211-215
Chapter 211: Teacher Acknowledgement (Second Half)
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
"To qualify for the 2-star master teacher examination, besides possessing two supporting occupations, one's cultivation must also be at least of Zongshi realm. Throughout the years, we have visited countless experts to seek advice on our cultivation, but even so, we are unable to make the final breakthrough. Our only hope is with Yang shi!"
Zhuang Xian nodded his head as well.
When one becomes a Zongshi, his lifespan is increased. Just this in itself is an allure that no one is able to resist. Having been stuck in Half-Zongshi for a very long time, they had visited numerous 2-star master teachers, but even so, were unable to make that final leap forward.
A few days ago, when they witnessed Yang shi guide the dying Shen Hong to achieve a breakthrough, they could no longer hold themselves back.
Since Shen Hong was able to do it, they are definitely able to do it as well!
However, that is only if... Yang shi is willing to guide them.
"No matter what, we should give it another try. Perhaps, we might be able to succeed."
Zheng Fei said.
Since the moment Yang shi assisted him to reach Half-Zongshi, the intention to acknowledge him as his teacher had already sprouted in him. But back then, his intentions were disregarded and he didn't dare to ask any further.
But now, even Liu shi and Zhuang shi are trying hard, so naturally, he can't lag behind them.
"Alright, let's go and take a look!"
As they thought of this, the three master teachers hesitated no more and headed straight for the mansion.
.........
"Brother Lu, I've bought the pills. Do you want to reconsider the matter? Are you really going to use it?"
In Lu Xun's classroom, Wang Chao stared at his good friend with worry.
Even though these pills can generate a massive boost in one's cultivation within a short timespan, there are heavy repercussions on the user's body.
"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Receiving the pills from his friend's hands, Lu Xun hesitated for a moment before commanding his students.
Shortly, the students, whose name were on the Teacher Evaluation name list, appeared before him.
Zhu Hong, Mo Xiao, Du Lei, Bao Chao, and Kong Jie!
"Teacher!"
These five stood erect before Lu Xun, and every single one of them exuded a deep and powerful aura. After half a month of cultivation, just like Zheng Yang and the others, they had all reached Fighter 2-dan Dantian realm.
However, unlike Wang Ying and the others, they had all reached Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm pinnacle, even before they acknowledged Lu Xun as their teacher, and all they were lacking was just an impetus for their breakthrough.
Even Kong Jie, who is slightly inferior to the other four, with various resources focused on him, managed to achieve a breakthrough.
"Here is a pill. Consuming this pill expands your dantian, allowing you to achieve a breakthrough by tonight to reach Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm! This way, you will definitely be able to achieve victory in the Teacher Evaluation."
Lifting the pills in his hands, Lu Xun scanned the faces of his students. Without hiding anything, he spoke of the flaws of the pill as well.
"However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Since it is able to help someone achieve a breakthrough so quickly, naturally, there are side effects. After reaching Zhenqi realm, your cultivation speed will be decreased to be 70% of what it was previously."
"However, as long as I become a master teacher, I will make sure to resolve this issue. I will even accept you as my direct disciples and oversee your training personally."
"Of course... The choice is up to you. I will not force any of you. If you were to lose, it will only mean that our relationship as teacher and student has come to an end!"
After which, he placed the pill down and looked at them.
Even though he had made his choice and bought the pills, he nevertheless left the final decision in the hands of his students. He desired victory but was still unable to bring himself to force his students to consume the pills against their will.
There is a boundary that teachers should never cross.
Teachers have their own dignity as well.
Having taught innumerable students over so many years, he couldn't bear to stoop to such unscrupulous means for victory.
"I believe in Lu laoshi." Without hesitating for long, Zhu Hong stepped forward.
Training by the conventional route, it is nigh impossible to reach Zhenqi realm without two to three years of effort. If this pill can allow one to achieve it in a single night, so what if their future cultivation will be affected?
Who can guarantee that their cultivation would be smooth-sailing?
Furthermore, once they become a direct disciple of Lu laoshi, this won't be a problem.
When studying under the same teacher, there is a huge difference between a normal student and a direct disciple.
Usually, when a teacher imparts knowledge, it was done with hundreds of people in attendance. Thus, it is impossible to offer pointers tailored to personal needs to every single student. In the case of normal students, they will have to undergo trial and error in order to find their way forward. It is as though a huge pot of vegetable being seasoned with the same seasoning, the flavor will only be average at best.
However, being a direct disciple is different. It is as though a vegetable specially cooked in a small pot. His teacher holds personal consultations, offering one pointer so that he will not waste his time on useless things. Even if the pill does affect their growth, with this kind of guidance, they will still be in for a bright future.
Thinking of this, Zhu Hong made a stand and swiftly swallowed the pill.
The pill, upon being placed in his mouth, melted immediately, turning into a surge of unique energy which gushed through his meridians.
Seeing that Zhu Hong had made his decision so quickly, Lu Xun nodded his head in satisfaction. He placed his hands on the other party's back and slowly infused zhenqi into the other party's body, guiding this surge of energy.
After an unknown period of time, with a crisp sound, Zhu Hong stood up abruptly, exhaled a mouthful of turbid breath, and the aura he exuded amplified greatly.
Fighter 3-dan, Zhenqi realm!
Just as Lu Xun had said, consuming the pill raised his cultivation by an entire level.
"Incredible... I want to give it a try as well!"
Witnessing the person achieve a breakthrough successfully, Mo Xiao, Du Lei, Bai Chao, and Kong Jie could no longer hold themselves back and walked forward simultaneously.
The rest of them had made up their minds as well.
If Lu laoshi really becomes a master teacher, as his direct disciple, their standing would definitely soar by leaps and bounds. With that in mind, they chose to take the pill as well.
Soon, all of them reached Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm.
"Good, good!"
Seeing that all five students had reached Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm, Lu Xun's eyes gleamed with excitement.
Putting aside the freshmen, their current strength would allow them to compete even against top students who had been in the academy for several years.
"Tomorrow will be the day where I, Lu Xun, perform before everyone else. I shall astonish the entire academy and silence all of those discussions behind my back!"
Clenching his fists tightly, Lu Xun regained the confidence which he lost during the day and roared mightily.
So what if he is skilled in the Way of Tea? So what if he is a grandmaster painter?
As a teacher, I, Lu Xun,... am not inferior to anyone!
You three master teachers, I will show you tomorrow that I am the best choice you can make!
.........
"Old master, the three master teachers have been waiting for you for a very long time."
Returning to the residence, Sun Qiang immediately stepped forward to welcome Yang shi.
"They're here?"
He was considering whether to send someone to invite them, but it turned out that the three fellows were even more enthusiastic than him. Zhang Xuan chuckled lightly.
Walking into the lounge, he saw the three master teachers seated, and upon seeing Yang shi enter the room, their eyes glittered with excitement.
"Liu Ling (Zhuang Xian, Zheng Fei) pays respect to Yang shi!"
The trio bowed immediately.
"May I know what you three have for me, visiting me at such a late hour?"
Zhang Xuan sat down and instructed for a cup of tea. After a long and slow sip, he finally turned to look at them, his expression impassive.
After a trip to the Tian Residence and the academy, the sun had already set by the time Zhang Xuan arrived at the mansion.
"Yang shi, the three of us earnestly wish to acknowledge you as our teacher, and we hope that you can accept us!"
