281-285

Chapter 281: Crimson Flame Lotus Seed

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

Silence.

The entire environment was devoid of sound.

Gu Mu's face paled.

He saw the speed his 'senior granduncle' displayed, and if the other party were to use this speed against him, he probably won't even last for a breath!

That is to say... Killing him is indeed not any harder than slaughtering a chicken!

Upon recalling the fact that he had tried to get violent with such an expert, cold sweat drenched his back immediately.

It was fortunate that the other party had recognized him, and that there was a form of kinship between them. Otherwise, even though he was an envoy of the headquarter, he would definitely have been reduced to a corpse in an instant.

The other party was an expert of an entirely different level, and given he didn't attempt to retaliate when Gu Mu provoked him earlier on, why would he need to fool him just to take his life? Rather, that would just sully his status.

"Senior granduncle, I was too skeptical, please forgive me!"

Upon understanding this fact, Gu Mu bowed in apology.

If killing him was as easy as killing a chicken, there should be no need for the Senior granduncle to play mind games with him if he really wished to slaughter him.

"I was traveling around the world when I passed by Red Lotus City and noticed that the Great Herb King was afflicted with the Contract Gu. Thus, I saved him, and from him, I heard about the conflict over the seat of the Hall Master in the Poison Hall branch. Unable to bear the sight of the younger generation of poison masters killing one another over such a minor matter, I came here with the intention of resolving the conflict!"

Staring at the skies, benevolence shone through Zhang Xuan's eyes.

"This..."

Upon hearing that the other party came here for such a reason, Liao Xun and the others felt embarrassed.

To think that they had believed that he was a fraud hankering for some treasure... Such thoughts appear ludicrous now that they recalled about it.

No wonder he spoke of conducting an examination the moment he arrived and declared that the most outstanding poison master would become the Hall Master. Through such, they would be able to avoid unnecessary conflict and trouble.

Gu Mu came to a realization as well. He had been thinking why his senior granduncle, despite his position, would choose to impersonate as the envoy. In the end, it was because he was unwilling to see fellow poison masters killing one another.

Upon realizing this fact, Gu Mu couldn't help but be impressed with the other party. Probably, only a true poison master, one who had an intense love for this occupation would be able to possess such magnanimity.

"Alright, since the real envoy is here, it's meaningless for me to remain here. Thus, I'll be taking my leave!"

Shaking his head, Zhang Xuan turned around and walked out of the Poison Hall.

The reason why the others took in his words so easily was that they were still awed by the Heaven's Path Movement Art. As time went by, they would realize the many loopholes in his words.

However, Zhang Xuan's motive here was to browse through the books. Now that he had accomplished his primary aim, and that the real envoy had arrived, remaining here would do nothing but increase the chances of his disguise being seen through. In that case, he might as well leave immediately.

After leaving the perimeter of the poison mist, he would be able to summon the Howling Firmament Beast and leave this place for good.

"Senior granduncle, please save me..."

Seeing the other party turn around to leave without talking about his illness, Gu Mu's complexion turned pale. He knew that his doubt had offended the other party, so he hurried forward and kneeled to the floor.

All experts had their own dignity.

From the moment he arrived, Gu Mu has been antagonizing him, even making a move against him. Furthermore, when the other party offered to help him out of goodwill, he refused to believe him and doubted his intentions. It was no wonder why the other party was displeased.

His temper could already be considered good for not teaching Gu Mu a lesson there and then.

"I require my patients to be unconscious when treating them. I understand that you're worried about your safety, and I don't blame you for not believing me!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

The other party was clearly angry from his tone, and he didn't seem to intend to help him. Thus, Gu Mu hesitated for a moment before gritting his teeth and sending a telepathic message, "Senior granduncle, wait a moment! It was merely a pretense that the headquarter sent me to nominate a new Hall Master and stabilize the situation in the branch; the truth is that the [Crimson Flame Lotus Seed] in this branch has matured!"

"Crimson Flame Lotus Seed?"

"That's right. The Crimson Flame Lotus Seed lives in the depths of the volcano, and it absorbs the strength of the earth veins for its growth. If a cultivator were to consume it, their chances of breaking through the Zhizun realm bottleneck to reach higher realms would be increased by 20%! It is precisely because I'm stuck at this bottleneck that I took the initiative to apply for this mission."

Gu Mu spoke of everything without withholding any information.

"I know that given senior granduncle's strength, this object is useless to you. Even so, it would be beneficial to your disciples and students if they were to consume it."

"It can increase the chances of breaking through Zhizun by 20%?" Zhang Xuan was astonished.

A breakthrough in cultivation depended on one's will, faith, accumulation, and cultivation technique... Pills are considered as supplements, and most medicinal herbs weren't very effective for helping to raise one's cultivation.

Yet, the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed increased the chances of breaking through the Zhizun realm by a full 20%. If Zhang Xuan didn't hear this news from a Zhizun realm expert himself, he wouldn't dare to believe it to be true.

Even though 20% may not seem to be much, such effectiveness was already considered to be amazing by cultivators. Many would kill to lay their hands on the seed.

Zhizun realm was the pinnacle of being a Fighter, but it wasn't the terminal point of one's cultivation. In the vast world out there, there were countless experts who had surpassed the Zhizun realm.

A single Crimson Flame Lotus Seed can increase the possibility of one's breakthrough by a staggering 20%, so it is definitely considered a priceless treasure.

Zhang Xuan didn't expect to find such a valuable object in this Poison Hall branch.

"Alright, speak of your request!"

Knowing that the other party must have his motives for this matter, Zhang Xuan turned to look at him.

"I only hope that senior granduncle can lend a helping hand to cure my physical trauma. As for the lotus seed, I only require one for my breakthrough, and I'll present the rest to senior granduncle!"

Gu Mu said.

Gu Mu knew that given his current physical condition, even if he were to obtain the lotus seed, it would be impossible for him to reach higher realms. If that was the case, he might as well trade the seeds in return for treatment.

Besides, even though the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed was good stuff, it wasn't that easily obtainable. Otherwise, the old Hall Master wouldn't have died so abruptly.

Other people may not be aware of the cause of the death of the old Poison Hall, but Gu Mu was in the know. The branch had written and submitted a report on the old Hall Master's death, and Gu Mu happened to see its content by coincidence.

The rumors outside claiming that he died due to an illness were false. Rather, it was because the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed had matured and in the midst of picking it, the old Hall Master was burnt to ashes by the Earthen Flames.

Given how even a Zhizun expert was burnt to ashes by the flames, it was likely that Gu Mu would require the help of his senior granduncle to obtain that lotus seed.

Thus, after some contemplation, he decided to inform the other party of this news and make a deal.

Gu Mu knew that an expert of the other party's level wouldn't treat him poorly in consideration of the latter's status after knowing of the news.

"Alright!"

Zhang Xuan nodded.

Zhang Xuan had already intended to treat Gu Mu from the start, and now that there would be a reward, there was no reason for him to turn the other party down

"So... When do we begin?"

Seeing the other party agree, Gu Mu was delighted. "Are there any preparations that need to be done?"

"There's no need for any preparations, we can start now!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

The longer he dragged the matter, the likelier a twist would occur in the situation. It was best for Zhang Xuan to get it over and done with.

"Alright!" Upon hearing that the other party would conduct the treatment now, Gu Mu was overjoyed. "I'll be depending on senior granduncle then!"

After which, he raised his hands.

Padah!

Knocking himself on his head, his body went limp and fell to the floor.

"Ah?"

Seeing that the other party had knocked himself unconscious, Zhang Xuan glanced downward to look at the bag of [Soul Numbing Powder] in his hands. Helpless, Zhang Xuan could only place it back into his storage ring.

"I was intending to use this. To think that you would be even more reckless than the Great Herb King..."

The [Soul Numbing Powder], which can send a person unconscious, is extremely useful for his 'unique medical techniques'. Thus, before setting off, he asked for plenty of it from the Great Herb King.

In any case, the object wasn't expensive, and the Great Herb King was also willing to do Zhang Xuan this favor. Thus, he gave him over twenty packets of it.

He was intending to test the effects of the powder, but by the time he managed to take it out, the other party had already knocked himself out.

That was way too fast!

However, this was good as well. In any case, he was unconscious, and this spared Zhang Xuan some effort.

Stepping forward to the unconscious Gu Mu, Zhang Xuan shook his hands and a few silver needles appeared in his palm.

A detailed description of the other party's physical condition was formed when the other party made a move on him earlier, so there was no need for Zhang Xuan to diagnose him once more.

With a flick of his fingers, the silver needles flew toward Gu Mu's body. Zhang Xuan's movements were light and nimble, as though a butterfly.

