296-300

Chapter 296: Student Jiang Shu

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

He had heard of experts injuring others because of a mere disagreement and had also heard of experts breaking societal conventions.

But he had never heard of experts going around accepting random strangers as students...

The middle-aged man blinked his eyes.

The ability to achieve Zongshi realm pinnacle bore testimony to his talents, but he was also aware that he was a far cry from true geniuses.

He wasn't a genius, yet the other party, without thinking twice, offered to accept him as his disciple...

What in the world is going on?

"That's right! Are you bewildered why I would accept you as my student?" Zhang Xuan shook his hands casually. With profound intent and composure reflecting in his eyes, he spoke, "Your talent isn't top-notch and your cultivation isn't anything. Therefore, there should be no reason for me to have taken a fancy to you, right?"

"I..."

Having his thoughts verbalized, the middle-aged cultivator smiled awkwardly.

"I watched your battle with the Crimson Tiger, you complemented the [Verdant Stream Movement Technique] with [Hong Yan Fist]. Even though it's quite a good combo, you are unable to display the full might of these skills. If I'm not wrong, the Hong Yan Fist which you practice is incomplete!"

Zhang Xuan said, as a matter-of-factly.

"Elder... How did you know?" The middle-aged man's face warped in shock immediately.

The Verdant Stream Movement Technique was a famous movement technique in Tianwu Kingdom, so it wasn't surprising that the other party knew it. However, Hong Yan Fist was his exclusive technique. He happened to stumble upon the grave of a Zhizun expert inside a valley during his travels and, in it, he found the Hong Yan Fist secret manual.

The fist technique was created by an elder named Hong Yan. The technique allows the user to exert an immense force that is capable of breaking through even a savage beast's resilient defense.

Even though the secret manual left in the grave of the expert was an incomplete version, after practicing the technique for many years, the middle-aged cultivator had already mastered it, and he had since always regarded it as his trump card in times of danger. During the battle with the Crimson Tiger, he executed the technique with the intention of brushing up his skills. Never in his dreams did he expect that this elder would be able to recognize it in a single glance.

Zhang Xuan didn't reply his question. Rather, he continued impassively, "The Hong Yan Fist emphasizes heavily on brute force through huge motions. If you practiced just this battle technique, even though it is incomplete, there wouldn't be any adverse side effects. However, you cultivated the [Three Cun Fist] along with it. The main concept behind the idea is a burst of strength within three cun of space. The idea of huge motions and explosive strength is at odds with each other. If I'm not wrong, you should have some stubborn ailments on you!"

"I..."

The middle-aged man shuddered in astonishment and hurriedly clasped his fist out of respect, "Elder... you're right!"

The very first battle technique that he ever practiced was the Three Cun Fist.

Subsequently, when he encountered the Hong Yan Fist, he knew that it was likely that the two techniques would be in conflict, but was unwilling to allow such a powerful fist technique pass him by. Thus, he chose to practice it forcefully. He thought that given his identity, he would be able to solve all possible traumas easily. But who knew that the more he cultivated the technique, the greater the damage to his body was.

Especially in the recent few years, he could already sense that his stamina was far lacking as compared to before. This was precisely the reason why he wanted to tame this young Crimson Tiger. If anything happened to him, he could still ensure the safety of his kins.

"As a master teacher, despite knowing that there is a conflict between both fist techniques, you chose to go ahead and practice it, damaging your own body. Foolish." Zhang Xuan spoke sharply.

"Elder... You know that I'm a master teacher?" The middle-aged man stared at Zhang Xuan in disbelief.

In the previous battle, he had utilized both the Hong Yan Fist and Three Cun Fist, thus it wasn't surprising for the other party to be able to tell that much. However, he wasn't dressed in the master teacher robe and didn't don the emblem either. How did the other party know that he was a master teacher?

He didn't say anything that would have betrayed his identity!

"When you fought with the Crimson Tiger, you were able to predict and avoid the other party's lethal blows. Even though this is partly due to the numerous fights with it which resulted in familiarity with each other's techniques, the fact you were able to exploit the other party's weaknesses to launch counterattacks precisely every single time proves that you are a master teacher!" Zhang Xuan said.

Master teachers possess the State of Insight, which allows them to peer into the flaws and weaknesses of each battle technique. It is through such that they are able to pinpoint problems and their causes and steer their students to the right path.

This is also the reason why master teachers are the strongest among cultivators of the same realm.

In the battle just now, the middle-aged cultivator was able to strike a good balance between offense and defense. Despite facing a ferocious savage beast, he was able to remain calm, and every single move he made was purposeful. Any cultivator could have easily sensed that something was amiss.

Furthermore, when he fought with the Crimson Tiger previously, he had executed several battle techniques. As such, a book on him had been compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path...

"Elder, your eye of discernment is incredible..."

The middle-aged man contemplated for a brief moment and suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Can it be that... is elder a master teacher as well?"

Other than a master teacher, he couldn't think of anyone else who would be capable of discerning the battle technique he practiced, deduce that there was a problem with his body, and even identify his occupation.

As Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back, a mountainous breeze tugged on his robe, creating an impression reminiscent of a saint. "I spend my time traveling around the world, and it has been years since someone last addressed me by that title!"

"As expected, elder is a master teacher..."

Hearing the other party's words, the middle-aged man's eyes shone in agitation.

The fact that the other party was at least a Zhizun realm cultivator and that his discernment ability far surpassed his meant that... he was at least a 3-star master teacher!

If he was a master teacher, he could understand why the other party would request him to become his student although they had just met.

Master teachers bear the responsibility of educating the masses. Upon meeting the puzzled, they are to answer their doubts. This is precisely the reason why the human race was able to prosper throughout the entire land.

It was the reason why master teachers became an occupation respected by the masses.

The hierarchy among master teachers was strict. It was normal for a low-tier master teacher to address a high-tier master teacher as teacher, and there weren't rules against acknowledging a fellow master teacher as one's teacher.

More importantly, given how the other party was able to see through his problems in a single glance, and that he could help him tame the Crimson Tiger, it would be nothing but advantageous for him to become his student!

"It's my honor to become elder's student!"

Holding back his agitation, he hastily replied with a reddened face.

"Do you not doubt me anymore?" Zhang Xuan asked.

"I dare not to!"

The middle-aged man quickly nodded his head.

Given the other party's indiscernible cultivation realm, Half-Zhizun tamed beast, and incredible discernment ability, even if the other party were to now claim that he wasn't a master teacher, he would definitely not believe it.

"The Crimson Tiger that you fought with has yet to mature, and his strength hasn't reached its peak yet. If you can find a way to raise its cultivation to Zongshi realm pinnacle, it won't be difficult for you to tame it!"

Now that the other party was convinced of his identity as a master teacher, the rest was easy to accomplish. Without further ado, Zhang Xuan began to toss out the benefits.

"That... I know that as well, and I've tried. However, I couldn't find anything that can raise its cultivation..." The middle-aged man hesitated for a moment before answering.

Master teachers are expected to be knowledgeable in all occupations, and the middle-aged cultivator dabbled in beast taming, so he knew that he would have to offer some incentive to tame the other party. However... he had experimented numerous methods, but wasn't able to find anything which could help this Crimson Tiger achieve a breakthrough.

