Chapter 550

Chapter 550: Neither Male Nor Female

“Court Chief Wu, Zhang shi isn’t as reckless as you think he is…”

Not expecting Zhang shi to drive the usually composed Court Chief Wu to the point that she was chasing them away, Pavilion Master Kang’s lips twitched violently, and he was about to go insane.

Only he himself knew how far he had worked for these two slots. Yet, this fellow actually offended the other party as soon as he arrived…

Ignoring Pavilion Master Kang’s explanation, Court Chief Wu bellowed loudly, “Send our guests off!”

Huala!

The few white-robed ladies who had brought them in walked forward and with menacing gazes, they said, “This way please!”

“Court Chief Wu…”

Pavilion Master Kang was still trying to salvage the situation when Zhang Xuan interrupted him, “Alright, Pavilion Master Kang. Why should you waste your time with this fellow who god knows what her gender is? Let’s just leave.”

Jiya!

Ruohuan gongzi’s legs suddenly caved in, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

Pavilion Master Kang also stood petrified on the spot.

He had known this Court Chief Wu for many years. Beautiful and elegant, the latter could leave many ladies embarrassed over their form… To actually say that ‘god knows what her gender is’ to such a person…

Even if the other party disagreed to giving them another slot, two was actually fine as well… And even if the other party chased them away, at the very least, they could still leave peacefully.

Yet, Zhang shi just had to insult the other party. It would be a miracle if the other party didn’t kill you on the spot…

Pavilion Master Kang quickly drove his zhenqi and stepped in front of Zhang Xuan. If Court Chief Wu were to make a move, even if it meant that he would sustain grievous wounds, he would ensure that the others could leave safely.

“What did you say?”

Not beyond expectations, Court Chief Wu’s face turned livid as though steel, and rage seethed in her eyes. If looks could kill, Zhang Xuan would have been torn apart countless times.

“Stop feigning ignorance, shouldn’t you understand what I am saying the clearest? Do you really need me to point it out?”

Even before this impending crisis, Zhang Xuan didn’t panic at all. “If I’m not mistaken, the hair on certain parts of your body grow at a very rapid pace!”

Pu!

That comment dealt the final blow to Ruohuan gongzi. He nearly failed to catch his breath and died on the spot.

The heck!

Big brother, are you doing this intentionally?

It was already shameless of you to scold the other party for being neither a man nor a woman. And now, you are even talking about the other party’s hair… No matter how long the other party’s hair is, it is hidden beneath her clothes. How the heck does that concern you?

To speak such words in public, are you a hoodlum?

Besides, even if her hair grows at a rapid pace… How in the world can you tell?

What in the world are you using a master teacher’s discernment ability for…

Pavilion Master Kang was currently undergoing the same shock as his student was going through. Thunder seemed to rumble ceaselessly in his head, and the zhenqi that he had just gathered nearly dissipated due to his shock.

He was the head of a Master Teacher Pavilion, one of the most esteemed experts in the Myriad Kingdom City… Yet now, it seemed as though he had accompanied this hoodlum here to provoke the head of the Glacier Field Court. Ah… his dignity and his honor…

His face warped in conflict, and at this moment, even the thought of suicide flashed across his mind.

But regardless, he was the one who brought Zhang shi here. No matter how absurd the other party’s behavior was, he was still a member of the Master Teacher Pavilion. He couldn’t simply give up on the other party just like that.

Gritting his teeth, Pavilion Master Kang was just preparing himself for the storm-like wrath of a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert when the raging Court Chief Wu’s face suddenly paled. “H-how did you know?”

“Ah?”

Pavilion Master Kang’s zhenqi really dissipated this time, and his entire body slackened weakly.

Zhang shi was actually spot on?

He said that Court Chief Wu was neither male nor female, and that her hair was growing rapidly on certain places… But not only did the other party didn’t lash out, she even admitted to it?

Are my ears playing tricks on me or has Court Chief Wu gone mad?

“Simple. Despite the overwhelming yin nature of your body, many of your acupoints are exuding yang energy. Your gestures are that of a demure maiden, but your words are full of might.”

As though knowing the other party would admit to it, there wasn’t the slightest surprise in Zhang Xuan’s expression. “If I’m not mistaken, you must be suffering from a conflict of yin and yang in your body, and you are unable to balance the both of them! That is precisely the reason why you grew a moustache and beard, and your pores are getting thicker!”

