zhang Xuan had come here at all.

"The Communication Walls might be fine, but look at the Communication Jade Screen in front!" Vice School Head Zhou pointed.

Everyone hurriedly turned their gazes over as well.

As well as the Communication Walls, there was also a Communication Jade Screen in the Ancestral Hall. The former was to relay messages to 6-star apothecaries in the headquarters while the latter could establish communication with 7-star apothecaries in the headquarters.

At the moment, there was still a slight glow on the Communication Jade Token, and it was a little warm to the touch as well. It seemed like someone had just used it.

"Someone used the Communication Jade Screen? Could it be that... Zhang Xuan didn't establish communication with the 6-star apothecaries but the 7-star apothecaries instead?"

"Impossible! Is he intending to take the 7-star apothecary Pill Debate examination?"

"It's questionable whether he can pass the 6-star apothecary Pill Debate examination or not! To take the 7-star apothecary Pill Debate examination..."

Lu Feng, Vice School Head Wei, and the others shook their heads in disagreement.

How could it be possible for a twenty-year-old freshman of the Master Teacher Academy to take the 7-star apothecary examination?

After a moment of silence, a vice school head suddenly spoke up. "He's probably here to request a grade-7 pill formula!"

There could only be two possibilities where one would need to activate the Communication Jade Screen. One, to take the 7-star apothecary examination. Two, to request a grade-7 pill formula from the headquarters.

"But regardless of what it is, one has to use ten different grade-6 pills as a deposit in order to activate the Communication Jade Token. Where did the fellow find so many grade-6 pills?" one of the vice school heads asked.

7-star apothecaries were extremely busy. They weren't figures whom one could meet just because they wanted to.

As such, one had to compensate the 7-star apothecaries duly for their time, and that was through grade-6 pills.

Only if one could take out ten different grade-6 pills could one activate the Communication Jade Screen. It was due to this rule that there had rarely been anyone who had established communication with a 7-star apothecary ever since the Ancestral Hall was built.

It wasn't that no one dared to reach out to them, but... the price was simply far too heavy!

No matter how talented Zhang Xuan might be, he was only a twenty-year-old young man. It was already extremely difficult for him to even buy a residence; how could he possibly be able to take out ten different grade-6 pills at once?

"But... it is clear that the Communication Jade Screen was activated just a moment ago. This shows that someone did communicate with a 7-star apothecary," Vice School Head Zhou said.

Even though it was hard to believe, it was a fact that the Communication Jade Screen had been activated just a moment ago. There was no doubt about this.

"Could it be..."

At that a moment, Lu Feng suddenly thought of something and his eyes narrowed. Just as he was about to speak, a figure abruptly rushed into the room.

"School Head Lu! School Head Lu! Bad news!"

The person who arrived was a familiar middle-aged man in his forties. It was the teacher who was in charge of the Pill Chamber.

"What's wrong?" Lu Feng's eyebrows shot up upon seeing the other party's anxious state.

"The grade-6 pills forged by School Head Lu, the vice school heads, and the teachers of the Apothecary School that are stored in the Pill Chamber have... have..." The middle-aged man looked as if he had seen a ghost, and his lips couldn't stop quivering.

"What's wrong with the pills?" Vice School Head Wei asked anxiously as the other party stuttered at the crucial point.

With a tearful face, the middle-aged man exclaimed, "The pills have escaped!"

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Chapter 819: Lu Feng's Frenzy

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"The pills have escaped? What do you mean by they have escaped?"

Lu Feng and the four vice school heads were stunned.

Other than a few pills that they would use themselves, most of the 6-star apothecaries in the Apothecary School would store the pills they had forged in the Pill Chamber, where they would be labelled with a price and sold when the opportunity presented itself.

The middle-aged man happened to be in charge of this matter.

It could be said that most of the wealth of the 6-star apothecaries in the Apothecary School was within the Pill Chamber, and yet, you are telling me that those pills have escaped?

Are you kidding me?

"It's true! They have escaped on their own..." the middle-aged man said in a panic, but he had no idea how he could explain the situation.

Just like the other teachers in the Apothecary School, he was a 6-star master teacher as well. Yet, for a person of his capability to be rendered incapable of explaining himself, the situation he had encountered must have been truly shocking.

"What in the world happened?"

With a livid face, Lu Feng demanded furiously, "Explain yourself clearly!"

"It's like this. I was in one of the Pill Chambers checking on the pills when all of a sudden... the pills began flying by themselves. They rushed out of the chamber and disappeared into the sky..." the middle-aged man said.

"You are telling me that... the pills flew away by themselves?" The lower jaws of the group of five fell to the ground.

Just like Spirit artifacts, while grade-6 pills did possess a spirit, it was impossible for them to move unless they had acknowledged a master.

But making a pill acknowledge one as its master was far more difficult than making an artifact acknowledge one! It would be difficult for even an apothecary to do so, needless to say, others!

More importantly... it was clearly impossible to make so many pills acknowledge someone as their master at the same time!

Suddenly, Lu Feng recalled something, and he hurriedly asked, "Before the pills started flying, did anyone enter the Pill Chamber?"

"A young man in his twenties came by, saying that he wanted to take a look around. He went around touching each and every pill, but eventually, he left without buying a single one," the middle-aged man said after some contemplation.

There weren't many people who could afford grade-6 pills, so there were rarely any customers at the Pill Chamber. That young man was the only guest he had seen the entire day, so he remembered him clearly.

"A young man in his twenties? Does he look like that?" Lu Feng swiftly drew a picture of a young man in the air using his zhenqi. Naturally, the young man he drew was Zhang Xuan.

Upon reaching Saint realm, one would be able to do accomplish many unimaginable feats with zhenqi, and drawing a picture in midair was only one of the many abilities.

The middle-aged man quickly nodded. "Yes, that's him!"

"As I expected..." In that instant, Lu Feng's body shook uncontrollably, and he nearly went insane.

He had been worrying that Zhang Xuan would reduce the Apothecary School to ruins, just like the Physician School, so he had been keeping his guard up against the latter. But who knew that... instead of destroying their school, he would end up taking their wealth instead!

In order to forge those grade-6 pills, the 6-star apothecaries of the Apothecary School had devoted incalculable time, effort, and most importantly of all, money, to the point that even School Head Lu and the four vice school heads themselves were heavily in debt, waiting for the pills to be sold to earn back their money to clear their debt...

But... just by touching each one, that fellow had all of those pills acknowledge him as their master and took them away...

If the Apothecary Pavilion had collapsed, they could just rebuild it with the profit earned from selling those pills. On top of that, the Master Teacher Academy and the Apothecary Guild would also help to cover some of the cost of reparation as well. However, those pills were their personal property, so it was impossible to obtain any reparation from the Master Teacher Academy or the Apothecary Guild.

In other words, with the disappearance of those pills, nearly all of the apothecaries in the Apothecary School were currently bankrupt!

Lu Feng clutched his chest tightly.

My heart, my lungs, my kidneys...

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

The group hurriedly rushed to the Pill Chamber, only to see that the vast room was completely empty.

As the pills had escaped on their own accord, they had no concrete evidence to prove that this was Zhang Xuan's doing. Thus, if the latter were to deny it vehemently, there would be nothing they could do either!

Lu Feng turned to the middle-aged man and asked anxiously, "Do you know where the young man who touched the pills earlier went to?"

As important as this matter was, it was of greater importance for them to track down Zhang Xuan and stop him from doing any more harm.

After a moment of thought, the middle-aged man replied, "I'm not too sure... Judging from the direction he left in, I think he might have gone to the Apothecary Auditorium!"

"Apothecary Auditorium?" Lu Feng's body shook. "This is bad!"

Without any hesitation, he ran out of the Pill Chamber and rushed in the direction of the Apothecary Auditorium. With grim expressions as well, the four vice school heads hurriedly followed him.

The Apothecary Auditorium was where most apothecaries listened to public lectures. It was where most of the students of the Apothecary School usually spent their time.

If that fellow were to go there and lecture like he did outside the library... there might very well be no one left in the entire Apothecary School! Screw that!

While that fellow had destroyed the buildings in the Blacksmith School and Physician School, the damage that he had caused could easily be resolved with ample money. On top of that, his deeds had also boosted the reputation of those schools, and there had been a rise in the number of students who applied for those two schools.

But what he was doing in the Apothecary School was completely different! If he were to conduct another lecture as he had done outside the library and all of the students withdrew from the Apothecary School... A school with only teachers and no students at all would be as good as dead!

In a school, the priority was always the student. Could a teacher without any students still be called a teacher?

Screw that!

It was already bad enough that he had taken all of the grade-6 pills in the Pill Chamber, but now, he was plotting to create an exodus in the Apothecary School as well...

That was as good as snapping the very roots that made the Apothecary School itself!

Lu Feng clutched his chest once more.

My heart, my lungs, my kidney, my bladder...

Moving as fast as they could, it took only ten breaths for School Head Lu and the vice school heads to arrive at the Apothecary Auditorium. What they saw before them left them on the brink of mental breakdown.

The auditorium could hold more than several dozen thousand people simultaneously but was still usually densely packed with people. However, there was nary a human in sight at this very moment. Other than a cat or two here and there, there was not a single soul to be seen.

Somehow, the emptiness seemed to reek of desolation, as if declaring that the era of glory that the Apothecary School had once enjoyed was over.

After searching around, School Head Lu finally found the teacher in charge of managing the Apothecary Auditorium, and he rushed up to question him.

"Wu laoshi, where are the students? Where are the students?!"

Wu Tian was a 6-star apothecary, one of the elders of the Apothecary School.

But instead of responding to School Head Lu's question, Wu laoshi continued packing his luggage and said, "School head, you came a timely moment. I was intending to head to your office to bid you farewell..."

"Bid me farewell?" Lu Feng's figure froze, and anxiety swiftly covered his entire face. "Could it be due to that Zhang Xuan again?"

"That's right."

Wu Tian nodded with a light chuckle. "Zhang shi's lecture has truly opened my eyes, so I acknowledged him as my teacher. From this day forth, I shall no longer be an elder of the Apothecary School but an ordinary member of the Xuanxuan Faction! I shall study hard there and aim to achieve a breakthrough as soon as I can!"

"You have... acknowledged him as your teacher?" The edge of Lu Feng's lips twitched, and he nearly spurted a mouthful of blood.

The fact that Wu Tian was a lecturer for several dozen thousand students reflected the extent of his capability and his standing in the Apothecary School. Yet, a figure like him... had actually acknowledged Zhang Xuan as his teacher?

You must be freaking kidding me!

Not only so, he was even willing to lower himself to become an ordinary member of the Xuanxuan Faction... Tell me, just which screw in your head is loose?

The Xuanxuan Faction is only an ordinary student faction, what is an elder like you getting involved in it for?

"Alright, I will be taking my leave now..."

After Wu Tian finally finished packing up his items, he turned around and left decisively, devoid of any hesitation or wistfulness for the Apothecary School.

"Wu laoshi, wait a moment... If you have acknowledged Zhang Xuan as your teacher, what about the other teachers? We should have around forty teachers in the Apothecary Auditorium, where did they go?" School Head Lu shouted after him.

You might be an elder, an important existence to the Apothecary School, but as long as the other teachers are around, we can surely survive even without you. But... why is the entire area completely empty? Even if the students aren't around, surely the teachers should be?

"The others were far more decisive than I was. At this moment, they have probably already reported to the Xuanxuan Faction. Alright, I really have to get going now. Otherwise, if I miss a lecture, I will lag behind the others..." Wu Tian waved his hands before turning around and walking into the distance.

"All of them have r-r-reported to the Xuanxuan Faction?" Weakness suddenly assaulted Lu Feng, and he fell onto the floor on his bottom. At this instant, he didn't seem like a man who wielded immense power but a defeated old man.

The hell!

It is one thing for the students of the Apothecary School to leave, but for you to actually take the teachers as your students as well...

If that is going to be the case, you might as well demolish my entire Apothecary School! Now that I am without students and teachers, what is the point of all of these facilities...

Lu Feng and the four vice school heads glanced at one another in frenzy. No words could explain what they were feeling at this moment.

"School head, if you hadn't interfered in You Xu's matter, I think the most that would have happened to our Apothecary School is only a few collapsed buildings. But this... what should we do now?" Vice School Head Zhou sighed deeply.

"I don't know either..." Lu Feng muttered with a blank look on his face.

It was just a moment ago that he was doing all he could to prevent Zhang Xuan from destroying the facilities of the Apothecary School. However, at this instant, he found himself wishing for that to happen instead...

The Apothecary School was known as the number one in the Master Teacher Academy due to its overwhelming number of students and excellent teaching staff. It was on this basis that he had become the de facto leader of the Ten Great Master Teachers, the stand-in principal of the academy...

But now that the only ones remaining in the academy were him and the vice school heads, his basis of power had vanished. Perhaps, the influence he had might even be beneath that of the Terpsichore School at this very instant!

How did this befall him?

My heart, my lungs, my kidneys, my bladder... now even the opening to my bladder is hurting...

Reluctant to give up just like that, Lu Feng gritted his teeth in determination and stood up. "Let's head over to the Xuanxuan Faction. I don't believe that a freshman like him can really win the loyalty of the three hundred teachers and sixty thousand students of our Apothecary School!"

No matter what, he was a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, a figure who could possibly become a 7-star master teacher in the near future. Would he really lose to a mere freshman?

"Alright!" The other vice school heads nodded.

The group followed Wu laoshi's figure, and after around twenty minutes later, they finally arrived at the dormitories of the freshmen, which also served as the headquarters of the Xuanxuan Faction.

Even from afar, one could see an enormous crowd gathered in the area.

Standing guard at the main entrance were three mighty-looking Grade-4 students, one wielding a spear, one wielding a saber, and the last one bare-handed.

They were the trio who had lost in the bet against Zhang Xuan back then, Ying Qin, Bai Mian, and Yuan Gang.

Seated on a stool right behind the entrance gate was a fatty. He held onto a basket in his hands as he shook his plump thighs casually in a crude manner. Upon seeing the group of five, he immediately stood up and welcomed them. "Oh, isn't this our great School Head Lu? Are you intending to enter to listen to the lecture? That will be one high-tier spirit stone each! We don't discriminate over here, so we charge everyone the same price!"

"What did you say?" Lu Feng's cheeks twitched violently, and he nearly erupted on the spot.

Upon hearing the argument, Zheng Yang stepped out and clasped his fist.

"School Head Lu, since we are fellow elders of the Master Teacher Academy, I will dispense with the ceremonies and just address you as senior. Senior Lu, my teacher is currently imparting profound knowledge of pill forging, so anyone who wishes to listen to the lecture must pay the entrance fee. This is the rule, as well as a sign of respect for the teaching occupation as well. Uncle Sun is only abiding by the rules, so as juniors, I hope that you won't make things difficult for my uncle!"

"Senior? Uncle Qiang? Me, a junior?" Lu Feng felt as if his entire world had turned dark.

The hell! When in the world did my standing become even beneath that of a fatty who only knows how to collect money from others?

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Chapter 820: The Downfall of the Apothecary School [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Knowing that the other party would only use a ton of twisted logic against him even if he were to argue over the matter of seniority, Lu Feng flung his sleeves furiously and changed the topic. "We are not here to listen to the lecture. Zhang Xuan has hoodwinked the students and staff of our Apothecary School, so we are here to see what kind of underhanded means he used to lure them here..."

"If you are here for the lecture, just say so! Stop coming up with such pathetic excuses. But no matter what you say today, you will have to pay the entrance fee to enter! Otherwise, with a shout, I believe that there are many students here who will be more than willing to see the valiant figure of the stand-in principal refusing to pay the entrance fee to a lecture!" Sun Qiang said as he stretched his back lazily.

"You..." Lu Feng's nails sank deep into his flesh.

If the fellow really started shouting then, the reputation which he had built up painstakingly over the years would really dissipate into nothing.

Just the shame of it could easily kill him.

"School Head, let's just get in first..." Knowing that the school head had already lost his cool, Vice School Head Zhou stepped forward and passed five high-tier spirit stones over. "Here!"

"That's more like it!" Sun Qiang's eyes lit up.

The members of the Xuanxuan Faction weren't charged for the lectures, and there weren't too many outsiders attending the lecture eithers—the several dozen thousand students and teachers from the Apothecary School had all chosen to join the Xuanxuan Faction.

It wasn't easy for him to find someone to profit from, so naturally, he wanted to take a bit more from them.

In any case, the Apothecary School had already fallen out with the young master, so there was no longer any need to keep up a front before them.

Besides, the esteemed head of the Apothecary School probably couldn't abandon his dignity and squabble with the 'uncle' of the guest elders of the academy.

Well, even if he did, that would be great too. He could make full use of this opportunity to return the favor in the young master's stead.

After all, he had seen for himself how arrogant the other party was earlier in the morning.

"Humph!"

Seeing Vice School Head Zhou pay the spirit stones, Lu Feng harrumphed coldly and walked in, paying no heed to the excited Sun Qiang.

The living quarters of the freshmen was considerably large. Even though it was housing tens of thousands of people, it wasn't cramped at all.

Lu Feng had barely taken a few steps through the entrance when he suddenly caught sight of a figure who made him stop in his tracks, and his eyes narrowed in astonishment.

"Apothecary Lu, why are you here?"

At the back of the crowd, an old man was currently looking ahead of him with eyes gleaming in excitement. Upon hearing someone call him, the old man turned around. He was no other than one of the most esteemed elders in the Apothecary School, Apothecary Lu Yi!

Apothecary Lu Yi was barely younger than You Xu, aged in his nine hundreds. He was one of the oldest elder in the Apothecary School, and over the years, he had contributed greatly to it in all aspects.

Stuck at a bottleneck, he had been spending the last thirty years of his life secluded in his residence to study. He had rarely appeared in public, such that even many of the seniors were unaware of his existence. Even in the annual grand Apothecary Impartation Symposium, which he had initiated, one the most prestigious events in the Apothecary School, he had been absent... Why was he suddenly here?

"Shhh, don't speak. Just listen... Marvelous, this is indeed marvelous! To think that even such simple logic can be incorporated into pill forging as well, unbelievable..."

Waving his hands impatiently, Apothecary Lu Yi ignored School Head Lu and turned his attention back to the stage.

"Apothecary Lu..."

Dark lines streaked across the furious Lu Feng's face. He stepped forward to call out to Lu Yi once more, but at that instant, Vice School Head Wei suddenly tugged at his robe and said, "School head, look at Apothecary Lu's clothes..."

"His clothes?" Lu Feng hurriedly turned his glance over, and what he saw left his mouth twitching endlessly.

As an elder of the Apothecary School, naturally, he was still dressed in the master teacher robe. However, two huge words were weaved on his chest—Xuanxuan Faction! Clearly, even he had joined the student faction as well!

"It's not only Apothecary Lu... School head, take a look around us," Vice School Head Wei said as he gestured to the surroundings.

Lu Feng hurriedly looked around, and he immediately saw a few familiar figures amid the crowd.

"Apothecary Bai? Wasn't he exploring the world? The last time I invited him to conduct a lecture, his face grew so dark that it seemed as if I was forcing him to commit suicide. Why would he... be wearing the robe of the Xuanxuan Faction?"

"Apothecary Ren... his Clearflame Pill Forging Technique is currently the most popular class in the Apothecary School, and he is one of the teachers who has contributed immensely to the growth of the school as well. He's even on the list of the most respected teachers in the academy... He joined the Xuanxuan Faction as well?"

"That is Apothecary Qiu! I even studied from him at one point..."

...

With every figure he saw, School Head Lu's face turned a shade darker. By the time he was done, he felt as if the string of sanity in his head was going to snap.

There were a few esteemed retired old teachers in the Apothecary School whom even he didn't have the authority to mobilize, and yet, here they were, having joined the Xuanxuan Faction voluntarily...

To think the influence of a mere student faction would be greater than a stand-in principal like him...

More importantly, every single of them was completely enraptured by the lecture, pricking up their ears for fear that they might miss a single word...

What was this insanity before him? Had the world gone mad?

Just as Lu Feng thought that he might really go mad at that very instant, Vice School Head Wei suddenly nudged him and pointed forward. "School Head, isn't that... Lu Hui?"

Once again, Lu Feng felt as if his sanity was pushed a step closer to the edge of a cliff.

Amidst the crowd, he saw a young man looking at the stage excitedly, as if he was going to meet his idol.

Who else could it be other than his direct disciple who had reported Zhang Xuan's presence in the Apothecary School earlier to him, Lu Hui?

When they left for the Apothecary Pavilion, they had left Lu Hui to take care of the library. When did the other party sneak here... and what was with the Xuanxuan Faction uniform he was wearing?

They had only parted a few moments ago!

Did he really betray them in such a short period of time?

"Lu Hui!" Lu Feng bellowed furiously.

Hearing that voice, Lu Hui noticed that his teacher was there too. He hurriedly squeezed through the crowd to head toward his teacher and bowed deeply. "Teacher, I... I saw that there were many students of our school heading here to listen to the lecture, so I couldn't help but tag along as well. Listening to Zhang shi's lecture, I thought that it was amazing, so I joined the Xuanxuan Faction as well..."

Fearing that his teacher would blame him, he hurriedly tried to explain himself.

"Wonderful... Wonderful!"

Lu Feng's face grew so red that it seemed as if blood was going to ooze from his skin. "Are you going to withdraw from my tutelage too?"

"This... I will be truly grateful if teacher can grant me that!" Lu Hui bowed deeply.

"Grant your head!" Clenching his jaws tightly, Lu Feng really felt like strangling the young man before him at that very instant.

It was just a moment ago that the other party had been reporting Zhang Xuan's activities to him, but ten minutes later, the other party suddenly turned on him...

Are you really my direct disciple?

Unable to take it any longer, Lu Feng turned his gaze to the young man on the stage. "Humph, let me see what kind of sorcery that fellow used to make all of you so utterly enamored by him..."

At this moment, the young man on the stage had already completed his lecture, and he was in the midst of answering questions.

"Zhang shi, when I forge the Refining Yang Pill, the pill often turns yellow upon formation. May I know if there is any solution to that?" asked one of the apothecaries amid the crowd.

"In order to bring out the true essence of the Refining Yang Pill, the apothecary forging the pill must be rich in yang energy as well. Even though there's no problem in your cultivation, a trauma that you suffered when you were younger has resulted in a lingering surge of cold energy within your body, leading to physical frailty. As such, you lack the vitality to forge such a pill. Even if you are able to form the pill, it is unlikely for the pill to harness much medicinal energy."

At this point, the young man on the stage glanced at the apothecary in the crowd and asked, "If I'm not mistaken, the Refining Yang Pills you forge aren't very effective, are they?"

The apothecary hurriedly nodded. "That's right!"

The other party's analysis was spot-on.

"Since you have joined the Xuanxuan Faction, you are one of us, and I can't possibly give up on our own members. Alright, I will give you this grade-6 Searing Yang Pill then. With this, you should be able to expel the cold energy in your body easily. Once you do so, you won't face any problems forging the Refining Yang Pill anymore. On top of that, you should be able to make the breakthrough to Chrysalis realm as well!"

Zhang Xuan flicked his finger, and a pill flew toward the apothecary.

Seeing that pill, Vice School Head Wei's lips twitched. "That pill is mine..."

He recognized the pill. It was the one he had forged and stored at the Pill Chamber to be sold...

"Yes!"

However, no one paid any heed to Vice School Head Wei's exclamation. The apothecary caught the pill and consumed it immediately.

Gugugugu!

Not too long later, spiritual energy gushed into him, and with a deafening roar, his aura suddenly surged furiously, soaring into the clouds.

Chrysalis realm, reached!

"Thank you, Zhang shi!"

Not expecting that he would be able to achieve a breakthrough on top of resolving an existing trauma he was suffering from, the apothecary immediately kneeled onto the floor and kowtowed out of gratitude.

"Zhang shi, I..."

The next moment, a few more people raised their hands and asked their questions.