After all, the savage beast's strength was shackled to its age. There are no herbs in this world that can raise one's age! Even if such a herb did exist, that would be equivalent to pulling on a seedling for it to grow taller. If the Crimson Tiger were to learn of it, it would definitely feel a resentment toward him, and by then, it would be impossible for him to tame it.

"Do you have any pills on you?"

Zhang Xuan asked impassively.

"I do... I have a few pills for injuries!" Not knowing the intention behind the question, the middle-aged cultivator hesitated for a moment before replying.

"Pass it to me!" Zhang Xuan stretched out his hand.

"Yes!" Even though he didn't understand why the other party wanted his pills, he didn't hesitate at all. With a flick of his wrist, a jade bottle appeared in his palm. With a light toss, the pill rode on his zhenqi and floated slowly to Zhang Xuan.

Even though his actions were simple, it displayed the amazing control he had over his zhenqi.

Zhang Xuan was astonished by the other party's feat but hid his expression well. Grabbing the jade bottle, he opened it casually and saw ten smooth, round pills within. Every single one of the pills had reached grade-2!

Every single grade-2 pill was worth an exponential sum, and the entire bottle of pills was likely to be worth more than ten million! Probably, only a master teacher would bring such a bottle around with him and throw it so casually.

Pouring these pills onto his palm, he started to infuse the pure Heaven's Path zhenqi into them. Then, he crushed the ten pills to form one large pill.

The only way for an immature savage beast to achieve a breakthrough was the Bloodline Evolution. Zhang Xuan didn't know what medicine was capable of inducing a Bloodline Evolution in a Crimson Tiger, but he knew that... his Heaven's Path zhenqi could!

The Crimson Tiger was at Zongshi realm advanced stage while Zhang Xuan was a step away from reaching Zongshi realm. Thus, his Heaven's Path zhenqi should still be highly effective in inducing a Bloodline Evolution in the former.

However, the Heaven's Path zhenqi was too pure, and the other party was a master teacher who also possessed incredible discernment ability. If he were to help the Crimson Tiger achieve a breakthrough directly, it was possible that the other party might notice something suspicious. If so, his efforts in disguising as an expert would have been in vain.

Furthermore, if Zhang Xuan wanted to infuse Heaven's Path zhenqi straight into the other party's meridians, he had to ensure that the other party would not retaliate. Be it his own strength or the middle-aged cultivator's strength, it was impossible for them to knock the Crimson Tiger out.

Thus, even if he wanted to do so, it was unfeasible!

As such, he chose to pump his zhenqi into the pills instead. As soon as the pills dissolve within the Crimson TIger's body, the Heaven's Path zhenqi would permeate into its body. As it circulated along its bloodstream, it would cleanse its bloodline, thus inducing in the savage beast a Bloodline Evolution.

However, the method was exceptionally wasteful on pills. The higher the grade of a pill, the more zhenqi it could hold. In just a short moment, ten million gold coin worth of pills went to waste.

But of course, to Zhang Xuan, it made no difference whatsoever. The pills didn't belong to him.

Furthermore, ten million gold coins for a tamed Zongshi realm pinnacle savage beast... This was an extremely good deal.

"Alright, I've modified the pill a little. Once you feed it to the Crimson Tiger, it would be able to break through its current cultivation realm immediately. As for how you'll make it submit to you afterward, that would depend on your skills!"

With a flick, the pill shot straight back at the middle-aged man.

He didn't possess the other party's control over zhenqi, so he could only use this crude method.

"Yes!" The middle-aged cultivator grabbed the pill but found it hard to believe the other party's words.

He had bought these recovery pills from the Apothecary Guild and knew that there was nothing unique about them. All the elder did was to grab the pills for a moment and then knead all ten of them into a large pill. Is just this… sufficient for the Crimson Tiger to achieve a breakthrough?

Why does it sound so unreliable?"

"Find the Crimson Tiger and feed this to it now!" Zhang Xuan didn't bother to explain.

"Yes!" Even though the middle-aged cultivator held doubts, he didn't think that the other party would lie to him. After all, as a 3-star master teacher and a Zhizun realm expert, there was no need for him to go through so much trouble. Thus, as he nodded his head, he kept the pill properly and dashed in the direction where the Crimson Tiger escaped.

Instead of following him, Zhang Xuan waited calmly on the back of the Howling Firmament Beast.

Around two hours later, a violent roar sounded. Then, the middle-aged cultivator could be seen returning on the Crimson Tiger's back.

This time, without any hesitation, he leaped off the back of the tiger and kneeled to the floor, "Student Jiang Shu pays respect to teacher!"

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Chapter 297: Taking Liberties with Zhao Ya

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"Un!"

He saw that the Crimson Tiger, which hovered about the middle-aged Jiang Shu, had indeed reached Zongshi realm pinnacle. Knowing that the other party had successfully tamed the savage beast, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction. He turned to Jiang Shu and spoke in an indifferent manner.

"This teacher of yours is called Yang Xuan, and I just happened to pass by Tianwu Kingdom and decided to stay here for awhile. During this period of time, you'll be considered as my student, but after my departure, I'll remain as myself, and you'll remain as yourself. After all, we're just mere passer-bys in each other's life. However, you are not to use my name to conduct villainous acts, otherwise, I will kill you!"

Zhang Xuan's motive for accepting this student was to form the golden page. Naturally, he couldn't bring him around and, thus, decided to make things clear beforehand.

"Yes!"

Jiang Shu nodded as a tinge of disappointment crept onto his face.

Earlier, when the other party said that he would take him as a student, even though he didn't outright decline, he felt resistant to the idea.

However, when he fed that pill to the Crimson Tiger and the latter really achieved a breakthrough, he realized that it was his fortune to be able to come under the tutelage of the other party.

Just by kneading an ordinary recovery pill, the other party was able to turn it into a treasure that would help savage beasts achieve a breakthrough. Despite the vast knowledge he possessed as a master teacher, he had never heard of such a matter.

Just this feat alone allowed Jiang Shu to realize that the person before him wasn't likely to be simply a 3-star master teacher.

"May I know where does teacher live? So that in time to come, I may pay my respect!"

Even if it were just for a short period, becoming Yang shi's student was a huge advantage. Jiang Shu clasped his fist, hiding his disappointment.

"I do not have a definite abode as of now. Once I find one, I will send someone to inform you!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually. "Alright, you should return first!"

To induce gratitude in another person and form the golden page wasn't something that could be done all of the sudden. Zhang Xuan was already making great progress, having collected the other party as his student and establishing trust.

If he were rush into things, he might just mess it up instead.

"Yes!"

Knowing that experts have their own way of doing things, Jiang Shu didn't dare to inquire any further. After leaping onto the Crimson Tiger, he turned around and left.

Hu!

After the other party left, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

It was troublesome to act as an expert before a master teacher.

After all, master teachers possessed incredible abilities of discernment. A single lapse in his disguise could have resulted in failure.

"Right! I forgot to ask him where Tianwu Academy is!"

Zhang Xuan had intended to ask about the location of Tianwu Academy so that he could gather a few more students to groom in one go, but he ended up forgetting about this matter. His only choice was to return to the city to look around.

Soon, he was once again back in the capital.

This time round, with no one stalking him, he was able to conduct his inquires freely.

Tianwu Academy was where the talents of the capital were gathered, hence nearly everyone knew about it.

Thus, it didn't take long before he found out about its approximate location.

It was actually in the vicinity of the Master Teacher Pavilion, near the center of the city. To travel there by foot would take three to four hours.

