406-410

Chapter 406: Slapping the Princess Consort

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Liang Qingming thought that this threat would send the plump man and the servants of the residence into chaos. Under the threat of such an expert, they would surely be scrambling to run as far as they can.

But with a single look, his body swayed once more.

The personnel in the residence were still working as per normal, as though his presence meant nothing at all. Those who were cultivating continued cultivating, those who were cooking continued cooking, those who were washing continued washing... It was as though he was transparent!

Especially for that fatty below, he stared at him with utmost disdain, as though he was staring at an idiot.

The heck!

What was this situation?

Shouldn't a mere 2-star primary master teacher of a Tier 1 Kingdom be trembling silently in fear upon seeing a Zhizun realm expert like him?

Master teachers were the strongest among the same cultivation realm, but such a huge disparity in cultivation couldn't be made up with skills!

It was one thing for Zhang Xuan to disregard him, but how could that weak fatty act so arrogantly as well?

Wasn't he afraid of being killed?

This was blatant disrespect!

As a commander under the direct command of the crown prince, as well as a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert, he was a feared existence no matter where he went. Everyone he walked by would have to bow respectfully to him, and with a bellow, even the emperor of Tianwu Kingdom, Mo Tianxue, would have to kneel to him...

How dare this weak fatty show such contempt to him!

Contempt your head!

The more he thought about it, the more furious he got. At that moment, the fatty's voice sounded once more.

"Three counts? Hurry up then, but don't say that I didn't warn you. This might be the three final counts you'll ever make..."

"Damn it!"

Commander Liang's face turned as black as charcoal, and smoke was threatening to billow from his head.

I am the one who is going to slaughter you, and you say that it's the three final counts I will ever make?

You dare to disregard my honor as a Zhizun realm cultivator?

You damned fatty, I will slice you apart...

Coming to the limit of his tolerance, Commander Liang was just about to lash out and kill a few people to give a stern warning to the others when, 'jiya!', the doors to the main hall opened, and three figures walked out.

The first one who walked out was a middle-aged man in his forties, and following behind him were two elders dressed in master teacher robes.

However, even the head of Tianwu Kingdom's Master Teacher Pavilion was only at Zongshi realm pinnacle, so he automatically disregarded the duo.

"What's going on? Why is there such a ruckus out here?"

Without even lifting his head, the middle-aged man frowned and looked at that plump man.

"Old master, that fellow above demands to meet young master. What a joke, who does he think he is? Does he think that a nobody like him can meet the young master?

"So, I asked him to scram."

"Un, well done!" The middle-aged man nodded, approving the plump man words.

Pu!

Liang Qingming staggered once more.

It was one thing for that plump man to be spouting nonsense, but to think that the middle-aged man, who seemed like the owner of the residence, to behave the same as well... This was getting way out of hand!

Initially, Liang Qingming was still hesitant to go too far. After all, the other party was a member of the Master Teacher Pavilion. If things were to blow up, it might up disastrous. However, blinded by his rage, he couldn't care less about the consequences now.

"Since you all are courting death, I'll grant you your wish..."

Furious, Liang Qingming's thrusted his hand, and an overwhelming strength descended from the skies. A huge handprint pushed down straight toward the crowd in the residence.

Phantom pinnacle battle technique, Adamantine Palm!

The indestructible Adamantine Palm caused a huge gale to blow in the surroundings, and leaves gushed into the air.

The palm possessed a strength beyond 30,000 ding. Even a Zhizun realm intermediate expert would be crushed to smithereens in an instant under the overwhelming force.

Liang Qingming thought that the other party would tremble in fear immediately after seeing the might of his attack, but the middle-aged man only glanced impassively at the elder beside him and said, "Little Su, I'll leave this fellow to you. Shoot him down along with that bird in the air!"

"Yes, Yang shi!"

The elder who was addressed as 'Little Su' stepped forward.

This 'Little Su' wasn't of huge stature, and there wasn't any imposing disposition to him. More importantly, his legs were clamped tightly together, and his face was pale. It seemed as though he was suffering from some indescribable agony.

His hair was unkempt, and he looked as though he had just been beaten up. No matter how Liang Qingming looked at him, this Little Su didn't seem like an expert.

To send such a fellow to deal with him?

Were the people below insane?

He wasn't just the only one. The various experts and influences were also dazed, and the corner of their lips twitched intensely.

This was a top-notch expert form Xuanyuan Kingdom! Their princess consort had brought him here to kill you, you should at least send someone fitting to deal with him. What in the world do you mean by sending that pale-faced clamped-legs elder?

Aren't you looking down on the other party too much!

Su shi and Ling shi arriving at the capital was a confidential secret of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Thus, no one knew that these two ordinary-looking fellows were actually unimaginably powerful experts.

"Hmph!"

Just when everyone's heads were spinning from this ridiculous sight, this 'Little Su' lifted his head and harrumphed coldly.

Huala!

His voice wasn't particularly loud, but it sounded as though a metal being burst apart. Upon colliding with the air, the latter immediately dissipated without any resistance.

Peng!

After which, Liang Qingming felt a sharp pain on his chest, as though he had been pierced by a sword. A mouthful of blood spewed out, and his vision darkened slightly. His entire body trembled from the impact, and he nearly fell down from the savage beast.

"This... a Transcendent Mortal expert?"

The other party didn't even move at all. With just a slight harrumph, he was able to neutralize his attack and injure him. No matter how foolish Liang Qingming was, it was clear that this 'Little Su' was beyond his means.

Liang Qingming's eyes narrowed, and his body trembled in fear.

There wasn't even a single Transcendent Mortal expert in Xuanyuan Kingdom! How could one appear in a Tier 1 Kingdom?

Furthermore, given the powerful might the other party was able to harness with a single sound... Even within the Transcendent Mortal realm, this Little Su must have reached a high level of accomplishment!

"This..."

The crowd of spectators who were looking at the situation widened their eyes, and their hearts nearly stopped from shock.

That weak-looking elder was actually able to neutralize a full strength attack from a Zhizun realm expert with harrumph, even nearly pushing the latter down the savage beast from the impact...

What was going on?

"This... Do you know this master teacher?" Mo Tianxue turned to ask his daughter.

Mo Tianxue didn't recognize this 'Little Su', but since the other party was dressed in the master teacher robe, he must be a member of the Master Teacher Pavilion.

Where in the world did this formidable figure come from?

His strength was way off the charts!

"This..." Mo Yu was taken aback by the sight as well.

When the Assembly Bell sounded, she wasn't able to return immediately, so she missed out Su shi and Ling shi's introduction. After which, she left right after witnessing Zhang Xuan and Mo Hongyi's examination.

As such, she didn't know of the appearance of the two 4-star master teachers in the Master Teacher Pavilion.

Besides, even if she knew, she couldn't have imagined that someone would dare to call a 4-star master teacher 'Little Su'... To be able to command a 4-star master teacher, what kind of fearsome existence was that middle-aged man?

"Come down!"

Before anyone could recover from the shock, the slightly hunched 'Little Su' harrumphed yet again.

Huala!

It was as though a sword had flown through the air. Even the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast in the air could react, its body shuddered, and it plummeted straight down.

Boom!

Along with the landing of the humongous savage beast, dust flew into the air. That arrogant fellow who had threatened to slaughter everyone within the residence crashed onto the floor.