It was as if the young man had a pair of eyes that could peer through the essence of the world. He could easily tell what kind of constitution everyone had, and he could analyze the root of their problems and answer their questions easily. When he encountered those who seemed to be on the brink of a breakthrough, he would also bestow them with a grade-6 pill without any hesitation.

The sound of breakthroughs sounded endlessly beneath the stage.

Looking at that sight, Lu Feng and the vice school heads couldn't help but feel their hearts ache.

Those grade-6 pills that the young man was giving out freely had been forged painstakingly by them. They had invested a huge amount of time, effort, and money for them, and each of them was worth a fortune. Yet, this fellow was giving them out so casually like that...

The more Lu Feng thought about it, the more furious he felt. But he knew that if he were to rush forward to demand those pills be returned to him, he would surely be kicked out by the students and teachers in the crowd, and his reputation would be shattered as well.

"Let's return!" Gritting his teeth, School Head Lu turned around and left.

Not only did the other party steal away his students and teachers, the other party even made use of his pills to win their hearts and loyalty... How could he possibly keep his calm before this?

If he were to watch on, he might just die of anger!

But if he were to report this to the Master Teacher Pavilion, it would just make him appear petty in comparison.

After all, the main purpose of pills wasn't to serve as decoration within a chamber but to benefit humanity.

Not to mention, he was the head of the Apothecary School, and the pills were being distributed to benefit the students of the Apothecary School.

The other party might be making use of his pills to win the hearts of the populace, but even he had to admit that the other party had distributed them in an ideal manner. Each of those pills were given to the person who needed it the most, thus maximizing their worth.

"Return?" the vice school heads asked blankly.

Aren't we going to cause some trouble and coax the students to come back with us?

We are going to leave like that, without doing anything?

"What else do you think we can do? Do you really think it's possible for us to coax the students back with us given the current state of affairs?" School Head Lu spat through gritted teeth.

"This..." The vice school heads took a look at the crowd around them and subconsciously shook their heads.

Judging from the delighted faces among the crowd, they wouldn't even be able to coax the teachers to leave with them, let alone the students.

"What do we do now?"

Considering that the teachers and students were all there, the Apothecary School was nothing more than an empty shell at this point...

"What do we do? We shall hold an Elder Conference!" Lu Feng said resolutely.

The other party had already captured the hearts of several ten thousand students. Even he didn't dare to provoke him at the moment, so the only thing they could do at the moment was to hold an Elder Conference when they returned to decide on a countermeasure.

Otherwise, if both teachers and students began acting out of their places, what would become of the Master Teacher Academy?

"Yes!" Vice School Head Wei nodded.

If this problem wasn't resolved, the Master Teacher Academy could be in for great trouble...

What was this? To think that the Master Teacher Academy would face such a serious problem over a single You Xu. If he could, he would really have wanted to chop that fellow into pieces.

"Let's return!"

Having come to a decision, the five of them turned around and left.

After leaving the Xuanxuan Faction, they returned back to the Apothecary School. However, watching the previously bustling school become devoid of any life, they couldn't help but feel like crying.

When had the Apothecary School been in such a pathetic state before?

After a moment of silence, Vice School Head Zhou asked, "School Head, why don't you... apologize to Zhang shi? Otherwise, this might really just be the end of our Apothecary School!"

"Apologize to him? Dream on!"

Lu Feng clenched his teeth furiously. "Wait here for a moment, I'll gather the Ten Great Master Teachers right now for an urgent meeting... No, I should call Mu shi over too. If I don't make that lawbreaking fellow pay for this, I will abandon my surname Lu!"

...

In the tallest tower in the Master Teacher Academy, there was an exquisite room.

In that room was a long oval table with thirteen seats, and at this very moment, ten of them were filled up.

"School Head Lu, why did you gather us so urgently?" School Head Mo asked.

"Could it be that... you've found clues about Senior Byzantium Helios's whereabouts?"

"That is great news! I have been combing every possible location, but I couldn't find any leads at all..."

The other school heads chirped in.

It had only been five to six hours since Zhang Xuan had stepped into the Apothecary School and all of the students and teachers had joined the Xuanxuan Faction. As it had happened too fast, the other school heads hadn't heard of the news yet.

"It's not regarding Senior Byzantium Helios but the survival of our Master Teacher Academy. Please wait for a moment, I will speak after Mu shi arrives!" Lu Feng waved his hands.

"The survival of our Master Teacher Academy?"

"Could it be that you have found the Otherworldly Demons who captured Senior Byzantium Helios?"

"If that's the case, a huge battle will be inevitable..."

...

Seeing the grim expression on Lu Feng's face and hearing how he had even invited Mu shi to the meeting, the school heads glanced at one another with grave expressions.

On top of enlightening the masses, the Master Teacher Pavilion also shouldered the responsibility of protecting humanity as well.

Since the Otherworldly Demons had gone to the extent of kidnapping Senior Byzantium Helios several days ago, there was no doubt that they were up to something. The moment that they appeared, the Master Teacher Academy would have to devote every single one of its members to stopping them.

Jiya!

In that moment, the door suddenly opened and Mu shi walked in.

"Paying respects to Mu shi!"

Those in the room hurriedly stood up and clasped their fists.

Mu shi was a 7-star master teacher from the headquarters, and he was tasked with the responsibility of electing the next principal of the Master Teacher Academy and facilitating the handover of power. Thus, he could be considered the superior of the school heads, and none of them dared show him any disrespect.

After gesturing for the group to settle down, Mu Yuan asked with a frown, "Lu Feng, why did you summon me so urgently? Did something happen?"

"Since everyone is gathered here, I shall begin!"

Lu Feng nodded. "In the current batch of freshman, there is a student named Zhang Xuan. I believe that everyone here should have heard of him!"

"Naturally!"

With the exception of Mu Yuan, who frowned upon hearing the name, the other school heads nodded.

Ever since arriving in the academy, the only time that he had headed out was when he sensed Byzantium Helios Beast's aura. Other than that, he spent nearly all of his time cultivating in his residence. As a result, he hadn't heard of the affairs regarding Zhang Xuan before.

"Mu shi, this Zhang Xuan is..." School Head Mo swiftly explained the matter to the other party.

Mu shi's eyes lit up upon hearing the introduction. "A master teacher who has comprehended the Eye of Insight? Such a genius has appeared in the Master Teacher Academy?"

Clearing the records of the Blacksmith School and Physician School and defeating You Xu in a Life-and-Death Physician Duel meant nothing to him. After all, those were merely supporting occupations.

To Mu shi, what he thought that was the most important was one's aptitude as a master teacher itself.

A master teacher who had comprehended the Eye of Insight would eventually become an incredible force in the Master Teacher Continent as long as they didn't fall.

Not even a single talent of such caliber would appear in the Sage Clans once in a millennium.

Seeing the excited gleam in Mu shi's eyes, Lu Feng hurriedly interjected. "Mu shi, please allow me to continue first before you make your judgement... I acknowledge the fact that Zhang Xuan is indeed an incredible talent, and his appearance would be a blessing to the Master Teacher Academy if he were to use his power for good. However, if he were to use his power for evil instead, he could easily destroy the Master Teacher Academy and the millenniums of history behind it!"

"Use his power for evil?" Mu shi frowned for a moment before nodding.

The Eye of Insight allowed one to see past falsehood and peer into the essence of things. If he were to use it as a tool to guide others down the right path, he would definitely become a valuable aid to humanity... but if he were to use it for evil, that could potentially end in a catastrophe.

Even though such matters weren't recorded in the annals, there had indeed been cases where talented master teachers had betrayed humanity.

Seven thousand years ago, a genius of humble background had succeeded in clearing the 7-star master teacher examination before thirty, causing a huge uproar at that moment. Just when everyone had thought that he would become a pillar of humanity... the Master Teacher Pavilion made a misjudgment on a matter and wronged him. Out of rage, that genius hunted down the 37 master teachers who were involved in the matter and slaughtered them.

The shock wave of that battle reduced an entire capital extending over a radius of three thousand li into dust, and over a hundred million people had lost their lives. The resulting destruction was not beneath that of an invasion from an army of ten thousand Otherworldly Demons.

Due to the severe aftermath, the Master Teacher Pavilion couldn't cover for him either. Thus, they issued a 'Master Teacher Pursuit Decree', dispatching high-ranked master teachers to hunt him down.

Knowing that a pursuit decree had been released, that genius had fled to the borders and lured over nine thousand 6-star master teachers and above into a trap laid by the Otherworldly Demons at Fubo Ridge.

That was truly a gruesome battle. Even though they had succeeded in killing that genius eventually, the Master Teacher Pavilion had also suffered heavy damage in return. Three 8-star master teachers, 134 7-star master teachers, and 7612 6-star master teachers died in the clash.

Eventually, the others named it the 'Calamity of Fubo'!

That could be said to be one of the greatest blows the Master Teacher Pavilion had suffered ever since Kong shi unified the Master Teacher Continent.

It had taken a long time for the Master Teacher Pavilion to recover from the aftermath of the matter.

Due to that matter, the Master Teacher Pavilion had also altered their recruitment rules as well. On top of considering talent, character and morals were also important aspects to be assessed as well.

If one had a poor character and was immoral, the more resources the Master Teacher Pavilion devoted into grooming one, the greater the danger humanity would be in.

The number of master teachers who had possessed the Eye of Insight was few, even considering the long history of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Each of them were top-notch talents, figures who had rattled the Master Teacher Continent in their era. If they were to use their power for justice, humanity could be brought to greater heights. However, if they were to turn to evil, the destruction they could potentially cause was far greater than the Calamity of Fubo.

"Could it be that the Zhang Xuan you all spoke of has poor character and is immoral?" Mu shi asked doubtfully.

If that was the case, they would really have to tread carefully. Otherwise, they would be bringing a great calamity upon the Master Teacher Continent.

"How is that possible!"

Hearing those words, School Head Mo exclaimed with indignation. "In order to allow more students to enroll at the Master Teacher Academy and bolster the forces of humanity, Zhang shi gave away the forty thousand points he had accumulated to others without asking for anything in return. How could a person with such magnanimity possibly turn to evil?"

"School Head Mo, I have to ask of you not to be fooled by appearances. His doings are a clear attempt to rally the freshmen to his side so that he could establish his Xuanxuan Faction!" Lu Feng waved his hands.

"Xuanxuan Faction?" Mu shi asked doubtfully.

"The Xuanxuan Faction is the student faction established by Zhang Xuan. Student factions serve as a tool of cohesion to promote camaraderie among master teachers, allowing them to work together toward improving themselves. As such, the academy has imposed no restrictions toward them. However... it hasn't been long since that fellow enrolled in the academy, but he is already going around trying to win the hearts of the students to gather accomplices for his misdeeds in the academy. It is clear that he has malicious intentions at heart!" Lu Feng said.

"School Head Lu, as a master teacher, you should watch your words!" School Head Mo's face darkened.

What do you mean gather accomplices for his misdeeds?

Just because a group of students have gathered together means that they are up to no good?

"Based on my sources, it appears that Zhang shi was unaware of the formation of the Xuanxuan Faction. It was under the oppression of the seniors that led to the freshmen banding together, and as the most outstanding student among the freshmen, they nominated Zhang shi to be their leader..." Wei Ranxue's complexion looked awful as well.

Given the influence that master teachers wielded, it was imperative that they had to be particularly careful with what they spoke, especially when there was no concrete evidence. Otherwise, an innocent man could possibly be convicted as a result of that.

"Watch my words? I am already watching my words very carefully! Since it has come to this, I shall not hide it anymore then. I will tell you all what happened today, and you can evaluate it for yourselves and see whether I have framed him or not!" Harrumphing coldly, Lu Feng swiftly told the group what he had gone through that day.

"You are saying that... all of the teachers and students of the Apothecary School have joined the Xuanxuan Faction, and even the old elders are no exception to that?"

"So... the Apothecary School is currently nothing more than an empty shell?"

The room abruptly turned silent. The ten school heads along with Mu shi were dumbfounded.

Why did it feel as if they were listening to an unbelievable story instead?

"Indeed! What is most important to a master teacher is their lineage. To make so many people withdraw from the tutelage simultaneously just to join a student faction, there is no doubt that fellow resorted to some underhanded means!"

Lu Feng's face warped in savagery. "If we don't deal with him soon, he could do the same to the other schools as well. Before long, all of the teachers and students in the Master Teacher Academy might soon be his students. If that were to happen, the academy would become nothing more than his plaything!"

Everyone fell silent.

Even School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and the others were shocked beyond words.

Honestly, they thought that what Zhang shi had done so far, breaking the records of their schools and destroying their buildings, were already extremely fearsome. Who could have thought that... he could even abduct all of the teachers and students from the Apothecary School with just a lecture?

That was way too terrifying!

Wouldn't everyone in the school become his student or grandstudent if he were to conduct a few more lectures?

After a moment of silence, Mu shi asked grimly, "Have you heard his lecture?"

"Zhang Xuan allows the members of his Xuanxuan Faction to listen to his lecture for free, but for outsiders, they would have to pay an extremely steep entrance fee to enter. I, Zhou Qing, and the other vice school heads of the Apothecary School had to pay a high-tier spirit stone each just to enter!"

Lu Feng harrumphed coldly. "Naturally, we heard his lecture as well, but his standards can only be said to be subpar. Putting aside the fact that it's complete nonsense, most of what he said was just propaganda to beguile the others into following him!"

"Subpar?" Mu shi frowned.

"That's right. Also, didn't I mention that he resorted to despicable means to steal the grade-6 pills from our Pill Chamber? In order to win their support, he gave away the pills to students who were on the verge of a breakthrough just to create a false impression of magnanimity before his followers."

Lu Feng recounted his version of events of what he had seen in the Xuanxuan Faction.

"Giving away those pills to those who require them can be considered a merit, but... if he intended to use it to win the support of others, that would paint a completely different picture of the matter!" Mu shi nodded gravely.

The Master Teacher Academy was a ground to groom students to become pillars of support for humanity, so it was surely a joyful event to see the students growing swiftly. However, if Zhang Xuan had intended to use those stolen pills as a means to rally others to support him, that could only mean that he lacked righteousness.

"He must be up to no good!" Lu Feng added. "Otherwise, how can a man make so many students and teachers be so loyal to him over the course of just a few hours?"

Mu shi shook his head. "Every cultivator is unique. They have their own expertise and understanding of the world, so the lessons they need are different as well. This is the reason Kong shi proposed the concept of teaching to the individual. To win the acknowledgement of all of the teachers and students through a single lecture and convince them to join the Xuanxuan Faction is indeed not quite possible."

No matter how formidable a master teacher may be, it was impossible for him to win over everyone.

After all, humans were unlike money, they were incapable of making everyone love them.

Yet... that Zhang shi actually managed to do it. It couldn't help but introduce doubts that he might have resorted to some other underhanded means instead.

"Since this matter has happened in your Apothecary School, how do you intend to deal with it?" Mu shi turned to Lu Feng and asked.

"My intentions are simple. I wish for the ten schools to come to a consensus to evict Zhang Xuan out of the Master Teacher Academy, prohibiting him from taking even a single step into its premises!"

Lu Feng coldly sneered, "After which, he shall be stripped of his master teacher license, banned from taking any master teacher examinations for life!"

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Chapter 821: Quasi 6-star Apothecary

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Evict him from the Master Teacher Academy?"

"Strip him of his master teacher license, banning him from taking the master teacher examination for life?"

Everyone was stunned.

"No, that is definitely out of question!" School Head Mo bellowed furiously.

If that were to happen, putting aside the fact that the Master Teacher Pavilion would lose a precious talent, just the thought of how Zhang shi's mysterious teacher would respond to it was enough to send shivers down his spine. Perhaps, the Master Teacher Academy might be completely obliterated with a wave of his hand!

The higher ranked a master teacher was, the more esteemed they became. Even though the Master Teacher Pavilion sought to uphold justice and fairness, it still had practical concerns to consider... Take for example, a hundred thousand 6-star master teacher might be a valuable asset to the Master Teacher Pavilion, but their value was still far beneath that of a 9-star master teacher.

Or taking Kong shi as example, he was a genius that only appeared once in several dozen thousand years. Putting aside a 9-star master teacher, not even a hundred 9-star master teachers could possibly achieve what he had contributed to humanity in his time.

If Mo Gaoyuan was right and Zhang shi's teacher was an 8-star master teacher or above, if the latter were to obliterate the Master Teacher Academy with a slap of his hand, it was likely that the Master Teacher Pavilion wouldn't utter a word of complaint.

It was unfair, but this was the kind of privilege that top-tier master teachers possessed. After all, there were still many threats that humanity faced where their strength was required.

"Stripping a master teacher's license concerns his entire future. This is not something we can take lightly!"

Zhao Bingxu spoke up as well. "This is especially so when the person in question is a talented individual. If we handle this inappropriately, I fear that what we will lose is not just a genius. We might risk bringing upon ourselves another Calamity of Fubo!"

"This..." Hearing those words, everyone fell silent.

In truth, the Calamity of Fubo could have been avoided.

It was due to that genius offending the offspring of a Sage Clan and having no backers to support him that he was eventually forced into a corner, resulting in the eventual tragedy.

Considering that Zhang Xuan had already awakened his Eye of Insight before he had even reached 6-star was testimony to his immense talent.

If they were to push him too far and breed malice toward humanity within him, Zhang Xuan could possibly choose to side with the Otherworldly Demons out of fury. With his prowess, that could spell calamity for humanity.

Putting everything aside, with his Eye of Insight, he could possibly become another Kong shi, but for the Otherworldly Demons this time around.

If so, humanity would be in deep trouble.

"School Head Zhao is right!" Mu shi nodded.

"Fine, we can put aside the matter of taking away his master teacher license... However, we have to evict from the Master Teacher Academy and Hongyuan City! Since he singlehandedly brought about the downfall of my Apothecary School today, he could easily do the same to the other schools tomorrow! By then, what will become of our Master Teacher Academy?" Lu Feng said with gritted teeth.

There was no one who had a response to Lu Feng's words.

Even School Head Mo, Wei Ranxue, and the others who favored Zhang Xuan couldn't find any words to respond to that.

Honestly speaking, given Zhang Xuan's nature, it was very possible that he might wreak havoc in the other schools after he was done with the Apothecary School.

It was as if he was an ox pulling a plow behind him. It seemed as if he just wouldn't be content until he overturned everything in his path. Furthermore, after what he had done to the Apothecary School... there was no one in the academy who could confidently say that they could stop him!

After a moment of silence, an old man spoke up.

"I concur with School Head Lu's judgement. This kind of trouble should be chased away as soon as possible! Putting aside Hongyuan City, we shouldn't even allow him to remain within Hongyuan Empire!"

The head of the Formation Master School, Chen Chengxun!

School Head Chen had always maintained close ties with School Head Lu, and they often stood on the same ground for most affairs.

Another school head nodded in agreement. "I concur as well!"

The head of the Painter School, Song Danqing!

"I disagree. The purpose of those tests in the Master Teacher Academy is for them to be challenged, and there are no rules banning students conducting lectures either. Zhang shi's doings might be exaggerated, but he hasn't done anything that infringed on the rules. What right do we have to evict him?" School Head Mo argued.

"Indeed. His deeds in the Apothecary School might seem ridiculous, but as you have said, even a veteran elder like Apothecary Lu chose to join the Xuanxuan Faction to listen to his lectures. This shows that, unlike what you have claimed, there is an extremely high value to his lectures!"

"As master teachers, we should be magnanimous! For someone of Zhang shi's capability, I think that not only should we not chase him away, we should even keep him in the academy as one of our teachers. Just imagine the heights he could bring our Master Teacher Academy to!"

Zhao Bingxu and Wei Ranxue also spoke up.

After which, School Head Zhong of the Physician School expressed his disapproval of the motion whereas School Head Feng of the Celestial Designer School expressed his approval.

After hearing their words, Mu shi turned to the remaining two in the room.

"So far, it's four for and four against. What about you two?"

Currently, Lu Feng of the Apothecary School, Chen Chengxun of the Formation Master School, Song Danqing of the Painter School, and School Head Feng of the Celestial School were in support of evicting Zhang Xuan from the Master Teacher Academy whereas School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, School Head Wei, and School Head Zhong were against it.

Only two more men hadn't expressed their views yet—the head of the Martial Arts School, Xu Changqing, and the head of the Demonic Tunist School, Jiang Qingqin.

"Zhang shi's students are currently the guest elders of our Martial Arts School. Since even his students have such a deep insight into battle techniques, nothing needs to be said about him. My view is that we should have Zhang shi remain!" Xu Changqing said.

"What about you?" Mu shi asked.

Everyone turned their sights to Jiang Qingqin.

It was five against four. If the other party were to vote in favor of Lu Feng, it would lead to a five against five, a draw, and there might be another round of voting in the near future. Otherwise, the motion would be scrapped entirely.

"I haven't met Zhang Xuan for myself, so I don't think I am in a good position to pass judgement on him. Thus, I will refrain from voting," Jiang Qingqin said. "Besides, the most important matter we have at hand isn't to deal with a single student of the academy but to find Senior Byzantium Helios!"

"Refrain from voting?"

"That's quite a wise decision. It's still too early to see who is right and who is wrong, so it might be better to back out for the moment."

"School Head Jiang has never been concerned about worldly affairs, so it's not too surprising that he wants to stay out of this matter!"

The others nodded in response.

The head of the Demonist Tunist School, Jiang Qingqin, had always been nonchalant about the world around him, choosing to stay out of troublesome affairs whenever possible. It was within the expectations of the other school heads that he would stay out of the voting.

"Since the current vote is five is to four, this motion will be scrapped. For the time being, everyone should focus their efforts on finding Byzantium Helios Beast!"

Announcing the verdict, Mu shi waved his hands. "Just as I have said before, the person who finds Byzantium Helios Beast will be the next principal. As for the matter regarding Zhang Xuan, I shall leave it to the next principal to decide how to deal with him!"

Even though Mu shi was a 7-star master teacher from the headquarters, he was ultimately still an outsider in this matter. It would still be for the best to allow the Master Teacher Academy to resolve the matter among themselves.

Otherwise, he could possibly be cast under suspicion of exploiting his authority.

Upon hearing the conclusion of the matter, Lu Feng panicked, and he hurriedly turned to Mu shi with an indignant look on his face. "Mu shi..."

"Alright, this matter is already settled. Dismissed!" Unwilling to speak any further, Mu shi waved his hands and walked out of the room.

"Farewell!"

Following which, School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and the others left as well.

Soon, Lu Feng was the only one remaining in the room. Amid the deafening silence, his face warped savagely, and he clenched his fists tightly.

"Damn it..."

Furious, he slammed his fist on the table.

"Fine, I will let you get away for now. However, you'd better pray that you don't slip up. Otherwise... I will make your life a living hell!" Lu Feng roared furiously.

...

While Lu Feng was reporting the matter to the Ten Great Master Teachers, Zhang Xuan finally finished with his lecture as well.

Back then, when he had been standing before the library of the Apothecary School, he hadn't been standing in a daze. Rather, he had been using his soul to gather all of the books within into his Library of Heaven's Path.

As a 4-star apothecary, he had been able to skip right to the 4-star and 5-star books. As such, it had only taken him an hour to successfully compile the 5-star and 6-star Heaven's Path manual.

After studying the manuals, he'd suddenly felt a surge of inspiration, so he'd begun lecturing right outside the library.

The content he had spoken of was profound yet easy to understand, interpreting the essence of pill forging directly. The crowd in the surroundings couldn't help but be drawn in by his words.

This was also the reason behind the first exodus of the Apothecary School to the Xuanxuan Faction.

After he was done, Zhang Xuan had first gone to the Pill Chamber, hoping that there might be a Grand Intermittence Pill there. However, to his disappointment, there was nothing of the sort there. Nevertheless, not wanting to make a trip for nothing, he'd decided to take the grade-6 pills with him so as to return the favor to Lu Feng.

Following which, he had headed straight for the Ancestral Hall, where the Pill Debate examination was conducted.

