Chapter 175

Chapter 175: Striking it Rich

As the guard of a master teacher, he is absolutely clear of the standing and prestige the three master teachers possess in this kingdom. Yet, when the three master teachers emerged from the mansion, only the butler could be seen escorting them to the door… the ‘fraud’ did not even show his face!

Is that for real?

Didn’t you come here to expose that fellow’s disguise? To be fawning on a butler and piling gifts on his hands… Even calling him ‘Brother Sun’, what is going on?

Ah Yun felt that he is mistaken, severely mistaken.

Can it be that… Yang Xuan is really a master teacher?

Just a moment ago, he had confidently declared that the master teachers had entered the mansion to expose Yang Xuan’s fraud before everyone. Upon witnessing the situation, he felt light-headed.

Didn’t you say that he is a fraud? Then why are you treating his butler with such respect?

Furthermore… To addressing him as Brother Sun?

Liu shi, you are already in your sixties while Sun Qiang isn’t even forty. To call him Brother Sun…

Why do I feel goosebumps rising on my body?

“It is fortunate that we didn’t listen to his words, otherwise we would have regretted it for life!”

“Indeed, he doesn’t know anything at all, yet he tried to feign knowledge…”

“Expose his fraud? Have you seen someone exposing a fraud like this? By behaving so respectfully to a butler in his master’s absence?”

…

Immediately after recovering from the shock, the crowd criticized Ah Yun harshly.

Those who came here to wait at Yang shi’s door possess great reputation and prestige in Tianxuan Kingdom. They might be fearful of Liu shi, but the same cannot be said of Ah Yun.

When he spoke those words with great confidence earlier on, everyone believed him immediately. But now, they realized that they were fools to have trusted him so easily.

After hearing those words, Ah Yun was so infuriated that his body trembled uncontrollably, sustaining great damage within.

You were the ones who asked me, so I told you out of kindness on my accord. Yet… now you treat me like this… If I had known earlier, I wouldn’t have said anything…

…………

“You want me to help your Royal Elder achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation?”

Zhang Xuan examined Emperor Shen Zhui who had put on a cautious expression.

After helping Zhuang Xian achieve a breakthrough in his cultivation, Liu Ling and Zheng Fei lost all doubts about his identity. They proceeded to ask him a few questions about cultivation. Having read the books in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault, Zhang Xuan now possesses an incredible amount of knowledge at his disposal. Furthermore, with the Library of Heaven’s Path ability to see through flaws, he took just a few words to leave the duo fully impressed.

After a brief consultation, the three of them stood up and took their leave. On the other hand, Emperor Shen Zhui remained behind.

He had come for the Royal Elder’s matter. The moment the three master teachers left, he immediately took the chance to speak.

“Yes…” Emperor Shen Zhui looked at him with utmost anticipation.

If Tianxuan Kingdom loses the protection of the Royal Elder, it probably won’t take long before other countries begin to invade.

The survival of the fittest is not just a phrase that describes the world of cultivators. Countries are also governed by this primitive law.

“I have only come to Tianxuan Kingdom to rest. I do not wish to get myself involved in such troublesome affairs…” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

It isn’t that he is unwilling to help, it is just that… the other party’s Royal Elder has already reached the level of Half-Zongshi. If he were to achieve another breakthrough, he would become a full-fledged Zongshi.

Even Zhang Xuan himself has not yet attained Tongxuan realm. Although he had managed to help Zhuang Xian reach Half-Zongshi realm, luck had played a heavy role. He does not want to attempt something beyond his means and risk exposing his disguise.

“I beg for Yang shi’s assistance. Tianxuan Kingdom is willing to offer anything in exchange for your help on this matter…”

Hearing his rejection, Emperor Shen Zhui knelt down hurriedly.

He had spent great effort to invite the three master teachers, only to realize that they are helpless on the matter. His only hope is Yang shi. If the other party were to really not lend a helping hand, the Royal Elder wouldn’t last for long.

“Do you think that I lack anything?”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes narrowed.

“I dare not think so…”

Emperor Shen Zhui was shocked.

He suddenly found his words ludicrous. The other party is a master teacher of greater capability than Liu shi and the others. If he wanted something, a single word of his would send countless people rushing to fulfill his demands. As a tiny kingdom, how can Tianxuan Kingdom offer anything of interest to him?

“Un, how about this. Help me gather manuals on Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan realm. It doesn’t matter whether they are valuable or not. After you gather a thousand of such books, I will consider guiding the Royal Elder.”

Zhang Xuan said impassively.

“Ah?” Emperor Shen Zhui was taken aback.

Didn’t you claim that you don’t lack anything? Tongxuan realm manuals… What do you mean by that?

A thousand books at that?

His mouth twitched.

Tongxuan realm experts are the top-tier fighting power of Tianxuan Kingdom. There aren’t many of such manuals even within the royal palace. Yet, to ask for a thousand of such books? What is Yang shi up to?

“If you find it difficult, then let’s just forget it…” Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

“It is no difficulty at all. Yang shi, rest assured. I will definitely complete the task you ask of me within five days…” Emperor Shen Zhui clenched his jaws and agreed to it.

This is his only chance. If he misses it, he would definitely regret it for life.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan casually gestured, not speaking any further.

Recognizing his intent, Emperor Shen Zhui took his leave.

The moment he left the main hall, Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up.

He didn’t think that the problem with gathering Tongxuan realm manuals, which had left him with a splitting headache, could be settled that easily.

Given his capabilities, finding a book or two regarding Tongxuan realm isn’t a problem, but it would be nearly impossible to gather a thousand books. However, it is different for Emperor Shen Zhui. As the sovereign of a country, it should be simple for him to gather a large number of Tongxuan realm manuals.

Most importantly, he doesn’t require quality, only quantity.

He doesn’t need any of those family hereditament secret manuals, he just needs a sufficient number of manuals.

“Old master…”

Sun Qiang walked over.

“What happened in the past few days? What are those people outside doing?”

He was put under the scrutiny of the three master teachers and Emperor Shen Zhui from the moment he arrived at the entrance of his mansion. As such, until now, hadn’t had the chance to clarify the situation.

“Reporting to the old master, in the few days of your absence, your name has spread far and wide in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom…”

Sun Qiang explained the occurrences in the past few days in a concise manner to him. Zhang Xuan then understood what had actually happened and he couldn’t help but be impressed by the rallying ability of a master teacher once more. It is no wonder that everyone dreams of becoming a master teacher.

“Old master, this is something that the three masters left behind…”

After which, Sun Qiang passed over a storage ring.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

As he thought, given how wealthy the three master teachers are, how can they possibly not give any benefits when he had put in so much effort to guide them?

After dripping blood onto the storage ring to claim ownership, he peered into the ring and his eyes widened immediately.

The quality of the ring is much better than the one he is currently using.

Even though they are both low-tier storage rings, the space inside the storage ring that Liu shi gave is 30-meter-cube one, ten times larger than the 3-meter-cube one that he has in his hands.

Putting every aside, this ring is probably worth several million by itself.

Numerous treasures were placed within, be it precious herbs or the mountain of gold coin. Judging with a casual look, he assessed the value of contents within to be probably greater than ten million.

“Such an incredible sum…”

With just a single glance, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but sigh.

Master teachers are truly generous. Just a casual gift from them is worth several tens of million.

Of course, he also knew that it was a friendly gesture from Liu shi and the others. Otherwise, there was not a need to spend such a great amount just because he had offered them guidance on their cultivation.

“In the few days that old master was absent, Lord Ling Tianyu had also visited several times and he brought another five million gold bills over…”

Sun Qiang presented another stack of gold bills.

Even though he knew that his status had risen, he did not dare to hide the money other people had passed to him and handed them over to the old master honestly.

“This is the entrance fee collected from other visitors in the past few days. I have compiled a name list…”

After which, Sun Qiang handed over a booklet. Casually flipping through it, Zhang Xuan was astonished, “So many people?”

“Reporting to the old master, a total of twenty-seven people visited the mansion and paid the entrance fee. Here is a total of eighty-one million…”

After which, Sun Qiang gestured and two guards carried a chest in. It was filled with numerous money bills.

“The heck…”

Looking at the mountain of gold bills within the chest, Zhang Xuan felt as though he was going insane.

Initially, he thought that earning twenty million would be a nigh impossible task. After seeing the sum before him, he realized that he had underestimated the prestige of a master teacher.

Just by announcing his name, despite not getting to see him beforehand, people are willing to deliver such huge sums… No other occupations would be able to achieve such a feat.

“Help me tell those who had paid up to visit tomorrow. I will solve their problems one by one. As for those who didn’t pay the entrance fee, get them to leave. From today on, I won’t be accepting any other requests…” Rubbing his glabella, Zhang Xuan gestured.

Since he has already accepted their money, he can’t possibly refund it. Moreover, dealing with the twenty-seven people’s problems would be sufficient keep him busy for quite awhile.

“Yes!” Sun Qiang nodded his head.

Placing all of the gold bills in the chest and those on hand into the storage ring, he took out a single bill and gave it to Sun Qiang. “Here is your reward. I’ve already said it, I will reward you greatly for following me!”

In order for a steed to gallop swiftly, one has to first feed it sufficiently. In fact, if not Sun Qiang’s effort in dealing with visitors these few days, he might not have earned this much money.

Besides, this fellow must have probably suffered quite a few scares in the last few days. This is just a small sum of money. With his identity as a master teacher, he can easily make as much money as he needs.

“A million…”

Noticing the denomination of the bill in his hand, Sun Qiang was shocked and he knelt down immediately.

This amount of money is something he could never have earned in his entire life.

“Starting from today, regardless of what the old master commands me to do, I won’t bear a single word of complaint…”

Sun Qiang made a solemn vow in his heart.

After following the old master, he gained not only pride and money, but also achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation. Such kindness and attention from the master… these are things which he would have never achieved by himself by simply muddling along for a lifetime.

It can be said that the old master had opened a whole new world to him. It is as if he had granted him a new life.

“Alright, I’ll be heading out for now. Help me deal with those people at the entrance!”

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

To him, the most important matter now is to collect his medicine and help Yuan Tao and Zhao Ya awaken their unique constitution. And after that… sleep!

After five days without rest, he is thoroughly exhausted. If not for the rise in his cultivation realm, he would have long fainted into a deep slumber.

“Yes!” Sun Qiang nodded his head.

Aware that the front entrance is swarming with people, Zhang Xuan left the mansion through the back door. After finding a remote alley, he took off his disguise, changed his clothes, and transformed back into his original appearance.

With his looks restored, he immediately started walking with big strides toward the Apothecary Guild.

……………………

“Teacher!”

In Lu Xun’s classroom, various students stood neatly in a line.

Of which, there are Zhu Hong, who sent the war letter to Zhang Xuan’s classroom, Mo Xiao, Zheng Yang’s good friend, and a few other people.

If Yuan Tao, Liu Yang, and the others were present, they would surely be able to recognize that these five are the ones who would be competing with them as according to the list.

A few days ago, they were only Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm cultivators. But right now, the aura they exuded felt clearly deeper and stronger. They had all managed to advanced to Fighter 2-dan.

“Not bad!”

Seeing the improvement in his students, Lu Xun nodded his head in satisfaction. It appears that the large amount of resources invested and the effort that he had devoted to nurturing them have not gone to waste.

Having attained Fighter 2-dan, his students should be able to easily defeat Zhang Xuan’s students.

“Lu laoshi, Master Teacher Yang Xuan… has appeared!”

Just when he was about to delegate some matters to his students, Wang Chao laoshi entered abruptly. Excitement could clearly be seen in his eyes.

Chapter 176: Apothecary Hong Yun

“He appeared?”

Lu Xun turned to look at his good friend.

“Un, today, Liu shi and the others paid a visit to Yang shi’s mansion along with Emperor Shen Zhui. Shortly, when the three master teachers emerged, their attitudes were extremely respectful. It seems like Yang shi is definitely a master teacher. Furthermore, his tier should be significantly higher than that of Liu shi and the others…”

Wang Chao revealed the news that he had just received.

