Chapter 200

Chapter 200: Elder Tian

“I…”

Tian Long froze. Looking at the three master teachers who were grinning brightly, to the point that they were almost fawning over him, Tian Long was confused. He wanted to say something, but not a word would come out of his mouth.

So… what was going on?

Zhang Xuan was even more confused. After a few days of not meeting the trio… why did the three people suddenly turn foolish?

Putting aside the fact that I am Zhang Xuan, what’s with your excited looks?

The one who had scammed your money was Yang shi, the matter has nothing to do with me…. Even if you have seen through my identity, you should look for him instead of me….

“Cough cough, Liu shi, he isn’t Zhang laoshi. He is Elder Tian’s grandson, Tian Long…” Huang Yu said quickly, who couldn’t stand watching the situation any longer.

“Ah? You aren’t him? If you aren’t him, why didn’t you say so? Tsk, you made me happy for nothing!” Glaring at Tian Long, Zheng Fei snorted. If not for the occasion, it seemed he would have slapped the other party’s face.

Looking at his ferocious expression, Tian Long was on the verge of tears.

‘It’s not that I don’t want to say so. But you three simply rushed here and took me to be Zhang Xuan laoshi, not even giving me a chance to explain myself. I am frightened by your suddenly hospitality, alright?’

It wasn’t surprising that the three master teachers would recognize the wrong person. In terms of build and looks, Tian Long was superior to Zhang Xuan. Huang Yu had only said that Zhang Xuan was beside her. Before she could even confirm whether it was to her right or to her left, Lu Xun had interrupted her. Naturally, they thought that the tall and handsome man was the person they were looking for.

“If he isn’t it, then… where is Zhang laoshi?” Liu Ling looked around once more.

“I am Zhang Xuan….”

Knowing that it would only be more awkward if he dragged it out, Zhang Xuan stood forward and revealed his identity.

“You are Zhang laoshi? Indeed, you look as dashing and capable as I thought you to be.” Liu Ling stepped forward with a bright smile on his face.

“Indeed! With such a valiant disposition, you stand out even among everyone else here. I could recognize you immediately from the crowd,” Zhuang shi praised.

“As expected of the ideal teacher of Tianxuan Kingdom. Not bad, not bad,” Zheng Fei quickly added as well.

“…”

Dark lines streaked across Zhang Xuan’s face.

‘I’m dashing, capable, valiant, and an ideal teacher?

‘If so, how did you all recognize the wrong person? Why did you all think Tian Long was me?’

To think a master teacher could spout bullshit… with such a straight face.

Where’s your dignity?

What about status?

“May I know why the three master teachers are looking for me?” Seeing the heated passion in their gazes, Zhang Xuan couldn’t stand it anymore and hurriedly asked.

“Oh, there are too many people here. Let’s find another suitable location to speak!” Liu Ling said.

With so many people looking, he couldn’t possibly say that he had heard of Zhang Xuan’s affairs, specially went to the academy to investigate his capabilities, and thus wanted to accept him as his disciple!

If he were to say so, not only would others think him insane, Zhang Xuan would also be frightened away by him.

Where in the world could one find a master teacher recruiting an apprentice so actively?

“Sure!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Judging from the other party’s attitude, it was unlikely that they knew he was “Yang Xuan.” Otherwise, they would have long ago made a move on him.

Since that was the case, it just so happened that he wanted to ask them about the black aura in his body as well, so he agreed.

“Let’s go!”

Seeing that Zhang laoshi seemed easy to speak to, the trio heaved sighs of relief. They stood around Zhang Xuan, as if afraid he would run away, and escorted him forward.

Drinking in the view, everyone felt perplexed. On the other hand, Lu Xun felt his world crumbling apart.

Initially, he thought he would earn the appreciation of the three master teachers just by revealing his identity and would become Liu shi’s apprentice. From there on, his name would spread far and wide. But… what was going on?

Not only did they disregard him after hearing his name, they rushed forward to Zhang Xuan, whom Lu Xun had been looking down upon, and fawned over him….

Didn’t Tian Long just say that he was already decided to be Liu shi’s apprentice?

That Zhang Xuan was only a low-level teacher, not to mention he also possessed a poor reputation. So why would the three master teachers surround him?

Gritting his teeth, Lu Xun stepped up.

“Liu shi… I am Lu Xun, Hongtian Academy’s star teacher…”

“Oh, I know. I met you at the royal palace last time.” Liu Ling nodded his head and pushed him away. “Alright, will you excuse me? I have something to speak to Zhang laoshi about, so move to the side. Don’t block the path!”

“…”

Lu Xun staggered as he stared at Liu shi walking into the distance. At this moment, Lu Xun’s body went stiff, and the thought of suicide even flashed through his mind.

‘No matter what, I am the number one, star teacher of Tianxuan Kingdom. To send me away after saying a few words…. Shouldn’t you at least ask about my affairs? Yet, you simply pushed me away, telling me to not block the path…’

Toward Zhang Xuan, as though afraid he would disappear into the thin, the three of them surrounded him like he was some treasure. On the other hand, to Lu Xun…

Lu Xun felt utterly stifled.

‘Can anyone tell me what is going on?’

Suppressing the urge to spit blood, Lu Xun turned to look at Tian Long.

Didn’t you have inside news on the matter?

Didn’t you say that Liu shi had written a letter, saying that he wanted to accept me as his apprentice?

Which teacher in the world wouldn’t spare a second glance at his own apprentice?

“I…”

Seeing Lu Xun’s blaming gaze, Tian Long felt frenzied too.

I really saw that letter! I have no idea what is going on either…

While the duo was perplexed over the matter, Wang Chao felt as though his face had been slapped multiple times.

Thinking that Lu Xun would definitely become an apprentice of Liu shi today, he was the one who put Zhang Xuan down the most previously. Yet, in the end, he only humiliated himself through his words.

He said that the other party was just a foil and a stepping stone. Yet why did it feel like Lu Xun was the foil and the stepping stone now?

He thought that the other party was shameless and that he should just end his life…. Now he seemed like the one who should end his life!

Perhaps…

Wang Chao, along with Lu Xun and Tian Long, looked at Huang Yu and Bai Xun.

If someone knew what was going on, it had to be the two of them.

One of them was Liu shi’s apprentice while the other one is Zhuang shi’s student.

And they were the ones who brought Zhang Xuan over.

“We… don’t know either!”

Huang Yu quickly shook her head.

The three master teachers had only told them to bring Zhang Xuan over. They didn’t say what they were going to do, so even they too were confused by the current situation.

Regardless of whether it was Liu shi or Zhuang shi, they held an austere image in the minds of the others. It always seemed like they were on a different level from the rest of them. Yet, at this moment, they seemed like they were fans chasing after an idol, following Zhang Xuan around. Even though they had seen it for themselves, they still found it hard to believe.

“Should we… go over to take a look?”

Unable to comprehend what was going on, they couldn’t hold back their curiosity and hurriedly followed behind them.

Especially Lu Xun. If he doesn’t receive an answer today, he might just die from his rage and indignation.

Just a moment ago, he was acting so haughtily, as though it was embarrassing for him to be compared with Zhang Xuan. But now, the three master teachers were fawning over him… while he was thrown to a corner….

‘What was good about the fellow? For the three master teachers to neglect me like this?’

…………

“Your Majesty, Liu shi, Zhuang shi, Zheng shi, old master sent me out here to welcome you all after learning of your arrival.”

Before they could walk too far, an elder walked forward to welcome them.

The butler of Tian Residence, Tian Gang.

“Mhm!” Liu shi nodded his head.

Even though he wanted to accept Zhang Xuan as his apprentice right now, they were currently at Elder Tian’s birthday banquet and it was unbefitting for a guest to steal the spotlight from the host.

“This way please. Old master is waiting for you all at the main hall.” Tian Gang led the crowd forward.

“Zhang laoshi, let’s go. Elder Tian was once my Way of Tea teacher and he is a kind person,” Liu Ling explained with a smile.

Facing the kind gesture from the three master teachers, Zhang Xuan could only nod his head in agreement.

After taking a few steps forward, he suddenly saw Emperor Shen Zhui walking toward him with a smile on his face.

“Zhang Xuan laoshi, I have long heard of your name. Now that I’ve met you, you are indeed as incredible as they make you out to be. You will definitely reach great heights in the future and your name will spread far and wide. If you have any requests for me, feel free to speak of them. Tianxuan Kingdom may not be a powerful country, but we don’t lack resources. As long as it’s within our means, I will try my best to obtain it for you!”

Hearing the other party’s words, the bizarre look on Zhang Xuan’s face deepened.

Naturally, he could tell that Emperor Shen Zhui was trying to express his goodwill. Just that… as an ordinary teacher in the academy, why would an emperor express his goodwill toward him?

Besides, you should have heard of it… my reputation as a terrible teacher….

The personality of these fellows seemed to have changed all of the sudden, treating him so well.

In the past few days, Zhang Xuan had been disguising himself as Yang shi, and he hadn’t appeared as Zhang laoshi at all!

Zhang Xuan was unable to comprehend the reason for their change in attitude.

However, this was good as well. He was still thinking that it would be hard to approach the three master teachers as Zhang Xuan, especially given their standing. But from the looks of it, it seemed like he was thinking too much into the matter….

He was truly curious to know how the name of Zhang Xuan suddenly became so prestigious in the few days he had disappeared.

Such that even the Emperor and master teachers would rush forward to fawn over him.

Zhang Xuan simply nodded his head and said nothing else. Seeing the calm on the young man’s face, Emperor Shen Zhui was impressed.

As expected of someone the three master teachers had set their eyes upon, just his state of mind was exceptional.

If it were any other youngster, if the Emperor were to praise them and promise them such, they would definitely become gleeful and complacent, thinking that they were exceptional beings blessed by the heavens. Yet the other party only impassively nodded his head, completely unmoved by his words at all. Just his calm itself was worthy of respect.

However, Emperor Shen Zhui was oblivious to the fact that it wasn’t calm but… deep in contemplation.

Besides, Zhang Xuan was already used to their presence after coming into contact with them as Yang shi the past few days. As such, he no longer felt any presence from them, and as a result, he didn’t feel nervous at all.

Following behind the butler, they soon arrived at a vast hall.

The moment they walked in, the aroma of tea immediately assaulted their senses, and they immediately felt revitalized.

“Come, sit!”

An elder was seated in the direct center of the hall. In front of him was an exquisite tea set. Hot water, in the form of steam, was rising slowly from it. This was where the aroma of tea came from.

“Shen Zhui (Liu Ling, Zhuang Xian, Zheng Fei) pays respect to Elder Tian!”

The four of them stepped forward.

Zhang Xuan followed behind them and glanced at the elder.

Even though it was his ninetieth birthday, he looked like he was in his seventies. With a snow-white beard, from afar, his appearance was reminiscent of an enlightened saint.

“Yes, yes.”

The elder casually waved his hands, not lifting his head at all.

Lifting up a teacup, he casually poured tea into it. Instantly, the light, refreshing fragrance of the tea leaves immediately surged out from within. It seemed that the tea set had a soul of their own. With just the slightest movement from Elder Tian, hot water poured into the teacup.

His movements were smooth and looked exceptionally beautiful. Even before tasting the tea, everyone was already full of compliments. All eyes were fixated onto every single movement of Elder Tian.

Just the sight of the preparation of the tea felt pleasurable.

“This is the Way of Tea? Incredible!”

Zhang Xuan was just thinking that the Way of Tea could not be compared to pill forging and that sort. However, after looking at the movements of the elder, he immediately realized that there wasn’t a single job in the Nine Paths that was ordinary.

“Please!”

The elder beckoned. Several maids stepped forward and presented the teacups to Emperor Shen Zhui and the three master teachers.

There were a total of six cups. After presenting four cups to the others, there were still two left.

After handing out the teacups, the elder wiped his hands dry. Only then did he lift his head to look at the crowd and see Zhang Xuan. He was taken aback by the latter’s presence.

“You are…”

Chapter 201: The Test

“Reporting to Tian laoshi, this is Zhang Xuan, a young, outstanding teacher of Hongtian Academy,” Liu Ling introduced.

Even though Elder Tian no longer taught him, Liu Ling still called him teacher out of habit.

‘He who teaches me for a day, I regard as a father for life.’

In this world, the relationship between a teacher and a student was uncompromisable. Even master teachers did not dare violate this sacred principle.

“Zhang Xuan?” Elder Tian shook his head impassively. He asked doubtfully, “Isn’t the outstanding teacher from Hongtian Academy Lu Xun?”

“Lu laoshi is outstanding, but Zhang laoshi does not, in any way, pale in comparison. In fact, there are certain aspects in which he surpasses Lu laoshi.” Recalling the situations that he saw in Hongtian Academy over the past two days, Liu Ling couldn’t help but compliment Zhang Xuan.

He had merely taught his students for slightly more than ten days, in addition to being out of school so often, and yet… every single one of his students experienced massive growth and their prowess escalated explosively.

Putting aside normal teachers, even the three of them finds it hard to achieve such a feat.

“Surpasses Lu laoshi?” A gleam flashed across Elder Tian’s eyes. “To be complimented by you like that, he must be indeed capable and qualified to take a seat here. However, it isn’t that easy to get to drink my tea. At the very least, he has to first pass my test.”

“Test?”

Zhang Xuan glanced at Elder Tian.

I am only here to accompany Liu shi and the others, I have no intention of drinking your tea.

Besides, do you believe your tea to be some immortal elixir or what? To think that I will need to be tested to drink it?

Zhang Xuan was about to reject the idea when Liu Ling turned to look at him excitedly with gleaming eyes.

“This is great! Zhang Xuan laoshi, this is an excellent opportunity, you must make full use of it…”

“Opportunity?”

It’s merely drinking tea, what opportunity is there to speak of?

“It is the dream of countless cultivators to drink the tea made by Tian laoshi.”

Seeing that Zhang Xuan didn’t comprehend what was going on, Liu Ling explained with a smile, “You might not know, but Tian laoshi is extremely particular with his tea leaves and brewing method.”

“The tea on the table right now is known as Spirit Calming Tea. There aren’t more than three of its tea trees in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom. They grow at the top of the snow mountain, White Pearl Peak, and are nourished by the sun more than sixteen hours a day. As such, when used to boil tea, the aroma lingers without dissipating.”

“It is one thing for there to be limited tea trees, but there is a requirement for the picking of tea leaves as well. It mustn’t be too young or too old; only leaves picked at exactly the sixth hour after the flowers of the tea trees bloom will carry the slight fragrance of flora. Accompanied with the cold weather at White Pearl Peak, drinking the tea made from these tea leaves is incomparably pleasurable.”

“A tea tree doesn’t already bear many leaves. In addition to the strict requirements for its picking, you can imagine the minute amount of tea leaves that are harvested. In fact, I can tell you that the annual production of such tea leaves in Tianxuan Kingdom totals up to only around three taels or so.”

Zhang Xuan was astonished.

No wonder the other party regards the matter so highly, even conducting a test to see if the person is qualified to drink the tea. Judging by how valuable the tea leaves are, it is worth the effort to take the test.

“Of course, if it were just the limited harvest, one can only say that the tea leaves are precious. It wouldn’t matter to a cultivator whether he drank it or not because it wouldn’t be considered as an opportunity.”

A cultivator values his cultivation the most. Regardless of how fragrant a tea is, it doesn’t matter to them whether they drink it or not. There is no need for them to spend such a huge price just to satisfy their cravings.

“The reason why the tea leaves are so important is that of the use of the tea! Spirit Calming Tea has the effect of calming down one’s mind. If normal people were to consume it, it would allow them to sleep better, ease their fatigue, and boost their spirit. On the other hand, if cultivators were to drink it, it will allow them to reach the level of Heart of Tranquil Water for a short moment. Even though it is just a momentary state, and one will automatically descend from it after a moment, it allows one to experience the sensation of being in that condition. This will prove to be an important assistance to actually reach that state in the future.”

Liu shi continued, “Of course, just the tea leaves itself aren’t enough. It has to be accompanied with Tian laoshi’s consummate brewing skills to bring out such effects!”

“Allow one to reach Heart of Tranquil Water for a short moment?”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes widened in shock.

Only when one reaches the Heart of Tranquil Water can he absolutely concentrate in whatever he does, totally unaffected by the surroundings or emotions.

Take for example the two apothecaries, Meng Yan and Chen Xiao, whom Zhang Xuan met during the Pill Debate. While forging the Tranquil Heart Pill, they infused their own emotions and physical state into the pill by accident, causing the pill to change and lose its original function.

The reason why such accidents occur is that the person has yet to achieve a breakthrough in his Will of Mind.

When one reaches Will of Mind 2-dan Heart of Tranquil State, even if one is plagued with negative emotions, he can still maintain a tranquil state of mind and forge a perfect Tranquil Heart Pill.

The guild leader of the Blacksmith Guild, Luo Chong, has achieved such a level. It was due to him overeating the Dragon-scaled Prawns that he was unable to calm his mind, eventually failing to successfully forge any equipment.

“Many cultivators do not realize the importance of Will of Mind and think that it is absolutely useless. However, that’s not the case. In order to achieve a breakthrough to Fighter 8-dan Zongshi realm, one has to reach Will of Mind 2-dan. Otherwise, without a pure mind, no matter how hard one tries, it is almost impossible for one to grasp the disposition and meaning behind Zongshi. Furthermore, this isn’t only true for fighters, many occupations also have such requirements. For example, one needs to reach Heart of Tranquil Water before they are qualified to take the master teacher examination and formation master examination.”