Falling from such a great height, it took great effort for Lin Long to regain consciousness. She immediately turned to her father and her younger brother, and with a single look, she nearly turned insane.

With this fall, the unconscious Lin Lang's spinal cord broke, and he could potentially breathe his last at any moment. There was no saving him anymore.

On the other hand, Lin Ruotian, who was still holding on to the vestiges of his consciousness, was spewing large mouthfuls of blood. His old wounds and new wounds gnawed at his vitality, making it a huge doubt whether he could survive from this ordeal.

Lin Long flew into a frenzy.

They were here to exact vengeance...

And yet, before they could kill a single person or even meet their primary target, Zhang Xuan, her father and her little brother were already nearly dead. She was also severely injured from the fall as well. What was this?

"Commander Liang, what are you doing? Hurry up and kill him..."

Seated in the room on the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast's back, Lin Long knew very little about the situation outside. All she heard was the conversation between the two. She thought that Liang Qingming was going easy on the other party, so she howled furiously at him.

"Kill him?"

Commander Liang's body trembled in agitation, and he nearly fainted.

How do I kill him?

This old fellow is a Transcendent Mortal expert! Are you trying to send me to my death?

How in the world did the wise crown prince marry a fool like you?

Su shi glanced at Liang Qingming.

"Kill me?"

Even though he had achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation, it did little to alleviate the intense pain he was suffering from. He was already in a bad mood, and upon hearing the woman on the savage beast's back talking about killing him, his face immediately darkened.

"Tha-that's not it... Elder, please calm down!"

Commander Liang shuddered, and he hurriedly rubbed his hands together to plead with the other party.

"Why are you so afraid of him? He's just a master teacher from a Tier 1 Kingdom, what can he do to you?"

Seeing how useless her subordinate was, even going to the extent of calling the other party 'elder', Lin Long's rage erupted.

She was a smart person, but the situation with her father and her younger brother had clouded her mind. After the fall, they were already on the verge of dying, and at this moment, all that was on her mind was to exact vengeance for them.

"How dare you disregard a master teacher!" Su shi bellowed. "Slap her!"

Su shi was an amiable person, but as a 4-star master teacher, he had his own dignity as well. The other party was clearly disregarding the prestige of a master teacher, and this was a taboo for him.

"Yes..."

After hesitating for a moment, Liang Qingming eventually turned around and walked over to the room on top of the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast.

Even if the person he had to slap was the princess consort, he had no other choice. The person before him was a Transcendent Mortal expert. If he didn't obey his commands, all of them would die here today.

"Commander Liang, what are you doing?"

Upon seeing the other party walk in, Lin Long was taken aback. Before she could say anything else, the other party darted forward, and a slap flew straight toward her cheek.

Pah!

Without any time to react, Lin Long was sent flying by that slap. Her head crashed onto the ground, and her teeth fell onto the floor. Blood trickled down the edges of her lips.

She was a genius, and her cultivation progressed swiftly. However, due to the limitation of her age, she was only a Zongshi realm advanced stage cultivator. How could she avoid the attacks of a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert?

Pah pah pah pah!

Since the elder outside didn't ask him to stop, Commander Liang didn't dare to stop either. He walked up to Lin Long and continued striking her.

"You... You..."

After several consecutive slaps, her beautiful face swelled up as though a pig's face. The slaps had awoken her, and she immediately comprehended the situation here. With eyes overflowing with hatred, she glared at Su shi and that middle-aged man, Yang shi.

Ever since her birth, all of the way until she became the princess consort, she had lived a smooth-sailing life, and she had never suffered such humiliation.

Her hatred was so deep that it couldn't be washed clean even if the water from three rivers were to run dry.

.

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Chapter 407: Spirit Stones Grades

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: StarveCleric

"Enough!"

Seeing that the lady would die if the slapping continued on, Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

Just as admiration for Yang shi's magnanimity was welling up within Su shi and the others, his voice sounded, "Sun Qiang, call Lu Chong over. He should be the one slapping this woman!"

"..." Su shi and Ling shi.

"..." Mo Tianxue and Mo Yu.

This woman was the one who ordered the death of Lu Chong's entire family back then. Since the culprit was here, it was only fitting for Lu Chong to do the work.

Actually, Zhang Xuan didn't expect the princess consort to arrive so quickly.

However, the other party seemed to have lucked out. Since Su shi and Ling shi were here, their vengeance was destined to end in failure.

"Yes!" Sun Qiang walked into the residence, and before long, he returned with Lu Chong beside him.

"Grandteacher!"

On the way, Sun Qiang had briefly explained the situation to him, and knowing that the middle-aged man before him was Zhang Xuan's teacher, he immediately bowed respectfully upon his arrival.

"Grandteacher? Old master? I finally get it. This must be Zhang Xuan's elusive teacher, Yang Xuan!"

Those who were looking at the commotion suddenly came to a realization.

It was said that Zhang Xuan's teacher possessed unfathomable strength, and he even took in Pavilion Master Jiang as his student

Everyone thought that it was just a rumor and waved it off back then. To think that it would be true!

It was no wonder that Zhang shi didn't hesitate in the least when he destroyed the Lin Clan! With such backing, there was indeed no need for him to worry about the consequences at all.

"Un, that woman is Lin Lang's elder sister, the princess consort of Xuanyuan Kingdom. I'll leave her to you!"

Upon seeing Lu Chong, Zhang Xuan gestured forward.

"Thank you, grandteacher..."

Seeing that the main culprit behind the deaths of his kin was right in front of him, how could Lu Chong hold himself back? With reddened eyes, he immediately dashed straight toward Lin Long.

"What do you intend to do? I'm the princess consort of Xuanyuan Kingdom. If you dare to touch me, I'll destroy your entire clan..."

Frightened, Lin Long retreated swiftly. However, before she could finish her words, she felt excruciating pain on her cheek and, 'peng!', she was sent flying to the side.

Even though her cultivation was higher than Lu Chong's, the consecutive slaps from Commander Liang had left her weak and faint-headed. Under such circumstances, how could she stand against Lu Chong? In just a short moment, she was pummeled to the point that she couldn't even utter a word, and there wasn't a single spot on her that wasn't bruised.

Liang Qingming wanted to help her, but seeing Su shi's gaze land on him from time to time, he was scared stiff.

If only he knew that this would happen, he wouldn't have accompanied the princess consort here. This wasn't exacting vengeance, this was waiting to be tortured...

"Grandteacher, thank you for fulfilling my wish!"

After he was done, Lu Chong walked back to Zhang Xuan and bowed deeply.

Just like with Lin Ruotian and the others, Lu Chong didn't kill her, but he crippled her cultivation.

This kind of punishment was definitely worse than death.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands and said, "Alright, throw all of them out!"

He was currently the unparalleled expert, Yang shi. Since Su shi didn't kill the other party, he wasn't in a place to say anything else.

Lin Long was severely injured and this bodyguard was scared out of his wits, so Zhang Xuan reckoned that they wouldn't dare to do anything else. On top of that, with Yang shi serving as a deterrence, Xuanyuan Kingdom should be hesitant to take any drastic actions.

If Yang shi were to continue remaining idle while insisting for Su shi to eliminate them, the two 4-star master teachers might get suspicious.

Since they weren't a threat anymore, Zhang Xuan was unwilling to take the gamble. Thus, he decided to throw them out for now.

"Yes!"

Su shi nodded. The, grabbing onto empty air, his zhenqi formed a huge palm which grabbed the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast, Liang Qingming, and the others up, and he threw all of them out.