“This…”

Court Chief Wu’s body jolted.

The other party’s words were spot-on! She was indeed suffering from a clash of yin and yang in her body. Over the past two years, she’d even begun growing a beard!

If not for her shaving it diligently every day to retain her honor, she would have long died from embarrassment from the mocking of others.

She thought that as long as she mediated the yin and yang energy within her carefully, she would be able to solve the problem. But who could’ve known that… as time passed, her condition only continued to worsen. In fact, her pores were even starting to become thicker.

This matter involved a lady’s pride. Embarrassed, she didn’t dare to find anyone to take a look at it. Never in the world did she expect this fellow to see through her affliction in a single glance.

How… in the world did he manage to see through it.

“By hair growing rapidly on certain parts of the body… you mean the beard?”

Seeing the trembling shocked Court Chief Wu, Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi widened their mouths in astonishment. At the same time, they wiped the sweat off their reddened faces.

When they heard about hair growing in certain parts of the body, their minds immediately thought of indecent stuff. After all, how could they have possibly imagined that a female would grow a beard?

“After being injured by searing sword qi, you thought that you are unable to bring out the fullest extent of the might of the ‘Great Ancient Incursion Art’. Thus, you decided to switch to a yin nature cultivation technique instead. In the end, you failed to control the energies in your body properly and ended up in such a state. Even though you are still able to suppress it with brute force at the moment, that will be unfeasible in the long run. Within three years, the situation will spiral beyond your control,” Zhang Xuan said.

If the other party didn’t execute a battle technique, he would be unable to utilize the Library of Heaven’s Path and determine the exact specifics of the other party’s condition. Even so, through the sharp discernment ability of the Eye of Insight, he was able to see that this Court Chief Wu shaved her beard on a daily basis.

As such, he was able to deduce that the other party was suffering from a conflict of yin and yang. Factoring in the previous problem that Pavilion Master Kang spoke of, it wasn’t too difficult for him to deduce the cause of the affliction.

The Great Ancient Incursion Art centered around the concept of sharpness and burst power. It only allowed its user to launch three extremely powerful strikes before drying out. This was the reason why Zhang Xuan thought the patient was a male back then when he looked at the case study.

Therefore, he was rather surprised upon hearing Pavilion Master Kang calling the patient a ‘she’ then. Upon seeing Court Chief Wu at this moment, it wasn’t too hard for him to tie things together.

She must have switched from the Great Ancient Incursion Art to a yin attribute technique, thus resulting in a clash of energy that she was unable to mediate between.

The best way to solve such a matter was to destroy one’s foundation and start afresh… But as the strongest expert and the chief of the Glacier Plain Court, how could she bear to do so?

Thus, she tried to suppress the energy in hopes that the problem would die down soon. However, as time passed, the situation only worsened, and she found herself slowly losing control.

As for why Court Chief Wu, despite being a female, would choose to cultivate a yang attribute technique that was more suited for males, Zhang Xuan wasn’t too sure either. However, he felt that it might be related to the Yin-Yang Lake.

After all, the red-robed ladies that he had seen previously were all cultivating yang attribute cultivation techniques as well.

After hearing those words, while Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi felt that it was a little far-fetched, Court Chief Wu’s face turned ghastly white.

The other party’s analysis was spot-on.

Back then, even though she was treated by Pavilion Master Kang, there were some side effects to the treatment. For one, she found herself unable to fully unleash the might of the Great Ancient Incursion Art anymore. Thus, she changed to a yin nature cultivation technique instead in hopes of using it to achieve a breakthrough, as well as to neutralize the lingering searing sword qi in her body.

And due to that, she improved swiftly. It didn’t take her long to neutralize the sword qi and recover fully rom her wounds.

But… that also left behind a trauma in her, thus resulting in the current situation.

“May I know if there is any… treatment method for it?”

Since the other party could see through it, perhaps he would be able to solve it. Thus, Court Chief Wu couldn’t help but look at the other party expectantly.

“There’s indeed some ways to treat your affliction. The most direct method is to dissipate your cultivation and start anew!” Zhang Xuan said.

“Dissipate my cultivation… That won’t work. My lifespan is already beyond a hundred now. If I were to dissipate my cultivation, I’d surely die from old age instantly,” Court Chief Wu hurriedly said.

It was not that she had never thought of this method before.