“Higher than Liu shi… Doesn’t that mean that he is a 2-star master teacher?” Lu Xun’s eyes glowed brightly. “Let’s hurry up and prepare, we should pay him a visit as well…”

He had been waiting for an opportunity like this. If he were to catch Yang shi’s sight, he would definitely be able to soar to incredible heights.

“Un!” Wang Chao nodded his head. However, in the next instant, a bitter look appeared on his face, “However, after the news spread, there are countless people who wish to pay Yang shi a visit. I’m afraid that we won’t get a chance at all!”

“Furthermore, I’m sure that you’ve heard of Yang shi’s rule. Those who want to pay him a visit has to pay three million upfront. Otherwise, one wouldn’t even be allowed to enter… Even my father would find it hard to fork out so much money. I’m afraid that…”

Even though they are star teachers, they earned only two to three thousand gold coins per month. Forking out three million… is nothing more than a dream to them.

Putting aside paying the other party a visit, just this condition alone is sufficient to spell their failure.

“Don’t worry, I have already thought the matter through!” Lu Xun flashed a confident smile. “On the surface, everyone has to pay three million to enter Yang shi’s mansion. But in fact, in consideration of everyone’s dignity, definitely no one would pay it upfront. That’s to say… As long as no one says anything, we shouldn’t be exposed!”

“You mean that… we should try to sneak in along with the others? I don’t think that it is a good idea… The other party isn’t a fool. I’m afraid that we will be locked out of the door if we don’t pay the sum upfront!”

Hearing the other party’s reasoning, Wang Chao was stunned.

“It’s not sneaking in with the others. I’m saying that… we should make use of our identities as star teachers to get past this barrier. Given our fame throughout the kingdom, who would dare to disrespect us? As long as we find the correct person to submit our qualifications to, the matter should be able to be settled easily!”

“After all, master teachers are also interested in accepting apprentices. We are the two most famous teachers in Tianxuan Royal City, so it wouldn’t be wrong to say we are the most eligible candidates. As long as we compose a proper name scroll and highlight our achievements in teaching, he might just accept us as his apprentices. It doesn’t matter whether we have the three million or not! What we have to do is to search for means to submit our name scroll. As for gathering money, that is of secondary concern at the moment!”

“This…” Wang Chao blinked his eyes.

“Fighting prowess isn’t the only factor in becoming a master teacher. More important than that, one must be able to nurture his students. Given how many capable students we have under us, we will definitely catch his attention.”

As he spoke, Lu Xun got increasingly excited that his eyes began to radiate, “If that doesn’t work, we can invite him to the Teacher Evaluation. When he witnesses how I manage to crush Zhang Xuan and how outstanding I am, perhaps he will be impressed and happily accept me as his disciple…”

“What you say makes sense… Given our identity as star teachers, submitting our qualifications shouldn’t be difficult. If so, it might work out even without us paying the entrance fee!” Wang Chao finally understood Lu Xun’s plan.

The Teacher Evaluation is a good opportunity. If Master Teacher Yang Xuan watches the duel, he will definitely form a favorable impression of Lu Xun and accept him as his disciple. As long as Lu Xun succeeds, he can help to persuade Yang shi to accept Wang Chao as well.

“Alright, let’s prepare for a bit before we pay our visit to Yang shi…”

Without much hesitation, Lu Xun started to make arrangements.

…………………………

Apothecary Guild.

Guild Leader Ouyang, Apothecary Chen Xiao, Apothecary Bai Ming, and more than ten other apothecaries were seated in the hall with a respectful attitude.

Hu!

A violent wind blew and a massive aerial savage beast slowly descended from the sky.

An elder stood on the beast. Before it had even landed, he gently leaped off its back and settled stably on the ground.

“Paying respects to Apothecary Hong Yun!”

Guild Leader Ouyang and his party stepped forward to welcome him.

Apothecary Hong Yun, a famous 2-star apothecary in one of the nearby kingdoms.

“Un!” Apothecary Hong Yun nodded his head. Then, he lifted his eyebrow and asked, “Where’s that Zhang Xuan?”

“Apothecary Zhang Xuan… probably isn’t in the capital, that’s why he didn’t come…” Guild Leader Ouyang said with an awkward expression.

The past few days, Zhang Xuan had been spending his time in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault. Upon leaving, he put on his disguise and returned to his mansion immediately. Even Zhao Ya and the others face difficulties finding him, needless to say, him.

“Atrocious!” Apothecary Hong Yun flung his hands. With a steeled face, he bellowed, “Even though the Pill Debate is a tradition passed down from the ancient times, it has a set of unique rules that has to be followed by. This time, other than delivering the Unravel Yin Pill and Colossus Rhinoceros Blood, I am also going to assess this Zhang Xuan. If he is unqualified, I will strip him of his qualifications immediately.”

“Yes!” Guild Leader Ouyang nodded his head.

“Bring me the Record Crystal from that day. If I discover any bias in your actions, everyone who was involved in the Pill Debate will be punished!” Apothecary Hong Yun frowned and commanded authoritatively.

“Yes, Apothecary Hong Yun. This way please…” Guild Leader Ouyang hurriedly stepped forward to lead the way.

Soon, they arrived at the location where the Pill Debate was held and took out the Record Crystal.

“Activate it!”

Apothecary Hong Yun sat down and sipped on a freshly-brewed cup of tea before staring impassively at the others.

Upon hearing the other party’s words, Guild Leader Ouyang immediately infused his zhenqi into the Record Crystal. Instantly, the crystal started to shine and the recorded contents began to play before them.

The image of Zhang Xuan stepping into the room appeared.

“Is this Zhang Xuan? Guild Leader Ouyang, you are also a veteran of the guild, how can you be so foolish? How can someone that young succeed in Pill Debate?” After seeing Zhang Xuan’s young appearance, Apothecary Hong Yun immediately raised his eyebrows.

Which one of those who had dared to challenge the Pill Debate had not studied pill forging for several decades? At the very least, they were fifty to sixty-year-old. Yet, this fellow isn’t even twenty… What can he be possibly capable of?

Clearly, the other apothecaries had intentionally given in to him!

“How about this? As long as any apothecary here dares to forge pills before me, regardless of the method he uses, I am able to point out the name of his forging method and the errors he commits in the process. If any of those here find what I say incorrect, I can admit defeat immediately…”

Zhang Xuan’s voice echoed from the Record Crystal.

“Arrogant!” Apothecary Hong Yun sneered coldly. “Even I can’t guarantee to be able to see through all of the errors in a 1-star apothecary’s forging technique. Yet, as an apprentice, he claims to be able to do so? What a joke… He truly is naive!”

The Record Crystal continued to play. Soon, it displayed the scene regarding Apothecary Meng Yan. Zhang Xuan pointed out that there was killing intent in him, and thus, it was unlikely for his Tranquil Heart Pill to work.

“That Apothecary Meng Yan’s movements are hasty and he doesn’t look tranquil in the least. It isn’t surprising that he can see through this…”

Watching up to this point, Apothecary Hong Yun hesitated for a moment before speaking.

As a 2-star apothecary, his discernment ability isn’t something Guild Leader Ouyang and the rest can match up to.

Apothecary Meng Yan’s state of mind was clearly unstable and one could tell that he was irritable at that moment. It wasn’t difficult to conclude that the pill he forged would be a failed product.

After which, Apothecary Chen Xiao started forging.

“Death aura? This… Apothecary Chen Xiao’s pill forging is too quiet. I can only tell that something is amiss with him, but I can’t say for sure that he is about to die…”

Apothecary Hong Yun was slightly perplexed.

The other 1-star apothecaries thought that Zhang Xuan had looked into their affairs before working backward to derive the conclusion. On the other hand, Apothecary Hong Yun, as a 2-star apothecary, has much sharper eyes. Even though he isn’t able to tell as much as Zhang Xuan was able to, he is nevertheless able to discover a thing or two from Meng Yan and Chen Xiao’s state then.

After which, it was Cheng Jiang’s turn.

Then, Bai Ming.

“This cauldron has a height of 7 chi and 3 cun and width of 3 cun and 2 chi. It was created by a 3-mo craftsman in the Stone Well Workshop seven years and three months ago…”

“This cauldron is slightly thicker than a cun and it requires an incense’s time and thirty-four breaths for the heat to completely permeate the cauldron…”

On the Record Crystal, Zhang Xuan spoke calmly and steadily. Wisdom and self-confidence were displayed clearly in his gaze.

“This…”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s anger had vanished completely. Instead, he was staring fixedly at the crystal with widened eyes.

He has had the opportunity to come into contact with apothecaries of higher tiers and heard them converse with one another. It seems that before forging pills, one should first study the cauldron thoroughly so as to understand how to make full use of it to forge higher quality pills.

All along, he had thought that these are distant concepts inapplicable to him. Never in his dreams would he expect to hear such words from the mouth of an apprentice. Furthermore, the other party had spoken of every single step in great detail.

“Reporting to Apothecary Hong Yun, after the incident, I took the effort to look through the scroll regarding the cauldron and did a comparison to his words. Regardless of the weight of the cauldron, its thickness, when it was forged, how many times it had been transported, and the kinds of pills that were forged through it… Apothecary Zhang Xuan’s words are completely correct! There isn’t even the slightest bit of error!”

“We specially conducted an experiment as well and indeed, it took precisely an incense’s time and thirty-four breaths for heat to permeate the cauldron…”

…

Guild Leader Ouyang explained.

Actually, even without his explanation, Apothecary Hong Yun, who spends his days forging pills, could roughly tell that the words of the other party are correct.

“…causing a loss of the medicinal effect by thirteen percent. Fail!”

“…As such, its medicinal effect wasn’t fully unleashed and fourteen percent of the medicinal effect was lost. Fail!”

…

“This… This… Impossible!”

Upon hearing the entire string of ‘failure’ from Zhang Xuan, Apothecary Hong Yun’s body stiffened. He couldn’t help but clench his fist together tightly.

“After that, we did a series of tests based on the Zhang Xuan’s words. The percentages that he gave are completely accurate. This is a log of the tests we did. Please look through it…”

Guild Leader Ouyang handed over a book.

Since it was a Pill Debate, naturally, they couldn’t let it end that easily. After Zhang Xuan left the examination hall, Guild Leader Ouyang and the other apothecaries worked overnight to test all of the figures that he provided and the results left them dumbfounded. To think that… it would be absolutely accurate. There wasn’t even the slightest bit of error.

“This…”

Flipping through the logs, Apothecary Hong Yun felt as though he was going mad.

The signature of the apothecaries were all present and the timing between each step was recorded extremely clearly. Thus, it is impossible for it to be falsified.

To remember the sequence in which he added in the 47 medicinal herbs with a single look and to deduce the reaction of every single process thoroughly, as well as the loss of the medicinal effectiveness…

The heck, is that person really a human?

Apothecary Hong Yun tried to see if he could deduce the figures by looking at the forging process on the Record Crystal but soon, he shook his head. Even with his abilities, he isn’t capable of such a feat.

Thus, he continued to watch on. What came afterward was the usual Pill Debate process. The various apothecaries came forward to pose questions of their own.

“…It just happens that there is one of it in our basic tier book collection vault. It is on the 27th row, on the upper left corner…”

On the Record Crystal, Zhang Xuan smiled faintly, gestured grandly, and spoke of the names of the books, as well as the position of them in the guild’s book collection vault.

“These books… I have read almost them all and it is exactly as he had said…”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s breathing hastened.

He might be unable to confirm the authenticity of the words that Zhang Xuan had said earlier just by looking at the Record Crystal, but as a 2-star apothecary, the number of books he had read and his knowledge of pill forging far surpasses that of Guild Leader Ouyang and the others. He had browsed through many of the books that the other party had mentioned and the contents… were identical to what he had said.

Honestly speaking, when he heard that the Tianxuan Kingdom Apothecary Guild had allowed a fellow who isn’t even twenty to become an official apothecary through Pill Debate, he was extremely infuriated.