Just as Vice School Head Wei and the others had seen, he had activated the Communication Jade Screen, not only to clear the Pill Debate but also to request the pill formula of the Grand Intermittence Pill as well.

Without any experience in pill forging, it would have been impossible for Zhang Xuan to pass the practical examination. However, if it was just a Pill Debate, given his thorough understanding and deep insight into pill forging, not even a 7-star apothecary would be a match for him.

In the Pill Debate, he had utterly crushed the 7-star apothecaries on the other end of the screen and received his quasi 6-star apothecary emblem, as well as the pill formula of the Grand Intermittence Pill.

Having achieved what he had gone for, Zhang Xuan had initially intended to leave. However, recalling how he had taken so many grade-6 pills for nothing, he'd still felt a little guilty. After all, his grudge was with Lu Feng, not with the Apothecary School. However, the matter was already done... Thus, he had gone to the Apothecary Symposium to conduct a lecture as a form of compensation to the Apothecary School.

Who knew that his lecture would end up aweing both students and teachers alike?

As a result, the grand sight of countless elders, teachers, and students abandoning the Apothecary School for the Xuanxuan Faction had come to be.

As for the matters regarding the uniform and the entrance fee, those were Ruohuan gongzi and Sun Qiang's doing.

"So, this is the key to forging the Delight Harnessing Pill. I finally get it!"

"I feel that with my current comprehension of pill forging, as long as my cultivation reaches the required level, I will surely be able to forge a grade-6 pill!"

"This lecture has truly benefited me greatly. It's as good as three years' hard work on my part!"

...

While Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief and departed from the stage, the apothecaries beneath the stage had intoxicated expressions on their faces, still immersed in the lecture they had just heard.

Zhang shi's lecture had been random and abrupt, raising points on the unexpected aspects of pill forging. However, his words eventually tied together perfectly like puzzle pieces to form a profound picture of pill forging, giving the listeners a striking and deep insight into the essence of pill forging. As long as they were to ruminate over his words carefully and decipher them, their proficiency in pill forging would surely rise immensely in the short run!

It was just a single lecture, but it was equivalent to several years of their hard work.

...

"Genius! He's truly a genius! To think that pill forging can be interpreted from such an angle as well..."

Apothecary Lu stood beside some of the other old elders of the Apothecary School as they discussed Zhang shi's lecture, and the more they spoke, the more astonished they became.

At their age, it was already far too difficult for them to make a breakthrough. If only they had listened to such a lecture ten years earlier, every single one of them would have been 7-star apothecaries by now!

"From now on, I am a member of the Xuanxuan Faction. I will never ever return to the Apothecary School!"

"Me too! I would rather remain here to listen to Zhang shi's amazing lectures than rot away in the Apothecary School. Perhaps, if we listen to a few more, we might just be able to pass our 7-star apothecary examinations!"

Just when the few elders were overwhelmed with excitement, they suddenly saw the young man who had just lectured them abruptly walking toward them.

"Zhang shi!"

The elders clasped their fists and bowed politely.

"There's no need to stand on ceremony. I am here to request something of you all," Zhang Xuan said.

"Feel free to speak, Zhang shi! As long as it's within the means of old bones like us, we will surely give it our best!"

Even though they weren't students of the academy, they had become completely impressed by the young man before them after hearing the lecture as well.

"Thank you, but it's actually not that much. I just need you all to collaborate together and forge a pill for me!" Zhang Xuan revealed his motive.

"Collaborate together?" The group was stunned.

Despite the profound understanding of pill forging that the young man before him had, he still needed their help?

"That's right. I wish to forge the Grand Intermittence Pill!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Grand Intermittence Pill... A grade-7 pill?" Apothecary Lu exclaimed in shock.

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Chapter 822: Phoenix Timber Core

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Grand Intermittence Pill was extremely well-known for its miraculous ability in allowing one to regrow even severed limbs. But naturally, it was an extremely difficult pill to forge as well.

Even among grade-7 pills, it could be considered one of the more advanced ones. It would be difficult for even an average 7-star apothecary to forge it, so how could they possibly succeed?

For all Upper Nine Paths occupations, the difference between each rank became exponentially larger the higher one climbed.

Even though it was only a single rank of difference between 6-star and 7-star, it was like the difference between a Saint and a Transcendent Mortal. There was an unbreachable gap between the two.

In fact, even within the rank itself, there was a vast difference in the capability between low-tier and pinnacle.

In other words... even though they were all 6-star pinnacle apothecaries, just a toe away from achieving a breakthrough to 7-star, it was still utterly impossible for them to forge the Grand Intermittence Pill, which only 7-star pinnacle apothecaries were capable of forging.

With a bitter smile, Apothecary Lu shook his head. "I'm afraid that we might not be of much help here..."

"I know that it's difficult, that's why I need you to work together with one another," Zhang Xuan replied.

"Work together? But we have never worked together before, it won't be easy to do so..." The group shook their heads.

Pill forging wasn't like fighting a battle, where each cultivator just had to cover for one another... Every single apothecary had their own unique pill forging technique and style. It was more likely than not that if two apothecaries tried to work on the same cauldron, a major error would occur somewhere. This could easily lead to all of the medicinal herbs being ruined, or in the worst-case scenario, a cauldron explosion even!

That was not to say that it was completely impossible for apothecaries to work together on the same cauldron. There were such cases in the world, but most of them were students who had been training to work with each other from the very start, and after several dozen years of collaboration, they gained the ability to understand one another by the slightest gesture or gaze, allowing them to synergize with each other perfectly.

But on the other hand, Apothecary Lu and the others had already tread on their own path for several centuries now, and they had their own unique forging style tailored to their own needs. If they were to forcefully work with one another, it was one thing for them to fail in forming the pill, but in the worst-case scenario... they might even end up blowing away the entire Master Teacher Academy!

As one of the more advanced grade-7 pills, the medicinal energy contained within a Grand Intermittence Pill was comparable to the might of a Saint 4-dan expert. If a mistake were to occur, with their cultivation of Saint 1-dan, it would be impossible for them to suppress the explosion.

"There's no need to worry about that. I have a few pill forging techniques here that are suited for just that, so I hope that you can familiarize yourselves with them quickly. As for the collaboration, as long as you listen to my instructions strictly, there won't be any problem with it!" Zhang Xuan said as he whipped out a few books and passed them over.

These were the pill forging techniques he had deduced that he would require for the forging of the Grand Intermittence Pill.

"Pill forging techniques?" Apothecary Lu and the others grabbed the books given to them and began browsing through them.

Each of them took a different book each, and the content of each book was different as well.

"Misty Rain Pill Forging Art..."

It didn't take too long for Apothecary Lu to finish browsing through his book, and by the time he was done, his hands were trembling intensely.

The Misty Rain Pill Forging Art was centered around stability, taming whatever destructive force it encountered while silently nourishing the pill. The technique was extremely profound and intricate; despite Apothecary Lu's many years of experience, he had never seen anything like it before. Without a doubt, if he were to successfully master this technique, his proficiency of pill forging would soar once again.

By then, as long as his cultivation hit the requirement, he was confident that he would clear the 7-star apothecary examination easily!

But what had truly left him astounded was that... the Misty Rain Pill Forging Art complemented his cultivation technique perfectly! If he were to master this technique, even his fighting prowess would be enhanced as well!

"This is truly a good pill forging technique. It complements my Spirit Turtle zhenqi splendidly..."

"The pill forging technique in the book supplements my cultivation technique impeccably too..."

After reading their own books, the eyes of the others were also glowing, and they couldn't help but exclaim in excitement.

Hearing those words, Apothecary Lu took the books of his other friends and browsed through them swiftly as well, and his eyes couldn't help but widen.

He realized that the pill forging techniques listed in the books were a perfect fit for their individual cultivation techniques and constitutions, such that he couldn't pick a single flaw from it.

In other words... Zhang shi had designed these pill forging techniques specifically for them! Otherwise, considering how each cultivator had his own unique cultivation technique and constitution, how could there be such a coincidence that all of them would have a pill forging technique that was a perfect fit for them?

But to tailor a pill forging technique to the needs of another... Just how deep of an understanding must one have of pill forging to be able to do so?

Even the most capable 7-star pinnacle apothecaries were incapable of such!

"T-this..."

Naturally, since Apothecary Lu had noticed this much, the others couldn't possibly remain oblivious to it. With eyes widened with respect and awe, they gazed deeply at the young man before them.

They had thought that the other party was amazing when they were listening to his lecture, but at this moment, what they had was deep reverence for him.

After recovering from the shock, Apothecary Lu asked, "Has Zhang shi prepared the required medicinal herbs yet? According to what I know, the main medicinal herb of the Grand Intermittence Pill, the Grand Intermittence Grass, is a rare saint herb!"

As the saying goes, 'even the most capable of cook can't cook without ingredients.'

The medicinal ingredients of grade-7 pills might not be too difficult to find within a Conferred Empire, but in Hongyuan City, that would be no easy feat.

This was especially so for the Grand Intermittence Grass. Putting aside how it was rare and impossible to be cultivated, its natural habitat also tended to be regions plagued with poisonous worms. Even Saint 4-dan experts would be troubled to procure it.

"I have already applied for the required medicinal herbs from the headquarters," Zhang Xuan replied.

After obtaining the pill formula of the Grand Intermittence Pill, he swiftly looked through the herbs required and noted that the main ingredient, Grand Intermittence Grass, was hard to obtain in Hongyuan City. Thus, he applied for it from the headquarters.

"You applied for the medicinal herb from the headquarters?"

Apothecary Lu and the other apothecaries glanced at one another, astounded. "But given the steep price of the Grand Intermittence Grass, will the headquarters really be willing to give it to you?"

Applying and purchasing from the headquarters were two separate matters.

Applying was equivalent to asking for a subsidy from the headquarters. Should the headquarters accept the application, they would give the medicinal herb to the applicant without charging anything.

On the other hand, purchasing would require the purchaser to pay a certain price in exchange for the medicinal herb.

But the Grand Intermittence Grass was a rare and valuable saint herb. Even if one were to purchase it from the headquarters, it would cost at least several hundred or even a thousand high-tier spirit stones. To apply for it... how could the headquarters possibly accept the application?

If it was that simple, the Apothecary Guild headquarters would have already closed down from the sheer expenses incurred from apothecaries applying for medicinal herbs.

Zhang Xuan pondered for a moment before replying. "I happened to solve the problems of one of their apothecaries, and the other party promised to help me settle this matter... so I don't think there will be any trouble!"

The Communication Wall could only transfer written information whereas the Jade Communication Screen allowed one to transmit and view visual information as well.

Back then, when Zhang Xuan had been taking his 6-star apothecary examination, one of the apothecaries on the other end had sent a video of someone forging pills, and Zhang Xuan had helped the other party analyze and resolve a few problems in his forging method, thus winning the other party's respect. In light of that, the other party had offered to help him apply for the Grand Intermittence Grass.

But back then, the other party had spoken of it lightly as if it was nothing... Could the other party have been lying to him?

Apothecary Lu frowned slightly upon hearing Zhang Xuan's story, and he said, "Even for the apothecaries of the headquarters, it would still be difficult for them to apply for medicinal herbs without some connections. Do you know of the name of the apothecary you spoke to?"

"If I recall correctly, I think his name is... Wu Huayu! Back then, of the ten apothecaries projected in the Jade Communication Wall, he was the one who was the rowdiest..." Zhang Xuan replied.

However, before Zhang Xuan could finish his words, the lower jaws of the elders before him abruptly fell to the ground, and they began shaking in fear.

"What's wrong?" Seeing the bizarre state of the elders before him, Zhang Xuan frowned.

"Zhang shi... do you have any idea who Wu Huayu is?" Apothecary Lu asked with quivering lips.

"How could I possibly know? But considering how dim-witted he was and the ton of nonsense that flew out of his mouth, he is probably no one important. Why, do you know each other?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Dim-witted?"

"Cough cough..."

Apothecary Lu nearly choked. Seeing that the man before him was truly ignorant of it, he could only shake his head with a bitter smile. "Wu Huayu is the head of the Qingyuan Conferred Empire Apothecary Guild... a 7-star pinnacle apothecary!"

The others also hurriedly nodded, as if fearing that Zhang Xuan wouldn't believe it.

It was one thing for you not to recognize Guild Leader Wu, but to say that he is dim-witted...

That is the number of apothecary of Qingyuan Empire, and yet you speak as if he is nothing at all!

More importantly, you even helped to solve his problems?

Just what kind of monster is standing before me?

"Guild leader? You are saying that person is the leader of the Apothecary Guild? I see..."

Zhang Xuan was stunned for an instant before he slowly nodded. "Since he's the guild leader, there shouldn't be any problem with obtaining the Grand Intermittence Pill. As for the other ingredients, it shouldn't be any trouble obtaining them in Hongyuan City. Here is the list of ingredients that I will need..." Zhang Xuan said as he passed a piece of paper over.

"As apothecaries, you have more connections in Hongyuan City than I do. Thus, I will have to trouble you to help me source them. If you see any of these herbs, do help me purchase them, I will repay you later. If I don't have enough money, I will trade grade-6 pills for them..."

Since Zhang Xuan was troubling them to find the medicinal herbs for him, he couldn't possibly have them pay out of their pocket for it too.

It just so happened that he had quite a few grade-6 pills remaining in his hands, so he could use them to trade for the medicinal herbs.

"The medicinal herbs on this list are quite affordable..."

Apothecary Lu took the paper, browsed through the list of ingredients, and remarked, "I think we might be able to gather all of these medicinal herbs through our own private stashes, so there's no need for Zhang shi to pay. You may consider this our way of repaying you for your impartation of knowledge and the pill forging techniques!"

As old elders of the Apothecary School, they had their own stashes of medicinal herbs that they could use whenever they needed. While they might not have extremely valuable saint herbs like the Grand Intermittence Grass in their possession, the collections they had accumulated over the years were still rather impressive.

Besides, as 6-star pinnacle apothecaries and elders of the Master Teacher Academy, it would be embarrassing if they were to only receive from the other party and not give back to him.

It was just a bunch of medicinal herbs, they each had plenty of those in their stash. It was nothing much for them to just give them away.

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up, and he clasped his fist and thanked them. "I will be thanking you in advance then!"

"Zhang shi, allow me to finish first..." Apothecary Lu waved his hands. "We are able to gather most of the medicinal herbs required, but there is one which you might have to source for yourself."

"Which one?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"It's the last medicinal herb on the list, the 'Phoenix Timber Core'!" Apothecary Lu replied.

"Phoenix Timber Core?" Zhang Xuan frowned. "You aren't able to find this?"

The Phoenix Timber Marrow was not a saint herb, spirit herb, or even a medicinal herb.

Zhang Xuan had thought that it would be the easiest one to find on the list, which was also the reason he had listed it at the very bottom, but who would have thought that the old elders would tell him that they were unable to obtain it?

"The Phoenix Timber Core is the very foundation of the Phoenix Timber Tree. It has the medical properties of facilitating hemostasis and the recovery of wounds. Compared to the other medicinal herbs, it is indeed not very valuable. However, the problem lies in its rarity... None of us have it in our stash, and it is unlikely that we will be able to find it in the Apothecary School and Physician School either!" Apothecary Lu said.

"If even the Apothecary School and Physician School don't have them... then where am I to look for it?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

The Apothecary School and Physician School could be said to have the largest collection of medicinal herbs in Hongyuan City. If the Phoenix Timber Core couldn't even be found in those two places, it was highly likely that it would be impossible to find it anywhere else in Hongyuan City.

"Zhang shi, calm down. While we don't have the means to procure the Phoenix Timber Core, we do know where you can find it. If Zhang shi is able to convince that fellow, you might just be able to obtain it!" Apothecary Lu said.

"Oh?" Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up. "Please enlighten me..."

"The main use of the Phoenix Timber Core is not to serve as a medicine but to craft zithers. If my memory fails me not, I believe there is a Phoenix Timber Tree in the Demonist Tunist School. If you can get to School Head Jiang Qingqin, you might just be able to obtain it!" Apothecary Lu said.

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Chapter 823: Attainment of Six Cranes

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Demonic Tunist School?" Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

"That's right. Once the Phoenix Timber Tree matures, one can procure its wood and soak it in a flowing river for 49 days. The resulting wood is an ideal material for crafting the Seven String Zither. This instrument has an extremely beautiful sound that reverberates deep within one's soul, making it a treasure which all demonic tunists hope to obtain!" Apothecary Lu explained.

"The current Phoenix Timber Tree in the Demonic Tunist School was planted personally by School Head Jiang Qingqin five hundred years ago. Over the many years, it has been nourished by the rich spiritual energy in the academy, thus making it exceptional material. If we can acquire its core to use in forging the Grand Intermittence Pill, it will definitely augment the medical properties of the formed pill!"

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan nodded.

He didn't have much knowledge of the demonic tunist occupation, so he didn't know there was such a use to the Phoenix Timber Core too.

"Alright. I will find a way to purchase the Phoenix Timber Core from the Demonic Tunist School!" Knowing that he could acquire the material inside the Master Teacher Academy, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

"Purchase?" Apothecary School Lu shook his head. "School Head Jiang has always viewed worldly possessions with nonchalance, so I fear that... it won't be that easy!"

"View worldly possessions with nonchalance?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"In any case, we don't have any ties with School Head Jiang, and our words also don't have enough weight to sway him, so I'm afraid that we won't be able to help you on this matter. Zhang shi, you will have to convince him yourself. For the time being, I think that you should send him a visiting scroll to indicate that you will be visiting. This will make you seem sincerer, and it might boost your chances of success..."

(Visiting scroll: It is similar to a letter which you send in advance to your visit or right before your visit to indicate your identity so as to give the other party a heads up. It is considered to be polite and respectful.

At which point, Apothecary Lu suddenly laughed dryly and said, "If Zhang shi were to do what you did to the Apothecary School, I fear that it might have the opposite effect..."

School Head Jiang Qingqin was a reticent person, and he usually avoided interacting with others wherever possible. Even though they were the old elders of the Apothecary School, they hadn't really had much contact with him.

But nevertheless, based on the rumors, they could still fathom a guess on the other party's temperament, and it didn't seem like he was an easy person to get along with.

If they were to regard the other party respectfully, they might still stand a chance. But if Zhang shi were to act as he usually did, destroying everything in his path...

"Don't worry, I am not a reckless person!" Zhang Xuan reassured them.

"..."

However, Apothecary Lu and the others fell speechless after hearing those words instead.

If it wasn't out of recklessness that you practically crippled the Physician School and Apothecary School, wouldn't the Master Teacher Academy collapse if you were to get reckless?

Seeing that there was still some time before the agreed time with Luo Ruoxin, Zhang Xuan instructed, "Sun Qiang, make some preparations. We will be heading to the Demonic Tunist School now!"

"Yes!" Sun Qiang hurriedly rushed off to prepare.

Soon, after confirming the direction, the master and butler headed for the Demonic Tunist School.

...

In the Demonic Tunist School, beneath a lush Phoenix Timber Tree, an elder was stroking his zither calmly.

The melodious sound of the zither drifted lightly in the air, and six divine cranes began dancing upon hearing the music. They flew around the courtyard joyously, calling out in excitement.

A long time later, the zither music finally came to an end.

The elder shook his head and sighed. "I'm still a bit off..."

Another elder not too far away stroked his beard and said, "School Head, that's because your expectations are too high. Choir of Six Cranes, that is already a level that countless dream of. In order to reach seven cranes, that requires one to possess skills on par with a 7-star demonic tunist!"

The old man who had been playing just a moment ago was School Head Jiang Qingqin, and the other person with him was Vice School Head Ning Hai.

"These days, I can feel that a breakthrough is imminent, but I just can't find the impetus to do so!" Jiang Qingqin shook his head.

Not too far away, the flying cranes landed back on the ground, returning back to their flock of around a dozen cranes.

Demonic tunist, just like the other occupations, could be divided into differing levels of capability. In this case, the more cranes that one was able to allure into dancing merrily in the sky, the greater one's capability as a demonic tunist was.

Jiang Qingqin's feat of inducing six cranes to dance harmoniously to his zither could already be considered an incredible achievement.

"The music of the zither originates from the heart. There's no point getting anxious over it. Perhaps, if you could empty your mind, you might achieve a breakthrough instead!" Vice School Head Ning chuckled.

"That's true... but with so many things going on the academy recently, it's not easy for me to empty my mind." Jiang Qingqin sighed.

He would have also loved to stay out of worldly affairs and achieve a transcendent state of mind, but as the head of the Demonic Tunist School, he had many affairs that he had to tend to each day. It was easier said than done.

Furthermore, many troubles seemed to have cropped up within the Master Teacher Academy one after another in recent days. Bearing heavy responsibilities on his shoulders, he couldn't just turn his head away at such a time.

"Indeed!" Vice School Head Ning sighed as he placed his fingers on the zither before him. "Being a school head sure is tough. Even if you offered to hand it over to me for free, I still wouldn't take it! What I want is to roam the world, living joyously and carefree with a zither in hand, unburdened by worldly affairs!"

"You..." Seeing his old friend's state, Jiang Qingqin chuckled and shook his head.

In truth, Vice School Head Ning was nowhere beneath him in terms of his capability, and if he wished to, he was more than qualified to become the school head. However, it was just that he was unwilling to take on the responsibility.

At that moment, a student suddenly rushed into the courtyard.

"Teacher, Zhang Xuan seeks an audience!"

As the student spoke, he passed a visiting scroll over.

"Zhang Xuan?" Jiang Qingqin was taken aback for an instant before the corners of his mouth twitched. "What is he doing here? I don't think... I have any conflict with him!"

"What's wrong? Is there something special about that Zhang Xuan?" Seeing Jiang Qingqin's state, Vice School Head Ning couldn't help but be puzzled.

Even though Ning Hai was the vice head of the Demonic Tunist School, it was more or less only in name. He rarely interfered in the affairs of the school, spending his days playing his zither, immersed in music. Thus, he was unaware of the various affairs surrounding Zhang Xuan.

"Special is an understatement, he is like the God of Destruction. Wherever he goes, unrest follows..." Jiang Qingqin swiftly brought his old friend up to speed on the matter.

"To think that there would be such a formidable genius in our Master Teacher Academy!" Vice School Head Ning exclaimed in astonishment.

He had heard of master teachers who possessed a particular talent for a single occupation or two, but never had he seen a twenty-year-old freshman overpowering multiple schools in the academy singlehandedly. This was unimaginable!

"But our Demonic Tunist School has no grudge with him, what is he doing here?" Jiang Qingqin's questioned with an awful complexion.

He was usually extremely easy-going, rarely allowing anything to get to him. But... Lu Feng had described the other party as if he was a monster with six arms, so Jiang Qingqin couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive at the other party's arrival.

To visit the Demonic Tunist School for no apparent reason... it couldn't be that he intended to tear down the Demonic Tunist School?

"Based on what you said... we can't discount that possibility!" Vice School Head Ning frowned as well.

"Since that's the case, tell him that I am currently in seclusion, so I can't meet him," Jiang Qingqin instructed the student.

"That won't work! If that fellow resorts to forceful measures after being turned down by you, the Demonic Tunist School might just end up like the other schools..." Vice School Head Ning hurriedly interjected.

"What should we do then?" Jiang Qingqin frowned.

Honestly speaking, that Zhang Xuan was truly a star of calamity. Misfortune fell on whoever was around him. If he had a choice, he would definitely stay as far out of that fellow's path as he could...

"Why don't we invite him in for the time being? Since he has delivered his visiting scroll instead of barging in, I think that there are still grounds for negotiation," Vice School Head Ning said. "Furthermore, if he is as formidable as you have said, and he has a deep understanding of demonic tunes as well, we could have him offer some pointers to our students, and perhaps, that might lead to a significant rise in the strength of our Demonic Tunist School!"

"This..." Hearing those words, Jiang Qingqin's eyes lit up as well. "Indeed! This encounter can be considered an opportunity for our Demonic Tunist School too!"

Thus, Jiang Qingqin turned to the student and instructed, "Alright, invite him in!"