Upon hearing that it was so far away, Zhang Xuan dropped his plan of finding a student today.

When he first arrived at Tianwu Kingdom, the sun had already set. Eating dinner, competing with Ji Mo, and reading books had taken up more than two hours of his time and, after which, he dealt with the 'assassins' and accepted Jiang Shu as his student, taking up another two hours of his time. With reference to the time system used in his previous life, it was already nearing eleven o'clock.

Even if he were to rush over now, everyone would have been asleep by the time he arrived. If he were to sneak into the academy compounds in the middle of the night to solicit some students... Others might just think that he was some corpse who had climbed out from his grave and bury him back in.

"I leave this for tomorrow. For the time being, I'd better look for a place to rest for the night!"

After a long journey here, as well as the painter competition, fighting, and feigning as an expert, he had long been drained of energy.

"Un? [Tianwu Inn]? Alright, I'll stay here!"

After looking around the streets for a short while, an inn appeared before Zhang Xuan and he walked right in.

The inn was wide and clean, and after finding out at the receptionist that there was an empty room available, he then chose to settle down here.

The moment he stepped into the room, a few figures rushed into the lounge.

"Is Zhao Ya not back yet?"

"Yes, Liu shi!" Wang Ying replied apprehensively.

"Didn't I instruct all of you to return in two hours regardless of whether you manage to find him? Why is she not back?" Liu shi frowned.

"All of us... split up the moment we left. We didn't see her on our way back in, so we thought that she had already returned to her room. We then waited for her, but she didn't come out after such a long time..." Wang Ying replied fearfully.

"Alright. Lu Xun, bring Zheng Yang to look around the east. Sun Qiang, you bring Liu Yang and Yuan Tao to search the west. Wang Ying, Huang Yu, and I go to the north. As for the south, that's where the city gates are, so there's no need to look around there!"

Liu shi instructed. "Regardless of your outcome, just like the last time, all of you must return within two hours!"

"Yes!"

Everyone nodded their heads before proceeding out of the inn.

...

Physician Bai had been on a roll lately.

Ever since he returned from Red Lotus Range, all the physicians that he met treated him with utmost respect and deference.

In fact, even the guild leader of the Physician Guild had a complete change in attitude.

From an insignificant snub figure, he was now the center of attention. All of those haughty 2-star physicians from before didn't even dare to speak loudly before him...

He was getting increasingly happy and increasingly satisfied with his new life.

"To think that getting knocked out in an alley would reap such benefits..."

Today, the guild leader even proclaimed him as his brother and drank with him. By the time he left and was back on the streets, he was already feeling very groggy.

The turning point in his life came from being knocked unconscious in the Red Lotus City.

After waking up, the attitude that all the physicians had toward him changed.

He had even thought that he was dreaming.

But of course, in the past few days, he had managed to understand the situation fully.

That fellow from that day, who appeared together with Princess Mo Yu, knocked him out and saved the Great Herb King in his appearance and name.

The reason why these physicians were behaving so friendly to him was first, to be able to purchase good medicinal herb from the Great Herb King through him at a discounted price, and secondly, to find out what the Contract Gu actually was, and how it could be treated.

He was unconscious and naked in an alley throughout the entire incident, so how could he know the Great Herb King? Needless to say, the Contract Gu...

However, this change in his life didn't come easy. He had become so highly regarded and it would be embarrassing if he were to speak the truth. Wouldn't it be likely that he would get beaten to death?

Thus, after contemplating carefully, he decided to carry on with the lie.

Whenever someone asked him about the incident with the Great Herb King, he would change the topic forcefully.

Since he was unwilling to speak, the crowd assumed that some kind of important secret was involved, so they didn't dare to continue asking. Thus, his status grew instead.

This outcome left him thrilled. Every time he saw an alley, he would dive in expectantly in hopes that he would be knocked out again so as to gain greater prestige.

After bidding the guild leader farewell, he was on his way back to his residence all alone. Upon noticing an alley, he was just about to enter when he saw a lady walking toward him from the opposite direction.

The lady was young, her age between sixteen and seventeen, but her facial features were extraordinarily beautiful. Even Princess Mo Yu, who was reputed as the number one beauty of Tianwu Kingdom, wasn't a match for her. He had never met such a beautiful person in his life.

He had a reputation for being lecherous, and that was the main reason why Mo Yu disregarded him then. Having pretended to be an expert for such a long time, he had already begun to feel deprived. Upon confirming that there was no one around, as well as the under the influence of alcohol, his eyes started to glow.

...

Knowing that Zhang laoshi appeared in the Painter Guild, Zhao Ya and the others left the inn to look for him.

For greater efficiency, all of them split up to search alone.

They looked around the surrounding alleys and taverns, but there wasn't a single sign of him.

Having just completed searching this alley, Zhao Ya was rubbing her rather exhausted eyes, intending to return to the inn before doing anything else when she saw a middle-aged man with a lustful look on his face approaching her.

"Drinking alone is boring. Lady, do you want to accompany me for a drink?" Physician Bai blocked her path.

"Get out of my way!"

Zhao Ya frowned.

After her Pure Yin Body was activated, her appearance and disposition had become more refined. Thus, she would often meet with this kind of harassment, just that they mostly came from those of her age. Yet, upon seeing a person who was old enough to be her grandfather appearing before her, her expression became especially awful.

"What if I refuse?"

Physician Bai Chan harrumphed.

It was already close to midnight, and the bustling streets were nearly empty. Furthermore, even if there were anyone around the area, they would be hesitant to stop him once they notice his extravagant clothes.

"You're courting death!"

Seeing how the other fellow was behaving like a rogue, Zhao Ya's eyebrows knitted together. With a flick of her wrist, a sword appeared in her palm.

Circulating her Pure Yin Body fully, a frigid sword qi immediately was sent straight at the fellow before her.

"You don't know what's good for you!"

Seeing how Zhao Ya dared to swing her sword at him, Physician Bai Chan harrumphed coldly before stepping forward.

Ding!

Zhao Ya's sword fell into the other party's hand.

Even though Physician Bai Chan was someone whom Zhang Xuan could knock out with a single punch, he was after all a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert. He wasn't someone that Zhao Ya, who had only opened two acupoints, could stand against.

"This is bad!"

Having her sword taken from her, Zhao Ya was astonished. She could tell that with her cultivation, it was impossible for her to handle this person. Thus, she dashed straight toward the inn immediately.

With the awakening of her Pure Yin Body, even though she didn't become as fast as Wang Ying, her speed was incredible, nevertheless. She wasn't far from the inn and once she was there, Liu shi would surely be able to deal with this rogue.

"Trying to escape? Do you think that I will allow you to do that?"

It wasn't easy for him to come across such a beauty, so how could Bai Chan allow her to escape so easily? Thus, he chased after her hastily.

"Zhao Ya?"

Sprinting with all her might, Zhao Ya soon arrived at the lounge of the inn and encountered Liu shi and the others, who were just about to set off.

"What's wrong?"

"What happened?"

Seeing her charge into the lounge anxiously, everyone became perplexed.

"Someone tried to take advantage of me..."

Zhao Ya pointed to the back.

At that moment, Physician Bai Chan walked into the lounge as well.

"What?"

Upon hearing that someone wanted to take advantage of her, Zheng Yang and the others flew into a rage and prepared to charge at Physician Bai Chan.