Afraid that Zhang Xuan had not understood, Liu Ling explained further.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Will of Mind isn’t really a secret. There were records on it in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault, and as such, with a single thought, he can easily look through it.

It was precisely because he knew it that he understood how difficult it is to raise one’s Will of Mind. If merely drinking a cup of tea can allow one to enter the state of Heart of Tranquil Water, its effects are truly incredible, even though it is just temporary. Even the Tranquil Heart Pill doesn’t have such effects.

It is no wonder that the Way of Tea is so popular within the kingdom, even exceeding painting at that. The reason for it lies here.

That is to say, if back then, Meng Yan and Chen Xiao were to drink a cup before their pill forging, they would be able to create a perfect Tranquil Heart Pill.

“Even though I come here often, it’s not often that I get to drink a tea which such effects. This time, I have truly benefited from the halo of the three master teachers. Since Elder Tian agreed to give you an opportunity, you should grasp it.” Emperor Shen Zhui smiled.

“May I know what test it is?”

Zhang Xuan was somewhat moved. Turning to look at Elder Tian, he couldn’t help but ask.

Even though he had reached Heart of Tranquil Water, he was only at the most basic level. If he were to drink the tea, he might be able to enter deeper into the realm, feeling the intermediate level, or even higher than that.

Elder Tian didn’t reply. Instead, he gestured, “Let them enter as well!”

Butler Tian nodded his head before stepping out. Shortly, a few other people entered.

They were Tian Long, Lu Xun, Wang Chao, Huang Yu, and Bai Xun.

“Lu Xun pays respect to Elder Tian!”

Upon walking into the room, Lu Xun stepped forward, clasped his fists, and bowed to Elder Tian.

“Un, take a seat! I’ve heard that you and Zhang laoshi are both outstanding teachers of Hongtian Academy. However, it is a pity that I only have one cup here, so I’ll have to test you two. How about this, I will propose a question, and both of you will answer it. The person who wins qualifies to drink my tea. Liu Ling, what do you think?”

After having Lu Xun and the others sit down, Elder Tian turned to look at Liu shi.

Even though he spoke of drinking tea, as long as one wasn’t a fool, one could tell what was going on.

“So this old fogey isn’t really interested in testing me. What he wants to do is to create an opportunity for Lu Xun to display his skills…”

How can Zhang Xuan still not understand what is going on?

Even though he didn’t know for sure why Liu shi and the others were treating him so politely all of the sudden, he could roughly guess the reason. They were probably intending to accept him in as their apprentice. Otherwise, why would three great master teachers approach a low-level teacher like him?

This matter had happened in the Tian Residence, and as the host, it was impossible for Elder Tian to be unaware.

Thus, even though he spoke of drinking tea, he actually didn’t mean it. Rather, he was trying to make things difficult for Zhang Xuan and provide a platform for Lu Xun to perform so that the latter can once again earn the favor of Liu shi.

Zhang Xuan had no intentions to become Liu shi apprentice. Even so, the other party’s move had displeased him. He felt that he was toyed with.

However, he wasn’t in a place to reject the challenge.

Ever since the matter regarding the Teacher Evaluation spread out, people had been comparing him to Lu Xun. Even though it looks as though they are only vying over a cup of tea, they are actually competing to become Liu shi’s apprentice. If Zhang Xuan were to reject the challenge, he would only be labeled as being frightened of facing Lu Xun.

If so, Lu Xun will definitely become more arrogant.

Since Zhang Xuan was able to tell Elder Tian’s intention, Liu Ling could tell as well. Frowning, his complexion darkened.

Clearly, he didn’t expect Elder Tian to make such a move.

Even so, since given that he was a student of Elder Tian and it was his birthday banquet, it wasn’t appropriate for him to reject his request. Thus, he could only nod his head in approval. “Alright!”

While Liu shi and Zhang Xuan were unhappy, Elder Tian actually felt dismal.

Previously, after Liu shi spoke of Lu Xun in his letter and clearly stated his intentions to accept the latter as his apprentice, Elder Tian went through the trouble to invite Lu Xun and had specially prepared to make another cup of tea to receive him. The examination was intended to make the introductions even smoother.

However… Lu Xun didn’t come, and in his place came Zhang Xuan.

Looking at Liu shi’s attitude, he realized that he is now interested in taking in Zhang laoshi, which means it is likely that he had given up on Lu Xun. This made all the preparations he had made in advance futile, and thus, he was displeased.

As such, he came up with this test all of a sudden.

Otherwise, having already told Lu Xun in advance, only for the latter to be unable to become an apprentice, it would be embarrassing on his part.

“Lu Xun is willing to follow Elder Tian’s arrangement!”

Understanding the intentions of the other party, Lu Xun was delighted. He hurriedly clasped his hands and bowed.

“Since we’re going to conduct a test, we should have a topic. I wonder what we should examine?”

Knowing that he wasn’t in a position to reject the challenge, Zhang Xuan no longer bothered about the matter and focused on the test instead.

“Since we’re all here to drink tea, we should discuss the Way of Tea!” Tian Long, who was standing by the side, said.

“Way of Tea?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

“Zhang laoshi had never come into contact with the Way of Tea, so it is a little too biased to test them on that!” Huang Yu couldn’t hold herself back but utter.

She had interacted with Zhang laoshi often, so she knew that while the other party is a master painter, he knows nothing about the Way of Tea. In fact, when speaking to him earlier today, the other party was clearly completely ignorant of the subject.

Testing someone on the Way of Tea when he knows nothing about it?

Isn’t this intentionally making things difficult for him?

Besides, based on what she knew, Lu Xun had specially learned the Way of Tea. Even though he can’t compare to Tian Long, he had nevertheless listened to Elder Tian’s lectures. At the very least, he is able to brew a tea of the first level… Even a blind person can tell that this test is obviously unfair.

“To become a master teacher’s apprentice, one should be knowledgeable in all occupations… The Way of Tea is one of the occupations of the Nine Paths, not to mention that it is extremely popular in the kingdom, so how can he be ignorant of it? If Zhang laoshi really knows nothing about it, then I’m sorry, but I’ll be drinking the cup of tea…”

Lu Xun chuckled softly, and confidence emanated from his gaze.

You wish to compete against me? See how I crush you to death!

“Indeed. If one doesn’t even know of the Way of Tea, how can one become the apprentice of a master teacher? You might as well just admit defeat instead of embarrassing yourself here!” Wang Chao said.

Having shamed himself earlier, Wang Chao made use of this opportunity to get back at Zhang Xuan.

“Alright, even though this is my first time hearing of Way of Tea, I can learn about it right now. How will the test be conducted? We can start right now!” Upon seeing the other party’s boastful attitude, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Since someone wishes to step on my face, I will return it with a vicious, tight slap.

Although this is the first time he heard of Way of Tea, there were plenty of books on the Way of Tea in the kingdom’s Book Collection Vault. It filled the entire seventh and eighth shelf, and they added up to more than ten thousand books.

Back then, he had merely collected them into the Library of Heaven’s Path, and he hadn’t read through them yet. But at this moment… It seems like it’s time.

Chapter 202: Nine Years Spring

“Learn now?”

Upon hearing Zhang Xuan’s words, Lu Xun, Tian Long, and the others burst into laughter.

You must be joking!

Learning now? Do you think that the Way of Tea is some ordinary workmanship of those streetside craftsmen? That you can master it just because you said so?

This is an occupation! Even if you immersed yourself in it every single day, without countless years of effort, it would be impossible for you to bear results. You wish to pass the test just by learning right now…. Will it kill you to be more humble?

However, this was good as well. This way, you won’t be able to lift your head when you lose later on.

Lu Xun snorted.

While the others were laughing over Zhang Xuan’s words, Huang Yu was on the verge of tears. She immediately sent him a telepathic message to persuade him otherwise: “You mustn’t agree! Lu Xun has specially learned the Way of Tea and he is skilled in it…”

You don’t even know what the Way of Tea is, yet you wish to compete against an initiate of the Way of Tea. Are you sure you aren’t joking?

I have seen reckless people before, but I have never seen such a reckless person.

“It’s no problem!” Knowing that she was truly concerned about him, Zhang Xuan reassured her with a smile.

Seeing that Zhang Xuan’s will was resolute, Huang Yu panicked, but there was nothing she could do.

“Hmph!”

Seeing how frivolous Zhang laoshi was acting, Elder Tian’s face darkened.

He had immersed his entire life into the Way of Tea to master its way, yet this fellow, despite knowing nothing at all, said that he would learn it right now….

Learn what? How will you learn?

Do you think it’s playing house? Do you think you will learn the art just by looking at it?

You must be joking!

Even the three master teachers were staring at one another, and deep wrinkles formed on their foreheads.

They had heard of Zhang laoshi’s affair, but this was the first time they were meeting him in person. They didn’t expect him to be such a reckless and frivolous person. If he truly had such a character, then despite his capability in imparting knowledge, they had to reconsider whether they should accept him as their apprentice.

“Let’s begin then!” Suppressing the displeasure he felt, Elder Tian gestured. “The test is simple. Long’er, you’ll brew a pot of tea after which Lu laoshi and Zhang laoshi will speak of the brewing technique used and its tea aroma!”

The Way of Tea was similar to pill forging in some ways. It had gone through countless years of inheritance and there were countless schools and techniques. The same tea leaves, if brewed using a different technique, would have differing fragrances, textures, and colors.

That was why there were no right or wrong methods in brewing tea. Rather, one could only say whether one was better than the other.

A good brewing technique could unleash the full fragrance contained within the tea leaves, nourishing the spirit of those drinking it.

“Understood!”

The edges of Tian Long’s lips curled up. He glanced at Zhang Xuan before taking the tea tray and tea set from Butler Tian Gang’s hands.

First, he used warm water to heat up the tea set. Then, grabbing a few tea leaves, he placed them into the teapot and flushed it with boiling water. When the tea leaves were steeped, the fragrance of the tea immediately gushed into the air, causing a deep aroma to linger in the hall.

“Incredible!”

“To think that Tian Long would achieve such deep understanding of the Way of Tea despite his young age. I’m impressed.”

“From the looks of it, Tian laoshi has imparted all of his knowledge down to him. Soon, another incredible tea master will appear in the Tianxuan Kingdom!”

Upon seeing Tian Long’s movements, the three master teachers nodded their head in approval.

They had learnt the Way of Tea from Elder Tian, and even though they hadn’t reached the level of an official tea master, they had immersed themselves in the art for many years, so they possessed a decent amount of knowledge in it. Thus, they were able to see that Tian Long’s skills were extraordinary.

“There are four levels to the Way of Tea, namely Redolent Hue, Essence Restoration, Infused Intentions, and Diffusing Fragrance! Even though nothing much can be said about his character, it is a fact that he possessed outstanding skills in the Way of Tea. Judging from his brewing technique, he should have already reached the second level, Essence Restoration!”

Afraid that Zhang Xuan couldn’t tell what was happening, Huang Yu was communicating with him via telepathy.

“The first level, Redolent Hue. It refers to the level where the tea one produces has reached a certain level of mastery in terms of aroma and color, making it pleasing to the eye and the nose. Don’t underestimate this level just because it is the lowest one. In order to reach it, you need to have a clear understanding of the amount of water and tea leaves you must use, as well as the state of the tea set. Without years of hard work, it is difficult to reach this level.

“The second level, which is the realm which Tian Long is currently at, is called Essence Restoration. At this level, you are no longer just showing off your skill. Rather, at this level, you infuse the art of tea brewing into your bones, granting them the ability to pull the most basic fragrance of the tea leaves out, allowing others to taste the most authentic tea.

“As for the third level, Infused Intentions, it is similar to that of the level of the same name in painting. The tea maker now understands the very essence of the Way of Tea, reaching the level where they are able to infuse their own artistic conception into the tea they brew. Those drinking it can experience the emotions of the tea maker through the tea he produces. At this level, one can take the tea master examinations and become an official tea master.

“Last but not least, the fourth level, Diffusing Fragrance. At this level, one can allow the fragrance of the tea to travel vast distances, such that people within several thousand li can smell it. At the same time, they can also confine the fragrance of the tea to the cup, making it linger within the cup. Those drinking such a tea would feel as though they were drinking a heavenly elixir. Elder Tian has reached such a level, and you can see the steam lingering over top the cup of tea he has poured. Upon reaching this level, not only will one be able to experience the full fragrance of the tea, the tea will also be warm no matter when one drinks it. It won’t turn cold with the passing of time, which would affect its taste.”

Huang Yu seemed quite knowledgeable of the Way of Tea, and she explained the various levels that a cup of tea could reach to Zhang Xuan.

Knowing that she was trying to help him, Zhang Xuan nodded his head, grateful.

After hearing her words, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but be impressed by how profound the art of tea brewing was.

Just these four levels would require one to immerse themselves in the Way of Tea for their entire lifetime.

Hu!

While they were speaking, Tian Long finished brewing his tea. He slowly poured it out, the tea gushing out like a fountain. The delightful sound of the tea lapping against the sides of the teacup echoed in the air, as if created by an instrument.

“I’ve embarrassed myself!”

After pouring the tea into the teacup, the true fragrance of the tea immediately emanated all over the room. The aroma seemed to have some energizing quality to it, making everyone in the room feel refreshed. Tian Long smiled slightly in glee.

Since he could reach the second level of the Way of Tea at his age, he could he considered as a genius among geniuses.

He quickly shot his gaze to Huang Yu, thinking that she would feel deep respect for him and leap into his embrace. Yet it turned out that she wasn’t looking at him at all. Rather, she was chatting with Zhang Xuan. Tian Long’s face immediately darkened, and he looked as though he would explode at any moment.

It had taken him great effort to learn this tea brewing technique, and he wanted to flaunt it before the beautiful lady…. Yet it ended like this.

“Zhang Xuan…” Tian Long diverted all of his anger onto Zhang Xuan.

Seeing his furious gaze, Zhang Xuan blinked…. ‘I don’t think that I’ve offended him. What’s wrong with that fellow’s head?’

…

“Now that the tea has been brewed, who will go first?”

Elder Tian looked around.

“Allow me!” Lu Xun stood up confidently. With an imposing disposition, he started to explain, “Brother Tian’s technique is called [Root of the Fallen Leaves], and it comes from Master Changfeng from a century ago. He saw the growth of tea leaves over the course of three years when inspiration hit him, and he created this brewing technique.”

“In the ‘Root of the Fallen Leaves,’ every single tea leaf is placed into the teapot based on their maturity. This way, the tea leaves would be steeped in the same sequence as well. Tea leaves are similar to humans in that they have veins, and are interconnected with one another. Steeping in this manner would be like soaking the tree from its roots to its tip. This kind of progressive brewing technique brings out the very essence of the tea leaves, allowing the tea to reach the second level, Essence Restoration.”

At this point, he flicked his sleeves and chuckled lightly, “Brother Tian, I wonder if what I have said is right or not?”

“Brother Lu is indeed talented. Your words do not have the slightest bit of error,” Tian Long replied.

“Alright, since I’m done talking about the brewing method, I’ll talk about the aroma of the tea then!” Standing in the same place, Lu Xun took in the aroma of the tea and smiled. “The fragrance lingers around my nose, making me feel like I am in a tea garden. If I’m not wrong, it should have reached the fourth level.”

In order to better differentiate between the level of the tea and its taste, some of the more incredible tea masters had allocated nine different levels for the aroma of the tea as well.

First level of tea aroma, Sweet Aroma.

Second level of tea aroma, Revitalizing Spirit.

…

Fourth level of tea aroma, Alluring Reminiscence.

…

Ninth level of tea aroma, Congregation of the Hundred Birds.

Even though Tian Long had brewed a tea of the second level, his tea aroma had already reached the fourth level, Alluring Reminiscence.

That is to say, upon taking a sip from this cup of tea, the aroma would permeate into one’s dreams, making it hard to forget.

“Yes!”

After hearing Lu Xun’s reply, Elder Tian nodded his head satisfied.

As expected of Lu Xun laoshi, his understanding of the Way of Tea was completely accurate.

“I’m finished. Zhang Xuan laoshi, it’s your turn….”

Smiling faintly, Lu Xun turned to look at him.

“Me? You’ve already said everything, what else can I say?”

Zhang Xuan was speechless.

Wasn’t this fellow too shameless?

The question only asked them about the brewing technique and the tea aroma level, and he had already said everything. What else could Zhang Xuan speak of?

If Zhang Xuan were to say the same things, Lu Xun could simply say that Zhang Xuan had copied his answer.

“Brother Lu only spoke of the name of the brewing method. The Way of Tea is profound and deep, and there are still plenty of things to talk about. Zhang laoshi, could it be that you don’t know the technique I use, and you don’t know what to say?”

With a cunning smile on his face, Tian Long said, “If that’s the case, I think it would be best for you to just admit defeat to not make the atmosphere awkward!”

“Admit defeat? That isn’t my way of doing things!” Zhang Xuan shook his head. At this point, Zhang Xuan’s lips curled up as he looked at Tian Long playfully. “Are you sure you want me to speak?”

“Stop putting on an act here!” Tian Long flung his sleeves out.

“Alright then!” Zhang Xuan stood up. “What Lu laoshi said is true, Tian Long did use Root of the Fallen Leaves. This brewing technique should have been a highly profound technique that is capable of brewing tea of the third level, but… in his hands, its form has been completely misinterpreted and turned worthless. It’s a failure!”

“You…” Tian Long nearly leaped in anger.