But given her current age, without her cultivation sustaining her bodily functions, she would immediately age swiftly and die in less than three days.

What was the use of treating her affliction if she were to die because of it?

If so, she might as well just persevere on with the current situation.

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

The other party’s words were indeed true.

The extended lifespan of a Transcendent Mortal came from the augmentation of their cultivation. If their cultivation were to disappear, they would immediately revert back to ordinary lifespan of a human.

“Is there any other solution?” Court Chief Wu asked.

“That… How about this, you execute a punching routine for me so that I can analyze your condition… However, I can’t guarantee you that I’ll be able to find a solution.”

Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

While he had a rough idea of what the other party’s affliction was, without the Library of Heaven’s Path accurately pointing out the specific causes resulting in the other party’s current condition, he wasn’t too sure how the problem could be treated.

Naturally, he wouldn’t be able to guarantee whether he could treat the other party’s affliction either.

After hesitating for a moment, Court Chief Wu nodded her head.

“Alright. Regardless of whether Zhang shi is able to treat my affliction or not, I promise to grant you a third slot for the trial!”

She was about to go insane being tortured by her current condition as she saw more and more characteristics of a male appearing on her every day.

If the person before her could really treat her affliction, she would be willing to pay anything without hesitation, let alone, a single slot for the trial.

“Un!”

Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

In the end, the reason why he went through so much trouble was to obtain that additional slot. Since the other party had given him her word, naturally, he had to give his all in his treatment as well.

“Just like that… he succeeded?”

It was just a moment ago that Court Chief Wu seemed as though she would tear all of them apart. Yet, at this very instant, not only did her rage fade completely, she even promised to give them the slot. Pavilion Master Kang was dumbfounded.

Wasn’t he way too formidable!

Even though he was seeing this for himself, he still found the situation hard to believe.

On the other hand, Ruohuan gongzi was about to be driven insane from shock.

All along, he felt that luck had been a huge factor in why he lost to the other party in the selection round. He thought that as long as he cultivated hard, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to turn the situation around two months later, thus reclaiming the title of the number one genius of Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

It was only after this incident that he realized that… the other party’s eye of discernment and meticulousness toward details weren’t things that he could compete with!

In fact… even his own teacher seemed to be unable to match up to Zhang shi!

This fellow… Was he really a person who had just qualified as a 4-star master teacher?

Unaware of the doubts in Ruohuan gongzi’s mind, Zhang Xuan turned to Court Chief Wu and waved his hands.

“Let’s begin then!”

“Alright!”

Nodding her head, Court Chief Wu whipped out her arm and executed a powerful punch.

Zhang Xuan’s eyes were fixated on the other party’s movements, but in truth, his consciousness was in the Library of Heaven’s Path. He was busy flipping through the book to look through the details of the other party’s affliction.

Hu!

Soon, Court Chief Wu finished her display and turned her gaze to Zhang Xuan. “Are there any way… to treat my affliction?”

As she spoke those words, her breathing couldn’t help but hasten.

If even the young man before her was unable to treat her affliction, she really couldn’t imagine what kind of terrors awaited her in the future and how she could endure them.

“This… There’s indeed a solution to your problem!”

Exhaling deeply, Zhang Xuan looked at Court Chief Wu with a bizarre expression and asked, “What do you think of our Pavilion Master Kang?”

“Ah?”

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

Chapter 551: Zhang Xuan’s Shady Dealing [2in1]

I asked you for a solution to my problem, why are you suddenly asking me about Pavilion Master Kang?

But even though Court Chief Wu was perplexed, knowing that this was probably related to the treatment, she replied earnestly, “I’ve known Pavilion Master Kang for many years, so I guess we can be considered to be familiar with one another.”

Standing by the side, Kang Gan was already bewildered. He had no idea what Zhang shi was thinking of.

“Since the you are familiar with him, that should make things simple!”

With a bright smile on his face, Zhang Xuan continued, “Our pavilion master is a righteous and honest person. On top of that, he’s a master teacher, so he has a bright future ahead of him. More importantly… his looks are above average as well…”

The more Zhang Xuan spoke, the more confused Court Chief Wu became. Bewildered, she asked, “Pavilion Master Kang is indeed a fine man. For the welfare of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he was willing to pay a heavy price just to obtain the slots to enter the Yin-Yang Lake for his juniors… Just that, what does this have to do with treating my conflict of yin and yang?”