"Hold your horses!"

Seeing through the other party's cultivation in a single glance, Liu shi halted them immediately.

Upon seeing the people present, a gleam flashed across Physician Bai Chan's eyes. "It's no wonder why you escaped so quickly, you have backups here! If so, this will make the matter much easier!"

As a cunning old wily, he had experienced such situations innumerable times, so he was able to react immediately without panicking.

"This friend, may I know, why you are chasing my student?"

He knew that Tianwu Royal City had many powerful and influential clans and that members of these clans were everywhere and could be anyone on the street. Therefore, even though was he felt angry, Liu shi held himself back, stepped forward, and clasped his fist.

"This young lady stole my item, so I chased her to take it back! Since you all know one another, this will make this matter easier to settle. You either can choose to return my item, or leave her for me to deal with!"

Physician Bai Chan spoke, casually gesturing with his hand.

"Stole your item? You... You're lying!"

Not expecting that the other party would frame her as a thief after trying to take liberties with her, Zhao Ya's face flushed in anger.

---

Sword qi

This refers to a visible wave of energy from the might of a sword swing.

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Chapter 298: Framed

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"May I know what it is that you have lost?"

How could Liu shi not tell that the other party was lying? Hearing the other party's words, his eyebrows knitted together into a frown.

"I lost a stalk of precious medicinal herb!"

Physician Bai Chan had been used to carrying out this scam, so he continued calmly, "Hand it over now, or else I will report all of you and have you jailed!"

"Liu shi, I didn't take his things. He's slandering me!"

Zhao Ya explained hurriedly.

"Indeed, Liu shi. Zhao Ya's father is the city lord of Baiyu City, and she has everything she needs. It isn't possible that she resorts to stealing!"

"Zhang laoshi is an apothecary. There is no need at all for her to steal!"

Zheng Yang and the others stepped forward.

Having spent so much time together, all of them naturally placed their trust in Zhao Ya's character.

How could she possibly steal the belongings of this shabby middle-aged man?

"Un!"

Liu shi held his hand up to silence everyone, before raising his head to look at the other party. "I am Beiwu Kingdom's 1-star master teacher, Liu Ling! These are my students whom I have brought along, and there seems to be a misunderstanding..."

After which, he flicked his hands and a token representing his identity as a master teacher appeared in his palm.

"1-star master teacher?"

Physician Bai Chan was taken aback.

Master teachers possess an extremely high standing in Tianwu Royal City, and with them both having a 1-star grade in their respective occupations, he was far beyond what a mere physician could compare up to.

However, the truly prestigious ones in Tianwu Royal City were the 2-star master teachers.

Furthermore, as a veteran in the city, he didn't fear a mere outsider. So what if he was a master teacher? As long as the other party didn't come from Tianwu Royal City, he had ten thousand ways to silence him.

At the same time, he recalled how respectful the other 1-star physicians were to him recently, and his pride immediately swelled. With a darkened face, he said, "Misunderstanding? Even the guild leader of the Physician Guild treats me respectfully, and you say that I framed your little student?"

"That's not what I meant..."

Liu shi didn't expect the other party to disregard his identity, so he quickly explained himself.

In Tianxuan Kingdom and Beiwu Kingdom, no one would have dared to offend a 1-star master teacher. However, in a Tier 1 Kingdom like Tianwu, the standing of master teachers took a dive.

Some of the powerful clans even raised master teachers of their own.

This was precisely why even though the identity of a master teacher could induce fear in most people, those who had truly strong backings wouldn't care too much about it. Unless... the person was a 2-star master teacher!

With the Master Teacher Pavilion behind his back, Liu shi wasn't worried that anyone would do anything to him. However, Zhao Ya and the others were different.

He didn't have many connections here, and if this matter wasn't resolved properly, it could potentially bring about a lot of trouble.

If the other party tried to be shameless, it might even affect his reputation as a master teacher.

"If that's not what you meant, then what do you mean? Your student stole my possession, and I have already chased her all the way here. Do you mean to say that I chased her for nothing?"

Physician Bai flung his hands imposingly.

He knew what the other party was afraid of, and this boosted his courage.

"Masters, what's wrong?"

Because both sides were speaking loudly, their quarrel caught the attention of the boss of Tianwu Inn.

"These customers of yours have stolen my possession, what do you think that we should do?" Physician Bai Chan pulled out a chair and sat down.

"This..."

The boss panicked.

Before he came over, an attendant had already informed him of the situation. On one side was a 1-star master teacher, and on the other was the prominent Physician Bai Chan. He couldn't afford to offend any of them.

"I shall not make things difficult for you. Since you can't settle this, let's just invite a patrol squad in!"

Lifting his eyelids slightly, Physician Bai Chan felt confident. A master teacher that hailed from a small place such as Beiwu Kingdom... there wasn't a reason to feel fear!

"Yes, yes!"

The boss heaved a sigh of relief. He gestured to the attendant in a hurry, who then ran out hastily.

Tianwu Royal City was huge, and there were all kinds of fights and conflicts every day. Only by resolving them in a timely manner could order be maintained. Thus, the royal family formed patrol squads to uphold the peace within the city.

In case of trouble, one could inform and invite them over.

"That... May I know what kind of medicinal herb did you lose? It's not convenient to alarm a patrol squad at this time of the night. Why don't we settle this matter privately!"

Upon hearing the other party mention calling for a patrol squad, Liu shi chose to give in.

It was a major disadvantage being in the other party's territory, it being likely that the patrol squad would side with the opponent. If they pronounce that Zhao Ya stole the other party's possession, she would have to go through all kinds of interrogation and investigation.

If it were just him, he wouldn't have feared the other party. Without the Master Teacher Pavilion's approval, no one would dare to capture a master teacher.

However Zhao Ya and the others came from the humble Tianxuan Kingdom, and they didn't possess any formidable background. The moment investigation began, it was likely that it would drag on for months. Furthermore, once they were thrown into the jail, wouldn't the other party would gain the power to twist their words?

His 'senior' had entrusted these students to him. If they were to be locked up, how could he account to his 'senior'?

Thus, he chose to settle this matter peacefully in order to avoid trouble.

"What medicinal herb did I lose? Since you want to know, I'll tell you then. I lost a thousand-year-old [Green Steel Flower]. It is worth... at least ten million gold coins! I'm fine with settling it privately. You can choose to either pay me ten million gold coins or hand this girl over to me."

Physician Bai Chan looked at them gleefully.

Small matter! So you wish to settle this privately now? Let's see how I play with you!

"You... Bullshit!"

"How dare you frame me!"

Zhao Ya didn't expect the other party to be so shameless. Her face turned scarlet in anger, and her breathing hastened.

Zheng Yang and the others clenched their fists as well.

"A thousand-year-old Green Steel Flower?"

Liu shi's expression turned awful too.

As a master teacher, although he didn't specialize in medicine, he had heard of the Green Steel Flower. Those which had grown to reach a maturity of a thousand years were extremely valuable, and even with ten million gold coins, one might not necessarily be able to purchase one.

Given his many years of savings, he did have ten million gold coins. However, anyone, even him would find it hard to accept to being scammed of so much money all of the sudden.

"That's right!"