“You need not be in a hurry to deny my words!” Zhang Xuan chuckled softly. He walked over to Tian Long, casually lifted up the teacups to look at them, and slid his fingers across them.

“I need not say much about the tea set. In Elder Tian’s residence, even if the equipment used isn’t the best, it isn’t too far from it. Let’s begin from the moment you started brewing the tea. In the Root of the Fallen Leaves, the progressive sequence of the action is of utmost importance. When hot water is poured into the teapot, the hot water would flow through the veins of the tea leaves, like the tea leaves are drinking the water. There is no problem with the sequence you placed the tea leaves into the pot, but you neglected the unique property of the tea leaves.”

“The tea leaf you used is called [Nine Years Spring]. From the emergence of the tea leaves to its harvesting and drying, the optimal time for its consumption is nine years. During that time, its fragrance would be the strongest. Am I mistaken on this?”

Zhang Xuan looked at Tian Long.

“You-you’re right!” Tian Long nodded in astonishment.

Nine Years Spring was an extremely rare tea leaf. Putting aside the fact that its harvest was limited, it was rarely traded in the markets. Even for their Tian Residence, it took them a long time before they managed to gather several taels of it. How did this fellow who didn’t know the Way of Tea know of it?

Chapter 203: Found the Wrong Person

“Usually, one year is sufficient for tea leaves to mature for consumption. Yet this tea leaf needs an entire nine years, showing its uniqueness. As a result, one needs to steep it for a longer period of time so that its fragrance can be further drawn out. Yet after pouring hot water in, you took out the tea leaves within three breaths. As such, it caused the fragrance that had accumulated in the tea leaves over a course of nine years to not be fully released. This is your first failure!

“Nine Years Spring grow in humid lands. As such, the tea leaves contain moisture within. Before steeping it, one needs to wash it with slightly salted water first in order to revitalize the veins of the leaves, allowing the tea leaves to better release their fragrance. Yet, not only did you not wash it beforehand, you even used a dry preparation method*. Not only did this affect the texture of the tea, it even caused the level of the tea to drop an entire level. This is your second failure!

“Before starting on the preparation of the tea, it’s right for you to warm the tea set. However, due to your excessive desire to flaunt your skills, you placed tea leaves into the teapot before you were done warming up the entire pot. Furthermore, the tea leaves were still at room temperature when you placed them in, resulting in a loss of heat. This is your third failure!”

…

“Finally, when using the Root of the Fallen Leaves to prepare the tea, in the very final step of pouring the tea into the teacups, your should do it within three breaths to ensure that their aroma and taste is the same. Yet you dragged it on for seven breaths. As a result, the aroma and texture of the first cup and the fifth cup differs by almost an entire level. You can check it right now if you like. Although the first cup has reached the fourth level, the last cup is only at most at the third level. For there to be two different tastes for the same pot of tea, this is your seventeenth failure!”

All at once, Zhang Xuan pointed out seventeen of the other party’s errors without any pause. Then he looked at Tian Long with sympathy. “For such an amazing technique, the Root of the Fallen Leaves, and such good tea leaves, the Nine Years Spring, to be brewed by you in such a manner—what else could it be if not worthless?”

“You, you…”

Tian Long’s face paled, as though he had met a ghost.

He wanted to refute the other party’s words, but he was unable to say a word.

He had just learnt this brewing technique and it was natural that he would make many mistakes with it. Rationally, it wasn’t a big deal. But how was the other party able to see through all of it?

Wasn’t he inept in the Way of Tea?

His grandfather had said the same things as well. In fact, the other party pointed out even more flaws than his grandfather!

His grandfather could only point out four or five of them, yet the other party spoke of seventeen of them in a breath.

Could it be that the other party’s knowledge of tea brewing exceeded that of his grandfather’s?

How was that possible?

Not just him, at that instant, the hall fell so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.

Everyone was staring at Zhang Xuan as though they were looking at a monster.

This was especially true for Lu Xun. His eyes were about to pop out onto the ground.

He was proud of the fact that he was able to point out the brewing technique the other party used, as well as the level of the tea aroma. Yet… not only was the other party able to see through these as well, he was even able to point out the flaws in his tea brewing technique precisely….

For a moment, he felt his face being brutally slapped. It felt fiery hot, as though it would tear apart at any moment.

What exactly was going on?

To be able to say so much about tea, to the point that you even have such an in-depth understanding of the Nine Years Spring. Are you a tea vendor?

“Elder Tian, may I know if my words are correct?”

Ignoring the astonishment everyone was going through, Zhang Xuan chuckled and turn his eyes to Elder Tian.

The tea brewing of a tea master was similar to a battle technique by a fighter, and the Library of Heaven’s Path had compiled a book on Tian Long. If Tian Long hadn’t provoked him, Zhang Xuan couldn’t have bothered with him either and wouldn’t have embarrassed him in public. Yet the other party kept trying to taunt him, even making use of Lu Xun to humiliate him. If that were to be the case, then Zhang Xuan felt a need to retaliate.

Of course, he had also gone easy on the other party. He had only pointed out a portion of his flaws. If he were to speak of all of them, that fellow would probably end up like Apothecary Bai Ming, his confidence would be completely crushed and he would find himself coming to a standstill in the Way of Tea.

“What you said…”

Honestly, Elder Tian was unable to ascertain the authenticity of half of the words the other party had said. But for the other half, it was absolutely correct.

Furthermore, for the half he wasn’t sure of, based on his deductions from his knowledge in Way of Tea, they were likely to be true as well.

With just a single glance, the other party was able to see through so many problems?

Am I the tea master, or is he the tea master?

Elder Tian looked like he had seen a demon. After hesitating for a long time, he continued, “… are all correct!”

“All correct?”

“Zhang laoshi’s words are all correct?”

Hearing his verdict, a commotion broke out in the hall.

This was especially so for Bai Xun and Huang Yu. They could see the frenzy in each other’s eyes.

On the way here, Zhang laoshi had been asking about the Way of Tea, and it was obvious that he was a total rookie on the subject. It was clear that he hadn’t even heard of the term before coming here…. They were still worried about what would happen after he lost to Lu Xun. Yet, to think that such a twist would occur instead.

Brother, can you stop playing with our hearts?

If you have such an in-depth understanding of the Way of Tea, why must you feign ignorance?

“He must have done it on purpose….”

When Huang Yu recalled how she sent a telepathic message to Zhang Xuan to explain the four levels of tea brewing to him out of goodwill previously, Huang Yu felt like spitting blood. Most probably, that fellow must have been laughing at her ignorance….

“It seems like… Master Zhang was also like that during the painting examination….”

Just as Huang Yu was cursing the other party in her mind, she suddenly heard Bai Xun’s perplexed voice.

Upon hearing those words, Huang Yu suddenly recalled the matter as well.

Back then… before painting, Master Zhang also seemed like a complete rookie, not knowing anything at all. But… after reading some books, he was able to create a painting of the fifth level easily….

This fellow. What was going on?

How could there be such a peculiar person in the world?

“Since it’s right, does it mean that I’ve passed your test?” Clasping both his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan returned to his seat and looked at him calmly.

“Hold it right there!”

Before Elder Tian could even speak, Wang Chao abruptly stood up. “The question that Elder Tian came up with was for Zhang Xuan and Brother Lu to tell the brewing technique used and the level of the tea fragrance, and whoever who was able to figure out both of them would be the victor. Brother Lu’s answer of 【Root of the Fallen Leaves】 and fourth level of tea aroma isn’t wrong! On the other hand, Zhang laoshi said so much, but he left out the main point. Thus, it could be said that he had gone off topic, so I think that Brother Lu should be the victor.”

“Indeed, even though Brother Lu didn’t speak of the latter part, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t know of it at all. He simply thought that it was off topic and didn’t find the need to bring it up.” Upon hearing Wang Chao’s words, Tian Long’s eyes lit up.

If that fellow were to truly win this competition and become an apprentice of Liu shi, wouldn’t he be together with Huang Yu daily? If so, Tian Long wouldn’t stand a chance anymore.

So he couldn’t allow the other party to succeed!

Furthermore, he had just been insulted by the other party. With such an ideal opportunity to put him down, how could he let it slip past his fingers?

“…”

Hearing the other party’s words, Zhang Xuan was stunned.

He thought that he himself was a shameless person; to think that these two were able to top him at his field.

Gone off topic?

If spoken of, it was true that he had gone off topic, just that…

“Lu laoshi had already revealed the answer. If Zhang laoshi didn’t say something else, wouldn’t he just be repeating his answer?” Huang Yu couldn’t be a bystander to the situation any longer and stood up furiously.

What kind of joke was this?

You’ve already answered all that could be answered, what do you expect the other party to say under such a situation?

If he answered just like you did, you would just say that he had copied you. On the other hand, if he said something else, you would simply say that he had gone off topic….

No matter what, you all are star teachers. Can’t you all at least spare a thought for your dignity?

“Enough, stop arguing.”

Seeing sparks flying from both sides, Elder Tian waved his hands. “It’s my negligence for coming up with such a question, so let’s just drop this.”

“Drop this?”

Zhang Xuan stared at Elder Tian. It was clear that he was helping Lu Xun.

But this came as no surprise to him either. It was the first time Elder Tian had met Zhang Xuan. Naturally, the other party would help Lu Xun, who he was more familiar with.

“Tian laoshi…”

Upon hearing these words, Liu Ling frowned.

Aren’t you showing your favoritism too publicly!

“Enough, there’s no need for you to say anymore. This matter is my fault, so I’ll come up with another question for the two of them. There’s no need for us to fuss over this matter,” Elder Tian interrupted impassively.

“OK!” Since his teacher had already put it this way, out of respect for the other party, Liu Ling didn’t refute his words. He could only look at Zhang Xuan apologetically.

“I apologize for my inappropriate choice of question on the Way of Tea previously. However, I can tell that the two of you are extremely knowledgeable in the Way of Tea. If we were to continue pitting you two in this field, it might breed discord among you two instead. How about this: other than the Way of Tea, I am also slightly knowledgeable in the field of painting as well. Furthermore, I have just received an amazing painting recently. As teachers, you two should have some knowledge on painting as well. Thus, why don’t I bring it out for you two to appreciate and appraise. Whoever’s appraisal is more accurate will be the victor….” After hesitating for a moment, Elder Tian stroked his beard and said.

“Painting?”

After hearing the other party’s words, Zhang Xuan had to stifle in his laughter.

If the other party had chosen to test him on something else, Zhang Xuan would still have to dredge up the books from his library to look through them. But as for painting… there wasn’t such a need at all!

Since he was able to draw a painting of the fifth level, he had already reached the level of a grandmaster in painting. Are you sure that… Lu Xun would be able to win against me?

However, it wasn’t surprising that the other party would make such a decision. After the previous incident, Elder Tian could see that Zhang Xuan was knowledgeable of the Way of Tea. Even if he were to give another question on it, Lu Xun would still lose.

Naturally, Elder Tian knew of Lu Xun’s background. Lu Xun’s father was Master Lu Chen, a true master painter, and since childhood, Lu Xun often came into contact with paintings. As such, his knowledge of painting far surpassed that of his Way of Tea.

As a result, he decided to go ahead with a painting test.

This way, he would be using Lu Xun’s strength against Zhang Xuan.

However, it was a pity that he couldn’t have imagined that… even Lu Xun’s father, Master Lu Chen, would have to address Zhang Xuan respectfully as a “master.”

“Do you two have any disagreements?” After saying this, Elder Tian turned his gaze to the duo.

“Lu Xun dares not oppose Elder Tian’s arrangements.” Lu Xun clasped his hands and answered obediently, but on the inside, he was nearly dying of joy.

Even though Tian Long had said that Zhang Xuan was likely to be a master painter, Lu Xun had attributed the matter to just Zhang Xuan boasting. He didn’t pay it any attention.

Also, he was much more proficient in painting than the Way of Tea.

Mo Chenzi, Yuanyu, Lu Chen, all of the works of the master painters and the books he had read when he was younger flashed through his mind. Slowly, a confident smile crept onto his face.

What a joke! He had just taken the Way of Tea to broaden his horizon, but painting was his specialty.

As long as Zhang Xuan wasn’t a master painter, it was impossible for him to defeat him.

Lu Xun was confident.

“What about Zhang laoshi?”

Upon seeing him agree to it, Elder Tian nodded his head and turned to Zhang Xuan.

“I… agree as well!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

“Competing in painting appraisal?”

The three master teachers, Huang Yu, and Bai Xun knew of Zhang Xuan’s background and they stared at one another.

A moment later, they simultaneously turned their gazes to Lu Xun, and the sympathy in their eyes was clear to see.

The Way of Tea competition between them previously didn’t cause a huge blow to Lu Xun as it wasn’t his field of specialty. As such, he didn’t get discouraged even though he lost to Zhang Xuan. But as for painting…

He would probably cry himself to death this time.

Sigh, poor child.

Honestly, Lu Xun, you found the wrong person to compete with….

*There are two methods to preparing Chinese tea: “dry preparation” and “wet preparation”.

In wet preparation, you need a special tea set, and after washing the equipment, you just pour the water on the tea set (which usually have a drainage section). As such, it is labeled “wet preparation method”.

On the other hand, dry preparation is much cleaner. All of the unused water is dumped into the sink/waste container.

Chapter 204: Lu Xun’s Appraisal Skills

Initially, Liu Ling wanted to tell Elder Tian about the matter, but upon recalling how the other party interrupted his words, he decided not to say anything for fear of incurring his irritation.

“Since both of you are fine with it, Tian Gang, bring that painting over.” After saying this, Elder Tian gestured.

“Yes!”

Soon, Tian Gang came over with a large but thin box in his embrace.

“This is the painting Liu shi has gifted me. I believe it is fitting of the word ‘perfect.’ No matter how many times I look at it, I can’t help but compliment it. Today, you’ll have the blessing to view the work of an incredible master!”

Elder Tian chuckled as he took out the painting from within the box.

“I really hope that I can meet a master painter of this caliber before my death and witness his extraordinary skills.”

Stroking the painting in his hands, respect gleamed in Elder Tian’s eyes.

There were many similarities between tea brewing and painting. Due to this, he also held a fervent passion for painting. Even though he had yet to reach the level of master, he was still quite knowledgeable in the field.

“Alright, I’ll stop talking. I’ll let you guys see the painting now. Zhuang Xian, Zheng Fei, since you two are skilled in painting as well, you should give your opinions on it too.”

He carefully unrolled the painting. An ink painting immediately appeared before everyone’s eyes.

A deer stood on a grass patch, eating the grass warily. Beautiful wild flowers bloomed throughout the surroundings, and for an instant, the spectators could really smell the scent of flowers.

Even though it was just a flat painting, the wild deer seemed like it would leap out of the painting at any moment.

“This is… a painting of the fifth level?”

Right after taking a look, Lu Xun’s eyes narrowed and his breathing quickened.

As someone from a distinguished painting family, he held a deep understanding of paintings. As such, he was able to see the ingenuity of the painting with a single glance.

The level of the painting was clearly beyond that of Breathtaking Verisimilitude.

Even when considering the entire Tianxuan Kingdom, it was possible that not a single painting of such caliber would be produced in the span of a century. Being able to appraise such a painting was a great honor for him.

Even a master painter like his father had never seen a painting of this level.

“Indeed, it is a painting of the fifth level. However, it is a pity that the painter didn’t leave behind his name and the name of the painting. Otherwise, I would’ve surely paid him a visit personally!”

Elder Tian shook his head in regret. “Alright, let’s start the appraisal now. Whoever’s appraisal is more accurate and on point will be the victor. This time, the three master teachers and I will be the judges, so there is no need to doubt the fairness of the judgement. This time… Zhang laoshi should go first.”

Since Lu Xun was the one who spoke first last time, for the sake of fairness, Zhang Xuan should be the one to go first this time.

After Elder Tian finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment. He couldn’t stop himself from looking in the direction of Zhang Xuan, only to see him staring at the painting with a dumbfounded look.

Seeing him in such a state, Elder Tian frowned.

A painting of the fifth level was profound, and it was easy for amateurs who didn’t understand painting to lose themselves in the painting, unable to discern the painting aside from reality. Clearly, Zhang laoshi was suffering from such an effect.

How could a fellow who was unable to discern the painting from reality understand painting?

It seemed like he made the correct decision choosing to conduct a painting test. This Zhang laoshi shouldn’t be a match for Lu Xun at all.

“Hmph! After boasting so much, it turns out that you are only on this level. Master painter? You must be joking!” Upon seeing Zhang Xuan losing himself in the painting, Tian Long sneered.

If Master Yuanyu’s words had raised his doubts, seeing the fellow in such a state now made all of them vanish.

How could a true master painter be reduced to such a state upon seeing a painting of the fifth level?

He must have been too astonished by the sight that he lost himself.

“Zhang laoshi!” Elder Tian called.

“Yes!” Only then did Zhang Xuan recover from his trance. With a bizarre expression, he said, “There’s no need. I’ll allow Lu laoshi to go first. I… will just listen to his appraisal first!”

“Alright, I will go first then. However, I hope that you won’t find any excuses when you lose later on!”

Seeing how the other party didn’t even have the courage to go first, Lu Xun became disdainful of Zhang Xuan.

This fellow must have thought that the painting before him was too profound, and he didn’t know how he should appraise it. That’s why he allowed Lu Xun to go first. Afterwards, he could just make up some comments based on Lu Xun’s words.

You might have been able to use that move just then, but now that I’m prepared, how can I allow you to do so again?

Flicking his sleeves, Lu Xun walked to the middle of the hall. Absolute confidence exuded from his body.