Gu Mu's physical condition was largely different from that of the Great Herb King.

The latter had his foundations damaged by the Contract Gu, resulting in his declining health, whereas the former used poison excessively to stimulate his acupoints so as to raise his cultivation, during which, the poison seeped into his body and began to destroy his physical functions.

The former required the nourishment of the Heaven's Path zhenqi whereas the latter merely required Zhang Xuan to locate the area where the poison accumulated and use the Heaven's Path zhenqi to expel it from his body to solve the issue straightforwardly.

In fact, the treatment for Gu Mu's condition was much easier than that of the Great Herb King.

Tzzzzzzz!

The Heaven's Path zhenqi flowed through the silver needle toward the areas where the poison aura accumulated. Soon, the sound of flowing water could be heard from Gu Mu's body, and black water flowed out from his fingers and toes.

"Is this... the poison aura hidden in his body?"

"Is it being forced out just like that?"

Looking at the situation, Liao Xun and the others widened their eyes in disbelief.

Coming into contact with poison on a daily basis, they understood the difficulty of expelling poison from one's body.

Some poison aura, once seeped into the body, can never be removed regardless of the valuable herbs one consume or how long one tries.

This was precisely the reason why even though poison masters were fearsome existences, their lifespan tended to be extremely short. Reaching fifty to sixty years of age was already a huge achievement for them.

Even though they didn't have any visible conditions, there were already numerous problems within their bodies. The poisons that they came into contact with were already slowly gnawing at them from within.

They thought that there was no cure for them, but to think that the senior before them was able to resolve this trauma easily.

If he is able to expel the potent poison contained in the envoy's body so easily, doesn't it mean that he can treat us with ease as well?

Thus, they started staring at Zhang Xuan with fiery eyes.

Oblivious to the crowd's reaction, Zhang Xuan was immersed in the matter at hand. Every single needle was pierced accurately at areas where the poison aura was hidden within his body. Before long, he shook his hands, and all of the silver needles flew back to him.

Then, he swung his arms in a grand fashion.

Gu Mu slowly roused into consciousness.

"This..."

Opening his eyes, Gu Mu detected the changes within his body immediately.

Before, when his body was affected by the poison aura, he felt as though he was weighed down by gigantic shackles. Every single movement and action he made felt difficult. But now, as though all of the shackles were removed, his body felt as light as a feather.

Even without checking his condition with his zhenqi, he knew that the other party had pulled him back from the gates of hell.

"Senior granduncle, thank you for saving my life!"

Thus, he knelt to the floor once more. This time, it wasn't out of fear for the other party's strength, but in earnest respect for the other party's capability and assistance.

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually, "Your condition is more severe than I thought, and you will require three treatments before the problem can be completely solved. Thus, there's no need for you to be thankful to me. It's not too late to say such words after you are completely cured!"

Zhang Xuan hadn't received the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, and he wasn't out of danger either. Thus, Zhang Xuan left himself a bargaining chip, choosing not to cure the other party in a single go, in case the other party reneged on his words.

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Chapter 282: Heaven's Path Poison Art

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"Yes!"

Gu Mu knew that his physical condition had already deteriorated to the worst possible state, so he thought it would take several months to treatment for the other party to alleviate his situation. Yet, contrary to his expectations, the other party said that three treatments were sufficient. Thus, he couldn't help but feel amazed by his 'senior granduncle' once more.

"Your current condition shouldn't pose any problem to you in the short term, so I will arrange for the other two treatments at a later date. Also, I'll leave the matter regarding the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed up to you! After all, you're the envoy, so I will stay out of this matter!"

The carrot and stick each has to be employed at the right moments for it to be useful. Knowing that Gu Mu was completely impressed by him, Zhang Xuan wasn't worried about being attacked by him again. Thus, as he spoke, he walked up and sat at the centermost position in the hall.

Gu Mu nodded before turning to Liao Xun and the others, "Other than the Vice Hall Masters and the elders, the rest of you can leave now!"

"Yes!"

No one dared to disobey the words of the envoy. Soon, only the four elders and the three Vice Hall Masters remained in the room.

"I'm here for two matters!"

Flinging his sleeves, Gu Mu scanned the surroundings.

Even though he behaved as an obedient junior before Zhang Xuan, acting cautiously and subserviently, it was a fact that he was still a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert and a 3-star pinnacle poison master. Destroying this branch didn't mean anything at all to him.

His absolute strength granted him unparalleled authority, and no one dared to talk back to him.

"Envoy, please speak!"

Liao Xun and the others quickly bowed.

"Firstly, I will choose the new Hall Master. Secondly, I am here to pick the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, which should have matured by now." Gu Mu said.

"Crimson Flame Lotus Seed..."

Liao Xun and the others shuddered, their faces turning pale at the same time.

"Crimson Flame Lotus lives in the regions where the earth flames burn, and it feeds on lethal poison to nourish itself. Both the flower and the leaves contain lethal poison, and they are ideal ingredients to concocting poison. However, despite the lethal poison on the other parts of the lotus and its surroundings, its seeds remain untainted. On the contrary, it is an unparalleled treasure for cultivators trying to surpass Zhizun realm. The reason why the Red Lotus branch was established several thousand of years ago at this spot was to monopolize this lotus."

With an authoritative tone, Gu Mu spoke, "Now that the lotus seed has matured, I'll take the seeds and leave the flower and leaves to you. I presume that you have no problems with this, right?"

"There's... no problem!"

Liao Xun and the others smiled bitterly as they nodded.

The envoy had already spoken, and the 'senior granduncle' was observing beside. Even if they had a problem with his words, they wouldn't dare to voice it out!

"That's good. How much longer will it take before the lotus seeds mature?"

Seeing the lack of opposition to the matter, Gu Mu nodded his head in satisfaction before asking.

He chose this period of time to come after having estimated the maturing of the lotus seed, but the specific date that it would fully mature eluded him.

"Reporting to the envoy, there's still ten days to its maturity!"

Liao Xun replied.

"Ten days? Good. Prepare the best room in the Poison Hall for my senior granduncle. In this ten days, I will pick out the new Hall Master!" Gu Mu said.

"Yes!"

Everyone nodded in response to the envoy's instructions.

Knowing that it would take ten days before the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed mature, Zhang Xuan decided to make use of this time to digest the information which he had just absorbed to analyze the poison aura within his body.

In any case, since he hadn't yet cured the other party completely, so even if Gu Mu were to realize a lapse in his statements and conclude that this 'senior granduncle' of his was a fake, it was unlikely he would do anything to him.

Besides, he had displayed numerous incredible feats which even 5-star poison masters were incapable of. Most probably, he wouldn't dare to pick a fight with him either.

...

Ignoring the issue of selecting the new Hall Master, Zhang Xuan sat quietly in his room after instructing the Great Herb King and Butler Lu to guard his door. He was analyzing the books which he had gathered, and his mind operated at maximum efficiency.

"Correct!"

Muttering under his breath, the countless books on poison on the shelves merged into one and formed a thick secret manual.

Knowing that this was the [Heaven's Path Poison Art] that he wanted to compile, he grabbed it lightly and started browsing through it without hesitation.

"Poison is a type of medicine. It can kill, and can also save lives..."

Written on the first page of the book was an introduction to poisons.

This Heaven's Path Poison Art manual formed with the books on poison here was clearly much more advanced, detailed, and profound than the one formed with the books in Tianxuan Kingdom. Zhang Xuan's understanding of poisons deepened with each page he read.

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Xuan's eyes suddenly opened. The confusion which could be seen in his eyes before was replaced with clarity.

"To think that the study of poison is so vast and profound as well!"

Recalling the content he has just learned moments ago, Zhang Xuan felt amazed.

It was no wonder why poison masters were the subjects of fear for countless people. In terms of the complexity, it wasn't inferior to apothecary, blacksmiths, and the other Upper Nine Paths occupations. In terms of offensive ability, it might even exceed them.

For example, with Zhang Xuan's current cultivation, he would definitely be unable to match a Zongshi realm intermediate stage cultivator. However, if he were to utilize poison, he could easily kill a Zongshi realm pinnacle expert!

Or perhaps, even a Zhizun realm expert!

Of course, poison wasn't omnipotent either. Without a sufficiently high cultivation, one would be unable to conceal the killing intent within them, and their attempt at poisoning the other party would be easily detected. If so, they would probably be killed before they could even do anything.

Furthermore, there were some formidable poisons which required a poison master to use his blood essence and zhenqi to trigger its effects.

Even if a person who wasn't a poison master or didn't possess sufficiently high cultivation were to be given a potent poison, he would be unable to utilize it. On the contrary, he might even be killed by it instead.