Liu Ling and the others quickly stood up, clasped their hands, and bowed deeply. Anxious, they sneaked glances at Zhang Xuan.
Age doesn't determine knowledge. Even though they are significantly older than Yang shi, the other party is clearly more capable than them. Age isn't a determining factor for one to acknowledge a teacher.
"You wish to acknowledge me as your teacher?"
Lifting his cup, Zhang Xuan removed the floating tea leaves elegantly. Even as he spoke those words, there wasn't the slightest hint of emotion on his face.
After having disguised himself for the past few days, he is no longer the amateur whom anyone could see through easily. Every single movement of his carries authority and magnanimity.
The atmosphere in the room stilled.
"Yes. Even though the three of us aren't talented, we can serve by your side and share your burdens."
The breathing of the three master teachers hastened.
The last few time that they were here, they did express their intention to acknowledge Yang shi as their teacher, but they hadn't spoken of it clearly. Now that they've said it out loud, if they were to get rejected, it would be over.
"If I'm not wrong, the reason why you all wish to acknowledge me as your teacher is that your cultivation has reached a bottleneck, and you are unable to achieve a breakthrough. If you were to become my student, you might be able to make this final step and advance further."
Without even lifting his head, Zhang Xuan's voice was indifferent, as though a block of silent ice.
"Ah... Yes!"
Having their intentions exposed, Liu Ling and the others blushed in embarrassment.
"Seems that you are honest!"
Seeing that they didn't deny the matter, Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
"We hope that Yang shi can fulfill our wish!"
Liu Ling and the others gritted their teeth.
Zhang Xuan didn't reply. Instead, he slowly put down his teacup, stood up, and walked to the center of the room.
The three master teachers were wondering what he was going to do when a calm voice suddenly sounded.
"I, Yang shi, have traveled and visited countless countries. I prefer to live a quiet and tranquil life, so I don't reveal my identity easily. You probably haven't heard of my name, even in the other countries, am I right?"
"Yes!"
When they heard the name 'Yang Xuan', they had specially looked into the matter, but there isn't such a person in the surrounding kingdoms. Back then, they thought that the latter was simply using this fake name to impersonate a master teacher, but from the looks of it now, it seems like Yang shi had just been keeping a low profile.
"If I don't want others to know that I am a master teacher, even if you were to check with the Master Teacher Pavilion, you won't be able to find anything."
Zhang Xuan said. "However, in Tianxuan Kingdom, I revealed my identity, even helping others with their problems. Do you know why?"
The reason why Zhang Xuan said all of that in advance was to lay the foundations so that they wouldn't doubt his identity. After all, the name 'Yang Xuan' is fake, and they won't be able to find this name in the Master Teacher Pavilion if they were to check.
With these words, not only would the other party not doubt his words when they are unable to find it, they will even feel reverence for him.
For his identity to be unable to found in the Master Teacher Pavilion... How incredible does he have to be?
"We apologize for our ignorance!"
Liu Ling and the others stared at Yang shi.
Actually, they had felt perplexed on this point as well.
If such an incredible master teacher really chooses to blend in with the crowd, who will be able to tell his true identity?
Yet, everyone in Tianxuan Kingdom found out about his identity.
"During my travel, I happened to meet a competent youngster. Very satisfied with him, I accepted him as my direct disciple. However... I won't be staying here for long, and afraid that he might be oppressed by others, I revealed my status intentionally so as to give him a title."
With both hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan stood erect at the center of the hall, as though a towering mountain.
"A competent youngster? Accepted him as a direct disciple?"
Liu Ling and the others stared at one another. Suddenly, they thought of something and their eyes narrowed. "Can it be that... Can it be that... Yang shi's direct disciple is... Hongtian Academy's Zhang Xuan laoshi?"
If that is the case, everything makes sense.
For a low-level teacher at a remote kingdom to be able to come up with such incredible theories and become a grandmaster painter, expert tea master, and more importantly... reject the apprenticeship of the three master teachers.
Probably, only a student of Yang shi is able to do so.
Zhang Xuan was delighted to observe that the other side had caught quickly, and he was able to save his saliva, nodding his head in satisfaction.
"Un, Zhang Xuan is my direct disciple. If you want to come under my tutelage... That would mean that he's your..."
"Senior!"
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Chapter 212: The Teacher Evaluation Arrives!
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
"Senior?"
The mouths of the three master teachers twitched and their bodies swayed.
The twist came too abruptly.
They were thinking of accepting the other party as their apprentice when all of a sudden, he had become their senior.
To call a fellow who isn't even twenty their senior?
The three master teacher felt dizzy. They found the relationship extremely peculiar.
However, the bizarre expression on their face merely flickered on their faces for an instant. Agitation and excitement took over their expressions.
"Does Yang shi mean that... you are willing to accept us?"
Liu Ling suddenly came to a realization. Trembling in agitation, his face creased so tightly together that it seemed to be able to squeeze a mosquito to death.
Since Yang shi had told them to address Zhang Xuan as their senior, doesn't this mean that he is willing to accept them as his student?
"Thank you, Yang shi!"
Zhuang Xian and Zheng Fei immediately knelt to the floor.
Even though the other party hadn't expressed his intentions clearly, he wasn't objectionable to the issue. If they don't hurry up and the other party changes his mind all of the sudden, won't they cry themselves to death?
"These two fellows..."
Seeing his old buddies react so quickly, Liu Ling quickly followed suit and knelt down as well.
Zhang Xuan didn't turn around, and his expression remained completely calm. "Since you have all become my students, I will assist you with your cultivation. However, I am used to wandering about and I won't be staying here for long. Even though Zhang Xuan is my direct disciple, he is way too young and his cultivation is still immature. He might require your assistance."
"Teacher, rest assured. Since we've come under your tutelage, we will definitely follow your rules. Given that Zhang Xuan is our senior now, as long as it is within our capabilities, we will make sure to assist him."
Liu Ling and the others expressed their sentiments.
There is a set of rules that when a master teacher accepts a disciple.
A direct disciple is a rank higher than that of normal students. That is to say, even if the direct disciple is the youngest of the lot, before the other students, he is still considered the senior. Even though it sounds peculiar, there had been many of such exceptions in the Master Teacher Pavilion, so it isn't anything significant.
Since they had decided to acknowledge Yang shi as their teacher, Zhang Xuan would naturally become their senior. Thus, as juniors, they wouldn't spare any effort to assist him.
"Un, show me your battle technique."
Having confirmed the teacher-student relationship with the trio, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.
"Yes!"
Knowing that Yang shi was going to guide them on their cultivation, they stood up immediately and excitedly. It didn't take long before the rustling of wind sounded in the room as the trio displayed their battle techniques.
After an unknown period of time, the trio clasped their hands and took their leave. Even though they were still Half-Zongshi and they had yet to achieve a breakthrough, the excitement on their faces was almost impossible to hide.
Actually, Zhang Xuan was capable of helping the trio reach Zongshi realm on the spot, but if he were to do so, his pure zhenqi and low cultivation realm would be exposed. This could have potentially led to countless troubles in the future.
After some contemplation, he decided to simply point out the flaws in their cultivation.
