Chapter 409

Chapter 409: The Crown Prince’s Decision

“Your Highness, you must redress my grievance! Kill that fellow to avenge me!”

In a sealed room, a woman whose entire face was swollen kneeled on the floor as she screeched.

It was Princess Consort Lin Long, who had been subjected to a violent beating several days ago.

She had applied some medicine, and her pain had alleviated. However, the swelling had yet to calm down, and her appearance was still hideous.

Seated in front of her was a young man of around thirty-four-year-old. His face was distinctly shaped and, from the occasional authoritative disposition which leaked out of him, one could tell that he was a person of high standing.

He was the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Ding Mu!

“Avenge?”

Pah!

Ding Mu’s face turned scarlet as he kicked the body of the other party. His body trembled lightly in rage as he bellowed, “Do you know who you offended? How dare you ask me to avenge you?”

When Lin Long left the Eastern Palace, Ding Mu happened to be out. After receiving the news, he immediately rushed back to the Palace to see what was going on. However, he was still too late.

After learning that his wife had been beaten to a tragic state, he immediately sent his men to look into it, and he was nearly scared out of his wits.

A genius who broke innumerable records, and on top of that, he had an unfathomable teacher…

Of all the people your Lin Clan could offend, why in the world did you have to offend such a powerful figure!

Avenge? How in the world do I avenge you?

Not many people knew about Su shi and Ling shi’s arrival at Tianwu Kingdom, and even official master teachers weren’t able to dig out the matter easily. But even so, the fact that Liang Qingming wasn’t a match for the other party was an issue.

Given how the other party was capable of rendering a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert and the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast helpless with just a harrumph, even if the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom were to come together, it wouldn’t be a match for him!

If I were to try to avenge you, won’t the entire kingdom be doomed?

You must be joking!

“Of course I know who he is, a 2-star master teacher from the Master Teacher Pavilion who has a master who seems to be a 4-star master teacher!” Kicked by Ding Mu, Lin Long didn’t panic. Instead, she sneered coldly.

Naturally, she also ordered her men to look into the matter.

“Since you know, then what are you spouting nonsense for? To become a 4-star master teacher, one has to be at minimum Transcendent Mortal realm. That kind of expert is a powerful figure even within the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, needless to say Xuanyuan Kingdom. He isn’t someone that you or I can offend!”

Waving grandly, Ding Mu had finally decided. “Alright, let’s forget about this matter. Don’t ever bring it up again!”

“Don’t make up your mind so quickly!”

Lin Long stood up. “Your Highness, do you know the reason behind the grudge between my Lin Clan and Zhang Xuan?”

“Isn’t it because you slaughtered the other party’s clan?” Ding Mu frowned.

“That’s right, but do you know why I did that?” A bizarre smile crept on Lin Long’s face.

Ding Mu frowned.

Regarding this matter, he had no idea at all.

Rumor had it that it was because of the conflict between Qu Chong’s elder sister and Lin Lang. However, from the looks of it now, the matter wasn’t that simple.

Lin Long was a person who was extremely protective of her family, but she wasn’t someone who couldn’t see the bigger picture. Otherwise, no matter how infatuated he was in her, Ding Mu would have never allowed her to become his wife.

She was usually a composed person, and it was indeed bizarre for her to slaughter an entire clan outright despite knowing the various implications it could bring.

Could there be some hidden secret about the matter?

Ding Mu’s curiosity was piqued, and he turned toward Lin Long with a gaze inviting her to continue on.

“Your Highness, I know that you wish to enter the Fleeting Cloud Sect, and I’ve been keeping that in mind… Actually, the key to doing so lies with Qu Chong!” Lin Long harrumphed.

“Oh?” Ding Mu glanced at Lin Long.

Even though Xuanyuan Kingdom was a vassal to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, the strongest influence in the surroundings was, without a doubt, this Fleeting Cloud Sect!

In the past 77 Master Teacher Tournament, it had won the championship thirty-six times. From this, it could be seen how powerful it was.

On the other hand, the best result the Myriad Kingdom Alliance had produced was only in the 23rd place, fifth from the bottom.

Ding Mu was the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom, and he would eventually inherit the throne. However, his ambitions didn’t just stop here. He had only thought of Xuanyuan Kingdom as his stepping stone, and his eyes were set on the wider world outside. His current aim was to be a disciple of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, but he had been unable to find a suitable opportunity to become one!

Once he succeeds and receives the best grooming resources, his cultivation would surely soar, and becoming a Transcendent Mortal, or even reaching greater heights, wouldn’t just be a dream.

Just that, the Fleeting Cloud Sect was a powerful organization with high bars, and joining it was no easy feat. On top of that, Ding Mu was the crown prince of a neighboring influence. Thus, without the recommendation of an insider, it was practically impossible.

“That Qu Clan may seem like an unimpressive and shabby clan now, but several ten thousand years ago, it was an extremely formidable clan! Their ancestors even unintentionally saved the life of Sage Min!” Lin Long said.

“Sage Min? You mean… one of the 72 Sages under Kong shi… Min shi?” Narrowing his eyes, Ding Mu’s breathing hastened.

Kong shi had three thousand known disciples, and of them, the most formidable ones were known as the 72 Sages. They had participated in the creation of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and they were each considered as one of its founders.

Unintentionally saved his life?

Wasn’t this Qu Clan impressive then?

“Indeed! Precisely due to this, they received a letter with Kong shi’s handwritten reply on it. They took it as their family heirloom, and they passed it down from generation to generation.”

Glancing at Ding Mu, Lin Long continued, “Even if it’s just a single word, the value of handwritten words from Kong shi is unimaginable. I believe Your Highness should understand it even if I don’t say too much about it! If you can obtain this and hand it over to the master of Fleeting Cloud Sect, becoming an inner disciple wouldn’t be a problem. In fact, it shouldn’t be a problem for you to become a direct disciple, or even take on the role of an elder!”

“This…”

Ding Mu’s body trembled in agitation.

Kong shi, the world’s teacher.

The number one expert in history.

Contained within his handwritten words were the laws of the world, and his students had already taken all of them for themselves. Such treasures would never reach the outside world.

Even a 6-star master teacher would happily accept a person as his student if the other party were to present Kong shi’s personal handwriting to him…

It was simply too valuable!

Putting aside the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, even the twenty-six other influences in the region might not even have one of such treasure… Yet, to think that the Qu Clan would possess it!

This…

Ding Mu’s breathing hastened, and he felt his tongue go dry.

“Since you made a move on the Qu Clan two years ago, you should have eradicated all traces of them. Why did you intentionally leave a remnant running about?”

Lin Long harrumphed coldly, “That fellow thought that just because he changed his name to Lu Chong and hid in the Tianwu Academy, we wouldn’t be able to find him. What a joke! Our Lin Clan has the Seeking Mouse; even if he were to don on a full disguise, we’d still be able to find him easily!”

Lu Chong had been holing himself up in Tianwu Academy, rarely heading to the streets to avoid any attention. He thought that by doing so, the Lin Clan wouldn’t notice him. Yet, it turned out that the Lin Clan had already grasped his whereabouts, just that they chose not to make a move.

After all, even if the Lin Clan were to lose track of Lu Chong, the Seeking Mouse was more than capable of tracking him down.

The Lin Clan would have dominated the Tianwu Royal City in vain if it couldn’t even track down a Pigu realm teenager.

“The members of the Qu Clan are obstinate, and no matter how we questioned them, we were unable to locate the whereabouts of that object. Thus, we intentionally left one alive to bring us to it.”

A savage glint flashed across Lin Long’s eyes as she said, “Yet, that fellow sure was patient. For the past two years, he didn’t do anything at all. Initially, we were planning on capturing him for interrogation, but before we could make a move, that fellow managed to find himself a good teacher who was willing to stand up for him…”

At this point, Lin Long clenched her fists tightly, and resentment scrunched her face.

Even though she had married into the Xuanyuan Kingdom, and she rarely returned back to her maternal family, she had been keeping an eye on the matter there.

It was due to the importance of the letter that Lin Long even went to the extent of building the expensive Communication Wall in the Lin Clan to make it convenient for them to exchange messages. Who would have that this wall wouldn’t send her news of the handwritten letter, but of the destruction of the Lin Clan.

“A good teacher? I doubt so! Most probably, that Zhang Xuan knew about Kong shi’s handwritten reply in advance. Otherwise, there is no reason for a Zongshi realm pinnacle 2-star master teacher to go all out for a student, offending the powerful Lin Clan and Xuanyuan Kingdom,” Liang Qingming interjected by the side.

He was a confidant of the crown prince, and as such, the crown prince didn’t bother hiding such secrets from him.

“That’s right, that must be the reason. Otherwise, even with Yang shi as his backing, there’s no reason for him to offend the Lin Clan for no reason and disregard the authority of Xuanyuan Kingdom!” Lin Long screeched.

If not for this, she truly couldn’t understand why a 2-star master teacher, who had such a bright future ahead of him, would go through all of this trouble for a student he had just met a few days ago, going to the extent of waging war with the Lin Clan, and beating her up, the princess consort of Xuanyuan Kingdom.

“Alright, the important matter at hand isn’t Zhang Xuan’s motive!”

Ding Mu raised his hand to halt the vehement discussion of the two. His eyes reddened slightly in greed as he said, “It would be worth offending even the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance for Kong shi’s handwritten reply, needless to say a 2-star master teacher. If your words are true, then this risk would be worthwhile to take!”

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was powerful, but compared to the twenty-six other powers in the surroundings, it was ranked at the very last.

As long as he laid his hands on the handwritten reply, he would be able to win the Fleeting Cloud Sect over to his side. Even if he had to offend the Myriad Kingdom Alliance in the midst of doing so, it would still be a huge gain.

“That’s right, Your Highness. You must make your decision quickly. I’ve already sent someone to look into the matter, and Zhang Xuan seems to be leaving Tianwu Royal City. He has already bid the personnel of the Master Teacher Pavilion farewell, and just this morning, he was seen heading for Tianwu Mountain Range. The Myriad Kingdom Alliance is in the south, yet he headed for the southwest. If I’m not wrong, he must be looking for this letter. It’ll be hard for us to lay our hands on the letter once they obtain it and bring it to the alliance!” Lin Long hurriedly said.

Previously, she only acted rashly due to the rage from seeing the tragic state her father and younger brother were in. After being pummeled by Lu Chong, she woke up, and she made many preparations in advance.

“It’s indeed impossible to lay our hands on it once it’s delivered to the alliance, but…” Ding Mu frowned, “He has his teacher and the two elders beside him…”

Ding Mu wasn’t worried about Zhang Xuan, but his teacher and the ‘Little Su’, who wounded Liang Qingming, were huge problems.

With Transcendent Mortal experts accompanying him, he would be dead before he could close in on Zhang Xuan.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Little Su and the other elder have already left yesterday and, when Zhang Xuan left this morning, Yang shi didn’t tag along with him. He only brought his students and some retainers along with him!” Lin Long replied.

Su shi and Ling shi didn’t intentionally hide their departure, so it wasn’t hard to look into the matter.

This morning, Zhang Xuan and his group left on the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast, and Pavilion Master Jiang sent him off personally. Lin Long’s spies were among the crowd who saw him off, and none of them saw Yang shi.

“He didn’t tag along? Great… There are many savage beasts in Tianwu Mountain Range, and there are many experts under Zhizun realm who have died there. As long as we settle this matter properly… No one will be able to trace the matter back to me!”