“As a painting of the fifth level, this painting is left behind by a painting grandmaster. As such, I dare not claim to understand the painting fully, and if there’re any mistakes in my appraisal, I’ll be depending on everyone here to correct me!”

Walking forward to the painting, Lu Xun’s eyes gleamed with the disposition unique to a master. “To appraise a painting of such level, you must slowly zoom in from outward, and slowly dive in from the details to its essence. Thus, I will first talk about the overall painting.”

Back then, during the competition on tea brewing, he had only spoken of the name of the brewing technique and the tea aroma level, allowing a lot of leeway for the other party to perform. This time, in preparation against that, he intended to speak of all he could on the painting.

As long as I say everything that can be said, let’s see what you will say later on!

Since you like to fake it so much, I will see how you can continue acting when there’s nothing for you to say!

“Even though the painter hasn’t left his name behind for this painting, it contains a deep artistic conception within it. With just a single look you can feel you are in a vast grassland, surrounded by flowers, and watching a wild deer calmly eating grass…. My guess is that the grandmaster who painted this painting must have been standing in a vast grassland, taking in the spectacle and tranquility of the sight when inspiration struck him, resulting in the creation of this masterpiece.”

“If a name should be given to it, I think that it should be… Burnished Blue Skies!” Lu Xun said.

“Burnished Blue Skies? Not bad. That’s an imposing name! I believe that it reflects the painter’s state of mind then, awed by the sight before him!” Tian Long praised.

Did you see that?

That’s a true master painter, being able to see through the essence of the painting at once, inducing lofty thoughts in others.

“After that, I will go on to speak about its contents and the painting technique used. Clearly, this painting was painted using the Double Hook technique. First, the painter drew the outline of the objects before painting in the grand artistry, filling in the colors of the flowers, grasses, and the wild deer. Only through this painting method can one create such a grand painting with such powerful artistry!”

Lu Xun’s eyes were glowing.

“Double Hook technique? Don’t you think that it is Dual Traversing Dragons instead?” Zhang Xuan couldn’t stop himself from commenting.

“Dual Traversing Dragons? Do you even know what that means?”

Before Lu Xun could speak, Tian Long had already burst into laughter. “Dual Traversing Dragons is a technique that streetside craftsmen use when they’re pressed for time. It is used for replicating a painting, and even so, only by replicating the same painting over and over again can one successfully replicate a painting down to the minute details. Yet, you say that this fifth level painting is created through such at technique? Haha, are you sure you understand anything about painting?”

Tian Long wasn’t the only one who stared at Zhang Xuan in disdain, even Elder Tian couldn’t help but shake his head.

Painting a painting of the fifth level through Dual Traversing Dragons? That was like saying one could display the strength of the powerful Dragon Subduing Palms through executing the basic Long Fists. Are you sure that you are a master painter and not a comedian?

“You sure have a vivid imagination!”

Lu Xun sneered. The contempt in his eyes deepened and his lips curled up in disdain. Disregarding the fellow who didn’t know anything about painting, he turned to look at the painting again before continuing, “I have just spoken of the overall picture, so I’ll touch on the details now. On this aspect, the grandmaster has drawn them with painstaking detail, making them incredibly lifelike. Looking at these flowers, you can clearly see the veins in them; as for the deer, you can actually make out the fur on its body…. As such, even though the painter is a grandmaster, he likely took a minimum of two or three days to finish this painting.

“Only through slowly sculpting the details can one bring out the minute details perfectly and elegantly, making it impossible for the audience to find any fault with it. I must say that this master’s patience is outstanding!”

Awe flashed in Lu Xun’s eyes. After pacing in front of the painting, he added, “Last but not least, even though this painting has profound artistry, and the painter’s name isn’t left on it, based on my years of experience of appraising paintings, I can roughly guess his identity.”

“Oh? You’re able to guess his identity? Who is it?” Hearing his words, Zhang Xuan couldn’t resist asking. The strange look on his face deepened as well.

Putting his hands behind his back, Lu Xun glanced upward, and with haughtiness and incredible confidence, he said, “There aren’t more than seven masters in the surrounding kingdoms who are capable of painting such a grand and moving painting in the past century. Of the seven, only three of them have produced paintings of this sort in the past.

“And the three of them are, to wit, Senior Jin Mantang from Beiwu Kingdom; Senior Wu Jiechao from Hanwu Kingdom; and Senior Yun Shaoqing from Shenwu Kingdom.”

“Senior Jin Mantang left behind his masterpiece at the Eighteen Zhang Waterfall, of which, the pine trees were painted with forceful strokes, giving the painting a prehistoric feeling. On this aspect, it felt extremely similar to how the wild deer and grassland were drawn, so he should be the most likely suspect. However, Senior Mantang passed away eighty years ago, and if he had left behind this painting, it would likely have been discovered by someone already. Thus, it is highly unlikely for him to be the painter.

“As for Senior Wu Jiechao, he specializes in painting animals. It’s said that he once painted a white crane lying on the ground, and it attracted a flock of real cranes to wail for their companion’s death, eventually dying from grief. Most likely, only someone of his level is capable of painting this wild deer.

“However, he only specializes in painting animals, not flora and fauna. Most probably, of the kingdoms nearby, the only one who can paint such an outstanding masterpiece is Senior Yun Shaoqing! More importantly, of the three grandmasters, he’s the only one who is still alive.”

“So my guess is that this drawing is a work of his.”

At which, Lu Xun stood proudly as he looked at Elder Tian.

“Good, your analysis is in-depth and logical!”

Elder Tian applauded.

Did you see that? What is professionalism?

This is professionalism!

Not only was his analysis logical and backed by evidence, he was even able to deduce the likely painter of the work. As expected of Master Lu Chen’s son, his knowledge and discernment were indeed outstanding. He would probably be the victor of this test.

“Alright, Zhang laoshi. It’s your turn!”

After complimenting Lu Xun, Elder Tian turned to look at Zhang Xuan.

“It’s my turn? Are you sure you want me to speak?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“Of course. Why, do you want to say that I’ve already said everything, and that there’s nothing left to add?” The mockery in Lu Xun’s eyes was clear.

“No… Actually, I can’t think of anything to say…. After contemplating for a long time, I only have four words for it!” Zhang Xuan said.

“Four words?” Elder Tian and Lu Xun looked at him, perplexed.

“Yep!”

Zhang Xuan scratched his head embarrassed. “If I’m not wrong… I painted this painting!”

Chapter 205: Is It My Victory?

“You painted it?”

The hall fell completely silent.

Then a commotion broke out.

“You said that this painting of the fifth level was painted by you? Zhang Xuan, you are going to make me die of laughter. Even if you can’t appraise anything about it, you should just admit your defeat. You don’t need brag to such an extent!”

“You sure are thick-skinned. Even if you want to brag, there should be a limit. Are you going to tell us that you are Grandmaster Yun Shaoqing next?”

“Know your place! Do you know what a painting of the fifth level means? To think that you would dare to claim that you are the painter, stop joking!”

Tian Long, Lu Xun, and Wang Chao sneered. The three of them stared at Zhang Xuan as though he were a fool.

What does a painting of the fifth level mean?

Currently, in the entire Tianxuan Kingdom, there wasn’t a single person who was capable of producing a painting of such level. Not even Lu Xun’s father, Master Lu Chen, was capable of such a feat. Yet a mere low-level teacher of the academy who wasn’t even twenty yet said that he had created such a painting. If this wasn’t a joke, what could it be?

“Liu Ling, is this the person you intend to accept as your apprentice? He is arrogant and boastful. Do you think that it is fitting for such a person to be a teacher?”

Elder Tian’s flung his sleeves as his complexion darkened.

Ever since Liu shi had sent this painting to him, he had hung it on his wall and appreciated it every single day. Regardless of how many times he had seen it, he couldn’t help but be impressed by it. All along, he had thought that it was a masterpiece from some grandmaster painter and admired him. Yet this fellow said that he was the one who painted it?

It was an insult to this masterpiece.

“Tian laoshi, this painting…”

Upon hearing hearing his teacher’s furious interrogation, Liu Ling looked slightly hesitant. “… was really painted by Zhang Xuan laoshi!”

“What, you admit that he’s arrogant as well…. Huh? What did you say?” Halfway through the sentence, Liu Ling’s words suddenly hit him and he almost fainted. With quivering lips, he asked, “He… he painted it?”

“Yes, this painting… was painted by Zhang laoshi a few days ago….”

Liu Ling smiled bitterly.

Back then, when Huang Yu passed this painting to him so that he could pass it on to Elder Tian as a gift, her words also stunned him.

Even in a Tier Two kingdom like Beiwu, a painting of the fifth level was a hard to come by treasure. Yet such a treasure came from the hands of a low-level teacher of Hongtian Academy, not even mentioning that the other party wasn’t even twenty yet….

Even though he had heard from his apprentice directly, he found the matter hard to believe.

“This… this…”

Elder Tian’s eyes narrowed and his face flushed with embarrassment. If there were a hole in the hall at this moment, he would have dived in at that instant.

As a master teacher, it was impossible for Liu Ling to lie about such things. That meant that… the painting really came from the hands of Zhang laoshi.

Elder Tian had been speaking praises of the painter all along, saying that he would like to meet that painter before his demise, yet now that the painter was before him, he doubted his identity….

“I don’t believe it…. Even if he had started learning from his mother’s womb, it is impossible for him to produce such an incredible work….” Hearing Liu shi admit to it, Lu Xun gritted his teeth.

He had just praised the creator of the painting to the high heavens, be it his technique or his brush strokes…. He even guessed the identity of the creator of the painting to be the esteemed grandmaster painter. It seemed that all that was missing was for him to bow in reverence to the painting. Yet… it turned out to be the one whom he had been trying to put down all along. This was unacceptable to him.

“I don’t believe it either. Liu shi, don’t be fooled by him—” Wang Chao bellowed as well.

However, before he could finish speaking, Zhang Xuan had already walked up to the painting and his hands gently touched the painting.

Whoosh!

With a crisp sound, the wild deer seemed to have suddenly came to life. Turning its head around, it leapt out from the painting, dancing for a moment before dissipating into thin air.

“This is… Origin Spirit? The Origin Spirit which only the creator of the painting can trigger?”

“A painting contains the blood, sweat, and tears of its creator, and as such, it is perfectly aligned with the creator’s spirit. When a painting reaches the fifth level, as long as the creator touches it, the painting will automatically form a spirit….”

“This… He really painted it….”

It was easy to determine the creator of a painting when it reached the level of Spirit Creation. As long as the creator were to come into physical contact with it, the painting would automatically display its ability to come to life.

Seeing the wild deer running about, the aura of the painting seemed to resonate with Zhang Xuan laoshi…. No matter how stupid a person, it was clear that the creator of the painting was him.

“How… is this possible?”

Lu Xun staggered backward before falling onto the floor. He was on the verge of tears.

Just a moment ago, he was still confidently uttering that the creator of the painting was definitely Grandmaster Yun Shaoqing, and that he had used the Double Hook painting technique. In the end… reality turned around and slapped him right in his face.

Brother, if I knew you are a grandmaster painter, I would have never competed with you!

Aren’t I just looking for a beating?

Next to him, Wang Chao and Tian Long convulsed, on the verge of passing out.

Especially Tian Long. He finally understood why even Master Yuanyu treated this fellow with utmost respect, even wanting to learn from him….

A grandmaster who was capable of producing a painting of the fifth level… was worthy of that much respect.

“Grandmaster Zhang Xuan, please pardon me for my blindness….”

With an awful complexion, Elder Tian stood up and clasped his hands together. In an instant, he seemed like he had aged a decade or more.

Having immersed his entire life in teaching and enlightening others, he had enjoyed quite a tremendous reputation. To think that he would slip up here.

Having Lu Xun compete with a grandmaster painter in a painting competition?

Was there anything more ridiculous than this?

He had intended to help Lu Xun become an apprentice of Liu shi, but in the end… he simply made things worse. Furthermore, it was the worst kind of worse….

It was no wonder that Liu Ling and the others were willing to drop their identities just to convince the other party to become their apprentice.

If a grandmaster painter who was capable of producing a painting of the fifth level were to become an apprentice, he would immediately be eligible to take the master teacher examination. If he passed the examination, his teacher’s reputation would definitely resound through the surrounding kingdoms.

Without answering Elder Tian’s words, Zhang Xuan stood before the painting quietly, staring at it. “I painted this painting at Master Lu Chen’s residence a few days ago. I wasn’t standing on a grassland, and I didn’t use the Double Hook painting technique either. What I used was the Dual Traversing Dragons. Also, the painting took me forty-seven breaths, not the few days you spoke of.”

“Dual Traversing Dragons?”

“Forty-seven breaths?”

Lu Xun’s mouth twitched once more.

Back then, he had said confidently that even if the one who painted the painting was a grandmaster, he had to spend at least a few days on it, and it was very likely that he was standing in the midst of a grassland, inspired by the sight before him. Yet, to think it was actually created at home, not to mention, in such a short period of time….

And what that shocked him the most was that Zhang Xuan used the replication technique, which only streetside craftsmen used, to produce a painting of fifth level….

You are about to pierce the heavens at this rate!

Hearing those words, tears threatened to fall from Tian Long’s eyes.

Back then, he had humiliated the other party when he talked about this technique. Yet, in the blink of an eye, it turned out that the other party spoke nothing but the truth, and that he was just humiliating himself!

Can Dual Traversing Dragons, a technique used to hasten one’s painting speed, really create such an incredible painting?

Zhang laoshi, exactly how incredible are you?

Ignoring the duo, Zhang Xuan touched the painting and said, “May I know if there’s any brush and ink here?”

“Yes, of course!”

Elder Tian gestured and Tian Gang immediately rushed out. Soon he brought in a brush and ink. Due to his agitation, he nearly tripped when entering the hall.

As long as one wasn’t a fool, it was clear that Zhang laoshi was going to leave his name on this painting.

The presence of a signature on a painting could change the value of a painting vastly. Often signed paintings tended to be ten times more expensive.

Not to mention, Zhang laoshi was such a young grandmaster painter. In a few years’ time, when he had become a master teacher and his name had rung loud throughout the surrounding kingdoms, the value of this painting with his name on it would definitely soar exponentially.

Of course, the value of the painting was of secondary concern. More importantly, it was an incredible honor to see a grandmaster painter adding his own signature onto the painting!

“This painting doesn’t have the imposing aura Lu Xun spoke of, and neither does it have a profound artistic conception. Thus, it isn’t worthy of the name ‘Burnished Blue Skies’!” At this, Zhang Xuan dabbed the brush into the ink, walked up to the painting, and without any hesitation, his brush started to dance around.

Shua shua shua!

Two large words appeared on the top of the painting.

“Wild Deer?”

Seeing the name he had written, everyone was stunned.

They thought that Zhang Xuan would give it an awe-inspiring name…. Wasn’t 【Wild Deer】 too casual a name?

“Candid. This is the level of a true grandmaster,” spoke Elder Tian after a moment of silence.

“Indeed, the center of focus of this painting is the deer. Everything else in the painting frames it. All the artistry and dispositions contained within the painting are brought out through it. Even though the name, 【Wild Deer】, sounds simple and unimpressive, it brings out the main content of the painting, bringing the entire painting up another level,” Liu Ling commented in awe.

Zhang laoshi was indeed a remarkable existence. Putting aside the fact that he was able to become a painting grandmaster at such a young age, just the name he came up with was sufficient to bring the entire painting up another level.

“That isn’t just it. If the painting were named Burnished Blue Skies, those who looked at the painting would be affected by it. Their focus would be brought to the contrasting elements instead of the true essence of the painting. On the other hand, 【Wild Deer】 might be a simple name, but it doesn’t constrain your thoughts. It allows room for your imagination to run, adding to the disposition and artistry of the painting,” said Zhuang Xian.

“Indeed, they are indeed divine words….” Zheng Fei nodded his head. Just when he was about to say his piece, he suddenly paused abruptly and pointed ahead. “Look!”

Everyone looked over, only to see the wild deer from the painting leaping out once more. It stared at Zhang Xuan fondly and licked his hand a few times before slowly dissipating into thin air.

“This is… Spiritual Wisdom?”

“A Spiritual Wisdom realm painting? No, it hasn’t reached that level yet, otherwise the wild deer would materialize for a longer moment than this.”

“Even so, it isn’t too far from it. Just by adding a name, the entire painting was raised by another level, and now, it was just a single step away from reaching the sixth level….”

Looking at the wild deer’s appearance, everyone was stunned. All of their faces flushed with excitement.

The first four realms of painting were Reality Depiction, Spiritual Canvas, Infused Intentions, and Breathtaking Verisimilitude, respectively.

The fifth realm was Spirit Creation.

Above Spirit Creation, there was still a sixth realm, the Spiritual Wisdom they spoke of.

It was said that all of the animals in a painting of this level would possess their own intelligence, and were able to absorb spiritual energy to maintain their form outside the painting for a short period of time, creating a mystical sight.

Everyone here had thought that it was just a legend, but to think that they would have the honor of seeing it in person.

Even though the wild deer in the painting was still unable to absorb spiritual energy to maintain its form for a longer period of time, just the fact that it was able to display its affection for its creator showed that it had started to gain intelligence.

If it were nourished in a location where spiritual energy was in abundance for a century, it might just become a genuine painting of the sixth level!

For just a name to bring the painting up nearly an entire level, the two words “Wild Deer” were indeed worth thousands of gold each!

At this moment, everyone stared at the young man before them with fiery eyes.