Physician Bai Chan's finger drummed on the table. Lifting his eyelid slightly, he said, "Right after bumping into your student, the medicinal herb which I just bought went missing. If it isn't her who is responsible, who else can it be? You can either pay me the money or hand her over for me to interrogate. Otherwise, I shall publicize this matter, claiming that you turn a blind eye to your student's misdeed. Let's see how the Master Teacher Pavilion deals with you!"

Pouring a cup of water for himself as he spoke, he glanced at Liu shi gleefully.

"This..."

Liu shi's was livid.

The other party seemed to be clear of a master teacher's weakness.

All master teachers valued their own reputation. If he were to be framed of condoning his student's misdeeds, how will he be able to he take the 2-star examination in future? How will he face the world?

Hualala!

The entire room was silent when a group of men arrived; the attendant had returned with a patrol squad.

All of them had a Pixue realm cultivation at the minimum, and the one standing at the forefront was a Tongxuan realm expert.

They were dressed fully in steel and carried swords in their hands, appearing to be a cold-blooded bunch.

"Paying respect to Physician Bai Chan!"

Upon stepping into the lounge, the members of the patrol squad glanced around the room and recognized Bai Chan immediately. They walked forward and clasped their fists.

To name the persons who were the most prominent in the capital recently, without a doubt, the first place would go to Third Princess Mo Yu, and after which, the second place would go to this person before them.

It was said that he cured an illness which even 3-star physicians were incapable of treating. If so, his ability must have far surpassed a 3-star grade, just that he was unable to take the examination due to his lacking cultivation.

"Oh, it's Squadron Leader Yao!"

With a brief look, Bai Chan recognized the other party as well. He waved his hands grandly and proclaimed "Since it's you, this will make things easier. This girl stole the medicinal herb which the Great Herb King just gave me, a thousand-year-old Green Steel Flower. What do you say about how we should handle this?"

"The Great Herb King?"

Squadron Leader Yao's complexion changed.

The Great Herb King was an extremely famous person in the capital. He represented the Poison Hall and, as a result, could almost be considered an overlord in the Red Lotus City, such that even the Tianwu royal family dare not deploy troops against him.

If the Great Herb King gave him a medicinal herb personally, it appeared that the rumors were true; he had to deal with this matter prudently.

"Audacious! How dare you steal Physician Bai Chan's medicinal herb?"

Harrumphing coldly, Squadron Leader Yao walked over to Liu shi, "This master teacher here, in respect for your identity, I will not make a move on you. So, hand over your student so that I can interrogate her! Rest assured, the patrol squads are impartial, and if she is innocent, I will do her justice. However, if she really stole something, even if you are a master teacher, we won't hesitate to raise this to the Master Teacher Pavilion!"

"This... Please calm down, we are willing to settle this matter in private!"

Seeing how the both of them were acquainted, Liu shi knew that Zhao Ya would surely be deemed as a thief if she were to be captured. Thus, after taking a deep breath, he decided to give in.

"Liu shi, you mustn't!"

"Zhao Ya didn't steal anything, why should we settle this matter privately?"

"That's right, Liu shi. The moment we choose to settle this matter privately, it would mean that Zhao Ya had taken his item. This will be harmful to teacher's reputation..."

...

Hearing that Liu shi intended to settle the matter privately, Zheng Yang, Lu Xun, and the others voiced their disagreement immediately.

The moment this matter was chosen to be settled privately, it would mean that they were guilty, that they had really stolen the other party's possession. This would blemish Liu shi's reputation, and if the matter reached the Master Teacher Pavilion, he might even be taken in for investigation.

It would be impossible to explain himself then.

"Enough! Keep your mouths shut!"

Liu shi's face darkened.

If he didn't keep the matter privately, Zhao Ya would surely be taken in for interrogation. How would he dare to face his 'senior' if a mishap happened to his student while she was under him?

"You choose to settle it privately?"

Not expecting the other party to be willing to pay ten million gold coins for a student's sake, Physician Bai Chan was surprised. He then adapted quickly and sneered, "I'm fine with settling it privately. However, I recalled that this thousand-year-old Green Steel Flower is incredibly valuable, and it is impossible to get it at ten million, requiring at least fifty million. Take this sum out and I'll leave immediately. Otherwise, I apologize, but I'll be taking her with me today!"

"Fifty million? You... what kind of medicinal herb would be worth so much money?"

"You just said it's worth ten million, how can you inflate the price so abruptly? Damn it..."

...

Hearing the other party raise the price to fifty million, everyone burst into an uproar and glared at him furiously.

Liu shi clenched his knuckles.

In his numerous years as a master teacher, he had never suffered such humiliation!

"Why? If you wish to settle this privately, hurry up. My time is precious and I don't have any to waste on you!"

Physician Bai Chan raised his cup and gazed at Liu shi gleefully.

"You..."

Liu shi's face steeled.

"Liu shi, I'll go with them. He is obviously the one who tried to take advantage of me, yet now he frames me for stealing his medicinal herb. I don't believe that Tianwu Kingdom is such a lawless place!"

Stepping forward, Zhao Ya declared loudly.

...

Meanwhile, in the room, Zhang Xuan had just washed up and as he was about to go to sleep, he froze all of a sudden.

"That sounds like... Zhao Ya? Can it be that they have arrived?"

.

.

.

Chapter 299: A Beating

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

After half a month getting along with each other, how could Zhang Xuan not recognize Zhao Ya's voice? Who else could the owner of that angry voice be, if not her?

After a brief moment adjusting his clothes, he pushed open his door and came out, immediately noticing the two hostile and opposing sides in the lounge.

"It really is her!"

Upon seeing so many familiar figures, Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

He didn't expect that they would arrive at Tianwu Kingdom right after him. Furthermore, they happened to put up lodging at the same inn, which was extremely lucky.

"Is that person... Bai Chan?"

Glancing at the fellow standing opposite Zhao Ya and Bai Chan, Zhang Xuan realized that it was the fellow whom he knocked unconscious at the alley back then!

"Seems like this fellow is trying to bully my student..."

The situation wasn't complicated and it didn't take long for Zhang Xuan to understand the situation using just his own observation.

Zhang Xuan knew very well what kind of person Zhao Ya was. Stealing? What a joke!

On the other hand, this Physician Bai Chan was greedy and lustful. He wasn't anything good.

Since Zhang Xuan happened to meet him here, he could use the chance to teach him a lesson.

Chuckling lightly, he lifted his foot and began walking over.

...

"Zhao Ya, you can't go..."

"You won't know what will happen if you follow them..."

Hearing Zhao Ya's decision, Zheng Yang and the others panicked.

It was clear that the physician and the patrol squad were in cahoots. If she were to follow them, who knows what kind of crime would be pinned on her?

"Can't you tell? He's doing this intentionally! No matter how much money you give him, he'll just keep raising the price!" Zhao Ya said.

Everyone fell silent.

She was right.

The other party was clearly taking advantage of them just because they were outsiders. Even if they agree to give him money, he would simply say that it was insufficient. Perhaps, he might even claim that he has lost something else. Rather than to face humiliation here, she might as well follow the patrol squad and vie for her innocence.

The crowd thought that the capital of a Tier 1 Kingdom would be filled with hopes and that they could fulfill their dreams here. Yet, right after arriving, they encountered such an incident and a sense of helplessness gloomed over their hearts.

"If you go, it would be falling for the other party's trap!"

"I have no choice. The patrol squad is here and looking at how adamant he is on insisting that I stole his herb, I will be taken in regardless!"