Even though Zhang Xuan had a fearsome record of destruction behind him, considering the nature of the demonic tunist examination, it was unlikely that he could do anything to the school. Besides, if the other party possessed true capability, he could even apply for the 6-star demonic tunist emblem for the other party directly.

"Yes!"

The student nodded before leaving quickly. Not too long later, he returned with Zhang Xuan and a plump man.

Zhang Xuan stepped forward and clasped his fist. "Zhang Xuan pays respect to School Head Jiang and Vice School Head Ning!"

On the way here, he had already asked the student about the identities of the duo standing beneath the Phoenix Timber Tree.

"There's no need to stand on ceremony with us, Zhang shi. I have heard much about your affairs. May I ask the reason behind your visit? Our small Demonic Tunist School is unable to take any setbacks, so I have to ask of you to have mercy on us," Jiang Qingqin said.

"Urk... School Head Jiang, what are you talking about..."

Not expecting the other party to actually take precautions against him right from the start, Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment. He quickly clasped his fist and replied, "Actually, the reason I am here today is because I have something to request of you!"

"Oh?"

Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai exchanged doubtful glances, and after brief moment of silence, Jiang Qingqin turned to Zhang Xuan and said grimly, "As long as you don't destroy the Demonic Tunist School, challenge the trials here, and have my students join your Xuanxuan Faction... I will definitely do whatever I can for you!"

"Cough cough!" Zhang Xuan choked on his saliva.

What the heck is this!

It was not like I intended to cause all that damage. All I did was challenge those trials fair and square, and yet, everyone treats me as if I am bent on destroying everything I lay my eyes on...

I am not such a person!

But as frustrated as Zhang Xuan was, he didn't forget the aim of his visit. "The reason I am here is to ask School Head Jiang to spare me some Phoenix Timber Core..."

"Phoenix Timber Core? Impossible! I can't give you that!" Hearing those words, School Head Jiang immediately waved his hands and rejected him decisively.

When he'd seen how amicable the other party's attitude was, he had thought that the other party might not be as bad as the rumors had made him out to be. But who knew that the other party would ask for his Phoenix Timber Core... There was no one in the Master Teacher Academy who didn't know that the Phoenix Timber Tree was his most prized possession!

To actually ask me to give it to you... That's as good as taking my life!

Why don't you just kill me instead?

"This... I am willing to pay a premium price on it!" Zhang Xuan offered without any hesitation, knowing the rarity of the Phoenix Timber Core.

"I won't sell it to you even if you are willing to pay a premium on it..." School Head Jiang shook his head.

"Alright then."

Seeing how determined the other party was, Zhang Xuan could only sigh helplessly. "Then, may I know where the library of the Demonic Tunist School is and where I can take the demonic tunist examination? I would like to take the demonic tunist examination while I am here..."

"You want to take the demonic tunist examination?"

Recalling the huge calamity that had resulted from the young man before him taking the examinations of the other occupations, School Head Jiang's lips twitched, and he hurriedly waved his hands. "No way!"

"No way? Is School Head Jiang prohibiting me from taking the demonic tunist examination?" Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

"That's not it..." Jiang Qingqin's complexion looks extremely awful, but he had no idea how he could speak about the matter.

In truth, he had no right to stop the other party if the other party wanted to take the examination.

After all, the students had their own freedom to take the examinations as they liked. It was utterly ridiculous for him to prevent a genius from taking the demonic tunist examination just because of his fear.

If so, he would be unqualified to be a master teacher as well.

Seeing that Jiang Qingqin was in a dilemma, Ning Hai discreetly sent a telepathic message to him. "School Head, aren't you trying to achieve a breakthrough beyond the Attainment of Six Cranes? Considering the incredible reputation of that fellow, why don't you have him offer you some pointers on your demonic tunes? If he is able to help you reach Attainment of Seven Cranes, there is no harm giving him some Phoenix Timber Core. But if he fails... you will have a reason to turn him down and ask him to leave!"

"This..."

Hearing those words, Jiang Qingqin's eyes suddenly lit up in enlightenment.

Indeed!

Since the other party was able to make all of the teachers and students of the Apothecary School willingly acknowledge him as his teacher, and even Wei Ranxue was completely awed by his teaching, perhaps he might be able to do the same in demonic tunes as well!

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Chapter 824: Fly, Divine Cranes

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"As long as you can do something for me, it's not impossible for me to give you some Phoenix Timber Core."

With such thoughts in mind, Jiang Qingqin regained his confidence.

"Oh?" Curious to know why the other party had suddenly changed his mind, Zhang Xuan turned to look at him.

"Currently, my zither playing can only draw in six cranes. If you can help me reach the Attainment of Seven Cranes within the next two hours, I can give the Phoenix Timber Core to you for free!" Jiang Qingqin revealed his motive.

"Six cranes? Attainment of Seven Cranes? What are those?" Zhang Xuan was bewildered by those foreign terms.

He had never come into contact with any demonic tunist books before, and the other party used professional jargon specific to the occupation, so he couldn't understand it at all.

"You... don't know?"

As the other party had said that he would challenge the demonic tunist exam, School Head Jiang had assumed that the other party possessed capability as a demonic tunist on par with him. Yet, to hear him ask such basic questions at this moment... Jiang Qingqin felt his vision turning dark, and he nearly spurted blood.

The hell! These are terms one learns as an apprentice, and yet you don't know them... Could it be that you don't know a single thing about demonic tunists?

An amateur like you dared to arrogantly declare that you would take the demonic tunist examination?

"Un." Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Alright then... Of all demonic tunes, those involving zithers tend to possess the greatest offensive power, so most demonic tunists choose to immerse themselves in the study of the zither. It also became the basis to judge one's level of attainment as a demonic tunist. The deeper one's understanding of the zither, the more aligned one's zither playing will be with nature, drawing in more divine cranes to dance to one's melody. Under normal circumstances, a 1-star demonic tunist will be able to draw in one crane, and a 2-star will be able to draw in two cranes... so on and so forth. This is also the standard for determining a demonic tunist's capability."

Suppressing his frustration, Jiang Qingqin explained the basic knowledge, which even an apprentice would know. "I am currently a 6-star pinnacle demonic tunist, and I am only capable of charming six divine cranes to dance at once. Seven is still beyond my reach. If you can allow my zither playing to charm seven divine cranes to dance simultaneously... I will give my Phoenix Timber Core to you."

"Seven divine cranes dancing simultaneously?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

"That's right!" Jiang Qingqin nodded. "What I am lacking now is just an impetus for a breakthrough. If you can help me accomplish it, I will agree to your request. Otherwise... I will have to ask of you to leave and never come back!"

"This..."

Zhang Xuan pondered for a moment before turning his gaze to Jiang Qingqin. "In other words, as long as seven divine cranes dance simultaneously while you are playing, you will accede to my request... Can I interpret it as so?"

"That's right!" Jiang Qingqin nodded.

"That's simple! I won't even need two hours... Just five minutes will do!" Zhang Xuan smiled confidently.

He was still thinking what kind of arduous mission he would be tasked with, but to think that this would be it.

Count on me, I will solve it for you within moments!

The two elders were stunned. "Just five minutes will do?"

Are you for real?

Jiang Qingqin had cultivated diligently for five hundred years only to yet to make the breakthrough to Attainment of Seven Cranes, and yet, within five minutes, you are going to make him make breakthrough?

I thought you didn't even know about the six cranes and seven cranes, are you sure you possess the ability to do so?

If you succeed, putting aside the Phoenix Timber Core, I will even allow you to take the entire Phoenix Timber Tree away with you!

"Of course!" Zhang Xuan reassured with a nod.

"That's good to hear. So, where did I go wrong? Why am I still unable to make a breakthrough after so many years?" Jiang Qingqin was a little hesitant, but as he recalled the unbelievable records the young man before him had achieved, he decided to put his trust in the other party.

Even Vice School Head Ning couldn't help but be curious about what Zhang Xuan was going to do.

To make such big claims, he must have some unbelievable means up his sleeves.

Was this the prowess of a master teacher who had comprehended the Eye of Insight?

"Play the zither!" Zhang Xuan instructed.

"Alright!"

Knowing that he had to first display his capability before the other party could offer him any pointers, Jiang Qingqin's fingers slid across the zither, and a note resonated in the air.

It was like a melody had descended from the heavens, resounding in the courtyard.

The melody mesmerized the listeners in an instant. It was a tune permeated with grandness, as if one had ascended to godhood and was laughing heartily at the world beneath his feet.

Demonic tunist was an occupation specializing in soul attacks. Upon reaching a high level of attainment, one could create an entire army or a destructive tempest with just a slight flick on the zither, making it difficult for even Saint realm experts to withstand their might.

Legend has it that demonic tunists were once known as divine tunists. But twenty thousand years ago, a 9-star divine tunist found himself deeply encircled by his enemies. With his zither in hand, he drew out demons with his playing to slaughter the million-strong army around him.

That battle had forged the reputation of demonic tunist in the Master Teacher Continent. It was then that everyone learned that the seemingly unimpressive occupation could wield such fearsome power as well, and it was in deference to them that the world had conferred on them the word 'demon'.

'Impressive...'

Zhang Xuan had to drive his Heaven's Path zhenqi before the pressure on his body finally disappeared. He couldn't help but be astonished.

If he hadn't been prepared, he might have been left in a trance from the zither music.

It seemed that even the occupations of the Lower Nine Paths held immense potential in them. Otherwise, they couldn't possibly have been passed down over several dozen millennia without going into decline.

"Hmm?" Jiang Qingqin frowned.

He had been intending to teach the young man a lesson, so he had intentionally added an offensive edge to his playing.

He had thought that the other party would have been mesmerized by his playing, especially given the other party's low cultivation, but who knew that in a blink of an eye, the other party's eyes would immediately become clear? He couldn't help but be impressed.

It was no wonder the other party could induce such widespread fear around the academy, leaving even School Head Lu in a frenzy. As young as the other party might be, he did seem to possess unparalleled talent and capability.

Hu hu hu!

Impressed, Jiang Qingqin decided to stop with his little tricks, and the zither music abruptly became gentle. Upon hearing the music, some of the divine cranes suddenly began to call excitedly, and they rose into the sky to dance.

One crane, two cranes, three cranes...

Not long later, six cranes were dancing along to the zither music.

Seeing that the zither music could indeed charm the divine cranes into dancing, Zhang Xuan nodded in awe.

As a soul oracle, Zhang Xuan had a deep understanding of soul. This granted him the ability to induce effects reminiscent of demonic tunes with his words, such as inducing dizziness in another's soul. However, it was still beyond him to charm so many divine cranes into dancing along to a melody.

"Zhang shi, as you can see, I have achieved the Attainment of Six Cranes. However, I am still unable to charm the seventh crane. How should I play in order to make the breakthrough?" Jiang Qingqin's voice echoed resoundingly amid the zither melody.

Despite his advanced age, his voice had a melodious edge to it, reminiscent of singing. It felt extreme comfortable, and it complemented beautifully with the zither melody.

"Leave it to me!"

Hearing the other party's words, Zhang Xuan chuckled. He stepped forward, heading to where the divine cranes were loitering around.

Even after six of the cranes had left, there were still ten left in the group. Jiang Qingqin had been taking care of these cranes since they were young, so they were extremely obedient to him. At this moment, they were standing silently on the spot, seemingly enjoying the music.

"Let's begin!"

When Zhang Xuan was around ten meters away from a crane, he stretched his back and took in a deep breath.

Heaven's Path Movement Art! Heaven's Path Fist Art!

With a forceful step, his figure abruptly turned into an afterimage.

Peng peng peng peng!

Ten consecutive punches struck the ten remaining cranes standing peacefully on the spot. In an instant, they were sent flying, and their bodies crashed into the wall of the backyard, leaving a huge dent behind them.

"..." Jiang Qingqin staggered.

He was still wondering what pointers Zhang shi was going to offer him when the latter abruptly laid his hands on his crane, smashing them into the wall. In that instant, he nearly fainted from fury.

Ding!

In that moment of panic, Jiang Qingqin abruptly exerted too much force, and a string on the zither snapped, created an abrupt disharmonious note. Glaring at Zhang Xuan with eyes that could kill, he roared, "Zhang shi, what are you doing?"

It was no wonder he was angry. He had taken care of those cranes from young, and he had long developed a sense of fondness for them. Even though he could tell that the other party had held back his punches, leaving a breath in his cranes... still, to pummel his cranes without any hesitation, unforgivable!

"School Head Jiang, please calm down. Continue playing your melody... I will have seven cranes dancing before you very soon!" Zhang Xuan instructed.

"Very soon?" Jiang Qingqin was slightly hesitant.

You are supposed to offer me pointers so that I can make a breakthrough in my demonic tune arts, but instead of focusing your attention on me, you turned to my cranes instead... Can I really make a breakthrough like this?

"Trust me, you will see soon enough!" Zhang Xuan nodded in reassurance.

"Humph! That had better be the case. Otherwise, you'd better have an explanation for harming my cranes..." With a livid expression, Jiang Qingqin fixed the snapped string with his zhenqi and began playing once again.

The fellow before him had created simply far too many miracles, and he had been stuck at the Attainment of Six Cranes for far too long. His eagerness to achieve a breakthrough and the other party's confidence in his words convinced him to give it another try.

Triinngg ting tang ting!

A melody that created the vivid imagery of a flowing river deep in the mountains drifted in the air, creating a soothing atmosphere.

Upon hearing the music, the six divine cranes which had been spared from the previous injury began dancing in the air once again.

Seeing how School Head Jiang could quickly keep his emotions in check and play an impeccable tune rich with emotions, Zhang Xuan couldn't help but nod in commendation. Chuckling softly, he waved his hands and said, "Fly freely, divine cranes!"

Along with his words, one of the cranes which he had pummeled just a moment ago struggled to its feet, and with a loud call, it leaped into the sky to join the dancing six.

"You... succeeded?"

Vice School Head Ning couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock.

Wasn't Zhang Xuan going to offer some pointers to his old friend to help him achieve a breakthrough?

Yet, with a 'fly freely, divine cranes', his old friend reached the Attainment of Seven Cranes just like that?

But judging from the melody, it didn't seem like there was any improvement or change in his old friend's playing whatsoever.

Before Vice School Head Ning could make sense of what was happening, yet another crane struggled to its feet. After shaking its head to recover from its dizziness, it abruptly flapped its wings, and with a loud call, it joined the dancing group.

"Eight cranes..." Vice School Head Ning's lips twitched.

Wasn't his old friend still struggling to charm seven cranes a moment ago? How did it suddenly turn into eight cranes?

Eight cranes... Did this mean that his old friend was on par with an 8-star demonic tunist...

But his old friend's music hadn't changed whatsoever, and Zhang shi hadn't offered any guidance either. How did the level of his playing abruptly rise like that?

Just as Vice School Head Ning was still perplexed by the sight before him, the rest of the cranes, which had been struck into the wall, struggled to their feet, and shaking their heads, they flapped their wings and soared into the sky as well.

"Nine cranes, ten cranes, eleven cranes..." Vice School Head Ning was frenzied by the sight before him.

For a moment, he was so agitated that he could hardly catch his breath.

The highest level a demonic tunist could achieve was the Attainment of Nine Cranes, and yet, at this very moment, there were eleven cranes flying in the air. Not only so, the remaining cranes were showing signs of joining the dance as well...

Just what was going on?

Could Zhang shi really possess such mystical abilities? Even without giving any pointers, he could induce substantial improvement in another with just a momentary glance?

Astonished, Vice School Head Ning hurriedly turned his attention back to his old friend's playing in an attempt to feel if it had reached a profound level when one of the zither strings suddenly snapped.

Seemingly having realized something, his old friend's face turned as dark as the stormy clouds, and his hands had trembled to a stop as well.

The usually composed Jiang Qingqin could no longer hold back his rage anymore, and a furious bellow reminiscent of the howling of a wolf echoed resoundingly in the courtyard.

"Zhang Xuan! Screw you!"

Chapter 825: Demonic Tunist Examination [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"What's wrong?" Seeing his old friend flying into such a rage, Vice School Head Ning was stunned.

It had been five hundred years since he met Jiang Qingqin, and not once had he seen the latter losing his composure before. In fact, there was even one time when a direct disciple of his betrayed Jiang Qingqin, and Jiang Qingqin evicted him from his lineage without the slightest hint of anger on his face...

Yet, at this instant, he was bellowing furiously at a freshman without any regard for his bearings. Just what was going on?

Hua la!

As soon as the melody came to a halt, the cranes in the sky descended back to the ground, and they called out delightfully, as if they had managed to achieve something incredible.

"School Head, so did you achieve a breakthrough or not?" Vice School Head Ning asked curiously.

Demonic tunist was very unlike most other occupations, in the sense that its improvement was not strictly tied to one's cultivation or skills, but the deeper intent infused into the playing.

Considering that Jiang Qingqin was able to charm so many divine cranes into dancing to his melody, it should mean that the level of his playing had risen significantly. Yet, for some reason, the intent he could feel from it didn't seem to have reached a higher level, so he couldn't help but feel a little doubtful.

"The hell with breakthroughs!" School Head Jiang stood up furiously as he glared at the young man in the distance, seemingly tempted to rush forward and tear the latter to shreds.

Vice School Head Ning was unable to comprehend what was going on. "You didn't achieve a breakthrough? Then why would the cranes..."

It was an unchanging rule that the number of cranes one could charm into dancing would correspond to one's level of capability. Yet, just a moment ago, he had seen the unbelievable sight of sixteen cranes dancing harmoniously to a melody...

"Why, you ask? That's because he tamed my cranes!" Jiang Qingqin looked as if he was going to explode.

When he'd seen the other party's confident declaration, he had thought that the other party might just have some mystical means to help him achieve a breakthrough. Yet, the other party had used some unknown method to tame ten of his cranes instead...

Naturally, a tamed spirit beast would obey the orders of its master, so naturally, they flew at the other party's command...

"So, that's what happened..." Hearing the story, Vice School Head Ning also nearly fainted.

What we meant by seven cranes dancing is a breakthrough in one's capability as a demonic tunist! What use is it for you to tame those cranes and make them dance at your command?

If taming cranes and making them dance can represent one's capability as a demonic tunist, I would have found a few hundred cranes to do so long ago...

Not expecting Jiang Qingqin to be furious even after he had done what the other party had asked him to, Zhang Xuan frowned. "School Head Jiang, you said it yourself that you will give me the Phoenix Timber Core as long as I can make seven divine cranes dance simultaneously to your melody. Now sixteen of them have done so... it can't be that you are intending to renege on your promise, can it?"

"Renege on my promise? Renege your head!" Jiang Qingqin clenched his jaws so tightly together that it felt that his teeth might chip at any moment, and in that moment, he was on the verge of going berserk.

Never ever have I seen someone as shameless as you!

You are clearly just playing on my words; how can you still speak so brazenly?

What I mean is for you to help me achieve a breakthrough, and yet, you ended up taming my cranes instead...

You hadn't done what I asked you to, and you still dare to ask me for the Phoenix Timber Core?

Not expecting that an esteemed master teacher would suddenly insult him like that, Zhang Xuan harrumphed furiously. "Vice School Head Ning, please help us judge this matter. Didn't School Head Jiang say that as long as seven cranes flew simultaneously to his melody, he would give the Phoenix Timber Crane to me? Does being the school head give one the right to take advantage of another like that?"

"This..." Vice School Head Ning's lips twitched uncontrollably.

Previously, his old friend had said these exact words, "If you can allow my zither playing to charm seven divine cranes to dance simultaneously... I will give my Phoenix Timber Core to you."

Even though the implied meaning was to offer pointers such as to raise his old friend's level of playing, if one were to just look at the meaning of the words itself... Zhang Xuan's interpretation wasn't wrong either!

Sixteen cranes had danced in the air, so technically speaking, the other party had already fulfilled what had been asked of him.

After a moment of hesitation, Vice School Head spoke slowly. "Zhang shi, what School Head Jiang means by seven cranes is the level of his playing... This is jargon commonly used by demonic tunists. While you did manage to make seven cranes dance simultaneously to his tune, the way you did was via the means of a beast tamer. Isn't that twisting the meaning of his request?"

You said that we are taking advantage of you, but you are the one who is bullying us.

What Jiang Qingqin meant was the level of his playing, but you used the means of a beast tamer to 'resolve' the problem instead... It doesn't work like that!

It was only then that Zhang Xuan finally realized what was going on. "Ah!"

He had really thought that it would suffice as long as he could make the cranes dance to the other party's melody, and he had even asked once again to double check it. But from the looks of it now, the matter wasn't as simple as he had thought.

It was a communication error...

Considering how valuable the Phoenix Timber Core was, he knew that it couldn't possibly be so easy!

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan said, "So, what you mean is for me to raise School Head Jiang's level of playing... You should have said so earlier! Since that's the case, may I know where the Demonic Tunist School's library is? I would like to take a look in there!"

He could easily make a thousand divine cranes dance in the air, but to raise the capability of a 6-star demonic tunist... his knowledge was still far too lacking at the moment.

He would have to first read some books in order to gain some understanding of the demonic tunist occupation first.

"Our library?" Hearing Zhang Xuan ask about this matter again, Vice School Head Ning frowned in doubt.

"Yes... I have noticed a few things about School Head Jiang's current state, but there are still a few aspects that I am still unable to make sense of. I wish to browse through some books to verify certain details first before coming to a conclusion!" Zhang Xuan replied.

The Library of Heaven's Path allowed him to see through the flaws of another, but it didn't provide him with the solution. Without any understanding of demonic tunists, there was no way he could come up with a suitable solution to School Head Jiang's problem.

Only after browsing through some books and reaching the same level as the other party or even higher would he be able to resolve the flaws that the other party had.

However, he could not speak of this matter. Otherwise, he would have been kicked out under the suspicions of being a lunatic, so he could only make up a reason on the spot.

"This..." Vice School Head Ning shot a glance at Jiang Qingqin, who was still furious about the happenings a moment ago.

Vice School Head Ning sent the school head a telepathic message. "Should we let him into our library?"

"If my problem could be resolved just by browsing through books, do you think I would have been stuck at this bottleneck for over five hundred years?" Jiang Qingqin scoffed in skepticism.

"I will reject him then..." Vice School Head Ning replied.

"Wait a moment... It isn't much of a problem to allow him into our library. How about we do this... Tell him that we will allow him to enter, but if he is still unable to induce a rise in the level of my playing, he can forget about obtaining the Phoenix Timber Core from me!" Jiang Qingqin said. After a moment of hesitation, he added, "Also... he is only allowed to browse through the books. He isn't to cause any trouble or destruction in the Demonic Tunist School!"

His original intention was to turn Zhang Xuan down, but fearing that he might start demanding to take their examination or challenge their trial the next moment, he swiftly changed his mind and decided to accede to the latter's request instead.

Since the purpose of a library was for one to enhance their knowledge, it wasn't a big deal to allow Zhang Xuan in to browse through their books.

But of course, that was assuming that the other party didn't cause any trouble.

"Alright!" Vice School Head Ning nodded before turning to Zhang Xuan to relay those words.

Hearing that he was allowed entry into the library, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. "Don't worry, I won't cause any trouble..."

"The library is around the back; I'll take you over there!" Vice School Head Ning said as he led the way forward.

Since it would take some time for him to browse through the books, Zhang Xuan had Sun Qiang return to the manor first before following closely behind Vice School Head Ning.

The Demonic Tunist School's library was significantly smaller than the Apothecary School's and Physician School's. With his authority as a vice school head, Ning Hai was able to open access of the library to Zhang Xuan without requiring a student token or Academic Credits on the other party's part.

"Thank you, Vice School Head Ning."

Entering the library, Zhang Xuan saw innumerable books stacked on shelves, and his eyes lit up.

"Alright, I'll leave you be. If you have any requests, feel free to have any student relay it to me!" Ning Hai said before bidding Zhang Xuan farewell.

Zhang Xuan responded with a nod before turning his eyes back onto the huge collection of books before him.

Possessing the ability to store books into the Library of Heaven's Path with just a glance, he didn't need to go through the trouble of flipping through the books like before.