"It-It's over?"

Mo Tianxue and Mo Yu glanced at one another in disbelief.

Initially, they thought that Lin Long's arrival would spell the doom of Tianwu Kingdom. Never in their dreams did they expect that the entire matter would be resolved so easily via the two people who appeared in Zhang Xuan's residence.

"Xiao Yu, go and check on the background of the two master teachers. Why are they so powerful? And how formidable must Zhang shi's teacher be to command them!" Mo Tianxue instructed after a moment of silence.

Since the danger was averted, there was no longer any need for Mo Yu to leave. Delighted, Mo Tianxue thought of paying a visit to these powerful figures.

"Yes!" Mo Yu nodded.

Even if her father didn't say anything, she had already intended to look into the matter.

To neutralize a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert with a harrumph, and to knock down a Zhizun realm intermediate stage savage beast with another...

The strength of this 'Little Su' far surpassed her imagination. At the very least, he had to be a 3-star master teacher!

Given that such a powerful figure had appeared in the Master Teacher Pavilion, it could be considered as a breach of responsibility for her to be ignorant of it.

...

After the incident, the group returned to the main hall.

Honestly speaking, Zhang Xuan was also astonished by Su shi's might.

He couldn't imagine that there would be someone in the world who could render a Zhizun expert helpless with just sound.

Even though he knew that the other party was incredibly powerful through the Library of Heaven's Path, he didn't think that he would be that impressive.

"Yang shi..."

Just as Zhang Xuan was wondering when he could gain such strength, Su shi turned to look at him.

"Un?"

"May I know... where Zhang shi is? I would like to discuss the matter of the Master Teacher Tournament with him."

After resting for a moment, Su shi had recovered considerably.

The main reason why they came over here from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance was for this matter. It wasn't easy to find a genius of Zhang Xuan's caliber, so how could they give up now.

"He's currently cultivating in seclusion!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually.

Su shi nodded in realization.

This explained why Zhang Xuan didn't appear despite the huge commotion.

Yang shi played a huge role in Zhang Xuan's growth, but his current accomplishments were impossible without hard work on his part as well.

"Then... About the Master Teacher Tournament..."

Since the other party was in seclusion, it would be rude and dangerous to interrupt him at this moment. Su shi fell into a dilemma.

"You can tell me about it and I'll relay the message to him!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Yes..." Su shi began explaining, "The tests for the Master Teacher Tournament is decided by the heads of the Master Teacher Pavilions of the various powers participating each year, so there aren't any fixed rules. However, one thing I can confirm is that the rewards will be generous. Those who are placed high in the rankings will be awarded with spirit stones, as well as an opportunity to cultivate in a secret realm..."

Before he could finish his words, Yang shi's eyes gleamed, "Spirit stones?"

"Er... That's right!" Su shi nodded.

"Around how many will be awarded?" Yang shi stared at the other party expectantly.

He wasn't interested in the Master Teacher Tournament, but he held high expectations for the spirit stone reward.

The higher his cultivation, the greater the demand on spiritual energy. Even with Heaven's Path Divine Art, it would take a long time for Zhang Xuan to achieve a breakthrough just by absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings. However, if he could obtain sufficient spirit stones, it would be a completely different matter.

"I don't know the details, but going my traditions, the contestant who takes first place will be awarded a hundred middle-tier spirit stones!" Su shi contemplated for a moment before replying.

The rules and the prizes for the competition this year hadn't been announced yet, but based on previous occasions, this seemed to be the trend.

"Middle-tier spirit stones?" Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes.

Due to the tier of Tianwu Kingdom being too low, the records of spirit stone here were lacking. Middle-tier... What did that mean?

"The normal spirit stones we use are low-tier. Even though there's plenty of spiritual energy stored within it, it's lacking in purity. Once one's cultivation reaches a certain realm, the quantity of spiritual energy one can absorb from a low-tier spirit stone becomes severely limited."

Even though Su shi was perplexed, he explained the matter regarding the spirit stones.

"Compared to low-tier spirit stones, middle-tier spirit stones harness a much larger quantity of purer spiritual energy, making it more suited for one to cultivate with. Usually, a middle-tier spirit stone can be traded for ten thousand low-tier spirit stone. However, most people wouldn't be so foolish as to do so!"

"Ten thousand?" Zhang Xuan nearly threw the teacup in his hands out.

For a single low-tier spirit stone, Zhang Xuan had to employ all of his deception means. Yet, just by winning the championship of the Master Teacher Tournament, he could earn a hundred middle-tier spirit stone, which was equivalent to a million low-tier spirit stones?

Are you for real?

"Yang shi, it can't be that... you don't know about all this?" Seeing the unfathomable Yang shi behaving in such a manner, Su shi and Ling shi glanced at one another doubtfully.

Once one reached Transcendent Mortal realm, it would become difficult for one to cultivate via absorbing spiritual energy from the surroundings. Under such circumstances, spirit stones became a necessity. As such, spirit stones were common knowledge among master teachers above 3-star. Why... did the powerful Yang shi behave as though it was his first time hearing of spirit stones?

"Of course, I know about that! It's just that... I happen to remember some matters of the past!"

Seeing that his agitation nearly did him in, Zhang Xuan looked into the distance with the gaze of one who had seen through the vicissitudes of life.

The more mysterious he seemed, the more unfathomable he would be to the other party.

"Oh!"

As Zhang Xuan expected, upon hearing that Yang shi was reminiscing about his past, Su shi and Ling shi chose not to ask on.

"Then... about Zhang shi participating in the Master Teacher Tournament..." Su shi continued, pushing for an answer about Zhang shi's participation.

"This kind of tournament is a good training ground for youngsters, and I think that it'll be beneficial for him to join. Rest assured, I'll talk him into it!" Zhang Xuan gestured grandly.

Are you joking? That is a million spirit stones...

If he were to miss such an opportunity, he would truly be a fool.

"This..."

Expecting to be rejected, the two master teachers were stunned upon hearing Yang shi agree to the matter so readily.

Yang shi, that isn't how you were acting a moment ago. You were clearly resistant to the idea... Why did you change your mind so quickly?

To think that even experts were so fickle-minded...

"Alright. Yang shi, with your words, we're relieved..."

Even so, at least they had managed to achieve their aim. With this, there would be hope for them to claim a good ranking in this tournament. Su shi and Ling shi clenched their fists tightly in excitement. "Yang shi, we'll have to ask you to tell Zhang shi that he has to reach the Myriad Kingdom Alliance within three months for the tournament..."

"Alright!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

Su shi flicked his wrist, and a token appeared in his hands. "This is the token for the tournament. Yang shi, I'll have to trouble you to pass on it to Zhang shi on my behalf. With this, the apprentices at the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's Master Teacher Pavilion will lead him to me!"

Grabbing it, Zhang Xuan placed the token into his storage ring.

"Since Yang shi has agreed to the matter, we'll take our leave for now and make preparations in advance. We'll be looking forward to Yang shi and Zhang shi's arrival!"

Su shi clasped his fist.

The main reason for the two 4-star master teachers' arrival at Tianwu Kingdom was to look for the genius, Zhang Xuan, and determine whether he was worthy to attend the Master Teacher Tournament. Given that Zhang Xuan had surpassed their expectations, and they had obtained the other party's guarantee on the matter, it could be said that they had accomplished their mission perfectly. Having met their aim, they decided to take their leave.