Ding Mu stood up, and a callous glint flashed across his eyes.

“It’s decided then. Kill him!”

---

This is how sects usually operate in most Chinese novels.

Outer (Normal) disciples: They are in charge of menial labor, but the sect provides them with some, although limited, resources for cultivation.

Inner disciples: This is where the more talented disciples are placed. They have a higher standing than outer disciples, and they don’t have to do menial labor. The resources they are granted are significantly higher than that of outer disciples.

Direct disciple: As long as a disciple catches the eye of an elder or sect leader, they could be accepted as their direct disciple. Direct disciples usually have higher standing than inner disciples due to the backing of their master, and their master would also impart their secret arts to them.

After that, disciples can be promoted to take on various roles of the sect.

Chapter 410: Finding the Old Residence

“Why are you here?”

Seeing the lady before him, Zhang Xuan fell speechless.

After accepting Zhao Ya and the others as his direct disciples, Zhang Xuan had finished dealing with all of the miscellaneous matters in Tianwu Kingdom. Thus, he summoned the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast and left immediately.

Knowing the limits of their capabilities, Liu shi and Lu Xun chose to remain in Tianwu Kingdom. The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was filled with innumerable experts, and they had no backing there. On the other hand, they had the protection of the royal family and the Master Teacher Pavilion here in Tianwu Kingdom. Thus, they took the initiative to stay.

Only Sun Qiang insisted on following Yang shi. Thus, Zhang Xuan took him along with him.

It was exactly ten days since Zhang Xuan had arrived in Tianwu Kingdom. His cultivation had risen from Tongxuan realm pinnacle to Zongshi realm pinnacle, and his physical body possessed the might nearly equivalent to a Zhizun realm primary stage expert.

He also gained a new student, Lu Chong.

As for his occupations, he passed the 2-star master teacher examination, and his 3-star painter emblem just arrived last night.

Due to his lacking cultivation, the Apothecary Guild and Physician Guild had yet to allocate him his 3-star emblems.

Thus, his current occupations were as such: 2-star master teacher, 3-star apothecary, 3-star physician, 3-star painter, 2-star beast tamer.

His stop at Tianwu Kingdom had been rather fruitful.

In just ten days, Zhang Xuan achieved what others might never have been able to do even if they dedicated their entire lives to it.

“I would also like to visit the Myriad Kingdom Alliance to watch the Master Teacher Tournament. It can’t be that you wish to dump me here?” Mo Yu stared at the youngster before her furiously.

What the heck!

Even if we can’t progress any further, surely we can remain as friends!

How can you leave for Myriad Kingdom Alliance without biding me farewell?

Do you consider yourself a buddy?

It is fortunate that I have made preparations in advance and immediately rode the Viridescent Eagle after you. Otherwise, I would have surely missed you.

As a master teacher and the princess of Tianwu Kingdom, it wasn’t too difficult for Mo Yu to look into the matter of Su shi and Ling shi, as well as the Master Teacher Tournament.

“Alright, I’ll bring you along…”

Zhang Xuan gave up.

In any case, there was sufficient space on the back of the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast. It wasn’t cramped even with his six students, Sun Qiang, and Mo Yu.

He couldn’t be bothered with the infuriated Mo Yu, so Zhang Xuan stood by the window and gazed outward. White clouds overlapped one another, reminiscent of a boundless field of snow. In the midst between clouds, he could catch a glimpse of lush mountains. It felt rejuvenating.

“Teacher…”

Lu Chong walked over to Zhang Xuan and said, “In order to prevent the unfilial descendants of the Qu Clan from handing the letter over to the hands of others, they took precautions by hiding it in an old residence on the Tianwu Mountain Range. I only happened to hear my father bring the matter up. I roughly know the location, but I’m not too sure of the exact spot.”

“It’s alright, we can slowly look for it later on!”

Lu Chong’s clan had given up their life to guard this heirloom. It was best if they could find it.

“Teacher, it’s around this area!”

Half a day later, Lu Chong pointed.

“The area is huge; how can we find it like that?”

Leaping off the back of the Howling Firmament Beast, Zhao Ya glanced at the surroundings and sighed.

What stood before them was a gigantic mountain valley. The terrain was bumpy, and towering trees filled the area. Putting aside finding an old residence, they couldn’t even see too far ahead of them.

More importantly, there were many savage beasts in the area. If they were to accidentally barge into a savage beasts’ nest, they would die indignantly.

“I’m… not too sure either!”

Lu Chong scratched his head awkwardly.

He had heard the elders of his family speaking about the rough geographical terrain, but he hadn’t been here before, so he wasn’t too sure.

“To find an old residence on such a vast mountain range… Even a year wouldn’t be sufficient!”

Mo Yu shook her head.

She knew that Lu Chong wanted to look for an item before heading to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, but she didn’t know what it was.

However, the area before them was simply too large.

The vast mountain range was filled with plants, and on top of that, the old residence was likely to be hidden by a formation… How could they find it under such overwhelmingly unlikely odds?

“Teacher…”

After taking a look around, the crowd eventually gave up. Thus, all eyes gathered on Zhang Xuan.

“This…”

Zhang Xuan shook his head. “There’s no use asking me, I’ve never been to the Qu Clan’s old residence before…”

Halfway through his words, Zhang Xuan’s eyes suddenly lit up, and he said, “Wait, I just thought of a good idea!”

“You have an idea?”

Everyone froze for a moment before turning to look at Zhang Xuan with glowing eyes.

Mo Yu was also curious.

Even Lu Chong himself didn’t know where the old residence was, so what kind of idea could Zhang Xuan come up with?

Just as they were perplexed, the young man before them took out an empty book, and he drew an arrow and scribbled a few words on it. Then, slowly rotating on the spot, he mumbled, “The Lu Clan’s old residence is in this direction… this direction… this direction…”

“…”

Mo Yu, Zhao Ya, and the others were staggered.

They thought that Zhang Xuan would come up with some brilliant means, but upon seeing this sight, they nearly fainted on the spot.

Taking out a book to draw an arrow to confirm the direction? And you still dare to say that your idea is good… Where did your confidence come from?

If you wish to fool us, you should at least do it better! Aren’t you being too perfunctory?

“Alright, this direction!”

After spinning an entire circle, Zhang Xuan confirmed the direction and pointed forward.

“…” Mo Yu staggered once more.

Sometimes, it seemed like this Zhang shi possessed unparalleled talent; at other times, he felt so ridiculous that it made one want to smack his head.

“You… are you sure that this method is feasible?” Mo Yu asked, unable to hold back her doubts.

“Of course!” Zhang Xuan nodded seriously. “The method I use involves a complex calculation of the position of the stars, the mountains, and the rivers, and along with a profound comprehension of the universe, I am able to even locate treasures, needless to say, determine a direction!”

The Library of Heaven’s Path could determine right from wrong. As long as the direction he was pointing to reflected no flaws, it would mean that it was the correct direction.

However, there was no way Zhang Xuan could explain this.

“Position of the stars, the mountains, and the rivers?”

“Profound comprehension of the universe?”

The group stared at one another.

Grabbing a book, scribbling an arrow and a few words, rotating on the spot, and you tell me that it involves all of that? Can you come up with anything more nonsensical than that?

“Forget it. Since we can’t find the direction either, we might as well listen to his words!”

Mo Yu felt constipated.

Why did she have to follow this fellow? She deeply suspected that at this rate, they might get lost forever in this forest.

Thus, after Zhang Xuan reached the end of a path that he determined, or that there were new splits in the path before them, Zhang Xuan would take his book out and rotate on the spot. Two hours later, they arrived at a col.

“This is it!”

Zhang Xuan pointed forward.

Glancing over, everyone was taken aback.

Amidst the greenery, they saw the roof of several rock residences. However, they looked slightly blurred, as though they were hidden in some formation.

“This must be the location! It’s exactly the same as my father’s description…”

Lu Chong’s eyes lit up in anticipation.

“This…”

Upon hearing Lu Chong’s confirmation, everyone’s eyes widened, and their gazes hurriedly shot toward Zhang Xuan. They were on the verge of going insane.

Even Lu Chong, the person-in-question, couldn’t find the direction. Yet, just by scribbling on a book and rotating on the spot… They all thought that Zhang Xuan was fooling about, but to think that it would actually work!

Could they have truly misunderstood him?

Did it really involve what stars, mountains, and rivers?

Otherwise, how did he manage to find the location?

Thinking back on it now, ever since the other party took out the book and turned around with it, the location they trod on had been straight, and they didn’t stumble by any savage beast’s nest along the way, despite the odds. Even if one were to know the way beforehand, surely it was impossible to maneuver so precisely?

More importantly, the location they were standing on happened to be the eye of the formation. It was due to them standing here that they were able to see the rock residences. If it was anywhere else, their sight would have been blocked by the formation.

In other words, if they didn’t know the location beforehand, they would have been fooled by the formation and walk by it.

Despite not knowing where it was, Zhang Xuan was able to determine the precise location of the old residence…

How in the world… did this fellow do it?

“Forget it, he isn’t human…”

Unable to make sense of this situation, Mo Yu could only shake her head with a bitter smile.

Ever since she’d met this fellow, he had been amazing her with all kinds of unimaginable means. There were too many things to him that couldn’t be comprehended with common sense.

If she really tried to rationalize it all, she would probably die of exhaustion first.

“Let’s go in!”

Ignoring the dazed crowd, Zhang Xuan walked straight toward the col.

“Teacher, wait a moment. This formation is extremely dangerous!”

Lu Chong hurried forward to stop Zhang Xuan, “According to my father, only the blood of a Qu Clan descendant can stop the formation…”

“The blood of a Qu Clan descendant?”

Zhang Xuan glanced at Lu Chong.

“Un. If I’m not wrong, I have to drip a droplet of my blood on the formation-controlling rock for a path for us to appear. Without this formation protecting the old residence, the area would have long been scavenged by humans or savage beasts!” Lu Chong explained.

Coming to a realization, Mo Yu and the others nodded.

Given that the old residence was still able to retain its original appearance despite the innumerable years since it was abandoned, the formation truly possessed incredible might.

So far, it seemed to be effective in warding away humans and savage beasts.

If one were to abruptly step into such a formidable formation, huge trouble might ensue.

“Then, give it a try!” Mo Yu urged.

Without wasting a word, Lu Chong looked around the area and a troubled look flashed on his face.

His father had told him that he had to drip a droplet of his blood on the formation-controlling rock for it to stop, but… which of these innumerable rocks was it?

The entire col was filled with at least a thousand bizarre rocks. If he were to drip a droplet of blood on every single one of them, he would probably die of anemia before the formation stopped.

“That… Teacher, I can’t find the formation-controlling rock…”

A moment later, Lu Chong returned with a sheepish look.

His elder sister was a genius formation master, but he wasn’t.

There were many secret manuals on formations in his clan, but he didn’t like reading them, and he never did. In the end, when he visited the old residence of his ancestors, he wasn’t even able to find the formation-controlling rock at all…

“You can’t find it?”

Zhang Xuan was taken aback. He briefly looked around the surroundings before pinching his glabella, “I can’t find it either…”

Even though he had taken in quite a sizeable sum of books on formation, this formation was clearly above grade-3, beyond the level of Tianwu Kingdom

With his current knowledge on formations, it was difficult for him to find it as well.