With their fists clenched tight, everyone was infuriated, but they found themselves without any solution.

"Fifty million... So be it! I am still willing to... settle it privately!"

Liu shi shook his head, full of indignance.

Just as the saying goes, 'A dragon by the shallow shores would be ridiculed by a prawn, and a tiger which leaves its mountain would be bullied by a dog.'

If such a thing happened in Beiwu Kingdom, this fellow before him would have been beaten to death right on the spot.

But over here, despite his status as a dignified master teacher, he was rendered completely helpless.

"Liu shi..."

The crowd was incensed. They squeezed their fists tightly, and their faces were steeled.

"Enough, it's just a small matter. There's no need for anyone to go!"

Just as everyone thought that this matter was a hopeless cause, a slightly lazy voice echoed, and with his hands inside his pocket, Zhang Xuan strolled over.

"Ah... Teacher?"

"Zhang laoshi, why... are you here?"

"Zhang laoshi, you put up lodging here as well?"

Seeing him emerge from inside the inn, everyone was taken aback for a moment.

Then, furious joy overwhelmed them.

They had been searching for him the entire night, but to think that he would be right under their noses.

Ignoring the crowd which was filled with excitement, Zhang Xuan sauntered to Physician Bai Chan and smiled, "Are you the one who is bullying my student?"

Thinking that victory was in his grasp, Bai Chan sipped on his tea, not even bothering to lift his head to look at Zhang Xuan. As such, he didn't recognize him. Gesturing grandly, he harrumphed, "It's your student who stole my possession. I am merely retrieving what I lost..."

"Steal your head!"

Before Bai Chan could finish his words, he heard a voice, and a shadow flitted across his vision. A teapot had crashed onto his skull.

Peng!

The teapot shattered, and steaming hot water drenched his entire body. Scalded, Bai Chan leaped up abruptly and fanned himself hard.

"You are fricking courting death!"

These days, be it the guild leader, nobles, or prestigious clans, who didn't treat him with respect? Yet, this fellow slammed a teapot on his head! How dare he!

Hair fell off from his entire face under the hot water.

His head, which had become as red as a braized pig head, was steaming, and the aroma of cooked flesh could be smelled.

"Teacher..."

"This is... way too intense!"

Zhao Ya and the others widened their mouths in shock, and their lower jaws nearly fell to the ground.

They knew that Zhang laoshi would definitely stand up for them, but they didn't expect that... he would do it like that!

Smashing a pot of hot tea into the other party's head...

The heck!

Zhang laoshi wasn't even treating the other party as a human.

On the other hand, Liu Ling and Lu Xun's lips twitched, and they nearly fainted on the spot.

If this was a matter that could be solved through brute force, why would he, as a Zongshi realm master teacher, behave so subserviently?

Just from how arrogant the other party acted, it was clear that he possessed an extraordinary status. Furthermore, he had the patrol squad standing guard right beside him.

Yet, Zhang Xuan still chose to slap him hard in his face. Seems like... This matter will not end peacefully.

"This is too rash...'

Liu Ling shook his head with a bitter smile.

This senior of mine has always been calm, always planning his actions carefully. Why is he acting so rashly today?

This is Tianwu Kingdom, not Tianxuan Kingdom. To beat someone up right after arriving, not to mention, a person of tremendous standing... The thorns in the path ahead can already be seen clearly.

"Has this fellow gone mad?"

"That is Physician Bai Chan..."

Squadron Leader Yao and the other squad members didn't expect such a twist and were dumbstruck.

"Are all of you here to catch a show? This fellow made a move on me, what are you dawdling around for? Kill him..."

It took him awhile before he could recover. Seeing the patrol squad standing idly by the side, Physician Bai Chan bellowed angrily.

"Yes!"

Only then did they recover from their daze. Squadron Leader Yao drew his sword and charged forward, "Lad, how dare you touch Physician Bai? Do you not know who he is? How dare you attack someone in the capital, who do you think you... Aiya, the hell!"

Before he could finish his words, a shout of agony escaped his mouth, and his face was immediately distorted just like a fried dough twist. Then, he flew backward, flipping a few rounds before landing on the ground more than a dozen meters away.

"Squadron leader..."

The entire patrol squad flew into a frenzy.

The heck!

They were the kingdom patrol squad! They represented the kingdom's dignity, and wherever they went, people would be trembling, careful not to step on their toes. Yet, that fellow gave a tight slap to their leader...

"Lad, you are making yourself an enemy of the kingdom..."

With a roar, they charged forward to avenge their squadron leader. However, before they could finish their words, a series of crisp sounds echoed in the air.

Pah! Pah! Pah! Pah!

Their faces warped, and they were sent flying as well. In an instant, wails of agony echoed in the air.

"We're doomed, doomed..."

The inn and the attendant in the inn almost clawed out all of their hair upon witnessing this sight. They thought that this incident could be resolved quickly since the patrol squad was present.

It had been many years since anyone dared to lay their hands on a patrol squad.

The only difference was that the one ten years ago was a Zongshi realm primary stage wandering cultivator. He had a conflict with a patrol squad member and ended getting violent. Eventually, he became wanted throughout the city, and in less than a single day, he was caught and executed!

Yet, not only did this fellow beat up the entire patrol squad, he even scalded Physician Bai Chan's head into a pig-head-resembling mess...

They thought that it was just a simple affair that could be resolved quickly. To think that it would escalate so dramatically! If they knew this would happen, they would have never gone to look for the patrol squad... If the authorities were to blame them for housing such violent characters, their inn would be shut down immediately...

"You are courting death..."

Physician Bai Chan finally regained himself from the searing pain. Through his puffy eyes, he saw members of the patrol squad lying all over the ground. Infuriated, he turned to Zhang Xuan and declared "You're done for, you're really done for this time. To dare to lay your hands on even the patrol squad, no one can save you now..."

Before he could finish his words, he felt his throat tighten, and an excruciating pain could be felt at his neck. Zhang Xuan had lifted him up.

Pah! Pah! Pah!

He felt stinging pain on both sides of his cheeks. Just like that, he had been slapped more than a dozen times consecutively.

"No one that can save me? Are you sure?" Zhang Xuan smiled brightly.

"Wuu..."

Physician Bai Chan was on the verge of tears.

It was too painful to bear.

He had never suffered such a beating from birth.

Not daring to spout any further nonsense, he slowly opened his swollen eyes to look at the person who beat him up. He was intending to imprint the other person's features into his mind so that he could get back at him in the future. However, with this single glance, his face turned deathly pale.

Too familiar.

He was the fellow who was with Princess Mo Yu at the Red Lotus Range, as well as the one who knocked him unconscious.

The status he possessed today was all because of him...

"That's right, it's me!"

Throwing Bai Chan to the floor, Zhang Xuan said impassively.

"I..."

Bai Chan's expression became distorted.

If there was a person whom Bai Chan wanted to meet the most, it was definitely the person standing before him. It was because of his impersonation that he possessed such an important standing today. However, if there was a person whom Bai Chan would never want to meet, it was this very person as well. He could expose the fact that he wasn't the one who treated the Great Herb King and pull him down from his high horse.

Once the truth was exposed, who in the Physician Guild would respect him? Who would even bother to look at him?

He thought that he merely had to guard against Princess Mo Yu. Thus, wherever she went, he would avoid. This way, he would be able to continue living off the prestige of having treated the Great Herb King. However, never in his wildest dreams had he expected to meet Zhang Xuan under such a situation.

