436-440

Chapter 436: Expelling an Army with Words (1)

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Formidable!"

On the back of the savage beast, 'Gongzi' and the others, who had just arrived, caught the sight, and even Jin Conghai couldn't help but exclaim.

"He's indeed formidable to be able to see through the flaw of the attack in an instant. Charging straight into the eye of the storm to tide through the barrage... To do that... just possessing an exceptional eye of discernment wouldn't be sufficient. More importantly, one has to have great mental fortitude!" 'Gongzi' nodded in agreement as well.

"Most probably, even this Luo Qianhong will lose. However... there are many troops in this Xuanyuan royal palace, and no matter how powerful Zhang Xuan is, he is still an individual. It'll be impossible for him to withstand the might of a country. What should we do? Should we help him?" Jin Conghai asked hesitantly.

"He must have realized this problem as well. The reason why he asked for Gu Mu's assistance is probably to ward off these soldiers!" 'Gongzi' said.

Of the many occupations, master teachers possessed the strongest individual offensive power. However, in terms of facing multiple enemies at once, poison masters reigned supreme.

With a sufficient poison stockpile, it was futile no matter how many enemies charged at a poison master.

"That should be so!" Jin Conghai nodded in agreement.

"Let's not rush in first. Given how this young 2-star master teacher managed to see through the flaws in the battle technique in a Half-Transcension expert in an instant, his eye of discernment and knowledge are indeed incredible. If he wishes for someone's assistance, he would have already rendered Yang shi's help. Since he didn't do so, he probably wishes to do the deed alone. We'll only go in when he's unable to hold on anymore!"

'Gongzi' chuckled.

"Yes!" Jin Conghai nodded. Then, looking at the sight below, his eyebrows shot up. "Luo Qianhong has lost!"

As Jin Conghai spoke, on the Heaven's Altar, Zhang Xuan had dived out from the 'stream' and struck the other party's chest with his elbow.

Peng!

Struck with immense brute strength, Luo Qianhong's face warped together. He was immediately sent flying, crashing heavily onto the ground.

The head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, a 3-star intermediate master teacher, a Half-Transcension expert on the third place on the Green Leaf Board, was defeated in just a few breaths.

The crowd flew into an uproar.

All along, Luo Qianhong was a figure synonymous with invincible in their hearts, and he possessed innumerable fans. They thought that he would surely be able to defeat that young lad, who wasn't even twenty yet, easily. However, the one who was defeated turned out to be Luo Qianhong himself... Not to mention, he was utterly crushed.

On the top of the Green Leaf Pavilion, Elder Liao Qingxun subconsciously asked, "Pavilion head, does the first place on the Young Leaf Board... still belong to Crown Prince Ding Mu?"

"Ding Mu? Nonsense! Of course it's that Master Teacher Zhang Xuan! How can the two of them be compared with each other? You must be pulling my leg!"

Pavilion Head Dai Feng said.

"But you... you just said that there was no one who could match Crown Prince Ding Mu in the past five hundred years, and it would be like that for the next five hundred..." Elder Liao Qingxun asked in bewilderment.

It was just a moment ago that the other party praised the crown prince up to the stars. Why did he suddenly change his tune for another person?

Wasn't this way too fast?

"Did I say that? Elder Liao, let's not bother about such unnecessary matters. Hurry up and send some men to look into that young man's background!" Having his lapse in judgement exposed, Pavilion Head Dai Feng's face flushed. He hurriedly issued some instructions to clear away his awkwardness.

"Yes!" Elder Liao Qingxun immediately walked out to attend to the matter.

The Green Leaf Pavilion was in charge of gathering intelligence on everything within the territory of Xuanyuan Kingdom. For such an expert to appear without them noticing, it was truly a failure on their part.

"His strength..."

The crowd was in disbelief. Mo Yu, who was on top of the Howling Firmament Beast, was even more so.

She had witnessed the other party's growth for herself throughout the journey.

She thought that even if Zhang Xuan were to become a Zhizun realm pinnacle within four days, he would surely be the weakest of that tier. After all, it would take some time to adapt to one's newfound strength, and on top of that, one's zhenqi would be a little unstable as well.

Yet... Zhang Xuan actually managed to defeat a Half-Transcension expert so easily!

Was that fellow... even human?

Not only did his cultivation raise quickly, it was even reinforced perfectly. His strength was stable and deep, and there wasn't the slightest sign of instability... How in the world did he do it?

...

That strike caused Luo Qianhong severe injuries. He felt so stifled that he could go insane. At this moment, all he felt was regret.

Why was he so foolish as to listen to Ding Mu's lies?

How could a person who could force him into hiding in the Master Teacher Pavilion be an ordinary figure?

If he didn't get involved, he could at least uphold his honor. Yet, all he had done now was embarrass himself. After this incident, his prestige as the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion would surely plummet, and many people would find faults with him.

"As a 2-star master teacher, I challenged a 3-star master teacher. This can be considered as insubordination... After I'm done with the matter here, I'll offer an explanation to the Master Teacher Pavilion through crashing the pavilion myself!"

Flinging his sleeves, Zhang Xuan harrumphed.

Pavilion Crashing referred to the act of challenging an entire Master Teacher Pavilion as an individual.

Regardless of whether it was a conflict, a dispute, or unintentional disrespect, as long as one didn't betray humanity, one could crash a pavilion to absolve one of his crimes, and the headquarters would not pursue the matter.

"Crashing the pavilion?"

Luo Qianhong's face turned pale.

Even though a successful Pavilion Crashing rarely occurred, as long as it happened, the Master Teacher Pavilion would be as good as destroyed. It would become the laughingstock of the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance!

He would be forced to step down as the pavilion master, and in the worst case scenario, the headquarters might even summon him to conduct an investigation.

After all, if one was forced to the point of resorting to Pavilion Crashing, this meant that the matter had reached a dire state.

Putong!

Luo Qianhong's body was suddenly sapped of strength, and he fell to the ground.

It was just a moment ago that he was standing majestically before the crowd, but after hearing those words, he found himself falling into despair...

What kind of monster did Ding Mu offend?

...

Ignoring the despairing Luo Qianhong, Zhang Xuan glanced forward and saw that the inauguration was about to come to an end. As such, he hurriedly advanced forward.

"Stop him!"

Seeing that even the Master Teacher Pavilion had failed to stop the other party, and the other party even declared his intentions of Pavilion Crashing, Ding Mu's complexion turned awful.

Hualala!

Along with his bellow, innumerable soldiers immediately stepped forward to surround Zhang Xuan. The swords that they drew gleamed coldly under the sun.

These soldiers weren't strong, and most of them were only at Dingli realm. However, it was their numbers that were truly impressive. On the vast Heaven's Altar, there were at least several thousands of them.

A formation consisting of several thousand soldiers... Even a Half-Transcension would have to back down before such a terrifying force.

"Zhang Xuan... be careful!"

Mo Yu's face paled.

As an individual, how could he possibly withstand an army?

A Dingli realm soldier was no threat to him, and fighting ten was just a walk in the park. However, when the numbers added up to several thousands, the nature of the event changed.

No matter how strong an individual was, there was a limit to one's stamina. In a battle of attrition, Zhang Xuan would eventually lose.

This was the reason why itinerant cultivators didn't dare offend kingdoms.

There was nothing an individual cultivator could do before the might of an entire country.

"This will be troublesome..."

Jin Conghai frowned.

As a Transcendent Mortal realm expert, it would be difficult for even him to face a few thousand Fighter realm cultivators at once.

Killing a commander was easy, but facing off with an entire army was difficult.

"Indeed, this will be troublesome. Unless... he uses the means of a poison master!" 'Gongzi' frowned as well.

Even Jin Conghai would be troubled to face so many soldiers, needless to say, the other party.

Even though the strength this Zhang Xuan had displayed was outstanding, he was still far from matching up to his subordinate, Jin Conghai.

The only way to achieve victory was to use the means of a poison master.

Otherwise, no matter how powerful he was, he would surely eventually run dry before this huge army.

"He can't use the means of the poison master here. As a master teacher, killing the crown prince of a Conferred Kingdom is already a huge blemish on his records. I fear that if he were to use poison... he might incur the displeasure of the Master Teacher Pavilion headquarters. On top of that, he might be regarded as a traitor, given the hostile relationship between the Master Teacher Pavilion and the Poison Hall..."

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said. "Hall Master Gu Mu, if things get down to it... I think it would be better for you to make a move!"

As an elder of the Beast Hall, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing had a deep understanding of the affairs of the master teachers.

This occupation served as the moral compass of the entire continent.

To kill an inaugurating crown prince was already scandalous in itself. If Zhang Xuan were to use the means of a poison master on top of that, his reputation would be ruined.

As a master teacher, reputation was everything. Who would be willing to admit a person with questionable conduct as their teacher?

It would become a huge blemish of his life that he would never be able to wash off.

It would be nigh impossible for him to win the respect of other master teachers around the world and advance to a higher rank.

"Alright!"

Hall Master Gu Mu nodded.

He was invited here precisely for this matter. As long as he were to offer his assistance, he could be considered as to have repaid the debt of his 'senior granduncle'.

"Let's wait awhile longer first. Look at Zhang Xuan's gaze, it seems like he has an idea in mind!"