It is just like how everyone knows about the might of the atomic bomb, but without sufficient knowledge and strength, it is impossible to control. Even if you were given one, you wouldn't be able to threaten anyone with it. On the other hand, you might even put yourself in danger by wielding it.

Potent poison is just like a powerful weapon. Without sufficient strength and mastery, putting aside coming into contact with them, even if one was several hundred meters, or even several thousand meters away, it was possible for him to be poisoned to death by it!

It is an incomparably dangerous tool!

Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that if he formulated a potent poison, he wouldn't have to fear even Zhizun realm pinnacle experts. But from the looks of it, he had been overthinking.

"While I don't intend to harm anyone through poison, I can avoid being harmed by others with this knowledge!"

The strength that a poison master could potentially wield alarmed Zhang Xuan.

While he didn't intend to kill anyone with poison, he had to be careful to not allow anyone to obtain a chance of poisoning him.

It was just like the poison aura in Zhang Xuan's body. If he had been guarded against all poison masters beforehand, he wouldn't have landed himself in such a difficult situation.

"According to the manual, the highest level that a poison master can attain is to create the Poison Body. It is entirely possible for me to cultivate it!"

Zhang Xuan smiled.

Just like any other occupation, being a poison master is heavily reliant on talent.

Talented poison masters would possess Innate Poison Body. Not only does the Innate Poison Body grant one incredible sensitivity to poison, it would also give them extraordinary resistance toward it. That is to say, if a poison master possesses this constitution, even if he were to consume the poison concocted by other poison masters, he wouldn't suffer any effects or damage, as though eating an ordinary meal.

Even more so, rumors have it that a person with such a constitution can absorb the energy contained within the poison they consume in order to raise their cultivation.

Of course, this constitution is incredibly rare. Even within billions of poison masters, there might not even be a single one.

Similar to Zhao Ya's Pure Yin Body, one had to be born with this constitution to possess it, so it was impossible for Zhang Xuan to cultivate the Innate Poison Body. However, the countless secret arts that poison masters cultivate contained in the books of the Poison Hall had formed a corresponding cultivation technique alongside the Heaven's Path Poison Art.

And if he were to cultivate according to the cultivation technique, even if he is unable to reach the level of the Innate Poison Body, he would be able to significantly increase his physical immunity to poison. This was much more efficient than the special techniques poison masters utilize to temper their physique to make it more resilient toward poison.

"I should give it a try!"

Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan willed for the book on the cultivation technique to appear and started browsing through it.

After an unknown period of time, he exhaled a mouthful of turbid air and stood up all of a sudden.

Geji! Geji! Geji!

The bones throughout his body crackled as though fried beans and his aura evolved in an instant.

"Even though it pales in comparison to Innate Poison Body, it grants me immunity toward ordinary poisons. In my current state, consuming poisons formulated by a 3-star poison master wouldn't hurt me in any way!"

Sensing the changes in his body, Zhang Xuan smiled.

There was an obvious change in his body after cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art and his immunity toward poison had increased.

Even though it wasn't the Innate Poison Body, he had achieved perfect immunity to poisons concocted by 3-star poison masters and below.

"More importantly... After cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art, on top of curing people and inducing a breakthrough in their cultivation, my Heaven's Path zhenqi can also be turned into lethal poison with a single thought, killing an enemy instantaneously!"

Rather than his physical body, the greatest change from cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art was actually his zhenqi.

The purity of the Heaven's Path zhenqi made it an unparalleled tool in healing injuries, rejuvenating one's stamina, augmenting one's life force, and inducing a breakthrough in cultivation...

And after cultivating the Heaven's Path Poison Art, Zhang Xuan was now capable of converting the Heaven's Path zhenqi into a lethal aura that was impossible to withstand. Once it seeps into one's veins, even a Zhizun realm expert would be unable to neutralize it.

As clear as spring water, it was capable of diving into any holes or acupoints within the human body. Even if one were to know where it was, without sufficiently pure zhenqi, it would be impossible to expel.

This was no different from terminal stage cancer. Even if one knew the cause and solution to the problem, it was impossible to treat.

As expected of the Heaven's Path zhenqi. Life and death hinged on just a single thought.

Zhang Xuan didn't know that it could wield such an incredible power.

"Now that I'm done cultivating the Poison Body, I should check on the poison aura!"

Having finished cultivating the Poison Body, Zhang Xuan exhaled deeply. He turned his attention once more to the poison aura hidden in the depths of his body.

In the past, he understood very little about poison, and thus, he was unable to ascertain what the poison hiding in his body was. Now that his knowledge was comparable to a 3-star poison master, such that Gu Mu might not even be a match for him, he finally possessed the capability to look into the origin of the poison aura and find a way to expel it.

Upon entering the state of Heart of Tranquil Water, Zhang Xuan's mind began clocking at a rapid speed.

"This poison aura can hide within my bloodstream and escape the pursuit of my Heaven's Path zhenqi..."

As he examined the poison aura hidden in his body, books after books of poison appeared before his eyes, and countless knowledge flooded his mind.

There was more than a million type of poison in the world, and every single one of them had a different concoction and cure. Even the slightest mistake could cause a huge difference in the result.

Thus, Zhang Xuan didn't panic. He took his time and sieved through the countless books in the library slowly.

"Green Spirit Poison, that's not it! Phantom Shadow Toxic, that's not right either! Clear Snake Venom, that doesn't seem like it..."

Zhang Xuan compared the poison based on its color and traits to those listed in the books one by one. After a period of time, Zhang Xuan suddenly halted. His face paled, and his eyes were filled with disbelief.

"To think that it would be this. How... How is this possible?"

---

Clarifications:

A Heaven's Path (perfect) cultivation technique is formed along with the Heaven's Path Poison Art. While the book is called Heaven's Path Poison Art, the cultivation technique is also called Heaven's Path Poison Art.

Cultivating Heaven's Path Poison Art will grant you the Poison Body.

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Chapter 283: Lava Beast [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

This is... the Innate Fetal Poison!

It's a type of Innate Poison!

Upon identifying the poison, Zhang Xuan felt as if he could go insane.

Innate Fetus Poison is a poison that affects a fetus in its mother's womb. The poison melds with one's blood and soul, making it impossible to cure.

Zhao Ya possessed the Innate Pure Yin Body and, after awakening her unique constitution, gained overwhelming strength and incredible beauty befitting of a queen. On the other hand, Yuan Tao possessed the Innate Emperor Bloodline and, after its awakening, gained an invincible defense, becoming a human-shaped meat shield...

Zhang Xuan had always been envious of them, and now, he realized that he possessed an innate constitution as well, just that...

These are all innate constitutions, but why the huge difference?

Other people's innate constitution allow their cultivation to soar, but his innate constitution was instead threatening to claim his life...

"Innate Fetal Poison is a unique poison that is planted into the body of a pregnant mother. It fuses with the fetus within her before it is born and causes an innate lack of Fetal Vitality. Those who have been inflicted with this poison rarely live beyond thirty, and this constitution is also termed as the Constitution of Premature Death... and there is no cure for it."

Zhang Xuan was on the verge of tears.

Other people possess overpowered innate physical constitution, while I possess the innate Constitution of Premature Death...

Premature death your head!

Is it even possible to pull an even bigger prank on me?

If I won't live beyond thirty, doesn't that mean that I only have a decade more to live? My days are numbered...

Suppressing his dismay, he searched through the books in the Library of Heaven's Path and found seven to eight other books with descriptions on Innate Fetal Poison, but... these descriptions tallied with the poison aura hidden in his body.

That meant that without a doubt, Zhang Xuan was inflicted with this poison.

Just that...

"To be capable of planting the poison in the mother and have her pass it to her offspring without being noticed, the one who planted the poison must be at minimum a 7-star poison master. But I am only an orphan, there shouldn't be any need to go through so much trouble..."

After confirming the poison in his body, Zhang Xuan brooded for a moment before doubts started appearing in his mind.

Having read so many books on poison in the Poison Hall, Zhang Xuan had gained an in-depth understanding of the usage of poison. For one to plant an Innate Fetal Poison into a person without being noticed, the poison master must be above 7-star.

He would be either an 8-star or even a 9-star poison master.

A poison master of this level already possesses unparalleled cultivation. Why would he waste so much effort just to deal with an orphan like him?

His previous self was just an insignificant figure living in a backward place like Tianxuan Kingdom. Being an orphan, he was so poor that he did not have a single cent in belonging. Nothing about him was exceptional, except for his cultivation before he reached eighteen. But after that, he fell behind and even earned a reputation as the worst teacher in the entire history of Hongtian Academy.

How can a figure like him be worthy of the attention of a poison master standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid... Isn't this inconceivable?