Focusing his gaze, the books on the shelves began appearing in the Library of Heaven's Path at an incredible speed.

Just like the library in the Terpsichore School, there were hardly any students in here. However, this played just to Zhang Xuan's liking. It would be a bother if others were to disturb him while he was taking in the books.

One book, two books... one hundred books, two hundred books... one thousand books, two thousand books...

In a few hours, Zhang Xuan managed to successfully take in the several million books stored in the library.

Compiling them, he formed the 1-star to 6-star Heaven's Path Demonic Tune Arts.

I should start reading them now!

As there was no one around, Zhang Xuan simply found a more spacious area and sat there. Immersing his consciousness into the Library of Heaven's Path, he began studying from the 1-star Heaven's Path Demonic Tune Art.

Six hours later, he exhaled a mouthful of turbid air.

At that very moment, his understanding of demonic tunes had already reached 6-star, putting him on par or even above that of School Head Jiang Qingqin.

Since I have attained the capability of a 6-star demonic tunist, I should make use of this chance to take the demonic tunist examination and obtain the 6-star emblem for myself!

In order to make the advancement to a 6-star master teacher, he had to have 6-star emblems in six supporting occupations.

At that moment, he had the 6-star emblems for blacksmith, physician, apothecary, and terpsichore, and he lacked another two.

Since he was already in the Demonic Tunist School, and he had some time to spare, it would be best for him to get this over with.

Thus, he left the library, and after asking around, he headed for the Demonic Tunist Aula, where the demonic tunist examination was held.

Unlike the Tower of Physicians, the Demonic Tunist Aula was a spherical building with an opening at the top, reminiscent of an observatory in his previous life. Those who intended to take the demonic tunist examination would sit at the very front row and play their instrument. The music would be amplified by the walls before echoing up into the heavens. Upon hearing the melody, the cranes residing in the school would fly over and dance merrily to the tune.

After which, the examinee's level of playing would be assessed by the number of cranes drawn in.

Just outside of the Demonic Tunist Aula stood a young man who was currently snoozing on a table.

He was probably the student worker in charge of facilitating the examinations in the Demonic Tunist Aula.

Walking up to the table, Zhang Xuan clasped his fist and said, "Senior, I would like to take the demonic tunist examination!"

"You want to take the demonic tunist examination?" The young man rubbed his eyes and took a good look at Zhang Xuan before asking, "What rank?"

"I have never taken the examination before, so I intend to start from the 1-star examination," Zhang Xuan replied.

"Start from the 1-star examination? That's fine. Here are the music scores used for the 1-star examination. You have to choose a piece from here and play it for the examination. As long as you draw in a single crane with your playing, the Demonic Tunist Aula will automatically award you a pass. You may start whenever you are ready!" the young man said as he passed a file of music scores over.

Only certain scores were allowed in the demonic tunist examinations. One had to display the capability of a 1-star demonic tunist through those specific scores in order to pass the 1-star examination.

"Alright!" After reading through the books in the library, Zhang Xuan had also gained a rough understanding of the typical rules concerning the demonic tunist examinations, so he didn't have much trouble with that.

However, there was another problem that he faced...

"That... I don't have a zither with me, so may I borrow one?" Zhang Xuan asked awkwardly.

The young man's eyes widened in disbelief. "You don't have a zither? Why are you here if you don't even have a zither with you?"

A zither to a demonic tunist is like a sword to a swordsman or a brush to a painter. Yet, you wish to take the examination without even having one in your possession... You must be pulling my leg!

To want to take the demonic tunist without a zither at hand, you really are one-of-a-kind!

"That... I remember that if an examinee doesn't possess a suitable zither, he can borrow one from the Demonic Tunist School..." Zhang Xuan said.

With the books he had read, he had also gained a good grasp regarding the rules concerning the Demonic Tunist School as well.

Based on what he knew, the Demonic Tunist School lent zithers to examinees who needed them, and it wasn't against the rules to do so.

"It's true that you can borrow a zither from our school, but putting aside the fact that those zithers are of subpar quality, they are also extremely old and worn. It's possible that the strings may snap just by exerting the slightest force on them, so your results will not be ideal if you use them... Are you certain about this?" the young man asked doubtfully.

The zithers of the Demonic Tunist School were crafted to only have the bare basics required. Furthermore, they hadn't been used for many years, so they had already gotten rusty. It was questionable whether any of them could play a proper tune or not, and to use one in an examination... the chances of clearing the examination would be unimaginably low.

This was precisely the reason very few people were willing to use it.

"I am certain!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

It would be rather troublesome for him to head out now to purchase a zither, and it was unlikely that he would use it often. Thus, to spare himself the trouble, he decided to simply use the school's zithers.

"Alright then!" Seeing that Zhang Xuan had decided on the matter, the young man shook his head and walked into a room behind his table. Not too long later, he returned with an extremely worn-out zither and a few zither strings.

"Use it carefully. These are spare strings for you to replace with should any snap in the midst of your playing. You have two hours. If you fail to draw a single crane within the time limit, it will mean that you have failed the examination!" the young man said.

In truth, he didn't have much confidence in the fellow standing before him.

How could there be a demonic tunist who didn't even possess a zither of his own?

The fact that he didn't possess a zither likely meant that he lacked practice and that his skills were subpar. Occasionally, he would encounter such arrogant students who had an absurdly optimistic view of their own skills.

"Noted." Taking the zither, Zhang Xuan paid the fee required for the examination before heading into the Demonic Tunist Aula.

The results for the demonic tunist examination were primarily determined by the divine cranes, so there was no need for complicated formations which consumed a great deal of energy to be inscribed onto the Demonic Tunist Aula. On top of that, there were rarely any examinees around as well.

In order to encourage more students to take the examination, the Demonic Tunist School decided to waive the payment of the Academic Credits and charge only a small amount of spirit stones for the examination.

Walking to the center of the Demonic Tunist Aula via a long passageway, Zhang Xuan found himself surrounded by thick walls inscribed with unique patterns. Zither melodies seemed to resonate with those patterns, amplifying the sound many times over.

However, and fortunately as well, this sound could only be heard by the divine cranes.

There was not a single person in sight within the Demonic Tunist Aula.

Zhang Xuan walked straight up to the round stage at the very center and placed the old zither on the small wooden table there.

After which, he placed his finger on the music scores and imprinted them into his mind.

"It's quite a simple tune..." Zhang Xuan chuckled softly to himself.

Having mastered the 6-star Heaven's Path Demonic Tune Art, his level of playing was currently, at the bare minimum, on par with School Head Jiang. To him, playing the score prepared for the 1-star examination was nothing more than a walk in the park.

"I should give the zither a try first..."

Placing his finger on the zither, Zhang Xuan plucked a string lightly, and a crisp sound reminiscent of a flowing river striking against a boulder sounded.

Even though the sound produced by the zither was lacking in richness, it was at least still usable.

"Alright, time to begin!"

Calming his mind, Zhang Xuan began moving his fingers, and a beautiful melody began permeating the room.

...

In the Demonic Tunist School, School Head Office...

"He didn't cause any trouble, right?"

Seeing Vice School Head Ning walk into the office, Jiang Qingqin couldn't help but ask that, his tone tinged with unease.

Vice School Head Ning shook his head. "He didn't."

Truthfully, he had also been a little worried previously. This was also the reason he had stood outside the library for several hours to ensure that nothing wrong was going to happen, before he eventually convinced himself that it was safe to leave.

Jiang Qingqin heaved a sigh of relief. "That's good..."

"However..." At this point, Vice School Head suddenly spoke up hesitantly with a deep frown.

"What's wrong?" Jiang Qingqin hurriedly asked.

Honestly, the rumors regarding that fellow were simply far too frightening. He couldn't help but pay careful heed to every single action the other party did.

"This morning, he left the library and headed to the Demonic Tunist Aula. If I'm not mistaken, I think he intends to take the demonic tunist examination!" Vice School Head Ning said.

Jiang Qingqin's eyelids twitched as he asked, "Doesn't he know nothing about demonic tune arts? Why is he taking the examination?"

"I'm not too sure either... I was fearful that he would wreak havoc, so I secretly followed behind him and watched the situation from the outside. However, I saw the fifteen cranes stationed for the examination flying into the Demonic Tunist Aula, and they didn't leave while I was there!" With a tight frown, Vice School Head Ning recounted what he had seen.

In order to ensure that the examination could be held at any time, the Demonic Tunist Aula had also reared fifteen cranes of their own.

"They flew into the Demonic Tunist Aula? But even if that fellow is taking the 6-star demonic tunist examination, six should be enough. For fifteen of them to fly in... just what is he up to?" Jiang Qingqin was perplexed.

Fifteen cranes flew over when only six were needed... Something was definitely amiss!

"I'm also a little bewildered by this matter, that's why I came here to discuss it with you..." Vice School Head Ning nodded.

"Discuss? This isn't the time for discussions! We have to rush over to take a look. Otherwise, who knows if that fellow will kill all of our cranes and roast them for his breakfast..."

Recalling the various bizarre feats that young man had accomplished, Jiang Qingqin's face darkened. He immediately stood up to rush out of his office, but at that moment, 'jiya!', the office doors opened, and a head peeped in around the side.

"That... School Head Jiang, I wish to take the demonic tunist examination, but there aren't enough cranes around. Can you lend some to me?" Zhang Xuan asked awkwardly.

Jiang Qingqin frowned deeply upon hearing those words. "How many do you intend to borrow?"

Beside him, Vice School Head Ning also widened his eyes in disbelief.

There aren't enough cranes around?

You have fifteen cranes over there... Never has the Demonic Tunist Aula received a complaint about having insufficient cranes; why are you the only exception?

Just what in the world did you do to our cranes?!

At that instant, School Head Jiang and Vice School Head Ning felt extremely choked up within.

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Chapter 826: 5-star Demonic Tunist

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Returning back to the time when Zhang Xuan first began playing in the Demonic Tunist Aula.

As the melody was amplified by the walls, it gradually crescendoed before spilling out from the top.

Qiu!

Not too long later, with a crisp call, a crane flew over. Under the influence of the beautiful melody, it began to dance delightfully.

Great, one came... Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

Since a crane had come over, it meant he had cleared his 1-star demonic tunist examination.

Let me see if I can lure two over...

Without changing the score, Zhang Xuan adjusted his state of mind and executed the Heaven's Path Demonic Tunist Art 2-dan. In an instant, the zither melody abruptly became sharp and desolate.

Under normal circumstances, taking the examination of the next rank would require a change in the music score, but Zhang Xuan was too lazy to head out to take it from the young man. In any case, this melody sounded rather pleasant, so he decided to go as far as he could for the moment.

Switching from the Heaven's Path Demonic Tunist Art 1-dan to 2-dan, the intent behind Zhang Xuan's playing suddenly grew much richer, and the sound he produced seemed to have become far more vibrant and resounding as well.

Qiu!

However, the difference in the playing seemed to exert immense pressure on the dancing crane. As if it had suffered some kind of attack, it shrieked fearfully before abruptly plummeting from the sky and fainting.

"This..."

Astonished, Zhang Xuan hurried forward to check on the state of the crane. After verifying that the crane had only lost consciousness, he heaved a sigh of relief.

Could it be that... this music score is unsuited for the 2-star demonic tunist examination? Zhang Xuan scratched his head in confusion.

No, that shouldn't be it. The core of a demonic tune art lies not in the score but in the intent behind it... Perhaps the rise in my intent doesn't complement the music score... If that's the case, it should work as long as I alter the score correspondingly!

Music, just like the dance of a terpsichore, was nothing more than a medium. What stood at the core of demonic tunes was still the intent.

Take painting for example, as long as one reached a profound level of proficiency in their painting skills, one would be able to relay one's intent no matter what one drew; the content of the painting itself served as nothing more than a medium.

What Zhang Xuan was currently experiencing was likely to be the disharmony between the richness of the intent he was relaying and the music score he was using. As long as he made adjustments accordingly, there shouldn't be any problem with it.

Given his current eye of discernment and understanding of demonic tune arts, altering a music score wasn't too difficult for him. Before long, he had managed to alter the melody to suit his current intent.

Thus, his fingers began plucking at the strings of the zither once more.

As he had expected, not too long later, another two cranes flew into the Demonic Tunist Aula and danced above him.

Seeing that it worked, Zhang Xuan chuckled softly in delight.

Having passed the 2-star demonic tunist examination, Zhang Xuan began adjusting his state of mind once more to evoke the intent of a 3-star demonic tunist when his fingers abruptly moved too forcefully, and 'pah!', a string snapped.

As this was the first time he was playing a zither, he failed to keep his strength properly in check, resulting in this unfortunate event...

Padah! Padah!

Yet another two cranes fell to the ground, convulsing uncontrollably. White foam was spilling from the edges of their mouths, and their eyes were rolled back, revealing only the whites.

Somehow, they seemed to exude an aura of indignation, seemingly saying "We have only come over in appreciation of your music, must you do this to us?"...

"Urgh..." The edges of Zhang Xuan's lips twitched.

He was only taking the 2-star demonic tunist examination, but three cranes had already fainted. He was probably the first one to do so ever since the establishment of the Demonic Tunist School.

But it honestly wasn't intentional! The quality of this zither was simply too poor!

I mustn't allow any problems to occur anymore...

Determined to change his image, Zhang Xuan assessed the score and the zither properly, and only after confirming that there wasn't any problem did he continue to play once more.

As the music permeated the room, it didn't take too long for three cranes to fly into the Demonic Tunist Aula.

This time, Zhang Xuan had made sure to control his strength properly, so he didn't hurt any of the cranes this time around. It was also the same for the 4-star examination as well.

However, just as he was just about to make the transition into the 5-star level of playing, he accidentally exerted too much strength again, and 'pah!', another zither string snapped.

The sharp dissonance from the snapping of the cranes left the four happily dancing cranes plummeting to the ground.

The zither didn't pose much of a problem for the melodies he had played up to 3-star, but it seemed that it was swiftly approaching the limits of its durability at 4-star.

Furthermore, Zhang Xuan's overwhelmingly powerful soul paired with his lack of proficiency in zither playing made it extremely difficult to control his strength perfectly.

However, knowing that there was no better zither he could borrow, he could only suppress his frustration and continue with the examination. The most he could do at the moment was just to be more careful than before.

Thus, he began making preparations for his 5-star demonic tunist examination.

Upon reaching 5-star, one could be already considered an expert of the Demonic Tunist School. Naturally, the difficulty of the exam was also far harder than those before.

Gathering his focus, Zhang Xuan began plucking at the strings, and a mesmerizing melody resounded throughout the room.

The other cranes seemed to be a little apprehensive at approaching the melody this time around, so they didn't rush over immediately like before. Instead, it was five minutes into the playing when they finally fly over.

Seeing five cranes dancing to his melody above, Zhang Xuan nodded in satisfaction.

Heaving a sigh of relief, he was just about to come to the end of the tune when 'pah pah!', the zither strings snapped once again, two this time.

Under the abrupt dissonance, the five dancing cranes glared at Zhang Xuan resentfully for an instant and chirped furiously before they followed in the footsteps of the others and plummeted to the ground.

Looking at the twelve unconscious divine cranes lying in his surroundings, Zhang Xuan felt the sight before him turning dark.

He really didn't do it intentionally!

That darned zither was simply far too lousy to harness the might of his soul!

This was just like having an adult draw a child's bow. The slightest lapse in concentration might cause one to lose control of the weapon.

It was fortunate that the souls of the cranes were only jolted, resulting in a temporary loss of consciousness. Otherwise, if he were to really cripple twelve of the Demonic Tunist School's cranes by taking the demonic tunist examination, School Head Jiang Qingqin just might skin him alive!

Nevertheless, this situation had put him in a dilemma. While Zhang Xuan could wake them up with his means as a soul oracle, his actions would have likely left a trauma in the cranes' mind. Thus, in the short run at the very least, they would be unlikely to be drawn to his music.

In other words, these twelve cranes were incapable of judging his level of playing at the moment.

But nevertheless, I have successfully cleared the 5-star examination, so I am officially a 5-star demonic tunist now... I think I should just get to 6-star in one go! Zhang Xuan thought.

It would be too troublesome to return to the Demonic Tunist School another day, and Zhang Xuan also knew that he had the capability to clear the 6-star demonic tunist examination at the moment as well. Even though the conditions might not be ideal, he still wanted to give it a try.

Thus, he reconnected the snapped strings and adjusted his state of mind before playing once more.

A clear and beautiful melody echoed amid the clouds, and ten minutes later, three divine cranes flew over.

Why are there only three cranes?

Zhang Xuan was certain that he had played at the level of a 6-star demonic tunist, but only three cranes had arrived. He couldn't help but be perplexed by the bizarre situation before him.

He continued playing, hoping that more cranes would arrive soon, but even as he reached the end of his melody, no other cranes arrived around him. Thus, Zhang Xuan could only give up and head out.

It seemed like due to the limitations resulting from the quality of the zither, 5-star was the current limit of his performance. Most likely, he wouldn't be able to clear the 6-star examination that day.

When Zhang Xuan walked out, the young man at the entrance took a look at him, and upon seeing his depressed face, he chuckled lightly and said, "The demonic tunist examination wasn't that easy as you expected, was it?"

"Indeed!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

He had thought that clearing the 6-star demonic tunist examination would be a piece of cake to him, but the tools he had at hand was simply far too poor. It seemed like he would have to find an opportunity to purchase a zither that was suited for him before attempting the examination once more.

"Do you know where I can purchase a better zither here?" Zhang Xuan asked the young man.

"If you want a truly good zither, you will have to craft it yourself. Only then will you be able to tailor it to your own needs and bring out your full potential," the young man explained.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Xuan nodded and replied, "Got it!"

Having read countless books, he knew a fair bit about the crafting of zithers as well. However, he didn't have any time to spare for that at the moment, and there wasn't any good material at hand for that either. It seemed like that would have to wait then.

"Where do I get the emblem from clearing the examination?" Zhang Xuan asked.

While it was regretful that he didn't clear the 6-star examination, it would still be good for him to obtain the 5-star emblem first.

"Emblem? You cleared the 1-star examination?"

The young man was surprised. Nevertheless, he raised his finger and pointed. "You can get your emblem over there. Just place your palm on the wall, and it will give you the corresponding emblem!"

Zhang Xuan walked in the direction where the young man gestured toward, and soon, he found himself standing before a wall.

It seemed to be a mechanism similar to the one in the Ocean of Weapons in the Blacksmith School.

He placed his palm on the wall.

Padah!

An emblem with five shining stars on it fell out.

"5-star..."

The young man who had followed Zhang Xuan, curious to see if he had really cleared the 1-star examination, was shocked to see the 5-star emblem.

To clear the 1-star to 5-star examination in a single go... and to use the old zither from the school at that...

Just how did he do it?

If it was the young man himself, he wouldn't even be able to clear the 3-star examination with a worn zither like that!

Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, the young man said, "You should have told me that you were going to take the 5-star examination... I could have had the cranes prepare themselves for it. Otherwise, even if your zither melody reaches the required level, if the cranes aren't around to hear it, or if there isn't a sufficient number of cranes around, you might have failed the examination..."

"Insufficient number of cranes?" Zhang Xuan was stunned for an instant before a thought struck him. "How many cranes does the Demonic Tunist School have in total?"

"Fifteen!" the young man replied. "The school head has reared a couple of them as well, but they are situated a little far from the Demonic Tunist Aula, so they aren't able to hear the zither melody and participate in the evaluation of the examination..."

"Fifteen?" Zhang Xuan suddenly realized what was going on.

The reason there were insufficient cranes in his 6-star examination wasn't due to his lacking capability, but that twelve of them were lying unconscious on the ground, and the remaining three were already dancing above him...

There were no more cranes left to judge his performance!

That explained why the final three cranes were staring at him fearfully, seemingly tempted to flee, but mesmerized by the music, they couldn't bring themselves to do so...

"Can insufficient cranes can lead to a situation where a qualified examinee fails?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Indeed. The Demonic Tunist Aula determines the examinee's capability based on the number of cranes that have gathered in the surroundings. Naturally, if there aren't sufficient cranes in the area, the Demonic Tunist Aula can only deem it a failure!" the young man replied.

"I see... Thank you for your enlightenment."

Having understood what was going on, Zhang Xuan hurriedly left for School Head Jiang's office.

Since there weren't sufficient cranes in the area, he would just have to borrow three more...

But he couldn't help but be a little worried... Would School Head Jiang be willing to lend his cranes to him?

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Chapter 827: Zither Dissension of the Cranes

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Upon understanding what had happened, Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai's eyelids began twitching uncontrollably.

To render twelve cranes unconscious in a demonic tunist examination, you have truly made history today!

After confirming that the cranes had only fainted, Jiang Qingqin heaved a sigh of relief before turning to Zhang Xuan.

"The school zithers are made out of ordinary materials, so they are usually only used in 1-star examinations. Beyond that, examinees are expected to bring their own zithers along with them... I understand your situation. Why don't you use my zither to play here? If six cranes dance to your melody, I will apply for your 6-star demonic tunist emblem personally!"

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

Since the other party had volunteered to apply for the 6-star emblem for him, he was spared an additional trip to the Demonic Tunist Aula. Taking the zither from Jiang Qingqin's hands, he gently brushed his fingers past the strings, and a crisp sound reminiscent of top-quality jades clashing with one another sounded.

"A good zither this is!" Zhang Xuan commended.

Just by listening to the sound produced by School Head Jiang's zither, Zhang Xuan could tell that it was innumerable times better than the old zither he had used previously.

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan adjusted his state of mind before beginning to play a light melody.

"A 1-star music score?"

Seeing how that fellow was playing a 1-star music score, both Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai shook their heads. However, just as they were about to speak, the cranes in the courtyard abruptly flew over.

No more and no less, there were exactly six of them!

"It is actually possible to charm six cranes simultaneously with a 1-star music score?" Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai nearly fainted from shock upon seeing that sight.

A 1-star music score, as the name suggested, was an elementary demonic tune, and it was limited in its prowess. To make an analogy, it was like a Mortal battle technique—no matter how exquisitely one executed it, there was a cap on the prowess one could exert through it.

Even if they were to play a 1-star music score, it wouldn't be very effective. Yet, the young man before him had actually charmed six cranes into dancing to a 1-star music score...

Was this still the same fellow who knew nothing about six cranes or seven cranes several hours ago?!

To become like this after a night of studying...

Just what kind of monster are you?

It is no wonder you were able to create such a storm in the Master Teacher Academy... your talent is terrifying!

"What if... he uses a 6-star music score?" Vice School Head Ning couldn't help but wonder at the possibility.

Since the young man was capable of bringing out the prowess of a 6-star demonic tunist with a 1-star music score, what would happen if he were to use a 6-star music score?

Would seven cranes soar into the sky instantaneously?

Would he immediately make the breakthrough to become a 7-star demonic tunist?

With such thoughts in mind, the eyes of the duo immediately lit up.

Thus, at the end of Zhang Xuan's current piece, Jiang Qingqin flicked his wrist and took out a music score.

"Zhang shi, this is a 6-star music score, Tides of the Spring Moon. Give it a try!"

Zhang Xuan took the music score and looked through it.

As expected of a 6-star music score, it was indeed significantly more complex than the one he had played previously. However, the complexity also made it easier for him to draw out the richness of the intent he harnessed within.

If he could only bring out 30% of the intent as a 6-star demonic tunist with the previous tune, he could bring out 100% with the one he was currently looking at, or perhaps, if he were to utilize the music score well, it could even go beyond that!

Triiiing ting tang ting!

After contemplating how he would play the tune, Zhang Xuan laid his hands on the zither once more, and a melody carrying a faint trace of authority within it burst into the surroundings. As if a rising tide, it filled the entire courtyard.

Hearing the zither melody, in a moment of daze, Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai seemed to see a beautiful full moon rising gradually from the water's surface. Amid the spring night, it brought a dim illumination to the world beneath as the darker side to the world sprung to life.