After agreeing to the matter, Hall Master Gu Mu was about to make a move when 'gongzi's' voice suddenly echoed.

"Gaze?"

Hall Master Gu Mu was taken aback. He hurriedly glanced downward and he realized that something was amiss as well.

Despite being surrounded by so many experts, the young man below didn't panic at all. Instead, he faced everything with composure.

Way too much composure.

If it was anyone else, they would have surely panicked under such circumstances.

"He must already have an idea in mind. Otherwise, he couldn't possibly remain so calm!"

'Gongzi' said. "Let's watch on first!"

"Un!" The crowd nodded in agreement as they turned their gazes to the sight below. Just as they were wondering what kind of method the young man was going to use to deal with these soldiers, a voice echoed.

"The core of cultivation lies in persistence. Only with diligence can one achieve improvement. For a Dingli realm to reach Pixue, there are three main factors. Firstly, one must accurately gauge the strength required for opening one's acupoint..."

A crisp voice echoed from the young man's mouth.

"A lecture?"

"He's conducting a lecture now?"

"Has he gone mad?"

...

Everyone was wondering what kind of strategy the young man would have against the thousands of soldiers before him. When the other party started preaching, everyone stared at one another in bewilderment.

What was this?

Surrounded by soldiers, yet he started preaching?

Everyone thought that the troublemaker would surely fail terribly, but the other party had yet to lose yet. Everyone thought that the interference of the Master Teacher Pavilion could mediate the conflict, but the other party declared that he would crash the pavilion, not sparing the Master Teacher Pavilion any pride at all...

Now, just as everyone thought that the Heaven's Altar would be washed with blood, the young man began preaching...

Can you at least obey common sense?

Your actions are way too unfathomable!

The group on top of the savage beasts were also stunned, unable to comprehend what Zhang Xuan was up to.

"No, this isn't just a lecture..."

Suddenly, 'gongzi' seemed to realize something and his face warped in shock. His body trembled lightly as he said, "This is Impartation of Heaven's Will... Expelling a Hundred Enemies With a Word, Eradicating An Army With a Phrase!"

.

.

.

Chapter 437: Expelling an Army with Words (2) [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

"Impartation of Heaven's Will?"

Everyone was bewildered.

Those who were slightly more knowledgeable knew that Impartation of Heaven's Will was a unique ability to master teachers. As long as one's Soul Depth was above 3.0, and the content one spoke was aligned with the essence of cultivation and was devoid of errors, there was a chance it could be triggered. Once triggered, those listening to the lecture would find their zhenqi being driven automatically, resulting in their cultivation being raised subconsciously.

This sounded incredible, but in truth, all master teachers were capable of doing so.

Given how talented that Zhang Xuan was, it wasn't completely unexpected for him to be able to utilize this ability in the midst of his lecture!

"The Impartation of Heaven's Will isn't a very powerful ability. However... if one can reach a high level of mastery in it, its effects can be amazing!" 'Gongzi' said as his body trembled in disbelief.

"A high level of mastery?" The crowd was even more bewildered.

"Elder Jin should know that my physical condition hasn't been good ever since a young age, resulting in my inability to cultivate. As such, I've spent my time immersed in books, and I've read nearly all of the books accessible to me once. I once read, in an ancient manual, that when the Impartation of Heaven's Will reaches the highest level, one would be able to utilize the Voice of Truth, which was capable of striking the depths of a person's soul directly. Even if the other party was an enemy, he would willingly concede to you and address you as teacher!"

Taking a deep breath, 'Gongzi' suppressed his heavy breathing and spoke up.

"Voice of Truth?"

Everyone widened their eyes in shock.

Did the Impartation of Heaven's Will possess such incredible effects?

If that was the case, wouldn't one be almost invincible?

Regardless of who it was, one just had to conduct a lesson for the other party to submit to him. All 'living beings' in the world would be considered as one's student!

Wait a moment!

A person suddenly flashed across Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's mind as his face paled and his eyes narrowed. With quivering lips, he asked, "Do you mean... Empyrean Kong shi?"

It was said that Kong shi's words could bring about a celestial phenomenon, and there was none who had heard his lecture who wouldn't call him teacher. Even the most formidable and most hostile enemy would immediately concede to him and willingly serve him as his student.

There was a very old legend depicting Kong shi when he hadn't reached the level of a 9-star master teacher yet. Back then, there was a person named 'Tui' who carried intense animosity against him and thus, wanted to claim his life.

He had looked into Kong shi's affairs and heard that the other party often held lectures beneath a certain tree. Thus, he decided to hide within the lush leaves of the tree with a weapon in hand, ready to strike when Kong shi appeared.

In the end, his efforts paid off. Kong shi walked over to the tree and began conducting a lecture. However, after hearing a few words, 'Tui' immediately felt embarrassed by himself, and he leaped out of his hiding spot and acknowledged Kong shi as his 'teacher'.

It was due to this legend that Kong shi earned himself the nickname of 'World's Teacher', and his name spread far and wide.

Without any exception, those who had heard Kong shi's words would eventually become his student. This was the ability that only Kong shi possessed. Could Zhang Xuan be capable of the same feat as well?

"Indeed. The person I am referring to is Kong shi!"

Clenching his fists tightly, 'gongzi's' face turned red in agitation. "Kong shi's Impartation of Heaven's Will had reached an incredible level. With an utterance, the entire world would tremble before him. With an articulation, a gale would rage and thunder would rumble. Expelling a Hundred Enemies With a Word, Eradicating An Army With a Phrase!"

"It was said that when the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe sent its army to assassinate him, Kong shi was alone. However, without any fear, he began to preach, indifferent even when the swords and axes were before him. A few minutes later, the army of Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was completely wiped out due to infighting..."

At which, 'gongzi's' pitch-black eyes turned to look at the others, "Don't you think that what Zhang Xuan is doing resembles the plot of the story?"

"It does resemble it a bit..."

With pale faces, the crowd trembled slightly.

"What you mean is that... Beast Tamer Zhang, no, Zhang shi intends on conducting a lecture to command these soldiers to back off?"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's body shuddered in disbelief.

There were many legends on Kong shi going around on the continent, and over time, they had become overly exaggerated, making it difficult to determine fact from fiction.

Thus, very few people took the stories for real.

The matter of preaching to destroy the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was one of such common legends, and many people simply laughed it off. However, looking at Zhang shi preaching before so many enemies, their hearts started beating wildly.

"I'm not too sure either, this story only happened to appear in my mind... Since Zhang shi chose to do so, he probably has his reasons for it. After all, he can't possibly just be doing it out of boredom!" 'Gongzi' said.

He wasn't Zhang Xuan; he couldn't accurately guess the other party's thoughts.

"Now that gongzi raised the idea, I think that what you say is really true. Look!"

In disbelief, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was just about to continue enquiring about it when Jin Conghai's voice sounded.

Jin Conghai had a grim look on his face as he stared at the scene on the Heaven's Altar beneath with a look of incredulity.

Turning his gaze over, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing was also stunned.

Half of the ferocious soldiers who had wanted to attack Zhang Xuan together suddenly fell in a daze, and as though the best treasures in the world had appeared before them, a look of delight slowly spread on their faces.

As for the other half, they went further as to dump their weapons on the ground and sat cross-legged, beginning to cultivate as per the other party's guidance.

All of a sudden, the menacing atmosphere suddenly turned into a sight of harmony.

"It... it... is actually true?"

With widened eyes and mouth agape, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing seemed to have petrified. No words could describe his shock at the moment.

Suddenly, an aura behind him began to surge intensely.

Pila pala!

The sound of beans popping echoed.

Unknowingly, drunk on Zhang Xuan's words, Sun Qiang's zhenqi became driving on its own accord, and he broke through his Dingli realm bottleneck, successfully stepping into the realm of a Pixue cultivator.

"Breaking through one's bottleneck through just words? Seems like the rumors are true..."

Taking in this sight, 'gongzi' and the others clenched their fists tightly.

If they weren't sure before, it couldn't be any clearer now.

To break through the bottleneck between Dingli and Pixue with just words...

This was similar to the ability depicted in that legend between Kong shi and the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

Even if other master teachers were able to do the same as well, it would still require accumulation on the cultivator's part and some time. But how long has it only been since Zhang Xuan started his lecture?

Twenty breaths?

Thirty breaths?

At most, it was only forty breaths. In other words, in less than a minute, not only did Zhang Xuan manage to stimulate the zhenqi in Sun Qiang body, he even successfully induced a rise in cultivation realm in the latter...

Such capability couldn't even be seen in 4-star pinnacle master teachers!

"Wait, look at those citizens around the Heaven's Altar..." Gu Mu said.

The group hurriedly shifted their gazes over to the crowd.

The citizens who were busy watching the commotion also began sitting down and meditating according to Zhang Xuan's guidance. The sound of beans popping echoed throughout the square, and it was hard to imagine how many people had managed to achieve a breakthrough during this short period of time.

These people were residents who had grown up here in Xuanyuan Kingdom, and they each possessed a dear patriotism toward the royal palace.

Thus, when the young man barged into the Heaven's Altar and declared his malicious intentions against the crown prince, they felt deep hostility for the latter. However, in an instant, all of these emotions turned into admiration and gratitude.