He thought that Ouyang Cheng and the others had gone easy on him.

That was precisely the reason why the headquarters sent him to investigate the case.

On his way here, he had already thought of how he should find flaws so as to fail this Zhang Xuan and strip him of his apothecary qualifications. Yet, he didn’t think that he would find himself impressed by the other party even before finishing the contents in the Record Crystal.

If the contents of the Record Crystal isn’t a show and happened for real… Then this Zhang Xuan truly holds an inconceivably deep understanding of pill forging…

“…Apothecary Wu Xiao’s 《Cauldron Maintenance》, Apothecary Zhao Qian’s 《Important Matters to Note for Pill Forging》, Apothecary Niu Xuan’s 《Miscellaneous Things You Have to Know》, Apothecary Pang Bo’s 《Protect Your New Cauldron》…”

Zhang Xuan continued to speak on the Record Crystal and elegance exuded from his every single action.

“I have read those books as well. His reply is completely… correct!”

“…Correct!”

“…Correct!”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s joints started to pale and his lips quivered non-stop.

He came here to enforce punishment, but before even looking through the entire Record Crystal, he realized that there isn’t a single valid reason to do so…

“Guild Leader Ouyang, Apothecary Zhang Xuan is waiting outside and he requests for an audience…” An apprentice said.

Danglang!

Astonished, Apothecary Hong Yun unintentionally released his grip on the teacup in his hands. It fell onto the floor and shattered into numerous fragments.

Turning around, he saw a listless fellow with bloodshot eyes and heavy eyebags enter.

Chapter 177: Exploding Cauldron

“Is he that confident fellow showed by the Record Crystal?”

Recovering from his shock, Apothecary Hong Yun calmed his breathing.

The fellow in the Record Crystal emitted wisdom and self-confidence as he displayed his deep understanding toward pill forging. Yet, the fellow before him is listless and his eyes were bloodshot…

Was he bullied by someone?

Apothecaries often come into contact with medicinal herbs and as such, they are exceptionally particular about maintaining their bodies. Usually, they wouldn’t allow themselves such fatigue. Besides… an apothecary is one of the top professions among the Upper Nine Paths. As such, they pay great attention to their image and prestige. When has anyone ever seen such heavy eyebags on the face of an apothecary?

This isn’t cool.

Apothecary Hong Yun isn’t the only one who is perplexed, puzzled expressions had also appeared on the faces of Apothecary Ouyang and the others.

Is this really the fellow who achieved a perfect victory in the Pill Debate? The person who caused them the temptation to dive into any hole they could find?

How unbefitting…

…

Oblivious to the thoughts running through their minds, upon walking into the room, Zhang Xuan saw that more than a dozen of the apothecaries of the Tianxuan Kingdom were gathered here and felt baffled.

These apothecaries are usually extremely busy. It isn’t a simple feat to gather them like this. Back then, it was due to the importance of the Pill Debate that ten of them could be gathered in a day’s notice. But why are they so many of them present today?

However, it isn’t his business why the apothecaries are gathered here. Zhang Xuan shook his head, choosing not to involve himself in the matter. Enduring the fatigue which is on the verge of overwhelming him, he walked toward the center of the lounge.

“Guild Leader Ouyang, have the items I bought arrived?”

“They have arrived. Over here…”

Guild Leader Ouyang handed over the items that Apothecary Hong Yun had just delivered.

The tier-3 Unravel Yin Pill and the blood of the Primordial Colossus Rhinoceros.

Upon receiving the goods, delight appeared on Zhang Xuan’s face. He kept the items into his storage ring and passed over the stack of gold bills which he had prepared beforehand in return.

“Farewell…”

Witnessing that the other party had counted the money and confirmed that there were no problems whatsoever, Zhang Xuan prepared to leave.

He is simply too tired. It is great that the items had arrived. This way, he can quickly bring them to Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao for their consumption and he can finally enjoy his long-awaited rest.

“Apothecary Zhang Xuan, hold it for a moment…”

Apothecary Hong Yun finally recovered from his shock and stood up.

“Who are you?”

Tired and irritable, Zhang Xuan was displeased to see that someone had blocked his path.

“I am Hong Yun… I have a doubt in pill forging that I would like to consult you on. I hope that Apothecary Zhang Xuan can accept my request…”

Apothecary Hong Yun said.

After viewing the contents in the Record Crystal, he is seventy to eighty percent convinced by the abilities of the person before him. Still, he has to question him in person to ascertain whether there was any fraud involved in the process.

“I’m not free!” Zhang Xuan’s lips curled up in displeasure. “I’m not your teacher. If you have any queries, go and look them up in the books. Why would you ask me to answer your question? Go and find someone else to bother…”

What a joke, can’t you see that I’m busy? I want to return back home to sleep. Who has the time to answer your question? Why are you so insensitive to your surroundings?

Besides… Who the hell are you!

If every apothecary were to pose a question to me, won’t I die of exhaustion?

Guangdang!

All of the apothecaries in the room fell onto the floor.

Guild Leader Ouyang nearly choked to death on a mouthful of phlegm.

Brother, this is a 2-star apothecary sent by the upper echelons to look you, yet you dare to tell him to go and look for someone else to bother…

“Cough cough!” Holding in the urge to spurt blood, Guild Leader Ouyang stepped forward and added, “Apothecary Zhang Xuan, Apothecary Hong Yun is a 2-star apothecary sent by the headquarters…”

“2-star apothecary?” Zhang Xuan was startled. Taking a glance at the fellow blocking his way, he lifted his tired eyelids slightly and replied, “Alright. Feel free to ask anything you are unsure of. I’m in a hurry…”

“…” Guild Leader Ouyang.

“…” The other apothecaries.

The other person is here to test you. Why does it look as though he is consulting and learning from you now? More importantly… in a hurry? Your head. Aren’t you worried at all? If you were to fail his evaluation, the other party has the right to strip you of your identity as an apothecary…

The crowd was shocked by Zhang Xuan’s words. On the other hand, Apothecary Hong Yun felt depressed. If not for the fact that he had watched the other party’s performance in the Pill Debate through the Record Crystal, he would have already gone into a frenzy.

“When the tier-1 Breath Restoration Pill is forged, it would often turn slightly yellow. I would like to ask how one can solve this problem.”

“And you call yourself a 2-star apothecary when you don’t even know this? Breath Restoration Pill allows one to recover depleted energy and the main ingredient is the White Banquet Grass. This object is white and upon contact with a person’s zhenqi, it will turn a shade of faint yellow. This isn’t a problem with the medicinal herb but because the apothecary’s zhenqi is filled with too many impurities. If one were to possess a purer zhenqi, such a condition would not occur. To prevent the pill from turning yellow, one can also add a stalk of Green Sun Grass while forging the pill. This herb absorbs the impurities in one’s zhenqi, and as such, prevents the White Banquet Grass from turning yellow…”

Zhang Xuan casually gestured.

The golden page had allowed him to convert all of the contents contained within the books from the basic tier book collection vault and advanced tier book collection vault of the Apothecary Guild into functional knowledge. Even without using the Library of Heaven’s Path, he was able to easily solve the problem the other party brought up.

More importantly, it is because the other party had asked a question regarding tier-1 pills. If a more advanced question were asked, Zhang Xuan would have had no way of answering.

“Pure Lotus, as the main ingredient of the pill, tastes extremely bitter. However, adding licorice into the mix makes the concoction unstable. How do you solve this problem?” Apothecary Hong Yun continued asking.

“The bitter taste of the Pure Lotus comes from the golden colored seed pod on top. This part doesn’t contribute to the pill at all, and by getting rid of it, not only will the pill not be bitter, it would have a slightly sweet taste. Adding licorice is an excessive action, so naturally, it will result in the explosion of the cauldron.”

Zhang Xuan stared at the other party as though looking at an idiot, “You are a 2-star apothecary, and you don’t even know this? How did you even get your qualification?”

“…”

Apothecary Hong Yun nearly choked on his anger.

“Alright, if these are the kinds of problems you have for me, the answers can be found in the guild’s advanced tier book collection vault. If you’re free, do read more books. I have something on, so I will be taking my leave…”

Zhang Xuan yawned and walked toward the exit.

He feels that if he doesn’t sleep anytime soon, he might die of fatigue.

Upon hearing his words, Apothecary Hong Yun was dumbfounded.

Can’t you show some respect for me?

No matter what, I am a 2-star apothecary from the headquarters and I am a tier higher than you. Other people treat me with utmost respect upon seeing me, yet you don’t even look at me properly when conversing with me, telling me to go and find someone else to bother and read more books…

Read your head!

I am examining you, can’t you tell that much? Of course, I know the answers…

A look of displeasure appeared on his face and his eyebrows shot upward.

“Wait a moment. As long as you can answer this question… I won’t ask anything else. Also, I will give you the Unravel Yin Pill and Colossus Rhinoceros Blood for free.”

Finishing his words, just as he was still wondering if the other party would take up his offer, he saw that Zhang Xuan was already standing right in front of him. The fatigue in his eyes had disappeared without a trace and in its place is overwhelming vitality, “Are you serious?”

The Unravel Yin Pill and Colossus Rhinoceros Blood are worth a total of twenty-three million gold coins. If he can obtain them for free, it would be for the best.

He would be able to save a huge sum of money…

“You… Materialistic!”

Apothecary Hong Yun was so angry that his beard was flying up from his agitated breathing.

When he was talking to him earlier on, the other party wasn’t even willing to open his eyes. Yet, upon hearing that he would be able to obtain the items for free, he became so excited that he immediately dashed to him…

To think that he, as a 2-star apothecary, would be inferior to a pile of gold coins in the other party’s eyes…

He felt like going on a rampage.

Actually, Zhang Xuan’s actions were not intentional.

His values are still of the period when he was still a librarian in the other world. It has been just a few days since he had transcended over and he hadn’t truly understood how this world operated. Thus, he doesn’t have a concrete idea of a 2-star apothecary; no matter how incredible the other party is… can he be more practical than money?

After all, he burnt so much brain cells just to earn this twenty million…

“The problem is… Whenever I forge a Vitality Restoration Pill, the cauldron would always end up exploding…” Apothecary Hong Yun started raising the question.

Upon hearing the question, Ouyang Cheng and the others stared at one another in shock.

Vitality Restoration Pill… This is a top-grade tier-2 pill that is used to restore a person’s expended vitality. It is said that even 3-star apothecaries are not able to forge the pill easily.

Apothecary Hong Yun actually asked a 1-star apothecary how to forge a top-grade tier-2 pill…

This is way too shameless.

He has obviously overstepped the boundaries.

Upon seeing the gazes from the others, Apothecary Hong Yun’s face flushed.

Honestly, the reason why he brought up this question was that he was infuriated with Zhang Xuan. Aren’t you intelligent? Let’s see how you answer a question which even I, a 2-star apothecary, is unable to answer.

If you are unable to answer my question, I shall teach you a lesson and pop your egotistical bubble. I will show you the correct attitude to assume when you speak to a 2-star apothecary.

“Vitality Restoration Pill?” Zhang Xuan had never read books pertaining to the tier-2 pills and as a result, he didn’t recognize its name. He simply thought that it might just be a rare pill which isn’t detailed in the book collection vaults of the Tianxuan Kingdom Apothecary Guild.

Of course, it doesn’t make a difference whether he knows or not. In any case, he hadn’t intended to depend on his knowledge to solve the question. It has been less than half a month since he had transcended over, and even with the cheat known as the Library of Heaven’s Path, allowing him to learn rapidly, it is impossible to match up to these apothecaries who possess decades of experience.

“Let me see you forge a pill…”

Confident, Zhang Xuan casually waved his hands.

“Alright!”

Detecting his disrespectful tone, Apothecary Hong Yun became increasingly enraged. Very solemnly, he decided to severely discipline Zhang Xuan if he is unable to come up with a good answer. Thus, he stepped forward to the cauldron, retrieved a few medicinal herbs from his storage ring and started the forging process.