"Un!" Zhang Xuan nodded.

...

Outside the residence.

Mo Hongyi waited nervously.

He had heard Commander Liang's shouting from the residence a while ago, but at this moment, the entire residence was completely silent. Could they be fighting with one another?

Mo Hongyi clenched his fists tightly. He wanted to charge in to help, but it might be a little too abrupt. He feared that he might incur the displeasure of the other party if he were to do it, and this could hinder him from acknowledging the other party as his teacher.

"I can only hope that it doesn't blow up..."

Muttering under his breath, just as Mo Hongyi was trying to fathom what was going on inside, the sky above him turned dark, and a gigantic shadow flew across the gates from the residence.

Putong! Putong! Putong!

Shocked, Mo Hongyi immediately backed away. Then, after calming down, he took a closer look and saw a gigantic savage beast and three figures smashing into the pavement not too far away. Their heads were planted in the ground, creating a huge hole in the street.

"That's the princess consort from the Lin Clan?"

Mo Hongyi was taken aback.

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Chapter 408: Direct Disciples

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Weren't these guys the arrogant fellows from before?

The domineering commander who was standing imposingly on the savage beast before... Why was half of his body stabbed into the ground as though a seedling?

And the main culprit of the entire incident, the princess consort, had her face swollen similar to that of a pig. If not for her elegant clothes, no one would have thought that she was out of place amidst of a group of beggars.

Even that ferocious savage beast seemed to have been knocked insensible from the impact.

This, this...

Mo Hongyi's eyes widened as though huge bells.

What in the world happened? In the blink of an eye, those arrogant fellows were reduced to such a state?

Doubtful, Mo Hongyi heard the sound of another two hitting to the ground.

Hurriedly turning his gaze over, he saw two 'patients' who were flung out from the savage beast crashing into the distance.

They were Lin Ruotian and Lin Lang.

They were already severely injured before, and after being flung several hundred meters away from a height of several dozen meters, all of their bones were shattered. Their souls left their body, heading straight to the underworld to report their attendance.

"Father, brother..."

Upon seeing this sight, Lin Long's blood rushed to her head in agitation, and she fainted.

Even to the moment of his death, Lin Ruotian was indignant.

He thought that he would be able to get back at Zhang Xuan and slaughter those who had dared to humiliate him. Yet, never in his dreams could he have expected that the savage beast would be struck down.

Even so, he was still hopeful. No matter what, Commander Liang was still a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert. Yet, he ended up being flung into the air, and after that... there was no more after.

He came here to exact his vengeance, yet he was done in before he could even meet his sworn enemy...

How could his life end so tragically?

If he knew this would happen, he wouldn't have waited for his daughter. If he had relented earlier, he wouldn't have suffered so many days of humiliation in vain...

"The Lin Clan has truly met their match this time!"

"Indeed! Not only is Zhang shi talented, he has a good teacher as well. Fighting with him, isn't that no different from committing suicide?"

"To rush over without even trying to investigate the matter clearly, they deserved it..."

Seeing the pathetic state of the group from Xuanyuan Kingdom, not only did no one pity them, everyone even felt exhilarated.

Almost everyone had learned about Lu Chong and the Qu Clan's matter by now. The Lin Clan had oppressed many smaller clans in the capital throughout the years, and their reputation hadn't been great. Now that they had fallen, everyone swiftly turned against them.

"This is the doing of Zhang shi's teacher?"

"Indeed. Someone in the sentry tower saw the entire situation previously. He ordered a master teacher named... Little Su or something, I'm not too sure!"

"Regardless of who it is, to be able to throw a Zhizun realm expert around so casually, that person possesses fearsome strength..."

"Indeed. From now on, Zhang shi's residence is a forbidden zone! Anyone who dares to barge in will be expelled from the clan!"

...

A commotion broke out in the capital.

"Little Su? You mean that... Su shi was the one who did it?"

Mo Hongyi's face flushed, and he clenched his fists rightly.

As expected of a 4-star master teacher! It was a correct decision to acknowledge one of these two after all. His cultivation would surely soar swiftly in the future.

Jiya!

Just as he walked around the area anxiously for Su shi and Ling shi to come out, he heard the gates opened, and two figures walked out.

"Butler Sun, we'll be leaving now. If you meet Zhang shi, tell him that we'll be waiting for him at the Myriad Kingdom Alliance!"

Su shi clasped his fist.

"Don't worry, it's a small matter!" Sun Qiang waved.

"This..." Mo Hongyi's body swayed from side to side.

That was Su shi and Ling shi, 4-star master teachers of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance! It was one thing for Yang shi to not escort them to the door, but why didn't Zhang shi send them off either?

To have a butler do the job... And more importantly, wasn't this butler being a little too disrespectful?

Look at his expression, he was obviously being perfunctory and... impatient!

Impatient your head! It was one thing if you didn't know Su shi and Ling shi's identities, but they have just shown their incredible strength. How can you still treat them with blatant disregard...

Are you insane, or are you ill?

"Probably not... That Yang shi probably possesses unfathomable means. This is why the butler dares to behave arrogantly as well..."

Mo Hongyi was no fool as well. He soon understood the situation. But then, he fell silent once more.

To be able to induce the fear of a 4-star master teacher... How powerful must this Yang shi be?

...

Back in the Master Teacher Pavilion.

"You said that... teacher addressed Su shi as... Little Su?"

Staring at the report in shock, disbelief flashed across Pavilion Master Jiang's eyes.

"Yes! Not only so, Su shi seems to be exceptionally obedient to Yang shi's words..." Elder Zhu replied.

"Su shi is a 4-star master teacher of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, yet he treated teacher with such respect, not even complaining when he was called Little Su... Could teacher's capability be beyond that of a 4-star master teacher?"

Pavilion Master Jiang knew that Yang shi was no ordinary person, but he couldn't have guessed that he would be such a formidable figure.

To be treated with utmost respect by even a 4-star master teacher, how powerful must he be?

After recovering from his shock, Pavilion Master Jiang commented with a sigh, "Probably only a master teacher of his caliber would be able to groom a talent like Zhang Xuan!"

Despite his young age, Zhang shi had shown incredible talent. Even if he was talented, he would still require a capable teacher to show him the way. In the very least, Jiang Shu felt that he didn't have the ability to groom a student like Zhang Xuan.

"Right, pavilion master. Su shi and Ling shi have left Zhang shi's residence, and they've returned to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance on an aerial savage beast!" Elder Zhu reported.

"Un, Su shi and Ling shi are elders of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's Master Teacher Pavilion. They must have a lot of matters to handle, so they couldn't possibly stay for too long!"

Pavilion Master Jiang nodded. Then, hesitating for a moment, he said, "Make some preparations, let's meet Zhang shi and his teacher. Most probably, they will be leaving Tianwu Royal City soon as well!"

He knew about Su shi and Ling shi's motive here, and given that they had left, it could only mean that they had achieved their goal.

Since the Master Teacher Tournament was in three months, Zhang shi would probably be leaving soon.

"That's right!"

Elder Zhu nodded.

Zhang shi was a genius, and a small place like Tianwu Kingdom wasn't sufficient for him to spread his wings. He had to head to somewhere larger for him to soar into the skies!

...

Pavilion Master Jiang and Elder Zhu were right. At this very moment, Zhang Xuan was considering the matter of leaving.