In his words, having pointed out their flaws, and it is a trial to the trio to achieve a breakthrough with the new knowledge. As 1-star master teachers, if they are unable to achieve a breakthrough even after knowing all these, it would show that there are fundamental flaws in their talents, and he would have to reconsider his decision to accept the trio as his students.
Hearing those words, the three master teachers didn't dare to say anything. They listened attentively to the flaws the other party spoke of, afraid that they would mishear anything.
However, now that they know where their mistakes lie, given their knowledge and comprehension on cultivation, reaching Zongshi realm becomes only a matter of time.
"Old master, Emperor Shen Zhui is waiting outside."
Zhang Xuan was about to rest after dealing with the three master teachers when Sun Qiang came in with the report.
"He's here? Can it be..." Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up. "Have him enter!"
"Yang shi!"
Soon, Emperor Shen Zhui walked in, clasped his hands, and bowed. His gaze was filled with passion and reverence.
Not only did he save the dying old ancestor, he even helped him reach Zongshi realm. Those feats are something that even a 2-star master teacher would find hard to accomplish.
Perhaps... The person standing before him is a 3-star master teacher, or even someone much more incredible.
Even the emperor of a Tier 1 Kingdom would find it hard to meet someone of his caliber.
"Reporting to Yang shi, I have managed to gather the Tongxuan realm secret manuals that you had me collect..."
Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.
His condition for treating Shen Hong was for Shen Zhui to collect these Tongxuan realm cultivation technique manuals in his stead. It has been a few days since then, and given the influence of the royal family, collecting thousands of such books wasn't any issue.
"Yang shi, please look through them!"
As Shen Zhui gestured with his hand, thousands of books stacked up in a pile before him.
He brought all of the books in his storage ring.
"Un!"
Walking forward to pick up a few books, Zhang Xuan quickly flipped through them, placed them down, and proceeded to do the same with other books.
From the very start, when Yang shi had made such a request, Emperor Shen Zhui was already perplexed why such an incredible master teacher would need Tongxuan realm secret manuals. Upon seeing this situation, his confusion worsened.
If the other party opens the book and reads through them, Emperor Shen Zhui could have attributed the matter to him studying. But to flip through them just like that... What is he doing?
Even though Emperor Shen Zhui was perplexed, he didn't dare to mention anything. He stood obediently by the side, quietly observing.
Hualala, hualala!
In a single go, Zhang Xuan flipped through the thousands of secret manuals.
Even though the manuals gathered were rather average in standard, the quantity more than made up for it. Given that Zhang Xuan possessed the Library of Heaven's Path, it is the best situation that could have happened.
"Correct!"
With a jolt of his mind, the books converged to form a single entity in the library.
Tongxuan realm Heaven's Path Divine Art!
"Alright, I'm done. You can take them away!"
Zhang Xuan casually waved his hands.
Since he had already created replicas of all of the books in the library, there was no need for him to keep the physical copies.
"This..."
Emperor Shen Zhui was taken aback.
In order to gather all of these secret manuals, he had paid quite a substantial amount. Initially, he thought that Yang shi would at least take a look. In the end, he simply casually flipped through them and returned them to him...
"Are these books not to your liking? If so, I can search for more..."
After hesitating for a moment, Emperor Shen Zhui couldn't help but ask.
"There's no need. I'm already done reading these books, you can take them back." Zhang Xuan casually waved his hands.
"Done... reading these books?"
Emperor Shen Zhui nearly fell to the ground.
You... you... what can you possibly have read like that?
Casually flipping through those books like that, and you say that you are done reading them... Do your eyes grow on your hands?
"Yes!"
Even though he felt so stifled that he could spurt blood, he dared not to question any further. He kept all of the books in his storage ring, clasped his hands, and said, "Then, I'll be taking my leave..."
"Un!" Zhang Xuan casually waved him away.
Emperor Shen Zhui returned back to the royal palace immediately after leaving the mansion.
"Have you passed the books to Yang shi?"
Old Ancestor Shen Hong walked over.
"I passed him the books, but... he didn't want them and... he gave them back!" Even until now, Emperor Shen Zhui had maintained his confused expression.
"Gave them back? Is Yang shi unsatisfied with the books?"
"That's not it..."
"Then, has he finished reading them?"
"He didn't read through them at all..."
"Didn't read through them at all? Then, what did he want the books for?" Shen Hong was perplexed.
"He... He... simply fiddled around with it..."
"Fiddled?"
Shen Hong blinked his eyes.
I can understand if you wish to fiddle around with beautiful ladies, but why did you fiddle around with those books?
"Indeed, it is impossible for us to understand the minds of geniuses..."
After a contemplating over the matter for an extremely long time, they finally arrived at this conclusion.
......
After Emperor Shen Zhui left, Zhang Xuan told Sun Qiang that he would not be seeing anyone else, before returning to his room.
"Time to cultivate!"
Zhang Xuan immediately turned his attention to the 7-dan Heaven's Path Divine Art which was just formed.
"The opening of acupoints, the connecting of the meridians, allowing zhenqi to flow without any hindrance, that is Tongxuan..."
The words appeared clearly in his mind.
As this version of Heaven's Path Divine Art was formed by compiling thousands of secret manuals together, there were no problems with it all. Zhang Xuan read and cultivated via the method explained within simultaneously.
Pure zhenqi began to circulate within his body, and according to the unique cultivation method written in the perfect manual, the zhenqi revolved unceasingly.
Boom!
With just a single circulation, he had barged through the bottleneck and spiritual energy in the air surged into his body with hysteria. His zhenqi and strength improved exponentially.
Tongxuan realm primary stage!
Tongxuan realm intermediate stage!
...
In no time, he had achieved Tongxuan realm pinnacle!
"Along with the rise in my cultivation, my speed of improvement is slowing..."
Feeling that his cultivation had reached another bottleneck, Zhang Xuan stopped.
As Zhang Xuan had to deduce the correct acupoints one by one in Pixue realm, it wasn't an accurate gauge of his cultivation speed. On the other hand, when he was at Dingli realm, cultivating via the complete version of Heaven's Path Divine Art, he took around two hours, but now...
"It took a whole ten minute longer. Looks like the higher one's cultivation reaches, the more difficult it is to cultivate!"
Zhang Xuan lamented with a grim expression.
If anyone else were to know his thoughts, they would definitely want to strangle him to death.
You call an additional ten minutes difficult?
Even top-notch geniuses, with the augmentation of countless treasures, to cultivate from Tongxuan realm primary stage to pinnacle would take a minimum of ten years of hard work. Yet, you only took ten minutes more than two hours and you think that your cultivation speed has slowed...
The heck, why don't you go and die!
"I should check out how much my strength has improved..."
Zhang Xuan stood up and walked over to the Strength Measuring Rock Pillar. Using just the strength from his zhenqi, he sent his fist into it.
Weng!
A line of numbers slowly floated into view.
"600 ding!"
A look of delight immediately appeared on Zhang Xuan's face.
At Pixue realm pinnacle, he had opened 108 acupoints, granting him an additional 108 ding of strength. In addition to the previous 20 ding, he possessed a total of 128 ding of zhenqi strength.
Now that he has achieved a breakthrough, his strength increased by several folds.
Usually, a Tongxuan realm expert would possess 100 ding of strength at primary stage, 200 ding at intermediate stage, 300 ding at advanced stage, and 400 ding at pinnacle.