The Vitality Restoration Pill is one of the bestsellers among tier-2 pills. As Apothecary Hong Yun hasn’t been able to successfully forge the pill, he carries a few sets of ingredients everywhere, studying the matter whenever possible.

Xiong xiong xiong!

The flames licked the sides of the cauldron, providing the heat required to refine the medicinal herbs.

As a 2-star apothecary, Apothecary Hong Yun’s skills are clearly on a much higher level than Apothecary Chen Xiao and the rest. Regardless of control over the medicinal herb, flames, as well as over the refinement of the medicinal herbs… None of the other apothecaries present are able to compare to him.

Different herbs were thrown into the cauldron in an extremely fluid manner. Under the intense heat of the flames, shortly, a dense pill fragrance started to emanate from the cauldron.

The pill fragrance is infused with a considerable amount of spiritual energy. Even with just a single whiff, one feels energized.

Zhang Xuan had been awake for five continuous days and had accumulated quite a bit of fatigue. With a single whiff, he felt some fatigue disappearing from his body. His bloodshot eyes also eased to a small degree.

Boom!

However, just as the pill fragrance reached its densest, it ceased abruptly. A violent energy surged outward from within the cauldron, and unable to stand the might, the cauldron blew apart.

Kacha!

A pile of charred medicinal residue flowed from the remains of the cauldron.

Not only did he fail to form a pill, it was the scariest failure that could happen during a pill forging process… cauldron explosion!

If not for the crowd having been warned in advance and was prepared for it, they might have been wounded by the violent aura that shot forth from the cauldron.

Having suffered the full force of the explosion, Apothecary Hong Yun was entirely covered in soot and his hair spiked upward, as though he had been struck by a bolt of lightning. Placing his hands behind his back and assuming the disposition of an expert, he turned around to look at Zhang Xuan.

“I am done. Tell me what went wrong in the process…”

Chapter 178: Conflicting properties

“Er…”

Noticing his appearance, Guild Leader Ouyang and the others were tempted to laugh, but they did not dare to.

Hong Yun is an apothecary of far higher standing than them. Even Emperor Shen Zhui would have to treat him with the utmost respect, not daring to slight him in the least.

Yet, at this very moment, he looks like charcoal and his hair is standing on ends. If not for the movements in his eyes, one wouldn’t doubt that this is a corpse.

However, they understood that it isn’t an appropriate moment to be laughing. All of their gazes had converged onto Zhang Xuan.

They were curious to listen to what he has to say.

Offering a pointer to a 2-star apothecary… This is something unimaginable to them.

They wanted to see if the young man who had awed them in the Pill Debate can shine once more.

However, the young man simply turned to look at Apothecary Hong Yun with a bizarre expression and inquired, “Are you sure that you are a 2-star apothecary?”

“What do you mean?” Apothecary Hong Yun flung his robe angrily.

“What is the property of Blue Floral Grass?” Ignoring the other party’s displeasure, Zhang Xuan asked.

“Blue Floral Grass has a purplish color and is a warm herb.” Apothecary Hong Yun replied.

“What about Golden Dime Flower?”

“Golden Dime Flower consists of two colors, golden and silver. As such, some people term it as Silver-leaf Golden Flower. It is a herb with mediating property.”

“Even though these two herbs possess mild properties, when used together, an extremely violent reaction results.” Zhang Xuan said.

“I know that. However, the Vitality Restoration Pill recipe has been passed down for a long time. If the reaction between the two can result in the explosion of the cauldron, then it would have happened to other people as well.” Apothecary Hong Yun shook his head. “Besides, there isn’t any mistake in the sequence in which I place the medicinal herbs. In fact, I even added a Purple Aroma Grass between the two to mediate between their properties. In terms of sequence and timing, there are no errors at all!”

He had consulted another expert on the forging process of the Vitality Restoration Pill. Every single medicinal herb and movements were identical to the other party, yet the result was entirely different. This was what left him baffled.

The other party had also said that the fusing of the two medicinal herbs would result in a violent reaction, which he also knew and had taken preventive measures. It is impossible for the explosion of the cauldron to be due to this.

“I didn’t say that your sequence is incorrect or that there’s a problem with the two medicinal herbs!” Zhang Xuan said calmly.

“What do you mean?”

Apothecary Hong Yun, as well as the other spectators, felt perplexed.

If that isn’t the problem, that what could be it?

Otherwise, why would his cauldron explode when there are no errors?

Besides… If there’s nothing wrong with the two herbs, why did you even ask about them?

Ignoring the bizarre looks everyone shot at him, Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back and walked toward the exploded cauldron. On the ground nearby, a stalk of Blue Floral Grass and Golden Dime Flower each could be seen.

“The Blue Floral Grass and Golden Dime Flower react to result in a violent explosion when they are mixed together… It’s true that adding a Purple Aroma Grass can help to solve the problem, but… while other people may be able to do it, but you can’t!”

Zhang Xuan smiled lightly.

“I can’t? Is there something special about me?” Apothecary Hong Yun frowned.

I am a distinguished 2-star apothecary, and furthermore, I am one of the better-skilled ones in the tier. So why am I the only exception?

“That’s right, there’s something special about you. If I’m not wrong, you have never eaten any medicine which uses Purple Aroma Grass as the main ingredient!” Zhang Xuan turned to look at him.

“Er… I am allergic to Purple Aroma Grass and so, I cannot consume it…”

Apothecary Hong Yun nodded his head.

“Actually, it’s not due to an allergy. Rather, the attribute of your zhenqi is incompatible with it…” Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back and continued, “Because you cultivate using the Vast Flame Formula, your zhenqi inherently carries the property of fire. On the other hand, the Purple Aroma Grass grows in the water, giving it the property of water. Hence, your zhenqi overwhelms the water property of the Purple Aroma Grass, causing it to lose its effectiveness. As such, while it is effective for others to utilize the Purple Aroma Grass as a mediating factor in forging of the Vitality Restoration Pill, it does not work for you. Therefore, when the other two herbs come into direct contact, a violent reaction results and causes the cauldron to explode!”

“You… How did you know that I cultivate the Vast Flame Formula?”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s face turned pale.

The Vast Flame Formula is a family hereditament cultivation technique handed down through his clan. He had practiced it from young, and it has been several decades since. As a result, his zhenqi does indeed carry the fire attribute. However, this was a personal secret and he had never told any outsider. In fact, not even his good friends know of it. How is this fellow able to tell so easily?

“It doesn’t matter how I know it. If you don’t believe me, you can try adding Blue Floral Grass and Golden Dime Flower to the Purple Aroma Grass which you have refined. If it doesn’t explode, that would mean that my conjecture is wrong.” Zhang Xuan didn’t bother explaining.

Just by having the other party display his pill forging technique, a book was compiled by the Library of Heaven’s Path. Not mentioning the name of the cultivation technique, if he really wished to, Zhang Xuan could have clearly mentioned every single flaw on that cultivation technique. It isn’t a big deal to him.

Apothecary Hong Yun hesitated for a moment but eventually decided to give it a try. Thus, he took out a Blue Floral Grass, Golden Dime Flower, and Purple Aroma Grass and refined them into medicinal essences. After which, he mixed the three of them together.

Boom!

Exactly as what the other party said, the concoction exploded immediately.

“This…”

Apothecary Hong Yun’s body trembled.

He had already studied the Vitality Restoration Pill for numerous years, but he had never succeeded in forging it. He had always thought that the problem lied with his movements and the sequence which he added in medicinal herbs. He never once imagined that it would actually be his zhenqi which had rendered the Purple Aroma Grass’s mediating property ineffective.

If he hadn’t heard himself, he would have never believed it.

“Is there a solution to the problem?”

Recovering from his shock, Apothecary Hong Yun turned his sight to the young man.

At this moment, he is already completely impressed with the other party.

Initially, he had come with the intention to strip Zhang Xuan’s apothecary qualifications. However, that thought had vanished completely from his mind.

To be able to tell his cultivation technique and pinpoint the clash in medicinal herbs just by watching him forge the pill once… Even though he has no idea of the other party’s pill forging technique, just his discerning ability itself is more than sufficient to qualify him as a 2-star apothecary.

“To think that a 2-star apothecary can’t solve such a simple problem by himself?” Displeasure appeared on Zhang Xuan’s face.

Even though the library points out the flaws of a problem, it doesn’t give him a direct solution. Of course, he can’t mention this out loud… What if the other party claims that he did not solve the problem satisfactorily and refuse to pay up?

The reason why he took the effort to answer the other party’s question was money. Otherwise, why would he waste his precious sleeping time?

“Thank you for your guidance…”

Upon hearing the other party’s criticism, Apothecary Hong Yun’s face flushed.

The other party’s words made sense. As a 2-star apothecary, it was already absurd for him to pose such a question to a 1-star apothecary. To ask for the solution when the other party had already directed him to the core of the problem… what an embarrassment.

The Purple Aroma Grass was only a mediating factor. As long as he can find a mediating herb that doesn’t clash with his zhenqi, the problem should be solved.

“This…”

The Apothecary Hong Yun, who was incomparably arrogant and authoritative when he arrived, now looks like an elementary schooler, not daring to refute the criticisms. Guild Leader Ouyang and the rest tucked at their hair, wanting to knock their head against the wall.

It was clear that Zhang Xuan’s explanation was spot-on. Otherwise, it would be impossible for the other party to submit to him like that.

For a newly appointed 1-star apothecary to lecture a 2-star apothecary to the point that he does not dare to refute his words at all…

The crowd swallowed a mouthful of saliva subconsciously.

“Guild Leader Ouyang, you should have heard Apothecary Hong Yun’s words. Return that money, along with the one million deposit that I paid in advance…”

Ignoring everyone’s shock, Zhang Xuan walked straight up to Guild Leader Ouyang, stretched out his hand, and grabbed the money bills which he handed to him previously.

“…”

Everyone was speechless.

Since you are such an incredible apothecary, you should be able to earn that bit of money just by selling a few pills. Do you have to act in such a manner just because of this bit of money?

Ignoring their bizarre gazes, Zhang Xuan kept the money and nodded his head in satisfaction.

The reason why he went about looking for money, even disguising as a master teacher to guide others, was to pay for these items… Yet… In the end, when the items arrived, he didn’t even have to spend a single gold coin…

If he knew it would end up like this, he wouldn’t have gone through so much effort to disguise himself as a master teacher. In the end, look at how exhausted he became doing so…

Zhang Xuan felt dismal.

Apothecary Hong Yun was done examining Zhang Xuan. Knowing that this young man holds true capabilities, he longer dared to hold him back.

Leaving the Apothecary Guild, Zhang Xuan headed to the academy.

…………………………

Hearing that Master Teacher ‘Yang Xuan’ had appeared, Lu Xun and Wang Chao could no longer remain seated. After composing their name scrolls, they rushed out of the academy in a hurry. At the entrance, they happened to see a listless young man walking in.

That fellow had bloodshot eyes and his hair was a mess. With a single look, it was clear that he hadn’t slept for several days.

“Lu Xun, it’s Zhang Xuan…” Wang Chao said with a restrained voice.

“Him?” Lu Xun glanced at the listless young man and shook his head. Contempt appeared in his gaze. “To think that a teacher of the academy would be so ignorant of etiquette and walk around in such a ragged state. It truly is a wonder to me why the academy would recruit such a person in the first place!”

“I think that this fellow must have been feeling stressed over your challenge, and had spent the last few days without sleep trying to think of a countermeasure, thus reducing himself to such a state…”

Wang Chao chuckled.

Who is Lu Xun laoshi?

The most famous star teacher in Hongtian Academy! There is a long queue of students who desire to come under his tutelage.

Even an elder would find himself sweating profusely if challenged by him. The young teacher who had just joined last year is surely scared out of his wits by now.

Otherwise, why would he be in such a state?

“Thinking of a countermeasure?” Lu Xun laoshi shook his head. Self-confidence radiated from his gaze. “To want to surpass me in the field of teaching in the Hongtian Academy… Dream on!”