"This poison fuses with one's body, and under normal circumstances, one wouldn't notice it until his death. It is due to the Heaven's Path zhenqi that I cultivated being too pure that it was forced to reveal its presence. Even so, there's no way for me to treat it..."

Zhang Xuan felt helpless.

The first time he noticed this poison, he thought that someone had planned to murder him, and his previous self was killed by that person. But from the looks of it now, he had been overthinking.

This poison had accompanied him from birth, and it was hidden so deeply that even a 9-star poison master wouldn't be able to notice it. Without a doubt, this would have been a perfect murder. Even if Zhang Xuan were to die, it would be impossible for anyone to pinpoint the murderer. In fact, even if Zhang Xuan were a poison master it would have been almost impossible for him to notice the poison aura. However, the Heaven's Path zhenqi that he cultivated was simply too pure. Flowing through his meridians and blood, no impurity was able to able to remain hidden. As such, it was forced out of its hiding.

Even so, Zhang Xuan could do nothing about it. Nourished during the pregnancy of its former host, it had already gained intelligence such that even the Heaven's Path zhenqi was incapable of expelling it. Furthermore, it would grow more and more potent with the passing of time, and Zhang Xuan would surely die before reaching the age of thirty.

The heck!

What in the world is this! Other people are blessed with golden fingers which allow them to reign supreme in their worlds, but he was given a time bomb instead. Furthermore, it was the type that straps tightly to you, in order to ensure your death.

It was likely that this poison had played a part in the death of his previous self. Under uncontrollable depression and a strong will to end his life, the poison aura acted up prematurely, claiming his soul. However, Zhang Xuan's transcension occurred before the poison aura could corrode the body fully.

Zhang Xuan's sudden fall as a genius, due to his cultivation stagnating, was also related to this poison aura.

Before reaching Zhenqi realm pinnacle, his previous self advanced swiftly in his cultivation, and he was reputed as a genius that appeared only once every hundred years. However, he ended up being stopped before the gates of Pigu realm for countless years. The reason for this was that the poison aura fused with his entire body, and this severely suppressed the might of his once murky zhenqi.

Unless one achieved the level of purity of Heaven's Path zhenqi, it was impossible for him to overcome the suppression of the poison aura and reach higher realms. Given the murky zhenqi that one could only cultivate practicing the inferior cultivation techniques in Tianxuan Kingdom, there was no way his previous self could have reached Pigu realm.

"All poisons must have a cure. However, the tier of this Poison Hall is too low. Maybe I would be able to find a solution within the books at a higher tier branch..."

Even though Zhang Xuan felt dismal at his condition, he wasn't ready to give up.

After comprehending the Heaven's Path Poison Art, Zhang Xuan had gained an extensive understanding of poison.

Every cause is linked to an effect, and similarly, there isn't such a thing as an incurable disease in the world. Even though the books Zhang Xuan compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path stated that there wasn't a solution to the poison, that didn't mean that it was truly incurable. He could perhaps find a remedy in another higher tier Poison Hall.

"This Innate Fetal Poison will not act up before I reach thirty. That is to say... I have to find a remedy within the next ten years!"

As though a dagger, the Heart of Tranquil Water state sliced away all negative thoughts from Zhang Xuan's mind. Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

He had transcended for barely more than a month, and he had already reached Half-Zongshi up from Zhenqi realm pinnacle. It was hard to imagine what heights he would reach in the next ten years, and by then, he might have already found a cure.

There was no need for him to panic.

But the matter nevertheless weighed down on him heavily, exerting a constant stress on him.

Often, what happens in practice do not obey logical theories. It took Zhang Xuan great luck to live once more, and he didn't want to die for such an absurd reason.

"Summon Gu Mu!"

Standing up, Zhang Xuan instructed the Great Herb King and Butler Lu, who were guarding the entrance to his room.

"Senior granduncle, did you call me?"

Not too long after, Gu Mu walked into the room.

"Sit!" Zhang Xuan gestured. "The reason why I had you come over is that I have something I would like to ask you!"

Gu Mu sat upright immediately. "Senior granduncle, please speak!"

In the last few days, Zhang Xuan had taken out some time to conduct a second treatment for the person before him. After which, the latter felt rejuvenated, and he felt as though he had returned back to the time ten years ago when his stamina was at his peak. Endless energy seemed to gush through him.

After two treatments, he knew that this senior granduncle before him possessed heavenly means. He had long been fully impressed by the latter, and he didn't dare to hold any doubts or vile thoughts toward him.

"Have you heard of the Innate Fetal Poison?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Gu Mu came from Xuanyuan Kingdom Poison Hall branch, and he had read through profound secret manuals. It was possible that he might know something that Zhang Xuan didn't.

"Innate Fetal Poison?"

Gu Mu hesitated for a moment before answering, "I've heard of this poison. It is a lethal poison which is implanted into the womb of a woman, and the poison fuses itself with the fetus along with its growth. There's no cure for the poison!"

"No cure?"

"Yes!" Gu Mu nodded. However, he suddenly thought of something, and hesitation flickered on his face. "But..."

"But what?" Zhang Xuan stared at him intently.

"I've heard a rumor, but I can't ascertain its authenticity!"

After hesitating for a moment longer, Gu Mu said, "It is said that the greatest man in history, Empyrean Kong shi, was afflicted with Innate Fetal Poison. No one knew how he resolved it, but he lived to ten thousand years old and passed away from old age."

Empyrean Kong shi was known as the number one master teacher in the world, the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion. He was revered by countless people in the world, and there wasn't a single master teacher or master teacher apprentice who didn't know of him.

"Oh?"

Zhang Xuan had once heard Huang Yu spoke of him and he felt immense respect for the legendary figure as well.

However, he didn't expect that senior to be afflicted with the Innate Fetal Poison as well, to have been in a similar predicament as him.

However, since he managed to overcome it, it meant that there was a cure for the poison.

"However, this is only a legend spread among the civilians. If one wants to know about the matters surrounding Kong shi, one would probably have to pay a visit to the Master Teacher Pavilion as a master teacher. Poison masters like us only know a thing or two about him from the rumors... But, why would senior granduncle ask about this?" Gu Mu asked doubtfully.

"I am just casually asking about it!"

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually. At this moment, Zhang Xuan decided to pay a visit to the Master Teacher Pavilion right after he settled the things here.

An autobiography would be compiled on the life of outstanding figures in each occupation and kept in their respective guilds so that the later generations can learn from their example.

Since Kong shi was the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, it was likely that his records were in the Master Teacher Pavilion.

If he was truly afflicted with Innate Fetal Poison and if he eventually lived to the end of his full lifespan, it would mean that he had managed to resolve the poison.

If there was a precedent of success, Zhang Xuan would need not panic that much.

"What's the situation in the Poison Hall?"

Having a plan in mind, Zhang Xuan decided not to linger on this topic.

"After several rounds of examinations, I have already decided on the new Hall Master; he is the Vice Hall Master Liao Xun! Also, the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed is nearing maturity and we can pick it tomorrow."

Gu Mu replied.

"Tomorrow? Great!" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

He had obtained the knowledge he required and had also identified the poison he was suffering from. As such, there was no further need for him to remain here, and it was best for him to leave as soon as possible.

After Gu Mu exited the room, Zhang Xuan continued to look through the books in the Library of Heaven's Path to augment his knowledge, and he took time to reinforce his cultivation as well.

Even though there weren't sufficient Zongshi realm cultivation techniques in the Red Lotus City to form the Heaven's Path Divine Art, there were sufficient lines of information that were correct, allowing Zhang Xuan to start on the next level of cultivation.

After several tries, Zhang Xuan was able to clearly sense the Half-Zongshi zhenqi in his body growing more and more powerful, and he was barely a step away from stepping into the Zongshi realm.

Even though the Library of Heaven's Path was capable of peering through the flaws of all objects and beings, Zhang Xuan nevertheless required a stable foundation to reach greater heights. Thus, he had been studying whenever he had the time, and in just ten days, his knowledge had expanded by more than twofold. His understanding of beast taming and poisons had deepened significantly, and even without the assistance of the Library of Heaven's Path, he could be considered as a knowledgeable veteran.

At the same time, Zhang Xuan practiced a round of the Heaven's Path Fist Art, Heaven's Path Leg Art, and Heaven's Path Spear Art each once more.

These skills were the most fundamental of all but were capable of bringing out the strength in one's body perfectly. They boost Zhang Xuan's abilities in offense significantly, allowing him to stand against some Zongshi realm intermediate cultivators, and perhaps, even kill them.