With a zhenqi strength of 600 ding, Zhang Xuan is able to match up to a Half-Zongshi.
A Zongshi expert wields tremendous strength, and their blows easily exceed a thousand ding. Those who possess strength between 400 ding and 1000 ding are known as Half-Zongshi.
If he were to add the 90 ding of strength from his physical body, his strength would almost reach 700 ding. With such strength, his prowess would be the top few even among Half-Zongshis.
"Finally, I possess the power to protect myself!"
Now that he has such commensurate and mighty power, coupled with his Library of Heaven's Path ability to see through flaws, he can finally stand against top-notch experts within the country. Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.
Even since he noticed the poison aura within his body, the fear that someone is trying to kill him had been plaguing his mind.
Without sufficient strength, if the enemy were to make another attempt, he definitely won't be able to resist. Now that Zhang Xuan holds strength comparable to a Half-Zongshi, he finally regained his sense of security.
After reinforcing his cultivation and adapting to his newfound strength, Zhang Xuan walked out of the room.
Unknowingly, a day had passed, and the sun was rising slowly from the east. Its radiance spilled over the horizon and scene of tranquility formed in the city.
"To think that it is already dawn..."
Looking at the rising sun, Zhang Xuan realized that the Freshmen Tournament and the Teacher Evaluation which he had waited for half a month...
Has arrived!
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Chapter 213: The Shocked Qian Chao
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
Qian Chao is Pavilion Elder Qian's son. Initially, he had intended to slack off and take a good rest today, but his father forcefully dragged him to the Teacher Evaluation, filling him with resentment.
"Father, you could have just asked someone to report the result of the Teacher Evaluation. There isn't any need for you to come here personally!"
Indignance showed through Qian Chao's face, "No matter what, you're one of the few subjects whom His Majesty values highly. You didn't even attend the duel between the North Marquis and Swift General previously, so why would you spectate some trivial duels among students?"
He really couldn't understand his father's thoughts.
For a Pavilion Elder who doesn't even need to bow down to His Majesty, he was able to even skip attending a duel between tier-1 officials in the royal court. Yet, of all things he could have done, he chose to watch students battle one another.
Even though the teachers' prestige are at stake at the Teacher Evaluation, it is in actual fact just a few students fighting one another... A matter of such level should just be left to his subordinates. Why does the commander-in-chief have to appear personally for such a small matter?
He would just scare others with his presence.
"This is a 3-star incident. I have to be here personally..." Pavilion Elder Qian replied.
"I know that it is a 3-star incident. Everything that concerns the academy will have the incident elevated by a single star, and Lu Xun laoshi is a star teacher, which adds another star. In truth, it is merely a 1-star incident..." Qian Chao curled his lips in disdain, thinking nothing much of this matter.
Under normal situation, 1-star incidents do not need to be reported to His Majesty. If Pavilion Elder Qian were to personally attend to matters of such insignificance, won't he tire himself to death?
"This isn't that simple!" Pavilion Elder Qian harrumphed
"How complicated can the matter get? It is just a duel between students; I don't believe that the severity of the matter can get as serious as the duel between North Marquis and Swift General. You must know, back then, just the number of tier-2 officials who participated in the matter added up to a total of twelve. It is definitely the greatest duel of the year..."
Qian Chao still didn't think that this matter was worthy of such consideration.
The North Marquis and Swift General are tier-1 officials of the kingdom, and the news of the duel was announced beforehand. Countless experts went to spectate the match, but... This old man of his refused to go, saying that the matter didn't have enough stars and wasn't worthy of his consideration...
Yet, he decided to watch the fight among a few students. Qian Chao started to doubt whether his father is getting senile.
"This morning, I received news that Clan Head Wang Hong of the Four Great Clans, Clan Head Bai Ming, and the elders of both clans had arrived at the Hongtian Academy. This shows how much they value this matter. Do you think that there is no reason for me to be here?"
Pavilion Elder Qian said.
"Clan Head Wang Hong is a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert. He is one of the most influential figures, even when considering the entire kingdom into account. Even though Clan Head Bai Ming's standing is beneath that of Clan Head Wang Hong, he is nevertheless an official apothecary and is of esteemed standing... You say that they have come to the school to spectate the battle between a few students?"
Qian Chao didn't believe Pavilion Elder Qian's words.
Even though these two clan heads don't hold official positions, their true standing isn't inferior to tier-1 officials of the royal court. How can people of such esteemed standing be interested in a duel between mere students?
"Take a look yourself..."
After turning around a bend, they arrived at the Hongtian Academy dueling platform. The spectator stand was already packed with people.
Pavilion Elder Qian casually pointed.
"I doubt there will be many people in the VIP seats... Ah?"
Muttering to himself, Qian Chao took a glance at the seats and his body froze in shock.
"Clan Head Wang Hong and Clan Head Bai Ming are really here... That is... Guild Leader Ouyang? Why is Guild Leader Ouyang of the Apothecary Guild here as well? There is also Apothecary Meng Yan, Apothecary Lin Mu, Apothecary Jin Chen... This... How can this be possible?"
Initially, he thought that mere duels among students wouldn't attract much attention. However, with a single look, not only did he notice a clan head of the Four Great Clans, more than ten apothecaries, including the guild leader of the Apothecary Guild, are present as well.
What is going on?
Apothecaries, as one of the top occupations among the Upper Nine Paths, possess noble standing. Even Emperor Shen Zhui finds it hard to arrange a meeting with a figure like Guild Leader Ouyang, yet he is here watching a bunch of kids fighting one another...
Unable to believe his eyes, he felt his head begin to spin.
"Not just them, look over there!"
Before he could recover from his shock, Pavilion Elder Qian pointed in another direction.
Looking toward the direction where the finger was pointed, Qian Chao shuddered once more. His mouth quivered in astonishment.
"The kingdom's number one physician, Master Yuanyu? That is... Elder Tian? He didn't even appear for His Majesty's birthday banquet the last time, coming up with various excuses. Yet, why... why would he..."
A moment ago, Qian Chao was still thinking that his father is making a big fuss out of nothing. Yet... He now finds himself nearly dying from overwhelming shock.
Master Yuanyu is a powerful figure that even His Majesty has to treat with utmost respect.
As for Elder Tian, even His Majesty finds it hard to obtain a single sip of the tea he brews. It is clear just how incredible his standing is.
Yet, two amazing figures stood patiently on the spectator stand, waiting...
Can anyone tell me what is going on?
Are you for real?
"Who are those sitting over there? Why did so many people give up their seats for them?"
"I have no idea as well. They are probably of high standing..."
He was about to die from shock when Qian Chao suddenly heard the students' exclamation. Lifting his head to take a look, he staggered once more.
"The three... three master teachers? They... They're here as well?"
What appeared in his vision were the three elders.
If the few people before had only caused him to be shocked, seeing the three master teachers here made him horrified.
They are master teachers!
They are incredible powers who can disregard his father altogether.
Yet, such figures... just like the many others, are seated on the spectator's stand...
However, this wasn't the end. He soon saw two middle-aged men take a seat.
"They... They... Emperor Shen Zhui and City Lord Zhao Feng of Baiyu City?"
His throat felt dry.
He thought that it was embarrassing for his father to lower his status to attend such a lowly event. Yet... Even His Majesty and City Lord Zhao Feng had come personally.