“Indeed. Honestly speaking, he can only blame himself for his ill luck. He just has to pop up when you require an opponent to rise up and attract the attention of the master teacher. He truly deserves it…” Wang Chao chuckled.

Even though Emperor Shen Zhui had invited Liu shi and the others with secrecy, announcing to others that he was going on a hunt, there were actually quite a few well-informed people who already knew the truth.

In order to attract the attention of the master teachers to become their apprentice, Lu Xun was already prepared to look for someone to serve as his stepping stone. Even if Wang Tao and Wang Yan had not withdrawn from his tutelage, he would have invented another reason. It just happened that Zhang Xuan came into his path voluntarily, so naturally, Lu Xun chose to make use of him.

“Let’s go! We have to hurry to Yang shi’s mansion now. Otherwise, who knows how long we will have to queue.”

Lu Xun nodded his head.

To him, Zhang Xuan is merely a small stepping stone for him to become a master teacher, a meaningless itch on his back. He holds no resentment or anger toward him at all.

“Indeed, Yang shi should be our goal. This Zhang Xuan is only an insignificant figure in the academy…”

Wang Chao nodded his head. No longer bothering with Zhang Xuan, the two of them walked past Zhang Xuan arrogantly, not even giving him a proper look in the eyes!

…………………………

Seeing two teachers walking past him with their heads held high and haughtily, as though enlightened experts unmoved by material desires, Zhang Xuan was puzzled.

Who are these two… fools?

Even though he had accepted the Teacher Evaluation duel with Lu Xun laoshi, he had never met the other party. Thus, he didn’t recognize him at all.

There are several hundred teachers in Hongtian Academy. Zhang Xuan arrived just last year, and he hadn’t formed good interpersonal relationships. Given how poor he was faring then, he didn’t have the leisure to be concerned about other teachers, so it was natural for him to not recognize the academy’s celebrity.

Chapter 179: Teacher, You’ve Worked Hard!

Ignoring the two fools, Zhang Xuan proceeded straight to his classroom.

“Teacher, you’re back!”

All of his students were present in the classroom. Upon seeing him enter, they bowed deeply.

“Good, looks like you have all been working hard the past few days.”

Scanning the room and noticing the rise in their cultivation, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

In his five days of absence, his students actually had massive improvements. Wang Ying, Liu Yang, and Zheng Yang had all attained Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm pinnacle.

Even though Zhao Ya remained stuck at Juxi realm pinnacle, her strength is much greater than the others. It seems like she isn’t far from reaching the Dantian realm.

As for Yuan Tao, who has the weakest foundation out of all of Zhang Xuan’s students, he had advanced from Juxi realm primary stage to Juxi realm intermediate stage.

The Breathing Forging Pill and the cultivation technique which Zhang Xuan imparted him seems to have worked wonders.

The current Zhao Ya, even without his advice, should be able to easily defeat Zhu Hong.

“Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao, follow me.”

After examining everyone’s conditions once more through the Library of Heaven’s Path, Zhang Xuan felt pleased. Then, he gestured for the two.

Entering the small room within the classroom, Zhang Xuan whipped out the pills which he had just obtained from the Apothecary Guild. “Zhao Ya, this is the Unravel Yin Pill. It can awaken your unique constitution. Later at night, find a large wooden pail, fill it with water, and soak yourself in it before consuming the pill.”

He passed the Unravel Yin Pill over.

“Thank you, teacher…” Even though she didn’t know that the pill is worth ten million, it is nevertheless an authentic pill forged by an official apothecary and she knew that it is definitely extremely valuable. She accepted the pill from Zhang Xuan’s hands in delight and her heart was quietly filled with gratitude.

“Yuan Tao, do you know why I accepted you as my student?” After passing the pill to Zhao Ya, Zhang Xuan turned to look at his plump disciple.

“I…” Yuan Tao scratched his head.

Actually, he had been baffled these few days as well.

He is the student who scored the worst in the Entrance Examinations. Back then, he thought that Zhang laoshi accepted him because he was unable to find any students and used him to add to his number. However, after witnessing this Zhang laoshi’s capabilities later, he immediately understood that he had been mistaken.

How is it possible for such an incredible person to be unable to find students?

Thus, even though he had been working hard alongside Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, and the others, an inferiority complex had started to develop within him.

He felt as though he would drag the others down.

As such, he had subconsciously kept his shameless personality in rein.

“There’s no need for you to feel inferior. As long as you cultivate earnestly, you will be able to reach greater heights than Zheng Yang and the others!” Reading the doubt and fear he bore in his heart, Zhang Xuan said.

Emperor Bloodline. Even in comparison to other unique constitutions, it is considered one of the strongest. If he were to fully awaken this constitution, his cultivation would definitely soar. In this case, exceeding Zheng Yang and the others would be an easy task.

“Teacher… I… Can I really reach greater heights?” Yuan Tao face flushed as he said in agitation.

These few days, he had been worried that Zhang laoshi would dump him because of his inability. He didn’t expect that Zhang laoshi would bear such high expectations of him.

“Rest assured, I am not mistaken.” Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually. Then, with a piercing gaze, he stared at him. “However… you lack talent. In order to surpass the rest, you will have to endure greater hardship. Are you willing to do so?”

After reading the books in the Apothecary Guild’s advanced tier book collection vault, he knew that activating the Emperor Bloodline through such a mean would be an extremely painful process. If he were to cave in, not only will the awakening process be a fail, he might even die as a result.

That’s why Zhang Xuan did not pass the item directly to the other party. He wanted to stimulate the other party’s determination, to harden his resolve.

To cultivate is to go against heaven. Without the determination to face one’s death in the midst of doing so, it is impossible for one to emerge above the countless others who tread on the same path.

“Teacher, as long as my cultivation can improve swiftly so that I won’t burden the others, I am willing to bear any hardship.” Yuan Tao knelt onto the floor. Unwavering determination reflected in his eyes.

As a wandering cultivator, he had gone through numerous hardships, and he understood that finding a good teacher isn’t easy. No matter what, he would never give up on this opportunity.

“Alright, this is the item that I have prepared for you. After returning to your dormitory tonight, spread it all over your body. The process might be extremely painful, but as long as you grit your teeth and bear with it, the rewards will be spectacular. Are you willing to give it a try?”

Upon finishing his words, Zhang Xuan passed the blood of the Colossus Rhinoceros forward.

“As long as it can raise my cultivation, I am willing to bear as much pain as needed!”

Yuan Tao clenched his jaws.

Even though he is often joking about and looks half-hearted, he is actually the most determined of the five.

“Spreading this thing isn’t a one-time off thing. After the pain fades, you have to continue to spread another layer over your body. I’ll give you five days. Before the start of the Freshmen Tournament, I want to see your improvement. Otherwise, don’t bother looking for me again!”

Zhang Xuan said authoritatively. At the very end, there was even a sharp edge to his tone.

“Teacher, I will not let down your trust!”

Upon hearing those words, Yuan Tao knew that Zhang Xuan had given him an ultimatum. Holding the jade bottle in his hands, his eyes burned with extreme motivation.

Zhang laoshi did not give up on him just because he is the weakest of his students. Instead, he went through the effort to obtain this object for him so that he can advance his cultivation. As his student, if he were to back down now, he truly would be letting down the effort and concern his teacher had put into him.

Even if it spells his death, he was determined to accomplish it so as to meet his teacher’s expectations.

Yuan Tao gritted his teeth.

“Great. Call Wang Ying in.”

Seeing the resolution in the duo’s eyes, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

Shortly, Wang Ying came walking into the room. The young lady is just as she was before; the instant she saw Zhang Xuan, her face flushed.

“Teacher, you called for me…”

“Un, how are your legs feeling after using the Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution?”

Zhang Xuan glanced at her.

“Teacher, my legs have fully recovered. Thank you! This… is the money my father had me pass to you for the Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution. He says that you are already my benefactor for being willing to teach me, and he can’t possibly let you pay for my expenses on top of that…”

Wang Ying stepped forward and handed over a bill denominated five hundred thousand.

The Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution is sold in the Apothecary Guild, so it wasn’t a difficult task to look up its price. As an official apothecary, Zhang Xuan was given a discount for the purchase. If an outsider were to purchase it, it would cost a minimum of three hundred thousand gold coins for one gourd.

It appears that after Clan Head Wang Hong found out about Zhang Xuan giving a gourd of Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution to his daughter, he had specially looked into its price.

“Alright then, I’ll accept the money.” Zhang Xuan did not decline the other party’s offer.

A teacher should not be responsible for paying for a student’s expenses. The reason why he had been paying for them is that the Teacher Evaluation is just around the corner, and he is in a rush to obtain those items for them to raise their cultivation.

By accepting this, the Wang Clan and Wang Ying would not feel indebted to Zhang Xuan, and their teacher-student relationship would remain pure.

“Show me your punching routine!”

After accepting the gold bill, Zhang Xuan instructed.

“Yes!” Wang Ying extended her arms immediately and began her graceful maneuvers.

Along with his improvement in cultivation, numerous cultivation and battle techniques had been retained in Zhang Xuan’s mind. Even without the Library of Heaven’s Path, he is able to tell that her legs have fully recovered.

Soon, Wang Ying finished her punching routine and broke out in a slight sweat.

“This is the leg technique and movement technique that I have created specially for you. Practice well. I will give you five days, and no matter what method you use, you must reach a minor accomplishment in the two skills.”

Zhang Xuan passed the two manuals to Wang Ying.

Those are the Heaven’s Path Movement Art and Heaven’s Path Leg Art, but Zhang Xuan had already simplified the manual. Even though it isn’t as powerful as the original version, it can still be considered a top-notch battle technique. Once Wang Ying masters the technique, her speed will be boosted drastically.

“Thank you, Zhang laoshi…”

Flipping open the manual to take a look, Wang Ying’s breathing hastened in agitation.

After she recovered from her injury, she had been looking into the leg-related battle techniques within the Wang Clan. Those battle techniques are among the best within the entire Tianxuan Kingdom, but in comparison to the one which Zhang laoshi had given her… what a vast difference!

They belong to absolutely different leagues.

Just by this itself, she understood how precious the manual is.

“Call Liu Yang in!”

Oblivious to the other party’s gratitude, Zhang Xuan instructed.

Soon, Liu Yang entered.

Due to him practicing a battle technique too early when he didn’t possess sufficient zhenqi, a trauma developed in the meridians in his right hand. As such, the strength in his right hand was unable to compare up to that of his left. However, after the nourishment from the Meridian Rejuvenation Pill, the damage to his arm had recovered fully.

After having him display a punching routine and observing that he had improved significantly in his punching technique, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction. Then, he imparted a manual of the Heaven’s Path Fist Art, which he fathomed in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault, to him.

After which, he had him call Zheng Yang in.

After several days of practice, his Heaven’s Path Spear Art had matured. Even though the technique consists of one simple movement, it is versatile and can be modified to form countless other moves, causing his fighting prowess to increase immensely.

In a fight, even Zhao Ya may not be a match for him. Even though he isn’t the one with the highest cultivation realm of the five, he is definitely the strongest at present.

“Looks like your spear training is going well. However, your cultivation is still way too low. Try to reach Fighter 2-dan within five days.”

Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before saying.

This student of his is indeed a genius. Even though he had imparted him the skill only a few days ago, he has almost mastered it. In terms of spearmanship, there is nothing to criticize. However, what is holding him back is his cultivation.

“Yes!” Zheng Yang nodded his head.

It is impossible to reach Fighter 2-dan without a year and a half of training following conventional methods. However, Zheng Yang is different.

It isn’t because of his talent. Rather, Zhang Xuan’s explanations of the Fighter 1-dan realm during lessons had touched on the very essences, providing with him a deep insight into Fighter 1-dan. Coupled with the Breath Forging Pill and a personalized cultivation technique, breaking through his current realm isn’t difficult at all.

“Go cultivate…”

Finally, after briefing each of his students, Zhang Xuan can no longer hold back his fatigue. Without a care, he leaned back in his chair and fell asleep in the classroom.

Soon, the sky darkened.

“Where is Zhang laoshi?”