Eventually, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

“Forget it, let’s not bother finding the formation-controlling rock…”

Lu Chong was taken aback. “Then… how do we enter?”

“Simple…”

Zhang Xuan stepped forward.

Weng!

As soon as he stepped into the formation, it started shaking vigorously. Then, lifting his foot, he kicked straight at a certain point.

Hu!

The formation stopped.

Zhang Xuan waved his hands casually, “Alright, we can enter now!”

“…” Lu Chong, Mo Yu, and the others.

Chapter 411: He Is My Teacher

 

The difference of a sub-grade in a formation could easily mean a difference in might by twofold, and the difficulty in finding its core would increase exponentially.

Everyone thought that Zhang shi was already formidable to stop a grade-3 primary formation with a single kick, but upon seeing this sight, they finally realized…

Grade-2, grade-3, grade-4, these numbers meant nothing to him!

As long as he was around, even the most formidable formations would be destroyed with a single kick.

Lu Chong’s mouth twitched violently, and he shook his head vigorously, as though trying to wake himself up from a dream.

His father had once told him that this formation was unimaginably formidable. His ancestors had reinforced it again and again over the countless generations, and profound wisdom was harnessed within it… But from the looks of it now, wisdom my head! Before his teacher, all of this meant nothing at all.

Since the formation had stopped, the crowd immediately walked toward the rock residences.

It was clear that there was a long history to those few simple rock residences. Even though there were descendants who came from time to time to fix it, it was still severely damaged by wear and tear.

“Go on!”

Zhang Xuan stopped before the rock residences.

This was an object that Lu Chong’s ancestor had left for him. Zhang Xuan’s role was only to accompany him; since there was no more danger now, it didn’t matter whether he tagged behind Lu Chong or not.

“Yes, teacher!”

Lu Chong nodded and walked in with reddened eyes.

Back then, when his parents and kin were killed, he didn’t have the time to collect their bones before escaping. Thus, he created several tablets for them yesterday to place alongside the ancestors. In a way, this was fulfilling the final regret he had regarding his clan.

“Things rarely go the way we want. Let’s go!”

Understanding the other party’s emotions, Zhang Xuan sighed.

“Teacher!”

Lu Chong stepped forward and proffered a letter to Zhang Xuan.

It was a simple, ancient bamboo scroll, and its worn-out exterior betrayed its age. Even so, it seemed to be crafted using some kind of unique method, making it extremely resilient.

Knowing that this was the letter which Kong shi’s personal handwriting was on, Zhang Xuan took it and opened it.

Honestly speaking, Zhang Xuan also felt curious toward the World’s Teacher, Kong shi. Even though he wouldn’t stoop down to taking his student’s possession for his own, it shouldn’t be much of a problem for him to peer into the contents.

Unrolling the scroll, an ancient aura immediately unfurled from within.

The handwriting for the former half was simple, it wasn’t particularly astounding. But, even though the latter half only consisted on several words, the imposing aura it exuded felt as though a massive mountain was weighing on one.

The content was simple, and it was indeed an ordinary letter. Most probably, Lu Chong’s ancestor sent the letter, and in an attempt to return the favor, Sage Min requested for his teacher to write a few words before sending it back.

Looking at the personal handwriting of Kong shi, Zhang Xuan felt a grand aura gushing into his head. All of a sudden, he reached the state of Heart of Tranquil Water, and fell into a trance.

Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy!

Rumors had it that there were some formidable master teachers who were able to harness their spirit and their understanding of the universe into their calligraphy, and looking at it frequently was helpful in raising one’s Soul Depth. This was also known as Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy.

However, this kind of tempering required a harmonization in spirit. Unless one was in a teacher-student relationship or a blood-related kin of the calligrapher, the chances of this phenomenon occurring were nearly zero. Out of ten thousand people, it might not even activate once.

Zhang Xuan and Kong shi weren’t in a teacher-student relationship, and they weren’t blood-related either. Yet, for it to be activated instantly, Zhang Xuan’s luck was truly astounding.

Boom!

Holding the letter, Zhang Xuan felt his Will of Mind stabilizing, and his Soul Depth slowly rose.

It was as though he had fallen into some unique state, and he stood in a daze.

…

“Your Highness, it seems like they have obtained the letter!”

Behind a giant boulder above the col, Liang Qingming clasped his fist and reported.

After deciding to take the letter for themselves, Ding Mu, Lin Long, and the others had immediately rushed over.

The one they were going to strike down was a talented 2-star master teacher, and if they were found out, they would be in danger. However, as long as they succeeded, the returns would be immense.

“As the student of a suspected 4-star master teacher, Zhang Xuan would surely have many life-preserving means on him. Thus, we’ve got to kill him in a single shot! We mustn’t give him any opportunity to strike back. Otherwise, once he sends a rescue signal or activates one of his trump cards, it would be difficult for us to kill him anymore!”

Ding Mu instructed with a grim expression. “But of course, our priority is to obtain that letter.”

Since Yang shi was willing to let Zhang Xuan venture out alone, he must have entrusted several life-saving tools to him. Thus, they had to strike swift and deadly.

“Your Highness, don’t worry!” Liang Qingming nodded.

“Go!”

Ding Mu nodded gravely.

If he chose to simply steal the letter, there was a high chance he would be exposed. By then, if Yang shi decided to stand up for his student, the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom might be destroyed.

On the other hand, if he were to kill Zhang Xuan, he could create a facade of him being killed by savage beasts. By the time Yang shi truly tracked them down, he would have already found a backing in the Fleeting Cloud Sect through the letter, and there would be nothing for him to worry about.

The Master Teacher Pavilions might be under the same headquarters, but there was still rivalry among the various powers.

Using an analogy, it was just like the feudal system. Although the governors were all under the royal court, there were still some rivalry and feuds among the various territories.

Regarding the rivalry among the Master Teacher Pavilions, as long as they didn’t commit immoral acts, the headquarters wouldn’t interfere.

Competition induced advancement, and only with a suitable amount of competition would humans reach greater heights. As such, the Master Teacher Pavilion pushed for such rivalries as well.

“Yes!”

Hearing his order, Liang Qingming drove the zhenqi in his body, and with a flick of his wrist, a sharp sword appeared in his hands.

Huala!

In a flash, he leaped out from the boulder, and as swift as a flash of lightning, his sword headed straight toward Zhang Xuan.

Pushing the might of a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert to the brim, in the blink of an eye, he covered the distance of several hundred meters between them.

The formation had been stopped, and there was no other defensive mechanism in the col. As such, there was nothing to stop Liang Qingming’s charge.

Zhang Xuan was currently in a trance from the Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy, so he didn’t notice the other party approaching.

Even more so, Mo Yu, Lu Chong, and the others didn’t think that someone would assault them in such a remote area.

Upon seeing the brilliant gleam of the sword and hearing a sonic boom, everyone’s eyes narrowed, and their faces immediately warped in shock upon seeing Liang Qingming.

“Teacher!”

“Zhang Xuan!”

“Young master!”

Loud bellows reverberated in the col, and everyone’s body trembled in astonishment.

“Teacher, careful!”

At the current moment, the one standing the closest to Zhang Xuan was Lu Chong. Upon seeing the brilliant gleam from the sword, he could tell that the other party would surely die if the sword were to strike him, and the thought of it sent him into a panic.

To avenge him, his teacher confronted the Lin Clan alone without a word of complaint. To raise his cultivation, his teacher was willing to pay a huge price, yet didn’t expect anything in return…

Imparting battle techniques and explaining cultivation techniques!

Lecturing the basic principles a human should have, and deciphering the essence of cultivation!

All of these, he did on his initiative, even going far beyond what that was expected of him!

Without his teacher, he would remain an average cultivator for his entire life, doomed to never be able to exact vengeance.

Without his teacher, it was just a matter of time before the Lin Clan found him and silenced him.

It was teacher who brought him out of his sinkhole and gave him the dignity to face his dead kin…

This was the man who he respected and admired.

He couldn’t allow anything to happen to him!

“If you were to cultivate on like that, you won’t even reach Pixue realm in ten years. At this rate, you will be dead before you can… exact your vengeance!”

“You don’t have to bother how I know of it! Your vengeance is both a motivation as well as a hindrance to your cultivation. You are suppressing your worries too deep within, and it has suppressed your cultivation, making it difficult for you to achieve a breakthrough. I know that the reason why you refuse to speak is because you’re afraid that you might accidentally speak of your enemy’s name and make them aware of your existence.”

“Don’t worry, as long as you believe in me, I promise you that you will be able to exact your vengeance within ten days!”

“It’s your choice to choose whether you want to believe me or not! However… you’ll only get this one chance!”

“Pardon me, but I happen to know the assassin you speak of. He’s my student, and I… am his teacher!”

…

Boom!

His encounters with Zhang laoshi flowed through his head, and his words resounded in his mind. All of a sudden, his entire body moved on its own accord. In the blink of an eye, he had already leaped several meters away, standing right before Zhang Xuan.

Puhe!

Liang Qingming’s sword also happened to reach at this very instant. It stabbed into his chest, and the zhenqi of a Zhizun realm expert gushed into the other party’s body through the sword, frenziedly wrecking his physical functions.

“AH!”

Sensing the other party’s sword qi ravaging through his body, threatening to tear his entire body apart at any moment, Lu Chong bellowed furiously. His hands stretched forward and grabbed the other party’s sword firmly.

“You…”

Not expecting his sure-kill technique to be blocked by this fellow, Liang Qingming’s face darkened. He was just about to pull out his sword and strike Zhang Xuan, but he realized that the other party was holding onto his sword firmly as though a sword stuck in a boulder. No matter how hard he tugged on it, it refused to move at all.

“Let go…”

He couldn’t have imagined that a Zongshi realm fellow would have blocked his attack. Liang Qingming was furious and anxious. Roaring furiously, he drove his zhenqi into the other party’s body, intending to kill him before striking down Zhang Xuan.

“I won’t allow you to hurt him because…”

Lu Chong felt his life force slowly dissipating under the furious surge from the other party’s zhenqi, but he didn’t regret his actions at all. Instead, he stared at Liang Qingming with unwavering determination.

“… he’s my teacher!”

————

Author’s Notes:

The fourth arc, [He is my Teacher], has to an end. The next arc, [Invincible], will unfold from next chapter onward. In ‘He is my Teacher’, I hoped to highlight the mutual respect and deep relationship between a teacher and his students, and fortunately, it went as I planned.

Due to my personal reasons, family issues, and my work, there are some parts that I’m not too satisfied, but overall, I think I still brought out the main idea that I wished to express. Because I am a teacher myself as well, I can relate much more to this. Being a teacher shouldn’t be only about constantly giving, and being a student shouldn’t only be about constantly accepting as well. The relationship should be built on mutual respect, trust, and consideration, and only through such can the relationship run deep.

As for Lu Chong, as shown by the name of the arc, is destined to become the final sacrifice for the climax. But of course, there’s no need to worry. This book won’t be one on tragedies; as those who have followed my previous book, Endless Dantian, would know, I don’t like tragedies and I don’t intend to write them.

Translator Notes:

I know I haven’t really marked the chapters by arcs, and QI doesn’t have the function yet. But for those who are interested,

Chapter 1 – 80 [The Teacher on the Verge of Expulsion]

Chapter 81 – 238 [Freshmen Tournament]

Chapter 239 – 315 [I Am a Master Teacher]

Chapter 316 – 411 [He Is My Teacher]

Chapter 412: Avenge Him!