An itinerant cultivator, without the guidance of master teachers and formidable cultivation technique, would have to spend much effort just to break through a small cultivation realm.

But now, with just a few words from the other party, they were making this leap in their cultivation. This was something they couldn't have fathomed before.

The hostility they felt slowly faded, turning to gratitude and admiration.

Having benefitted from Zhang Xuan's guidance, the latter could be considered as half a teacher to them already.

"Ho-how is this possible?"

In the Green Leaf Pavilion, Pavilion Head Dai Feng grabbed the edges of the windows tightly as he watched the phenomenon unfold before him. His head spun in astonishment.

As the head of an intelligence-gathering agency, he had heard of the legend between Kong shi and the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe as well.

He thought that it was just a legend, but... to think that it would be true!

To remain unaware when such a formidable master teacher had come to Xuanyuan Royal City...

The Green Leaf Pavilion could close down its services already!

"No, this can't be! I'll investigate myself to see who this Zhang Xuan is... What kind of existence did Crown Prince Ding Mu offend?"

Upon thinking of this, Pavilion Head Dai Feng's lips twitched; unable to remain seated, he dashed down the pavilion.

For the Green Leaf Pavilion to be unaware of such huge news was a massive failure!

If he didn't gather all information related to the background of this fellow, he wouldn't be able to sleep well tonight.

...

"What are you all doing? Stop listening to his nonsense and kill him!"

Seeing all of the guards falling into a daze, Crown Prince Ding Mu bellowed frenziedly.

The reason why he had stationed an army on top of the Heaven's Altar was to guard against any sudden movements or mystic treasure of that young man.

Yet, with just a single lecture, the other party had successfully left everyone dazed. What was this?

I told you all to kill him, what are you all doing listening to his lecture?

This isn't a classroom...

"I'm commanding all of you to kill him..."

Gritting his teeth, Crown Prince Ding Mu continued howling.

However, before he could finish his words, all of the soldiers turned their heads simultaneously.

"Shut up!"

Boom!

Even pebbles could be stacked up into a mountain.

With so many trained Dingli realm and Pixue realm experts roaring furiously at the same time, it was as though a strike of celestial lightning had flown across the heavens, striking down on Ding Mu.

Pu!

Struck by the sonic boom, Crown Prince Ding Mu's ears rang, and blood started flowing down his mouth and his nose.

Even his eyes turned red from the impact, and it seemed as though blood would ooze down at any moment.

Even a Transcendent Mortal expert would have to avoid a combined attack from several thousand soldiers at once, so of course a mere Zhizun realm advanced stage cultivator like him was wounded.

"You all... you all..."

Quickly retreating a dozen steps, Crown Prince Ding Mu felt as though he was going mad.

These were all his soldiers! They lived off the royal family's stipends, and they were specially groomed so that, when the need arises, they could be mobilized... Yet, all of them turned against him!

What in the world?

Ding Mu's body couldn't stop convulsing.

"You! It's all your fault!"

With reddened eyes, Ding Mu glared at the preaching Zhang Xuan with clenched jaws.

Didn't I just kill a student of yours?

Do you have to come all the way here and go to the extent of wounding a 3-star master teacher - the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion - and making so many soldiers turn against me?

Damn it, damn it!

Roaring furiously, Crown Prince Ding Mu scrambled for an idea to win back the hearts of these soldiers.

But at this moment, standing at the very center of the crowd, the young man suddenly stopped his lecture, and scanning the surroundings, he said, "Bow!"

Huala!

In that instant, several thousands of soldiers, as well as the countless spectators, immediately kneeled to the floor as respect and admiration gleamed in their eyes.

Then... their voices echoed in the square.

"Paying respect to teacher!"

...

"It's a Half-Teacher Formality! So many people are bowing to Zhang shi earnestly..."

On the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, Mo Yu swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

She knew that young man's talent as a master teacher surpassed that of ordinary people, but she didn't expect that he would be able to win over the hearts of the soldiers on the Heaven's Altar and the surrounding crowd with just a lecture.

While a half-teacher couldn't compare up to one's true teacher, it was still a relationship surpassing that of most ordinary ones. In this world, the prestige of teachers was immense, and students were expected to treat their teachers with the utmost respect.

At that moment, Zhang Xuan was standing with his hands behind his back, watching nonchalantly at the kneeling crowd as though a conqueror. Ding Mu, who was undergoing the crowning ceremony at this instant, seemed no different from a clown.

"To remain nonchalant before an army of several thousand, and conduct a lesson to turn them into his students instead... Zhang Xuan, perhaps you might really be able to fare well in the Master Teacher Tournament and strike your name out into the world!"

Clenching her fists tightly, Mo Yu's eyes reddened in agitation.

That was a true genius! There was only a single outcome for those who refused to submit... to be crushed!

Regardless of whether you are an expert or an influential individual, before absolute might, nothing else mattered!

Mo Yu could already see the storm that Zhang Xuan would cause during the Master Teacher Tournament.

...

"With just a short moment of preaching, he's able to make so many people willingly acknowledge him as a half-teacher... On top of the absolute control over the Impartation of Heaven's Will, his Soul Depth must have reached at least 12.0! In other words... in terms of Soul Depth, he isn't inferior to a 4-star teacher?"

Luo Qianhong's teeth were clattering together. In that instant, it felt as though he had dropped into an ice vault, and he shuddered in fear.

Even though 'gongzi' was well-informed, he wasn't a master teacher. As such, he was unaware of many matters.

It wasn't that difficult to utilize the Impartation of Heaven's Will - one only had to speak of content aligned with the essence of cultivation - but to make so many people fall into a trance and achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation simultaneously was no simple feat.

There was a high requirement for one's Soul Depth!

Putting everything aside, the insight energy contained within the other party's words felt as though a cool breeze to the ears, inducing subconscious trust into him... With just this, Luo Qianhong could conclude that the other party's Soul Depth was at least 12.0.

Every 3.0 difference in Soul Depth was a demarcation zone for a master teacher. A Soul Depth above 12.0 was equivalent to a 4-star master teacher!

A 4-star master teacher beneath twenty?

What kind of monster is that?

Isn't the other party just a 2-star master teacher?

Isn't the other party just a reckless countryside bumpkin?

If I knew how formidable the other party is, I would never have gotten involved!

Glancing at one another, Luo Qianhong and Bai Chen could see the fear and regret in each other's eyes.

If they could, they truly wanted to tear apart that Crown Prince Ding Mu at this instant.

What one feared the most was a lousy teammate that would pull one down. This time, they were truly done in badly by that fellow...

"Pavilion master, what should we do now?" Bai Chen asked with a tearful face while suppressing his injuries.

Initially, he was plotting his revenge for this humiliation. However, after seeing that the other party's Soul Depth had exceeded 12, such thoughts vanished altogether.

The greatest difficulty to the promotion of a master teacher was Soul Depth. As long as one's Soul Depth reached the mark, with sufficient time, the rest wasn't too much of a problem.

To exact vengeance on a future 4-star master teacher?

He really didn't have the guts to do so!

"Go back and make some preparations for his Pavilion Crashing... All we can wish for is for him to fail. Once he passes, we'll be doomed!"

With a resigned expression, Luo Qianhong shook his head.

If the other party failed the Pavilion Crashing, he could still sell the other party a favor and let bygones be bygones. However, once the other party succeeded, there would be nothing left for him.

What the heck was this!

How did he offend such a monster?

With a stiff body, Luo Qianhong was just about to say something more when the young man standing at the very center of the crowd coldly surveyed the surroundings before speaking with an authoritative voice.

"Since you all address me as your teacher, are you all going to stop me from killing this person?"

Becoming a Celestial Master Teacher had not just granted Zhang Xuan with the Eye of Insight, his Impartation of Heaven's Will had also made a huge breakthrough.

Once these people achieve a breakthrough in their cultivation and became his student, the rest was a walk in the park.

"We wouldn't dare!"

"If teacher doesn't wish to dirty your hands, we can do it for you!"

"Despite his position, Crown Prince Ding Mu has committed many vile deeds. We've long wished to teach him a lesson. As long as teacher gives the order, we're willing to take him down for you!"

...

Hualala!

The army of soldiers immediately opened up a pathway, and at the same time, several voices sounded here and there.

Crown Prince Ding Mu was a willful and arrogant person; he had made many unwise decisions and committed innumerable vile deeds. Even though many soldiers were aware and infuriated by it, none of them dared to voice their complaints. However, before this half-teacher of theirs, their true sentiments came pouring out.

"You all..."

Crown Prince Ding Mu's heart had already turned cold upon facing the betrayal of so many soldiers, and upon hearing those words, he nearly fainted on the spot.

The armies that other kingdoms groomed were willing to lay down their lives for the royal family, but what in the world was with the army he had groomed?

He commanded them to kill someone for him, but all of them ended up acknowledging the latter as their teacher and even offered their 'services'...

The heck!

I am the crown prince, the future emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom! How can I be killed by trash like you?

"It won't be that easy to kill me! Give me the crown..."

Ding Mu's expression warped in savagery.

My life is my own, don't even dream about laying your filthy hands on me!