Baiyu City is the second largest city of Tianxuan Kingdom, and its city lord's position is second only to the emperor!
Is this really just a duel between students?
Even if the princes were to battle one another, it wouldn't be such a huge occasion!
"Actually... The one who holds the most esteemed position among the crowd isn't His Majesty or the three master teachers, it is that person!"
Seeing his son getting so terrified over the figures who had appeared here, Pavilion Elder Qian spoke.
Qian Chao hurriedly looked over and saw an unimpressive plump man.
"He is..."
Knowing that his father has a huge intelligence network and it is impossible for him to say such words for no good reason, Qian Chao asked.
"He is... Yang shi's butler, Sun Qiang! His presence represents Yang shi..." Pavilion Elder Qian said slowly.
"Represents Yang shi?" Qian Chao swallowed a mouthful of saliva. "The Yang shi who kept Emperor Shen Zhui at his entrance?"
Yang shi's affairs had spread like wildfire, and it was natural that Qian Chao had heard of it. Liu shi and the others had paid him a visit and admitted that they were inferior to him. Even Emperor Shen Zhui had to queue outside for an audience with him..."
For such an incredible master teacher to send his butler here...
Qian Chao's body trembled. He was unable to understand why the attention of so many powerful figures were fixated on this duel.
"This... Is this really a 3-star incident?"
"Even though it was classified as a 3-star incident, from the looks of it now, it is already a... 5-star incident!"
A grim look appeared on Pavilion Elder Qian.
Only a 5-star incident can create such a huge commotion and attract so many noble figures.
"Can it be... Lu Xun laoshi?"
After contemplating over the matter, Qian Chao asked with a trembling voice.
Lu Xun is a celebrity teacher, and his reputation resounds throughout the kingdom. Can it be his prestige which attracted so many people here?
And forcefully pulled a 3-star incident up to a 5-star incident!
"Him? I also find this matter peculiar. Even though he has a huge reputation, I don't think that he's sufficiently qualified. Right now, my doubts are on Zhang Xuan laoshi."
Pavilion Elder Qian hesitated for a moment before speaking.
It is true that Lu Xun is famous, but at the very most, he can only attract the attention of Wang Hong, Bai Ming, and a few others. It is impossible for Guild Leader Ouyang and the apothecaries to have come for him.
Needless to say, Emperor Shen Zhui, Elder Tian, and Yang shi's butler, Sun Qiang.
Since it isn't him, it has to be his opponent.
Zhang laoshi... The teacher with a terrible reputation.
"Zhang Xuan..."
Hearing the unfamiliar name, Qian Chao was stunned.
If what his father said is true, then to be able to attract the presence of so many powerful figures for his affair...
How did that fellow do it?
He isn't the only one who is on the verge of going insane. The numerous teachers of the academy are also tugging at their hair frenziedly.
Are you sure that it isn't the principal dueling with someone else?
Otherwise, why would the emperor, three master teachers, Elder Tian, Master Yuanyu... and so many amazing figures appear here?
Reverting back to his original look, Zhang Xuan led Zhao Ya and the others to the dueling platform. Looking at the crowd on the seats, the excited Emperor Shen Zhui and the others, a peculiar expression appeared on him.
"This is the Teacher Evaluation between me and Lu Xun. What are that bunch of fools... doing here?"
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Chapter 214: Yuan Tao VS Kong Jie
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
On the spectator stand.
A sliver of worry and agitation appeared on Shen Bi Ru's impeccable face.
After the Enlightenment Will Trial, she had matters to attend to and left Tianxuan Royal City. When she returned yesterday, she heard of the Teacher Evaluation immediately and nearly fainted from shock.
Is this Zhang Xuan insane?
Who is Lu Xun?
He is the living signboard for Hongtian Academy, a true celebrity teacher. To be pitting against him... Does he wish to be shamed that much?
Moreover, he had specially poached several students to specifically counter Zhao Ya and the rest.
"Why are you that rash..."
Gritting her jade teeth tightly, Shen Bi Ru recalled what happened yesterday and felt even more stifled.
After knowing of the news, she went to find Zhang Xuan to persuade him, but... the other party was out!
She waited an entire night outside the other party's dormitory... Yet, he didn't come back at all.
Tomorrow is the duel, and it is said that Lu Xun had spent the entire night tutoring his students, suffering from a lack of sleep due to that. Yet, you threw your students aside and stayed out...
Does anyone prepare for competitions the way you do?
Aren't you way too gutsy!
Or do you think that the situation is hopeless and that you have given up?
After the incidents at the Compendium Pavilion, Hongtian Pavilion, and Enlightenment Will Trial, she thought that even though Zhang laoshi had a terrible reputation, he is actually an extremely prudent person. Now, it turns out that...
Prudent your ass!
Who has ever seen a person disappearing for several days right before a competition?
"What exactly are you thinking? Why do you seem out of sorts the moment you return?"
She was burning with anger within when a beautiful face suddenly appeared before her.
The other stunner of the academy, Han Qiong!
Han Qiong is also a rare beauty. In terms of just her appearance, she is slightly inferior to Shen Bi Ru. However, she is currently twenty-five, the age where a woman's charm shines through. Considering her figure and her feminine charm, the latter would be far from a match.
As such, there are many followers of Han Qiong laoshi, and their numbers far surpass that of Shen Bi Ru's.
As top-class beauties, the two teachers have a good relationship in private and are bosom friends.
"Who else can it be except for that Zhang Xuan. God knows what that fellow is thinking of, to actually duel with Lu Xun laoshi!" Shen Bi Ru harrumphed furiously. "If he were to lose, the reputation which he had just built up would be tarnished, and his credibility would crumble!"
He had just proven at the Enlightenment Will Trial that the Education Bureau had framed him. If he were to lose in this duel, all kinds of rumors would be generated and no one would believe his words anymore.
"From the looks of it... It seems that you are concerned about him?"
Han Qiong chuckled. A sly grin flashed through her eyes.
"No one is concerned about him! He is just an arrogant fellow!" Shen Bi Ru harrumphed.
"It's good that you are unconcerned about him. I thought that our Great Beauty Shen had fallen in love!"
Han Qiong stretched her back, revealing an astonishingly voluptuous figure. Not lingering on the topic, Han Qiong asked curiously, "Oh right, say... Who do you think will win the duel?"
"Zhang Xuan's five students, Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, and the others are not bad. However, Lu Xun laoshi had made arrangements to specifically deal with each of them. Mo Xiao and the others are obviously their nemeses. I'm afraid that... it is unlikely for Zhang Xuan to win."
Upon mentioning who would win in the Teacher Evaluation, the anger and stifled expression that Shen Bi Ru had before disappeared, and in its place is calmness and intelligence.
After hearing of the duel, she looked into the matter and found out about Lu Xun's arrangements.
That fellow's actions do indeed appear unscrupulous, but truthfully speaking, this is also the sign of an outstanding teacher.
Regardless of who one faces, he should give it his all and vie for all advantages he can possibly get. This is a basic quality that teachers and cultivators should have.
"Unless..."
At which, Shen Bi Ru paused for a moment. Wisdom reflected in her bright eyes and she said, "Zhao Ya and the others have reached Fighter 2-dan. Through the advantage in their cultivation, they might still be able to match up against Lu Xun's students!"