Even though the students were done cultivating, Zhang laoshi had yet to appear from the partitioned room inside the classroom. They couldn’t help but feel perplexed.

“Zhao Ya, I think you should go in and check on him…”

“Alright!” Zhao Ya pushed open the doors to the room, full of curiosity, and immediately noticed Zhang laoshi leaning against the chair, sleeping peacefully.

“Teacher… is asleep!”

She sneaked out silently, her eyes reddened.

Obtaining these medicine, imparting new fist technique, movement technique… Needless to say, Zhang laoshi must have been toiling sleeplessly these few days to accomplish all of these for their sake.

No wonder he seemed to be exhausted earlier, such that his eyes were bloodshot.

“Teacher…”

Zheng Yang and the rest were touched by Zhang laoshi’s gestures.

A Pixue expert can usually withstand staying awake for two to three consecutive days without a problem. How tired was he that he could fall asleep while sitting on a chair?

As a student, it is definitely a great blessing to have such a teacher.

“We should cultivate properly, meet the goals teacher had set for us, and achieve victory in the Teacher Evaluation. Only then will we not let down the efforts teacher put in for us.” Zhao Ya clenched her jaws.

“Indeed, teacher has given too much for us. If we lose just like that, we won’t be able to face him in future!” Zheng Yang nodded his head in agreement.

After which, they turned to look at their teacher simultaneously, who was deep in sleep leaning backward on the chair. The five of them clenched their fists and the same voice echoed in the hearts…

Teacher, you’ve worked hard!

Chapter 180: Awakening Zhao Ya’s Unique Constitution

Zhao Ya’s residence.

Upon receiving the news that his subordinate sent him, Yao Han shook his head with a bitter smile.

When he heard from Zhao Ya that Zhang Xuan laoshi is a Pixue realm expert, he couldn’t help but suspect him for the assault back then. Thus, he had been investigating discreetly and eventually, he managed to verify Shang Bin laoshi’s movements and he… didn’t leave his dormitory that day!

In other words, he isn’t the person responsible for beating him up before Zhang Xuan’s dormitory back then.

With this piece of news, it isn’t difficult to deduce the culprit. Very clearly, the one who made a move on him is likely to be xiaojie’s teacher, Zhang laoshi.

“That fellow is truly scheming…”

Until now, whenever he recalls the scenario back then, Yao Han can’t help but feel an urge to vomit blood. As a teacher of the academy, shouldn’t you be righteous and moral? Yet, you chose to pull an underhanded sneak attack, even going ahead to frame someone else… How shameless.

“Forget it. At the very least, with such a teacher, xiaojie shouldn’t be at any disadvantage.”

Even though he felt displeased, recalling the fact that Zhang laoshi generously gave the Frigid Sun Mother Grass, an item so exceedingly precious, to Zhao Ya without the slightest bit of hesitation, he nevertheless swallowed his anger with a bitter smile.

With such a teacher, who doesn’t put himself in unfavorable situations, xiaojie shouldn’t have to worry about being bullied by others. In a certain sense, this is a good thing as well.

“Butler Yao…”

Just as he managed to put away the message to avoid xiaojie from finding out, a guard walked in with big strides from the outside and announced, “The old master has sent news.”

After which, he handed over a Record Crystal.

“Un!” Yao Han nodded his head. Pinching the Record Crystal, he infused zhenqi into it and instantaneously, a tall and dashing middle-aged man appeared.

Zhao Ya’s father, Baiyu City Lord, Zhao Feng!

“I have received the news regarding Xiao Ya. A few days later, I will enter the capital to pay a visit to this Zhang Xuan laoshi.” Within the Record Crystal, Zhao Feng’s gaze was sharp, and he exuded the disposition of a natural leader.

“Pure Yin Body… There was a precedent in Xiao Ya’s mother’s lineage. It takes both money and luck to awaken it. I will have to obtain the tier-3 pill which is worth several tens of million for Xiao Ya… the Unravel Yin Pill!”

“Upon reaching the capital, I intend to plead with His Majesty to purchase one from the Apothecary Guild for me. You should also make some preparations in advance. Also, I will have someone pass you ten ten-thousand gold bills, give the money to Zhang laoshi. After all, I can’t have him spend his own money on top of having saved my daughter. I don’t wish to owe favors, and I won’t allow my daughter’s benefactor to be at a disadvantage as well!”

In the Record Crystal, City Lord Zhao gestured authoritatively, and overwhelming majesty exuded from his actions.

Baiyu City is the second largest city in Tianxuan Kingdom. It is known for producing white jades. As the city lord, Zhao Feng possesses absolute authority and controls the massive wealth within the city. Naturally, developed the disposition and mannerisms of a conqueror.

Zhang laoshi having recognized Zhao Ya’s Pure Yin Body and even extending a helping hand, was already a huge favor. As the city lord of Baiyu City and a powerful official, how can he allow him to further spend money from his own pocket to pay for his daughter’s treatment?

This is an action unbefitting of him as a city lord!

“Butler Yao, the city lord had me bring this…” The guard who passed the Record Crystal to him a moment ago passed another few money notes over.

“The city lord had also specially instructed me to have you convey to Zhang laoshi that he will repay the favor of teaching xiaojie in the future…” The guard continued speaking.

“I got it!” Yao Han nodded his head.

“Do not let xiaojie find out about this. You can leave now!” Just when Yao Han was about to continue instructing him on the arrangements, he suddenly saw Zhao Ya walk in.

“Uncle Yao, it’s good that you’re here. Help me get someone to prepare a wooden bucket. Also, can you help me check how much the Unravel Yin Pill cost? Is it more expensive than Breath Forging Pills?”

Upon entering, Zhao Ya ordered immediately.

Zhang laoshi had given her a pill. Even though she doesn’t possess the money to repay him now, she should at least know of its value. This way, she would know at least know how much Zhang laoshi had done for them.

“Unravel Yin Pill? Is that a pill which Zhang laoshi had told you about?” Upon hearing xiaojie talk about the pill which the city lord had just mentioned, Yao Han was taken aback. After which, he felt a surge of awe for the latter.

Even though Zhang laoshi is indeed underhanded when it comes to scheming against others, his knowledge is indeed impressive. He was able to easily obtain news which the city lord had spent a great amount of money to look into.

Impressed, Yao Han smiled and said, “The Unravel Yin Pill is extremely useful for one with the Pure Yin Body. Rest assured, xiaojie, the city lord will be coming over in a few days’ time to purchase it for you…”

Not only is a tier-3 pill expensive, one needs proper connections to purchase it. It is impossible for an ordinary person to buy it even if they have sufficient money to do so.

This is precisely the reason why City Lord Zhao Feng is making the trip personally to plead with His Majesty to liaise with the Apothecary Guild on his behalf. Otherwise, even as a city lord who possesses exceptional standing in Tianxuan Kingdom, he nevertheless doesn’t possess sufficient status.

The Apothecary Guild is a powerful organization that traverses across innumerable borders and countries. The branch in Tianxuan Kingdom is merely a small outlet compared to the innumerable others scattered around the world. Possessing powerful backings, even Emperor Shen Zhui dared not to lay his hands on the Apothecary Guild, needless to say, a small city lord like Zhao Feng.

Just as Yao Feng was considering whether to tell xiaojie of the message the city lord sent, he saw her whipping out a bottle. “There’s no need to, Zhang laoshi has already given me a pill, instructing me to cultivate well these few days!”

“Given you a pill?” Yao Han’s eyes widened in shock.

The city lord had just mentioned that it is a tier-3 pill which costs tens of million for one.

Even the Baiyu City would suffer a huge budget deficit spanning several years if they were to spend so much money at once…

Zhang laoshi… casually… gave one to her?

Yao Han felt that his head was about to burst apart from madness.

He had seen generous people, but… he had never seen such a generous person!

This is no longer a matter of generosity…

This is absolutely inconceivable.

“Xiaojie, can I take a look at that pill of yours?” Suppressing his shock, Yao Han redirected his attention.

“Here!” Zhao Ya handed over the bottle.

After receiving the bottle, Yao Han casually opened it.

Hu!

A dense fragrance gushed out immediately. With a single whiff, he felt every single pore on his body open, bringing him an incomparably refreshing sensation.

Even though he doesn’t possess an in-depth knowledge of pills, just the effect of the scent itself is sufficient for him to realize that the pill is definitely authentic.

To casually give a tier-3 Unravel Yin Pill to a student…

Where exactly does this Zhang laoshi come from?

Previously, he was still harboring thoughts of getting back at the other party when xiaojie isn’t around. However, upon seeing the pill, the thought was erased from his mind immediately.

The previous time, when he tried to castrate the other party, he was beaten up so badly that even his parents found it difficult to recognize him… If he were to really make a move again, it would be likely that the other party escapes unscathed once again while he would be sent back to Baiyu City in a coffin…

To say the truth, this Zhang laoshi is really too complicated.

Yao Han had initially thought that he is a trash teacher of the academy, and he is a despicable pervert who preyed on female students’ immaturity to lay his hands on them. Yet, in the twinkling of an eye, he transformed into a Pixue realm expert, as well as an nonmaterialistic saint who gives his all to his students. That, Yao Han can still accept. Then, the other party even went on to take the apothecary examination and casually gave xiaojie a Frigid Sun Mother Grass and an Unravel Yin Pill… This is no longer a matter of his prestige or his strength.

Without backing from someone powerful, it is impossible for him to achieve such feats.

“The pail is here. I will be consuming the pill then!” Knowing that this Uncle Yao of hers often stood in a daze ever since he took the beating, Zhao Ya paid no heed. Holding the Unravel Yin Pill, she arranged for the pail to be brought into the room and hastily started training.

Time waits for no one. She doesn’t want to disappoint Zhang laoshi.

As such, Yao Han was left by himself in the room. After an unknown period of time, he turned to look at the Record Crystal in his hands and with a bitter smile, he shook his head, “Master, I know that you do not wish to owe any favors. But… I doubt that you will be able to repay Zhang laoshi anytime soon…”

To gift the Unravel Yin Pill, which even his master is unqualified to buy, to xiaojie so casually… How can his master repay such a favor?

He will never be able to repay the favor no matter how hard he tries…

…

Oblivious to the distress Uncle Yao was suffering, Zhao Ya returned to her room and filled the wooden pail with hot water before sternly instructing that no one is allowed to interrupt her. Then, she took off her clothes and stepped into the pail.

Following immediately, she retrieved and swallowed the Unravel Yin Pill.

It felt as though she had swallowed a mouthful of scalding soup. A violent wave of scorching energy gushed into her meridians immediately.

Unravel Yin Pill is actually a pill which contains pure yang medicinal property. Usually, when such a medicine is absorbed into the body of an ordinary cultivator, it is absorbed by the body and converted into zhenqi and other nourishment, augmenting his strength. However, if a person who possesses the Pure Yin Body were to consume this pill, a calamity would result.

Yin and yang are at odds with another; it is impossible for the two to coexist. Under the stimulation of the pure yang medicinal property of the Unravel Yin Pill, the Pure Yin Body would be forced to awaken to protect its host.

Even though the concept sounds simple, it is actually an extremely complicated and risky process. A single mistake can cause one’s cultivation to dissipate.

“Maintain one’s tranquility and drive one’s cultivation technique.”

Knowing that the pill is valuable, Zhao Ya did not dare to waste even a single sliver of the medicinal essence. Zhao Ya focused her attention and followed the cultivation technique which Zhang laoshi imparted her to propel circulate her zhenqi.

As befitting of a cultivation technique compiled by the Library of Heaven’s Path, immediately, she felt the violent aura within her body calm down significantly. At the same time, the Pure Yin Body, which had laid dormant all along, started to come to life.

Boom!

After a moment later, a giant whirlpool of energy manifested within her body, and the energy of the Unravel Yin Pill was swept along, circulating throughout her entire body furiously.

Kacha! Kacha! Kacha!

The previous hurdle she faced was shattered immediately, and in the blink of an eye, she broke through to Fighter 2-dan Dantian realm.