This was especially true for Huang Yu and Bai Xun. They were so excited their bodies were trembling.

Ignoring their excitement, Zhang Xuan placed the brush down and scanned the surroundings.

“I’m done with the appraisal. This test… is it my victory?”

Chapter 206: Gifting Tea Leaves

Only after hearing those words did everyone remember that the conclusion of the test between him and Lu Xun wasn’t out yet. All eyes immediately shot to Elder Tian.

“You win….”

Elder Tian sighed bitterly.

An appraisal competition against the creator of the painting?

What a joke! It would be ridiculous to say that Zhang Xuan had lost!

More importantly, just by granting the painting a name, the painting was raised by nearly an entire level.

“Zhang laoshi, here is your Spirit Calming Tea!”

Since Zhang Xuan had achieved victory, Tian Gang handed the teacup to him. The steam from the tea still lingered above it and the fragrance tickled Zhang Xuan’s nose. Even before drinking it, Zhang Xuan felt refreshed and energized just by the aroma itself.

After taking the teacup, just when everyone thought that the young man would drink it and indulge himself in its fragrance, he simply tilted the cup and poured it onto the floor.

Hualala!

The fragrance of the tea immediately diffused all around the room.

“Zhang laoshi…”

Upon seeing such a valuable cup of tea being wasted, Liu Ling, Huang Yu, and the others were astonished. Disbelief shone in their eyes.

This was Spirit Calming Tea, a tea which countless cultivators dream off, only to remain out of their grasp…. Even Huang Yu, an assistant master teacher, wasn’t qualified to drink it. To pour it away like that….

What a waste of precious resources!

Everyone looked regretful.

“Zhang Xuan, my grandfather offered you such valuable tea out of goodwill, yet you poured it away like that. What do you mean by that?”

Tian Long abruptly stood up.

His grandfather had his butler present Zhang Xuan with the tea, but the other party poured it away in front of him. This was blatant disrespect for Elder Tian.

Besides, even Tian Long wasn’t qualified to drink the tea. Yet this fellow simply wasted it like that. He found it unforgivable.

Infuriated, regardless of whether the other party was a grandmaster painter or not, he immediately rebuked him.

“Unfortunate!”

Ignoring the other party’s howl, Zhang Xuan placed his hands behind his back and looked outside the hall. It seemed as though his attention was somewhere far away. He sighed.

“Stop putting up a front here. You are the one who poured away the tea, yet you’re saying it’s unfortunate now. Do you really take the Tian Clan as people you can step on like that?” Tian Long lashed out.

He was the one who poured the tea out, yet he was saying that it was unfortunate now. What the hell are you trying to do?

Are you doing it on purpose?

Everyone else were perplexed as well. They had no idea what Zhang laoshi was up to.

Liu Ling, Zhuang Xian, and the others stared at each other confused.

As master teachers, they possessed incredible discerning capabilities, allowing them to see through many matters. Yet they realized that their discerning abilities were useless before him.

They couldn’t see through the other party’s cultivation, his thoughts, or his intentions….

He was a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

Especially now. Despite the risk of offending Elder Tian, he spilt the tea on the floor…. What was he up to?

If things went on like this, there’d be no backing down anymore. They were considering whether they should step forward to mediate the situation.

Just when everyone was feeling apprehensive of the fight that was about to occur, Zhang Xuan turned around to look at Elder Tian.

“The tea leaves of Spirit Calming Tea grow at the peak of the ice mountain, granting it its calming and revitalizing properties. It is harvested right after the blooming of its flowers. Usually, when brewed, it should allow one to maintain Heart of Tranquil Water for hundred breaths. Yet this cup could only allow one to maintain the state for twelve breaths. For the effects of such fine tea leaves to be reduced to this state, if this isn’t unfortunate, what else can it be?”

“You… How did you know that this cup of tea could only maintain Heart of Tranquil Water for twelve breaths?”

Elder Tian was initially infuriated by Zhang Xuan’s actions as well, but upon hearing his words, he was stunned.

The effects of Spirit Calming Tea were clearly stated in the books to last for hundred breaths. However, no matter how Elder Tian brewed the tea, he was only able to maintain its effects for twelve breaths or so. Initially, he thought that it was due to the inaccuracies of the book, but hearing the matter from Zhang laoshi’s mouth at this moment, he was astonished.

I thought you didn’t drink the tea?

If you didn’t drink it, how could you have known the effects of my tea?

“The tea set, teacups, and teapot are the Emerald Radiance Set personally created by Master Potter Wu Qingzi. As for the water, it came from the deep well in Three Gardens Platform, and it was exposed to the sun for two days straight before boiling it for an hour. And for the brewing technique, you used 【Seven Hearts Coiling Hands】 to make the tea. In order to brew this tea, you have cleansed yourself, eaten a vegetarian diet for seven days straight, and adjusted your state of mind to Heart of Tranquil Water. You went for perfection on every single aspect, fearful that a mistake would occur in the midst of anything. However, it is unfortunate…. The effects of the Spirit Calming Tea you brewed still weren’t maximized. Even more so, it could be said to be a failed product!”

Zhang Xuan gestured casually.

“You…”

Elder Tian was flabbergasted. He didn’t even notice the teacup in his hands falling onto the table.

The words of the other party were… completely correct!

The water used for steeping the tea leaves was indeed from the deep well in Three Gardens Platform, the brewing technique he used was Seven Hearts Coiling Hands, and the tea set used was the Emerald Radiance Set. Before brewing the tea, he did cleanse himself and abstain from meat for a week….

He had kept all of these a secret, such that even Tian Long didn’t know of it. Yet, how did Zhang laoshi find out?

More importantly… to know of all of them in detail?

It was said that a grandmaster tea brewer could see through the flaws and problems within a tea just by looking, smelling, and tasting it. From there, they could offer the other party instruction, allowing the person to refine their skills.

Could it be that… Zhang laoshi wasn’t just a grandmaster painter, but a grandmaster tea brewer as well?

If that were the case, if Zhang laoshi offered him some advice, could it be possible for him to break through his bottleneck and reach an even higher level?

Elder Tian trembled, agitated.

Just when he was about to consult the other party on this matter, he heard Tian Long angrily howling, “To dare say that the tea which grandfather brewed is a failed product, who do you think you are? Do you think I won’t teach you a lesson right now?”

Upon hearing these words, Elder Tian’s eyebrows twitched and he nearly passed out.

In the Way of Tea, he had reached a bottleneck, and for many years, he had been stuck trying to surpass his limits. Right now, given how the other party was able to see through the mistakes in his Spirit Calming Tea, if he were to offer him some advice, he might be able to achieve a breakthrough. Yet… his hopes were shattered with the words of this brat.

Moreover, you wish to teach a person on the level of a grandmaster in the Way of Tea a lesson?

You unfilial brute!

If not for your prejudice of this Zhang laoshi, I wouldn’t have been so biased against him. If I hadn’t been so rude to him, the other party wouldn’t have been so displeased.

Dammit!

The more he thought, the angrier he became. “Shut up!”

“Ah? Grandfather…”

Tian Long didn’t expect his grandfather to bellow at him like that. Dumbfounded, he stood blankly on the spot.

“Go away, don’t get in the way of us here!”

Waving him away, Elder Tian hurriedly stood up and walked over to Zhang Xuan. Clasping his hands, he bowed earnestly, like a student meeting a teacher. With a respectful tone, he said, “Zhang laoshi is right, the tea I’ve brewed is indeed a… failed product. It doesn’t have the effects that a true Spirit Calming Tea should possess….”

He had no choice but to admit it.

Given how the other party’s words were all true, he had likely seen some problem. If he were to reject his opinion vehemently at this moment, he would simply incur the ire of the other party. If so, he would pass by this opportunity to reach greater heights.

“This…”

“Spirit Calming Tea can allow one to remain in the state of Heart of Tranquil Water for hundred breaths?”

Hearing Elder Tian admit to it, a commotion broke out among the crowd. Everyone stared at the young man as though he were a monster.

Especially so for Huang Yu and Bai Xun, they pulled their hair frenziedly.

Wasn’t Zhang laoshi completely ignorant of the Way of Tea when he came?

Why could he see through so much now, even making Elder Tian lower his position and admit defeat?

Off to the side, Lu Xun and Wang Chao were even more so on the verge of insanity.

Isn’t this fellow garbage?

To be a grandmaster capable of producing a painting of the fifth level at one moment, to able to impress Elder Tian in the field of Way of Tea in the other…. Where can one find such incredible garbage?

“Zhang laoshi, I hope that you can point out my mistakes so that I can correct them and not waste such precious tea leaves.”

After admitting that he was unable to fully unleash the properties of Spirit Calming Tea, Elder Tian looked at Zhang Xuan respectfully.

“I have come to your Tian Residence with the invitation of the three master teachers as a guest, yet all I’ve been welcomed with was contempt ever since my arrival, even to the point of being tested of my capabilities….” At this, Zhang Xuan shook his head as he glanced at the elder before him. “Do you think this is the appropriate way to treat a grandmaster painter?”

“I…”

Embarrassment flushed on Elder Tian’s face.

If the other party were just an ordinary noble, this matter would of no great import. But Zhang Xuan was a grandmaster painter, and it was very likely that he was a grandmaster in the Way of Tea as well.

It was one thing to not show a person of such identity the respect befitting of him, but to test him….

This was clear contempt for him.

The reputation of a master teacher mustn’t be sullied, and the same could be said about grandmasters as well.

Regardless of which occupation it was, reaching such a level meant that one had surpassed countless others and achieved an incredible level of mastery in the field. Even in Conferred Kingdoms, they were respected existences. Yet, in a moment of folly, he…

“Frankly, I don’t want to say much. However, on account on your sincerity, I can offer you some advice.”

Zhang Xuan glanced at him thinly. “Red wine has to be enjoyed in a wine glass. Even wine has its own silverware, needless to say, tea. Spirit Calming Tea has a calming property, but even though the Emerald Radiance Set is a treasure left behind by an esteemed potter, it is hot in nature. Since heat breeds irritation, how can one remain calm? This is my first piece of advice.

“The Way of Tea is an art of tranquility. Your actions of cleansing yourself and abstaining from meat is a form of respect for the art. However, since it should be an art of tranquility, should there be a banquet for it? Given the commotion, your heart is already disturbed, so how can you brew the most perfect Spirit Calming Tea? This is my second piece of advice!

“You should keep these two points in mind. Perhaps this might be beneficial to your progress in the Way of Tea. I still have things to attend to, so I will be leaving now. Farewell!”

Zhang Xuan waved and headed outside.

“Zhang laoshi, please wait…”

Before Zhang Xuan could step out of the hall, Elder Tian hurried forward.

“Zhang laoshi, your advice has enlightened me. This is a token of my appreciation. I hope you can accept it.”

After which, he beckoned and a servant brought a box to him. Opening it gently, the deep fragrance of tea leaves gushed into the air.

“The tea leaves of Spirit Calming Tea?”

“Given the quantity… two taels?”

“Even considering the entirety of Tianxuan Kingdom, only three taels are produced every year. But you want to gift two taels at once?”

Upon catching scent of the fragrance, the eyebrows of everyone here shot upward. They were all shocked by Elder Tian’s gesture.

This was definitely a huge gift.

Importantly, even Emperor Shen Zhui didn’t have much of a chance to drink it. Through this, it was clear to see how valuable the tea leaves were. Yet Elder Tian gifted two taels of tea leaves at once, an amount sufficient for one to brew more than a dozen pots…. Wasn’t this gesture of goodwill too generous?

“Looks like… even though Zhang laoshi’s advice sounded ordinary, it has enlightened Tian laoshi. Otherwise, it would be impossible for him to offer such a generous gift to him….”

While they were shocked by his gesture, they also understood that a gift didn’t come freely. Elder Tian’s action of giving so many tea leaves to the other party meant that… the other party had pointed out the fundamental errors behind the tea he had brewed, and Elder Tian had benefited greatly from his words.

Without even drinking the tea, with just a single look, he was able to point out the problems, resulting in Elder Tian gifting his tea leaves to the other party willingly….

How many surprises did this Zhang laoshi hold within him? Was there still more to him that they didn’t know of?

Chapter 207: Returning to the Academy

After accepting the tea leaves, Zhang Xuan went away without a peep.

In the very first place, he didn’t intend to attend this birthday banquet at all. If not for Huang Yu and Bai Xun’s request, as well as for an opportunity to meet the three masters to ask them about the poison aura, he wouldn’t have cared about Elder Tian one bit.

Even if it was a funeral, he would’ve never came to such an event.

Even though he didn’t get an opportunity to ask the three master teachers of the matter, based on their attitude, they would likely come looking for him soon. It wouldn’t be too late to ask them about it then.

Since that was the case, there was no longer any purpose for Zhang Xuan to remain there.

As for why Zhang Xuan was able to see the flaws in the tea Elder Tian brewed, the reason was simple. The moment Zhang Xuan stepped into the hall, the other party was in the midst of brewing tea. As such, the library automatically compiled a book on it, and just by flipping through it, Zhang Xuan would know everything about him.

If not for that fellow intentionally trying to pit him against Lu Xun and siding with the latter, he wouldn’t have been bothered about it and embarrassed the other party in public.

You wish to make use of Lu Xun to humiliate me?

What a joke! Those who try to slap my face will be sent flying with a slap of mine. It doesn’t matter to me whether you are Elder Tian or whoever. There are no exceptions.

“Elder Tian, Your Majesty, Liu shi, Zhuang shi, Zheng shi, we’ll be taking our leave as well!”

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan leave, Huang Yu and Bai Xun quickly followed behind him as well.

They were the ones who brought Zhang laoshi here and they didn’t think it appropriate for them to remain here given the situation.

The moment they left, the room immediately fell silent.

“Grandfather, that’s Spirit Calming Tea! Why, why did you suddenly gift so much of it….”

Tian Long felt indignant.

Even if the advice had helped his grandfather, there shouldn’t be a need for him to shower the other party with such a generous gift.

They had paid a huge price to get someone to pick and process the two taels of tea leaves for them. It wasn’t something that one could just buy with money.

Even his grandfather couldn’t bear to drink it on casual occasions, yet to gift it someone else like that….

Just thinking of it, Tian Long felt his heart ache.

“Much? It isn’t much at all!”

Glancing at his grandson, Elder Tian shook his head.

Even though his grandson seemed intelligent, and he had entrusted his expectations onto him, at this moment, it seemed that his character and magnanimity were severely lacking.

“Elder Tian is right. Two taels of Spirit Calming Tea isn’t much at all. Putting aside the fact that he had offered valuable advice to Tian laoshi, just the two words Zhang laoshi wrote on the painting are valuable,” Emperor Shen Zhui said.

The two simple words, “Wild Deer,” were truly a priceless treasure. It had raised the already valuable painting of the fifth level by nearly another entire level. Even if they gifted him all of the tea leaves in the Tian Residence, they would have still made a profit.

Not just that, by this kind gesture, they could reduce the hostility a grandmaster painter felt for them, perhaps befriending him even.

“I have benefitted greatly from Zhang laoshi’s advice. Tian Long, Tian Gang, I’ll leave the birthday banquet to you two. I would like some time for myself to digest what I’ve learnt. Perhaps his words may allow my mastery in tea brewing to reach new heights.”

Elder Tian nodded his head before falling silent.

“Then we won’t be imposing on Tian laoshi any longer!”

Liu Ling knew that the other party was inviting them to leave, so he left the hall along with Emperor Shen Zhui and the others.

“Your Majesty, we still have things to attend to, so we won’t be returning with you to the royal palace.”

Upon leaving the Tian Residence, the trio bade Emperor Shen Zhui farewell before leaving hurriedly.

Needless to say, they were going to look for Zhang laoshi.

“He is truly a god among men!” Seeing how even the three master teachers were impressed by Zhang laoshi, Emperor Shen Zhui commented in awe. After which, he turned to a eunuch and said, “Make preparations. I want to watch the Teacher Evaluation tomorrow as well!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!” the eunuch replied.

…………………………

Awhile after the three master teachers and Emperor Shen Zhui left the Tian Residence, Lu Xun and Wang Chao walked out of the mansion. The moment they left the perimeter of the residence, resentment and indignance immediately burned in their eyes.

“He is just a low-level teacher, why? Why! Dammit! Dammit!” Lu Xun howled loudly. The hatred in his eyes was so deep it could dye a river black.

He thought that the banquet for Elder Tian would be an impetus for a breakthrough, and he would successfully become Liu shi’s apprentice. Never in his dreams did he expect… such a conclusion.

The fellow he had been looking down on had trampled over his pride numerous times, riling him up so much that he was about to spurt blood.

The strong sense of humiliation he felt made him want to go on a rampage.

He, Lu Xun, as the son of the emperor’s tutor, had lived a smooth sailing life since childhood. All along, he had been the one who humiliated others. When had he ever suffered a setback of this sort?

“That fellow must have spent all of his effort and time studying painting and the Way of Tea, so his ability to impart knowledge must be bad. As long as you triumph over him in the Teacher Evaluation tomorrow, you should be able to return the shame to him,” Wang Chao said.

Even though Zhang Xuan was talented, it was impossible for him to be talented in all aspects.

Even if he were truly talented in all aspects, given the limited time and energy a human possessed, he would have to spend a bulk of his time researching painting and the Way of Tea, thus neglecting his education abilities.

The duo were still rather confident in their abilities as teachers, so they didn’t believe that they would still lose to Zhang Xuan here.

“I must win the Teacher Evaluation tomorrow.” Hearing his words, Lu Xun nodded his head.