Of course, if Zhang Xuan were to use the Library of Heaven's Path ability to detect flaws and the Heaven's Path Movement Art along with it, by going all out at the expense of his own body, he might be able to kill even a Zongshi realm pinnacle.

It was completely unheard of for a Half-Zongshi to defeat a Zongshi realm pinnacle in a straightforward fight. Even the most talented genius in the Master Teacher Pavilion would be incapable of such a feat.

"Senior granduncle, the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed has matured!"

Zhang Xuan spent his entire time cultivating, and at the daybreak of the second day, Gu Mu knocked on his door.

"Alright!"

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan stood up.

Zhang Xuan had waited ten days for this treasure which could increase the chances of breaking through Zhizun realm by 20%, and finally... it had become ready for picking!

"The Red Lotus Range is a gigantic volcano, and our Poison Hall branch is built at the opening of the volcano. When the branch was built back then, a formation master was invited to build a formation to seal the volcano and gather Earthen Flames to nourish the Crimson Flame Lotus."

Even though Liao Xun had become the official Hall Master, he didn't dare to pull his rank before the duo. On their way there, he explained the situation to them respectfully.

"Envoy, senior granduncle, this way!"

Liao Xun had also followed Gu Mu's way of addressing Zhang Xuan.

Proceeding forward, the trio soon arrived at an altar.

"The mouth of the volcano is hidden below!"

Liao Xun pointed.

Zhang Xuan glanced downward.

A gigantic altar with a radius of more than a hundred meters laid before them. From afar, it looked ancient. Rather than an entrance to the volcano, it seemed more like a piece of barren ruin.

Zhang Xuan was perplexed, but having heard the history of the branch, Zhang Xuan knew that there was likely to be a formation in place, so he kept quiet.

And just as he deduced, Liao Xun stepped forward to the altar. With a flick of his hands, he whipped out the token representing his identity as the Hall Master and placed it in an opening at the center of the altar.

Hong long long!

The world spun, and the sight before them changed immediately.

A seemingly endless staircase that led downward appeared on the flat and vast altar.

"This way!"

Liao Xun led the way, and after walking down the staircase for nearly two hours, a vast underground palace appeared before them.

At the center of the palace was the huge mouth of the volcano. Scorching flames burned on the surface, and waves of heat gushed forth from it, making it grueling for anyone to approach.

Feeling the heat surging from within, Zhang Xuan's expression turned grim.

They had yet to enter through the opening but just the torrid air in the main hall was sufficient to cause any Pixue realm cultivator to collapse.

"Envoy, senior granduncle, that is the Crimson Flame Lotus!"

Stepping forward to the entrance of the volcano, Liao Xun pointed.

At the center of the volcano, amidst the searing lava, a crimson lotus floated. On it was a lotus pod filled with countless seeds, exuding a slight fragrance.

"How beautiful!"

Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.

The Crimson Lotus before him was two to three meters tall, and its entire surface was fiery-red, resembling raging flames.

It was several hundred meters away from their present location, but they could already feel the heat wave emitted by it searing their skin. Putting aside Zhang Xuan, even a Zhizun realm expert would find the heat hard to tolerate.

"How do we pick the lotus?" Zhang Xuan asked.

Not only was the heat wave emitted by the Crimson Lotus intolerable, the crux was that it was floating on the surface of the lava several hundred meters away from the shore. How can one reach it?

Step into the lava?

Even with the powerful Heaven's Path Golden Body, Zhang Xuan would be reduced to ashes the moment he stepped in!

Needless to say, the rest.

"I've no idea. My teacher was burnt to ashes while attempting to pick the lotus seed upon observing that it was nearing maturity..." Liao Xun shook his head sorrowfully.

The abrupt death of the old Hall Master was due to his attempt to pick the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed.

"The Crimson Flame Lotus Seed matures once every century, and each time, someone would succeed. The headquarter has always received your tribute, so why would the old Hall Master be burned to death?"

Gu Mu asked doubtfully.

This Poison Hall branch had been guarding this lotus since its inception, and it wouldn't make sense for them to spend countless medicinal herbs to nourish it just to hand it over to the hands of another.

Besides, this branch had been supplying the headquarter with a certain amount of lotus seed every century, so they had to have a way to harvest it.

"We do have a way, but we're no longer able to utilize it. Look!"

Liao Xun smiled bitterly. Picking up a rock, he threw it straight toward the Crimson Flame Lotus.

He was a Zongshi realm pinnacle expert, and under the augmentation of zhenqi, the stone flew at an incredible speed with a screeching sound, as though it was tearing air apart.

"What are you doing..."

Seeing the other party throw a stone with such immense force toward the Crimson Flame Lotus, Gu Mu's expression darkened.

The Crimson Flame Lotus had matured, and upon being struck, it was highly likely it would fall into the lava. Once it fell in, it would be nearly impossible to find.

"Envoy, take a look!" Liao Xun said.

In the midst of their exchange, the stone was already right before the Crimson Flame Lotus. Just as it was about to strike the lotus, the lava surrounding the flower tremored violently and suddenly, and a bizarre creature flew upward. Opening its mouth, it swallowed the entire stone.

That bizarre creature was shaped like a snake, and it was several dozens of meters long. Covered in a thick layer of bright red scales, it swam leisurely in the lava, creating an extremely peculiar sight.

"What is that?"

Gu Mu didn't expect such a bizarre creature to be swimming in the scorching lava. He pondered for a moment, and his eyes suddenly narrowed, "Can this be the Lava Beast that you brought up with the headquarter previously?

Upon seeing the creature, he suddenly recalled the contents of the report the Red Lotus Range branch submitted to the headquarter previously.

Not only did the report talk about the abrupt death of the old Hall Master, it also spoke of a savage beast that lived in the lava around the lotus, and they have termed it as the Lava Beast.

He thought that it was just nonsense the other party came up with to avoid handing over the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, and the possibility of it being true never flashed across his mind.

"Yes, this is the Lava Beast. The unique scales around it grants it tolerance to high heat, allowing it to live in the lava. Its strength is comparable to a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert..." Liao Xun flashed a bitter smile.

"To think that such a creature exists in the world!"

Gu Mu wasn't the only one shocked, Zhang Xuan was perplexed by the sight as well.

The temperature of the lava below was definitely above two thousand degree Celsius. They could never have imagined that such a huge creature would be able to survive such extreme conditions if they hadn't seen it for themselves.

"Indeed. This creature appeared all of the sudden, and for the past few years, it has been guarding the Crimson Red Lotus as though it was his property. Anyone who tries to approach it would have to suffer his attacks!"

Liao Xun explained.

"It is one thing if we are on the shore, but the lava is its haven. Furthermore... it has reached the level of Zhizun realm pinnacle. Honestly, we are helpless before it!"

"This..."

Gu Mu's expression darkened.

Even though he had achieved Zhizun realm pinnacle as well, if he were to battle with this gigantic fellow in the lava... There was a nine out of ten chance that he would die here.

"Does poison not work?"

Zhang Xuan couldn't resist asking.

The Poison Hall was adept at using poison, so it was plausible that they could kill the creature using it.

"The Lava Beast isn't afraid of even the searing Earthen Flames, so how can any ordinary poison be effective on it..." Liao Xun said.

The lava was about two thousand degree Celsius hot. Most poison would be reduced to ashes before it can even reach the lava, thus making it nigh impossible to use poison.

"We've tried all kinds of methods, except... finding a beast tamer to tame it. Honestly speaking... there doesn't seem to be any other solution!" Liao Xun shook his head. "However, this is our greatest secret, and the Poison Hall doesn't interact with any other occupations. It is highly likely that inviting a beast tamer will cause unnecessary trouble!"

The Poison Hall didn't possess any connections with the other occupations; there were some which were actually hostile to it.

Inviting people from another occupation here would mean having to reveal their den, and this could potentially bring them a catastrophe. If so, they would have wasted their years living in seclusion in the Red Lotus Range.

"That's right..."

Understanding this fact as well, Gu Mu shook his head.

Poison and brute force wouldn't work, and they couldn't hire a beast tamer either... It was indeed a huge question how they could harvest the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed.

"Will beast tamers be able to subdue that fellow?"

Hearing the duo's conversation, Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before speaking.

"Perhaps... I can give it a try!"

---

Golden finger refers to the gifts/talents one receives upon transcending to an alternate world. For example, Zhang Xuan's Library of Heaven's Path can be considered as a golden finger.

Kong shi is most probably a reference toward Confucius, otherwise known as Kong Zi. He is a philosopher who had formulated a line of thoughts that became known as Confucianism. On top of that, he is also informally known as the first teacher.

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Chapter 284: Go Down and Beat It Up

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

Upon hearing those words, Gu Mu and Liao Xun's eyes lit up, "Can it be that senior granduncle intends to subdue it?"