His cultivation had reached Zongshi realm pinnacle, and without sufficient Zhizun realm cultivation techniques, he couldn't achieve a breakthrough.

And it was impossible to find cultivation techniques of that level in Tianwu Kingdom.

Thus, Zhang Xuan had no choice but to head to higher tier kingdoms.

Reverting back to his original appearance, Zhang Xuan walked into the main hall.

At this moment, Zheng Yang and the others were still kneeling. It had been two days since then, and even though their bodies were shaking and threatening to collapse at any moment, their gazes were growing more and more determined. The frivolousness within their eyes had disappeared.

The two days had sharpened their will and determination.

Knowing that his purpose had been met, Zhang Xuan nodded.

"Get up!"

Zhang Xuan gestured before heading to the top seat.

Lu Chong, Zhao Ya, and the others also walked up, and at this moment, all six students of Zhang Xuan were gathered in this area.

"I intend to leave Tianwu Kingdom for the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. If any of you are unwilling to follow me, I won't force you!"

Zhang Xuan spoke calmly as he glanced at the crowd.

It was time for them to make a choice again.

Students weren't slaves. If they weren't willing to follow along with him, it could only mean that their fate as teacher and student had come to an end.

"I'm willing to follow teacher!" Zhao Ya stepped forward.

"I'm the same as well!" Zheng Yang and the others hurriedly spoke up.

Without their teacher, they wouldn't possess the strength they did now. They wanted to follow behind their teacher and rise to greater heights.

"Lu Chong, what about you?"

Soon, his five students from Tianxuan expressed their willingness to pursue Zhang Xuan. Only Lu Chong remained quiet all this while.

"I've already said that my life belongs to teacher. Naturally, I'll follow teacher no matter where you go! However, before that, I have some matters that I have to attend to!" Hesitating for a moment, Lu Chong replied.

"Hm?" Zhang Xuan turned to look at him.

"The Myriad Kingdom Alliance is several hundred thousand kilometers away. Once we leave Tianwu Kingdom, it'll be hard to tell when I'll be able to return. I hope that... before leaving, I can pay respects to my parents and kin first!" Lu Chong said.

"Yes, it's only right for you to pay respect to your parents and kin!" Zhang Xuan replied.

Since there was a long journey ahead of them, it was understandable for Lu Chong to want to pay final respects to his family before leaving.

"Also... I would like to ask teacher to help me to claim the object that my ancestor left behind. My current strength... is still insufficient!" Lu Chong said.

Zhang Xuan nodded.

The object Lu Chong was referring to probably referred to the letter with Kong shi's personal handwriting on it.

This item was useless to Zhang Xuan, but this was an heirloom from Lu Chong's ancestors. It wasn't surprising that Lu Chong would want to retrieve it before leaving.

"Thank you, teacher!"

Gratitude filled Lu Chong's eyes.

"Since you all agreed to following me, then allow me to bring up some rules!"

Since everyone had agreed to it, Zhang Xuan scanned the surroundings, and a stern expression appeared on his face.

"The relationship between a teacher and student depends on fate. In an academy, you are free to leave a classroom and change your teacher as you please. However, since you all have agreed to follow me, I won't accept that."

In a normal teacher and student relationship, even though the students were still expected to respect their teacher, the relationship wasn't binding.

Taking Lu Chong's class for example, even though Bai laoshi, their previous teacher, had taught them for a considerable period of time, the students didn't feel any guilt acknowledging Liu laoshi as their new teacher.

It was the same in Hongtian Academy as well. If the teacher felt that a teacher's education ability was subpar, they could withdraw and change teachers as they please.

"Teacher... are you taking us in as your direct disciples?"

Suddenly, realization struck, and Zheng Yang asked in agitation.

Zhao Ya and the others also clenched their fists tightly.

There was also a hierarchy to students as well; direct disciple, normal students, and listening in. There was a huge disparity in standing among them.

A normal student could change their teacher as they please. However, if a direct disciple were to do this, it would be equivalent to betraying his teacher and his heritage. He wouldn't be able to complain even if those from the same line killed him.

Direct disciples were entitled to the secret arts of their teacher, as well as the most detailed guidance. At the same time, their standing was also superior to the other students.

But in return, they had to remain loyal to their teacher.

At the same time, becoming a direct disciple was an acknowledgement from a teacher to a student. After all, no one would impart their ultimate techniques to someone they didn't acknowledge.

Even though Zhao Ya and the others had regarded themselves as Zhang laoshi's direct disciples, the latter had never brought up the topic, and they'd felt a little disappointed over the matter. Thus, upon hearing this matter, they couldn't hold back their excitement.

Becoming a direct disciple meant officializing their identities!

In the future, they would be able to stand upright when speaking up for their teacher.

"That's right. However, if you become my direct disciple, you have to follow some of my rules: You must respect me and follow my instructions; you are not to be defiant.

"Without my permission, you are not to pass down the skills I impart you all.

"You must treat others magnanimously, and you mustn't bully the weak.

"Honesty is the basis of trust. You mustn't hide anything from me.

"Unity is of key...

"If you feel that you can follow all of these rules, I'll take you in as my direct disciple. If you were to infringe of any of these, I, Zhang Xuan, will kill you personally!"

Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan stood up and spoke sternly. At the very end, it felt as though the air in the room had frozen.

Even though his students might seem frivolous, they had held utmost respect for him in their hearts. Zhang Xuan felt that this was what he was looking in a direct disciple.

But even so, he had to make some things clear beforehand.

"We are willing to come under Zhang laoshi's lineage to become Zhang laoshi's direct disciple. We'll follow teacher's orders obediently and remain loyal to you until our deaths!"

Without any hesitation, Zhao Ya and the others kneeled to the floor.

"Good!"

Zhang Xuan nodded. "From now on, Zhao Ya will be your senior while Wang Ying is ranked second, followed by Liu Yang, Zheng Yang, Yuan Tao, then Lu Chong. The six of you are to get along harmoniously, and I bar any internal conflicts among you all!"

Even though Wang Ying was the first student Zhang Xuan accepted, she had a weak character. Of the group, only Zhao Ya possessed the insight and cultivation to take on the role of the leader. If Zheng Yang and the others were to lead the group, who knows what kind of trouble they would cause.

"Yes!"

The group nodded.

With this, the ceremony ended.

...

Autumn of the Year 1736, in Tianwu Royal City, Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, Liu Yang, Wang Ying, Yuan Tao, and Lu Chong became Zhang shi's direct disciples.

.

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Chapter 409: The Crown Prince's Decision

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: StarveCleric

"Your Highness, you must redress my grievance! Kill that fellow to avenge me!"

In a sealed room, a woman whose entire face was swollen kneeled on the floor as she screeched.

It was Princess Consort Lin Long, who had been subjected to a violent beating several days ago.

She had applied some medicine, and her pain had alleviated. However, the swelling had yet to calm down, and her appearance was still hideous.

Seated in front of her was a young man of around thirty-four-year-old. His face was distinctly shaped and, from the occasional authoritative disposition which leaked out of him, one could tell that he was a person of high standing.

He was the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Ding Mu!

"Avenge?"

Pah!

Ding Mu's face turned scarlet as he kicked the body of the other party. His body trembled lightly in rage as he bellowed, "Do you know who you offended? How dare you ask me to avenge you?"

When Lin Long left the Eastern Palace, Ding Mu happened to be out. After receiving the news, he immediately rushed back to the Palace to see what was going on. However, he was still too late.