The spring river coalesced with the calm sea; a brilliant moon rose amid the tides. Shimmering waves charged along with the tides into the horizon, and nary was there a sight devoid of moonlight!

Qiu! Qiu!

The melody grew more and more fleeting, and under the influence of the atmosphere, the cranes soared into the sky.

One crane, two cranes, three cranes...

In the blink of an eye, six cranes were already dancing above Zhang Xuan, seemingly dancing along with the waves, mesmerized by the radiance of the moon.

Hu!

Just as School Head Jiang and Vice School Head Ning were enchanted by the melody as well, the remaining ten cranes by the side called out simultaneously, and one of them soared up to join the dancing six.

But before that crane could even get close, another one leaped up to bite it and dragged it down to the ground.

After which, a second crane spread its wings and prepared to fly up, but before it could lift off the ground, yet another crane rushed forward to stop it.

In the blink of an eye, the remaining ten cranes were tangled in a ferocious fight against one another, unwilling to let each other get ahead of them.

In just a short moment, a rain of feathers had already fallen to the ground, and blood dyed the surroundings red. The cranes, which had lived harmoniously with one another for many years, were currently glaring hostilely at one another as if they were archenemies, dying to tear each other apart with their beaks.

"This..."

Jiang Qingqin's body couldn't help but shudder at that sight, and he uttered hoarsely, "This is the phenomenon which only one who has achieved an astounding grasp of demonic tunes can produce... Zither Dissension of the Cranes?"

The capability of a demonic tunist was determined by the number of cranes they could charm with the melody they played. However, if all of them were enticed into dancing, a situation might occur where they competed with one another for the slot.

The divine crane was an extremely proud beast. If they were to see their companions dancing to a melody, they would be reluctant to make a move themselves, unless... the demonic tunist's level of playing had reached an unbelievable level, inducing an uncontrollable urge within the cranes to dance to the zither melody.

However, there was a limit to the slots. Thus, they could only tussle with one another to fight over it.

Peng! Peng! Peng! Peng!

The ten cranes fought with one another ferociously, determined to become the final one to join the group. After a long and bloodied battle, which resulted in a tragic grave of feathers on the ground, the victorious crane finally flapped its wings and joined the group unsteadily.

But while it had won, it was a miserable victory. Its feathers had nearly all been torn off by its other companions, revealing the crimson flesh and skin beneath.

The dance of a featherless crane—there was not one thing that was divine or graceful about it!

At the end of the music piece, Zhang Xuan finally recovered from the trance he had fallen into in the midst of his playing, and when he saw the bloodied mess from the tragic battle of the ten cranes, he leaped in horror.

What happened while I was playing the zither?

Just as Zhang Xuan was bewildered by the absurd sight before him, he suddenly saw Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai rushing to him with eyes gleaming in excitement.

"This... Does this mean that I have cleared the 6-star demonic tunist examination?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"If this doesn't constitute a pass, nothing will... Don't worry, I will apply for the 7-star demonic tunist emblem for you right now!" Jiang Qingqin said.

"7-star emblem?" Zhang Xuan was stunned.

"Indeed. Your comprehension of demonic tunes has definitely reached 7-star!" Jiang Qingqin nodded in awe.

To be able to induce the Zither Dissension of the Cranes, his capability was even above that of ordinary 7-star demonic tunists!

Upon hearing that the other party would help him apply for the emblem, Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up. "Thank you!"

With this, he would have five supporting occupations cleared. As long as he received another 6-star emblem and his cultivation reached the required level, he would be able to attempt the 6-star master teacher examination!

On top of that, with his comprehension of demonic tunes reaching the level of a 7-star demonic tunist, it would be much easier for Zhang Xuan to help Jiang Qingqin achieve a breakthrough in his level of playing as well.

Activating his Eye of Insight, he began assessing Jiang Qingqin carefully, but a moment later, a peculiar expression surfaced on his face.

"What's wrong? Is it impossible for me to achieve a breakthrough?" Seeing Zhang Xuan's expression, School Head Jiang couldn't help but be worried.

He had thought that it would be easy for the other party to offer him pointers for him to achieve a breakthrough given the level of attainment the other party had achieved, but from the looks of it, he was probably being too optimistic.

But that was no wonder. If it was that easy to make the breakthrough to a 7-star demonic tunist, he wouldn't have been stuck at a bottleneck for an entire five hundred years.

Seeing the disappointed look on School Head Jiang's face, Zhang Xuan hurriedly explained the situation.

"It's not that it's impossible, but...

"... you have already made the breakthrough. Your comprehension of demonic tunes... has already reached the level of 7-star!"

"I have already made the breakthrough?" School Head Jiang was stunned.

Even Vice School Head Ning was dumbstruck after hearing Zhang Xuan's words.

Are you for real?

It was just yesterday that I was still stuck at the Attainment of Six Cranes, and I haven't really done anything since. How and when did I achieve the breakthrough?

"If I'm not mistaken, School Head Jiang must have a transcendent view of worldly affairs. You view all matters with nonchalance, am I right?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Vice School Head Ning nodded in agreement. "School Head Jiang is a very composed person. He is able to retain his calm even in the face of a calamity."

He had always been in awed of his old friend's ability to allow nothing to get to him.

"It is not without reason that demonic tunes have such a prefix. In order to truly understand the essence of the word 'demon', one has to experience the various vicissitudes of life—birth, death, illness, separation, nostalgia, desire, envy... These are the emotions that provoke us to strive for greater heights... Possessing a transcendent view of worldly affairs mean that your mind has stagnated. As such, how can you expect to reach greater heights?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"This..." Jiang Qingqin fell into deep contemplation.

Five hundred years ago, he had undergone a major event which allowed him to view most affairs with nonchalance. He had thought that he had achieved enlightenment, but from the looks of it, that wasn't the case.

"Living in the mortal world, it is only normal for us to be involved in and affected by worldly affairs. To pay no heed to them and even avoid thinking about them... that isn't transcending beyond mortal affairs but escapism! If you have already chosen to escape from everything you faced, how can you possibly pave your way forward to accomplish a breakthrough?" Zhang Xuan questioned.

"You're right..." Jiang Qingqin's face paled in realization.

The other party was right. To pay no heed to worldly affairs was not enlightenment but escapism!

"There are many experts who would immerse themselves within the vicissitudes of life and experience all kinds of emotions so as to find the impetus to achieve a breakthrough. Yet, you chose to do the opposite. You secluded yourself in your residence, choosing to involve yourself in nothing at all... That is the reason you have been stuck at a bottleneck for the past five hundred years!" Zhang Xuan sighed deeply in lamentation.

"Yesterday, by taming your cranes, I managed to evoke your anger, resulting in a ripple in your stagnated state of mind, which became the impetus for you to overcome your bottleneck. In other words... you achieved a breakthrough yesterday!"

It was just yesterday that he didn't understand the true difference between six cranes and seven cranes, thinking that it would do as long as he convinced the seventh crane to join in the dance. Who could have known that an unintentional act on his part would actually allow the other party to achieve a breakthrough...

It was indeed a blessing in disguise!

If he hadn't experienced such a matter personally, it would have been hard for him to believe that there could be such a coincidence in the world.

After hearing the lecture, Jiang Qingqin closed his eyes for a brief moment, and the days he had spent over the past five hundred years flashed through his mind in an instant.

The next moment, he stood up, clasped his fist, and bowed. Determination and gratitude could be seen in his eyes.

"Zhang shi, thank you for your guidance. From today onward, in the path of a demonic tunist, you shall be my teacher!"

"This... How can I?" Not expecting that the esteemed head of the Demonic Tunist School would suddenly acknowledge him as his teacher, Zhang Xuan was astonished for an instant before swiftly waving his hands.

"It is proficiency and not seniority that matters in the path of learning! I might have been studying demonic tunes for a far longer time than you, but my comprehension of it still isn't as deep as yours... Your words today have answered a doubt that I have harbored for more than five hundred years. Until you are willing to acknowledge me, I will not rise from my bow!" Jiang Qingqin said persistently.

"This... Alright then!" Seeing the determination and earnestness in the other party's actions, Zhang Xuan eventually relented.

With his acceptance, the Library of Heaven's Path in his mind jolted lightly, and a golden page materialized.

However, this wasn't the time to be looking at it. Zhang Xuan hurried forward to help School Head Jiang up.

"Teacher, I will chop down the Phoenix Timber Tree now and procure its core for you. As for its trunk, I will craft a suitable zither for you!" School Head Jiang said.

"I'll be troubling you..." Zhang Xuan nodded.

After which, they chatted awhile longer, and Zhang Xuan offered Jiang Qingqin and Ning Hai some pointers regarding demonic tunes which benefitted the duo greatly.

Two hours later, with the Phoenix Timber Core—which Jiang Qingqin had just had a student procure for him—in hand, Zhang Xuan clasped his fist and bade the duo farewell.

However, the moment he stepped out of the Demonic Tunist School, a thought suddenly struck him, and his face warped in shock.

Damn it... I was too concerned with the demonic tunist examination that I forgot about my appointment with her!

Gathering the books, studying, and taking the demonic tunist examination... By the time he was done with all that, it was already daybreak. Yesterday, Luo Ruoxin had told him that she would look for him later in the night, but it was already way beyond the agreed timing.

Thus, Zhang Xuan hurriedly returned to his manor, and Sun Qiang hurried forward to report to him.

"Young Master, Lady Luo came last night to look for you, but after learning that you weren't around, she left..."

"Did she say anything?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Nothing at all..." Sun Qiang shook his head.

"Nothing?" Zhang Xuan scratched his head in bewilderment.

Luo Ruoxin had said that she would look for him last night, but she ended up leaving without saying anything... What was she up to?

"I will head over to her residence to take a look!" Zhang Xuan said.

Returning to the Master Teacher Academy, he found Luo Ruoxin's residence, and after asking around, he learned that the other party wasn't in, so he could only return to his manor helplessly.

Even though he did feel a little stifled within due to missing Luo Ruoxin's appointment, considering that the latter seemed to have some important matter for him, it was likely that she would return another day. Thus, there no need for him to feel so conflicted over this issue.

In any case, his efforts the previous night had brought him the Phoenix Timber Core, so it wasn't really a wasted trip anyway. As soon as he obtained the Grand Intermittence Grass and the other medicinal herbs from the old elders, he would be ready to forge the Grand Intermittence Pill.

Under the nourishment of the Earth Vein Spirit Essence, even though it wasn't sufficiently potent to heal Wei Ruyan's body, it was still able to prevent the state of her physical body from declining any further at the very least. Besides, it would take some more time before the Ten-leafed Flower nurtured her soul to a satisfactory level, so there was no rush at all.

When Zhang Xuan returned to his manor once more, he heaved a sigh of relief.

Now that he finally had some time to himself, he suddenly recalled a fellow who he had been neglecting over the past few days—Byzantium Helios Beast!

It had been around eight days since he had captured that fellow on Leiyuan Peak, but he hadn't had any time to interrogate it properly yet. Since he finally had some time at hand, it would be good to coax some news on the Otherworldly Demons from it.

Considering that we are in the center of the city, in the vicinity of the Master Teacher Academy, I should set up a formation to conceal that fellow's aura. Otherwise, I might be noticed by others when I release the Otherworldly Demon puppets on it!

The manor Zhang Xuan was currently residing in was enormous, so there was more than sufficient space to deal with the Byzantium Helios Beast here. However, considering that they were in the middle of a bustling city instead of some remote mountain, it was still imperative to take some precautions so as to ensure that no one would learn of the Otherworldly Demon puppets.

Not to mention, they were extremely close to the Master Teacher Academy as well. Considering the sharp senses that Saint realm experts possessed, it was best not to take his chances.

He was currently a 4-star formation master, so he was familiar with quite a few grade-4 formations. After some searching about, he finally found a suitable one.

This 'Aura Sealing Formation' should do!

The Aura Sealing Formation served to isolate all auras within a set area from the rest of the world.

As long as a Saint realm expert didn't consciously attempt to peek in the area, it would be hard for them to notice what was within the Aura Sealing Formation.

While it was only a grade-4 pinnacle formation, it was currently the best formation capable of concealing auras that he could come up with.

Even though he had experience setting up grade-6 Hidden Formation in the underground chamber, the formation was incapable of concealing auras or even sound. Given the current circumstances, the Aura Sealing Formation was much more useful.

I should begin!

Taking a swift look at the courtyard, Zhang Xuan swiftly deduced the ideal manner in which he should set up his formation before abruptly throwing several hundred formation flags out at once.

Hu hu hu!

The flags soared through the air and landed in their corresponding locations simultaneously.

Weng! The formation came to life.

Hundred Flags of Void Sealing!

"Alright..."

Seeing that the formation had been set up, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist and took out the Myriad Anthive Nest, and the next moment, a massive ape saint beast appeared on the ground.

After being trapped for over a week, the Byzantium Helios Beast was finally released from its confines!

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Chapter 828: Byzantium Helios Beast, Found

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Faction leader, after Zhang shi left School Head Jiang's residence, he returned straight to the manor which King Huai gave him. After which, he headed to Luo shi's residence but left shortly after. Since then, he hasn't left his manor!"

In the courtyard of a vast residence sitting at the very center of the Formation Master School, a young lady reported to a beautiful silhouette before her.

Dong Xin turned around and asked, "He hasn't left his manor?"

Ever since the affairs at the Physician School, she had been sending her men to trail Zhang Xuan so as to uncover his weaknesses, but the latter had been so busy that it was hard to even catch a glimpse of him. So far, she still hadn't received anything that she could use against him.

"Yes!" The other lady nodded in response.

"Alright, you may leave now." Dong Xin waved her hands casually before placing them behind her back.

A slight spring breeze tugged at her robe, highlighting her mesmerizing figure.

She lived up to her name as one of the top beauties of the academy. Her posture and gestures carried a unique charm to them.

If Hu Yaoyao was a thorny rose, she would be an elegant lily, cold but alluring.

"One has to enter the tiger's den to find a cub. If I wish to uncover that fellow's weakness, I will probably have to make a move myself!" Dong Xin's eyebrows shot up.

She was an extremely careful and meticulous person, and she didn't like to depend on secondhand news. Even though she had heard many things about Zhang Xuan from Hu Yaoyao and the others, she still held her reservations toward the authenticity of their words, choosing to devote significant resources to investigating him herself.

However, perhaps it might be due to Zhang Xuan being far too careful, her subordinates had been unable to obtain any useful intelligence on him yet. It seemed like she would have to make a move herself if she wished to find anything useful.

"Alright, I should head over to take a look!"

Switching to an ordinary robe, Dong Xin flitted out of her residence.

She had already tasked someone with uncovering the location of the manor which King Huai had given Zhang Xuan, so she knew its exact location. It wasn't located too far from the Master Teacher Academy, so she arrived at her destination within a few minutes.

It seems like there are quite a few formations set up here... However, you are being too naive if you think that this can stop me! Chuckling lightly, Dong Xin infiltrated the manor.

She was one of the top Grade 5 students in the Master Teacher Academy, a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan Chrysalis realm expert. On top of that, she was the direct disciple of Chen Chengxun, the head of the Formation Master School.

The formations in the manor might have been able to stop 4-star and 5-star formation masters in their tracks, but to hinder her passage? Dream on!

Slowly advancing carefully in the manor, Dong Xin soon found herself standing before a vast courtyard.

A formation was currently active in the courtyard. It created a thick layer of mist around the courtyard, preventing one from seeing what was within.

Dong Xin recognized it with a single glance. This is... a 4-star pinnacle Aura Sealing Formation?

The purpose of the formation is to conceal one's aura... Could it be that his weakness is hidden within here?

Dong Xin's eyes lit up in excitement.

The Aura Sealing Formation didn't have much practical use other than concealing one's aura. For the other party to set up such a formation within his manor, there was no doubt that he was trying to hide something!

I must find a way to get through the Aura Sealing Formation to take a look... Dong Xin clenched her fists tightly in agitation.

Her enemy's secret, and possibly his greatest weakness as well, was standing right before her. She couldn't let this opportunity slip through her fingers. Gritting her teeth ferociously, she began analyzing the formation carefully with her beady eyes.

It isn't too difficult to decipher a grade-4 Aura Sealing Formation, but if I make a wrong move, I might end up shifting the formation flags and cause some unexpected changes in the formation...

As a 6-star formation master, Dong Xin was more than able to overcome an Aura Sealing Formation. However, the tricky part was to sneak in without the other party noticing.

To do so, she would have to study the formation thoroughly and plan out her moves carefully.

With a swift movement, she leaped onto a lush tree in the corner of the courtyard to conceal herself. After which, she took out a geomantic compass and began making her calculations based on the spiritual energy flow in the surroundings.

Li San, Xun Wu... 1

Dong Xin swiftly performed her calculations, and the more calculations she made, the more awed she became.

The person who set up this Aura Sealing Formation is a person of great capability. He managed to align the formation perfectly with the entire manor, turning the two into one entity. Even I am unable to achieve such a feat...

Even though the formation before her was only at grade-4 pinnacle, it was perfectly aligned with the surroundings, drawing out prowess that only grade-5 formations could possess.

To be able to bring out such prowess in a grade-4 formation, the other party's capability as a formation master could only be above hers.

But ultimately, there's still a limit to how powerful a grade-4 formation can be. No matter how well he might have set it up, as long as I find the Life Gate, I will still be able to get in easily... Dong Xin chuckled softly in confidence.

Her talent in formations were extraordinary, and this was also the reason the head of the Formation Master School had taken her in as his disciple.

The formation might be far beyond the normal scope of an ordinary grade-4 formation, but due to its fundamental limits, she was still able to decipher it easily.

Taking a deep breath, she was just about to confirm the location of the Life Gate and sneak in when the ground suddenly shook intensely. A violent energy burst out from the formation.

It felt as if a powerful expert was trying to break the formation from within to escape.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Dong Xin swiftly hid herself before she heard yet another powerful shockwave striking the Aura Sealing Formation. Under the immense force, 'pili pala!', the formation began to crumble.

To be able to destroy a grade-5 formation with brute force... the person trapped inside the formation must be at least a Saint realm expert! Dong Xin narrowed her eyes in astonishment.

While the Aura Sealing Formation was meant to be a grade-4 pinnacle formation, the person who had set it up had done it so impeccably, complementing it perfectly with the surroundings, that it harnessed the prowess only grade-5 formations should possess.

For a grade-5 formation to crumble under brute force, it could only mean that the person trapped within was an unbelievably powerful expert.

Boom!

Amidst her shock, Dong Xin saw an enormous figure emerging from the crumbling formation.

This is... Senior Byzantium Helios?!

Her body immediately stiffened from sheer astonishment.

As a Grade 5 student, she had been fortunate enough to meet the tamed beast of the old principal several times... But wasn't he kidnapped by the Otherworldly Demons?

How can he be here?

Or could it be...

The thought that just flashed through Dong Xin's mind filled her with unprecedented horror.

"You intend to escape? Vicious, take it down!"

In the next instant, a nonchalant voice suddenly sounded in the courtyard, and an overwhelming killing intent permeated the area.

Padah!

Before Senior Byzantium Helios could even react, he had already fallen back to the ground, convulsing uncontrollably.

It's... the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe! Dong Xin was so frightened that she didn't even dare to move in the slightest.

"The rest of you, get him! Pummel him to death!"

Following which, the nonchalant voice sounded once more, and twenty Saint realm Otherworldly Demons abruptly appeared and charged furiously toward Senior Byzantium Helios.

Pili pala!

Fists and kicks sunk into the flesh of the helpless Senior Byzantium Helios, and in the blink of an eye, he was already bruised all over. He lay on the floor twitching uncontrollably, and it felt like he could breathe his last at any moment.

Covering her mouth firmly to stifle her gasp, Dong Xin felt her blood run cold. In that instant, she dared not to make the slightest movement or noise for fear of being noticed.

The enemy side had twenty Saint realm Otherworldly Demons, and even Senior Byzantium Helios wasn't a match for them. If she were to be noticed, there was no doubt that she would be slaughtered in an instant.

"It fainted again..."

Through the gaps of the leaves, she saw Zhang Xuan walking leisurely toward Senior Byzantium Helios and harrumphing coldly. He flicked his wrist, and the massive Senior Byzantium Helios abruptly disappeared from sight. After which, he looked at the broken formation and fell into deep thought.

"This formation is too weak... It seems like I should head to the Formation Master School to learn a more formidable formation..." Zhang Xuan muttered under his breath before walking back to his room.

Even after Zhang Xuan had disappeared from sight, Dong Xin didn't dare to move, fearing that the other party might return abruptly. It was only six hours later, when dusk had finally set in, that she dared to move her stiffened body and swiftly flee from the manor.

The matter she had seen that day was truly huge!

It was so huge that it terrified her to her very core!

It was no wonder Zhang Xuan was so talented, skilled in every aspect... It turned out that he was really not a human!

It was said that the royalty of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe possessed the capability to disguise themselves as humans, and not even Saint realm master teachers would be able to tell the difference. When she'd first heard of it, she had thought of it as utter nonsense — how could such a convenient ability exist in the world? — but to think that... it would actually be true!

For an Otherworldly Demon to disguise itself as a master teacher and even successfully infiltrate the Master Teacher Academy... This news would cause not only a huge uproar in the Master Teacher Academy but the Master Teacher Pavilion as well!

Realizing the implications behind this issue, Dong Xin rushed straight to the Master Teacher Academy as fast as she could. This won't do, I can't let his schemes succeed! I have to report this matter to the academy this instant...

This was no longer something that she, as a student, had the power to deal with. She had to inform the top echelons of the Master Teacher Academy as soon as possible.

But... given how astounding this matter was, would anyone believe her?

After all, that Zhang Xuan had earned the deep trust of School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, School Head Wei, and just a few hours ago, even that of School Head Wei! On top of that, he was also a close friend of Pavilion Master Mo, and he seemed to have an amicable relationship with Luo shi from the headquarters too...

If she were to accuse him of being an Otherworldly Demon without concrete evidence, not only would others not believe her, she might even be stripped of her master teacher license on the grounds of slandering her own peers!

I should first discuss this matter with teacher... Dong Xin thought.

As the person who had founded the Dong Xin Faction and led it to become one of the strongest student factions in the academy, she was by no means a reckless or foolish person.

Even though it had only been days since Zhang Xuan had enrolled at the academy, he had already won the trust of several dozen thousand students along with four school heads and Pavilion Master Mo... Her current standing was in no way on par with his.

Under the circumstances, since there was no concrete evidence to back her words, she was in a definite disadvantage on this matter. It was highly likely that the tables would turn on her, and perhaps... her life might even be threatened!

Thus, it was imperative for her to act cautiously and even more carefully for this matter.

But even if teacher were to trust me, his standing is still beneath that of School Head Zhao. That won't be sufficient to overthrow Zhang Xuan...

A figure suddenly surfaced in Dong Xin's mind. Wait, I can look for School Head Lu Feng!

While it was true that her teacher Chen Chengxun, the head of the Formation Master School, did possess immense prestige in the Master Teacher Academy, his standing was still beneath that of Zhao Bingxu. If Zhao Bingxu were to oppose to the motion that her teacher raised, it was highly likely that the entire matter might fall through.

However... things would be different if she could rally the stand-in principal, Lu Feng, to her side!

Lu Feng and Zhang Xuan had a hostile relationship, so Lu Feng might be inclined to listen to her words.

I should first find teacher and have him take me to School Head Lu Feng... Dong Xin gritted her teeth in determination.

The implications behind this matter were simply too huge. The matter wouldn't just resolve itself if she only revealed what she had seen. She had to gather sufficient power on her side first.

And at this very moment, the person who wielded the greatest say in the academy was indubitably School Head Lu Feng.

On top of that, the other party had a grudge against Zhang Xuan, so if she were to reveal this news to him, it was likely that the other party would side with her.

Hu!

Having made up her mind, she headed toward the school head office of the Formation Master School without any hesitation.

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Chapter 829: I Am the Old Principal's Tamed Beast!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Not knowing that Dong Xin had already discovered the secret regarding the Byzantium Helios Beast, Zhang Xuan was currently making his way over to the Formation Master School.