Lu Xun had specially found students to deal with Zhao Ya and the others. Unless the latter achieves a breakthrough, thus overcoming their opponents' advantages through sheer strength, it is nigh impossible for them to win.
"You're right!" Han Qiong nodded her head in agreement.
"Look, Zhang laoshi and his students have arrived..."
"What powerful aura! Zhao Ya and the others have actually reached... Fighter 2-dan?"
"But... It's impossible! Reaching Fighter 2-dan in half a month's time?"
...
The duo was discussing the Teacher Evaluation when a commotion suddenly broke out among the crowd. Following immediately, they saw Zhang Xuan walking up with Zhao Ya and the others following behind him.
At this moment, Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others were emitting exceptionally powerful auras. Every single gesture of theirs felt mighty and intimidating.
Fighter 2-dan!
Except for Yuan Tao, who is at Juxi realm advanced stage, the others have already reached Dantian realm!
"This..." Shen Bi Ru and Han Qiong's eyes lit up,
"Even though Zhang Xuan laoshi doesn't look reliable, it seems that he is nevertheless quite capable!" Han Qiong smiled.
"Except for Yuan Tao, who is slightly weaker, the others do possess a chance at victory..." Shen Bi Ru nodded her head in agreement. Halfway through her words, her face suddenly paled.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her good friend fall into such a state, Han Qiong felt baffled.
"Lu Xun laoshi and his students have arrived!"
Shen Bi Ru clenched her fists tightly.
"Lu laoshi? So what if he comes? Zhao Ya and the others have reached Fighter 2-dan, so they stand a good chance at victory..." Han Qiong chuckled. At this point, she suddenly saw Zhu Hong, Mo Xiao, and the others who followed closely behind Lu Xun and her mouth twitched. "Fighter 3-dan? All of his students... have reached Fighter 3-dan?"
"At Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm... One gains the ability to propel zhenqi and one's strength reaches 300kg... How can Zhang Xuan and his students win?"
The duo froze in astonishment.
It is a qualitative difference between 2-dan and 3-dan. At 1-dan Juxi realm, one absorbs spiritual energy and propel it through his body, thus refining his body to that of a fighter, making it suitable for cultivation.
At 2-dan Dantian realm, one's body starts to accumulate spiritual energy at his dantian, expanding it.
At 3-dan Zhenqi realm, one will be able to drive their zhenqi in their body. In terms of physique, reaction speed, or strength, the two prior realms are too far below for comparison.
It can even be said that one reaches a whole new level as a lifeform upon reaching Zhenqi realm. If Lu Xun's students were just ordinary mortals before, they are currently comparable to tigers and wolves. How can the Zhang Xuan's students match up to them under such conditions?
Just a moment ago, upon realizing that Zhao Ya and the others have reached Fighter 2-dan, Shen Bi Ru and Han Qiong thought that it is likely that Zhang Xuan wins. But from the looks of it now... It would be a miracle if he can even win a single match!
There not a single chance at victory!
"If he wants to win... Only if a miracle happens!"
Shen Bi Ru smiled bitterly.
Previously carrying hope for Zhang laoshi's victory, she doesn't dare to harbor such thoughts now.
The two beauties were indescribably astounded. The other teachers who are spectating the fight became dumbfounded as well. In an instant, the entire surroundings turned silent. All of them glanced at Zhang Xuan with eyes of sympathy.
To be competing with Lu Xun laoshi... He sure is looking for trouble!
"Fighter 2-dan against Fighter 3-dan? It would be hard for Apothecary Zhang to win!"
Just like the other teachers, Guild Leader Ouyang and Apothecary Du Man glanced at one another and shook their heads simultaneously.
"Indeed, the two are entirely different levels. There is no hope of victory!"
"Looks like Apothecary Zhang... will lose!"
The other apothecaries also arrived at the same conclusion and they sighed in lamentation.
With just the appearance of Zhang Xuan and Lu Xun on the field, many people have already come to the verdict that the scale of victory is tilted toward Lu Xun.
...
"Today is the day of the Freshmen Tournament. But before that, we shall first hold a competition between the teachers, the Teacher Evaluation between Lu Xun laoshi and Zhang Xuan laoshi."
Seeing that the two stars of the show had arrived, the principal, who hadn't appeared in public for a very long time, stood at the dueling platform, and his voice resounded across the entire academy.
Hearing his words, Zhang Xuan and Lu Xun led their students onto the dueling platform, and the both of them sat by the side of the ring.
The Teacher Evaluation is a battle between students; teachers are not allowed to interfere in the battle at all and can only sit by the side.
Naturally, the duels between the students are only a part of the Teacher Evaluation. There are also written papers, potential assessments, and similar trials. However, as cultivators value strength greater than anything else, even if they were to triumph over their opponent in the latter examinations, it wouldn't be a glorious victory.
"Who wants to go first?"
Zhang Xuan paid no heed to the surrounding discussions. Rather, he looked at his five students calmly.
"Allow me!" Yuan Tao stood forward.
Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
Zhang Xuan is confident in the other party's abilities now that his Emperor Bloodline has been awakened.
"Kong Jie, go up. Defeat that worst student of the academy!"
Seeing the other party had sent the fellow who is ranked the last in the entrance examination out first, Lu Xun sneered coldly.
After a night of individual tutoring, his five students had already reinforced their Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi primary realm cultivation, and they had already gotten used to propelling the zhenqi in their body.
With their strength, defeating a couple of Fighter 2-dan isn't a problem at all.
"Later on, when you suffer a crushing defeat, I'll see how you are qualified to become the apprentice of the three master teachers!"
A cold gleam flashed across his eyes and Lu Xun sneered.
All of his hard work is for today. When his students defeat Zhang Xuan in public, that fellow will be humiliated, making it impossible for him to become the apprentice of the three master teachers.
By then, everyone will know that he, Lu Xun, is an invincible existence in Hongtian Academy.
...
"Senior Kong, please go easy on me..."
Staring at the opponent before him, Yuan Tao looked at him with a pitiful expression. "Look at how plump I am, my cultivation is only at Fighter 1-dan as well..."
"Go easy?" The edges of Kong Jie's lips curled up. His disdain for the latter was clear, "I never go easy on others in a battle! Either you admit defeat, or... be kicked off the ring by me. Make your own choice!"
"Admit defeat? If I admit defeat, Zhang laoshi will beat me to death..." With a look of distress, Yuan Tao walked forward.
"If you do not wish to admit defeat, be prepared to be kicked off the ring then! It's that simple!"
Ignoring the other party's show of weakness, Kong Jie sneered coldly.
The battle hadn't begun, yet the fellow is already pleading for mercy. He is truly an eccentric person.
However, from this by itself, it can be seen that Zhang laoshi doesn't have any abilities. Lu laoshi's victory is certain.
"How about this? Since I can't defeat you anyway, allow me to put on an act and hit you a few times before I admit defeat. This way, Zhang laoshi won't be able to blame me for this. If you cooperate with me, I will pay you a thousand... No, five hundred... three hundred gold coins as compensation."
Walking until he was right before the opponent, Yuan Tao said with a suppressed voice.
"Three hundred gold coin? For putting on an act?" Kong Jie was taken aback. "Do you really have that much gold coin?"
"I do, look!"
Yuan Tao stretched his left hand into his pocket to retrieve something.
At the same time, Kong Jie couldn't help but lower his glance.