After learning that his wife had been beaten to a tragic state, he immediately sent his men to look into it, and he was nearly scared out of his wits.

A genius who broke innumerable records, and on top of that, he had an unfathomable teacher...

Of all the people your Lin Clan could offend, why in the world did you have to offend such a powerful figure!

Avenge? How in the world do I avenge you?

Not many people knew about Su shi and Ling shi's arrival at Tianwu Kingdom, and even official master teachers weren't able to dig out the matter easily. But even so, the fact that Liang Qingming wasn't a match for the other party was an issue.

Given how the other party was capable of rendering a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert and the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast helpless with just a harrumph, even if the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom were to come together, it wouldn't be a match for him!

If I were to try to avenge you, won't the entire kingdom be doomed?

You must be joking!

"Of course I know who he is, a 2-star master teacher from the Master Teacher Pavilion who has a master who seems to be a 4-star master teacher!" Kicked by Ding Mu, Lin Long didn't panic. Instead, she sneered coldly.

Naturally, she also ordered her men to look into the matter.

"Since you know, then what are you spouting nonsense for. To become a 4-star master teacher, one has to be at minimum Transcendent Mortal realm. That kind of expert is a powerful figure even within the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, needless to say Xuanyuan Kingdom. He isn't someone that you or I can offend!"

Waving grandly, Ding Mu had finally decided. "Alright, let's forget about this matter. Don't ever bring it up again!"

"Don't make up your mind so quickly!"

Lin Long stood up. "Your Highness, do you know the reason behind the grudge between my Lin Clan and Zhang Xuan?"

"Isn't it because you slaughtered the other party's clan?" Ding Mu frowned.

"That's right, but do you know why I did that?" A bizarre smile crept on Lin Long's face.

Ding Mu frowned.

Regarding this matter, he had no idea at all.

Rumor had it that it was because of the conflict between Qu Chong's elder sister and Lin Lang. However, from the looks of it now, the matter wasn't that simple.

Lin Long was a person who was extremely protective of her family, but she wasn't someone who couldn't see the bigger picture. Otherwise, no matter how infatuated he was in her, Ding Mu would have never allowed her to become his wife.

She was usually a composed person, and it was indeed bizarre for her to slaughter an entire clan outright despite knowing the various implications it could bring.

Could there have been some hidden secret about the matter?

Ding Mu's curiosity was piqued, and he turned toward Lin Long with a gaze inviting her to continue on.

"Your Highness, I know that you wish to enter the Fleeting Cloud Sect, and I've been keeping that in mind... Actually, the key to doing so lies with Qu Chong!" Lin Long harrumphed.

"Oh?" Ding Mu glanced at Lin Long.

Even though Xuanyuan Kingdom was a vassal to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, the strongest influence in the surroundings was, without a doubt, this Fleeting Cloud Sect!

In the past 77 Master Teacher Tournament, it had won the championship thirty-six times. From this, it could be seen how powerful it was.

On the other hand, the best result the Myriad Kingdom Alliance had produced was only 23rd place, fifth from the bottom.

Ding Mu was the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom, and he would eventually inherit the throne. However, his ambitions didn't just stop here. He had only thought of Xuanyuan Kingdom as his stepping stone, and his eyes were set on the wider world outside. His current aim was to be a disciple of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, but he had been unable to find a suitable opportunity to become one!

Once he succeeds and receives the best grooming resources, his cultivation would surely soar, and becoming a Transcendent Mortal, or even reaching greater heights, wouldn't just be a dream.

Just that, the Fleeting Cloud Sect was a powerful organization with high bars, and joining it was no easy feat. On top of that, Ding Mu was the crown prince of a neighboring influence. Thus, without the recommendation of an insider, it was practically impossible.

"That Qu Clan may seem like an unimpressive and shabby clan now, but several ten thousand years ago, it was an extremely formidable clan! Their ancestors even unintentionally saved the life of Sage Min!" Lin Long said.

"Sage Min? You mean... one of the 72 Sages under Kong shi... Min shi?" Narrowing his eyes, Ding Mu's breathing hastened.

Kong shi had three thousand known disciples, and of them, the most formidable ones were known as the 72 Sages. They had participated in the creation of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and they were each considered as one of its founders.

Unintentionally saved his life?

Wasn't this Qu Clan impressive then?

"Indeed! Precise due to this, they received a letter with Kong shi's handwritten reply on it. They took it as their family heirloom, and they passed it down from generation to generation."

Glancing at Ding Mu, Lin Long continued, "Even if it's just a single word, the value of handwritten words from Kong shi is unimaginable. I believe Your Highness should understand it even if I don't say too much about it! If you can obtain this and hand it over to the master of Fleeting Cloud Sect, becoming an inner disciple wouldn't be a problem. In fact, it shouldn't be a problem for you to become a direct disciple, or even take on the role of an elder!"

"This..."

Ding Mu's body trembled in agitation.

Kong shi, the world's teacher.

The number one expert in history.

Contained within his handwritten words were the laws of the world, and his students had already taken all of them for themselves. Such treasures would never reach the outside world.

Even a 6-star master teacher would happily accept a person as his student if the other party were to present Kong shi's personal handwriting to him...

It was simply too valuable!

Putting aside the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, even the twenty-six other influences in the region might not even have one of such treasure... Yet, to think that the Qu Clan would possess it!

This...

Ding Mu's breathing hastened, and he felt his tongue went dry.

"Since you made a move on the Qu Clan two years ago, you should have eradicated all traces of them. Why did you intentionally leave a remnant running about?"

Lin Long harrumphed coldly, "That fellow thought that just because he changed his name to Lu Chong and hid in the Tianwu Academy, we wouldn't be able to find him. What a joke! Our Lin Clan has the Seeking Mouse; even if he were to don on a full disguise, we'd still be able to find him easily!"

Lu Chong had been holing himself up in Tianwu Academy, rarely heading to the streets to avoid any attention. He thought that by doing so, the Lin Clan wouldn't notice him. Yet, it turned out that the Lin Clan had already grasped his whereabouts, just that they chose not to make a move.

After all, even if the Lin Clan were to lose track of Lu Chong, the Seeking Mouse was more than capable of tracking him down.

The Lin Clan would have dominated the Tianwu Royal City in vain if it couldn't even track down a Pigu realm teenager.

"The members of the Qu Clan are obstinate, and no matter how we questioned them, we were unable to locate the whereabouts of that object. Thus, we intentionally left one alive to bring us to it."

A savage glint flashed across Lin Long's eyes as he said, "Yet, that fellow sure was patient. For the past two years, he didn't do anything at all. Initially, we were planning on capturing him to interrogate him, yet before we can make a move, this fellow found himself a good teacher who was willing to stand up for him..."

At this point, Lin Long clenched her fists tightly, and resentment scrunched her face.

Even though she had married into the Xuanyuan Kingdom, and she rarely returned back to her maternal family, she had been keeping an eye on the matter there.

It was due to the importance of the letter that Lin Long even went to the extent of building the expensive Communication Wall in the Lin Clan to make it convenient for them to exchange messages. Who would have that this wall wouldn't send her news of the handwritten letter, but of the destruction of the Lin Clan.

"A good teacher? I doubt so! Most probably, that Zhang Xuan knew about Kong shi's handwritten reply in advance. Otherwise, there is no reason for a Zongshi realm pinnacle 2-star master teacher to go all out for a student, offending the powerful Lin Clan and Xuanyuan Kingdom," Liang Qingming interjected by the side.