With a loud roar, Ding Mu rushed toward the old Emperor Ding Chong, snatched the crown from his hands, and placed it on his head.

At this time, he could care less about formalities or traditions. He walked directly to the throne at the center of the Heaven's Altar and sat down.

"Under the decree of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, I am now the emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom. Let's see who dares to touch me now!"

With a face distorted by insanity, he bellowed furiously.

Sitting on the throne with a crown on his head, he could be officially considered as the new emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom. As such, he was under the protection of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Putting aside a 2-star master teacher, even a 4-star master teacher would have to think twice before laying a hand on him!

Otherwise, if an emperor could be killed that easily, what was the use of the existence of the alliance?

The alliance was a balance of power between the various kingdoms. While internal struggles were reluctantly overlooked, the murder of an emperor was something that was vehemently disallowed.

"This..."

"This is bad!"

The soldiers who had offered to make a move for Zhang Xuan looked at one another hesitantly upon seeing this move.

If a crown prince was killed, the emperor could still appoint a new one. However, killing an emperor was synonymous with challenging the prestige of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

"This..."

Zhang Xuan's face darkened as well.

He didn't expect the fellow to be so shameless as to ignore the ceremony and immediately don the crown either.

Now that the other party was the emperor, killing him would bring about a lot of trouble.

"Haha, I am now the emperor! With the backing of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance behind me, do any of you dare touch me? Are any of you qualified to touch me?"

Seeing the hesitance in everyone's eyes, Ding Mu roared in laughter. Glee reflected in his eyes.

Knowing that Zhang Xuan would go after him, he had already planned out his countermeasure. Everything he prepared was just for this day!

You might be capable, talented, strong, and above all, you have a good teacher.

However, I am not lacking either. I have an entire Conferred Kingdom behind me. I have the Myriad Kingdom Alliance behind me!

With such an identity, even if I have faulted, only the alliance had the rights to pursue it. A 2-star master teacher like you...

Aren't worthy!

"Also, all of you! Despite living off the stipends of the kingdom, how dare you all betray the kingdom? You all deserve to die!" Ding Mu roared furiously with a savage expression.

"We..."

The faces of the crowd paled.

Even though there was just a thin line between the crown prince and the emperor, of a kingdom, this gap meant everything.

The crown prince didn't possess the authority to behead so many soldiers, but the emperor did.

"Zhang Xuan, Pavilion Master Luo has proposed to mediate the matter previously but you disagreed. It's too late to change your mind now!"

After mocking Zhang Xuan, Ding Mu stared haughtily at the crowd, and with the disposition befitting of an emperor, he declared, "I'll give you all a chance to make up for your mistakes. As long as you all kill this intruder, I'll pardon you all for your previous sins. On top of that, I'll even confer a nobility on the one who finishes him off and grant him a life of utmost prestige and wealth!"

"Why? Do you all still intend on going against my orders, the orders of your emperor..."

Seeing the crowd hesitating, Ding Mu gazed downward at the faces below, suppressing the entire square with the majesty of an emperor.

Weng!

However, before Ding Mu could finish his words, a jade token flew out. Then, bright light burst forth from it, forming a gigantic image.

The image consisted of just three words — Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Following which, a deep voice reverberated in the air.

"The succession of the throne requires a prior announcement and a complete ceremony. Ding Mu has disregarded the rules and snatched the imperial authority willfully. The alliance declares his inauguration invalid!"

The voice echoed loudly throughout Xuanyuan Royal City, and even the clouds seemed to tremor slightly under it.

"This is... a decree from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's envoy!"

Someone uttered amidst the crowd.

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Chapter 438: The Great Xuanyuan Formation

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Silence.

Ding Mu had just declared his unparalleled authority within the kingdom when the decree of the envoy arrived the next instant. Everyone was dumbfounded.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was several hundred thousand kilometers away from Xuanyuan Kingdom, and even when riding on a Zhizun realm pinnacle savage beast, it would still take several dozen days of journey to travel here. This envoy... sure is efficient...

"This... Impossible! How can this be possible..."

While jaws were falling to the ground, Ding Mu's final string of rationality finally snapped.

Are you playing with me?

I had just barely managed to become the emperor and force the other party to step down. Victory is right before me, and yet, such a twist just had to occur at this moment. With this, no matter what I do, I'll just be regarded as an unofficial and unrecognized sovereign!

Conferred Kingdoms were vassal kingdoms to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, and if the latter refused to recognize his position, nothing he said would be useful!

"Your Majesty, that... is an authentic decree from the envoy of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. I've seen it before..."

Seeing the doubt on Ding Mu's face, an official walked over with a nervous look and reported.

The decree of the envoy couldn't be forged. The words 'Myriad Kingdom Alliance' possessed a unique authority to it that no one else could imitate.

With just a single look, one could determine whether it was authentic or not.

"Men, the Left Minister is spouting nonsense and shaking the foundation of the country. Kill him!"

Ding Mu was already in a frenzied state, and the words of the official pushed him off the edge. He immediately bellowed a command.

"Your Majesty..."

The crowd stared at one another hesitantly, not knowing what to do.

"You all..."

Seeing that everyone was disregarding his orders, Ding Mu's eyes reddened in rage. Just as he was about to roar furiously once more, an impassive voice sounded in the air.

"Since the Myriad Kingdom Alliance refuses to recognize you, that means that your position is unofficial. No one will listen to the commands of a fake emperor!"

Turning around, he saw Zhang Xuan gazing at him with cold eyes.

In truth, Zhang Xuan was also bewildered by the situation.

Before coming, he had already prepared himself for the worst situation. Regardless of whether the other party became the emperor or not, he would make his move.

Of all things, he didn't expect the Myriad Kingdom Alliance's involvement in this matter.

The appearance of the decree meant that Ding Mu's ascension to the throne was unlawful, and the Myriad Kingdom Alliance wouldn't pursue the affair even if he were killed.

"So what if these useless fools refuse to obey my commands? Do you think that I'll fear you just because of that? You might be strong, but it won't be that easy to kill me!"

Having lost the throne, the backing of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and being unable to mobilize his subordinates, Ding Mu knew that he had no choice but to resort to brute force.

His face warped as though a ravenous wolf as he glared fixedly at the young man before him. Then, he abruptly reached forward to grab the jade seal.

With the jade seal in his hands, his disposition changed all of the sudden. In an instant, he felt as if he were a towering mountain standing before everyone else.

Even a Half-Transcension expert would have to back off before the powerful aura he was emitting at this moment.

"The reason why our Ding Clan was able to build a massive kingdom that no other kingdoms dare to attack and maintain our lineage for more than a millennium isn't just purely through brute force... It is because of a formation!

"The infrastructures in Xuanyuan Kingdom are positioned in a way that aligns with the sun, moon, and the stars, forming a grade-4 primary formation! You wish to kill me? Dream on! Even if I can't become the emperor, I'll pull you down along with me!"

Roaring furiously, the jade seal in his hands flew in the air, triggering the formation. In an instant, it seemed as though the entire capital had come to a life. An incredibly powerful pressure fell down from the skies.

All of the sudden, the crowd in the square suddenly felt something sealing their movements. At the same time, a powerful pressure overwhelmed them, threatening to kill them if they were to make an unwise move.

"It's... the Great Xuanyuan Formation! He's actually triggered the Great Xuanyuan Formation!"

Amidst the crowd, an official's face suddenly paled. His body slackened, and he fell weakly to the ground.

"Great Xuanyuan Formation? What's that?"

There were many people who were unaware of its existence, and a person asked anxiously amidst the crowd.

"It's said that the founding ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom was a formidable formation master. After uniting the lands and building the kingdom, he chose this location to build the capital. Using the mountains, rivers, and the infrastructure as the formation flags, he built an immense formation. Even a Mortal Transcendent expert would die easily if he were to be caught in it!"

"This formation can only be triggered by the imperial seal, and it's the final line of defense of the kingdom. No one here will be able to withstand its immense might..."

The official trembled uncontrollably as he spoke.

Previously, when Ding Mu ordered them to kill the other party, no one listened to him.

Now that he had activated the formation and trapped everyone within it, if he intended to take revenge, who could stand against him?

Hearing those words and feeling the violent might of a formation shrouding them, the crowd's faces warped in fear.

They thought given the disparity in strength between the other master teacher and Crown Prince Ding Mu, even if no one were to obey his commands, there was nothing for them to worry about. No one could have expected for the latter to have such an ace up his sleeves.

A grade-4 formation could kill even a Mortal Transcendent expert, so how could mere Fighter realm cultivators like them withstand it?

And without sufficient strength, it was impossible for them to break out of it.

I looked like... they were doomed!

...

"You are... an envoy of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?"

While a pandemonium had broken out below, in the air, on the back of a savage beast, Wei Yuqing looked at the young man with tightly-clenched fists.

From the attitude of the others toward this 'gongzi', he could tell that the other party's standing was definitely extremely high. Otherwise, Gu Mu's teacher, as a 4-star poison master, wouldn't act so deferentially to him.

But even so... He didn't expect the other party to be an envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

An envoy holding a decree was representative of the head of the alliance. If anyone dared to challenge his authority, he could kill them as he pleased!

In other words, he possessed unparalleled authority within the territories of the alliance.

Yet, to think that the person wielding such immense authority would just be a teenage child...