He had been humiliated enough today. He couldn’t afford to lose to the other party anymore.

“Wang Chao, don’t you know that apothecary? I would like to buy a few pills to give it a try.”

Clenching his fists tightly, Lu Xun turned to look at his friend.

“Buy a few pills? You mean you want to…”

Upon recall, Wang Chao was horrified. He quickly shook his head, “You can’t do it! Even though that can raise your cultivation within a short period of time, it will damage the student’s foundations, making it hard for them to improve in the future….”

“I can’t care about it anymore! I must win tomorrow…. There’s no retreat for me now. As long as I win and become Liu shi’s apprentice, I will be able to become a master teacher within ten years. By then, I can easily repair the trauma they will suffer. In fact, by then, granting them a life of luxury wouldn’t mean anything to me.”

Gritting his teeth, Lu Xun’s eyes contained a frenzied gleam.

“This…” Wang Chao hesitated.

Wang Chao knew about his friend’s talents. He was just a step away from becoming an official painter, and the moment he broke through this bottleneck, he would be eligible to take the master teacher examination. Given the experience he had accumulated as a teacher in the past few years, as well as his study on master teachers, it wouldn’t be a problem for him to become a master teacher within ten years.

Once he became a master teacher, it wouldn’t be a difficult task to make up for these students’ losses.

He could easily provide them with a life of luxury then, and repairing their trauma wouldn’t be impossible whatsoever.

“Alright, we’ve no time to waste. It’s fortunate we haven’t returned the three million which we borrowed from Emperor Shen Zhui. That should be sufficient for us to buy five pills. Let’s go and buy them now. I’m going to make them raise a storm tomorrow. Not only will I triumph over Zhang Xuan, I will make everyone know that in the Hongtian Academy, I, Lu Xun, am invincible!” Flinging his sleeves, Lu Xun roared.

“OK, I’ll go take a look now….”

Knowing that Lu Xun’s mind was made up and that it was impossible for him to convince him otherwise, Wang Chao nodded his head.

What Lu Xun said made sense: there was no retreat at this point!

They had offended Yang shi in the royal palace, making it nigh impossible for them to become his apprentice.

The three master teachers had set their sights on Zhang Xuan. If the two of them were to lose, there wouldn’t be any chance for them anymore.

Their only hope was the Teacher Evaluation tomorrow. They had to make everyone know that Lu Xun was the true star teacher in Hongtian Academy, the number one teacher of the entire Tianxuan Kingdom.

And that Zhang Xuan… was nothing at all!

He wasn’t even qualified to vie with them!

………………………………

“Weren’t you going to give this painting to Elder Tian? Why did it become Liu shi’s present instead?”

Before Zhang Xuan could get too far, Huang Yu and Bai Xun caught up with him. Seated in the carriage, Zhang Xuan suddenly recalled the matter and asked.

Back then, while Huang Yu and Bai Xun were competing over the Ink Daylily Canvas, Zhang Xuan suddenly produced paintings of the fifth level, and the pair immediately bought Zhang Xuan’s works instead. Back then, it seemed that they had intended to buy his painting to present it to another as a gift, so he was curious why it became a gift from Liu shi instead. Also… where was the painting Bai Xun had bought?

“Actually, the reason why I asked for the Ink Daylily Canvas was to help Liu shi prepare a present for his teacher. Thus, it is natural that he was the one who presented it to him,” Huang Yu said. “As a junior, there’s no need for me to present such a valuable present to Elder Tian even if I attended his birthday banquet.”

“Ah…” Hearing Huang Yu’s words, Zhang Xuan immediately understood what was going on.

Indeed.

As a junior, even if she visited Elder Tian, she only had to prepare a novelty of some sort. There was no need for her to present a treasure like the Ink Daylily Canvas.

Naturally, she had done it in Liu shi’s stead. As such, it was natural for the gift to be given to Elder Tian through Liu shi’s hands.

“What about you? As Zhuang shi’s student, there should be no need for you to prepare a gift in his stead, right?”

Bai Xun’s relationship with Zhuang shi was different from the relationship Huang Yu had with Liu shi.

The latter was in an apprenticeship whereas the former was just a student. Even though the two of them sounded alike, the standing and identity of the two were on two different levels.

Huang Yu might have to look for a birthday present in Liu shi’s stead, but as a student, there shouldn’t be any need for Bai Xun to do the same.

“Actually… I…” Bai Xun scratched his head in embarrassment. “It is because Xiao Yu wanted the Ink Daylily Canvas that I asked for it as well. This way, I would have a reason to be with her…. As for why I bought the painting from Master Zhang, it is for my father. He likes painting a lot as well….”

Zhang Xuan was speechless.

It turned out that this fellow only wanted the Ink Daylily Canvas to flirt with Huang Yu.

Just the thought of it was ridiculous.

However, his choice wasn’t wrong. Only by competing with Huang Yu could he meet her every day. This way, it would make it easier for him to court her as well.

Just that, even though Bai Xun was interested in Huang Yu, the same could not be said about the latter. Most likely, the fellow was destined for heartbreak.

Bai Xun was just a student of Zhuang shi. There was no need for him to present a painting of the fifth level to Elder Tian. As an esteemed noble of the country, it wasn’t difficult for him to find another suitable gift. As a result, Elder Tian only had the painting of the wild deer, and the other one was still in Bai Xun’s possession.

“Master Zhang, I thought you didn’t know anything about the Way of Tea. Then how did you…” After a while, when Hongtian Academy was already in sight, Huang Yu couldn’t help but ask.

That fellow had clearly shown his ignorance in the subject earlier, and it didn’t seem like he was faking it. Yet how did he manage to point out the mistakes in Tian Long’s and Elder Tian’s Ways of Tea, even completely impressing Elder Tian?

“It’s true that I didn’t know anything about it….”

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Even though there were many books regarding the Way of Tea in his head, he hadn’t had the chance to browse through them yet. As a result, it wasn’t a lie to say that he didn’t know anything about the topic.

“Then…”

Huang Yu and Bai Xun were confused.

If you don’t know anything about the subject, how could you speak so confidently and stump them with your words?

Shouldn’t you come up with a better lie than that?

“I just happened to flip through a few books on the Way of Tea in the past and freely spoke of them. It was a coincidence that I managed to guessed them correctly!” Zhang Xuan replied casually.

“Freely spoke of them?”

Bai Xun and Huang Yu stared at each other speechless.

Brother, if you don’t want to tell us the truth, just say so. You won’t fool anyone with that ridiculous excuse of yours.

Do the two of us look like fools to you?

“Since we’ve arrived at the academy, I’ll be bidding you two farewell!”

Even though the duo clearly didn’t believe his words, Zhang Xuan couldn’t be bothered to explain to them. With a smile, Zhang Xuan hopped off the carriage.

He had finally arrived at Hongtian Academy.

After a few days of absence, he was curious to see how far Zhao Ya and the others had progressed.

Chapter 208: Ink

The Hongtian Academy was bustling with people.

The Freshmen Tournament was about to begin.

Ten thousand students had been enrolled in the academy, and after half a month of study, it was time to check on the results of their training.

“Who do you think will be first place in the tournament this time?”

“I still think it’s the person who got number one during the entrance examinations. Right after enrolment, his cultivation reached Fighter 2-dan. A month has passed since then, so he should be much stronger by now.”

“The Freshmen Tournament isn’t just reliant on strength. Besides, even if he was strong before his enrolment, it doesn’t mean that he will still be strong now. I’ve heard that the few new students under Lu laoshi who were going to participate in the Teacher Evaluation have all reached Fighter 2-dan. Furthermore, they weren’t his direct disciples. It will be hard to tell whether he can beat them!”

“But that guy is a student of Lu laoshi too, right? Seems like even if first place isn’t that guy, it should be someone under Lu laoshi’s tutelage.”

“Of course! Of the top five hundred in the entrance examination, at least three hundred of them have come under Lu laoshi’s tutelage. Even if they don’t want to get first place, there must be someone that can match up to them first!”

“By the way, who do you think will win in the Teacher Evaluation? Zhang Xuan laoshi or Lu laoshi?”

“Win? Are you stupid? Does that question even need to be asked? In what way is Zhang Xuan laoshi qualified to compete against Lu laoshi? Even if the Education Bureau had intentionally suppressed him, causing his Teacher Qualification Examination results to be reflected wrong, his result in the past year wasn’t terrific either!”

“Th-that’s true!”

“See! To tell you the truth, I heard that the fellow intentionally provoked Lu laoshi to make fame for himself. After causing his student’s cultivation to go berserk, he still dares to challenge Lu laoshi to a Teacher Evaluation…. I really don’t know how a person’s skin can be so thick!”

…

“The news that I’ve heard is completely different from yours. I heard that Zhang Xuan laoshi is a noble person, and has already reached Pixue realm. In order to uphold the academy’s prestige, he had been keeping mum about the matter, tolerating all of the insults by himself!”

“I’ve also heard that! Rumors have it that his student was afflicted with Innate Sealed Meridians, and he intentionally caused his student’s cultivation to go berserk so that he could surpass his limits.”

“That person is Zhao Yanfeng. I’ve met him a few times. Not only did Zhang laoshi help resolve his problem, he even helped him break through his cultivation. Right now, he’s already a Fighter 2-dan expert. Grateful to Zhang laoshi, he wanted to go under his tutelage once more. This event incurred Lu laoshi wrath, resulting in Lu laoshi challenging Zhang laoshi to the Teacher Evaluation.”

“Are you serious? Is that true?”

“It’s definitely true. I heard this info from a friend I’m familiar with.”

…

All kinds of discussions and theories floated around the place. Some said that Zhang Xuan overestimated himself, while others said that he was forced to accept the challenge. At this point, it was hard to tell what the truth was anymore.

Due to Yao Han’s intentional spreading of the news of the Education Bureau, nearly everyone in the academy was aware of it now.

However, most of the students were still hesitant to believe it.

After all, Lu Xun’s reputation in the academy was simply too great. Even though Zhang Xuan had cleansed himself of the grief from scoring a zero in the Teacher Qualification Examination, it was hard for him to establish a towering image in the hearts of the students within such a short period of time.

However, Zhang Xuan wasn’t bothered by this matter at all.

In any case, tomorrow’s Teacher Evaluation would determine everything. Rather than wasting his time on this matter, he might as well focus on raising the strength of those students of his.

Soon he arrived at his classroom.

“Zhang laoshi!”

Zhao Ya and the others were all present. Each of them were spirited and emitted a powerful aura.

“Not bad!”

Seeing the status of his students, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

He was glad that he didn’t waste his efforts.

Regardless of whether it was Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, Liu Yang, or Yuan Tao, each of them had improved significantly. They were completely different from how they were half a month ago.

Not only this, even the students who had just listened in on the lessons—Wang Tao, Wang Yan, and Zhao Yanfeng—had also improved significantly.

Even though Zhang Xuan didn’t conduct many lessons, every word in his lecture pointed straight toward the essence of cultivation. Learning under him helped them further comprehend cultivation as a topic, and naturally, this helped them raise their cultivation faster.

“What is that?”

After praising them, just when Zhang Xuan was about to start meeting them one by one, Zhang Xuan suddenly caught sight of something in the corner of the room.

There were a few pots placed by the side and the contents inside them were all pitch-black. Perplexed, Zhang Xuan asked them.

He clearly remembered not seeing such an object in the classroom before.

“Zhang laoshi, it is ink,” Wang Ying’s face flushed as she said softly.

“Ink?” Zhang Xuan was confused. “Why would there be a pot of ink in the classroom?”

What he taught was cultivation, not culture. There was no need for him or the students to paint beautiful ink paintings or write elegant calligraphy, so there was no reason for these objects to be in the classroom.

“That…”

Upon hearing his question, the several students fell into a silence of awkwardness.

“What’s wrong? Could there be a reason behind this? Yuan Tao, speak!”

Seeing the bizarre expressions on everyone’s faces, Zhang Xuan’s eyebrows shot up.

“I…”

Yuan Tao didn’t expect Zhang laoshi to single him out and his face immediately scrunched up as though he had eaten a bitter gourd. After a moment of hesitation, he said, “It’s like that. Due to the awakening of Zhao Ya xiaojie’s Pure Yin Body, she has become even more beautiful. As such, many students wish to court her….”

“Court?”

Only then did Zhang Xuan realize the change in Zhao Ya’s appearance from the awakening of the Pure Yin Body. Regardless of whether it was her looks or her nature, she seemed completely different from before. Compared to the domineering young mistress in the past, she was now an elegant young lady.

In terms of appearance, she was superior even to Shen Bi Ru. It was no wonder that other students started to admire and approach her.

“So if someone comes to find her… what is the purpose of the ink?” Zhang Xuan was even more perplexed.

Even if Zhao Ya became prettier and other men came to pester her, it would suffice to chase them away. In the academy, it was unlikely for them to go too far.

Besides, the strength of his students had risen greatly. If someone tried to harass Zhao Ya, they would likely leave with a swollen face.

By no means were Zheng Yang, Liu Yang, and Yuan Tao people who would allow others to climb over their head. It was impossible for them to watch obediently as others tried to poach Zhao Ya over to their sides.

“This… We have chased away all of the students, but…” Yuan Tao scratched his head as he laughed awkwardly. “But recently, three perverted old men had been loitering around the classroom. Based on their movements, we wouldn’t be able to defeat them. So we prepared some ink to pour on them! It’s rumored that ink can vanquish lust, and after they had been splashed by this ink, those three perverted old men should feel embarrassed to continue loitering here…”

“Perverted old men?” Zhang Xuan was perplexed. “Are you sure that they aren’t teachers of the academy?”

“I’m sure that they aren’t. I know all of the teachers in the school, but there aren’t any teachers with appearances like theirs. Just by looking at their leering faces, I’m sure that they are up to no good!” The one who spoke this time was Zheng Yang. “I kept seeing them hiding in the corner in the past few days, pointing to Zhao Ya and Wang Ying, discussing them. Sometimes, they even nodded their heads while smiling. I am sure that they are up to no good.”

“Pointing to Zhao Ya and Wang Ying and discussing them? When did such shameless fellows appear in the academy?”

From the confidence in his student’s tone, Zhang Xuan didn’t think that he was lying. His forehead wrinkled.

For old men to be peeping on and discussing sixteen, seventeen-year-old girls…. They were indeed lecherous.

“Alright!”

Zhang Xuan also agreed with their opinions that the old men were up to no good and nodded his head. “You all should be on guard. Zhao Ya and Wang Ying, don’t go out by yourselves for the next few days. If you meet those three old men again, feel free to use the ink to splash them!”

Since they were able to get into the academy, they probably had esteemed identities. It was already embarrassing for them to be stalking young girls in public, and if they were to be splashed with ink, they should probably understand how shameful their actions were and leave of their own accord.

Of course, he would try to remain in the academy for the next two days. If the old men were to strike once more, he didn’t mind teaching them a lesson personally.

“Hooray for Zhang laoshi!”

“I’ve already said that Zhang laoshi is an understanding person and he wouldn’t blame us for that….”

Upon hearing Zhang Xuan approving their actions, the students cheered happily.

“Mm, alright, let’s get down to business. Yuan Tao, follow me in first. I’ll take a look at how your cultivation is going.”

The Teacher Evaluation was tomorrow. So Zhang Xuan needed a clear idea of the current strength of his students by today. At the same time, he could offer them some instruction. Perhaps, through this, they would improve a bit more before the duel with Lu Xun’s students.

Even if it was just a mild improvement, it might just be the determining factor in the battle.

The duo walked into the partitioned room and Yuan Tao closed the door behind him. After which, Zhang Xuan gestured. “Show me your battle technique.”

“Yes!” Yuan Tao nodded his head. His fist shot out, making the wind howl. The might behind his fist was astonishing.

Even though his cultivation didn’t improve greatly, still in Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm intermediate stage, his strength was astounding. That punch of his had caused a sonic boom.

“This strength…”

Zhang Xuan was surprised.

His ability to produce a sonic boom with his fists meant that his strength and defensive ability had reached astonishing levels. Even Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm cultivators might find it difficult to endure a punch with that power.

“As expected of the Emperor’s Bloodline. Even though only ten percent of it has been awakened, it is still able to induce such an incredible growth in strength and defense!”

The unique constitutions were indeed extraordinary, befitting of their enormous reputations.

Even though Yuan Tao’s cultivation was still the lowest among his five students, his offensive and defensive abilities were extremely fearsome.

“Your cultivation still isn’t good enough. Whenever you cultivate and gather spiritual energy, you are too focused on the absorption of spiritual energy, thus failing to align your physical condition along with it. I will impart you with a cultivation method now. As long as you cultivate with it, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to reach Juxi realm advanced stage today,” said Zhang Xuan, after taking a single look.

After the other party had executed his punching routine, a new book on Yuan Tao formed in his head. After reading through the contents within, Zhang Xuan gained a clear idea of the problems and flaws in Yuan Tao’s cultivation.

“Yes!” Yuan Tao hurriedly nodded his head and turned his attention to memorizing the cultivation method. It didn’t take him long before he remembered the entire formula.

“OK, call Zhao Ya in.”

After instructing Yuan Tao on what he should do, Zhang Xuan waved him out.

Soon, Zhao Ya walked in.

The Pure Yin Body was indeed incredible. Upon its awakening, Zhao Ya exuded the disposition of a fairy from the upper realms who had descended onto the mortal world.

Not to mention, Zhao Ya was originally a beautiful maiden. With the augmentation from her constitution, every single movement of hers exuded indescribable grace.