He was a confidant of the crown prince, and as such, the crown prince didn't bother hiding such secrets from him.

"That's right, that must be the reason. Otherwise, even with Yang shi as his backing, there's no reason for him to offend the Lin Clan for no reason and disregard the authority of Xuanyuan Kingdom!" Lin Long screeched.

If not for this, she truly couldn't understand why a 2-star master teacher who had such a bright future ahead for him would go through all of this trouble for a student he had just met a few days ago, waging war with the Lin Clan, and beating up her, the princess consort of Xuanyuan Kingdom.

"Alright, the important matter at hand isn't Zhang Xuan's motive!"

Ding Mu raised his hand to halt the vehement discussion of the two. His eyes reddened slightly in greed as he said, "It would be worth offending even the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance for Kong shi's handwritten reply, needless to say a 2-star master teacher. If your words are true, then taking this risk will be worthwhile!"

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was powerful, but compared to the twenty-six other powers in the surroundings, it was ranked at the very last.

As long as he laid his hands on the handwritten reply, he would be able to win the Fleeting Cloud Sect over to his side. Even if he had to offend the Myriad Kingdom Alliance in the midst of doing so, it would still be a huge gain.

"That's right, Your Highness. You must make your decision quickly. I've already sent someone to look into the matter, and Zhang Xuan seems to be leaving Tianwu Royal City. He has already bid the personnel of the Master Teacher Pavilion farewell, and just this morning, he was seen heading for Tianwu Mountain Range. The Myriad Kingdom Alliance is in the south, yet he headed for the southwest. If I'm not wrong, he must be looking for this letter. It'll be hard for us to lay our hands on the letter once they obtain it and bring it to the alliance!" Lin Long hurriedly said.

Previously, she only acted rashly due to the rage from seeing the tragic state her father and younger brother were in. After being pummeled by Lu Chong, she woke up, and she made many preparations in advance.

"It's indeed impossible to lay our hands on it once it's delivered to the alliance, but..." Ding Mu frowned, "He has his teacher and the two elders beside him..."

Ding Mu wasn't worried about Zhang Xuan, but his teacher and the 'Little Su', who wounded Liang Qingming, were huge problems.

With Transcendent Mortal experts accompanying him, he would be dead before he could close in on Zhang Xuan.

"Don't worry, Your Highness. Little Su and the other elder have already left yesterday, and when Zhang Xuan left this morning, Yang shi didn't tag along with him. He only brought his students and some retainers along with him!" Lin Long replied.

Su shi and Ling shi didn't intentionally hide their departure, so it wasn't hard to look into the matter.

This morning, Zhang Xuan and his group left on the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast, and Pavilion Master Jiang sent him off personally. Lin Long's spies were among the crowd who saw him off, and none of them saw Yang shi.

"He didn't tag along? Great... There are many savage beasts in Tianwu Mountain Range, and there are many experts under Zhizun realm who have died there. As long as we settle this matter properly... No one will be able to trace the matter back to me!"

Ding Mu stood up, and a callous glint flashed across his eyes.

"It's decided then. Kill him!"

---

This is how sects usually operate in most Chinese novels.

Outer (Normal) disciples: They are in charge of menial labor, but the sect provides them with some, although limited, resources for cultivation.

Inner disciples: This is where the more talented disciples are placed. They have a higher standing than outer disciples, and they don't have to do menial labor. The resources they are granted are significantly higher than that of outer disciples.

Direct disciple: As long as a disciple catches the eye of an elder or sect leader, they could be accepted as their direct disciple. Direct disciples usually have higher standing than inner disciples due to the backing of their master, and their master would also impart their secret arts to them.

After that, disciples can be promoted to take on various roles of the sect.

.

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Chapter 410: Finding the Old Residence

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Why are you here?"

Seeing the lady before him, Zhang Xuan fell speechless.

After accepting Zhao Ya and the others as his direct disciples, Zhang Xuan had finished dealing with all of the miscellaneous matters in Tianwu Kingdom. Thus, he summoned the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast and left immediately.

Knowing the limits of their capabilities, Liu shi and Lu Xun chose to remain in Tianwu Kingdom. The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was filled with innumerable experts, and they had no backing there. On the other hand, they had the protection of the royal family and the Master Teacher Pavilion here in Tianwu Kingdom. Thus, they took the initiative to stay.

Only Sun Qiang insisted on following with Yang shi. Thus, Zhang Xuan took him along with him.

It was exactly ten days since Zhang Xuan had arrived in Tianwu Kingdom. His cultivation had risen from Tongxuan realm pinnacle to Zongshi realm pinnacle, and his physical body possessed the might nearly equivalent to a Zhizun realm primary stage expert.

He also gained a new student, Lu Chong.

As for his occupations, he passed the 2-star master teacher examination, and his 3-star painter emblem just arrived last night.

Due to his lacking cultivation, the Apothecary Guild and Physician Guild weren't allowed to allocate his 3-star emblems for the time being.

Thus, his current occupations were as such: 2-star master teacher, 3-star apothecary, 3-star physician, 3-star painter, 2-star beast tamer.

His stop at Tianwu Kingdom had been rather fruitful.

In just ten days, Zhang Xuan achieved what others might never have been able to do even if they dedicated their entire lives to it.

"I would also like to visit the Myriad Kingdom Alliance to watch the Master Teacher Tournament. It can't be that you wish to dump me here?" Mo Yu stared at the youngster before her furiously.

What the heck!

Even if we can't progress any further, surely we can remain as friends!

How can you leave for Myriad Kingdom Alliance without biding me farewell?

Do you consider yourself a buddy?

It is fortunate that I have made preparations in advance and immediately rode the Viridescent Eagle after you. Otherwise, I would have surely missed you.

As a master teacher and the princess of Tianwu Kingdom, it wasn't too difficult for Mo Yu to look into the matter of Su shi and Ling shi, as well as the Master Teacher Tournament.

"Alright, I'll bring you along..."

Zhang Xuan gave up.

In any case, there was sufficient space on the back of the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast. It wasn't cramped even with his six students, Sun Qiang, and Mo Yu.

He couldn't be bothered with the infuriated Mo Yu, so Zhang Xuan stood by the window and gazed outward. White clouds overlapped one another, reminiscent of a boundless field of snow. In the midst between clouds, he could catch a glimpse of lush mountains. It felt rejuvenating.

"Teacher..."

Lu Chong walked over to Zhang Xuan and said, "In order to prevent the unfilial descendants of the Qu Clan from handing the letter over to the hands of others, they took precautions by hiding it in an old residence on the Tianwu Mountain Range. I only happened to hear my father bring the matter up. I roughly know the location, but I'm not too sure for the exact spot."

"It's alright, we can slowly look for it later on!"

Lu Chong's clan had given up their life to guard this heirloom. It was best if they could find it.

"Teacher, it's around this area!"

Half a day later, Lu Chong pointed.

"The area is huge; how can we find it like that?"

Leaping off the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, Zhao Ya glanced at the surroundings and sighed.

What stood before them was a gigantic mountain valley. The terrain was bumpy, and towering trees filled the area. Putting aside finding an old residence, they couldn't even see into the distance.

More importantly, there were many savage beasts in the area. If they were to accidentally barge into a savage beasts' nest, they would die indignantly.