Even though he had set up his Aura Sealing Formation impeccably, the formation's grade was ultimately still too low.

While the Byzantium Helios Beast was tightly squeezed inside the Myriad Anthive Nest, it was still a saint beast with incredible regenerative capability. In just a few days, it had mostly recovered from the wounds it had sustained previously.

Thus, as soon as it was released in the courtyard, it exerted its full might to break the formation so as to escape.

It was fortunate that Zhang Xuan had expected such a situation and had prepared in advance for it. Through utilizing the strength of Vicious and the Otherworldly Demon puppets, he had managed to subdue it eventually.

However, that wasn't a feasible solution in the long-run.

Zhang Xuan had no choice but to take the Byzantium Helios Beast out in order to interrogate it on the affairs of the Otherworldly Demons, but if he couldn't trap it properly with his formation, it might just end up escaping while his guard was down one day.

Furthermore, the shattering of the Aura Sealing Formation meant that it was possible for the aura of the Otherworldly Demon puppets to escape, and he might potentially draw in the Saint realm experts of the academy as a result of it. If that were to happen, it would be difficult for him to explain himself.

After much contemplation, Zhang Xuan decided that he should first study a higher grade formation just to be safe.

Thus, he left his manor, and before long, he was already in the Formation Master School.

I should start with the library first!

After confirming the location of the library from the passers-by, he found a small gazebo in its vicinity, sat down in there, and drew his soul out.

The Formation Master School was ranked third in the entire Master Teacher Academy. There was a constant flow of people going in and out of its library, a sight that one would never see in the Terpsichore School or the Demonic Tunist School.

It didn't take too long for Zhang Xuan to get into the library.

As he was currently a 4-star formation master, he decided to skip the books in the lower levels and head right up to the fifth floor.

Hualala!

As his gaze swept over the shelves, book after book swiftly appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path.

In four hours, he had already finished taking in all of the books on the fifth and sixth floors, and he compiled them to form the 5-star and 6-star Heaven's Path Formation Art.

After he was done, he quickly returned his soul to his body and began studying.

When Zhang Xuan finally opened his eyes once again two hours later, there was a bright gleam in them.

At that very moment, his comprehension of formations had reached the equivalent of a 6-star pinnacle formation master. Even against the head of the Formation Master School, he was confident that he would be able to stand his ground.

Should I take the 6-star formation master examination while I am here?

Standing up, Zhang Xuan contemplated with his right hand stroking his lower jaw.

If he could receive a 6-star formation master emblem as well, he would have cleared one of the main prerequisites to the 6-star master teacher examination.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan decided against it. Forget it, I have been taking too many examinations recently. If I continue at this pace, I might just end up drawing doubts upon myself, and that would be troublesome. For the time being, I should focus my effort on interrogating the Byzantium Helios Beast!

He had taken quite a lot of examinations in recent days—blacksmith, terpsichore, physician, apothecary, demonic tunist... The matter had caused a huge uproar in the Master Teacher Academy. Since his cultivation was still too low to take the 6-star master teacher examination, it might be good for him to slow down for the time being.

Once the current heat had dissipated, he could continue as he pleased.

In any case, his knowledge couldn't possibly escape from him. It would make no difference whether he took the examination now or later.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Xuan returned straight to his manor.

He walked directly to his courtyard and took out a couple to formation flags to set up a grade-6 Breath Isolation Formation.

When he was finally done, he took a look at the work he had just achieved and nodded in satisfaction.

Unlike other grade-6 formations, which were impossible to successfully set up without reaching Chrysalis realm or even Half-Saint, the Breath Isolation Formation could be set up even by those whose cultivation wasn't up to par.

Zhang Xuan had done some calculations, and he had realized that even if the Byzantium Helios Beast was in its peak state, it would still be unable to break the formation. With this, Zhang Xuan would no longer have to worry about anything escaping from it.

Hu!

Zhang Xuan stepped into the formation and deployed the Otherworldly Demon puppets in the surroundings. After this was done, he released the Byzantium Helios Beast.

"You... If you want to kill me, just do it!"

By this point, the Byzantium Helios Beast had already awoken from its previous unconsciousness. It lay motionless on the ground as it glared at the young man before it with deep resentment.

As the tamed beast of the old principal, when had it ever suffered like that before?

If only it wielded sufficient power in its hands, it would have surely ripped the fellow before it into shreds!

"If it was my intention to kill you, I would have already done so on Leiyuan Peak. There would have been no need for me to keep you alive until now!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands coldly. "If you don't want to suffer, you'd better reveal your motive for harming the thirty thousand examinees and the mastermind behind you... If you do so, I can consider sparing your life. Otherwise, believe me, I will make every single day of yours a living hell!"

This fellow was unlike the Ancient Ape on the Cloudmist Ridge.

Soul Search was not an infallible technique. The main reason Zhang Xuan had been able to successfully use it on the Ancient Ape was due to the latter's fear of him, and the unstable state of mind made it easier to peer into his memories. On the other hand, the Byzantium Helios Beast had a headstrong and loyal personality. Considering how it hadn't spoken a word despite being pummeled again and again, there was a good chance that Soul Search may fail on it.

If that was the case, Zhang Xuan would lose the only lead he had on the Otherworldly Demons!

Honestly speaking, he also couldn't help but feel deeply helpless against this fellow.

"Make my life a living hell? Do you think that I'm afraid of that?" the Byzantium Helios Beast roared furiously.

"My master was killed by Otherworldly Demons like you! You want me to submit to the likes of you? Not in a million years!"

His master had devoted his life to fighting against the Otherworldly Demons, and having accompanied by his master's side for many years, the Byzantium Helios Beast had inherited his moral compass. It had a clear notion of what it should do and what it shouldn't do.

If it were to side with the Otherworldly Demons, it would be too ashamed to continue living in this world!

Rather than live without honor and dignity, it would rather die!

"Your master was killed by Otherworldly Demons?" Zhang Xuan frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

The Byzantium Helios Beast harrumphed. "Your deception is meaningless! You are royalty of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe, right? Only the royalty can conceal their aura perfectly and disguise themselves as master teachers without catching the notice of others!"

"Disguise as master teachers?"

Zhang Xuan burst into laughter. He was intending to interrogate the other party on the whereabouts of the Otherworldly Demons, but to think that he would end up being framed by the other party instead...

"Do you think that you can prove your innocence by fabricating such lies? To control so many spirit beasts to attack the examinees of the Master Teacher Academy, even a fool can tell that you have malicious intentions in mind. Who else can you possibly be working for if not the Otherworldly Demons?" Zhang Xuan sneered coldly.

"Attack the examinees? Malicious intentions?" The short-tempered Byzantium Helios Beast's face turned scarlet upon hearing the accusation. "I was invited by School Head Mo to facilitate an examination for the examinees, how is that a malicious intention?"

"Facilitate an examination? You had the Myriad Anthive Queen to track down the whereabouts of the students so that the spirit beasts could lay a trap for them to step into... can that even be called an examination? If I hadn't discovered it in time, who knows how many students would have lost their lives!" Zhang Xuan sneered disdainfully.

Seeing that the other party was trying to soil its honor, the Byzantium Helios Beast explained indignantly, "Those spirit beasts were captured by School Head Mo, and I had already warned them against killing any of the examinees! The purpose of the examination was to dampen their arrogance and have them understand that the strength of master teachers lies in their collectivity, not the individual!"

Even at death, it would die an honorable beast. It wouldn't allow anyone to frame it of anything.

"There's such a way of going about it too?" Zhang Xuan was stunned.

At this point, he suddenly couldn't help but recall the situation back when he was still on the Leiyuan Peak, when he encountered two hundred master teachers surrounded by four hundred spirit beasts. While the situation seemed perilous then, thinking back... it was indeed bizarre how there were no casualties. Could it really have been part of the examination?

If that was the case... could it be that he had misunderstood the Byzantium Helios Beast?

"You... are acquainted with School Head Mo?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Of course! I am the tamed beast of the Master Teacher Academy's old principal. How could I possibly not know who School Head Mo Zhu is?" the Byzantium Helios Beast said with clenched jaws.

"You can kill me, but don't even dream of prying my mouth open!"

"The tamed beast of the old principal..." Zhang Xuan's mouth twitched upon hearing those words.

During his time in the Master Teacher Academy, he had that the old principal's tamed beast had disappeared, and back then, he had thought that it was the doing of Otherworldly Demons...

To think that the culprit... would be him instead!

Oblivious to Zhang Xuan's shock, the Byzantium Helios Beast roared resolutely, "Indeed! My master might have already left me, but there is no way that I will side with Otherworldly Demons! Impossible!"

"Side with Otherworldly Demons... Are you saying that I am an Otherworldly Demon?" Zhang Xuan asked with a bizarre look on his face.

"Is that not it? To be protected by the will of an Otherworldly Demon expert and so many Otherworldly Demon puppets... Who else can you be if not an Otherworldly Demon!" the Byzantium Helios Beast spat.

"This..." Glancing at the Otherworldly Demon puppets in the surroundings, Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes in a daze.

If one were to see so many Otherworldly Demon puppets all of the sudden without knowing of the inside story, they would indeed assume that to be the case...

It seemed like the entire matter was just a huge misunderstanding...

He had thought that the Byzantium Helios Beast was a subordinate dispatched by the Otherworldly Demons to harm the Master Teacher Academy's examinees, and the other party thought that he was royalty of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe...

What the heck!

If he'd known this was a misunderstanding, he would never have been so harsh on the Byzantium Helios Beast!

Taking a look at the other party's state, he didn't even look like a beast anymore...

Recalling the sight of how his puppets had pummeled the other party viciously just earlier that afternoon, Zhang Xuan's lips twitched uncontrollably...

It seemed like... somehow, things had gotten out of hand.

In terms of standing, the tamed beast of the old principal was comparable to a school head. To pummel the other party viciously, leaving it on the verge of death multiple times... If others were to learn of it, he would be a goner!

The entire academy would be raising their pitchforks toward him, hunting him down to the ends of the world.

Currently, there are only two solutions before me. One is to kill the other party and ensure that no one learns that I am the culprit. The other is to tame it and make it my tamed beast. Otherwise, it will surely rally others against me as soon as I set it free! Zhang Xuan's mind swiftly whirred into action upon realizing that this was a huge misunderstanding.

Given the other party's standing, even if Zhang Xuan were to prove that he wasn't an Otherworldly Demon, there was no way it would be willing to let Zhang Xuan off the hook just because he had left it on the brink of death multiple times. If he were to release it, there was no doubt that he would be in for a round of misfortune.

The easiest and safest way out of this was to... just kill the other party!

I can't. I should try the second solution instead!

It was admirable and touching how the Byzantium Helios Beast refused to budge even in the face of death, choosing to take the secrets of humanity with it to its grave instead. It was one thing if Zhang Xuan was unaware of it, but now that he had learned of it, he would surely regret it for life if he were to kill the other party.

Taming might be difficult, but Zhang Xuan felt that it was the only acceptable solution out of this mess.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Xuan exhaled deeply before turning to the Byzantium Helios Beast and said, "I am not from the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe. I am a real master teacher!"

"Stop putting on an act here, do you think that I'll believe you?" The Byzantium Helios Beast didn't believe Zhang Xuan at all.

If the other party wasn't an Otherworldly Demon, how could he have so many Otherworldly Demon puppets protecting him? On top of that, the will of an Otherworldly Demon expert had even pledged loyalty to him...

Don't even think that you can fool me that easily just because I am a beast...

Zhang Xuan shook his head and sighed. "Consider our plight, is there really a need for me to lie to you? I really am not an Otherworldly Demon. There is a huge misunderstanding between us!"

The next moment, the aura that Zhang Xuan exuded abruptly changed. In that very instant, his presence felt like an inviolable deity from the heavens, a figure whose authority one could never challenge.

"This is..."

Sensing the aura, the Byzantium Helios Beast was bewildered briefly. Then, a thought struck it, and its eyes immediately widened in astonishment.

"You are... a Celestial Master Teacher?"

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Chapter 830: Byzantium Helios Beast Acknowledges Its Master!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

The old principal had once told him that the most formidable master teacher was the Celestial Master Teacher. Acknowledged by the heavens, the Celestial Master Teacher commanded an aura that compelled others to acknowledge them as their teacher.

In history, only Kong shi had reached such a peak before. Could the man before him be one as well?

"That's right!"

Zhang Xuan nodded. "Do you think that a Celestial Master Teacher can be an Otherworldly Demon?"

The Byzantium Helios Beast hurriedly shook its massive head. "Of course not..."

The Celestial Master Teacher was a master teacher acknowledged by even the heavens, an existence on par with Kong shi. How could he possibly an Otherworldly Demon?

Those two were from two completely different worlds!

Seeing that the other party had recognized his identity, Zhang Xuan's face immediately darkened. "Even the heavens have recognized me, but you showed me no respect at all, assaulting me even... Do the heavens mean nothing to you? Does Kong shi mean nothing to you?"

If he wanted to tame the other party, he had to claim the moral high ground first. Thus, he had to pin the blame on the other party.

Besides, it was a fact that the other party was the first to make the move. Had Zhang Xuan not possessed several means up his sleeves, their roles at this very moment would have been reversed.

"I..." the Byzantium Helios Beast's face flushed crimson.

Back then, it was just thinking of scaring the arrogant freshman before it to instill humility into him, but who could have known that... the other party was actually a Celestial Master Teacher!

In the whole of history, there had only been one Celestial Master Teacher—Empyrean Kong shi. Even the 72 Sages, his direct disciples, had never achieved such a height... This went to show how fearsome an existence a Celestial Master Teacher was!

In other words, it had attempted to assault a master teacher who was innumerable times more noble than the old principal... It was no wonder the other party had taught it a lesson!

It should already count its blessings that it hadn't been reduced to meat jerky!

Even though the other party's cultivation was currently weak, just by this identity in itself, even if the other party were to destroy the entire Master Teacher Academy, there wasn't anyone who would dare punish him for that.

Celestial Master Teacher, an existence equivalent to Kong shi, which master teacher would dare to refute his actions?

Seeing that he had managed to instill fear into the other party's heart, Zhang Xuan swiftly pushed on with the momentum. "It's due to your disrespect toward me that I imprisoned you and taught you a lesson. Do you harbor any grudges against me due to that?"

The Byzantium Helios Beast swiftly shook its head in denial. "I dare not..."

A Celestial Master Teacher was the hope to furthering mankind's rise. Even if the old principal were in its place, he would not dare harbor a grudge toward the other party.

This was the special privilege that a Celestial Master Teacher possessed!

"Good! Since the misunderstanding between us is dispelled, I shall give you two options. One, acknowledge me as your master and I will treat your wounds and help you achieve a breakthrough in your cultivation. Two, since you've found out about my identity, in order to prevent the news from leaking... I can only silence you for good!" Zhang Xuan said impassively with his authoritative gaze pressurizing the other party.

His identity as a Celestial Master Teacher could not be made known to others easily. It was one thing if his fellow master teachers were to learn of it, but if the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe were to catch hold of that news somehow, he would become a target for them to hunt down!

Due to that fear, Zhang Xuan refused to reveal his identity to anyone, not even to his fellow master teachers. Those who knew about it had sworn to maintaining secrecy about it.

"This..." The Byzantium Helios Beast was conflicted.

After a moment of hesitation, it gritted its teeth and replied, "I will acknowledge Zhang shi as my master!"

It was not out of fear for its life that it chose this decision, but... since the person before him was a Celestial Master Teacher, the heights that he would surely reach were unthinkable. Perhaps, he might be able to exact vengeance for his master!

"Since you have decided to acknowledge me as your master, I will give you my word too then. As soon as I possess sufficient strength, I will investigate the true reason behind the old principal's death and avenge him!" Zhang Xuan also noticed the Byzantium Helios Beast's intentions, and he gave his word.

"Thank you... master!" Seeing the other party promising it of the matter even before it could speak, the Byzantium Helios Beast's eyes reddened in agitation. It immediately kneeled to the floor, and a droplet of crimson blood seeped out of its glabella and into Zhang Xuan's glabella.

The formation of the contract!

"Rise!" Having averted one possible calamity, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

Stepping forward, he placed his palm on the Byzantium Helios Beast's body and infused the pure Heaven's Path zhenqi into it.

Within just a few moments, the latter's heavy wounds had vanished without a trace.

"This..." The Byzantium Helios Beast widened its eyes in shock.

As a Saint realm expert, it could clearly sense the unique nature of Zhang Xuan's zhenqi. Not only was it unbelievably pure, it also carried a grand and majestic aura reminiscent of a deity overlooking the world.

So, this is a Celestial Master Teacher... The Byzantium Helios Beast couldn't help but feel deference to Zhang Xuan.

"You must be curious why these puppets and the will that subdued you are Otherworldly Demons..." Oblivious to the other party's thoughts, Zhang Xuan swiftly told him about the matter regarding the Otherworldly Demon puppets and Vicious.

Considering the undying loyalty that the Byzantium Helios Beast held to mankind, there was no need for Zhang Xuan to hide it from him.

"I see..." After hearing the details, the Byzantium Helios Beast couldn't help but feel deeper respect for Zhang Xuan.

Were it not for the young man before it, had the heart been given time to recover and make a comeback, mankind would have been in deep trouble.

By subduing the other party, that was equivalent to averting a disastrous catastrophe for mankind, and that was a huge merit!

If he were to report this contribution to the Master Teacher Pavilion, he would be rewarded with the top-tier Saint weapons!

"Since you have submitted to me, I will treat you as one of my own. Here is an inner core of an Ancient Ape. As long as you assimilate it, you should be able to overcome your current bottleneck and reach higher realms!"

Flicking his wrist, Zhang Xuan threw the inner core he had procured from the Ancient Ape on the Cloudmist Ridge over.

Just like the Ancient Ape, the Byzantium Helios Beast was also an ape-type saint beast as well. Due to the similarities in their constitution, it shouldn't be too difficult for the Byzantium Helios Beast to assimilate the inner core to raise its cultivation.

"Thank you, master!"

Holding the inner core in hand and feeling the pulsating energy within it, the Byzantium Helios Beast's eyes reddened in agitation.

Just as Zhang Xuan had deduced, the inner core was indeed extremely useful to him. If he were to utilize it well, he could easily reach Saint realm 2-dan.

"There's no one around here, so you can cultivate here without worries!"

Seeing the excited gleam in the other party's eyes, Zhang Xuan left the Byzantium Helios to be and walked out of the formation.

The matter with the Byzantium Helios Beast was finally resolved.

With the backing of the old principal's tamed beast, it was unlikely that there would be anyone who would dare to challenge him in the Master Teacher Academy in the future.

Just as Zhang Xuan was stretching his back lazily, Sun Qiang walked up to him and reported, "Young master, Lady Luo is here. She is waiting in the main hall!"

"She's here?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up. Without any hesitation, he rushed to the main hall.

Even though he had only met Luo Ruoxin thrice, he couldn't help but feel something special for her. It was an inexplicable sensation, but it was one he had never found in any other lady before.

In terms of beauty, he had met plenty of beautiful lady before. Zhao Ya, Wang Ying, Shen Bi Ru, Zhao Feiwu, Luo Qiqi, Yu Fei-er, Hu Yaoyao... They were also ravishing beauties with their own unique disposition and charm.

But toward them, he only harbored ordinary feelings between one of a teacher and student or friends, nothing more than that.

He had no idea why this was the case.

But with Luo Ruoxin, just the thought of spending some time with the other party left his heart hastening slightly in anticipation.

Stepping into the main hall, he saw the back of a ravishing white-robed figure standing at the center of the room. The figure was relatively small in contrast to the vast room, but her beautiful silhouette seemed to capture one's attention entirely, rendering it impossible to tear one's eyes away from her.

"Luo shi!" With a smile, Zhang Xuan stepped forward and greeted her.

"Zhang shi!" Luo shi turned around and smiled. In an instant, it was as if a field of flowers had bloomed in the room.

After settling down in the seats in the main hall and exchanging some pleasantries, Luo Ruoxin said, "I came to look for you because I have something I require your help on!"

"Feel free to request anything from me. As long as it's within my means, I will definitely accomplish it!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Zhang shi is truly too polite. However, the matter I am going to request of you is indeed something only you can do because you possess the Eye of Insight... On top of that, if I am not mistaken, you are a Celestial Master Teacher too, right?" Luo Ruoxin said calmly.

"You..." Taken aback, Zhang Xuan widened his eyes in astonishment.

He had been doing his best to conceal his identity as a Celestial Master Teacher all along, and not even a 7-star master teacher like Mu shi had been able to see through it. But Luo Ruoxin actually saw through it with a single glance... Was this for real?

So far, the only one who had managed to do so was Vicious.

But Vicious was a figure who had fought with Kong shi on equal grounds in his time!

It should come as no surprise that his eyes would be keener than many others. However, Luo shi should only be a 6-star master teacher. How could she see through it as well?

Noticing Zhang Xuan's shock, Luo Ruoxin smiled. "I noticed it back when we first met in the Verdant Mountain. However, as we weren't really acquainted with one another then, I chose not to point it out."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but recall the other party's silly actions back in the Verdant Mountain, and an urge to chuckle welled up in her.

In the time that she had lived, she had encountered countless geniuses of all sort. However, this was the first time she had encountered one as silly as him.

"I see..." Zhang Xuan scratched his head, not knowing how he should respond.

It wasn't like he had to hide his identity as a Celestial Master Teacher at all cost. All he feared was the news reaching the ears of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

But since the other party had been aware of it but kept silent all along, she should be a trustworthy person.

"May I know what the matter you require my help on is?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Considering the fact that he couldn't see through the other party's cultivation and that the other party was able to tell that he was a Celestial Master Teacher easily, there was no doubt that Luo Ruoxin wasn't an ordinary 6-star master teacher. At the very least, it was highly likely that she possessed strength on par with Mu shi.

For such an expert to require his help, what could the matter be?

"I want you to follow me to the Saint Ascension Platform!" Luo Ruoxin said.

"Saint Ascension Platform?" Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had never heard of such a place before.

"It is said to be the place where Kong shi ascended to Sainthood back then. I wish to visit there to take a look and verify some deductions of mine," Luo Ruoxin said with a slight frown.

"The place where Kong shi ascended to Sainthood?" Zhang Xuan was astonished.

"Indeed. Legend has it that Kong shi was no ordinary Saint but one recognized by the heavens, thus the usage of the word 'ascension'. The Saint Ascension Platform isn't an ancient ruin but a popular tourist location. Each year, countless master teachers would make a pilgrimage there to pay their respects to Kong shi," said Luo Ruoxin.

"It's a tourist location? If that's the case, what am I to do there?" Zhang Xuan asked in astonishment.

Since the Saint Ascension Platform was a tourist location, every nook and cranny of it must have been examined innumerable times by the master teachers visiting it. Even if he were to head there, it was unlikely that he would be able to contribute anything!

"You are a Celestial Master Teacher just like Kong shi. On top of that, you have also comprehended the Eye of Insight. Perhaps, you might be able to see something others can't," Luo Ruoxin replied.

"Besides, Kong shi's handwritten words are inscribed there. It will be beneficial for you to take a look too!"

"This..." Zhang Xuan hesitated. "How far is the Saint Ascension Platform from here?"

"Not too far. If you ride on the Great Violetwing Beast, the journey should take about six to seven days!" Luo Ruoxin said with a chuckle.

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Chapter 831: Zhang Xuan, I Shall Crush You Utterly!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Six to seven days? That's not too far..." Zhang Xuan nodded.

Despite being a Transcendent Mortal 9-dan spirit beast, the Great Violetwing Beast wouldn't even be able to reach the borders of Hongyuan Empire in six to seven days. Judging from that, it didn't seem like the Saint Ascension Platform was too far away.

With a faint smile, Luo Ruoxin asked, "How about it? Are you interested in going with me?"

"Of course!" Zhang Xuan nodded excitedly.