“Given her looks and nature, any male students matched against her will immediately admit his defeat upon seeing her smile.”

The heavens were indeed unfair. Given Zhao Ya’s outer appearance, if her opponent was a male, he might not even try to lay his hands on her.

“Show me your battle technique!”

“Yes!” Zhao Ya nodded her head, clenched her fist, and punched out.

Huhuhu!

The sound of wind filled the entire room.

“Your strength…”

After a book was formed in the library, Zhang Xuan flipped it open and took a look. The next instant, his eyes widened in disbelief.

How… could this be possible?

Huala! Boom!

“What are you all doing?”

“The nerve!”

Just as Zhang Xuan was about to speak, he heard the sound of a pot shattering. After which, furious roars resounded.

“What’s going on?”

Frowning, Zhang Xuan immediately walked out of the room.

Chapter 209: Poison Hall

It was already chaotic outside. Zheng Yang was wielding a spear whereas Wang Ying was in a battle stance. Meanwhile Yuan Tao was carrying the tables and chairs in the classroom, glaring fiercely at the intruders.

At the entrance of the classroom, ink was splattered all over the floor. There were three fellows who were drenched black standing at the entrance, fuming.

Clearly, just when they were about to enter, Zhang Xuan’s students immediately threw ink at them.

“Zhang laoshi, these are the three shameless men who had been peeping on us everyday….”

“To still be peeping on girls at your age, don’t you feel embarrassed?”

Upon seeing Zhang Xuan walk out, Yuan Tao and Liu Yang hurriedly shouted at the trio.

However, before they could finish speaking, they saw the mouth of the usually calm Zhang laoshi twitch, then his entire body staggered, and it seemed as though he was about to fall to the ground.

“Liu shi, Zhuang shi, Zheng shi… Why are you all here?”

Zhang Xuan was on the verge of tears.

Back then, when he heard his students say that there were three lecherous old men hiding by the corner peeping on them, Zhang Xuan took their words as truth. Never in his wildest dreams could he have expected that it would be the three master teachers.

As master teachers… they could just walk in through the front door to look for me. Disguising themselves and hiding in the corner, what were they up to?

Due to that, a misunderstanding arose and they were splattered with ink, causing this awkward situation….

Not just that, they were even criticized as shameless and lecherous….

“Liu shi?”

“Zhuang shi?”

“Zheng shi?”

Hearing the words that Zhang laoshi uttered, Zheng Yang, Zhao Ya, and the others staggered.

The three master teachers arriving at the capital was a huge affair, and the students in Hongtian Academy had already long since heard of the event. Naturally, they also knew of their names as well.

Initially, they thought that the few old men who had come to peep on them were just lewd perverts who were lusting over Zhao Ya’s beauty. To think that it would actually be the famous three master teachers in the capital….

Weren’t master teachers supposed to be prestigious figures who were difficult to even catch a glimpse of?

Why did they suddenly appear here and stalk them?

“Zhang laoshi, are you mistaken? Where can one find master teachers who act so pervertedly, wearing these kinds of clothes and hiding in the corner, afraid of us noticing them?” Zheng Yang couldn’t help from saying.

“Mistaken?”

Zhang Xuan nearly choked on his spit.

The hell, what was with the students he was teaching!

Other people usually brought trouble to their father and their grandfather. Yet his students were clearly intent on preparing his grave for him.

The other party were all master teachers. With a single stomp of their legs, even Emperor Shen Zhui would cower in fear. Yet, not only did you all not apologize after splattering ink on them, you even said that they were perverted….

Perverted your head!

Frankly, I really want you all to admit that it was your fault. This way, the problem can be settled easily.

How do you expect me to deal with such a situation?

Zhang Xuan felt so depressed that he could cry. On the other hand, the three master teachers felt so infuriated that their lips were twitching nonstop. They felt so humiliated by this affair that the thought of suicide passed through their minds.

Right after leaving Elder Tian’s residence, they immediately rushed to the academy and headed to Zhang Xuan’s classroom. Yet the moment they walked in, they saw pitch-black ink flying right at them. Stunned by the sight before them, they didn’t even have the time to react….

The hell is going on?

‘We are master teachers. Regardless of where we go, we are influential figures who are held in high regard. Yet why were we splashed with ink here? Why are we treated as perverts here?

‘If word spreads, how can we face others?’

“Zhang laoshi, I am certain that it is the three of them. In the past two days, they have been loitering around the classroom, peeping on us. I find it hard to believe that they don’t have any bad intentions in mind….”

Afraid that Zhang laoshi might not believe Zheng Yang’s words, Wang Ying added on.

“I can also vouch for it! Even if they were reduced to ashes, I would recognize them!” Liu Yang said decisively.

“Shut your traps!”

Seeing how these students were so unreliable and getting worse with their words, Zhang Xuan couldn’t stand it any longer.

After bellowing at his students, he mustered his courage and walked up. “Master teachers, I apologize for bringing you all trouble. I will teach them a lesson later….”

“There’s no need to worry about it!”

“The ignorant aren’t guilty….”

“Forget it, it’s our mistake as well!”

Liu Ling, Zhuang Xian, and Zheng Fei squeezed out smiles on their crying faces.

“Yuan Tao, Zheng Yang, hurry up and buy some clothes for the three master teachers.”

Seeing that the trio didn’t intend to pursue this matter, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Kicking Yuan Tao and Zheng Yang’s rears, he roared.

“Yes, yes!”

At this moment, everyone finally understood that these three lecherous old men were true master teachers. Their faces immediately turned green with fear.

There wasn’t anyone in this world who didn’t know how fearsome a master teacher was. Yet they threw ink in the faces of three master teachers instantly, reducing them to such states….

They truly felt like crying now.

But… it really wasn’t intentional.

Who could have thought that noble master teachers would disguise themselves and loiter around their classroom to peep at them, even talking about them?

“This… Master teachers, have you been hanging around here for the past few days?” asked Zhang Xuan after getting a towel for the trio to wipe away the ink from their faces.

As master teachers, instead of indulging yourselves in the luxuries in the royal palace, why would you all come here?

Even if you want to take me as your apprentice, upon knowing that I’m not here, there shouldn’t be any reason for you all to be hanging around my students, talking about them.

“We… we…”

Hearing Zhang Xuan’s straightforward words, the three master teachers’ mouths opened, but they couldn’t say a single word due to awkwardness.

What could they say?

That they’d heard of his deeds, and that they wanted to see it for themselves?

Peeping on his students to gather information on him…. They would have to abandon their prestige as master teachers to say such words!

“I have an old friend in Hongtian Academy and he happened to be free the past few days. So we’ve been coming around to see him. Also, the atmosphere is not bad, so… we thought that it would be good to spend our time here,” the quick-witted Zheng Fei said with a smile.

“Atmosphere is not bad?”

Zhang Xuan looked at them with strangely.

He had seen people who could speak lies with a straight face, but he had never seen someone who could spout such an obvious lie so brazenly.

‘My classroom is at the very corner of the academy, the worst location in the compound. How inexperienced of the world must you be to think that the atmosphere is not bad?

‘Besides, do you have friends in Hongtian Academy?

‘Why haven’t I heard of it?

‘If you really have friends here, you would have come much earlier than this!’

“Oh, is that the case? My students are still inexperienced, that’s why they thought that you were up to no good. Please pay them no heed….”

In order to prevent the atmosphere from turning awkward, Zhang Xuan didn’t expose the blatant lie.

Soon, Yuan Tao and Zheng Yang returned with new clothes. After the three master teachers changed into them, they felt much more comfortable.

“Zhang laoshi, you should probably know the reason why we came to look for you?”

Regaining the disposition of a master teacher, Liu Ling looked at the young man before him with a smile.

After the past few days of observation, they were extremely pleased with both Zhang laoshi and his students. They would have truly won the lottery if they could accept an apprentice of such caliber under their wings.

Knowing that the three of them were true master teachers, the several students immediately focused all of their attention onto the conversation between them to see what was going on.

“I can roughly guess. The three master teachers hope to take me in as your apprentice, right?”

Knowing that he had to face this sooner or later, Zhang Xuan dived right into the subject.

“Apprentice?”

“The three master teachers want to accept Zhang laoshi as their apprentice?”

“If Zhang laoshi accepts it, he would be an assistant master teacher?”

…

Upon hearing those words, the faces of Zhao Ya and the others immediately flushed with excitement.

The dream of all teachers was to become a master teacher, and the requirement of being an apprentice of a master teacher eventually turned out to be the barrier preventing them from attaining their dream.

Only when one became a master teacher’s apprentice would one have the chance to become a master teacher.

Instead of finding Lu Xun laoshi, the three master teachers came straight for Zhang laoshi. How could they not be excited?

“Mhm, that’s right. The three of us have such an intention. You can feel free to choose whomever you wish to join!”

Upon seeing that the other party understood the situation, Liu Ling nodded his head with satisfaction.

“Feel free to choose whomever he wishes to join?”

His students were so excited they wanted to jump up and down.

That’s to say that all three of the master teachers had their sights set on Zhang laoshi?

“This…” Zhang Xuan scratched his head embarrassed. “May I reject the offer?”

Putong! Putong! Putong!

Zhao Ya and the others fell to the floor.

For someone to reject becoming the apprentice of a master teacher?

Surely we heard wrong!

“Reject?”

Unable to believe their ears, Liu Ling and the others were stunned.

“Yes!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Possessing the Library of Heaven’s Path, Zhang Xuan was destined for great heights. Honestly, Zhang Xuan found Liu Ling and the others… nowhere near good enough.

“We understand that we’re being a little too rash on the matter, so you need not hurry to give us your reply. How about this, we’ll give you some time to consider the matter. It isn’t too late to reply to us tomorrow!”

Not expecting the other party to reject him, Liu Ling knew that he had been a little rash on this matter and smiled awkwardly.

“It’s alright to answer tomorrow as well. Give it a good thought today. Without the identity of an assistant master teacher and a master teacher’s recommendation, it is impossible for one to take the master teacher examination,” Zhuang Xian added.

“Indeed. Given your capability and your talents, it is a waste if you don’t become a master teacher….” Zheng Fei chirped in as well.

“Oh… I will think over the matter then!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Zhang Xuan had decided to take the master teacher examination, but he was reluctant to acknowledge any of these three fellows as his teacher.

It wasn’t for any other reason…

Than because these three had been trying to become Yang shi’s students.

They were giving their all to become his students while trying to take Zhang Xuan as their student…. What in the world was this….

“Mm! That’s good. We’ll come over tomorrow then.”

Seeing that the other party didn’t directly reject them, they heaved sighs of relief.

“Right, Liu shi, Zhuang shi, and Liu shi, I happen to have a question to ask you three.”

Seeing that the other party didn’t persist on the matter, Zhang Xuan thought of the poison aura in his body and opened his mouth to ask the question.

“Oh? Feel free to speak of whatever it is that’s on your mind! As long as it’s something we know of, we’ll try our best to help you.” Liu Ling stroked his beard.

“Since that’s the case, I would like to ask where I can find books on 【Poison】. The more, the better,” Zhang Xuan spoke.

As Zhang Xuan had no idea what the poison aura in his body was, it would be hard for him to ask the master teachers about it. Also, it might also result in unnecessary trouble, so he might as well just ask them for books.

In any case, as long as there were sufficient books on poison, through the Library of Heaven’s Path, Zhang Xuan should be able to easily find out what poison it was, and solving the problem would be simple then.

“Books regarding poison?”

Not expecting the young man before them to ask such a question, the three master teachers exchanged glances.

“In the field of poison, no one can surpass the 【Poison Hall】!” After hesitating for a moment, Liu Ling said this with a grim expression.

“Poison Hall?”

Zhang Xuan was confused.

Even though there were many books regarding poison in the Tianxuan Kingdom Book Collection Vault, there wasn’t any record of such a location. Thus, this was the first time Zhang Xuan was hearing the term as well.

“Yeah, Poison Hall!”

Liu Ling nodded his head.

Chapter 210: Teacher Acknowledgement (First Half)

“Actually, the Poison Hall refers to the Poison Master Guild!”

“Poison Master Guild?” Zhang Xuan blinked his eyes blankly.

Since it’s a guild, it should be called Poison Master Guild just like the Apothecary Guild, Blacksmith Guild, and Teachers Guild. Why would it be called the Poison Hall?

The name sounded eerie.

“Do you feel like since it’s a guild, it should just name itself as a guild just like the others? Are you wondering why it would be called the bizarre name of Poison Hall?” Seeing through Zhang Xuan’s doubts, Liu Ling explained, “Actually, this has something to do with the identity of Poison Masters.

“Poison Masters are adept in utilizing poison. Often, their means can get through the guard of others, inducing massive fear against them. Reviling their underhanded means, they are classified in the Lower Nine Paths. On the other hand, due to their fearsome means, countless experts of the continent allied together to deal with the Poison Master Guild. Back then, when the guild was destroyed, countless poison masters died in the ordeal.

“Afterwards, even though they had managed to pass down their heritage, in fear of the same thing occurring to them once more, they dared not appear in the world. As a result, they secretly formed the Poison Hall and hid amid the mountains and rivers. This is precisely the reason why even though there are poison masters, they are hard to find within the kingdom. If one has to speak of a place which has the most books on poison, it has to be here. It’s just that even I cannot confirm its exact location.”

Liu Ling shook his head.

“Ah…”

Zhang Xuan smiled wryly.

In the end, Liu Ling’s words turned out to be pointless.

What Zhang Xuan needed now were books on poison. If he was unable to find the Poison Hall, there wasn’t any point listening to all of this.

“Playing with poison is extremely dangerous. Many poison masters, in order to concoct more potent poisons, often use their own bodies as test subjects. As such, very few of them live for long. Very few people want to come into contact with poison without sufficient reason. Zhang laoshi, may I know what you intend to do by asking for books of this kind?”

The three master teachers were perplexed.

Due to the lethal nature of poison, unless one possessed a great hatred for someone stronger than them and needed the strength of poison to exact their vengeance, very few people would dabble in it.

Even if people didn’t try the poison they concocted for themselves, coming into contact with poison daily would also result in minute doses of it being absorbed into their body daily. Eventually, it would accumulate, so most poison masters couldn’t live for long. This had also caused most of their personalities to be eccentric.

It could be said that just speaking of this occupation was sufficient to leave people apprehensive. Very few people would be willing to come into contact with it. This Zhang laoshi refused to become their apprentice and asked them about this matter instead. The master teachers couldn’t stop from feeling curious about this matter.

“I am just asking out of curiosity.” Zhang Xuan smiled.

He couldn’t speak about the matter of him being poisoned. Otherwise, it would lead to questions like “Why isn’t the poison acting up?” or “Why is your zhenqi so pure?” and eventually, it might expose the existence of the Library of Heaven’s Path.

This item was his greatest secret, and he would never tell anyone about it.

Seeing that the other party was unwilling to say anything about the matter, Liu Ling asked no further either. After pondering for a moment, he added, “Actually, even though I don’t know the exact location of the Poison Hall, I’ve heard that there is a Poison Hall branch in the Red Lotus Ridge, which is in the extreme northwest of Tier 1 Tianwu Kingdom. Of course, this is only hearsay. As for whether there is truly a branch there, I can’t really confirm it.”

“Tier 1 Tianwu Kingdom?” Zhang Xuan nodded his head. A book regarding the country appeared in his head.

If they had a 1-star master teacher backing the country, it would be eligible to be ranked as a Tier 2 Kingdom.

Given how Tianxuan Kingdom had no master teachers at all, it could only be considered as an unranked kingdom.

Tianwu Kingdom was the strongest kingdom of the surrounding territories reaching the level of Tier 1. It was even higher ranked than the Beiwu Kingdom Liu Ling came from. It was said that there was a 2-star master teacher backing the country.

This country wasn’t too far from Tianxuan Kingdom. They could even be considered as close neighbors since they both bordered the Red Lotus Ridge.

“Other than the Poison Hall, the Master Teacher Pavilion also has books on all occupations. Plenty of them are on poison too. Even though the quantity and quality can’t be compared to the former, the size of its collection far exceeds that of some countries. If you only wish to gain an understanding of the occupation, you should visit the Master Teacher Pavilion to take a look. But of course, if you wish to enter the book collection vault, you have to first pass the master teacher examination.”

Zhuang Xian smiled. It seemed like he hadn’t given up on the idea of having Zhang Xuan come under him as his apprentice.

“Master Teacher Pavilion?”

“Yeah. Even though master teachers come into the Teachers Guild in name, due to their prestigious identity, the guild isn’t capable of interfering in their affairs. Thus, another autonomous organization was created to govern the master teachers and conduct examinations. It’s known as the Master Teacher Pavilion.”

Zhuang Xian added, “The Master Teacher Pavilion is actually just like any other guild. The treasures and secret manuals within are only accessible by master teachers. Its book collection vault contains the knowledge of countless occupations, so there’s surely books regarding poison there.”

“Oh!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

It seemed that if he wasn’t able to find the Poison Hall, becoming a master teacher and entering the book collection vault of the Master Teacher Pavilion could solve his current problem too.

“Alright, we hope that you can give this matter more thought. Given your talent, as long as you study diligently, you will surely be able to become a master teacher one day. You shouldn’t think too much about other things.”

The four of them chatted awhile longer, but upon seeing that the young man seemed to be truly disinterested in becoming their apprentice, Liu Ling offered Zhang Xuan advice before leaving with the other two.