“This had everything to do with it!”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes rotated between the two parties involved and said, “Why don’t the both of you… get married?”

Pu!

Pavilion Master Kang choked on his own saliva and nearly fainted over. Ruohuan gongzi also widened his eyes in shock.

Aren’t you trying to treat Court Chief Wu? Why does it seem like you’re matchmaking instead?

To dare to propose a matrimony between Pavilion Master Kang and Court Chief Wu… You sure are brave…

“Marry?”

Court Chief Wu’s body shook, and her vision went dark. She had only asked this fellow to treat her… how in the world did it turn into a talk about marriage instead?

What the heck does the other party mean by trying to get me to marry Pavilion Master Kang?

“That’s right. There is no problem with you cultivating a forceful yang cultivation technique. The main issue lies in you changing your cultivation technique halfway through, resulting in a collision between yin and yang. The best way to completely cure you of your affliction is to find a spouse whose cultivation is around your level and possesses outstanding control over zhenqi to mediate the yin and yang within your body!”

Zhang Xuan continued, “As a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert, Pavilion Master Kang is just a step away from reaching Consonant Spirit realm. On top of that, he is a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, and his knowledge and control over zhenqi is superior even when compared to yours. Thus… he is the most ideal candidate in mind! If the two of you get together, in just three to six months, you will be able to completely neutralize the yin and yang energy in your body and make a complete recovery!”

“This…”

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

She didn’t expect for her situation to be able to be solved in such a manner.

Ever since she started cultivating, she had been guarding her purity closely. She never tried to get close to any men, and she didn’t allow any men to get close to her either. For her to marry someone so abruptly… Even if it was to treat her physical affliction, she still found it hard to accept.

While she was still hesitating, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly said, “Are there no other solutions? This… won’t work!”

Even though he was still single… how could he accept marrying a bearded beauty?

Just the thought of the other party’s beard growing even more diligently than his made his goosebumps stand on ends.

“Of course there are other solutions, but this is the simplest one!” Zhang Xuan said.

“Let’s use the other solutions then. As long as it’s within my means, I’ll definitely give my all…” Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly said. However, before he could finish his words, a vicious glare fell on him and a cold voice sounded.

“Kang Gan, what do you mean? For you to turn down a marriage with me so hurriedly, are you hinting that I am unworthy of you?”

Even if it was to treat her affliction, she didn’t want to marry this old man either. But… even if the marriage didn’t go through, she should be the one rejecting the other party! For this old man to quickly reject her as though he had stepped on something disgusting, what the heck did he mean by that?

Am I that repulsive?

In terms of cultivation, as a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan, I am way superior to you. In terms of standing, as the only head of Glacier Plain Court throughout the entire Huanyu Empire, there are countless pavilion masters wanting to fawn over me. In terms of appearance, even though there are others that are more beautiful than me, I am at least a ‘one in ten thousand’ beauty. Even though I’m no longer in my youth, my beauty still lingers on…

I haven’t even agreed to the marriage yet, what rights do you have to be rejecting me so anxiously?

“Court Chief Wu, you must be jesting. How could I dare to harbor such thoughts? I just think that…”

Not expecting the other party to fault him over this matter, Pavilion Master Kang’s lips twitched, “… I am unworthy of you! I am the one who is unworthy of you!”

“It’s good that you have some self-awareness!”

Hearing those words, Court Chief Wu’s expression finally softened. Turning to the young man before her once more, she said, “What other ways are there? As long as it’s within my means, I’ll definitely give my all!”

“…”

Pavilion Master Kang was rendered speechless. Wasn’t that exactly what I said? If not for you interrupting the conversation, we could have progressed much faster than that…

“There’s another way to do so. That’s to find an expert with Pure Yin Body whose cultivation is on par with you. You can make use of her blood to neutralize the remaining yang energy within your body. You don’t need too much of it, just one drop is sufficient,” Zhang Xuan said.

“Pure Yin Body?”

Court Chief Wu smiled bitterly.

Unique constitutions were like a grain of sand amidst a gigantic ocean. If it was that easy to possess a unique constitution, everyone would have been an expert by now.

The reason why their Origin Flame Glacier Plain had been training their members in yang attribute and yin attribute cultivation techniques, even going to the extent of creating the Yin-Yang Lake, was just so to groom a cultivator with the Pure Yang Body or Pure Yin Body…

But after so many years, there hadn’t been a single success yet.