If he hadn't seen the other party throwing out the token personally, he would have never believed it to be true.

"Un!"

'Gongzi' nodded silently. At this moment, his gaze was directed at the formation below, and a frown appeared on his face.

A moment later, he turned to the elder beside him.

"Is there any way for you to break this formation?"

"Gongzi, you should also know that I'm not adept at formations!"

Jin Conghai's face flushed in embarrassment.

Even though he was a Transcendent Mortal expert, his occupation was a poison master. His knowledge of formations was severely limited. On top of that, the formation below was incredibly massive, and even if a 4-star primary formation master were to be here, it would be hard for him to stop the formation.

"This formation makes use of the mountains and rivers in the surroundings to augment its might. On top of that, it hasn't been used before ever since it was set up, and over time, a massive amount of spiritual energy had accumulated within it. Not just me, I'm afraid that... even if Pavilion Master Kang were to be here, he would be helpless before it!"

After a moment of hesitation, Jin Conghai spoke his analysis.

Even though he wasn't adept in formations, as a Transcendent Mortal expert of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, he still possessed a decent discernment ability. It wasn't too difficult for him to determine how fearsome the formation below was.

Even the head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, Pavilion Master Kang, would be helpless before it.

And Pavilion Master Kang was the most capable formation master throughout the Myriad Kingdom Alliance!

Through this, the fearsomeness of the formation was apparent.

"I know that this formation is formidable, but... do you have any way to save him?" 'Gongzi' couldn't help but ask.

Deciphering and stopping a formation was very much different from saving a person from a formation. In which case, the latter was much easier than the former.

Jin Conghai shook his head and said, "This formation has been nourished over a long period of time, granting it immense might. Life and death hinge on just a single thought of the one controlling the formation! To break it, it'll require sixteen Mortal Transcendent experts standing at sixteen different locations... Even if it's just saving someone from within, it would require at least five people at the same level as me to make a move simultaneously..."

On top of the grade, the scale also determined the strength of the formation.

The larger the formation set up, the more powerful it would be.

This was the reason why formation plates were lacking in might.

The formation below covered the entire Xuanyuan Royal City, extending for a length of several hundred kilometers. On top of that, it had accumulated a frightening quantity of energy over the course of a thousand years, making it a fearsome weapon.

It would already be a blessing if a Mortal Transcendent expert could survive a killing formation of such might. Saving someone within... was completely impossible!

"Then... what should we do? You also know that he's Liu Cheng!"

Hearing that even his guard was helpless before this immense formation, 'gongzi' panicked.

"Don't panic. If it comes down to it, I'll just have to try barging into it..." Jin Conghai gritted his teeth.

He knew of the gratitude that 'gongzi' felt toward Physician 'Liu Cheng'. The other party had specially traveled from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance here just to look for him. If the other party were to die before him, wouldn't he die of regret?

"What do you mean by barging into it?"

At that moment, a doubtful voice sounded within the room. Turning around, the group saw that Sun Qiang was done with his cultivation and had stood up once more.

Under Zhang Xuan's Impartation of Heaven's Will, not only had Sun Qiang reinforced his Pixue realm cultivation, he had even opened up three acupoints. Thus, he was in good spirits.

Sun Qiang had been on the verge of breaking through Dingli realm for a while now, so Zhang Xuan's Impartation of Heaven's Will was exceptionally effective on him.

"Your young master is trapped in Ding Mu's formation, and he's in an extremely precarious situation now. If you can contact Yang shi, you should hurry up. I fear that... Zhang shi might be coming to his limits already!"

Seeing that Sun Qiang was done with his cultivation, 'gongzi' hurriedly advised.

In truth, he regretted not getting Jin Conghai to make a move on Ding Mu when he threw out of the envoy's decree earlier on.

If he had done so, such a situation wouldn't have occurred.

He was here to repay the favor, but not only did he fail to achieve anything, he even landed his benefactor into a precarious situation. How could he have the face to live on if the other party really died? In his view, if not for the decree he threw out, Ding Mu wouldn't have been forced to activate the formation.

"Formation?"

Glancing out of the window to look at the sight below, Sun Qiang brushed the matter off impassively, "Seeing your grim faces, I thought that it would be some serious affair. Turns out that it's just this. Don't worry, the young master is fine!"

Hearing those words, Jin Conghai staggered and nearly fainted. "Do you know how powerful this formation is?"

The one below is your young master! He's trapped in a formation which even a Mortal Transcendent expert would be unable to break out off! Yet, how can you remain so nonchalant? Are you truly that brave, or is there something wrong with your head?

"I have no idea!"

Sun Qiang waved his hands nonchalantly, "But that doesn't make a difference. A small formation like this doesn't mean anything at all!"

Tianxuan Kingdom had no formation masters at all, so how could Sun Qiang know anything about formations. Even if the most basic formation was laid out before him, he still wouldn't be able to decipher it at all.

But even though he knew nothing at all, Zhao Ya and the others had recounted the events at the Lin Clan back then to him at least a few hundred times. On top of that, he had also personally witnessed the young master kicking the formation at the residence of Lu Chong's ancestors to a stop.

He knew that no one could match up to the young master in the field of formations.

It might be something fearsome to the others, but to the young master... it was just a walk in the park.

"Doesn't mean anything at all? A small formation? How can you call Zhang shi your young master and behave like that?!"

'Gongzi's' face darkened and he nearly erupted on the spot.

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Chapter 439: Lucid Mind

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Upon hearing that their young master was trapped, other subordinates would surely hurriedly plead with others to save him. Yet, not only was this fellow not worried, he even looked at them with such an expression...

Are you a subordinate or an enemy?

That was a formation that even Pavilion Master Kang would find hard to break! Yet, to view it with such nonchalance, are you that brave or do you desperately crave for your young master to die here?

'Gongzi' was about to faint from anger, and by the side, Wei Yuqing's eyes were also rolling around the place.

If not for Zhang Xuan entrusting his subordinate to him personally, he would have thought that this fellow was an imposter.

Probably, he was the only one in the world who could watch idly as death loomed above his master.

"What's wrong?"

Sun Qiang couldn't comprehend why the other party had reprimanded him.

"I'll go then! I am indebted to Yang shi, and now that his student is in trouble, I can't sit idly by the side..."

Seeing how this cretin didn't have any intentions to look for Yang shi to save his young master, Gu Mu and the others decided to disregard him altogether.

"You are intending to save the young master?"

Sun Qiang finally came to a realization, and a look of disdain appeared on his face, "I didn't expect you all to be so inexperienced... And to think that one of you is the envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance... It's just a formation, what's the big deal? With the young master around, you all really don't need to worry at all!"

"Inexperienced?"

A fellow from an unranked kingdom who didn't even know what a formation was dared to look at the envoy from the Myriad Kingdom Alliance with disdain?

The crowd was so furious that they nearly spurted blood.

You are the one who's inexperienced, your entire family is inexperienced!

'Gongzi' clenched his jaws together, tempted to tear the fatty before him apart.

But other than having him look for Yang shi, there was no better solution.

Thus, suppressing his anger, he began to explain, "This is the Great Xuanyuan Formation, and nourished over a course of thousand years, it's the first time it's being activated..."

"Oh!"

After hearing the explanation, Sun Qiang simply nodded his head indifferently and said, "Now that you're done, you should take a rest!"

"You..."

'Gongzi' nearly flew into a rampage.

It was as though the fellow before him didn't understand the human language at all. He had wasted his breath on him!

Damn it!

Forget it, this wasn't the time to be lashing out on this kind of heartless fellow. Saving Zhang shi took priority.

As such, he decided to disregard the fatty and turned to look at Jin Conghai instead, "Elder Jin, I might require your strength on this matter. Here is a decree representing my identity. If Ding Mu insists on making a move, you are free to kill him on the spot..."

Just as 'gongzi' was issuing some instructions to Jin Conghai, intending to resolve the matter the brute way, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing and Gu Mu suddenly exclaimed.

"What?"

"Gongzi, look..."

Seeing the expressions on the duo, 'gedeng', 'gongzi's' heart skipped a beat. Thinking that perhaps Zhang Xuan might have already died in that short moment of delay, he hurriedly turned his gaze down and his eyes widened in shock.

That humongous formation which seemed as though it would wipe out everything within it suddenly vanished into thin air. The sight below was completely calm, as though nothing had happened at all.

Zhang Xuan was still walking forward slowly, and at this moment, he was already less than ten meters away from Ding Mu.

"What happened?"

Rubbing his eyes furiously, 'gongzi' was astounded.

It was just a moment ago that he saw the formation ravaging, threatening to claim the lives of those inside at any moment. Yet, why did it disappear all of the sudden?

Did he see wrongly?

"Just now... Just now..."

Wei Yuqing's face was completely pale, and his lips were quivering. It seemed like even speaking was a great difficulty for him at the moment.

"What happened?" Jin Conghai couldn't help but ask as well.

"It seems like... Zhang Xuan stretched out a finger, and then... it simply turned out like this!" Wei Yuqing was on the verge of tears.

Despite witnessing it with his own eyes, the situation simply seemed even more unbelievable to him.

What the heck was this?

With just a light tap of a finger, the ravaging formation came to an instant stop.