“Lu Chong!”

After hearing the anxious bellows, Zhang Xuan stepped out of his trance from the Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy, and the first sight that appeared before him was Lu Chong’s chest being pierced by a sword. Countless thoughts immediately exploded in his head, and his eyes reddened uncontrollably.

Even though he met this student considerably later than his other direct disciples, the other party held the greatest trust and most earnest emotions for him.

“Die!”

Bellowing furiously, Zhang Xuan’s head jolted, and a golden book suddenly appeared.

All of a sudden, a might capable of causing the entire world to crumble appeared. A gale rose, and the clouds swiftly flew by. A book as heavy as a mountain abruptly fell straight on Commander Liang’s head.

Pacha!

Without the slightest obstruction, as though a watermelon crushed by a steel hammer, his head burst into bloodied remnants. Under the intense shock wave from the blow, a huge hole, several hundred meters deep and wide, appeared in the col.

“What?”

Ding Mu, Lin Long, and the others, who were hiding behind the boulder, preparing to launch a second wave of assault, were dumbstruck with terror. They didn’t think that the Zhizun realm advanced stage Commander Liang could be destroyed by an object the other party thrown out casually. Their faces paled, and they nearly fainted from fear.

They knew that Yang shi would surely bestow Zhang Xuan with some life-saving treasure, but how could they have known that it would be such a fearsome object!

Even Transcendent Mortal experts weren’t capable of striking out a huge hole in the ground.

“Escape…”

Knowing that it was impossible to withstand such might, Ding Mu didn’t dare to hesitate in the least. He immediately turned around to flee.

Beast Tamer Zhou Jin also quickly followed suit.

The two of them had reached Zhizun realm, and their speed was astonishing. In just two breaths, their silhouettes turned into a white flash, and they were already a hundred meters away.

“Your Highness, wait for me…”

Not expecting her husband, as well her greatest backer, to abandon her without any warning, Lin Long hurriedly chased him with a ghastly pale face.

“Die…”

Upon seeing someone run out from the boulder, how could Zhang Xuan not tell what was going on? Roaring frenziedly, he commanded the golden page rotating in the air toward Lin Long.

Boom!

The entire ground quaked violently. Yet again, a huge hole several meters wide appeared. Smashed by the immense might of the golden book, Lin Long was reduced to meat paste. Having fled swiftly, Ding Mu and Zhou Jin managed to escape the crisis.

“Ah…”

“Hurry up and get on the savage beast!”

Seeing the sight behind them, the duo felt even more frightened. At this moment, Ding Mu couldn’t care less about anything else. Leaping onto the back of the Gold-scaled Lightning Beast, he immediately commanded it to fly as far away as it could.

Zhang Xuan’s mystic tool was simply too powerful. The might of his tool could even smash a Transcendent Mortal expert easily, needless to say them.

If they couldn’t escape, the only thing that awaits them would be death.

“Die!”

Howling furiously, Zhang Xuan was just about to send the golden page straight toward the duo and the savage beast when ‘weng!’, the book disappeared. In the next moment, an indescribable fatigue overwhelmed him, leaving him groggy-headed, ready to faint at any moment.

“Lu Chong…”

Knowing that it was impossible for him to catch up to a Zhizun realm intermediate stage savage beast, Zhang Xuan withstood his dizziness to examine the condition of his student.

The other party’s eyes were tightly shut, and he had already lost consciousness.

However, as though delighted to see that his teacher was safe, even though he couldn’t open his eyes, a faint smile hung on his lips.

He was still tightly holding on to the sword on his chest, unwilling to let go even upon death.

As though he was declaring that even upon death…

As long as teacher was fine… everything was alright!

“Heaven’s Path zhenqi can cure all wounds, you’ll be fine…”

Tears that felt like burning oil flowed down Zhang Xuan’s cheeks. Grasping the other party’s palm, Zhang Xuan furiously infused the Heaven’s Path zhenqi within him into the other party’s body.

“Tea-teacher, how did you know that my purpose is to exact vengeance?”

“Liu laoshi, please guide me…”

“You can’t hurt him, because… he’s my teacher!”

…

Recalling the bits and pieces of the youngster before him, Zhang Xuan trembled in agitation.

After two years of silence, Lu Chong had become a reticent person. During their time together, he didn’t speak much. Most of the time, what Zhang Xuan saw was his determined gaze and reliable back…

In order to exact his vengeance, Lu Chong knelt in front of the academy for seven days straight and remain silent for two years. Despite the unimaginable pain from the poison tempering, Lu Chong persisted on with it. Even though he knew that the Lin Clan was powerful, he still charged straight at them…

This reticent but determined youngster felt cold, but his heart was filled with warmth.

To protect the teacher that he respected and admired from the bottom of his heart, he was willing to give in his own life.

Lu Chong, my student, I have failed to protect you!

Wake up, give me a chance to make it up to you…

Zhang Xuan infused the Heaven’s Path zhenqi furiously into the other party, but Lu Chong’s slim figure didn’t budge at all.

…

Seeing the frenzied look on the young man before her, Mo Yu’s face paled.

Everything happened too quickly. By the time Mo Yu saw Liang Qingming, it was already too late. She thought that Zhang Xuan would meet his demise.

Yet, she couldn’t have imagined that a student would give up his life just to save him.

Mo Yu clenched her fists tightly and walked forward.

“Zhang Xuan!”

She bellowed, but there was no response.

“Zhang Xuan!”

She shouted once more, and only then did the most radiant genius of Tianwu Royal City raise his head blankly, as though he had lost his soul.

“Don’t panic. You possess unparalleled medical skills… Lu Chong will be fine!”

Feeling a deep piercing pain in her heart upon seeing the state of the man before her, Mo Yu consoled.

“Right, my medical skills…”

Upon the other party’s reminder, Zhang Xuan finally recovered. Focus returned to his blank and soulless eyes.

That’s right!

On top of his medical skills, he had the Library of Heaven’s Path.

There was nothing that could hide from the heavens. As long as Lu Chong wasn’t reduced to ashes, there would surely be a solution for his situation!

A flicker of hope appeared in Zhang Xuan’s eyes.

“Flaws!”

Zhang Xuan thought, and a book appeared in his head. He hurriedly flipped through it.

“There’s still hope for him…”

Upon seeing the contents on it, Zhang Xuan’s body trembled. In an instant, his entire face turned red.

He thought that being stabbed by the sword of a Zhizun realm expert, Lu Chong’s death was inevitable. Yet, there was still a breath left in him.

All kinds of flaws were written on the book; Lu Chong’s meridians had been crushed by the other party’s Zhizun realm zhenqi, and his internal organs had also suffered heavy damage. Under such conditions, anyone else would have been dead.

However, having cultivated the Heaven’s Path Golden Body and Poison Body, Lu Chong’s body was several times stronger than that of an ordinary cultivator. On top of that, Zhang Xuan had infused his Heaven’s Path zhenqi into the other party timely, thus preserving a final breath within him.

“I should heal his meridians and internal organs first!”

Having assimilated all the knowledge within the books in the Physician Guild, even without the Library of Heaven’s Path, Zhang Xuan’s medical skill wasn’t inferior to that of a 3-star physician. He knew that the priority at hand was to heal the other party’s injuries first.

Thus, he immediately directed his Heaven’s Path zhenqi to flow throughout the other party’s body, healing his damaged meridians and organs.

At the same time, he fed the other party a recovery pill.

Having ransacked the Lin Clan, he had many of such recovery pills within his storage ring. If it was effective, he was willing to feed all of them to him.

“Zhang Xuan…”

Seeing spirit returning to the young man, and that he was starting to treat Lu Chong, Mo Yu heaved a sigh of relief. Then, lowering her head to take a look, her eyes narrowed.

Under the application of Zhang Xuan’s zhenqi, Lu Chong’s wounds recovered at a visible pace. His pale face, due to excessive loss of blood, also slowly regained its redness. Even though he was still unconscious, his wounds seemed to have already fully recovered on the surface.

“Healing a person’s body thoroughly with just zhenqi?”

Mo Yu’s body trembled in disbelief.

Even though she had seen Zhang Xuan’s medical skills before, he had often made use of silver needles to stimulate one’s acupoints before issuing prescriptions to follow up.

To be able to heal one’s injuries and repair one’s meridians like that… How pure must his zhenqi be?

“Could he possess… superior zhenqi?”

The thought flashed across Mo Yu’s eyes.

It was said that due to the absurd purity of superior zhenqi, it could be used in treatment or clearing away blockages in a person’s meridians… All along, Mo Yu thought that it was only a legend. To think that there would come a day which she would see such a sight with her own eyes!

To possess cultivation technique capable of cultivating zhenqi of such caliber, how powerful must Yang shi be?

It was no wonder why Su shi and Ling shi would obey his commands willingly!

Hu!

After repairing the final injury on Lu Chong’s meridians, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief.

Zhang Xuan refreshed the book on Lu Chong, and with a single look, his face steeled.

“Teacher, how is Lu Chong?” Zhao Ya asked worriedly.

“There isn’t any problem with his physical condition, but his consciousness has sunk into a deep sleep. It’s hard to tell when he’ll be able to wake up!”

The damage Lu Chong had suffered previously was too tremendous. Even if the unparalleled Heaven’s Path zhenqi could heal all of his injuries, it was completely helpless as to his mental condition.

Under the current situation, it was possible that Lu Chong might awake anytime, perhaps even at the next instant, but it was also possible that he might never wake up.

“What should we do?” Zhao Ya asked.

“I don’t know either!”

Zhang Xuan shook his head in desolation.

Even though he had taken in all of the knowledge within the books of the Physician Guild for his own, he still wasn’t able to find a solution to this situation.

Blocked meridians, afflictions, inability to break through one’s cultivation bottleneck… The Heaven’s Path zhenqi could cure all of those. However, consciousness was a matter of one’s soul. It was something incredibly unfathomable and hard to grasp. No matter how formidable Heaven’s Path zhenqi was, how could something physical affect the ethereal?

“We might not have any solutions, but Yang shi might have an idea!” Seeing the awful look on the young man’s face, Mo Yu consoled.

“Yang shi?”

Zhang Xuan’s complexion turned even more awful.

“I’ve heard that upon reaching 7-star, master teachers would be capable of using one’s words to influence one’s actions, consciousness, and soul. Lu Chong has only fallen into a deep sleep. If a master teacher of such a level were to delve into his mind and wake him up, Lu Chong might regain consciousness!” Mo Yu continued.

“Influence one’s consciousness and soul?” Zhang Xuan clenched his fists tightly together.

It was just like what the other party had said. Lu Chong’s consciousness was just asleep. If someone could delve into his mind and wake him up, it was possible that Lu Chong might regain consciousness.

“Un. Even though I’ve only heard it from others, it’s true that high ranked master teachers possess unfathomable means beyond us. We might be unable to find a solution now, but it doesn’t mean that there isn’t one…” Mo Yu replied.

“You’re right!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

It was just like his Innate Fetal Poison. Even though he didn’t find a solution for it in Tianxuan Kingdom or the Poison Hall, there was definitely one out there in the vast world, in one of the innumerable Master Teacher Pavilion. Even though it was like searching for a needle in a haystack, at least it gave him a direction.

He was helpless toward Lu Chong’s current situation, but as he grew stronger and read more books, he might be able to find a solution to his problem.