Besides, even if they were successful, that person would surely have been taken away by the headquarters already. To find such a person to cure her affliction was nigh impossible.

“This… Since it won’t work, why don’t… Pavilion Master Kang and I get married?” Court Chief Wu proposed hesitantly with an awful complexion.

Hearing the bearded lady’s intention to marry her, Pavilion Master Kang nearly fainted on the spot. He hurriedly shouted, “N-no need for that. Isn’t there a person with Pure Yin Body here?”

“There is?”

Court Chief Wu was taken aback. “Where?”

There might not even be the birth of a person with this unique constitution over the span of a millennia, so how could such an expert be found so easily?

“Zhang shi’s student, Zhao Ya, is a person possessing the Pure Yin Body. On top of that, she has even awakened it by twenty percent already…”

Afraid that the other party would lay her thoughts on him, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly said, “You… possess the Pure Yin Body?”

Narrowing her eyes, Court Chief Wu hurriedly assessed the girl before her.

“Yes, she possesses the Pure Yin Body. There’s no mistake about it!”

After saying so, Pavilion Master Kang hurriedly turned to Zhang Xuan and asked, “Since your student possesses the Pure Yin Body and a single droplet of her blood can solve the court chief’s affliction, why would you propose for the both of us to get married…”

This Zhang shi was truly… Since the second method was that simple, why would he propose for the both of them to get married?

“Zhao Ya is my student. I have the responsibility to protect her from any harm. Naturally, I’ve no choice but to sacrifice you. Besides, I’m doing you a huge favor by helping you find a wife. Tsk, for my goodwill to go unreciprocated…” Zhang Xuan replied.

Pavilion Master Kang staggered.

To protect your student, you actually decided to sacrifice me…

And you still dare to say that you are doing me a favor…

Goodwill your head!

Why don’t you try marrying a bearded lady yourself?!

While the duo was arguing, Court Chief Wu was slowly walking to Zhao Ya with a body trembling in disbelief. “You… really possess the Pure Yin Body?”

“Yes!”

Zhao Ya’s eyebrows shot up. Driving the zhenqi in her body, the characteristics of her constitution immediately appeared. A surge of cold air blew into the hall, gushing toward the skies.

As her cultivation reached Half-Transcension, the powers of her unique constitution were gradually drawn out. With her current strength, there was no one of equal cultivation realm as her that could defeat her, not even master teachers. Most probably, only a monster like Zhang Xuan could match her on equal grounds.

“Indeed… She possesses the Pure Yin Body… There’s hope for our Origin Flame Glacier Plain…”

Feeling the powerful aura exuded from Zhao Ya, Court Chief Wu’s eyes reddened. She rushed forward to grab Zhao Ya’s arm and asked, “What’s your name?”

“Zhao Ya!”

Seeing the normal Court Chief Wu suddenly behaving so frenziedly, Zhao Ya frowned and pushed her hand aside.

“Zhao Ya xiaojie… do you want to go to the headquarters with me? As long as you agree to it, you’ll be granted the best cultivation resource immediately. You’ll be able to awaken your Pure Yin Body completely in the shortest time possible, thus becoming the strongest expert across the entire continent swiftly…” Court Chief Wu said in agitation.

“There’s no need for it. I wish to follow behind my teacher,” Zhao Ya replied nonchalantly.

It was due to Zhang shi’s guidance that she had been able to come so far. The other party’s position in her heart was already comparable to that of her own father, and he was the person she respected the most in the world. It was impossible for her to leave him on her own accord.

“Teacher? Who is your teacher?”

Due to her agitation, Court Chief Wu was a little muddle-headed at the moment.

“It is Zhang Xuan, Zhang shi!” Zhao Ya said proudly.

“Zhang shi?”

Only then did Court Chief Wu finally come to a realization. She hurriedly turned to Zhang Xuan and asked, “Zhang shi, can you… lend your student to our Origin Flame Glacier Plain? We truly require a Pure Yin Body expert…”

“Lend?” Zhang Xuan shook his head. “My students are thinking humans. They can decide on their own. If they wish to follow you, I’ll support them with all my heart. If they are unwilling to do so, no one will be able to force them into a decision!”

Even though Zhang Xuan’s voice was calm, it carried immense confidence.