Didn't Jin Conghai and 'gongzi' just praise this formation to the skies...

Didn't they say that even the pavilion master of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion couldn't stop him, and it would require at least a dozen Transcendent Mortal experts to forcefully halt it?

Yet, the other party stopped it so easily! Was he dreaming?

"Stopped it with a single finger?"

Jin Conghai and 'gongzi' nearly bit down on their tongues out of shock. Just as they were about to ask if the two of them had seen wrongly, Sun Qiang walked forward with both hands behind him and a proud look on his face.

"Our young master might have never taken the formation master examination, but this kind of weak formation means nothing to him at all..."

Then, he stared at the group disdainfully once more.

How inexperienced.

Envoy? 4-star poison master? Pui!

In the end, you all still panic over minor situations like this!

"You..."

Being looked down, 'gongzi' was just about to rationalize it out with this fellow when Jin Conghai pointed below with a grim look. "Gongzi, look!"

Afraid that he would miss out anything just like before, he ignored Sun Qiang and turned his gaze downward as well.

...

"You... Impossible!"

While 'gongzi', Jin Conghai, and the others were dying from shock above, Ding Mu was also on the verge of suffering a stroke.

The Great Xuanyuan Formation was his greatest backing. One of the main reasons why he hurriedly ended the inauguration ceremony was so that he could gain control of the jade seal...

He thought that once he activated it, even the envoy would mean nothing at all. Yet, before such a formidable formation could work its course, the other party had already halted it with a light tap...

Brother, who the hell are you?

Without raising your legs, you could scare Bai Chen into leaping away; with a single hit, you caused the Half-Transcension Pavilion Master Luo Qianhong to vomit buckets of blood; and now, you stopped such a formidable formation with a single finger...

Are you sure that you are a 2-star master teacher and not the reincarnation of Kong shi?

"You should have expected this when you tried to kill me back then!" Ignoring the other party's shock, Zhang Xuan continued advancing forward.

The Great Xuanyuan Formation might be vast and powerful, but just like any formation, it had a core.

Since Ding Mu activated the formation via the jade seal on the Heaven's Altar, naturally, the core was somewhere around here as well. Through the Library of Heaven's Path, it wasn't too difficult for Zhang Xuan to determine the precise point to strike and stop it.

"You won't know who's the victor until the very end..."

Recovering from his shock, a savage expression reappeared on Ding Mu's face.

Knowing that the formation was already useless, he threw the jade seal on the floor. Then, clenching his fists tightly, he propelled his cultivation and cloaked his hands with a layer of zhenqi.

Phantom battle technique, Heaven Shattering Fist!

Ding Mu was only at Zhizun realm advanced stage, but through this battle technique, he was able to take the top spot of the Green Leaf Board. This showed how formidable this battle technique was.

"Die!"

Knowing the other party was a tough adversary, Ding Mu drove his cultivation to his limits and took the initiative.

Boom!

The air was tightly compressed under his might, causing a deafening sonic boom. In the blink of an eye, his fist was already right before Zhang Xuan, headed for his chest.

"Strong!"

"He's at Zhizun realm pinnacle as well... To think that he'd made a breakthrough as well!"

Upon seeing the massive strength the Ding Mu displayed, the crowd was stunned. Many of those who were aware of the affairs of the crown prince realized that the crown prince wasn't at Zhizun realm advanced stage as per the rumors, he had already reached pinnacle!

"It's not that he made a breakthrough. Rather... he used some kind of secret art!"

Luo Qianhong had a grim look on his face.

He was a good friend of the other party, and the other party had been hiding in the Master Teacher Pavilion the past few days. As such, he had a good grasp over the other party's strength.

Even though he had reached Zhizun realm advanced stage for some time now, it would still take at least half a year before he could make another breakthrough.

Thus, the only plausible explanation was that he had used some kind of secret art.

Rumor has it that the royal family had a secret art which burned their blood essence in exchange for a temporary increment in their cultivation by one to two small realms

"Even so, that Zhang Xuan... is in trouble!"

He clenched his fists tightly.

The reason why Ding Mu could reach the top of the Young Leaf Board wasn't due to his position as the crown prince but because he possessed true strength.

Even without resorting to such secret art, he could defeat a Zhizun realm pinnacle expert. With this leap in his cultivation, even Luo Qianhong himself would find it hard to triumph over the other party.

That Zhang Xuan had only managed to injure him through exploiting the flaws in his techniques and his powerful physical body. On the other hand, Crown Prince Ding Mu, due to the Spirit Blood Body Nourishment Formula of the royal family, possessed a powerful physical body as well.

Regardless of whether it was his cultivation technique, battle technique, or physical body, there was no flaw to be picked from him.

It would be impossible for Zhang Xuan to defeat the other party using the same means.

"This is your ace?"

Just as Luo Qianhong thought that Zhang Xuan would be unable to hold his ground against Ding Mu, the young man's calm voice sounded.

After which, the young man flexed his fingers and grabbed forward, as though capturing a rabbit trapped in a cage.

Hu!

Ding Mu's fist art was dispelled in an instant. Then, as though Ding Mu was a little chicken, Zhang Xuan grabbed at his neck, lifting him up.

What Heaven Shattering Fist, Phantom pinnacle battle technique, blood-burning secret art...

Before that young man, it was as laughable as playi

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ng house!

Chapter 440: Ding Hong [2in1]

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Most cultivators were able to reach a State of Mind at the level of 2-dan Heart of Tranquil Water.

But to exceed that level was extremely difficult.

It was said that only upon reaching the level of a 4-star master teacher would one have the chance to make the breakthrough.

Heart of Tranquil Water only allowed one to remain impervious to external factors. The higher realm to that was 'Vanquishing Facade, Lucid Mind' that Luo Qianhong just exclaimed.

Upon reaching this level, one would be able to peer through chaos to see the crux of the matter. At the same time, with a clearer mind, one's analytical power would grow substantially stronger.

Even though it was far from a match for the Eye of Insight, it was useful in the sense that it provided a master teacher with a greater degree of rationalizing abilities.

For example, no matter how knowledgeable one was, it was impossible for one to have seen all questions in the world and know the answers to them.

However, if one had reached this state, one could easily deduce the motive of the one setting the question and the content which the question was trying to assess a person on. By seeing through all of the facade, one would be able to provide the most accurate answer.

Knowledge is omnipresent around us, only waiting to be analyzed!

As such, this realm was also known as [Lucid Analytical Realm].

This Zhang Xuan was able to see through Ding Mu's Heaven Shattering Fist and blood-burning secret art, immediately aiming for the neck instead. Clearly, he had seen through all of the facades contained within the moves and the purposes each of them served. Even if the person hadn't reached the Lucid Analytical Realm yet, he wasn't too far from it.

This explained why the other party could neutralize his Whisking Sleeves so easily.

As for whether it was the higher realm, Eye of Insight, this was something that he dared not even imagine.

After all, this was an ability that even most 6-star master teacher didn't possess. How could it appear in a 2-star master teacher who wasn't even twenty yet?

Even so, just the thought that the other party had reached Lucid Analytical Realm had already left him incredibly shocked.

What kind of monster was the other party?

...

"Yo-You..."

Having his neck grabbed, a mix of shock and fear surfaced on Ding Mu's face.

He thought that by using the blood-burning secret art and his most powerful move, even if he wasn't a match for the other party, he would still be able to stand his own ground. He didn't even consider the possibility of being subdued as soon as he made a move.

"Don't kill me! I was bewitched by that woman, Lin Long, back then. I was blind to have made a move on you... As long as you don't kill me, I'll give you whatever you want. Anything that is within Xuanyuan Kingdom's means, I'll give it to you! Even a hundred or two hundred spirit stones isn't a problem at all!"

The young man before him had defeated Luo Qianhong, dispelled the Great Xuanyuan Formation, and even his final ace was crushed that easily. This time, Ding Mu truly felt frightened and helpless.

Xuanyuan Kingdom was qualified to deal with spirit stones, and as long as the other party was willing to spare him, no amount of wealth was too much.

"Spirit stones?"

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

If not for Lu Chong taking the blow for him, he would already have been dead. Could spirit stones be used to trade for the welfare of his student?

"Since I said that I'll kill you, then pardon me... Only one fate awaits you!"

Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up as he exerted more force through his fingers.

"AH... Great grandfather, save me!"

Seeing that Zhang Xuan was about to really make a move, Ding Mu's face paled and he hurriedly shouted for help.

"Let him go!"

As soon as Ding Mu shouted for help, a loud bellow reverberated across the entire city.

It sounded as though the rumbling of a thunder, shaking the ground and buildings in the area.

Frowning, Zhang Xuan glanced over.

The voice came from the depths of the royal palace right in front of him. Deep and steady, those words seemed to wield an immense pressure.

Even despite Zhang Xuan's recent massive breakthrough, he found himself on the verge of caving in from the pressure.

"Strong..."

He clenched his fists tightly.

Accompanied with the Eye of Insight and Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan could match up to even a Half-Transcension at his current strength.

Yet, the other party was able to induce such a sensation within him with just words. Without a doubt, the other party's cultivation definitely exceeded that of Luo Qianhong, reaching that legendary realm.

He didn't expect such an expert to exist amidst the Xuanyuan royal family!