However, what waited for him wasn't gold coins. Instead, a fist came flying straight toward him.
"I fell for his trick..."
At this moment, he understood that this is the other party's ploy.
Yuan Tao had planned it out well. Feigning weakness and acting pitifully to convince the other party of his plight before going on to bribe the other party to divert his attention and last but not least, launching a sneak attack on him... The heck, do you need to be so shameless?
So many students and esteemed figures are looking at them! Can you at least consider your own reputation...
He felt a stifled sensation in his chest, but it was already too late for him to react. Narrowing his eyes, he felt an incredible strength surging at him. Before he could do anything, an excruciating pain spread through his face.
Hu!
He was sent flying out of the dueling ring immediately.
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Chapter 215: I've Lost
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
On the seats specially reserved for teachers.
Wang Chao was seated upright on one of the seats with a haughty expression on his face. His presence felt like a spear which would pierce into the heavens.
"Seems like Zhang Xuan is truly hopeless. Other people tend to send out their strongest member in the first match, so as to win the first battle and boost the morale of the team. Yet, he chose to send out this useless fellow at the very start. Is he admitting his defeat?"
Elder Hong Hao stroked his beard, excited by the sight before him.
After Zhang Xuan exposed the imitation ingredients used in his Hongtian Pavilion, his business had been poor. The shop wasn't far from closing down, and he had been wanting to skin this fellow alive.
If not for the fear that the academy would find out about the matter, leaving him unable to conduct his business at all, he would have long made a move on Zhang Xuan.
"A Fighter 1-dan advanced realm lad against a Fighter 3-dan opponent... That's a completely one-sided battle!"
Wang Chao lifted his head up proudly and said, "Besides, Kong Jie has been practicing Iron Palm from young, granting him an outstanding offensive ability. On top of that, he belongs to the group of geniuses who ultilise a style of frenzied offense. Once he begins, Yuan Tao probably won't even survive ten breaths before flying out of the ring!"
"A Juxi realm advanced stage has around 90kg of strength. On the other hand, a Zhenqi realm primary stage has around 300kg of strength. That is a difference of threefold. I will be amazed if he can survive three breaths against such an opponent!"
Elder Hong Hao chuckled.
"Indeed, if Kong Jie gets serious from the start, that fellow will be destroyed in an instant!" Wang Chao agreed. "Seems like the first match is Lu Xun's!"
"Of course! In fact, I think that Lu laoshi will win all five matches. This time, Zhang Xuan will be utterly humiliated."
Elder Hong Hao harrumphed coldly.
The other party destroyed his source of income. Ever since then, he had been wanting to crush him.
Thus, he specially looked for Lu Xun to initiate this matter. If not for his interference, it was unlikely that the Teacher Evaluation would occur.
He has many methods up his sleeves to cause Zhang Xuan's downfall. By all means, he wants to make him regret all he had done in Hongtian Pavilion.
"It's started!"
Not knowing that the other party was thinking about all these, Wang Chao nodded his head before exclaiming.
Wang Chao is extremely confident in Kong Jie.
The previous day, he helped Lu Xun to mentor these students, thus he is well aware of how scary those five are despite their young age.
A bunch of fellows who are at most Dantian realm wishes to triumph over them?
Isn't this dreaming?
Overjoyed at the opportunity to get back at Zhang Xuan, he turned to look at the dueling ring, only to see the two students facing each other.
"Senior Kong, please go easy on me..."
The next moment, Yuan Tao's plea echoed in the air. Upon hearing those words, the duo nearly spurted a mouthful of saliva and laughed heartily.
Yuan Tao's voice may not be loud, but they are both experts. With their sharp ears, they could hear his words clearly.
"To be afraid of the opponent even before the match, what's the point of competing!"
"To instill fear in the enemy's troops before the fight, Lu laoshi's students sure are incredible..."
Elder Hong Hao's eyes glowed.
Did you see that? The highest realm of teaching a student is not for your student's fighting prowess to be impressive, but for his appearance to instill fear in the other students...
This is called a true expert!
This is the true might of a celebrity teacher!
You, a mere low-level teacher, will never match up to him!
"From the looks of it, that fellow should admit his defeat... Ah?"
Hearing the conversation, Wang Chao nodded his head as well and commented. But halfway through his words, his voice ceased abruptly as though someone had grabbed onto his throat. For a moment, he seemed to be suffocating.
"What's wrong?"
Immersed in his delight, Elder Hong Hao hadn't paid much attention to the situation on the stage. At this moment, hearing the bizarre edge to the other party's tone, he immediately lifted his head to look at the dueling ring. With a single glance, he nearly spurted blood.
Yuan Tao, whom they thought was doomed, stood in the dueling ring, patting the dust off his clothes, looking incredibly valiant on the stage. On the other hand, the powerful Kong Jie lied beneath the dueling ring. His eyes had turned white and it was clear that he had fainted.
"What... is going on?"
Being outside the dueling ring means instant disqualification. What had happened?
Why, in the blink of an eye, that new Zhenqi realm genius who was about to display his full might would be suddenly lying on the ground with his eyes rolled back?
The competition did end in less than three breaths, as they have thought, but... why did it end like this?
Elder Hong Hao felt as though he was going mad.
"That fool..."
Stunned, Wang Chao roared. If he could, he would have slapped Kong Jie to death that instant.
Given your superior offensive strength and cultivation, why did you chat with him... If you had just attacked him from the start, it wouldn't end up like this. Look at what has happened. Before you could even display your Iron Palm, you were already sent flying, pummeled to the point that even your parents won't be able to recognize you...
"You... Sneak attack! Despicable!" Zhu Hong roared.
Does anyone spar like that?
Just an instant ago, you were talking about how you were going to admit defeat, but in the next, you sent a fist flying straight at the other party's face. Aren't you being too shameless? Where is your sportsmanship?
However, watching this sight made Zhu Hong recall the incident when he delivered the war letter to Zhang Xuan laoshi's classroom, causing his mouth to twitch uncontrollably.
It seems that... of the students under Zhang laoshi... there isn't a single one who knows what sportsmanship is...
"Sneak attack? The duel has already begun. Anyone can make a move, so why would you call it sneak attack? I wouldn't mind even if he were to attack me!"
Ignoring the other party's chatter, Yuan Tao flung his sleeves, and with the disposition of an expert, he stared down at Kong Jie in disdain, "He should blame himself for being weak. To be unable to even sustain a single hit of mine, how brittle can he be?"
"Weak?"
"No matter how strong one is, it is impossible for anyone to stand against such a sneak attack..."
"To speak of sneak attacks so righteously, how can you be so shameless?"
...
Hearing his brazen words, the spectators' mouths twitched.
If other people were to win by sneak attack, they would be guilt-ridden. Yet, this fellow spoke of it so brazenly, as though it was the natural thing to do...
The heck!
Where's your dignity?
"Teacher, does this mean that it's my victory?"
With his hands behind his back, Yuan Tao turned to look at the refereeing teacher.
"That... It's your victory!"
The teacher turned to glance at Kong Jie and judging from his state, it was unlikely that he could regain consciousness soon. Thus, he could only nod his head to Yuan Tao's words.
After refereeing the Freshmen Tournament for numerous years, this was the first time he met with such a matter.
If one were to accuse Yuan Tao of sneak attack, the duel had already begun. In a sense, it is Kong Jie's fault for being distracted, so he can't blame another person for his loss.