As the owner of the Library of Heaven’s Path, he was destined to walk a path different from the others. Even though he might be weak at the moment, he had the confidence to grow stronger in the shortest time possible. As long as Zhao Ya was unwilling to accept the other party’s request, Zhang Xuan would not allow anyone to force her into it.

Hearing the other party’s confident words, Court Chief Wu recovered from her agitation and hurriedly shook her head.

“That… is not what I mean. Zhang shi, please don’t misunderstand my intentions!”

“Why don’t you tell us what is going on?” Zhang Xuan asked.

Through his eye of discernment, he could tell that Court Chief Wu’s agitation was for real.

She didn’t even react so intensely when she heard that there was a cure for her affliction. Most probably, there was something much deeper to the matter.

On top of that, she even said something along the lines of ‘there was hope for the Origin Flame Glacier Plain’.

“This… I apologize but it concerns the utmost secret of our Origin Flame Glacier Field, so I’m unable to tell you anything further than this…”

With a conflicted expression, Court Chief Wu hesitated for a moment before saying, “How about this, I’ll consult with the headquarters about this matter while you enter the Yin-Yang Lake. Regardless of the reply of the headquarters, I’ll give you an explanation for this matter.”

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

Every single occupation had their secrets and privacy. It was normal for the other party to have some things she was unwilling to reveal.

Changing the subject, Court Chief Wu asked, “Just to confirm, the three slots should refer to the three of you, right?”

“Yes. Me, Ruohuan gongzi, and Zhao Ya.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Good. The Room of Ice and Fire is right ahead. Only after passing the trial can you enter the Yin-Yang Lake!”

Court Chief Wu explained, “The reason why we have the trial is due to the bizarre nature of the Yin-Yang Lake. The amalgamation of yin and yang can create huge stress on one’s body, putting them in immense pain. If one couldn’t even endure the Room of Ice and Fire, one might end up being seared to ash by the flow of yang energy or frozen into an ice block by the flow of yin energy in the Yin-Yang Lake.”

“I see.”

Zhang Xuan nodded.

He was wondering why they still had to undergo the trial despite everything that had happened. This seemed to be the true reason behind it all.

It was just like how one had to be administered suspect penicillin before the real injection. Otherwise, one might die from the inability to adapt in the Yin-Yang Lake.

As such, the trial was, in truth, a preventive measure to assess one’s ability beforehand.

Walking up to the entrance of the Room of Ice and Fire, Zhang Xuan assessed the interior of the room. It was somewhat similar to the House of Trust he had entered during the master teacher examination in Tianwu Kingdom.

“Who wants to give it a try first?” Court Chief Wu asked with a smile.

“Me…”

Hearing those words, Ruohuan gongzi quickly rushed forward anxiously.

After several rounds of competing with Zhang Xuan, he had finally understood a fact. If he were to allow the latter go first, putting aside how all of his glory would be stolen from him, he might even wreck the entire area…

After all, his history with Elder Wu, Elder Yun, and Elder Bai spoke a lot… Regardless, one thing was for sure-Zhang Xuan shouldn’t be allowed to go first.

This was a safety precaution.

Rather than dealing with the possible problems in his aftermath, he might as well be the first to clear the trial.

At the very least, he could still retain a little bit of confidence.

Seeing the other party volunteering so actively, Court Chief Wu nodded her head and instructed, “Drip of a droplet of blood on the crystal outside the door before entering!”

“Yes!”

Walking up to the crystal, Ruohuan gongzi bit his finger, dripped a drop of blood on it, before walking into the room.

As soon as he walked in, rumbling sounds reminiscent of thunder began echoing ceaselessly. It was hard to imagine what kind of terrors were occurring inside.

Court Chief Wu seemed to have known this would happen, and she was standing quietly by the side with her hands behind her back.

Jiya!

After an unknown period of time, a charred figure walked out of the room. His hair was standing at ends, and black smoke was rising from his body. Who else could this be other than Ruohuan gongzi?

At the current moment, Jun Ruohuan bore no resemblance to the dashing gentleman he usually was. Instead, he seemed like a beggar who had just climbed out from a rubbish dump. With a body completely charred, he was in an extremely miserable state.

“Even though his mental fortitude had been breached, given how he was able to clear the test within two hours, his foundations are still quite strong. Alright, you are qualified to enter the Yin-Yang Lake!”