The person before them was an incredible expert who had surpassed the Zhizun realm. No matter how domineering this giant fellow was in the lava, if he were to make a move personally, he would be able to kill it effortlessly.

"It is just a small savage beast, it's not worthy of being my opponent!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head, revealing an expression full of disdain. However, on the inside, he was spurting blood.

Me, subdue it?

What a joke!

That is a Zhizun realm savage beast! Even if I were to face it on land, I will run as far as I can. To want me to subdue it...

If I were to really get closer, I would become a delectable meal for the other party.

"Then..."

The duo was perplexed.

"It isn't easy for a savage beast to achieve a Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivation. It would be a pity to kill it!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head, and a benevolent expression appeared on his face, "Gu Mu, since you're my junior, I'll give you this opportunity to tame this savage beast! Once it becomes your tamed beast, harvesting the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed will be easy!"

"Me... tame it?"

Gu Mu was still wondering what ideas Zhang Xuan had in mind when he heard the other party's words. He staggered and nearly blacked out.

Even on land, it would be difficult for him to defeat this massive fellow. To face him in lava was equivalent to courting death!

To talk about taming the savage beast... it would already be a huge blessing for him to not be the one who gets tamed!

"Senior granduncle, I know nothing about beast taming..." With a reddened face, Gu Mu shook his head hurriedly.

He had dedicated himself to the Way of Poison. Even though he had heard of beast taming, it was something very unfamiliar and foreign to him.

To tame a humongous fellow who has achieved the same cultivation realm...

Better not. I wish to live a much longer life.

"There's no need to worry about that, I can guide you!" Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up. With an imposing tone, he spoke, "Don't you believe your senior granduncle?"

"I dare not..." Shuddering, Gu Mu hurriedly bowed. Then, unable to hold back his curiosity, he asked, "Senior granduncle... Can it be that you are well-versed in beast taming as well?"

Even though this senior granduncle of his didn't appear much older than him, his mastery of poison far surpassed him, and his understanding of the Way of Medicine didn't seem to be mediocre. Could it be that he is versed in the art of beast taming as well?

If that was the case, he would surely have been a legendary figure. But if that was the case, why hadn't he heard of him?

"I know a thing or two!"

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back as he walked to the mouth of the volcano. The Lava Beast was swimming in the lava around the Crimson Flame Lotus, resembling a gigantic snake. To harvest the seeds, it was impossible for them to get close without alarming it.

Turning around, Zhang Xuan stared at Gu Mu. "This is a Zhizun pinnacle savage beast, and countless people dream of taming such a savage beast. This is a good opportunity, are you really reluctant to grasp hold of it?"

"I..." Seeing the other party's serious expression, Gu Mu hesitated for a moment. Then, with a slightly reddened face, he asked, "Can I... really tame it?"

Taming a savage beast of the same cultivation realm meant that his fighting prowess would be increased twofold. In truth, he was tempted by the idea.

On top of that, if it were to consume the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, it was possible that it would be able to break through its bottleneck. At that time, with the strength of the human and the beast in unison, he would have a much better chance at exacting vengeance.

Just that... Isn't taming savage beasts a skill that only beast tamers are capable of?

Guide me?

Even if you were to guide me, it is impossible for me to become a beast tamer instantly and be able to tame this incredible savage beast!

"If you follow my instructions carefully, taming it shouldn't be a problem!"

Sensing that the other party had been tempted by his offer, Zhang Xuan swung his sleeves and spoke indifferently, "The choice is yours. If you are unwilling to do so, we can drop the idea. It's just a Zhizun realm savage beast, I can kill it effortlessly. However... If you miss this opportunity, there won't be a second chance."

"This..."

Gu Mu's eyes flickered with hesitation and doubt. But eventually, he gritted his teeth and nodded, "Alright, senior granduncle. What should I do... Do I need to prepare anything?"

It was indeed a good opportunity for him. Not only did the savage beast rival him in strength, it did not fear poison. The moment he succeeded, his standing in the Xuanyuan branch would rise greatly.

Even though Gu Mu had never tamed a savage beast, he had seen others do so. He knew that a beast tamer would have to prepare numerous items beforehand so as to attract the other party's attention and win its goodwill.

He would have to find a way to deepen his bond with it and gradually gain intimacy before it would submit to him.

"There's no need for it, and there's no time either!"

Zhang Xuan shook his head, "Since this fellow has decided to camp around this Crimson Flame Lotus, he must be extremely fond of it. No matter what it is that we prepare, it is impossible to be more attractive to it than this lotus. Besides, the lotus seed has already matured and it is ready for consumption. If we were to start making preparations now, by the time we're done, it would have already eaten all of the seeds."

"That..." Gu Mu was perplexed.

If we do not prepare any gifts for the Lava Beast, how will we attract its attention?

At this moment, the 'senior granduncle's' voice sounded once more.

"It's simple. You'll jump down right now and beat it up. After that, I will tell you how you should tame it!"

"Beat it up?"

Gu Mu's face turned green.

Other people would be thinking of ways to win the trust of the savage beast and move it. Yet, this senior granduncle asked me to attack it...

Won't we incur this gigantic fellow's wrath this way? Once this fellow bears hostility toward us, wouldn't it become impossible for me to tame it?

More importantly... It is highly probable that I would be unable to return once I go down...

Are you sure that you are sending me to tame this savage beast, not to feed it?

Sensing his hesitation, Zhang Xuan knew what he was worried about. Thus, he reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm here. It won't be easy for that fellow to kill you."

"Yes!" Gu Mu clenched his jaws.

That's right, senior granduncle is a formidable figure who has surpassed Zhizun realm. With him here, how can I possibly be subdued by that mere Lava Beast?

Of course, if he were to know that this 'senior granduncle' of his had merely a Half-Zongshi cultivation realm and that he could easily crush him to death... He would probably burst into tears.

Having made up his mind, Gu Mu took in a deep breath and flicked his wrist. The next moment, a sword appeared in his palm. Pumping the zhenqi in his body, he slashed at the ground several times swiftly, and the firm granite ground was immediately cut into tiles of similar sizes.

There were roughly seventy to eighty tiles, and each of them was a square of a chi wide.

He stacked those tiles up and placed them before Liao Xun.

"Hall Master Liao, I'll have to trouble you to build a footpath for me later on!"

"Alright!" Liao Xun nodded.

Even Zhizun realm pinnacle cultivators were incapable of flight. To fight with the Lava Beast from above the scorching lava, he had to build suitable footpaths.

By throwing these tiles into the lava, Gu Mu would be able to utilize the feedback between the granite and the lava to move about.

This is a feat that only Zhizun realm experts are capable of. A Zongshi wouldn't even be able to tolerate the heat wave, needless to say, tread above the lava.

"Senior granduncle... I'll be going down now!"

Now that the preparations were in place, Gu Mu took in a deep breath.

Zhang Xuan waved casually in response.

Hu!

Upon seeing the senior granduncle's response, Gu Mu pumped his zhenqi to the maximum, and with a flick of his wrist, threw out a granite tile, and it landed on the surface of the lava. At the same time, he rushed forward and leaped toward the tile.

Stepping lightly on the tile, he was able to push himself upward once again.

Most Zhizun realm experts would have cultivated lightweight movement techniques, which allowed them to even tread across the surface of the water. As such, treading the denser lava wasn't a problem at all.

Sou!

Seeing the other party starting to descend, Liao Xun immediately estimated his landing spot and threw a tile over.

As though a dragonfly treading on water, he stepped on the granite tile and leaped upward once more. Just like that, he quickly arrived before the Lava Beast.

"Let's begin!"

Gathering the entire might of his body into his sword, Gu Mu roared and stabbed straight at the Lava Beast.

Since he was facing the Lava Beast, he had to give his all without reserve. Otherwise, the one who will end up dead would be him.

Roar!

Seeing that someone had made an attack against it, the Lava Beast flew into a rage. Roaring loudly, his bulky tail lashed out.

Hualala!

Magma splashed about the field with great force.

Before Gu Mu could reach the Lava Beast, he felt an overwhelming heat gushing straight at him. Gu Mu hurriedly twisted his wrist to turn the stab into a parry.

Ding!

The tail struck his sword, and the aerial Gu Mu was sent flying instantaneously as if he were a cannonball.

Sou!

After determining precisely the other party's landing spot, Liao Xun swiftly threw a tile over for Gu Mu to step on.

Even though the both of them didn't have any experience of working together, as a Zongshi realm pinnacle expert, Liao Xun wouldn't commit a mistake in the simple job of throwing tiles.

"Senior granduncle, what do I do next?"