Under the impact of the medicinal essence, as though the valve to a flood had been opened, her unique constitution, which had been tightly sealed for over a decade, awakened abruptly.

If anyone were present, they would able to see her skin transform to become increasingly smooth, tender, and bouncy visibly. Even though the previous Zhao Ya is also considered a rare beauty, due to her young age, she had looked immature. However, at this very instant, she exudes the aura of an absolute beauty.

Those possess the Pure Yin Body are favored by the heavens. The moment their constitution is awakened, not only will their cultivation be boosted significantly, their skin and figure also improve tremendously. Even though there isn’t a vast difference in terms of appearance, she now carries an absolutely pure disposition, as though an inviolable fairy which had descended from the skies.

If she had paled in comparison to Shen Bi Ru before, at this very instant, in terms of just her appearance and disposition, the other party would not be able to raise her head before her. She truly had become the number one goddess in Hongtian Academy and Tianxuan Kingdom.

These are the effects of the Pure Yin Body. Just by awakening it, one transforms from the very core, evolving from an ugly duckling into a swan. Not to mention, Zhao Ya was a beauty from the very start. After the metamorphosis, she became even more dazzling.

And all this is because she had awakened just ten percent of her constitution.

It is unimaginable how she would look like if she were to awaken it fully.

Boom!

After a long period of time, a loud explosion echoed. The pail shattered into smithereens, and Zhao Ya slowly opened her eyes. A powerful aura surged forth from her body.

Chapter 181: Lu Xun’s Visit

Approximately when Zhao Ya began to cultivate after consuming the Unravel Yin Pill, in the forest behind Hongtian Academy, Yuan Tao was finally done adjusting his state, and he stared fixedly at the jade bottle before him.

He was a wandering cultivator, and due to his lack of proper guidance, his results in the entrance examination were poor. Unlike Zhao Ya, who has a private dormitory of her own, he could only squeeze in with the others. Since Zhang laoshi said that applying the paste in the jade bottle will be painful and dangerous, it was clear that he can’t do it in the dormitory. Thus, after pondering over the matter, he decided to come here.

It was quiet with no threats of an assault by a savage beast or so, making it a suitable ground for cultivation.

“I should begin!”

As he had already made up his mind previously, there was nothing for him to hesitate about. He opened the bottle immediately.

Weng!

An overwhelming smell of pungent blood gushed out from the jade bottle. Following promptly, he felt an extraordinarily violent energy and it made him tremble involuntarily.

After taking off the clothes on his body, piece by piece, he poured out the liquid from the jade bottle and spread it on his body.

Sssssssss!

The moment the crimson-red fluid came into contact with his skin, Yuan Tao felt as though his entire body was pierced with needles. The pain was so excruciating that he felt as though his skin was being torn over and over again.

“AH…”

Under the excruciating pain, Yuan Tao collapsed onto the floor.

This pain far surpassed all other which he had experienced in the past. It felt as though someone was carving his skin off with a sharp dagger.

His face lost all colors quickly, taking on a shade of absolute paleness. Cold sweat dripped off Yuan Tao’s face and his body shivered unceasingly.

“The pain…”

His sight blurred and he found himself losing grasp on his consciousness.

No matter what, he is just a sixteen to seventeen-year-old child. Regardless of what he had gone through and what he had suffered in the past, he would still cower in the face of excruciating pain.

“Why don’t I… give up… the present state of things is not that bad, why do I have to raise my strength?”

The thought invaded his mind, striking at his will repeatedly.

“If I give up… Will Zhang laoshi reprimand me?”

Just as he felt his determination wearing thin, a figure suddenly appeared before him.

Zhang laoshi!

He was looking at him with that ever impassive expression. His eyebrows were creased, and his displeasure was apparent.

“No, I can’t betray the trust he has in me…”

Noticing the seemingly angered Zhang laoshi, Yuan Tao shivered and illimitable fighting spirit came gushing out from him anew.

Before meeting Zhang laoshi, he was always the butt of jokes. Not only was he plump and had poor comprehension ability, his cultivation realm was sorely lacking. He had pleaded with more than ten teachers, only to be chased out of each of their doors. No one wanted to bother him.

He thought that he spend his life without achieving anything. But… he met Zhang laoshi.

It’s Zhang laoshi who did not despise him for his figure or his ability. It’s Zhang laoshi who specially tailored cultivation techniques for him, even toiling through the night to obtain this liquid so that he can improve and break through to higher realms!

To him, Yuan Tao felt indebted. The other party had put effort into grooming him.

If he were to be unable to take such little bit of pain, how can he have the cheek to face him in the future?

Zhang laoshi, rest assured. I will not let you down. I will persevere on and obtain your approval!

An unyielding resolution bloomed in his heart. When his eyes opened once more, he realized that the heart-wrenching pain had dulled by a fair bit.

After an unknown period of time.

The pain slowly subsided. Lowering his head to take a look, Yuan Tao realized that the red substance he had spread over his entire body had been completely absorbed. At the same time, a thick layer of armor resembling scales had appeared on his skin.

Even though he had no idea what it was, he knew that his defensive ability had been increased by multiple folds.

“Zhang laoshi said that it isn’t sufficient to just apply the substance once. Continue!”

Seeing that there is still a fair bit of liquid in the jade bottle, Yuan Tao spread it over his body once more.

After going through the agony once, Yuan Tao felt a little hesitant. However, upon thinking of Zhang laoshi, Yuan Tao steeled his heart.

Eventually, he utilized the entire bottle of red substance.

“This is…”

Lowering his head to take a look, Yuan Tao realized that a layer of cuticle had formed on the surface of his skin after he had absorbed the red substance, and it is somewhat reminiscent of fish scales.

“I should give it a try…”

Doubtful, the flames of curiosity appeared in Yuan Tao’s mind, and he charged straight at a tree nearby.

Kacha!

With a crisp sound, the bowl-size thick tree was immediately broken at the trunk. At the same time, all he felt on his body was an itch. There wasn’t even the slightest bit of pain.

Yuan Tao’s eyes narrowed.

Just how strong are his defensive and offensive abilities now?

“Teacher… I have succeeded…”

Recalling the suffering that he had gone through, Yuan Tao clenched his fists and tears came streaming down his cheeks.

At the very least, I didn’t betray teacher’s trust in me…

Zhang laoshi, I have succeeded in meeting your goal!

…………

At the same time, Wang Ying, Zheng Yang, and Liu Yang were also working hard.

After receiving a movement technique manual and a leg technique manual from Zhang laoshi, Wang Ying did not hesitate in the least and returned back home immediately to train. Her fighting prowess is rising progressively.

Zheng Yang continued to push against the boundaries of Fighter 2-dan so that he can reach Dantian realm within five days.

Liu Yang had also started practicing Heaven’s Path Fist Art. The sound of his fists created sonic booms here and there.

While the five great disciples were busy training, the respected teacher, Zhang laoshi finally woke up, stretching his back lazily.

“How did I fall asleep here?”

Upon opening his eyes, he realized that he had fallen asleep in the resting area in the classroom. There were no beddings, but he didn’t feel the slightest chill. Unknowingly, a layer of clothes had been placed on him to keep him warm.

There were both male and female clothing in the mix…

His five students, fearful that he would catch a cold, took off their coats for him.

“These little fellows…”

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Due to the overwhelming exhaustion he felt yesterday, he fell asleep the moment he sat on the chair. His students probably carried him here gently before covering him with their clothes.

Looks like he had really overexerted himself. Otherwise, given his strength, it shouldn’t have been possible for him to be moved without realizing it at all.

After the sleep, the fatigue which he had accumulated over five days disappeared entirely.

Looking through the windows, he realized that it is already noon the next day.

“Since I’ve accepted their money, I should attend to their problems…”

As a ‘master teacher’, he had accepted eighty million from the others. Given his fatigued state, it is one thing for him to have ignored them yesterday. However, now that he has recovered, he should at least offer them some pointers in return for their money.

Otherwise, he would feel guilty.

Returning back to his residence, he saw Sun Qiang welcoming him anxiously with tears brimming from his eyes.

After eating some food, Zhang Xuan had Sun Qiang invite the people in, according to the sequence in which they paid up.

These people were mainly those who had met a wall in their cultivation and hoped to achieve a breakthrough.

A person’s cultivation is just like a river flow. If one is unable to achieve a breakthrough, it means that there must be something hindering him from doing so. Possessing the Library of Heaven’s Path, Zhang Xuan is able to easily locate the blockage site and, utilizing his silver needles and pure zhenqi, inducing a breakthrough isn’t a difficult task at all.

After all, these people had cultivated for an extremely long time and the accumulation of their hard work had brought them to a state where they are merely a single step away from breaking through, just that this step had obstructed their path for a very long time.

What Zhang Xuan had to do was to merely assist them across the door. Using the river analogy once more, just by inducing a crack in the obstruction, the overwhelming volume of water which had accumulated over time would blast open the entire blockage through sheer force.

Of course, while the principle sounds simple, it is nigh impossible for any other master teacher to accomplish the same feat as Zhang Xuan.

Be it physique, cultivation technique, habits, every single person varies immensely from the other… Thus, the blockage in each and every person differs greatly. It is just like how there are no two identical leaves in the world, the blockages in the meridian within a cultivator’s body were vastly different.

Without the Library of Heaven’s Path, it would be impossible for one to know where the source of the problem is, needless to say, help the other person achieve a breakthrough.

…

Outside Zhang Xuan’s residence.

Sun Qiang opened the door and shouted, “Next…”

“I’m sorry, can you let us through?”

The moment Sun Qiang’s words sounded, another voice came from the back and two young men came forward with widened strides.

They are Lu Xun and Wang Chao from Hongtian Academy, and they are here to visit Yang shi.

As they were dressed in teacher’s robes, even though the crowd was displeased by their action of cutting their queue, they nevertheless opened up a path for them.

“Butler Sun, we are…”

Wang Chao stepped forward and clasped his hands.

They had waited for an entire day, and initially, they thought that their statuses as star teachers would be able to attract Yang Xuan’s attention and that he would quickly summon them in. Yet…

Yang shi did not appear the entire day. Whenever Sun Qiang emerges, he would just shout for the next in the queue to enter. He refused their name scrolls, and this caused them to panic.

“Scram!”

Before Wang Chao could even finish his words, Sun Qiang frowned, “Did you think that this is your house, for you to charge forward like this? Go to the back of the queue!”

“I…”

To be bellowed at by a mere Pigu realm butler, Wang Chao’s face flushed and he nearly exploded into rage.

As a star teacher, regardless of where he goes, Wang Chao receives tremendous respect. There are no master teachers in Tianxuan Kingdom, and as such, Lu Xun and he are the most welcomed figures in the capital. He thought that just by stepping forward to reveal his identity, he would be able to hand over his name scroll and enter the residence. Yet, beyond his wildest dreams, before he could even finish his sentence, this plump butler demanded him to scram.

“Why? Do you wish to violate the rules?”

Sun Qiang flung his hands majestically, “Do you want to try me? Without even lifting a single finger of mine, there will be someone to throw you out.”

The heck, where did this bumpkin come from?

To dare to cut the queue outside a master teacher’s residence, he must be truly ignorant.

Even though Sun Qiang isn’t a master teacher, the people who are here to pay Yang shi a visit would be more than willing to do the job for him.

Hearing these words, Wang Chao became so angry that his body started to tremble with agitation.

Anywhere else, such an insignificant figure would have been easily crushed by him with a single, casual blow, and no one would dare to speak up for him. Yet, this person is now asking him to scram, even threatening to throw him out…

His face flushed, and he clenched his fists tightly. Even though he was angry, he didn’t dare to rebuke Sun Qiang.

After all, they are here to earn Yang shi’s favor and become his apprentice. If they were to offend his butler even before meeting him, all hope would be lost.

“Butler Sun, please calm down. I am Lu Xun, a teacher from Hongtian Academy. I wish to pay Yang shi a visit, and I hope that you can help refer us to him…”

Extending his hand to restrain his good buddy, Lu Xun stepped forward with a smile on his face.