And not to mention, he had even tried to take advantage of the other party's student...

Was I courting death?

Even if Zhang Xuan didn't touch him, just by revealing the fact that Physician Bai Chan wasn't the one who actually treated the Great Herb King, he would have been pummelled to death by the countless physicians even before he could take a step out of his own doors.

...

"Senior, we're in trouble now..."

Seeing the unkempt and head-swollen Physician Bai Chan, Liu Ling walked forward and could not help but to shake his head.

"Trouble? There's no trouble at all!"

Zhang Xuan answered casually.

Since he had made his move, it naturally meant that he had long thought of a solution to resolve this situation. If everything else fails, he would just have to feed each of them lethal poison.

He didn't believe that they would dare to wreck havoc under the threat of death.

"This is the patrol squad. To have given them a beating..."

Not knowing what Zhang Xuan was thinking, Liu Ling spoke a short few words before stopping. Then after hesitating for a moment, he continued again, "Why don't I go to the Master Teacher Pavilion to seek for protection? Given my identity as a master teacher, the Tianwu Kingdom shouldn't dare to do anything to me for the time being. It is just that I might have to undergo judgment at the Master Teacher Pavilion..."

The Master Teacher Pavilion carries the responsibility of protecting master teachers, but if master teachers were to err, they possess to authority to judge them as well.

Originally, because the other party tried to exploit them, they had valid reasons in their defense. However, now that Zhang Xuan had beaten them up like that, no matter how they explain it, they were the first to get physical and hence, in the wrong,

"There's no need!" Zhang Xuan gestured. Pointing to the Bai Chan, whose head had swell to resemble a pig head, he said, "He'll settle this matter for us."

"Him?"

Liu Ling was perplexed.

Even Zhao Ya and the others looked at Zhang Xuan in bewilderment.

The very reason why this fellow is here is to cause trouble, and not to mention, now that you have smashed a teapot on his head and even beat him up into such a state...

If he could, he would probably kill you on the spot, yet you hope that he'll settle this situation for you?

You must be pulling our legs!

Even Lu Xun, who was standing off to the side, shook his head as well.

This Senior Uncle Zhang is exceptionally talented in various occupations, but he has one fatal flaw; he is too rash.

With such a personality, it is a matter of time before something grave happens.

"Physician Bai Chan, what do you think... we should do?"

Ignoring the doubtful look that the crowd cast on him, Zhang Xuan turned and smiled at the physician whom he had just beaten up.

"Cough cough, this..."

Despite the other party's smile, he could see a menacing gleam in his eyes and cowered backward immediately. "I am in the wrong. I was blinded by lust and came to cause trouble for your student. Don't worry, I'll resolve this issue quickly..."

After which, Physician Bai Chan stood up, and with an expression full of righteousness, walked over to Squadron Leader Yao's party, and took out a bottle of medicine. "This is some medicine to treat superficial wounds. Also, here is a hundred thousand worth of gold bill, Squadron Leader Yao, you should bring the men to eat something good..."

"Physician Bai?"

Seeing how the fellow was paying and speaking up for the person who beat him up, Squadron Leader Yao and the other patrol squad members were on the verge of madness. However, at this moment, the hushed voice of Physician Bai sounded by their ears.

"Shh, this person over here has connections with Princess Mo Yu, and I saw him traveling alongside her... You should know how to handle the rest..."

"Connections with Princess Mo Yu?"

Squadron Leader Yao and the others froze, and their eyes narrowed.

.

.

.

Chapter 300: Extorting Physician Bai

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

Even though Princess Mo Yu couldn't compare to Mo Hongyi, the number one genius of Tianwu Kingdom in the past thousand years, she was nevertheless a top-notch genius. Her status far surpassed any other princes and princesses.

Furthermore, she was on the verge of passing the master teacher examination, besides being highly favored by the emperor.

In fact, there were even rumors claiming that he would devote the resources into grooming her as the candidate to become the next emperor. This way, he could prevent the throne from falling into the hands of Mo Hongyi.

To have connections with her? Traveling alongside her?

Could it be...

They were merely ordinary soldiers who relied on bribes to earn some additional money... Offending the princess's 'friend', that was no different from suicide!

"Are you... serious?" Squadron Leader Yao's heart quivered, and he found himself unable to accept the situation.

How is the world be so small? To stumble upon the princess's friend in such a huge Tianwu Kingdom?

Besides, the princess had always maintained her purity and stayed a distance away from the countless geniuses who attempted to pursue her. They had never heard of her having such a 'friend'.

"I wish that it were false too..." Physician Bai Chan looked as if he was about to cry.

"This..."

Seeing the other party's expression, the patrol squad members immediately understood that it was true.

After all, this was the up-and-coming, highly prominent Physician Bai Chan. To not even dare to retaliate after getting pummeled into such a state, something was clearly amiss.

"Since that's the case, then we'll accept Physician Bai's kind gesture. Farewell!"

After struggling to his feet, Squadron Leader Yao clasped his fist.

He didn't dare to offend Physician Bai, needless to say, Princess Mo Yu. Rather than asking for a beating here, it was much wiser for them to just leave.

To be patrolling in the capital, if they didn't know how to adapt to situations, they would have long been beaten to death.

Regardless of whether it was Physician Bai or Princess Mo Yu, they were both figures whom they couldn't afford to offend and it was best that they leave as soon as possible.

Hualala!

In just a few moments, the patrol squad members disappeared completely.

"How are they leaving just like that?"

Liu Ling and the others were still worried just a moment ago, and upon witnessing this occurrence, each and every single one of them became dumbfounded.

This was especially so for Lu Xun. He thought that his Senior Uncle Zhang had been too rash, and upon seeing this sight, his mouth twitched violently.

That was the kingdom patrol squad, they represented the dignity of the kingdom. They got beaten up so badly that their entire faces were swollen like pigs, yet they walked away without a single word?

However, this wasn't the end yet. Physician Bai, who was so arrogant as to disregard even Liu shi, walked up to Zhang laoshi and bowed respectfully, "That... elder, I have already settled the matter. Do you think that... I can leave now?"

Everyone's eyes popped out.

Senior?

You are already in your forties to fifties, while the other party hasn't even reached his twenties. And you call him your elder?

Do you have to be so shameless?

"Can it be that... are all Tianwu Kingdom civilians that cheap? Do they have to be beaten up before they can talk properly?"

Yuan Tao could not help but mutter.

Upon hearing those words, even though the crowd remained silent, internally, they couldn't approve of Yuan Tao's words anymore.

How in the world did Zhang laoshi do it?

That fellow was already threatening to make this matter known to the entire city before they even did anything. With the smash of a teapot on his head and more than a dozen consecutive slaps, wouldn't he exterminate everyone here?

Yet, at this moment, he was behaving just like an obedient dog. No one could understand what had happened, and at this very moment, all they could feel was deep admiration for Zhang laoshi.

It seemed as if... regardless how insurmountable an obstacle could be, once it comes into his hands, it would become a non-issue.

Lu Xun had initially harbored hopes of comparing with the other party. From the looks of it now, his thoughts were truly laughable!

"Leave? Don't be in such a hurry, I'm not an unreasonable person. Since I did something, I will definitely take responsibility. After all, I do feel embarrassed for beating you up." Zhang Xuan glanced at the other party. "How do you intend to deal with your injuries?"