...

"Great grandfather? Could it be... He isn't dead yet?"

Atop of the savage beast, Grand Elder Wei Yuqing's face darkened.

"You know this man?"

'Gongzi' turned to look at Grand Elder Wei Yuqing.

"Un!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing nodded. "There's a ranking board for the strongest experts within Xuanyuan Kingdom known as the Green Leaf Board, and on it, despite being a Half-Transcension expert and a 3-star intermediate master teacher, Luo Qianhong was only in the third place!"

"Third place?"

'Gongzi' and Jin Conghai glanced at one another.

They had seen the pavilion master's strength for themselves previously when he made a move on Zhang Xuan. Even though he was defeated by Zhang Xuan in an instant, his true strength shouldn't be underestimated.

Among Half-Transcension expert, he definitely ranked amidst the top.

Yet, with such strength, he was only placed at the third rank. Who could the other two in front of him be?

"The one ranked second is not a cultivator, but the greatest backing of Xuanyuan Kingdom — a Half-Transcension savage beast, [Steelback Winged Dragon]!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said.

"You're referring to that powerful savage beast which possesses a trace of the Dragon Bloodline?"

Jin Conghai frowned.

Similar to the Nightmare Beast, the Steelback Winged Dragon also possessed the Dragon Bloodline. Even though it was extremely thin, it granted them a portion of the overwhelming strength of the Dragon Tribe. It possessed steel wings as sharp as knives, and its speed was one that would leave the mouths of onlookers agape. Thick scales filled its body, granting it an impenetrable defense. On top of that, it possessed immense strength and stamina as well.

From birth, it was already destined to reach Half-Transcension realm. In fact, with its powerful physical traits, it could even match up with some of the weaker spirit beasts.

"The other Conferred Kingdoms may not know much about the Great Xuanyuan Kingdom, but the Steelback Winged Dragon is common knowledge. This was precisely the reason why, despite Emperor Ding Chong's weak personality, no kingdom dared to turn their blades to us!"

As the Grand Elder of the Beast Hall, there was no way Wei Yuqing wouldn't know about such a powerful savage beast in Xuanyuan Kingdom.

If not for this formidable backing, even if Zhang Xuan didn't do anything at all, this kingdom would have been annexed by the other Conferred Kingdoms already.

"But if the Steelback Winged Dragon is only ranked at second place, could the first place refer to..." Gu Mu turned his gaze over in astonishment.

"That's right, it's the person who had just spoken, Crown Prince Ding Mu's great grandfather, the 178th emperor of Xuanyuan Kingdom... Ding Hong!"

Grand Elder Wei Yuqing clenched his fists tightly as he said, "This Ding Hong could be considered a genius among geniuses. Eighty years ago, he was already the number one expert in the kingdom, just that, one day... he faded out of public view. Even I had thought that he was already dead and the reason why his name remained on the Green Leaf Board was out of remembrance... Yet, to think that he was still alive!"

"The number one expert eighty years ago? But his lifespan..." Gu Mu widened his eyes in shock.

Making the breakthrough to Zhizun realm meant that one's level of existence had reached greater heights, and there would be an overall enhancement in one's physical attributes. Even though one's lifespan would be increased as well, this increment was minimal, perhaps just a few years at best. Under normal circumstances, a hundred years was already the limit for most Zhizun realm experts.

If Ding Hong was the number one expert of the kingdom eighty years ago, he must have at least reached the Half-Transcension realm at that time. To be still living now...

Didn't this mean that he was already beyond a hundred years old?

"If it's really him, he should be one hundred and fifteen this year!" Grand Elder Wei Yuqing said.

"A hundred and fifteen? Transcendent Mortal 1-dan... Prolonged Longevity realm?" Jin Conghai asked.

The Transcendent Mortal realm, also known as the Surmounting Mortality realm and the Mortal Metamorphosis realm, meant overcoming the limits of a mortal and reaching a brand new level of existence.

This was the terminology used for the realms, and just like the Fighter 9 dans, it had nine different realms to it as well.

1-dan Prolonged Longevity realm.

Upon reaching this level, there would be a huge leap in one's level of existence. At this realm, one would be able to absorb the spiritual energy in the world to heal the various traumas cultivating had brought to them, and through such means, enhance their longevity.

At Fighter realm, even if one had reached Zhizun realm pinnacle or even Half-Transcension, surpassing the century limit was an extremely difficult task.

But if one were to reach this higher realm, one's longevity could potentially be doubled to two hundred years.

Given that Ding Hong was still alive and kicking despite exceeding the hundred year mark, he must have made the breakthrough to become a full-fledged Transcendent Mortal expert.

To think that there would be a Transcendent Mortal expert in Xuanyuan Kingdom!

"There is a huge gap between the strength of a Transcendent Mortal cultivator and a Half-Transcension cultivator. Gongzi, should we help him?" Jin Conghai asked grimly.

Even though it was just a difference of a small cultivation realm, it represented the difference between a mortal and a transcendent being. How could the two begin to compare with one another?

Zhang Xuan might be able to defeat a Half-Transcension expert easily, but a Transcendent Mortal was definitely beyond his means.

With such a huge difference in their level of existence, there was no way his fighting prowess could match up to Ding Hong.

It was just like how the possibility of a human defeating a tiger bare-handed was practically zero.

"Wait a moment first, let's see how he deals with this matter. We'll only help him when things look dire!" 'Gongzi' shook his head.

The other party had defeated a Half-Transcension expert easily and stopped the Great Xuanyuan Formation with just a single finger. The means that he had displayed had piqued 'gongzi's' curiosity. He was interested to see if the other party had any unique methods to deal with a Transcendent Mortal expert.

Besides, Jin Conghai was a person who had traveled quite far in the path of a Transcendent Mortal. With his strength, it wasn't difficult for him to subdue a Prolonged Longevity realm in an instant. Thus, there was no harm in doing so.

"Un!"

Nodding his head, Jin Conghai turned his gaze back to the field below.

Gu Mu and the others also anxiously shifted their sights.

...

"You're a master teacher, right? Can you sell me a favor and let this unfilial progeny of mine off? I'm willing to offer you two thousand spirit stones in exchange for this favor!"

After a moment of hesitation, the deep and ancient voice echoed once more.

"Two thousand spirit stones?"

The breathing of the crowd hastened.

The value of a spirit stone was immense. It was difficult to trade for a single one even with a massive sum of gold.

Yet, the other party offered two thousand spirit stones immediately. This was truly a generous offer.

With so many spirit stones, one could buy up the entire Tianwu Kingdom!

To be giving away wealth equivalent to the value of a Tier 1 Kingdom just to save Ding Mu, it was clear to see how important the latter was to him.

Upon hearing those words, Zhang Xuan was stunned as well.

Even when he was at the peak of his wealth, he only had fifteen spirit stones in his possession. He knew how valuable spirit stones were, and this two thousand spirit stones would surely contribute greatly to his cultivation.

"That's right, two thousand spirit stones. I believe you should understand the value of my offer!"

The elder spoke slowly and deeply. "Besides, you have nothing to gain from killing him. Rather, you'll face my relentless pursuit for revenge then. You are a wise man, so I believe you should know what to choose!"

The other party's voice may seem calm, but it was laced with threat.

If Zhang Xuan truly intended to make a move, Ding Hong would surely step forward and kill him.

Hearing the other party's threat, Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly together.

Zhang Xuan loved money, and he was in dire need of spirit stones as well. However, he would never compromise his own principles for such material wealth.

If he were to do so, how could he face Lu Chong when he finally wakes up?

Kacha!

With a slight exertion of force, his grip tightened and a crisp sound echoed. Before Ding Mu could make a single sound, his head tilted and he breathed his last breath.

Putong!

The corpse was thrown to the ground.

"You... Audacious!"

Not expecting that this young fellow would actually kill Ding Mu despite all that he had said, Ding Hong couldn't hold back his rage anymore. The restraint present in his voice previously vanished, and his bellow reached even the heavens, threatening to tear the sky apart.

Hualala!

Hearing that thunderous voice, the crowd who was watching the commotion suddenly lost their balance and fell to the ground.

The rage of a Transcendent Mortal caused even the skies to pale!

"This is bad..."

"He should have just exchanged for the two thousand spirit stones!"

"Indeed, he's really doomed this time. That's a Transcendent Mortal! No matter how powerful he is, it's impossible for him to be a match for Ding Hong..."

...

An uproar broke out beneath the Heaven's Altar as well.

Clearly, they didn't expect Zhang Xuan to kill Ding Mu either.

Even more so, they didn't think that there would be such a formidable expert behind Xuanyuan Kingdom.

With just a loud bellow, he was able to make so many cultivators topple down. His strength was terrifying.

Even though Zhang shi had shown them plenty of miracles before, no one thought his prospects looked good.

There was too huge of a gap between Transcendent Mortals and Fighters. It was like a battle between a god and a mortal, there was completely no hope of victory.

"Transcendent Mortal... Zhang Xuan, I've brought harm to you..."

Mo Yu's face paled, and her body trembled uncontrollably.

She knew that Xuanyuan Kingdom was powerful, and without the strength of a Zhizun realm pinnacle, it was best not to cause any trouble here. However, she couldn't have imagined that the famous old ancestor who had rattled the entire kingdom during his time was actually still alive.