“I’ll eventually find a solution to cure him, but before that…”

After hearing Mo Yu’s words of consolation, Zhang Xuan felt at ease. But soon, he narrowed his eyes, and killing intent burst from his body, drowning the entire sky in it as though a torrent.

“I will… avenge him!”

Chapter 413: Xuanyuan Kingdom’s Strength

As a person born in the information age, Zhang Xuan was brought up to settle conflicts peacefully. Despite having transcended into this world, a part of him was still resistant to claiming the lives of others. However, who knew that a moment of benevolence would ultimately lead to Lu Chong’s current plight.

If only he had known, he would have instructed Little Su to get rid of Lin Long and Commander Liang, and the tragedy today wouldn’t have occurred.

“Avenge?”

Mo Yu frowned. “Lu Chong has to be avenged, but… do you know anything about Xuanyuan Kingdom?”

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

As a lower ranked kingdom, Tianwu Kingdom didn’t have much information on Xuanyuan Kingdom.

As such, Zhang Xuan’s understanding of Xuanyuan Kingdom was also severely limited. He knew some brief details, but the content seemed to become extremely brief or absent altogether when it came to the more confidential information.

At the very least, in terms of national strength and influence, he knew very little about it.

“Despite not knowing anything, you wish to avenge him?”

Mo Yu rolled her eyes.

You sure are courageous. The person you are facing is the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom. To make things worse, the incumbent emperor is ill, and the crown prince could potentially ascend to the throne at any moment.

Even at this very moment, he already possesses significant authority over the troops in the country, and with just a single command, he can turn all of them against you.

Putting aside the hulking number of troops, just by considering the number of experts they have, it is nigh impossible for you to succeed.

Unless you possess a cultivation realm that can match Su shi.

But even if you attain such level of strength, you will still meet with all kinds of obstructions in your attempt to kill a crown prince of a Conferred Kingdom.

“To earn considerable prestige and standing in Xuanyuan Kingdom, one must at least reach Zhizun realm intermediate stage! Even though you possess strength comparable to a Half-Zhizun cultivator at the moment, it will be difficult for you to stand up against real Zhizun realm experts!”

After a moment of hesitation, Mo Yu explained carefully.

The young man before her had just almost lost his student. She was afraid that he might be agitated into doing something atrocious.

“It’s not just difficult, I’ll be completely helpless against them!” Zhang Xuan fell into contemplation after hearing Mo Yu’s words.

Zhizun realm was the highest level a Fighter could reach. At intermediate stage, one would possess 20,000 ding of strength; advanced stage, 30,000 ding; pinnacle, 40,000 ding.

Even taking into consideration both Zhang Xuan’s physical and zhenqi cultivation, the total might he could harness only added up to around 15,000 ding. He was still a long way from rivaling the more powerful Zhizun realm cultivators.

On top of that, he was only using strength as a gauge. After reaching Zhizun realm, one’s reaction speed and comprehension toward battle techniques would rise significantly. That was also the main reason why no Zongshi could match up to a Zhizun.

“It’s good that you know. My suggestion is that… since the Master Teacher Tournament is going to be held in three months’ time, it’s best for you not to get involved in such trouble at the moment. As long as you join the tournament and get a good placing, with your newfound standing, you’ll be able to request the Master Teacher Pavilion to avenge Lu Chong! By then, no one will utter their objection. This is the most convenient and plausible method you have!” Mo Yu shared her thoughts.

Zhang Xuan’s cultivation was still too low at the moment. If he were to attempt to exact vengeance in his current state, he would only be putting himself in grave danger.

Since that was the case, it would be more viable for him to participate in the Master Teacher Tournament first. As long as he wins the tournament, with his newfound prestigious standing, no one would dare to stop him from avenging Lu Chong.

Master teachers do possess high standing, but even that is relative.

2-star master teachers are a formidable existence in Tianwu Kingdom, but when in Xuanyuan Kingdom and the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, they don’t mean much at all.

Only after proving one’s immense strength or unlimited potential would one be highly regarded and feared.

Only then would their words carry weight.

“I can’t wait for three months, and I believe that… Lu Chong doesn’t want me to wait either!”

Glancing at his unconscious student, a sharp glint flashed across Zhang Xuan’s eyes.

Three months was too long, Zhang Xuan’s couldn’t restrain his rage for that long.

The other party had left Lu Chong in such a miserable state, and he still had to allow the culprit to go carefree for another three months? You must be joking!

“But your current strength… isn’t even at Half-Zhizun realm yet, how do you intend to exact vengeance? You would require the strength of a Zhizun realm pinnacle at minimum to do so. Otherwise, you’ll only end up killed…”

Seeing the resolute determination in Zhang Xuan’s eyes, Mo Yu panicked.

What was wrong with this fellow?

I have already told you that even Zhizun realm experts dare not do anything in Xuanyuan Kingdom, so what in the world does a person like you, who hasn’t even reached Half-Zhizun yet, hope to achieve there? Aren’t you just courting death?

One must know that there was a huge bunch of Zhizun realm pinnacle experts within a Conferred Kingdom. If one wanted to go against the royal family, one had to be at least a Half-Transcension.

“Zhizun realm pinnacle? Simple!” Zhang Xuan said.

“Simple? Could it be that… you have an idea in mind?” Hearing Zhang Xuan’s confident declaration, Mo Yu’s eyes lit up.

Seems like he has his own plans, I am probably overthinking it…

After all, how can a genius act so rashly!

Just as Mo Yu heaved a long sigh of relief and prepared to ask Zhang Xuan about his plans, the young man before him declared gravely, “I’ll just have to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in the next few days then!”

Pu!

Mo Yu’s body swayed, and she nearly choked on her saliva.

The heck!

Can you possibly say anything more ridiculous than that?

Zhizun realm is the last trial a Fighter has to undergo, and the difficulty in advancing to that realm is multiple folds higher than that of Zongshi realm.

Do you think that it’s like cabbages in the market, and you can easily obtain it by paying a gold coin?

Reach Zhizun realm in the next few days…

Can you be anymore irrational than that?

If those who have been stuck in Zongshi realm pinnacle were to hear your words, they would surely pummel you to death.

And I actually really thought you would have a good idea in mind, to think this would be it…

“Zhao Ya, hurry up and persuade your teacher…”

Unable to stand it any longer, Mo Yu turned to the lady beside her.

“Persuade? Teacher is right, why should I persuade him?” Zhao Ya asked doubtfully as she stared at Mo Yu.

“…”

Mo Yu flew into a frenzy, “That’s Zhizun realm, Zhizun! It’s not as easy to achieve a breakthrough as you think! Even if your teacher were to dedicate three entire months to his cultivation, it would be impossible for him to reach Zhizun realm…”

“Teacher has only used a single month to advance from Pixue realm to Zongshi realm pinnacle. In fact, when he first arrived at Tianwu Royal City, he was only at Tongxuan realm pinnacle. But at this very moment, he has already reached Zongshi realm pinnacle, and it has only been ten days since then… Don’t worry about it, it’s not that big of a deal!” Zhao Ya replied.

They’d seen all kinds of miracles from their teacher, and this had bred deep, unwavering trust toward him in them. Putting aside reaching Zhizun realm pinnacle, even if Zhang Xuan claimed that he would reach Transcendent Mortal realm tomorrow, they would surely believe it.

How big a matter is it; must you react so vehemently?

“…” Mo Yu.

What the heck… was with all of them!

Not only were they not shocked by Zhang Xuan’s declaration to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in just a few days, they even thought that it was natural?

Mo Yu hurriedly turned her gaze to Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others.

However, all she saw was their looks of disdain, as though mocking her for her narrow outlook..

With immense frustration squeezing her heart, Mo Yu spurted blood.

To think that I, the princess of Tianwu Kingdom and a 1-star master teacher, would be looked down on by a bunch of students… What in the world is this?

But thinking about it… their words did make sense.

The fellow before her couldn’t be understood through common sense. When he first took the master teacher examination, he wasn’t even at Zongshi realm. And yet, when he faced the Lin Clan, he was already at Zongshi realm pinnacle.

There was only an interval of six to seven days between the two events!

If he could advance into Zongshi realm that swiftly, then perhaps… he might be able to do the same for Zhizun realm as well.

“Even if you reach Zhizun realm pinnacle, Ding Mu is still the crown prince of Xuanyuan Kingdom. If you were to kill him, it will cause instability in the country. I’m afraid that… the Master Teacher Pavilion might hinder your vengeance!” Forcefully suppressing her bursting frustration from being looked down upon, Mo Yu said.

“Hinder? Isn’t the Master Teacher Pavilion supposed to protect master teachers?” Baffled, Zhang Xuan frowned.

The Master Teacher Pavilion was an organization created by master teachers for master teachers.

Given that the other party had attempted to assassinate a master teacher, even if the Master Teacher Pavilion chose not to crack down on the culprit, how could it defend the culprit?

“The Master Teacher Pavilion does protect the welfare of master teachers, but… if a Conferred Kingdom is involved, the matter becomes uncertain! After all, if a crown prince of a kingdom of such level were to be killed, it would definitely cause a tremendous chaos in the country. Perhaps, it might even result in war, the death of innocent civilians, and displacement of population. In order to prevent this kind of situation, it is highly likely that the Master Teacher Pavilion might choose the other party over you! After all, you are only a 2-star primary master teacher, so you don’t wield sufficient weight yet…”

Mo Yu continued, “Besides, the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion is close with the royal family. As an outsider, it’s likely that you’ll be shunned instead!”

“This…”

Zhang Xuan fell into deep contemplation.

Even though Mo Yu’s words were frustrating, he had to admit that they made sense.

The purpose of the presence of Master Teacher Pavilions was to maintain peace in the region.

Given that Zhang Xuan was going to kill Xuanyuan Kingdom’s crown prince, it would be hard for the Master Teacher Pavilion to simply watch by the side.

Besides, no matter how impartial the Master Teacher Pavilion was, the Xuanyuan royal family had been in power for innumerable years. Along with the passing of time, they had established close ties with one another. With the identity of an outsider 2-star master teacher, it was indeed difficult for him to get them to his side.

Rules are impartial, but humans have feelings.

“That’s indeed a problem!”

Upon thinking of all of these, Zhang Xuan nodded. Then, turning to Mo Yu, he asked, “Isn’t there any solution for this matter?”

“There is, just that… it’s too difficult!”

Mo Yu shook her head.

“Oh?”

“If you want to stop the Xuanyuan Kingdom Master Teacher Pavilion from hindering you, or even support you, you have to impress them with your capability.” Mo Yu said.

“Impress them with my capability? You mean… Pavilion Crashing?” Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

If one wanted the Master Teacher Pavilion to submit to one swiftly, there was only a single method. That was… Pavilion Crashing!

It was similar to dojo crashing.

With the strength of an individual, one would face the entire Master Teacher Pavilion. Once one succeeded, regardless of how strong one was or what requests one had, the Master Teacher Pavilion was to obey without any conditions.

This matter was written within the books of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and upon Mo Yu’s reminder, he recalled it.

“That’s right, I’m referring to Pavilion Crashing! However, the master of Xuanyuan Kingdom’s Master Teacher Pavilion is a 3-star master teacher, and his strength has reached Half-Transcension… Without the strength and capability of a 4-star master teacher, it’ll be impossible for you to succeed in the Pavilion Crashing.” Mo Yu explained patiently.

The master and elders of Xuanyuan Kingdom’s Master Teacher Pavilion had all reached 3-star, and they possessed fearsome cultivation to match it.