Glancing at the bit of incense still burning outside the room, Court Chief Wu nodded her head.

Even though Ruohuan gongzi had stayed inside for nearly two entire hours, he was still able to leave within the allotted time. On top of that, he still retained his consciousness. This showed that he possessed outstanding endurance and perseverance. With these, he was qualified to enter the Yin-Yang Lake.

“Didn’t Court Chief Wu say that the Room of Ice and Fire is a test of one’s mental resilience? Why would…” Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.

“The Room of Ice and Fire is indeed a trial on one’s mental resilience. However, if one’s mental fortitude is breached, one’s physical body will incur injuries as well. Even so, to be able to walk out under such conditions, that person must possess outstanding endurance.”

After explaining, Court Chief Wu turned to look at Zhang Xuan. “Zhang shi, are you going in next, or is Zhao Ya going?”

“Allow me!” Zhao Ya stepped forward.

With the same procedures from before, Zhao Ya entered the room. However, in just an hour later, she was already done. Seeing this sight, Ruohuan gongzi fell into depression, and internally, he was shouting ‘monster’.

One must know that Zhao Ya’s age and cultivation was way beneath his.

Of course, this trial didn’t mean that Zhao Ya’s capability was above that of Ruohuan gongzi. Rather, the Pure Yin Body granted Zhao Ya immunity to the cold and a form of defense against the heat… This trial might have been difficult for most cultivator, but for her, it wasn’t anything much.

As such, even though Zhao Ya’s condition was slightly unkempt when she walked out, she was in a much better state than Ruohuan gongzi.

“It’s my turn!”

Since the other two had cleared, Zhang Xuan followed the same procedures as before and walked into the room.

…

Seeing Zhang Xuan walk into the room, Ruohuan gongzi asked, “Teacher, how long do you think Zhang shi will take?”

“Since you took around two hours and Zhao Ya around an hour, I think that Zhang shi… should be able to clear the challenge in less than fifteen minutes!” Pavilion Master Kang said.

That fellow had created too many miracles. Since even his student was able to clear the trial in an hour, most probably, he wouldn’t even take half of the time.

“Fifteen minutes?”

Ruohuan gongzi shook his head, “I think he would only take a maximum of five minutes!”

Ruohuan gongzi had a very deep impression of the latter’s monstrous capability. Every time he thought it was impossible for the other party to succeed, the other party would do so in a manner that exceeded their expectations.

Taking this situation for example, in truth, he also shared his teacher’s thoughts that the other party would be able to complete the challenge within fifteen minutes. But… for some reason, his subconscious made him feel that the result would be even more frightening than his estimates.

“Five minutes?” Hearing the conversation between the duo, Court Chief Wu shook her head.

That was the Room of Ice and Fire, an extremely fearsome trial. Clearing it within five minutes? Surely you two must be dreaming!

“Court Chief Wu, you simply don’t understand how fearsome Zhang shi is… In truth, I’m thinking that five minutes might be an underestimation…” Ruohuan gongzi explained.

“Is he that incredible?”

Hearing this talented master teacher declaring the matter so confidently, Court Chief Wu’s opinion wavered.

That Zhang shi did indeed see through a problem that escape Pavilion Master Kang’s eyes, and honestly speaking, there was something bizarre about him. Perhaps, he really might be able to accomplish the unthinkable.

“Indeed. Let’s wait and see then!”

Ruohuan gongzi said so with a confidence even greater than that when he challenged the trial.

“Five minutes have passed…”

It didn’t take long for five minutes to pass, but the room didn’t seem to be opening any time soon.

“Perhaps… ten minutes…”

With an awkward expression, Ruohuan gongzi changed his words.

But after ten minutes had passed, the room still remain sealed.

“Could it be… fifteen minutes?” Having two of his guesses fail, Ruohuan gongzi uttered doubtfully.

But… a pity it was, but after fifteen minutes had passed, not a figure emerged from the shut doors.

Thirty minutes!

Fifty minutes!

Eighty minutes…

…

Soon, two hours passed but the Room of Ice and Fire remained bizarrely quiet.

“The time has ended but the other party isn’t out yet… Seems like he failed to clear the trial!”

Court Chief Wu shook her head in lamentation.

She thought that the young man would create a miracle just as the others had said. But from the situation, it seemed like they were overestimating him.

Not only did the latter fail to create a miracle, he didn’t even pass the trial.