They knew that it was best to slowly convince a talented teacher like Zhang Xuan instead of pressuring him. Perhaps he might truly change his mind within a couple of days. If they were to keep persistently questioning him about the matter, it might have the opposite effect instead.

After the trio left, the several students immediately ran up to Zhang laoshi. Admiration glimmered in their eyes.

Did you see that? Other teachers would definitely lose their mind upon hearing that a master teacher wanted to accept them as their student, yet our Zhang laoshi simply rejected three master teachers calmly….

Isn’t he too incredible!

“Don’t give me those looks. I haven’t settled the score with you all from the recent event!”

Zhang Xuan’s complexion darkened.

These brats had actually said that the three master teachers were lecherous peeping toms. It was fortunate that it was only ink and the other party didn’t intend to pursue the matter. Otherwise, even Zhang Xuan would be stumped by this problem.

After rebuking them, he went ahead to guide them one by one. After all was said and done, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of satisfaction.

Even though these fellows were mischievous and unreliable, they were extremely serious in their training, not slacking off in the least.

Other than Yuan Tao, his other students had all reached Fighter 2-dan Dantian realm.

Initially, he thought that the one who would improve the most would be Zheng Yang, but contrary to his expectations, it turned out to be the weak-looking Wang Ying.

In just a short few days, her cultivation had soared. Not only did she break through the Fighter 2-dan barrier, she reached the pinnacle of Fighter 2-dan intermediate stage, and she was currently just a step away from reaching advanced stage!

The rate of her improvement was nothing short of shocking.

Even though this lass may seem airheaded on the surface and she blushed easily when speaking with others, she actually possessed an extraordinarily determined will. When she hardened her resolve to accomplish something, not even Zhao Ya would be able to best her.

His other students had also done well.

However, that was to be expected. After all, he had imparted them with the cultivation techniques and battle techniques compiled by the library. If they were unable to achieve such a level of improvement, it would truly be embarrassing.

Through the library, Zhang Xuan could tell that his five students had been secretly cultivating a joint attack formation. Taking a single look, there weren’t any disadvantages to the formation. Instead, it augmented their combined fighting power.

As long as they weren’t fooling around, Zhang Xuan wouldn’t interfere in their affairs.

Nurturing a student was different from raising a plant or a pet. A teacher ought to guide them onto the right path and impart them knowledge to help with their cultivation. Otherwise, if a teacher restricted them in whatever they did, they would lose their independence, becoming nothing more than puppets.

It was just like how the rote learning method in Zhang Xuan’s previous life had killed the creativity of numerous children, mass producing adults who were only capable of testing well.

Right after finishing his lecture, Zhang Xuan would leave the classroom. In fact, there were times he would stay out for several days. While there were compelling reasons for his absence, Zhang Xuan wasn’t being irresponsible. Rather, he was worried that if he kept interfering in their training, it might impede them from becoming true experts in the future.

A true teacher should impart knowledge and guide students, but not restrain them.

“In order to take the master teacher examination, I need to become an apprentice…. But I don’t want to acknowledge Liu Ling and the others as my teacher….”

After instructing his students one by one, Zhang Xuan fell into a dilemma once more.

Apprentice, master teacher; master teacher, apprentice. It felt cyclical, leaving Zhang Xuan with a splitting headache.

‘Right, I can choose to become my own apprentice instead!’

After being conflicted for a period of time, a thought abruptly appeared in Zhang Xuan’s mind.

Other than Zhang Xuan, wasn’t he “Yang shi” as well?

In the minds of others, Yang shi was a master teacher as well. If Zhang Xuan became his apprentice, wasn’t he also qualified to take the master teacher examination? Even if Yang shi was unable to provide a recommendation letter for him, he could ask Liu Ling and the others to do so in his place.

When “Yang shi” asks for a favor, who wouldn’t comply?

“I’ll do it that way then!”

Chuckling softly, Zhang Xuan left the academy and headed toward his mansion.

If he wanted to become Yang shi’s apprentice, “Yang shi” had to speak.

……………………

Leaving the academy, Liu Ling and the others smiled bitterly at their failure of being unable to take Zhang Xuan as their apprentice.

Putting aside a remote country like Tianxuan Kingdom, even in Beiwu Kingdom and Hanwu Kingdom, as long as they showed the slightest bit of intention of taking an apprentice, countless star teachers would come fighting for the position.

Yet they had revealed their intentions clearly to this fellow, only to be rejected by him…. They very much so wondered what was in his head.

“To be able to reach an astounding level of mastery in painting, pill forging, and the Way of Tea at such a young age, it is natural for him to be complacent!” Liu Ling commented, remembering the varied and incredible feats the other party had done.

“Indeed! We need not hurry. Tomorrow is the Teacher Evaluation between him and Lu Xun. Perhaps he’s thinking of achieving a flawless victory before coming under us. This way, it would be much more justified and glorious,” Zhuang Xian guessed upon remembering the event.

“That’s possible…”

The other two nodded their heads in unison.

The reason for his rejection might be due to this matter as well.

Otherwise, even if he was unwilling to become their student, would he be willing to give up on the opportunity to become eligible for the master teacher examination?

This was the pursuit of all teachers in the world. It was just like becoming an expert in the path of cultivation, it was something that no one in the occupation would be able to resist.

“We must come over to watch tomorrow’s duel. However, before that… should we deal with our personal affairs first?” Liu Ling suddenly said.

“You mean… acknowledging Yang shi as our teacher?”

Zhuang Xian’s eyes lit up.

It was impossible for a person to only have a single master in their entire life. This logic applied to master teachers too. Upon reaching higher levels, one could acknowledge another teacher to learn from them.

“Indeed. Since Yang shi was able to easily help Shen Hong and Zheng Fei achieve breakthroughs, it is clear that his methods are much more advanced than ours. If we can acknowledge him as our teacher, we might be able to break through our bottleneck and gain the qualification to become 2-star master teachers. In fact… we might even pass with a single attempt with his guidance!”

The more Liu Ling said, the brighter his eyes shone.

A good teacher would be beneficial to their future development.

After the past few incidents, Yang shi had fully displayed his extraordinary capabilities. If they could acknowledge him as their teacher, they might be able to reach greater heights…

Reaching the level in their dreams, but beyond their reach.

Chapter 211: Teacher Acknowledgement (Second Half)

“To qualify for the 2-star master teacher examination, besides possessing two supporting occupations, one’s cultivation must also be at least of Zongshi realm. Throughout the years, we have visited countless experts to seek advice on our cultivation, but even so, we are unable to make the final breakthrough. Our only hope is with Yang shi!”

Zhuang Xian nodded his head as well.

When one becomes a Zongshi, his lifespan is increased. Just this in itself is an allure that no one is able to resist. Having been stuck in Half-Zongshi for a very long time, they had visited numerous 2-star master teachers, but even so, were unable to make that final leap forward.

A few days ago, when they witnessed Yang shi guide the dying Shen Hong to achieve a breakthrough, they could no longer hold themselves back.

Since Shen Hong was able to do it, they are definitely able to do it as well!

However, that is only if… Yang shi is willing to guide them.

“No matter what, we should give it another try. Perhaps, we might be able to succeed.”

Zheng Fei said.

Since the moment Yang shi assisted him to reach Half-Zongshi, the intention to acknowledge him as his teacher had already sprouted in him. But back then, his intentions were disregarded and he didn’t dare to ask any further.

But now, even Liu shi and Zhuang shi are trying hard, so naturally, he can’t lag behind them.

“Alright, let’s go and take a look!”

As they thought of this, the three master teachers hesitated no more and headed straight for the mansion.

………………………………

“Brother Lu, I’ve bought the pills. Do you want to reconsider the matter? Are you really going to use it?”

In Lu Xun’s classroom, Wang Chao stared at his good friend with worry.

Even though these pills can generate a massive boost in one’s cultivation within a short timespan, there are heavy repercussions on the user’s body.

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” Receiving the pills from his friend’s hands, Lu Xun hesitated for a moment before commanding his students.

Shortly, the students, whose name were on the Teacher Evaluation name list, appeared before him.

Zhu Hong, Mo Xiao, Du Lei, Bao Chao, and Kong Jie!

“Teacher!”

These five stood erect before Lu Xun, and every single one of them exuded a deep and powerful aura. After half a month of cultivation, just like Zheng Yang and the others, they had all reached Fighter 2-dan Dantian realm.

However, unlike Wang Ying and the others, they had all reached Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm pinnacle, even before they acknowledged Lu Xun as their teacher, and all they were lacking was just an impetus for their breakthrough.

Even Kong Jie, who is slightly inferior to the other four, with various resources focused on him, managed to achieve a breakthrough.

“Here is a pill. Consuming this pill expands your dantian, allowing you to achieve a breakthrough by tonight to reach Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm! This way, you will definitely be able to achieve victory in the Teacher Evaluation.”

Lifting the pills in his hands, Lu Xun scanned the faces of his students. Without hiding anything, he spoke of the flaws of the pill as well.

“However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Since it is able to help someone achieve a breakthrough so quickly, naturally, there are side effects. After reaching Zhenqi realm, your cultivation speed will be decreased to be 70% of what it was previously.”

“However, as long as I become a master teacher, I will make sure to resolve this issue. I will even accept you as my direct disciples and oversee your training personally.”

“Of course… The choice is up to you. I will not force any of you. If you were to lose, it will only mean that our relationship as teacher and student has come to an end!”

After which, he placed the pill down and looked at them.

Even though he had made his choice and bought the pills, he nevertheless left the final decision in the hands of his students. He desired victory but was still unable to bring himself to force his students to consume the pills against their will.

There is a boundary that teachers should never cross.

Teachers have their own dignity as well.

Having taught innumerable students over so many years, he couldn’t bear to stoop to such unscrupulous means for victory.

“I believe in Lu laoshi.” Without hesitating for long, Zhu Hong stepped forward.

Training by the conventional route, it is nigh impossible to reach Zhenqi realm without two to three years of effort. If this pill can allow one to achieve it in a single night, so what if their future cultivation will be affected?

Who can guarantee that their cultivation would be smooth-sailing?

Furthermore, once they become a direct disciple of Lu laoshi, this won’t be a problem.

When studying under the same teacher, there is a huge difference between a normal student and a direct disciple.

Usually, when a teacher imparts knowledge, it was done with hundreds of people in attendance. Thus, it is impossible to offer pointers tailored to personal needs to every single student. In the case of normal students, they will have to undergo trial and error in order to find their way forward. It is as though a huge pot of vegetable being seasoned with the same seasoning, the flavor will only be average at best.

However, being a direct disciple is different. It is as though a vegetable specially cooked in a small pot. His teacher holds personal consultations, offering one pointer so that he will not waste his time on useless things. Even if the pill does affect their growth, with this kind of guidance, they will still be in for a bright future.

Thinking of this, Zhu Hong made a stand and swiftly swallowed the pill.

The pill, upon being placed in his mouth, melted immediately, turning into a surge of unique energy which gushed through his meridians.

Seeing that Zhu Hong had made his decision so quickly, Lu Xun nodded his head in satisfaction. He placed his hands on the other party’s back and slowly infused zhenqi into the other party’s body, guiding this surge of energy.

After an unknown period of time, with a crisp sound, Zhu Hong stood up abruptly, exhaled a mouthful of turbid breath, and the aura he exuded amplified greatly.

Fighter 3-dan, Zhenqi realm!

Just as Lu Xun had said, consuming the pill raised his cultivation by an entire level.

“Incredible… I want to give it a try as well!”

Witnessing the person achieve a breakthrough successfully, Mo Xiao, Du Lei, Bai Chao, and Kong Jie could no longer hold themselves back and walked forward simultaneously.

The rest of them had made up their minds as well.

If Lu laoshi really becomes a master teacher, as his direct disciple, their standing would definitely soar by leaps and bounds. With that in mind, they chose to take the pill as well.

Soon, all of them reached Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm.

“Good, good!”

Seeing that all five students had reached Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm, Lu Xun’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

Putting aside the freshmen, their current strength would allow them to compete even against top students who had been in the academy for several years.

“Tomorrow will be the day where I, Lu Xun, perform before everyone else. I shall astonish the entire academy and silence all of those discussions behind my back!”

Clenching his fists tightly, Lu Xun regained the confidence which he lost during the day and roared mightily.

So what if he is skilled in the Way of Tea? So what if he is a grandmaster painter?

As a teacher, I, Lu Xun,… am not inferior to anyone!

You three master teachers, I will show you tomorrow that I am the best choice you can make!

…………………………

“Old master, the three master teachers have been waiting for you for a very long time.”

Returning to the residence, Sun Qiang immediately stepped forward to welcome Yang shi.

“They’re here?”

He was considering whether to send someone to invite them, but it turned out that the three fellows were even more enthusiastic than him. Zhang Xuan chuckled lightly.

Walking into the lounge, he saw the three master teachers seated, and upon seeing Yang shi enter the room, their eyes glittered with excitement.

“Liu Ling (Zhuang Xian, Zheng Fei) pays respect to Yang shi!”

The trio bowed immediately.

“May I know what you three have for me, visiting me at such a late hour?”

Zhang Xuan sat down and instructed for a cup of tea. After a long and slow sip, he finally turned to look at them, his expression impassive.

After a trip to the Tian Residence and the academy, the sun had already set by the time Zhang Xuan arrived at the mansion.

“Yang shi, the three of us earnestly wish to acknowledge you as our teacher, and we hope that you can accept us!”

Liu Ling and the others quickly stood up, clasped their hands, and bowed deeply. Anxious, they sneaked glances at Zhang Xuan.

Age doesn’t determine knowledge. Even though they are significantly older than Yang shi, the other party is clearly more capable than them. Age isn’t a determining factor for one to acknowledge a teacher.

“You wish to acknowledge me as your teacher?”

Lifting his cup, Zhang Xuan removed the floating tea leaves elegantly. Even as he spoke those words, there wasn’t the slightest hint of emotion on his face.

After having disguised himself for the past few days, he is no longer the amateur whom anyone could see through easily. Every single movement of his carries authority and magnanimity.

The atmosphere in the room stilled.

“Yes. Even though the three of us aren’t talented, we can serve by your side and share your burdens.”

The breathing of the three master teachers hastened.

The last few time that they were here, they did express their intention to acknowledge Yang shi as their teacher, but they hadn’t spoken of it clearly. Now that they’ve said it out loud, if they were to get rejected, it would be over.

“If I’m not wrong, the reason why you all wish to acknowledge me as your teacher is that your cultivation has reached a bottleneck, and you are unable to achieve a breakthrough. If you were to become my student, you might be able to make this final step and advance further.”

Without even lifting his head, Zhang Xuan’s voice was indifferent, as though a block of silent ice.

“Ah… Yes!”

Having their intentions exposed, Liu Ling and the others blushed in embarrassment.

“Seems that you are honest!”

Seeing that they didn’t deny the matter, Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

“We hope that Yang shi can fulfill our wish!”

Liu Ling and the others gritted their teeth.

Zhang Xuan didn’t reply. Instead, he slowly put down his teacup, stood up, and walked to the center of the room.

The three master teachers were wondering what he was going to do when a calm voice suddenly sounded.

“I, Yang shi, have traveled and visited countless countries. I prefer to live a quiet and tranquil life, so I don’t reveal my identity easily. You probably haven’t heard of my name, even in the other countries, am I right?”

“Yes!”

When they heard the name ‘Yang Xuan’, they had specially looked into the matter, but there isn’t such a person in the surrounding kingdoms. Back then, they thought that the latter was simply using this fake name to impersonate a master teacher, but from the looks of it now, it seems like Yang shi had just been keeping a low profile.

“If I don’t want others to know that I am a master teacher, even if you were to check with the Master Teacher Pavilion, you won’t be able to find anything.”

Zhang Xuan said. “However, in Tianxuan Kingdom, I revealed my identity, even helping others with their problems. Do you know why?”

The reason why Zhang Xuan said all of that in advance was to lay the foundations so that they wouldn’t doubt his identity. After all, the name ‘Yang Xuan’ is fake, and they won’t be able to find this name in the Master Teacher Pavilion if they were to check.

With these words, not only would the other party not doubt his words when they are unable to find it, they will even feel reverence for him.

For his identity to be unable to found in the Master Teacher Pavilion… How incredible does he have to be?

“We apologize for our ignorance!”

Liu Ling and the others stared at Yang shi.

Actually, they had felt perplexed on this point as well.

If such an incredible master teacher really chooses to blend in with the crowd, who will be able to tell his true identity?

Yet, everyone in Tianxuan Kingdom found out about his identity.

“During my travel, I happened to meet a competent youngster. Very satisfied with him, I accepted him as my direct disciple. However… I won’t be staying here for long, and afraid that he might be oppressed by others, I revealed my status intentionally so as to give him a title.”

With both hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan stood erect at the center of the hall, as though a towering mountain.

“A competent youngster? Accepted him as a direct disciple?”

Liu Ling and the others stared at one another. Suddenly, they thought of something and their eyes narrowed. “Can it be that… Can it be that… Yang shi’s direct disciple is… Hongtian Academy’s Zhang Xuan laoshi?”

If that is the case, everything makes sense.

For a low-level teacher at a remote kingdom to be able to come up with such incredible theories and become a grandmaster painter, expert tea master, and more importantly… reject the apprenticeship of the three master teachers.

Probably, only a student of Yang shi is able to do so.

Zhang Xuan was delighted to observe that the other side had caught quickly, and he was able to save his saliva, nodding his head in satisfaction.

“Un, Zhang Xuan is my direct disciple. If you want to come under my tutelage… That would mean that he’s your…”

“Senior!”