Pavilion Crashing consisted of tests of all fields. It was similar to Pill Debate; without sufficient strength and knowledge, it was impossible for one to succeed.

“If they know what’s better for them, they’ll choose not to interfere in this matter… But if they insist on protecting that crown prince…”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists tightly, “Then, I don’t mind… crashing it!”

Chapter 414: Xuanyuan’s Beast Hall

Lu Chong could even disregard his own life for him. As his teacher, what could he not give up for the other party?

So what if he had to face a Conferred Kingdom?

So what if he had to face off against a Master Teacher Pavilion?

Lu Chong, don’t worry! Regardless of who the other party is, to dare to reduce you to such a state, as your teacher, I will make him regret his actions!

“Fine…”

Knowing that it was impossible to persuade the fellow before her, Mo Yu shook her head helplessly, and decided not to harp on this issue. “So, what do you intend to do now?”

“I’ll head to Xuanyuan Kingdom!” Zhang Xuan replied. At the same time, he whistled, and the air current above suddenly grew chaotic. The Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast whizzed over from the distant sky and landed right before him.

Only in Xuanyuan Kingdom would he be able to find sufficient Zhizun realm cultivation technique manuals for him to grow stronger swiftly.

If he were to remain in Tianwu Kingdom, his strength would just stagnate.

Just like Mo Yu said, without sufficient strength, it was impossible for him to accomplish anything at all. He might even lose his life due to it.

“Xuanyuan Kingdom’s capital, Xuanyuan Royal City, is a few hundred thousand kilometers away from here. Given the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast’s Half-Zhizun realm strength, even if it were to fly with all of its strength, it would take at least seven to eight days!” Mo Yu replied.

As a Conferred Kingdom, Xuanyuan Kingdom’s territory was significantly larger than Tianwu Kingdom. Taking seven to eight days to travel to its capital from here could already be considered fast.

“Seven to eight days?” Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

That was already around the duration he had stayed in Tianwu Royal City.

Mo Yu nodded, “Indeed. This is already the limit of a Half-Zhizun realm savage beast. Well, if it reaches Zhizun realm, it would only take three days. Otherwise, we can only go over like that!”

Half-Zhizun realm and Zhizun realm was only a small leap in one’s cultivation stage, but for an aerial savage beast, it meant more than a twofold increase in its flying speed.

“Zhizun realm aerial savage beasts can travel that quickly? Then, I’ll raise its cultivation realm then…” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Raise its cultivation realm?” Mo Yu flashed a bitter smile.

She’d almost forgotten it. On top of being a genius master teacher, the fellow before her was a formidable beast tamer as well. Even until now, she had been unable to make sense of the ‘Beast Pummeling Taming Method’ that the other party created. She couldn’t understand how it could make savage beasts obedient to one, and why it would induce a breakthrough in them.

Lifting her head to take a look, she saw that the young man before her had already gotten into action; he walked over to the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast and smashed his fist onto it.

Peng peng peng peng!

If it was any other beast tamer, it would be impossible for them to punch their tamed beasts so fearlessly. Even if a contract had been established between them, such an action could easily incur the other party’s resentment, and this may turn out to be a potential threat in the future.

Yet, when Zhang Xuan’s fist landed on the savage beast, the huge fellow howled in delight. A euphoric expression slowly surfaced on its face as it lay motionless on the ground.

To react in such a way while being pummeled, that savage beast was truly one-of-a-kind…

Boom!

After a moment of pummeling, the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast released a piercing howl, and it broke through its bottleneck. In an instant, its aura surged and pierced through the clouds.

Zhizun realm!

Upon reaching a whole new realm, the Howling Firmament Beast’s physique grew larger, and its movements became sharper.

The group climbed onto the back of the savage beast, and after ascertaining the direction, it started flying toward the horizon.

…

Sitting cross-legged in the room on the back of the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast, Zhang Xuan recalled the events from earlier.

Due to the dire circumstances then, all that was on his mind then was to kill Liang Qingming. And somehow, the golden book suddenly appeared and crushed him to death.

Could it be that… the Book of Heaven’s Path also possessed the ability to smash someone to death?

When he first obtained the Library of Heaven’s Path, he thought that while others were throwing out all kinds of mystic treasures, he would end up hurling books at others… To think that it was true!

Recalling the might of the book, Zhang Xuan was awed.

For a Zhizun realm advanced stage expert to be smashed into a lump of meat in an instant, the might of the attack was already beyond that of ordinary Transcendent Mortal realm experts.

In other words, even Su shi would have been unable to withstand that attack!

Fearsome!

“But… it’s a one-time consumable!”

Zhang Xuan shook his head helplessly.

The move was indeed strong, but… it depleted the golden pages within the Book of Heaven’s Path, and with that, he had no golden pages left.

It seemed like he would have to bring in more students, win their gratitude, and produce a few more golden pages for his own security.

To be able to assimilate the content of the books in the Library of Heaven’s Path into his own knowledge, raise his Soul Depth by 5.0 instantaneously, destroy an enemy far beyond one’s cultivation realm…

Zhang Xuan had only discovered three uses of the golden page, but every single one of them was fearsome in their own right.

If he could gather sufficient golden pages, he wouldn’t have to fear anyone anymore. He could just toss a book at anyone who dares to provoke him!

“Judging from how long the golden book was materialized… there seems to be a time limit of ten seconds!”

He tried to recall the details of the previous battle.

Seeing Lu Chong being impaled right before him had clouded Zhang Xuan’s mind, so he didn’t think much into the details then. However, now that he had calmed down, he was able to deduce some matters by analyzing the situation.

This Book of Heaven’s Path could be summoned at Zhang Xuan’s will to smash his enemies.

However, after leaving the Library of Heaven’s Path, it could only sustain itself for around ten breaths or so before disappearing.

If not for this time limit, Ding Mu wouldn’t have been able to escape!

This book could even smash Transcendent Mortal experts to death, needless to say, those two fellows.

“After going through Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy, my Soul Depth has increased considerably!”

Looking at Kong shi’s personal handwriting had sent him into a unique state that nourished his mind.

If not for the lapse in his awareness due to that, with the Heaven’s Path Movement Art, it would be difficult for even a Zhizun realm expert to kill him!

“My Soul Depth has reached 12.1. That’s sufficient for me take the 4-star master teacher examination!”

Even though the Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy only managed to work for a short period of time, given that it was induced by Kong shi’s handwriting, it still granted him a huge growth in his Soul Depth, raising it by 1.0.

Given that the examination requirement on one’s Soul Depth increased by 3.0 for each tier, Zhang Xuan’s Soul Depth was already sufficient for him to take the 4-star master teacher examination.

“With the rise in my Soul Depth, my Eye of Insight has also grown significantly stronger! In the past, I could only peer into the essence of cultivators possessing the same level or weaker cultivation than me, but now, I can easily see the flaws and problems of even a Half-Zhizun!”

As Zhang Xuan’s Soul Depth reached 12.1, the level of a 4-star master teacher, his Eye of Insight also enjoyed a qualitative improvement.

Given his cultivation realm of Zongshi realm pinnacle, it was impossible for him to peer into the flaws of a Half-Zhizun in the past.

But now, even if an expert of that level were to appear before him, Zhang Xuan would still be able to see through his flaws easily even without the Library of Heaven’s Path.

The Library of Heaven’s Path was formidable, but it had many flaws.

For example, it required one to execute his battle technique or be unconscious before a book on one would be compiled. On the other hand, just by expending some of one’s Soul Depth, the Eye of Insight allowed one to peer into another’s flaws. In a sense, it was much more practical and applicable than the Library of Heaven’s Path.

“Not only so, the efficacy of my Impartation of Heaven’s Will has also improved significantly!”

Currently, Zhang Xuan had comprehended a total of two unique abilities of master teachers.

The Eye of Insight and Impartation of Heaven’s Will.

Through the Impartation of Heaven’s Will, by expending his Soul Depth, Zhang Xuan could easily induce trust in another. On top of that, he could also drive another person’s cultivation through his words.

In the past, the Impartation of Heaven’s Will only influenced cultivators who were much weaker than him. But now, he would be able to influence those of the same cultivation realm as him, Zongshi realm pinnacle, through words alone.

All in all, the benefits that he derived from the Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy were substantial. However, they were mainly limited to the master teacher abilities; it didn’t contribute to his cultivation or any other aspects.

“All of you, show me your battle techniques!”

After sorting out his current state, Zhang Xuan turned to look at Zhao Ya and the others.

It had been a while since he had last given them guidance. Even though they had improved swiftly, it was clear that they were unable to keep up with Zhang Xuan’s footsteps. Thus, it was imperative for Zhang Xuan to pull up their cultivation so that they could at least fend for themselves.

“Yes!”

On the broad back of the savage beast, the group demonstrated their battle techniques, and Zhang Xuan offered them pointers one by one.

Three days passed in a flash. After Zhang Xuan’s guidance, the group’s cultivation rose significantly. Wang Ying, Zheng Yang, and the others reached Pixue realm, and even Yuan Tao, whose cultivation was often lagging behind the others, had managed to open one acupoint.

By unleashing the potential of her unique constitution, Zhao Ya even managed to reach Zongshi realm advanced stage.

With the Pure Yin Body and Heaven’s Path Sword Art, she would be a match for even typical Zongshi realm pinnacle experts.

Zhang Xuan also offered Mo Yu some guidance, and the latter improved significantly as well.

“Why aren’t we heading to Xuanyuan Royal City?”

After consecutive days of flight, just when the capital was in sight, Zhang Xuan suddenly commanded the Howling Firmament Beast to steer toward another direction, heading toward the mountain range not too far away.

“I need a place to raise my strength!” replied Zhang Xuan calmly, looking out of the window.

“Raise your strength?” Mo Yu blinked in confusion.

Seeing how adamant Zhang Xuan was at avenging Lu Chong, Mo Yu thought that he would cultivate hard in these three days so that he could at least reach Half-Zhizun. Yet, other than offering them guidance and taking care of Lu Chong, he didn’t even bother cultivating at all.

And only when he was close to reaching the capital did he suddenly speak of raising his strength…

Did this fellow require some unique location for his cultivation?

“The Beast Hall!” Zhang Xuan explained.

After reading through all of the books in Tianwu Kingdom, even though Zhang Xuan had yet to get a good grasp of the various powers located within Xuanyuan Kingdom, at the very least, he managed to find information on the locations of the occupation guilds.

Similar to that of the Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall, Xuanyuan Kingdom’s Beast Hall wasn’t in the city either. It was located in the depths of the mountain range several dozen kilometers away from the capital.

“Beast Hall? You’re going there to raise your cultivation?”

Hearing the location, Mo Yu was even more perplexed.

She had heard of savage beasts visiting the Beast Hall to raise their strength, but she didn’t know that it applied for humans as well.

Could it be that his cultivation technique required the presence of savage beasts?

…

Just as Zhang Xuan was heading for the Beast Hall in the small town located in the vast area controlled by the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, three figures leaped off the back of an aerial savage beast.

Of them, two were Zhang Xuan’s acquaintances; Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall’s Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang.

A man in his late twenties accompanied them. That man’s chest was puffed out, and he had an arrogant look on his face.

“Beast Tamer Luo, this is the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall, where the Beast Taming Competition will be held!” Hall Master Feng said.

“Un, I know! Don’t worry, a championship, is it? I’ll definitely take first place for you all!” Beast Tamer Luo waved his hands casually, as though speaking of an insignificant issue.