Not expecting the creature to be so formidable, as to be able to send him flying with a single strike of its tail, Gu Mu questioned in a panic.

"Give me a moment, I haven't thought of it yet. You should continue for now..." Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

"You haven't thought of what to do? Continue...?"

Gu Mu nearly failed to land on the tile and almost fell into the lava.

This senior granduncle is too unreliable!

It was just a moment ago that you claimed that you will guide me to tame the savage beast, that I should first engage it. The battle has already started, yet you have not come up with an idea...

Do you need to be so darned?

Hu!

Just as Gu Mu was feeling dismal, the provoked Lava Beast charged up to him, and its sharp dagger-like teeth abruptly closed in on him.

The attack came too swiftly, and Gu Mu didn't have any time to evade. Thus, he could only face it head on with his sword.

Peng!

The sword came into contact with the Lava Beast's sharp teeth. Feeling a numbness in his hands, Gu Mu was sent flying once again.

Lava flowed beneath Gu Mu. Even though he was able to move around using those granite tiles, without the solid earth for his feet to apply his force on, the strength he could exert dipped significantly. At present, he was only capable of displaying sixty to seventy percent of his full strength,

It was impossible to face the frenzied attacks of the Lava Beast in his weakened state.

"Senior granduncle, are you ready yet?

It took much effort before he managed to stabilize himself once more. He glanced at Zhang Xuan immediately to rush him, but what he saw was the other party standing on the spot with a blank expression, as though he was... daydreaming.

A chill surged into his heart, and at this, Gu Mu really cried.

If only he knew this senior granduncle of his was that unreliable, he would have never come down.

Now that this fellow was fixated on him, it was impossible for him to escape even if he wanted to. Will he really meet his end here?

"Forget it, I'll go all out!"

Knowing that it was impossible for him to escape, he gritted his teeth and lifted his sword high up. Zhenqi flurried through his body as though a storm, and he sent the sword right down on the Lava Beast.

Peng!

When the two came into contact, Gu Mu was sent flying ten meters backward once more.

It was fortunate that Liao Xun was able to determine his landing points accurately each time with precise timing. Otherwise, he would have long fallen into the lava and be reduced to ashes.

Ding ding ding!

After crossing a few more blows with the Lava Beast, Gu Mu was already on the verge of collapsing. At this moment, a voice sounded by his ear.

"Alright, listen to my instructions!"

Turning around, he saw his 'senior granduncle' looking at him with a calm expression.

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Chapter 285: Master Teacher Pavilion, Here I Come!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

Roar!

In the split moment when Gu Mu's attention was diverted by Zhang Xuan, the Lava Beast charged forward once more, generating frightening torrid air currents that threatened to rip him apart.

Taking a deep breath, Gu Mu prepared to face it once more with the sword in his hands. However, at this moment, his senior granduncle's voice sounded once again.

"Don't fend off its attack, keep your sword back into your storage ring!"

"Don't fend off its attack?"

Upon hearing those words, Gu Mu glanced at the agitated Lava Beast which was charging toward him and he nearly keeled over.

If he doesn't fend against such a violent attack, won't he be killed instantly?

"Hurry up!" In the midst of his hesitation, the voice urged him.

"Alright!"

Even though he was doubtful, he didn't think that his senior granduncle would go through so much trouble to kill him. Thus, he kept his sword back into his storage ring, and at this moment, became completely defenseless.

"Stretch your head toward him!"

Right after he kept his sword, the next instruction reached his ears.

Gu Mu staggered, and he nearly fell off the granite tile into the lava.

I can still accept it, albeit reluctantly, when you tell me to keep my sword and not fend off its attack, but why in the world do I have to stretch my head forward?

Senior granduncle, are you in such a hurry to see me die?

Looking at how furious the Lava Beast is charging at me, wouldn't it bite my head off immediately if I were to stretch it over?

This isn't beast taming at all, this is a tribute...

"Don't waste any time, hurry up!"

The voice by his ear urged him.

The duo was conversing through zhenqi telepathy. Even though they had exchanged quite a few words, only two breaths had passed. At this moment, the ferocious Lava Beast was just three meters away from Gu Mu, and it could bite down on him at any moment now. It was already too late to try anything else.

"Forget it, I'll just give it a try!"

Reminding himself of the fact that his senior granduncle could have easily killed him when he was unconscious, he told himself that there was no need for him to use this gigantic fellow to murder him. Gritting his teeth, he stuck out his head, pointing it right into the other party's gaping mouth.

"This..."

As the duo spoke using telepathy, Liao Xun was completely oblivious to their exchange. Upon seeing the envoy trying to send his head into the mouth of the Lava Beast, he was horrified. His entire body trembled violently, and he was about to pass out.

Others would prepare delicacies and treasures to attract a savage beast's attention in order to tame it. It was his first time seeing someone offer his own head...

Even those who surpassed Zhizun realm would have their brain matter spurt out upon the bite of the Lava Beast!

If the envoy were to be killed here, he wouldn't have to dream about holding on to his position as the new Hall Master. He would be summoned by the headquarter immediately and be questioned for a month or two before being sentenced to death by poison.

He quickly turned to look at the 'senior granduncle', but the other party was watching the situation impassively. There wasn't the slightest bit of anxiety in his eyes.

"Senior granduncle..."

Liao Xun couldn't help but yell for the other party to do something. However, before he could say anything else, he saw the other party point forward with his finger.

Hurriedly turning his head over, he witnessed a sight that left his eyes widened.

Gu Mu's head was already within the Lava Beast's mouth and if the latter closed its mouth, he would be killed on the spot. However, at this crucial moment... Not only did the Lava Beast not bite down, it even turned around to flee.

Isn't it intent on tearing Gu Mu into pieces a moment ago? Why would it back away when the other party has delivered his head to it?

What... is this situation?

He wasn't the only one who was bewildered by what was happening. Gu Mu was also confounded.

He had already prepared himself for his death and he hadn't expected such a situation to occur.

"Don't blank out. Quickly, rush forward and grab its tail!"

Gu Mu was still trying to make sense out of the situation when his senior granduncle's voice echoed once more.

At this point, he was already holding complete confidence in the other party's words. Thus, he stepped against the granite tile immediately and flew forward as if he were a swallow. In the blink of an eye, he had caught up with the other party.

Closing his arms, he embraced the creature's bulky tail tightly.

Roar!

Having his tail grabbed, the Lava Beast panicked. It began to thrash about immediately with all its might, and lava splashed into the surroundings, burning hole after hole in Gu Mu's clothes.

"What do I do next?"

Sensing that his zhenqi was reaching its limits from fending against the lava's heat, Gu Mu asked anxiously.

"Hold its tail tightly, no matter what it does!"

Zhang Xuan replied.

"Alright!"

With vicious tenacity, Gu Mu held onto the Lava Beast's tail with his four limbs. No matter how the other party struggled, he refused to let go. At this moment, he had no choice but to furiously pump even more zhenqi to fend off the intense heat in the surroundings.

Roar! Roar!

With its tail grabbed, Lava Beast was infuriated and it howled ceaselessly in anger, trying its best to shake Gu Mu off. However, its movements gradually slowed, and in less than a single minute, it went limp, its condition resembling a dead snake.

"This..."

Seeing the Lava Beast collapse, Gu Mu heaved a sigh of relief. He thought that he was going to die, and the current situation was unbelievable to him.

He had felt the ferocity from the Lava Beast when he faced it just a moment ago, that if it could, it would surely have torn him into pieces. But... when he stretched his head toward the other party, why did it refuse to bite down and, instead, back off? Also, why did grabbing its tail result in this situation?

"Alright, bring it up to shore!"

Gu Mu was still wondering when he heard his senior granduncle's instruction in his ears.

"Yes!"

Grabbing onto the tail end of the paralyzed Lava Beast, he exercised his zhenqi and dragged it to shore.

In no time, the human and the beast were on the concrete granite ground.

Zhang Xuan walked up to the Lava Beast the moment it was on shore. With a flick of his wrist, a few silver needles appeared in his hands and he threw them straight at the Lava Beast.

"Tell it to submit to you. If it agrees, I'll help it achieve a breakthrough in its cultivation. Otherwise, die!"

After which, Zhang Xuan sat quietly by the side.

"Alright!"

Gu Mu walked up to the Lava Beast and relayed Zhang Xuan's words. A moment later, its massive head nuzzled against him, displaying its submission.

The contract was established swiftly and Gu Mu had successfully tamed the Lava Beast.

Liao Xun was completely dumbfounded, observing everything from beside

He had seen people tame beasts, but he had never seen anyone doing it so speedily!

That is a Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast! For it to submit to a human so easily, isn't this... too simple?