“Lu Xun laoshi?”

Sun Qiang was taken aback.

Even though he was just an ordinary merchant in the commercial city who rarely came into contact with top-notch figures, he had long heard of Lu Xun laoshi’s great name, him being an incredibly famous figure in the capital. He is the sole son of the emperor’s tutor, Master Lu Chen, as well as the most likely person in Tianxuan Kingdom to become a master teacher.

Not only so, despite being under twenty-five, he has already achieved Pixue realm. His talent is top-notch, even within the entire kingdom.

Due to his identity, even Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan realm experts treat him with the utmost respect.

Yet… Sun Qiang just asked him to ‘scram’?

Cough cough, his luck is truly bad.

He had just offended three master teachers, and now, he has offended another potential master teacher…

He had seen how the old master criticized others however he wished, and it looked easy then. Yet, why was it that difficult for him to do the same?

Chapter 182: Throw Him Out

“This is our name scroll, I hope that Butler Sun can help us pass it to Yang shi. If we were to be summoned by Yang shi, us brothers will be extremely grateful for your help.”

Seemingly seeing through Sun Qiang’s fear, Lu Xun smiled faintly. He placed his hands behind his back and displayed a confident smile.

Since young, his life had been smooth-sailing. Furthermore, with the reputation that he had made for himself in the past few years, a confident demeanor had grown in him.

Within the Tianxuan Kingdom, who would dare to treat Lu Xun with disrespect?

In the past, he relied on his father’s prestige as the ’emperor’s tutor’. But now, he had made a name for himself as the ‘Star Teacher Lu Xun’.

“Alright!”

Nodding his head, Sun Qiang grabbed the name scroll and walked into the residence.

Even though Lu Xun is merely a celebrity teacher now, given experience, it is extremely likely that he would become a master teacher. As a lowly butler, Sun Qiang did not want any involvement in a matter between master teachers. Thus, he decided to leave the matter to the old master.

“Abusing his authority, acting like he is in charge!”

Upon seeing the plump man change his attitude after hearing Lu Xun’s name, Wang Chao harrumphed coldly and a look of disdain appeared on his face the moment Sun Qiang disappeared into the mansion.

He had investigated Sun Qiang’s background beforehand. He was only the boss of a realtor store and for some reason, he caught Yang shi’s sight, causing the massive change in his social standing.

Despite reaching Pigu realm only after forty years of age, being fat like a pig, and possessing no special capabilities whatsoever, he dared to bellow at him. If not for his identity as Yang shi’s butler, he would have long taught him a lesson.

“He’s just an insignificant figure. Brother Wang, you need not pay him any heed.” Lu Xun chuckled.

“So it’s Lu Xun laoshi and Wang Chao laoshi. I apologize for failing to recognize you two.”

“You both are famous celebrities in the entire kingdom. I’ve been wanting to pay you a visit, and it is truly a pleasant surprise to meet you here.”

“It is truly my honor to be meeting you two. I might have to impose on you two in the future…”

Hearing the exchange, those queuing behind them dispelled their anger immediately and acted politely to them.

Teachers can be classified into two categories: ordinary teachers and master teachers.

Ordinary teachers can be further subdivided into low-level, high-level, and star teachers.

On the other hand, master teachers can be differentiated as apprentices (also known as assistant master teacher) and certified master teachers.

Lu Xun and Wang Chao belong within the first classification, but they had attained the highest level, therefore gaining the qualification to become a master teacher. As long as they receive the acknowledgment from a master teacher, they would be promoted to become an apprentice master teacher immediately and soar to great heights.

Possessing such a status, even though those waiting by the doors are powerful experts with exceptional standing in the kingdom, they did not dare to offend them.

Furthermore, they are here to pay a visit to Yang shi. If things go well, they might well become Yang shi’s apprentice. Flattering them then would be too late.

Upon seeing the attitude of the crowd, Lu Xun and Wang Chao chuckled simultaneously as they clenched their fists in agitation. At this moment, they felt an overwhelming sense of superiority, as though a single word of theirs can change the fate of others, as though they had already become apprentice master teachers.

The reason why they had been trying to make a name for themselves at such a young age is precisely because of this.

“Please do not get angry at that butler. When you both become Yang shi’s apprentice, he will never dare to say such words again.”

A cultivator fawned upon them.

“Indeed! Once you become Yang shi’s apprentices, you will be considered his disciples. On the other hand, he is just a butler, a servant!” Another person chirped in.

“You’re all being too polite. How can becoming an apprentice master teacher be so simple?”

Even though Lu Xun’s words seemed humble, a confident smile was displayed on his face, as if to say “who else but me?”.

But that is to be expected. He is known as the most incredible star teacher in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. If a master teacher were to be looking for an apprentice, no one in the entire kingdom would be able to compete against him.

“Lu laoshi, you’re being too humble. I’ve heard that Liu shi has the intention to accept you as his disciple!”

“I’ve also heard of it. But judging from how even Liu shi paid a visit to Yang shi personally, if you can become Yang shi’s apprentice, your starting point will be even higher.”

“If you become Yang shi’s apprentice, your standing will probably not lose to any other 1-star master teacher. When that time comes, we’ll be relying on you two…”

A few more people offered their flatteries.

“Don’t worry. If Yang shi really accepts me as his apprentice, I won’t forget any of you.”

Lu Xun and Wang Chao chuckled together. They stood proudly before the others as though a lotus rising above the mud, inviolable beings whom others can only look up to respectfully.

Jiya!

At this moment, the entrance opened and Sun Qiang emerged once again.

Seeing him reappear, the duo stepped forward immediately.

“Sorry for the trouble, Butler Sun. Please lead the way.” Wang Chao chuckled haughtily as he proceeded to walk toward the mansion.

However, before he could even take a few steps, a plump figure blocked his path. Then, he saw Sun Qiang look at them with a peculiar expression.

“Could it be that Yang shi did not allow us to enter?” Wang Chao’s face darkened.

That shouldn’t be! They had listed their accomplishments in detail on the name scroll. As well-qualified star teachers, how is it possible that they are rejected?

“Enter? Who allowed you to enter? You two have two choices. You can either join the queue from the back or… scram!” Sun Qiang gestured with his hands authoritatively.

“You…”

He didn’t expect that the other party would continue behaving like that even after the name scroll had been handed over. Lu Xun and Wang Chao were infuriated.

“Is this Yang shi’s intentions? As a lowly butler, you should know your place to not falsely report your master’s words!”

Lu Xun stepped forward.

He had his moment of glory when everyone else thought that Yang shi would summon them in. If they were to be rejected like this, his reputation would fall into the gutters immediately, and he would find it difficult to lift his head before anyone else in the future.

“Falsely report? Men, throw these two troublemakers out.”

Sun Qiang could not be bothered with them and beckoned for the guards.

Huala!

Several guards appeared from behind the gate, and each armed with a rod, they walked toward Lu Xun and Wang Chao.

“You…” Wang Chao’s face was flushed red. “Sun Qiang, how dare you…”

What do you mean by this?

Thrusting rods at me?

Do you think that we’re beggars?

We’re star teachers, respected figures in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom… If we were to be driven away by you like that, what will become of our dignity?

“Why would I dare not to? My old master has already instructed that no matter who it is, if one wants to meet him, he has to queue up and pay three million gold coins. Teachers are no exception. Otherwise, if everyone were to visit with just a name scroll in hand, won’t the old master be exhausted to death? To think that you are a star teacher, pui! To dare cut the queue without even paying. Please do not tarnish the reputation of teachers any further!”

Sun Qiang stared at the two contemptuously. He waved his arm, as though driving away flies, and said, “Throw them out!”

He also felt anxious earlier on. But when he handed the name scroll to the old master, the latter only asked a single question: Have they paid yet?’. Upon hearing that they had not paid the sum, he simply ordered Sun Qiang to handle as per the rule.

From this, it can be seen that star teachers… do not mean anything to the old master at all.

Oh well, even when the three master teachers paid their visit, the old master did not hold them in high regard. If so, what would a mere star teacher mean to him?

Huala!

Upon hearing Sun Qiang’s command, the guards stepped forth, “The two teachers, please!”

As they said so, strange looks appeared on their faces.

“I always thought that teachers value their dignity a lot. It turns out that they wish to sneak in just by using name scrolls and avoid the entrance fee?”

“Yang shi’s actions are applaudable. He views everyone as equals, and even teachers are not given special privileges. I am impressed!”

“To have cut queue when they don’t have money. They sure are thick-skinned. To think that I wanted to befriend them just now…”

“It is impossible for such low-class people to attract Yang shi’s attention. To think that they wanted to become his apprentices… How hilarious!”

…

Not just the guards, the crowd also harrumphed coldly.

They had paid the exorbitant sum and queued continuously for several days. Even so, they haven’t been summoned. On the other hand, the two of them, without even paying up, wished to enter the mansion. What a joke! They are asking for a scolding!

“…”

Observing clearly the contemptuous looks that the crowd shot them, Lu Xun and Wang Chao nearly spurted blood.

The strong sense of humiliation caused their heads to feel faint.

To avoid an awkward situation, they had intended to pay the three million visiting fee in private. Lu Xun had composed the name scroll earnestly with the expectation that even if the other party refuses to meet them, he would at least pay some consideration to their identities and keep quiet about the fee.

In contrast, not only did the plump man reveal the matter, he even looked at them scornfully…

Tears threatened to stream down Lu Xun and Wang Chao’s faces.

The heck!

This time, they truly lost every shred of their dignity. If there were a hole in the ground, they definitely would have dived in instantly.

“You…”

Just as he was about to continue with some small talk to calm down the situation and restore his dignity, Wang Chao felt a grip on his arm. Lu Xun was pulling him away.

“My apologies, Butler Sun. We were too rash today. We will be taking our leave…”

After which, he turned and left.

That Butler Sun is a tough nut to crack. He dares to say anything and everything. If they do not leave but continue bickering with him, not only will they simply get more infuriated, they would also be humiliated further.

Those who are able to become star teachers are, by no means, fools. Upon seeing his good buddy turn around to leave, Wang Chao also recognized his concerns. Glaring hatefully at Sun Qiang, he turned around and left as well.

“Lu Xun, what do we do now?”

Upon leaving the crowd, they walked into a remote alley. Then, Wang Chao couldn’t help but ask.

Initially, they thought that submitting their name scrolls would help them impress the other party. As long as they were summoned in, they were confident that, with their knowledge, they would able to impress Yang shi. However, never in their dreams did they expect that… not only did the other party reject their entry, his butler even pointed out in public the fact that they didn’t pay the entrance fee. The anger and dismay they felt sent them to the verge of insanity.

“What else can we do? We can only obtain the three million entrance fee and then enter with our heads held high.”

Lu Xun clenched his jaws.

Only by meeting Yang shi can they display their abilities to win his favor. Since they can’t even meet with the person in question, what is the purpose of arguing with the butler?

“Three million? Where can we find such a sum? Wang Chao’s face was as bitter as a bitter gourd.

“You know it as well. My relationship with that old man isn’t good. Even if he has the money, he will never give it to me. Besides, how can I break it to him?”

Lu Xun shook his head.

“My old man could have taken out such a sum. But a few days ago, he learned an incredible spear art and paid several million as the tuition fee, so our clan is broke now. We might not be able to produce even a hundred thousand now…”

Wang Chao smiled bitterly.

That father of his had been immersed in that spear art like a fool for the last few days, to the point that he was not even willing to spare time for this son of his. Besides, even if he really has the money, obtaining it from him would be unlikely to happen.

“Sigh, so what should we do now?”

The duo was troubled.

“Lu Xun, if it comes down to it, how about you try asking Emperor Shen Zhui for a loan… Didn’t you grow up in the palace? It shouldn’t be hard for you to borrow three million from him. Besides, it isn’t too late to repay him the sum when you become an apprentice…”

Suddenly recalling something, Wang Chao proposed.

“Emperor Shen Zhui?”

Lu Xun rubbed between his brows for a moment before replying.

“Alright!”