Putting aside that Luo Ruoxin was going as well, it was a good opportunity in itself for any master teacher to visit the grounds where Kong shi had ascended to Sainthood.

On top of that, there was a chance he might learn something about the Innate Fetal Poison there as well.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Xuan asked, "When do we set off?"

"If it is convenient for you, we can set forth this instant..." Luo Ruoxin replied.

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

Since the Grand Intermittence Grass hadn't arrived yet, Zhang Xuan couldn't forge the Grand Intermittence Pill. At the current moment, Wei Ruyan's soul and body were being nourished by the Ten-leafed Flower and Earth Vein Spirit Essence respectively, so there shouldn't be any problems in the short run. A six to seven days journey shouldn't be an issue.

After instructing Sun Qiang to take care of the others, he and Luo Ruoxin leaped onto the back of the Great Violetwing Beast and set forth for the Saint Ascension Platform.

...

Shortly after Zhang Xuan left Hongyuan City, Dong Xin arrived at the office of the head of the Formation Master School, Chen Chengxun.

Noticing the anxiety on the usually composed face of his most prided student, Chen Chengxun asked apprehensively, "What's wrong?"

Dong Xin clenched her teeth and said, "I have something extremely important to report... I hope that teacher can take me to meet School Head Lu Feng!"

"You want to meet School Head Lu Feng? Whatever for?" Chen Chengxun frowned.

A matter brought up with the stand-in principal would elevate the issue to the academy-wide level. Just what kind of matter would require such attention?

"This matter concerns the safety of the Master Teacher Academy... as well as Senior Byzantium Helios and the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe!" Dong Xin said grimly.

"Senior Byzantium Helios?"

Chen Chengxun immediately stood up in agitation. "You have news on him?"

"Yes!" Dong Xin nodded.

"That's good news. Follow me, I'll take you to School Head Lu..."

Not daring to make light of the matter, Chen Chengxun swiftly took his direct disciple to the Apothecary School.

Before long, they arrived at Lu Feng's residence.

After sealing the surroundings to ward off any eavesdroppers, the two school heads took their seats and gazed at the young lady before them.

"So, what's the matter?" Lu Feng asked with a tinge of agitation in his voice.

Mu shi had once said that whoever who found the Byzantium Helios Beast would be the next principal of the academy. If Lu Feng were to obtain the authority of principal, he would be able to deal with Zhang Xuan as he pleased.

Be it Mo Zhu or Zhao Bingxu, they would only be able to accept the verdict quietly.

"It's like this. Earlier today... I saw Senior Byzantium Helios!" Dong Xin said.

Lu Feng and Chen Chengxun's eyes immediately lit up upon hearing those words.

"You saw him? Where is he? Is he safe?" Lu Feng asked anxiously.

Since Dong Xin had seen the Byzantium Helios Beast that day, it meant that the latter was still in Hongyuan City. If so, they could still make it in time to save him if they were to rush over immediately.

"He... is currently in Zhang Xuan's manor," Dong Xin said.

"Zhang Xuan's manor? Why would Senior Byzantium Helios be there?" Lu Feng asked in astonishment

"It's like this. By some coincidence... I happened to pass by the manor and saw Senior Byzantium Helios being trapped within a formation in the manor. He tried to escape, but he couldn't break out of the formation..." Without hiding anything, Dong Xin revealed everything she had seen in Zhang Xuan's manor.

As she had been hidden quite a distance away, she couldn't get a clear glimpse of the puppets, so she thought that they were real Otherworldly Demons.

"You are saying that... Zhang Xuan ordered twenty Otherworldly Demons to assault Senior Byzantium Helios, and from the looks of the situation then, he seems to be their leader?" Overwhelmed by the news before him, Lu Feng abruptly stood up.

This was really beyond his imagination.

Even for someone who had lived for several centuries, he could hardly believe what he had just heard.

"Is what you said true?" Chen Chengxun asked Dong Xin anxiously.

This was truly a huge matter.

To order twenty Otherworldly Demons to attack the Byzantium Helios Beast, and to emanate a powerful killing intent himself... All of this was clearly screaming that Zhang Xuan was a spy in the Master Teacher Academy, and it was highly likely that he was an Otherworldly Demon himself!

"I am willing to use my identity as a master teacher to vow that every word that I have said is true. If there is the slightest falsehood in my words, I am willing to have my master teacher license revoked..." Dong Xin raised her right hand and swore earnestly.

To swear in one's name as a master teacher was one of the heaviest vows one could make. If something were to go wrong, even if the Master Teacher Pavilion chose not to pursue the matter, it would still lead to a collapse in faith, making it difficult for one to make any progress in their Soul Depth.

"This..." Seeing Dong Xin make such a vow, Lu Feng and Chen Chengxun exchanged glances, and their expression grew even graver.

A moment later, a thought suddenly struck Lu Feng, and he exclaimed in realization, "That explains why that fellow is skilled in so many supporting occupations despite being only twenty this year, surpassing even school heads like us! So that's the reason!"

Noticing the confusion of the other two beside him, Lu Feng explained, "The Otherworldly Demons possess a far longer lifespan than us humans. Even though that fellow seems to be in his early twenties, the chances are that he is an old monster who has lived through many eras. Otherwise, how could he possibly achieve such expertise in his smithing, pill forging, medicine, and terpsichorean arts?"

"This..." Chen Chengxun pondered for a brief moment before nodding in agreement. "What you've said makes sense. He has been causing great chaos in the academy ever since his enrollment, rallying the students to join his Xuanxuan Faction and support him. I have been thinking that there is something abnormal about this situation, but if he truly is an Otherworldly Demon, everything makes perfect sense!"

That Zhang Xuan simply had far too many mysteries surrounding him. Even his comprehension of the Eye of Insight seemed insufficient to justify the unbelievable accomplishments he had achieved thus far. However, if he was indeed an Otherworldly Demon, everything came together like pieces in a puzzle.

"Otherworldly Demons are the bane of humanity. As master teachers, we have to kill every single one of them..." A sharp glint flashed across Lu Feng's eyes, and he gritted his teeth furiously.

The enmity between Otherworldly Demons and humanity was already etched deep into their bones, irreconcilable at this point. Since Zhang Xuan was an Otherworldly Demon, there was only one thing to do... he had to die!

"That's right. It's our responsibility as master teachers to eliminate all those who intend humanity harm." Chen Chengxun spoke in agreement.

However, the next moment, a frown appeared on his forehead. "But Zhang Xuan has already won the trust of School Head Mo, School Head Zhao, and the others. If we can't find any concrete evidence against him, we might only end up creating a rift among ourselves."

"Those fools!" Lu Feng harrumphed coldly.

With an air of superiority, he declared confidently, "From the first time I saw him, I could tell that fellow wasn't a good person, but they just simply wouldn't believe it. Now, look at what their obstinacy has led us to. Alright, let's look for Mu shi and explain this matter to him. Afterward, we shall assemble the Ten Great Master Teachers, bring Zhang Xuan over, and expose him before them!"

"Indeed! With Mu shi around, the others won't be able to oppose the matter!" Chen Chengxun nodded in agreement.

"Un!" Lu Feng nodded in satisfaction.

After which, he turned to the young lady in the room and said, "You are Dong Xin, right? You have done well. Later, when we meet Mu shi, recount what you have seen to him... I know that apothecary is one of your supporting occupations as well. As long as you settle this matter well, I will take you in as my direct disciple and impart pill forging to you personally!"

Hearing those words, Dong Xin immediately kneeled down and greeted agitatedly, "Dong Xin pays respect to Lu laoshi!"

If Lu Feng were to become the principal of the academy, she would be the direct disciple of the principal. With her standing as the direct disciples of two school heads, it would only be a matter of time before her Dong Xin Faction became the number one faction in the academy!

Hahahaha!

Hu Yaoyao, Long Cangyue, and Xue Zhenyang, let's see how you compare to me then!

As for Zhang Xuan... with his identity as an Otherworldly Demon revealed, his life was over. His name was no longer worth even a mention.

"Alright, let's look for Mu shi now..."

With a nod, Lu Feng was just about to head out when he abruptly stopped. "Wait a moment! If I recall correctly, Zhang Xuan has a close relationship with Luo shi as well. If we meet Mu shi now, I fear that the news might reach Zhang Xuan somehow, giving him time to make preparations in advance. It will be difficult for us to capture him if he flees!"

Concealing his aura and disguising as a master teacher, it would mean that the other party was likely royalty of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

If an expert of that caliber were to flee in advance, not even a Conferred Empire Master Teacher Pavilion would necessarily be able to track him down and capture him, let alone the Master Teacher Academy.

This matter would have to be planned carefully.

"Indeed!" Chen Chengxun also nodded in agreement.

No matter how slim the chances were, it was never wrong to be prepared.

After a moment of contemplation, Lu Feng instructed, "School Head Chen, help me look into where that Zhang Xuan is at the moment. Dispatch a few men to observe him all day long, don't give him any chance to escape... Once our preparations are ready, we shall inform Mu shi and have him judge the matter!"

As much as he would have loved to rush straight up to Zhang Xuan and have him executed immediately, he knew that this wasn't the time to be reckless. As a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, he was still able to keep his composure in crucial moments like this.

"I will have it done!" School Head Chen replied before leaving the room. A moment later, he returned after dispatching two elders to Zhang Xuan's manor.

An hour later, one of the two elders walked into the room and reported, "School Head Lu, School Head Chen, we went to Zhang Xuan's manor, and he isn't there. Thus, we asked around, and it seems like he left on an aerial spirit beast with Luo shi earlier this afternoon..."

"He left?" The trio was stunned.

"That's right. He left two hours ago. As for where he went, he didn't inform anyone before departing, so we weren't able to uncover his trail," the elder replied.

With their cultivation as Saint realm experts, it wasn't too difficult for them to check the entire manor discreetly to confirm Zhang Xuan's absence. After which, they questioned those living in the vicinity about Zhang Xuan's whereabouts, which was where they learned that Zhang Xuan had left with Luo shi on an aerial spirit beast.

However, considering that not even Sun Qiang knew where he was heading, there was no way the others could possibly know.

"He left two hours ago?" Lu Feng's complexion was extremely awful.

A spirit beast could cover several thousand kilometers in two hours. Even if he were to dispatch the full force of the Master Teacher Academy, there was no way he could locate an aerial spirit beast who could be anywhere within a several-thousand-kilometer radius in a short period of time, and by the time they managed to find any trail, the other party would have been long gone.

Lu Feng turned around and asked, "Are his students still around?"

"They are!" the elder replied. "Also, based on our sources, it seems Luo shi was the one who extended the invitation to him to head out."

"That's good. From the looks of it, it seems he has only headed out to settle some matters. The fact that his students are still around likely means that the news hasn't reached him yet. Keep a close eye on this matter. As soon as he returns, make sure to report to me as soon as possible!" Flinging his sleeves, Lu Feng instructed them with a majestic disposition fitting that of a principal of the Master Teacher Academy.

"Yes!" The elder nodded before leaving the room.

"Now that he's not around, what do we do?" Chen Chengxun asked.

"What do we do? We wait! As soon as he returns, we shall conduct an Elder Conference and unmask his true identity before Mu shi and the others!" With killing intent raging in his eyes, Lu Feng sneered coldly.

Arrogant, aren't you? Challenging my authority and destroying my Apothecary School...

Zhang Xuan, let me tell you. Your good days have come to an end!

Just wait and see. I, Lu Feng, shall crush you utterly!

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Chapter 832: Saint Ascension Platform

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

While Lu Feng and the others were organizing their ploy to expose Zhang Xuan's true identity, Zhang Xuan and Luo Ruoxin were seated by the window in the room on the back of the Great Violetwing Beast, watching as the clouds flew by them.

"The Saint Ascension Platform is the place where Kong shi ascended to Sainthood. Upon his ascension, he inscribed his insights personally on a cliff face at the peak of the mountain... On top of that, it's said that he also left a sliver of his will there to gift to a fated man. Since you are a Celestial Master Teacher as well, you might just be able to obtain it!" Luo Ruoxin said with a smile.

"A sliver of Kong shi's will?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

As the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, even a sliver of Kong shi's will could send countless master teachers fighting frenziedly over it.

"That's right. The will isn't too strong as it was left right after Kong shi reached Saint realm, but nevertheless, considering that it belonged to Kong shi, it is not something to be underestimated... If you were to obtain and assimilate it, it won't be long before you reach Saint realm too!" Luo Ruoxin replied with a nod.

"Saint realm?" A bitter smile emerged on Zhang Xuan's face. "I am only at Perfect Harmonization realm at the moment, still a long distance away from reaching Saint realm."

Beyond Perfect Harmonization realm was Ethereal Treading realm, Chrysalis realm, Half-Saint, and finally, Nascent Saint!

There were four realms standing between him and Saint realm. Even if he were to gather sufficient cultivation technique manuals to compile the respective Heaven's Path Divine Arts for those realms, the Earth Vein Spirit Essence was still unlikely to be sufficient for him to cultivate that far.

The Heaven's Path Divine Art's demand for spiritual energy increased at an exponential rate. Perhaps, Zhang Xuan might have to expend up to a thousand times more spirit stones or spirit essence just to reach Saint realm.

Furthermore, the thresholds between Chrysalis realm to Half-Saint and Half-Saint to Nascent Saint were known to be extremely difficult to overcome. Many preceding cultivators had their journeys terminated prematurely at those two bottlenecks. Even if Zhang Xuan cultivated the Heaven's Path Divine Art, he wasn't certain that he could overcome them for sure.

"When I first met you at the Verdant Mountain, you were only at Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle. However, in less than two months, you have already reached Perfect Harmonization realm pinnacle. That's a growth of three realms in less than two months! Even I hardly see such swift growth around. Saint realm might still be a distance away, but it shouldn't be a problem for you!" Luo Ruoxin consoled.

When she had first met Zhang Xuan, he had only been at Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle. In their second meeting, he had already reached Cosmos Bridge realm pinnacle. She had thought that his current rate of growth was already incredible, but when she met him once more the day before, he was already a Perfect Harmonization realm expert.

Such a rate of growth was truly astounding.

"I was just lucky..." Zhang Xuan smiled awkwardly.

Not wanting to dwell further on this topic, Zhang Xuan suddenly thought of something and asked, "Right, do you have any Ethereal Treading realm cultivation technique manuals with you? The quality doesn't matter, I just need as many of them as possible!"

The Master Teacher Academy did have a Cultivation Depository to store cultivation technique manuals, but its security was far tighter than the other libraries in the academy. Putting aside the fact that the advanced formation made it hard for even a soul to slip in, the ones guarding the premises were mainly the Saint realm teachers as well. After the prior experience in the Terpsichorean Compendium Pavilion, he dared not enter it recklessly.

One Wei Ranxue had already nearly him killed. If he were to encounter multiple Saint realm experts specializing in soul attacks, he might just very well lose his life.

As a result, despite visiting the libraries of the various schools, he hadn't paid the Cultivation Depository a visit yet.

It was not that he couldn't find it, but he dared not enter it.

Since it happened that there was nothing to do at the moment, if he could obtain some Ethereal Treading realm cultivation technique manuals from the other party, he could study them and raise his cultivation.

"Ethereal Treading realm cultivation technique manuals? I only have one of those, and it's a cultivation technique passed down within my clan, so I am unable to share it with you..." Luo Ruoxin shook her head.

"Pardon me, I was being impetuous!" Zhang Xuan apologized.

Based on what he knew, the young lady before him was likely from a Sage Clan, the Luo Clan. Clans like that guarded their heritage tightly, and asking for the other party's cultivation technique abruptly could be considered a disrespectful action.

Take Mu shi for example, he was expelled from his clan due to revealing the secrets of his clan's cultivation technique to an outsider.

"Don't worry about it. However, if you wish to make a breakthrough to the Ethereal Treading realm, I can offer you some pointers instead..." Luo Ruoxin smiled.

"Ethereal Treading, the eighth dan of Transcendent Mortal. By aligning one's body with nature, one can achieve the feat of stepping upon thin air..."

Listening carefully to Luo Ruoxin's words, Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

As expected of an expert from a Sage Clan, her understanding of Ethereal Treading realm was extremely detailed, and there were nearly no mistakes to be found!

If Zhang Xuan were to cultivate by the method she had imparted, even without a compiled Heaven's Path Divine Art, he would still be able to achieve a breakthrough.

However, he decided not to rush into it.

Even for a cultivator of the Heaven's Path Divine Art, it was still essential for him to build a strong foundation for his cultivation. Otherwise, even if he could advance his cultivation swiftly, it would be like the moon in the water, dissipating with a light touch.

It had only been two days since he had reached Perfect Harmonization realm, so it was imperative for him to allow his cultivation to settle down first before making another advancement.

Nevertheless, the conversation with Luo Ruoxin benefited him greatly, giving him a deeper insight into the intricacies of cultivation.

It was a three-day journey to the Saint Ascension Platform. Zhang Xuan had been too busy with various miscellaneous matters previously to cultivate, so this was a good opportunity for him to reinforce his cultivation.

Absorbing the Earth Vein Spirit Essence, Zhang Xuan further tempered his Heaven's Path zhenqi, making it even purer and more condensed.

...

Time passed in a flash.

The three days of hard work had allowed Zhang Xuan to fully reinforce his Perfect Harmonization realm pinnacle cultivation, resulting in his aura becoming sharper than before.

Even though his strength was still capped at 14,000,000 ding, he had become able to utilize his zhenqi more nimbly, thus furthering his battle prowess.

However, the most conspicuous change was with the spiritual sea in his dantian, having expanded by more than twofold. Pure zhenqi filled the area to the brim, and as if a full dam, one could draw immense power from it in an instant.

At the same time, his understanding of the Perfect Harmonization realm had also deepened. If he wished to, he could achieve a breakthrough to the Ethereal Treading realm whenever he wanted to.

...

I should take a look at the golden book first! Zhang Xuan thought.

After accepting School Head Jiang as his student, a golden book had appeared in his Library of Heaven's Path. Due to the various matters he had needed to address back then, he hadn't had chance to take a good look at it. Since they were still a distance away from the Saint Ascension Platform, this was a good opportunity to examine it.

This book resembled the golden Book of Heaven's Path before the Library of Heaven's Path's upgrade, but its cover was replaced with a deeper tone instead. However, that only seemed to grant it a profound and grand aura.

It seems like with the upgrade of the Library of Heaven's Path, even the Book of Heaven's Path has upgraded too... Zhang Xuan noted.

So far, the golden pages in the Book of Heaven's Path had four main known uses—assimilating the knowledge of the books contained in the Library of Heaven's Path into his mind, serving as a brick to crush one to death—this was effective on even experts of Vicious' caliber as well—raising one's Soul Depth, and sealing an entity within the page.

After the upgrade... would the pages formed within the slightly darker Book of Heaven's Path possess some different abilities?

Just as Zhang Xuan was about to delve deeper into the matter, a gentle voice suddenly interrupted him. "We have arrived at the Saint Ascension Platform!"

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan immediately withdrew his consciousness from the Library of Heaven's Path, and as soon as he opened his eyes, he saw Luo Ruoxin standing by the window. Her eyes were gazing at the sight outside, forming a peaceful and picturesque scene.

Zhang Xuan walked up to her, and beyond the window, he saw a tall mountain towering in the midst of an empty plain, resembling a majestic dragon rising to the clouds.

However, what was particularly striking was that the mountain had a flat peak, and from afar, it resembled a massive altar. There was a mountainous path coiling around the mountain that led straight to the top.

"So, this is the Saint Ascension Platform?" Zhang Xuan widened his eyes in astonishment.

By the bizarre work of nature, the mountain seemed to resemble an altar connecting the heaven and the earth together. It would be hard to imagine that there could be such a unique naturally-occurring landscape had Zhang Xuan not seen it with his own eyes.

"It's said that Kong shi sat at the top of the mountain for three days, and at the moment of his breakthrough, the voices of the angels descended from the heavens, and myriad gongs chimed simultaneously in celebration of his accomplishment!"

Seemingly knowing quite a bit regarding the details of Kong shi's ascension to Sainthood, Luo Ruoxin explained with a smile, "No one knew what the mountain was like before, but it assumed its current form after Kong shi ascended to Sainthood. It resembles an altar allowing those born on earth to come in touch with the heavens, doesn't it? Cultivating at the peak of the mountain helps to open up one's mind, which may aid one in achieving a breakthrough. This is also the reason many cultivators choose to make a pilgrimage here in seek of overcoming their bottleneck."

Zhang Xuan nodded.

Through his Eye of Insight, he could see many silhouettes walking along the coiling mountainous path in the distance.

Just as Luo Ruoxin had said, there were many who visited these grounds in hope of seeking enlightenment. However, whether one succeeded or not would be dependent on their luck.

"As this is the place where Kong shi ascended to Sainthood, the Master Teacher Pavilion has deemed this area as one of its sacred grounds. If one wishes to visit the top, one will have to walk up the mountain a step at a time. All forms of flight are banned, and not even Saint realm experts are excluded from the rule... Let's land at the foot of the mountain," Luo Ruoxin said.

Out of respect to Kong shi, pilgrims were disallowed from flying straight to the peak. If one wanted to reach the top, there was only one way, and that was to scale the mountain via the coiling mountainous path!

Thus, Zhang Xuan had the Great Violetwing Beast land at the foot of the mountain.

However, before they could even reach the ground, they could already see countless people donned in master teacher robes slowly walking up the mountainous path.

Most of them were Chrysalis realm experts, but there were also a handful of Half-Saints and Nascent Saints too. Some of them were master teachers, but there were also ordinary cultivators amid the crowd as well. It seemed like they had come here in seek of a miracle too.

"Are these experts all from Hongyuan Empire?" Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

With just a sweeping gaze, he could easily spot over ten thousand cultivators on the mountainous path, and they were all Chrysalis realm, Half-Saint, and Nascent Saint experts... But when had there been so many experts in Hongyuan Empire?

"Of course not! The Ascension Saint Platform is located near the borders of Hongyuan Empire, at the intersection of over a dozen Tier-1 Empires. Sometimes, even cultivators from the Conferred Empires pay a visit here too. Most likely, of the crowd you see ahead of you, less than one percent is from Hongyuan Empire," Luo Ruoxin replied.

Zhang Xuan nodded. "I see."

After all the reading he had done over the past few days, he had obtained a rough overview of the distribution of power in the region.

Hongyuan Empire was a Tier-1 Empire beneath Qingyuan Conferred Empire.

In total, there were several dozen Tier-1 Empires like Hongyuan under Qingyuan Conferred Empire. All in all, Qingyuan extended over several ten million kilometers, and its population exceeded a trillion.

Even though Hongyuan Empire was well-reputed in Qingyuan Conferred Empire due to the existence of the Master Teacher Academy, it was still far from being the largest and strongest among the Tier-1 Empires. At most, it could only be considered as slightly above average.

This was also precisely the reason there weren't many experts in Hongyuan Empire.

The strongest expert in Hongyuan City was only at Saint realm 1-dan pinnacle, but in some of the more powerful Tier-1 Empires, there might be Saint 2-dan or even Saint 3-dan experts.

Even among Tier-1 Empires, there could be a significant difference in the fighting prowess of each empire.

"Are there Master Teacher Academies in the other Tier-1 Empire too, or is it only found in Hongyuan Empire?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"Establishing a Master Teacher Academy is an extremely expensive project requiring huge amount of resources. As such, even though Hongyuan Master Teacher isn't the only place with a Master Teacher Academy, there are very few Tier-1 Empires that have them. Of the dozens of Tier-1 Empire under Qingyuan Conferred Empire, there are only four Master Teacher Academies in total," said Luo Ruoxin.

"However, these four academies are located rather far from one another, so not a lot of people are aware of their existence!"

"There are four academies?" Zhang Xuan was astonished.

All along, he had thought that Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy was the only one among the Tier-1 Empires. Who would have thought that there were three others as well?

Considering that Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy had a hundred thousand master teachers, it should be around the same for the other academies as well.

It seemed the Master Teacher Continent was truly huge, at least several dozen thousand times larger than the planet he had lived on previously!

Scary!