If taming a beast is that easy, doesn't that mean that I can be a beast tamer as well?

He wasn't the only one who thought so. Gu Mu also felt as if he was in a dream.

If not for the massive Lava Beast nuzzling against him continuously, he would truly doubt if everything was an illusion.

"Senior granduncle..."

Knowing that the one who pulled this miracle off was the senior granduncle, the duo turned to look at him immediately.

"This Lava Beast lives in the lava, and it doesn't have any peer or companion. It has never come into contact with any other life forms, and as such, it has a skeptical personality, having a fear of coming into contact with unfamiliar things!"

Knowing the question that was lingering in their minds, Zhang Xuan explained.

Even a person would become autistic after living in seclusion for too long, needless to say, a savage beast.

A Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast possesses an intelligence that is in no way inferior to humans. Living in the depths of the volcano, it had not once met another lifeform. As such, it was filled with curiosity and fear for Gu Mu.

"When you utilized brute force and tried to kill it, it had retaliated instinctively. Even though this Lava Beast didn't have any battle experience, it held the advantage of being on its home ground, and it would have been impossible for you to emerge triumphantly!" Zhang Xuan continued.

Gu Mu nodded.

In that battle just now, he could barely fend off the other party's attacks. He clearly wasn't a match for the latter.

If it had continued that way, he would surely have died.

"Even though keeping your sword and sending your head to it was a clear act of suicide, the skeptical Lava Beast was doubtful toward your actions, and it felt fear! That's because... the move was irrational!"

Zhang Xuan smiled, "On top of that, the Lava Beast has a huge weakness on its mouth. Upon seeing your irrational movement, it began to suspect if you had noticed that weakness and that you were baiting it. Thus, it chose to escape instead."

"So that's the case!"

Upon hearing the explanation, Gu Mu and Liao Xun came to a realization.

Gu Mu felt relieved that he had listened to his senior granduncle earlier on. Otherwise, if he were to continue fighting against the Lava Beast, he would have become a cripple by now.

"Then... Why did grabbing its tail cause it to fall limp and lose its ability to fight?"

"Do savage beasts need to breathe?" Zhang Xuan looked at him.

"Of course they need to breathe..." Surprised by the question, Gu Mu was stunned for a moment before he hurriedly nodded his head.

Just like humans, savage beasts require air to survive.

"The Lava Beast had been living in the lava, but when we first arrived, we didn't see it. Don't you find it strange?"

Gu Mu was taken aback by Zhang Xuan's words.

The reason why fishes can breathe in water is that it has gills that can filter out water and absorb the oxygen contained within it. Lava is in fact just molten granite and it is impossible for there to be oxygen within the thick lava. When the three of them first arrived, they did not observe the Lava Beast's head. It was only after Liao Xun threw a stone at the lotus that it jumped out.

Can it be that... this fellow doesn't need to breathe?

But that is impossible!

It is not heard of that a savage beast can survive without breathing!

"The breathing organ for Lava Beast, which is to mean the nose that we speak of, isn't on its head. Rather, it's on its... tail!" Zhang Xuan explained.

"On its tail?"

The duo hurriedly turned to the Lava Beast, and they saw two rows of fine opening on its tail.

"Usually, this fellow would hide in the lava, exposing only its tail to breathe. Furthermore, its tail is the same color as the lava, and that's the reason why we failed to notice it when we first arrived!"

Zhang Xuan smiled, "The reason why I had you hug the other party's tail is to obstruct its breathing. While a cultivator would still be able to sustain himself through his zhenqi, the same can't be said about savage beasts! Not to mention, it was thrashing around the scorching lava, causing its stamina to fall rapidly! Naturally, it would lose its ability to fight! I didn't notice these special characteristics from the start as well and I only managed to deduce them during your battle."

"I see!"

Gu Mu finally comprehended the situation the reason why his senior granduncle didn't say anything at the start. The other party wasn't toying with him, he was observing the characteristics of the Lava Beast to formulate a plan to subdue and tame it.

It was laughable that he mistook his intentions... It was truly embarrassing!

Upon knowing all these facts, Gu Mu's reverence for his senior granduncle reached a new peak.

He was able to deduce the characteristics and personality of this Lava Beast within such a short period of time while observing their battle and formulate a method to tame it. Even a 4-star beast tamer would be incapable of accomplishing the same feat!

On top of that, the needles which he shot out at the Lava Beast probably curbed the other party's movements. Otherwise, it was impossible for the taming process to proceed so smoothly.

"Now that the Lava Beast has been tamed, you can now harvest the lotus seed!" Done with his explanation, Zhang Xuan waved casually.

"Alright!"

Gu Mu nodded, and without a word ado, he leaped into the lava once more, flitting swiftly toward the Crimson Flame Lotus.

Actually, upon seeing Gu Mu successfully tame the Lava Beast, Zhang Xuan had heaved a sigh of relief as well.

Just like humans, the Library of Heaven's Path will compile a book on a savage beast when it is engaged in a fight. The reason why he had Gu Mu face off with it was to compile a book to view its flaws.

Once he knew its flaws, the rest became simple.

Without the obstruction of the Lava Beast, Gu Mu brought a lotus pod back in no time. There were nine gold lotus seeds within and it emanated a fragrance which rejuvenated one's spirit.

"Senior granduncle, this is the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed..."

Placing the lotus seed carefully in a jade box, Gu Mu passed it forward.

"Un!" Grabbing over the box, Zhang Xuan took out two of the seeds and passed it over to Gu Mu. "One is for you, while the other one is for this Lava Beast!"

They had agreed beforehand that Gu Mu would take one Crimson Flame Lotus Seed, while the rest would belong to Zhang Xuan.

Due to the presence of this Lava Beast which was already at Zhizun pinnacle, Zhang Xuan decided to give him another seed.

After all, if not for this envoy telling him about it, Zhang Xuan wouldn't have known that there was such a treasure hidden in this Poison Hall branch and he would have missed it.

"Thank you, senior granduncle!"

Gu Mu was moved with great agitation.

"Here, I will leave this one at this branch. Whoever who reaches Zhizun realm pinnacle first will gain the right to consume it!"

Zhang Xuan took out another seed and passed it to Liao Xun.

The latter was also extremely grateful to Zhang Xuan.

Even though the Crimson Flame Lotus Seed was a precious commodity, it wasn't of much use to Zhang Xuan.

As long as he was able to find sufficient secret manuals, breaking through Zhizun realm pinnacle wasn't a problem at all. As such, the bottleneck in cultivation which others faced was non-existent for him.

Since it wasn't much use to him, and that he had obtained it from the Red Lotus Range Poison Hall branch, he didn't think that it was right for him to deprive the branch of all seeds.

After giving three of the lotus seeds out, Zhang Xuan kept the remaining six in his storage ring.

"Since I'm done with the matters here, it's time for me to leave!"

Zhang Xuan had accomplished his primary aim of browsing through the books in the Poison Hall, and he obtained the Crimson Flame Lotus Seeds on top of that. After conducting the last treatment for Gu Mu, he bided the others farewell.

"Senior granduncle... Where can I find you if I wish to greet you in the future?"

Even though he knew that the other party would leave after harvesting the Crimson Flame Lotus Seeds, Gu Mu nevertheless felt a reluctance to part with him.

Even though he had merely known the other party for a few days, the latter had treated his trauma and helped him tame a Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast. The favor that he had showered upon him was so great that it would be hard for him to repay.

Even though he had roughly guessed that the other party might not be his senior granduncle as he claimed to be, it didn't hinder his respect for him in any way.

"The world is my home. If we're fated, we'll eventually meet!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He was assuming a pseudo identity, and it was best for them not to meet ever again.

"Senior granduncle, this is my identity token. I know that it is useless to senior granduncle, but if you have any kin or students who are in trouble, you can get them to take this to Xuanyuan Kingdom's Poison Hall to look for me. As long as it is within my means, I'll do my best to help!"

With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved a jade token and then passed it to Zhang Xuan.

"Alright then, thank you!"

Knowing that the other party was doing this to repay the gratitude, Zhang Xuan didn't turn him down. He took the token and kept it in his storage ring.

"Farewell!"

After saying all that had to be said, Zhang Xuan walked out of the Poison Hall with large strides.

He remembered the roads he took on the way here with the Great Herb King, so even without anyone to lead him, he was able to leave easily.

Five days later, he finally stepped out from the perimeters of the Red Lotus Range.

He yelled with a deep tone, and after a moment, the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast appeared in the air above him.

Leaping onto the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, the latter unfurled its wings, and the duo headed straight toward Tianwu Royal City.

Master Teacher Pavilion, here I come!