“Ah…”

Hearing the arrogant words of the other party, Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang exchanged glances, and a bitter smile flashed across their faces.

This Beast Tamer Luo was one of the more talented beast tamers in Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall, but he was, by no means, the most talented one.

If not for the competition being brought forward by four months, and the fact that they were unable to find the candidate they had chosen, Zhang Xuan, they would have never brought this fellow over.

Since the Steelfang Howling Firmament Beast had been taken by that fellow, the group could only travel here on a Zongshi realm savage beast. Due to its limited speed, it took them more than a month to arrive here, and all of them were wearied by the long journey.

More than a month ago, Zhang Xuan had still been looking for the Poison Hall. Since he wasn’t even at Tianwu Royal City yet, they were unable to find him

“Why? You don’t trust my capability?

“Hmph, why do you keep mentioning that Zhang Xuan? He’s a 2-star beast tamer, but so am I! He passed the examination on his first try, but so did I! In fact, I even did better than him! How can you be so confident in him and yet doubt me?”

Seeing the expressions of the duo, Beast Tamer Luo flung his hands in displeasure.

Chapter 415: Ten Beasts Cage

What do you mean?

That Zhang Xuan you speak of might be a genius, but aren’t I one as well?

Why do you hold so high expectations of him yet think so lowly of me?

We are both 2-star beast tamers, I am not inferior to him in any way!

“That’s not what we mean, it’s just that…”

Hall Master Feng smiled awkwardly, “The Beast Taming Competition gathers all of the geniuses in the vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom, so we mustn’t let our guard down. We have to proceed carefully!”

“Proceed carefully? What is there to be careful about! I’ve studied the previous competition, and all I have to do is to tame a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast. Even though my current cultivation realm hasn’t reached Zhizun realm, I am still confident in doing so!”

Clenching his fists tightly, the young man drove his cultivation.

Zongshi realm pinnacle!

To reach Zongshi realm pinnacle under thirty; even in Tianwu Kingdom, he could be considered as a genius. It was no wonder he was so confident.

“The test for the competition changes each time, so I’m not too sure about what will be tested this time round. However… I’ve heard that the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall has captured a powerful savage beast a while ago, and they’ve tried taming it multiple times, only to end in failure. In order to resolve the matter quickly so as to prevent any unnecessary trouble, they decided to bring forward the competition so as to gather the geniuses from all regions here!”

After a moment’s hesitation, Hall Master Feng decided to reveal the news that he had heard. “In my view… I think it is very probable for the test to be related to that powerful savage beast they caught!”

“I share your sentiments as well. The Beast Taming Competition is held once every five years, and the timing has always been fixed. There’s no reason for them to suddenly push it forward just to conduct it earlier!” Beast Tamer Wang nodded in agreement.

A friend of theirs from Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall had secretly delivered this news to them. However, whether it was true or not still had to be seen.

However, based on their analysis, the intelligence was likely to be true.

Otherwise, there was no reason for them to push forward the competition all of the sudden, catching all of the candidates off guard.

“The Beast Hall has captured a powerful savage beast? What cultivation realm is it?”

Beast Tamer Luo was surprised.

“I’m not too sure about the details either!” Hall Master Feng shook his head.

He might be the head of the Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall, but he still wasn’t qualified to learn of the confidential secrets in the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall.

“Since even 3-star beast tamers are unable to tame it, who of the younger generation could possibly succeed? Even if it’s related to that, it’ll probably be researching the savage beast’s habits, likes, dislikes, and such to help with the taming process.”

Beast Tamer Luo lifted his head proudly and boasted, “On those aspects, I won’t lose out to anyone!”

Only those beneath thirty are eligible to participatr in the Beast Taming Competition hosted by the Beast Hall. Beast Tamer Luo didn’t dare to say much about the experienced beast tamers, but under the age limit, he was confident that there were very few people who could triumph over him in the field of beast taming in the vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom.

“I am aware of your capability, but I’ve heard that numerous talented beast tamers have emerged this year, and all of them are formidable as well! Wei Youdao from Jibei Kingdom, Jiang Nanping from Kaixiong Kingdom, Ji Wuxin from Hongquan Manor… They are all powerful adversaries who have reached 2-star pinnacle below thirty…

Seeing Beast Tamer Luo’s confident face, Hall Master Feng glanced at Beast Tamer Wang before speaking.

The young man before him was a talented beast tamer, and if not for Zhang Xuan, he would be the number one beast tamer among the younger generation in Xuanluo Mountain Range.

However, he had a clear, fatal flaw: arrogance.

If it wasn’t for them being unable to get into contact with Zhang Xuan, honestly speaking, they wouldn’t have approached him for this competition.

As a beast tamer, it was good to be confident but disastrous to be arrogant. Arrogance could potentially earn one the ire of the savage beast one was trying to tame.

Having headed the Beast Hall for so many years, Hall Master Feng had seen many formidable beast tamers being torn apart by savage beasts due to this.

“They’re indeed not bad. I’ve cross hands with them and, back then, I was indeed not a match for them. However, I’ve learned a new beast taming technique since then, so it won’t be easy for them to triumph over me…”Beast Tamer Luo said, placing his hands behind his back.

However, halfway through his words, a cold harrumph sounded behind him.

“Such arrogant words. I was wondering who it was, so it’s the braggart!”

A young man walked over and scoffed.

“Fang Jin? Why, you wish to compete with me?” Recognizing the other party, Beast Tamer Luo frowned.

“Compete? Luo Tang, do you think you are worthy of competing with me?”

Chuckling softly, Fang Jin drove his cultivation, and his powerful aura gushed into the surroundings.

“Half… Half-Zhizun?”

Beast Tamer Luo widened his eyes in shock as he subconsciously retreated two steps.

He thought that it was already a formidable feat for him to reach Zongshi realm pinnacle. To think that Fang Jin had already reached Half-Zhizun!

The stronger a beast tamer was, the easier it was for them to win the respect of a savage beast and tame it.

“Two years ago, we were all Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivators. Given your beast taming capability, you could be considered as one of the top of the younger generation. However, Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, and the rest of us have already achieved a breakthrough since then. If this is all you have, I advise you to leave quietly now so that you don’t make a mockery of yourself!”

Fang Jin looked at Beast Tamer Luo indifferently.

“You…” Beast Tamer Luo’s face turned pale. “You mean that… Wei Youdao and the others have also achieved a breakthrough in their cultivation as well?”

There was a world of a difference between Zongshi realm pinnacle and Half-Zhizun. There were many who were stuck at Zongshi realm pinnacle for their entire life, unable to take the next step forward. How did all of them manage to achieve a breakthrough in the past two years?

“Not only so, Wei Youdao has even reached Zhizun realm primary stage!” Fang Jin replied.

“Zhizun realm primary stage?”

Beast Tamer Luo clenched his fists tightly, “So what if you are stronger? What we are competing on is our beast taming skill and understanding of savage beasts. Even if you’re stronger, it doesn’t mean that you can just beat a savage beast into submission…”

Dong!

Just as Beast Tamer Luo was refuting the other party’s words, the ground suddenly quaked. A thunder-like chiming of a bell suddenly boomed.

“A bell? Crap, something huge is happening!”

Hall Master Feng’s face suddenly warped.

Luo Tang and Fang Jin, who were in the midst of an argument, suddenly stopped their actions, and their eyes narrowed.

There were many savage beasts reared in the Beast Hall, and in order to avoid alarming them, quietness had always been upheld here. Unless something huge happened, the bell would never be chimed.

Its chiming meant that all beast tamers had to gather immediately to face whatever that was threatening the Beast Hall!

What could have happened for this bell to chime all of the sudden?

Dong dong dong!

The bell continued chiming.

“Quick, count the number of chimes!” Hall Master Feng urged.

The number of chimes represented the message the Beast Hall was trying to relay to the beast tamers.

Soon, when the chiming stopped, Luo Tang announced, “There was a total of… seven chimes!”

Fang Jin also quickly turned his gaze to Hall Master Feng. Even though they were beast tamers as well, such incidents were rare, and their knowledge of these old traditions couldn’t match up to this old head of Xuanluo Mountain Range Beast Hall.

“Seven chimes, this is…”

Recalling the rules surrounding the chiming of the bell, Hall Master Feng’s face paled. His body trembled vigorously as he muttered, “Someone is challenging the Ten Beasts Cage? How… How is that possible?”

“Ten Beasts Cage?”

Luo Tang and Fang Jin glanced at one another doubtfully.

This was their first time hearing of this term.

“Ten Beasts Cage is actually a long and narrow metal cage. Placed within it are ten savage beasts, and the further one advanced, the stronger the savage beasts become… To pass the trial, one has to travel from one end of the cage to the other end alone within two hours…”

Hall Master Feng’s lips quivered.

“Ten savage beasts? Alone? This… Is it even possible?”

“It’s the primal instinct of a savage beast to attack strangers on sight. If that wasn’t the case, beast tamer wouldn’t be such a respected occupation either. One has to travel from one end of the cage to the other end and face ten savage beasts within two hours?”

Luo Tang and Fang Jin exclaimed in shock. Even Beast Tamer Wang was dumbstruck.

Savage beasts had a skeptical nature, and they possessed an innate hostility toward humans. Without any unique means, one would be attacked as soon as they came within the proximity of the savage beast. On top of that, the cage was narrow, so it was impossible to avoid contact altogether.

It was possible to subdue a savage beast within two hours, but to face ten of them consecutively? How was that possible?

Suddenly recalling a matter, Luo Tang hurriedly asked, “Right! How strong will be the savage beasts be?”

If the strength of the savage beasts was much weaker than the challenger, then even if there were ten of them and their strength rose progressively, it wouldn’t be completely impossible to clear the trial.

“The first four savage beasts will be a small cultivation realm weaker than the challenger. The three afterward will be of the same cultivation as the challenger. The next two will be a small cultivation realm stronger than the challenger, and the final one will be… two small cultivation realms stronger than the challenger!”

Hall Master Feng’s voice quivered as he spoke.

“What?”

The faces of the other three immediately turned ghastly pale.

As beast tamers, they were well aware of how fearsome savage beasts were.

They possessed immense physiques and frightening brute strength; in the same cultivation realm, human cultivators were definitely no match for savage beasts. Yet, at the very end, one had to face a savage beast two small cultivation realms stronger than oneself?

Are you for real?

“There’s no doubt about it, anyone who tries to challenge will surely die… Who would do something so foolish? What does one stand to gain out of this?”

Fang Jin couldn’t help but ask.

Intrigued, Luo Tang and the others turned to look at Hall Master Feng as well.

It was impossible for someone to take such a risk if there was nothing to gain from it. This Ten Beasts Cage was clearly a death trap… Why would anyone even try to challenge it?

Surely it was seeking death?

“Of course there are benefits to it!”

Hall Master clenched his fists so tightly that his nails were sinking into his flesh, “Anyone to succeeds will be bestowed with a drop of…

“Spirit beast blood essence!”

Chapter 416: Who Is It?

“What?”

Luo Tang and Fang Jin’s eyes immediately reddened in agitation.

Spirit beasts possessed strength equivalent to Transcendent Mortal realm cultivators, and not only could their blood induce Bloodline Evolution in savage beasts, it could also temper a human’s body, thus boosting one’s strength.

This thing was much more valuable than spirit stones.

To think that the reward for challenging the Ten Beasts Cage was this!