"I'm... not too sure either!"

Lu Chong scratched his head awkwardly.

He had heard the elders of his family speaking about the rough geographical terrain, but he hadn't been here before, so he wasn't too sure.

"To find an old residence on such a vast mountain range... Even a year wouldn't be sufficient!"

Mo Yu shook her head.

She knew that Lu Chong wanted to look for an item before heading to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, but she didn't know what it was.

However, the area before them was simply too large.

The vast mountain range was filled with plants, and on top of that, the old residence was likely to be hidden by a formation... How could they find it under such overwhelmingly unlikely odds?

"Teacher..."

After taking a look around, the crowd eventually gave up. Thus, all eyes gathered on Zhang Xuan.

"This..."

Zhang Xuan shook his head. "There's no use asking me, I've never been to the Qu Clan's old residence before..."

Halfway through his words, Zhang Xuan's eyes suddenly lit up, and he said, "Wait, I just thought of a good idea!"

"You have an idea?"

Everyone froze for a moment before turning to look at Zhang Xuan with glowing eyes.

Mo Yu was also curious.

Even Lu Chong himself didn't know where the old residence was, so what kind of idea could Zhang Xuan come up with?

Just as they were perplexed, the young man before them took out an empty book, and he drew an arrow and scribbled a few words on it. Then, slowly rotating on the spot, he mumbled, "The Lu Clan's old residence is in this direction... this direction... this direction..."

"..."

Mo Yu, Zhao Ya, and the others were staggered.

They thought that Zhang Xuan would come up with some brilliant means, but upon seeing this sight, they nearly fainted on the spot.

Taking out a book to draw an arrow to confirm the direction? And you still dare to say that your idea is good... Where did your confidence come from?

If you wish to fool us, you should at least do it better! Aren't you being too perfunctory?

"Alright, this direction!"

After spinning an entire circle, Zhang Xuan confirmed the direction and pointed forward.

"..." Mo Yu staggered once more.

Sometimes, it seemed like this Zhang shi possessed unparalleled talent; at other times, he felt so ridiculous that it made one want to smack his head.

"You... are you sure that this method is feasible?" Mo Yu asked, unable to hold back her doubts.

"Of course!" Zhang Xuan nodded seriously. "The method I use involves a complex calculation of the position of the stars, the mountains, and the rivers, and along with a profound comprehension of the universe, I am able to even locate treasures, needless to say, determine a direction!"

The Library of Heaven's Path could determine right from wrong. As long as the direction he was pointing to reflected no flaws, it would mean that it was the correct direction.

However, there was no way Zhang Xuan could explain this.

"Position of the stars, the mountains, and the rivers?"

"Profound comprehension of the universe?"

The group stared at one another.

Grabbing a book, scribbling an arrow and a few words, rotating on the spot, and you tell me that it involves all of that? Can you come up with anything more nonsensical than that?

"Forget it. Since we can't find the direction either, we might as well listen to his words!"

Mo Yu felt constipated.

Why did she have to follow this fellow? She deeply suspected that at this rate, they might get lost forever in this forest.

Thus, after Zhang Xuan reached the end of a path that he determined, or that there were new splits in the path before them, Zhang Xuan would take his book out and rotate on the spot. Two hours later, they arrived at a col.

"This is it!"

Zhang Xuan pointed forward.

Glancing over, everyone was taken aback.

Amidst the greenery, they saw the roof of several rock residences. However, they looked slightly blurred, as though they were hidden in some formation.

"This must be the location! It's exactly the same as my father's description..."

Lu Chong's eyes lit up in anticipation.

"This..."

Upon hearing Lu Chong's confirmation, everyone's eyes widened, and their gazes hurriedly shot toward Zhang Xuan. They were on the verge of going insane.

Even Lu Chong, the person-in-question, couldn't find the direction. Yet, just by scribbling on a book and rotating on the spot... They all thought that Zhang Xuan was fooling about, but to think that it would actually work!

Could they have truly misunderstood him?

Did it really involve what stars, mountains, and rivers?

Otherwise, how did he manage to find the location?

Thinking back on it now, ever since the other party took out the book and turned around with it, the location they trod on had been straight, and they didn't stumble by any savage beast's nest along the way, despite the odds. Even if one were to know the way beforehand, surely it was impossible to maneuver so precisely?

More importantly, the location they were standing on happened to be the eye of the formation. It was due to them standing here that they were able to see the rock residences. If it was anywhere else, their sight would have been blocked by the formation.

In other words, if they didn't know the location beforehand, they would have been fooled by the formation and walk by it.

Despite not knowing where it was, Zhang Xuan was able to determine the precise location of the old residence...

How in the world... did this fellow do it?

"Forget it, he isn't human..."

Unable to make sense of this situation, Mo Yu could only shake her head with a bitter smile.

Ever since she'd met this fellow, he had been amazing her with all kinds of unimaginable means. There were too many things to him that couldn't be comprehended with common sense.

If she really tried to rationalize it all, she would probably die of exhaustion first.

"Let's go in!"

Ignoring the dazed crowd, Zhang Xuan walked straight toward the col.

"Teacher, wait a moment. This formation is extremely dangerous!"

Lu Chong hurried forward to stop Zhang Xuan, "According to my father, only the blood of a Qu Clan descendant can stop the formation..."

"The blood of a Qu Clan descendant?"

Zhang Xuan glanced at Lu Chong.

"Un. If I'm not wrong, I have to drip a droplet of my blood on the formation-controlling rock for a path for us to appear. Without this formation protecting the old residence, the area would have long been scavenged by humans or savage beasts!" Lu Chong explained.

Coming to a realization, Mo Yu and the others nodded.

Given that the old residence was still able to retain its original appearance despite the innumerable years since it was abandoned, the formation truly possessed incredible might.

So far, it seemed to be effective in warding away humans and savage beasts.

If one were to abruptly step into such a formidable formation, huge trouble might ensue.

"Then, give it a try!" Mo Yu urged.

Without wasting a word, Lu Chong looked around the area and a troubled look flashed on his face.

His father had told him that he had to drip a droplet of his blood on the formation-controlling rock for it to stop, but... which of these innumerable rocks was it?

The entire col was filled with at least a thousand bizarre rocks. If he were to drip a droplet of blood on every single one of them, he would probably die of anemia before the formation stopped.

"That... Teacher, I can't find the formation-controlling rock..."

A moment later, Lu Chong returned with a sheepish look.

His elder sister was a genius formation master, but he wasn't.

There were many secret manuals on formations in his clan, but he didn't like reading them, and he never did. In the end, when he visited the old residence of his ancestors, he wasn't even able to find the formation-controlling rock at all...

"You can't find it?"

Zhang Xuan was taken aback. He briefly looked around the surroundings before pinching his glabella, "I can't find it either..."

Even though he had taken in quite a sizeable sum of books on formation, this formation was clearly above grade-3, beyond the level of Tianwu Kingdom

With his current knowledge on formations, it was difficult for him to find it as well.

Eventually, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

"Forget it, let's not bother finding the formation-controlling rock..."

Lu Chong was taken aback. "Then... how do we enter?"

"Simple..."

Zhang Xuan stepped forward.

Weng!

As soon as he stepped into the formation, it started shaking vigorously. Then, lifting his foot, he kicked straight at a certain point.

Hu!

The formation stopped.

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually, "Alright, we can enter now!"

"..." Lu Chong, Mo Yu, and the others.