"I was asking for it. It will be fine if I just find some medicinal paste to apply..." Physician Bai Chan laughed dryly.

Make the other party take responsibility?

He didn't dare to!

Putting aside his relationship with the princess, just the fact that he could treat the Contract Gu, which baffled even 3-star physicians, showed how incredible his mastery in the Way of Medicine was. Most probably, no one in Tianwu Kingdom would be able to match up to him. In addition, considering his relationship with the Great Herb King...

Make the other party take responsibility? That was no different from committing suicide!

"Since you say you deserved it, I will not interfere. However... You framed my student, and this has left a huge trauma in her mind. How should we settle this?" Knowing what the other party was thinking of and what he feared, Zhang Xuan looked at him impassively.

"I..."

Physician Bai Chan's mouth twitched.

"Didn't you say that your stalk of medicinal herb is worth fifty million? How about this. Since your actions have left a scar in my student's heart, you will use this money to compensate her. After paying up, you can scram. Otherwise, let's see if I will break that calamity-bringing thing of yours!"

After which, Zhang Xuan's eyes drifted downward and fell upon a certain spot. Feeling terrified, Physician Bai Chan could but help but to shudder.

"I... I don't have so much money!"

After a moment, Physician Bai Chan replied meekly with a tearful face.

He was only a 1-star physician. Even though he had swindled quite a bit fortune and committed many evil deeds, he wasn't able to save up that much of money.

"You don't have it?"

Chuckling lightly, Zhang Xuan's hands stretched out all of a sudden and stabbed straight at the other party's forehead.

Almost jumping in shock, Physician Bai Chan's neck tilted backward and simultaneously, his mouth opened just a little.

Hu! Zhang Xuan flicked his finger and an object flew straight into his throat.

"Cough cough... What is this..."

Pinching his throat, Physician Bai Chan's face paled.

"It's nothing much, just some good stuff which the Great Herb King gave me. Didn't you treat the Great Herb King's illness? You should be familiar with him, right? You can try asking him about it!" Zhang Xuan answered casually.

"I..." Physician Bai's face reddened, and his legs went weak. Unable to suppress himself any longer, he fell to the floor, kneeling. "Elder, please be magnanimous as to spare me..."

The Great Herb King was the spokesperson of the Poison Hall. Even without thinking, it was clear what the other party fed him was...

"It's not impossible for me to spare you. We have just arrived at the capital, and we don't have a place to stay. I want you to find a mansion near the Master Teacher Pavilion! Once you're done, I can consider saving you. Otherwise... Even if I don't do anything, the Great Herb King's poison should be more than sufficient to send you on your way!"

Zhang Xuan waved casually.

Even though this fellow's character was atrocious, he could still be of help.

Zhang Xuan and the others had just arrived at the capital, and they were strangers in a strange place. With Physician Bai taking care of stuff for them, many difficult matters could be resolved easily.

The reason why Zhang Xuan chose to beat the other party up directly was that he knew the other party would recognize him. Back then, he was with Princess Mo Yu when he encountered the other party, so the other party would surely think that they were related.

If the situation was any different, such brute actions would have had a completely opposite effect.

Thus, he decided to render help from Physician Bai. This way, they could have a reliable person stand up for them and settle any matter that occurred in the future.

"Elder..."

Physician Bai Chan felt dismal, and bitterness welled on his face.

What the heck is this?

He had merely drunk a little bit of alcohol and teased a beautiful lady. In the end, not only was he scalded with boiling water, the assaulter even demanded a mansion as compensation...

Why does he have to pay despite being the victim?

"Why? Are you unwilling? Fine then. I heard that the poison which the Great Herb King gave me causes maggots to grow in one's head, resulting in a constantly groggy state of mind. If it gets severe, the person might even rip off his clothes and run about nude... This will last for three days straight before one succumbs to death. I wonder… does this suit your taste?"

Zhang Xuan said.

Physician Bai Chan felt so terrified that his face was drained of color.

Even though his behavior was atrocious, if he really did something like stripping nude and running in the city, life would lose its meaning.

"Why? Don't you like it? That's easy. He gave me eighteen types of poison back then, and if you don't like it, I can let you try something else!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Don't..." Tearful, Physician Bai Chan shook his head in a hurry. "Elder, there's no need to go through that much trouble. Isn't it just about looking for a mansion? This is simple, I will do it right now. I'll find one by tomorrow!"

Having been inflicted with poison, his life and death were under the other party's control. Since he couldn't defy the other party, he might as well... submit to him!

"Un, that's more like it. Sun Qiang!" Hearing his reply, Zhang Xuan turned around.

"Young master!"

Sun Qiang walked forward.

Yang shi was his old master, and naturally, he would address Zhang Xuan, who was Yang shi's student, as young master.

"Follow him and look for a good mansion. Tidy the place carefully. My teacher may be coming in two days!"

Zhang Xuan said.

"Is old master coming? Alright!" Sun Qiang nodded his head in excitement.

"Hurry along then, are you waiting for the sun to rise?" Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan said.

"Yes!" Physician Bai Chan quickly nodded his head and left. He didn't wish to stay here for a single moment longer.

Only after leaving the inn did he heave a sigh of relief. He couldn't help but turn to Sun Qiang, who had just chased up to him.

"May I know... what's the name of your young master?"

When he met the other party in the Red Lotus City previously, the other party has merely mentioned that he was a fan of his before knocking him out. Even today, the other party had not revealed his identity.

Even though he was so fearful of him, he realized that he didn't even know the other party's name.

"Our master is called Zhang Xuan!"

Sun Qiang nodded.

"Zhang Xuan?" Physician Bai Chan was perplexed. He hadn't heard of any prince or incredible genius going by that name!

"You spoke about your old master previously... May I know who he is?"

Even though Physician Bai was bewildered, he didn't dare to underestimate them. Thus, he continued asking.

"Our old master is a master teacher of a grade exceeding 3-star!" Sun Qiang said in admiration.

"A master teacher... of a grade exceeding 3-star?"

Physician Bai Chan trembled.

Even Tianwu Kingdom's most formidable Jiang shi, the pavilion master of the Master Teacher Pavilion, was only a 2-star master teacher. Yet, Zhang Xuan's teacher was a master teacher who had exceeded 3-star?

It could be said that if his teacher wished to do so, he would be capable of destroying the entire Tianwu Kingdom, at his whim!

This Zhang Xuan, so he's actually a student to such a person.

"Indeed. As the old master's direct disciple, the young master has received his inheritance. The reason why he came to the capital is to take the master teacher examination! Not only so, he's a 3-star painter, 2-star beast tamer (heard for Shen Bi Ru), and 1-star apothecary!" Sun Qiang continued.

"3-star... painter? 2-star beast tamer..."

Physician Bai Chan's body stiffened.

It was no wonder why he was so incredible at such a young age. Any single identity that he casually mentions would already be earth-shattering. Perhaps... Even Princess Mo Yu might be inferior to him!

"If you serve the young master and old master well, you will be in for a life of glory. But if you were to betray him, I believe that I don't need to tell you what would come!" Knowing what the other party was thinking of, Sun Qiang added in.

"Yes!" Physician Bai Chan nodded. Thinking about what he had enjoyed in the past few days, his heart leaped all of a sudden.

The events today are truly unfortunate, but perhaps, this might also be a rare opportunity!