However… even though they knew now that there was such a reward, it was impossible for them to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage.

No matter how valuable the reward was, it would be for naught if one lost one’s life!

What was the use of the blood essence if one was dead?

“It’s already difficult to triumph over a savage beast of the same cultivation realm as one, needless to say, challenging ten at once. Let’s hurry over to see who… is so desperate to die.” Luo Tang said, gritting his teeth.

He was confident that he would emerge as the champion for the Beast Taming Competition, but even so, he didn’t have the courage to face the ten savage beasts alone.

Who could it be?

To barge in just like that, even causing the chiming of the bells… Was he really tired of living?

“Let’s go over then!”

Hall Master Feng nodded in agreement.

Beast Tamer Wang and Fang Jin were also curious to see who that brazen fellow was.

Thus, the group hurried toward the Beast Hall, and soon, they arrived at a vast open ground. There was an enormous crater around seven hundred to eight hundred meters wide right in front of them.

The crater was covered by an immense steel cage, and the ten savage beasts were segregated into several groups, prowling around the area they were placed in.

At this moment, a large group of people, attracted by the chiming of the bell, was standing at the perimeter of the crater, looking at the situation in the cage below. Their eyebrows and mouths were twitching in fear from the sight.

There were many talented beast tamers amidst the crowd, but the sight of so many powerful savage beasts still caused their hair to stand on end.

“And the final one is a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast…”

“Even a Zhizun realm intermediate stage expert would find it hard to subdue it. This… How does he intend to clear the trial?”

“Judging from how the weakest savage beast in it is a Zongshi realm advanced stage… that means that the one challenging the Ten Beasts Cage is a Zongshi realm pinnacle cultivator! Is it Wei Youdao, Jiang Nanping, Ji Wuxin, Fang Jin, or Luo Tang? From what I know, their cultivation realms are around that level, and their beast taming capability is also up to par!”

“You must have been living under a rock! Jiang Nanping and the others have reached Half-Zhizun, and Wei Youdao even managed to achieve a breakthrough to Zhizun realm primary stage. It’s not them!”

“Not them? Then who else could it be? Who would dare to challenge ten powerful savage beasts head on?”

…

The strength of the savage beasts had caused a huge commotion among the crowd.

The savage beast guarding the very end of the cage was a Zhizun realm savage beast… Facing it was truly a ticket to hell.

Who would be so reckless?

Does he not fear death, or is he tired of living?

“To throw away one’s life for a drop of spirit beast blood essence, that fellow must have a screw loose!”

Luo Tang couldn’t help but comment.

Spirit beast blood essence is valuable, but nothing could be more valuable than one’s life.

To disregard his life and challenge this hopeless trial… Has he gone mad?

“I know nearly all of the famous Zongshi realm pinnacle beast tamers in vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom… Who could it be? From what I remember, none of them are this irrational though?” Fang Jin’s eyebrows knitted tightly together in contemplation.

Judging from the strength of the savage beast, it couldn’t be Wei Youdao and the others. But other than them, who could possess the capability to challenge this Ten Beasts Cage?

Furthermore, even if it was that bunch, they probably wouldn’t dare to take on this seemingly hopeless trial!

…

“Challenging the Ten Beasts Cage? He sure is brazen! He’s probably tired of living, and he just wants to make a name for himself before his death!”

Amidst the crowd, a young man crossed his arms and glanced at the cage below with slight disdain in his eyes.

It was the genius who induced fear in Luo Tang and the others, Wei Youdao!

“Indeed. I’ve seen many of such people. Now, the only thing I’m curious about is whether he can even pass the first stage!”

Another person standing beside him harrumphed.

Another famous genius of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Jiang Nanping.

The two geniuses were as though two radiant stars among the crowd, and privately, they were good friends as well.

Upon hearing that someone wanted to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, they immediately hurried over.

They wanted to see who possessed such courage.

As for whether that person could pass the trial or not, they thought that it was a ridiculous question.

Putting aside the Zhizun realm savage beast at the very end which was two small cultivation realms stronger than the challenger, just in the very first stage, the challenger had to face four savage beasts which were only one small cultivation realm weaker than him. This, in itself, was already a hopeless cause.

“The first stage consists of four Zongshi realm advanced stage Whirlwind Wolves! This savage beast moves extremely fast, and they’re adept at coordinating with one another in a battle. It is already a difficult feat for a Zongshi realm pinnacle to subdue one. With four of them… They could probably even defeat an average Half-Zhizun cultivator. Zongshi realm pinnacle? Hehe, you must be dreaming!”

Wei Youdao shook his head.

“Indeed. That fellow will be torn to shreds in this stage!”

Jiang Nanping shook his head as well.

“He’s asking for it anyway. Before challenging the Ten Beasts Cage, one has to sign a life-and-death agreement absolving anyone of blame if the challenger were to die in the midst of the trial. Even if he were to die, it would only be his own fault!”

Wei Youdao harrumphed coldly. Just as he was about to continue speaking, he suddenly caught sight of something and said, “He’s out!”

Hearing his words, the crowd immediately turned their gazes onto the field below, and they saw a young man slowly walking toward the first stage of the Ten Beasts Cage.

“This fellow looks extremely young, it can’t be that he’s under twenty…”

“He’s indeed young. To be able to reach Zongshi realm pinnacle at such an age, he must be incredibly talented. Why would he be in such a rush to seek death?”

Upon seeing the appearance of the figure below, the crowd was taken aback.

“Brother Wei, do you recognize him?”

Jiang Nanping was also stunned.

He knew all of the geniuses in the vicinity of Xuanyuan Kingdom, but he had never seen this fellow before.

“I’ve never seen him before!” Wei Youdao shook his head.

“To challenge the Ten Beasts Cage at such a young age, do you think that he has some ace up his sleeves?”

Jiang Nanping frowned.

“Ace up his sleeves? The Ten Beasts Cage has been here for more than a thousand years already, but no one has succeeded in clearing it before. No matter how many aces he has up his sleeve, it is impossible for him to succeed. He’s probably just another brat who is trying too hard to impress others!” Wei Youdao waved his hands nonchalantly.

“You’re right. In the thousand years since the Xuanyuan Kingdom Beast Hall is set up, countless geniuses have challenged the Ten Beasts Cage, but no one has succeeded before. This unknown fellow is probably just trying to earn some fame.” Jiang Nanping expressed his approval of the other party’s view. “I wonder, by the end of this trial, will he still have a breath in him to enjoy his fame…”

…

“I-I-It’s… him?”

“How could it be him? Is he mad?”

Contrary to the crowd’s doubtful gazes, upon seeing the figure, Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang’s faces immediately warped, and they nearly bit off their tongues from shock.

“You two know him?” Surprised, Luo Tang turned his gaze over.

“He’s… the person I often speak of… Beast Tamer Zhang!”

Biting his tongue tightly and confirming that he wasn’t dreaming, Hall Master Feng fell into a daze.

He was wondering what kind of incredible figure would challenge this impossible Ten Beasts Cage, and never in his dreams did he expect that it would be that youngster he just met a month ago… Zhang Xuan!

Didn’t this fellow head to Tianwu Kingdom?

Why was he here?

Furthermore… Challenging the Ten Beasts Cage?

Didn’t he know how dangerous it was?

Furthermore… Wasn’t he at Tongxuan realm pinnacle? When did he reach Zongshi realm pinnacle?

Many doubts surfaced in Hall Master Feng’s mind, jamming up his head, leaving him frenzied.

The heck, what in the world was going on?

“He’s Zhang Xuan?”

Luo Tang froze for a moment before sneering coldly, “You all spoke of him as though he was some kind of deity. I thought that he would be some formidable figure… To think that he’s just an ignorant brat!”

Hall Master Feng and Beast Tamer Wang had praised Zhang Xuan before him innumerable times, and this had left the proud him displeased.

Even so, to be complimented like that by the two elders of the Beast Hall, Luo Tang thought that he would be a truly formidable figure. Yet, the other party turned out to be an ignorant brat who would charge mindlessly into the Ten Beasts Cage.

Genius? Pui!

Challenging the Ten Beasts Cage, you sure know how to overestimate yourself. I will watch you be torn apart by the savage beasts later on…

Thinking so, disdain slowly appeared in his eyes.

“Genius? You mean a genius at courting death, right?” Hearing the conversation between them, Fang Jin sneered.

No matter how proud a genius was, they knew their limits. Even if for a drop of spirit beast blood essence, challenging the impossible Ten Beasts Cage was an absolutely idiotic decision.

…

“Zhang Xuan, be careful…”

From above, Mo Yu, Zhao Ya, and the others gazed at the situation anxiously.

Mo Yu had been intrigued by how Zhang Xuan intended to raise his cultivation by coming to the Beast Hall. Upon hearing that he was going to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage, she immediately came to a realization… spirit beast blood essence!

However… Even if the spirit beast blood essence could augment one’s strength, was it worth going through such risk just for it?

There are ten savage beasts, and every single one of them can easily slaughter a cultivator. Even if you manage to pass the first two stages through your extraordinary beast taming capability, what about the ones afterward?

Half-Zhizun savage beasts and a Zhizun realm primary stage savage beast… This was a line up that even a Zhizun realm intermediate stage cultivator would be unwilling to face.

“Teacher will surely… be fine!” Zhao Ya said.

She possessed absolute trust in her teacher, but the dangerous sight before her still left her worried.

“He should be fine…”

Mo Yu nodded as well, but it seemed as though she was convincing herself instead.

…

In contrast to the disdain and tense expression of those above, Zhang Xuan seemed completely relaxed.

To exact his vengeance, Zhang Xuan would have to grow stronger. Even if he were to gather a sufficient quantity of Zhizun realm cultivation technique to form a complete Zhizun realm Heaven’s Path Divine Art, he would require a huge number of spirit stones to fuel his cultivation. As such, there was only one way left for him to grow stronger swiftly… Spirit beast blood essence!

As long as he had a sufficient quantity of it, through his Heaven’s Path Golden Body 2-dan, he would be able to temper his physical body to reach Zhizun realm pinnacle in the shortest possible time.

Spirit beast blood essence was incomparably valuable, so it was unlikely for Beast Halls to sell it to outsiders. Besides, even if it was up for sales, Zhang Xuan couldn’t afford it anyway. Given his current strength, he couldn’t snatch it by brute force either. Thus, the only path left before him was to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage.

According to the books, as long as he succeeded, he would be given a droplet of spirit beast blood essence.

Hu!

Breathing out a mouthful of turbid gas, Zhang Xuan glanced at the four Whirlwind Wolves of the first stage and smiled faintly.

“Come on!”

At which, he walked forward to the four ferocious wolves.

…

“He’s charging straight in?”

“Is that fellow trying to charge through via brute force?”

“There must be something wrong with his head! One should use their beast taming capability along with their strength to challenge the Ten Beasts Cage. He should at least throw out some food or something to win the other party’s goodwill before trying anything. Wouldn’t he incur their anger by charging straight in?”

“He’s doomed. The Whirlwind Wolves have already been provoked…”

…

The Ten Beasts Cage wasn’t just about one’s battling prowess. After all, it was impossible for one to defeat so many powerful savage beasts within two hours!

The standard way was to use beast taming means to get on good terms with the savage beasts so as to pass through their area peacefully.

Yet, without even saying anything, this fellow charged straight in as though a fool.

Aren’t you inviting the Whirlwind Wolves to tear you apart?