And on top of that, he was stronger than he was back then.

Putting aside the increment in one's strength upon reaching Transcendent Mortal realm, Transcendent Mortals could tap into the energy existent in the surroundings, making no Fighter a match for them.

As long as this old ancestor made a move, no matter how many aces Zhang Xuan had up his sleeves, it would be futile.

Master teachers had the ability to see through flaws, but it didn't guarantee their omnipotence.

It was just like how everyone knew that the easiest way to capture a city was to destroy its walls... but without sufficient strength, could one do so?

It was one thing to know the flaws, but it was another thing to be able to exploit them.

Upon reaching Transcendent Mortal, one's physical attributes would have raised to a whole new level. On top of that, most weaknesses would be hidden as well. Even if one was able to find an opening, without sufficient speed and strength to get past the enemy's defense, it would be impossible to get to it.

Roar!

Just as everyone was anxious and worried about what was to happen, the deafening roar of a beast sounded from the depths of the royal palace. Then, a bolt of lightning streaked out from within, and a figure appeared in the aerial space above the Heaven's Altar.

It was a massive aerial savage beast with a length of ten meters, and when its gigantic wings were spread open, it spanned a width of thirty meters. Thick scales covered its entire body, and the sharp aura it exuded was greatly intimidating.

"Steelback Winged Dragon?" Zhang Xuan's eyebrows shot up.

Having read so many books on beast taming, Zhang Xuan instantly recognized this beast that was at the pinnacle of savage beasts.

Similar to the Nightmare Beast, it was a Half-Transcension savage beast which possessed the Dragon Bloodline as well. However, this fellow was significantly stronger, and its nature was even more callous as well.

It was already frightening that there was a Transcendent Mortal old ancestor in the royal palace. To think that there would be such a formidable savage beast on top of that.

As expected of a Conferred Kingdom. Zhang Xuan had truly underestimated the other party.

A man stood proudly on the back of the Steelback Winged Dragon

This person wasn't as old as his voice sounded, and he looked like he was only in his fifties this year. The aura he exuded felt as vast as the ocean, making it impossible for one to peer into its depths.

Upon reaching Prolonged Longevity realm, one's aged body would also become younger as well.

Even though this old ancestor of the Xuanyuan Kingdom was already beyond one hundred years old, he didn't look as old as Zhang Xuan expected.

"It's indeed him..."

Luo Qianhong's eyes narrowed.

Even though he had never met this old ancestor before, he had seen his painting before. All along, he had thought that the other party was dead. Yet, not only was the other party still alive, he was still vigorous.

"I gave you a chance; it's a pity that you didn't grasp it well!"

Clenching his jaws tightly, Ding Hong stared down at Zhang Xuan coldly.

He doted on that great grandson of his greatly. Otherwise, he wouldn't have made Ding Chong bestow him with the position of the crown prince so early on.

Yet, this fellow actually dared to kill his beloved grandson right before him... Unforgivable!

Boom!

The voice reverberated from the heavens, falling down upon Zhang Xuan like a plummeting massive hammer.

Deng deng deng deng!

Zhang Xuan felt a stifling sensation in his chest, as though someone had struck it forcefully. His face paled and he was forced to retreat several steps backward to ward off the force.

A Transcendent Mortal expert was already capable of manipulating the strength of the world. It wasn't difficult for him to launch an attack from a distance.

It was just like Su shi back then. With a single sound, he made the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast fall from the sky and dealt Liang Qingming severe injuries.

Ding Hong's cultivation was not a match for Su shi, and Zhang Xuan was significantly stronger than Liang Qingming as well. Even so, he was still knocked back by the other party's words. The strength of a Transcendent Mortal was indeed fearsome.

"I didn't grasp the chance? Pardon me, but even if I could redo it, I'd still kill him!"

Driving his Heaven's Path zhenqi, Zhang Xuan dispelled the pressure on him and glanced into the sky.

"Eye of Insight!"

Lines of insight flowed within Zhang Xuan's eyes as he tried to look into the flaws of the other party, but as expected, it was futile.

At Zhang Xuan's current level, he could only peer into the flaws of those at most a small cultivation realm higher than him, meaning a Half-Transcension expert. His Eye of Insight was completely useless against a Transcendent Mortal expert at his current cultivation.

Despite knowing that his ability as a master teacher was completely useless to him at the moment, Zhang Xuan didn't panic. Without any hesitation, he turned to the Library of Heaven's Path.

"Flaws!"

Hu!

A book appeared in his mind.

The other party was exerting pressure on him through his voice, and this could be considered as a battle technique of some sort. Thus, the Library of Heaven's Path was able to compile a book on him.

Zhang Xuan hurriedly flung it open and browsed through it.

After a quick look, Zhang Xuan's face turned grave.

There were many flaws on Ding Hong detailed in the book, but given Zhang Xuan's current cultivation... even if he knew of them, he still couldn't pose a threat to the other party.

It was just like how even if an infant knew that the crotch was a man's weakness, putting aside whether the infant could strike it or not, even if he could, he might not be able to injure the other party.

Zhang Xuan's current strength totaled up to 50,000 ding, but wounding a Transcendent Mortal expert with such a level of strength was still nigh impossible.

In other words, this was a hopeless battle for Zhang Xuan!

"Since you wish to die, I'll grant your wish!"

Seeing how this fellow still dared to talk back to him under such circumstances, Ding Hong harrumphed coldly.

Roar!

The Steelback Winged Dragon immediately flapped its massive wings violently.

Sou!

The immense body of the beast swooped down as though an arrow released from a bowstring, and in the blink of an eye, it was already right before Zhang Xuan, threatening to sweep across Zhang Xuan with its dagger-like wings.

Judging from the shrilling sound, it seemed that even metal would be torn apart under the sharpness of the wings, lest to say, a human.

Zhang Xuan narrowed his eyes. While his Heaven's Path Golden Body 2-dan granted him incredible defense, he knew that his body wouldn't be able to withstand this attack.

Hu!

Heaven's Path Movement Art.

In the blink of an eye, he appeared at a distance several dozen meters away, thus dodging this assault.

Roar!

Missing the attack, the Steelback Winged Dragon immediately turned around in midair and darted toward Zhang Xuan once more.

Zhang Xuan retreated once more.

Having the same situation happen again and again, Zhang Xuan's face turned grim.

Even though the number of times Zhang Xuan could use the Heaven's Path Movement Art had increased due to the rise in his cultivation, he knew that there was a limit to his stamina. If this went on, it would just be a matter of time before his zhenqi ran out.

"It's not a solution to continue dodging like that but... a Half-Transcension realm savage beast and a Transcendent Mortal expert... Zhang shi isn't a match for either of them!"

"Indeed, Zhang shi is in a bad position!"

A tense look was on everyone's faces.

Putting aside the Transcendent Mortal realm Ding Hong, even the Steelback Winged Dragon, placed second on the Green Leaf Board, wasn't an existence that Fighter realm cultivators could deal with.

Putting aside its powerful defense and overwhelming offensive ability, more importantly, it was able to fly...

No matter how powerful Zhang Xuan was, he could only withstand its assault. After all, it was impossible for Zhang Xuan to fly into the skies and knock it down.

"Will... Zhang shi be killed?" someone amidst the crowd asked.

Zhang shi had just helped him achieve a breakthrough, and he owed him a debt of gratitude. Yet, upon seeing that the other party was in a difficult situation, he wasn't able to do anything at all. Thus, he panicked.

"If Zhang shi knocks the Steelback Winged Dragon down, there might still be a chance... But is that possible?" another person replied.

The Steelback Winged Dragon was a Half-Transcension realm savage beast. Its aerial capability was its greatest strength, so how could it give up on it?

The only possibility was for one to cripple its flying capability.

But... even if one possessed sufficient strength to break through its nearly impenetrable defense, one had to be able to catch up with it first.

In other words, the Steelback Winged Dragon was already in a position that made it impossible to lose. If this went on, Zhang Xuan would only be killed.

The crowd fell silent. They were anxious, but there was nothing they could do.

"You sure dodge fast, let's see how many more times you can avoid its attacks!"

Since the crowd was able to analyze this much, Ding Hong, being a Mortal Transcendent expert, was able to do so as well. Sneering coldly, he stared at Zhang Xuan haughtily as if he were looking at a dead person.

So what if you could run fast? Can you exceed the flying speed of the Steelback Winged Dragon?

"You're right, I can't go on dodging its attacks forever!" Zhang Xuan abruptly came to a stop. Lifting his head, he said, "Since that's the case... I'll stop dodging then!"

"You'll stop dodging? Hahaha, accept your death then!"

Harrumphing coldly, Ding Hong was just about to get the Steelback Winged Dragon to advance toward Zhang Xuan when a sharp voice suddenly echoed from below.

"Moo!"

Putong!

Before Ding Hong could react, his footing suddenly disappeared. Along with the Steelback Winged Dragon, he plummeted head down into the ground, raising a huge cloud of dust.

"This is... the realm which even 4-star master teachers find it hard to achieve, [Vanquishing Facade, Lucid Mind]?"

Narrowing his eyes, Luo Qianhong's face reflected his disbelief.