Yet, it is clearly not an ordinary battle...
"Hmph!"
Seeing his first student being struck out of the dueling ring the moment he got up, giving away the victory that should have been his, Lu Xun nearly choked on his anger.
He had spent an entire three million to purchase pills. Then, he spent an entire night, expending his zhenqi to help them achieve a breakthrough to Zhenqi realm...
But what did he receive?
At the very least, you should have at least lasted for awhile against the other party. If you can't match up to him, I would have just accepted it. Yet, without even making the slightest move, you were sent flying out of the ring...
Lu Xun grabbed at his chest and he felt his vision going gray.
If not for his self-control, his body would have been convulsing now.
"Lu laoshi, we've lost the first round. What should we do next?"
Zhu Hong asked worriedly.
"Mo Xiao, you're up next."
Ignoring the constricted sensation in his heart, Lu Xun said.
"Yes!" Mo Xiao nodded his head. Wielding his spear, he walked forward.
"Zheng Yang, you're up!"
After seeing who the other party sent out, Zhang Xuan said.
Zheng Yang nodded his head. Wielding a spear in his hands as well, he walked into the ring.
The two friends were to face one another in the ring once more.
Glancing at the returning Yuan Tao, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in approval.
It wasn't that he was approving Yuan Tao's sneak attack, just that Yuan Tao was a Juxi realm advanced stage whereas his opponent was a Zhenqi realm cultivator. The difference between them exceeded more than a single realm.
No matter how powerful Yuan Tao's defensive and offensive abilities are, if he can't land a blow on the other party, it would just be talk.
Yuan Tao knew that his speed was his weakness, thus he put on an act before attacking his enemy... Honestly speaking, Kong Jie couldn't blame his carelessness on anyone else.
...
"It's Mo Xiao! It will surely be a victory this round!"
Suppressing the disappointment from the first match downward, Wang Chao's eyes lit up upon seeing Mo Xiao stepping onto the stage.
"He is..."
Upon seeing the other party's confident declaration, Elder Hong Hao turned to look at Wang Chao with a peculiar expression.
"Mo Xiao specializes in spear art and he was once my student!" Wang Chao nodded his head. "On top of being a Zhenqi realm cultivator, his comprehension of spearmanship is impressive. More importantly, I have imparted the Wang Clan's spearmanship 3rd form, 7th form, and 18th form to him!"
"Onset of the Cold Gleam, Remnants of the Setting Sun, and The Returning Forest Canary?" Disbelief flashed through Elder Hong Hao's eyes. "Even though these three moves aren't the strongest moves in Wang Clan's spearmanship, they are nevertheless profound techniques and possess boundless might. You imparted such valuable spear techniques to him?"
The Wang Clan's spearmanship is known as the greatest secret spear art in Tianxuan Kingdom, and there isn't a single spear user who doesn't wish to learn it. However, Wang Chong and Wang Chao never imparted these moves to any outsider.
This is precisely the reason why the set of spear technique is becoming more and more valuable. Countless people are willing to do anything to lay their hands on it.
Usually, learning a single move can mean that one will be invincible among peers of the same cultivation level. Yet, Mo Xiao had learned three moves at a single go, and furthermore, they are the more advanced moves!
"Indeed! That's the reason why Mo Xiao will definitely win!"
Not only did confidence reappear on Wang Chao's face, it even deepened as he spoke of Mo Xiao. It seemed as though the slight hiccup before doesn't affect the situation at all.
However, it isn't a surprise either.
Kong Jie isn't his student. While Wang Chao knew that he isn't weak, he isn't too clear of his personality whatsoever.
But Mo Xiao is different.
Having been under him, Wang Chao knows that Mo Xiao is resilient and headstrong. It is almost impossible for Zheng Yang to win through a sneak attack.
More importantly, the latter had received this personal guidance and his spearmanship has reached great heights. It would be difficult for him to lose even if he wants to!
Wang Chao had also seen Zheng Yang's abilities when he visited him on the first day of school alongside Mo Xiao. His spear was feeble and it didn't hold the sharp disposition that a spear user should have. Thus, he rejected him from his tutelage.
In just half a month, it is impossible for a person like this to grow much stronger. As such, it is impossible for Zheng Yang to match up to Mo Xiao.
A month with the stave, a year with the saber, and a lifetime with the spear.
If one could improve their spearmanship so swiftly, the Wang Clan wouldn't be proclaimed as the number one spear clan in Tianxuan Kingdom.
Clearly, Lu Xun was aware of the fact as well, that's why he sent Mo Xiao up. He hoped for him to achieve a perfect victory and reverse the situation.
"Mo Xiao, we've met again!"
On the dueling platform, Zheng Yang placed his spear taut on the ground, with its tip facing the sky.
"Indeed, we've met again!"
Mo Xiao nodded his head, lifting his spear up as well.
From young, the two of them had been good buddies. It was hard to imagine that they would meet on a dueling platform under such a situation.
"Let's start!"
Knowing that it would be difficult for his friend to make the first move, Zheng Yang said.
"Hold it for a moment, allow me to warm up first!"
Mo Xiao shook his head. Retreating a few steps backward, the zhenqi in his body flurried and he executed the three moves which he had learned from Wang Chao smoothly.
Wuwuwuwu!
The spear emitted shock waves in all directions, causing the spectators' hair to fly about.
"What is that fellow doing? If he displays the three spear art now, isn't he telling the other party that he knows the Wang Clan's spearmanship? How will he fight if the other party is guarded against those three moves of his?"
Seeing how Mo Xiao didn't dive straight into the battle and instead, display his spear art to 'warm up', Elder Hong Hao was perplexed.
If one shows his trump cards before the battle, won't the other party be guarded against it?
"Hehe, rest easy!" Wang Chong chuckled. With a confident and proud look, he said, "It is impossible for the Wang Clan's spearmanship to be countered. These moves have long been out spreading all these years. Many people had attempted to imitate them, but no one succeeded in deciphering and countering them. Mo Xiao's actions are right, he is intentionally allowing the other party to see it so as to exert pressure on him. Afterward, he will bring the fame of the Wang Clan's spearmanship to greater heights!"
"That's... Perhaps so!" Elder Hong Hao nodded his head.
The Wang Clan spearmanship movements have been spread for many years, but without learning the underlying zhenqi circulation method, it is impossible to execute the move no matter how lifelike one's imitation is. More importantly... There isn't a counter for it.
If it could be countered, Wang Chong wouldn't be that famous.
On the dueling ring, Mo Xiao executed the three Wang Clan's spearmanship moves perfectly and thus, concluded his warm up.
"Alright, he is probably going to show the prowess of the Wang Clan's spearmanship now!"
Wang Chao chuckled once more. He was about to compliment Mo Xiao further and watch Zheng Yang being beaten to a pulp when, dang lang, he saw Mo Xiao drop the spear in his hands onto the ground suddenly as he sighed.
"Even though I have reached Zhenqi realm, I am unable to match that spear of yours. I admit defeat!"
"What?"
Wang Chao's body shook.
The fight hasn't even started! Why are you admitting defeat!
Even if one has to admit defeat, it should be the opponent!
The heck, what's going on?
Lu Xun, who stood on the opposite, staggered as well. He was on the verge of tears.