“He failed…” Ruohuan gongzi muttered with a face warped as though it was suffering from constipation.

Every time he doubted that fellow, the other party would immediately make a comeback and prove him wrong. This time, he announced his trust in the other party’s ability to achieve an outstanding result… But in the end, he failed?

Zhang shi, are you intentionally trying to oppose everything I’ve said…

Clutching his chest, Ruohuan gongzi felt a stifling sensation in his chest.

Pavilion Master Kang’s body also shuddered. He was on the verge of crying.

Zhang shi had fared so well in the Master Teacher Hall, why would he suddenly fail here?

What in the world… happened inside?

…

Going back to two hours ago, when Zhang Xuan just entered the room…

Beyond the room was a long passageway that seemingly stretched to the ends of the world.

Hong long!

As soon as the door closed, Zhang Xuan immediately felt stifling heat assaulting him from all directions. It was as if he had accidentally walked into an incinerator.

Driving the Heaven’s Path zhenqi, he turned his gaze backward and frowned.

The door which had just shut on its own accord actually disappeared from view, as though it had never existed from the start.

“Do I have to walk through the entire passageway to leave?”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

Could this Room of Ice and Fire actually be a formidable formation? And the only way to leave it is to walk to the end of the passageway?

Slightly doubtful, Zhang Xuan proceeded forward.

Xiong xiong!

But right after taking a few steps, the heat seemed to intensify. A sea of flames appeared in the surroundings, and there was no way to avoid it if Zhang Xuan wanted to proceed any further.

“Forget it, I should continue heading forward!”

Even after walking around the area, Zhang Xuan was still unable to find the exit. Thus, he decided to proceed forward.

The Heaven’s Path zhenqi was extraordinarily powerful. Despite the searing heat scorching his skin, it was unable to hurt him at all.

Just as Zhang Xuan was standing right before the flames, ready to step over it, his eyes suddenly blurred, and in an instant, it was as if he had stepped into a field of ice. Piercing chill penetrated his bones and spread across his body via his meridians, causing him to shudder involuntarily.

He was on the verge of being reduced to an ice block.

As a Transcendent Mortal expert, under normal circumstances, even if he were to sleep in an ice vault, as long as he had zhenqi to protect his body, he wouldn’t feel cold in the least. But at the current moment, he was shivering involuntarily. This was an extremely eerie situation.

Driving his zhenqi to ward off the cold, Zhang Xuan thought, ‘It’s no wonder Ruohuan gongzi was in such a terrible state when he exited. He probably suffered greatly under the torture of the alternating flames and ice…’

While Transcendent Mortal experts had the ability to ward off the effects of one’s environment, but still… an abrupt steep change in temperature would still be hard to tolerate.

It was just like how one could tolerate having one’s hand being plunged into a bowl of cold water, but if one were to put one’s hand in a bowl of warm water before that, the huge contrast in the temperature would be difficult to bear.

Just as Zhang Xuan was able to proceed ahead, a thought suddenly appeared in his mind.

‘Fire and ice… No, it can’t be a formation. Even a 4-star pinnacle formation is incapable of such might.’

Even a 4-star pinnacle formation would be incapable of the abrupt steep change in temperature that occurred in this Room of Ice and Fire. But if that was the case, how in the world was this trial created?

‘Besides, I didn’t sense the movement in spiritual energy before entering. If there’s a formation here, I would have surely sensed it…’

As a 4-star formation master, if there was a formation here, even though he hadn’t tried using the Eye of Insight, he would have noticed it. Given the alternating fire and ice despite the lack of formation…

There must be something much deeper to the trial. At the very least, it wasn’t as simple as simply walking through the corridor.

Furthermore, Court Chief Wu had said previously that this was a test of one’s mental fortitude, and that Ruohuan gongzi’s mental fortitude had been breached. This left him even more perplexed.

“I should see what’s going on… Eye of Insight!”

With such doubts in mind, Zhang Xuan activated the Eye of Insight.

Hu!

A dazzling radiance glowed in the surroundings, and several lines of insight surfaced in his eyes.

After taking a brief look, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

“It’s indeed a test of one’s mental fortitude… My soul and consciousness has been brought into an illusion!”

Through the Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan finally made sense of the happenings.

The fire and ice that appeared before him weren’t real; it was just an illusion.

It was just like the crystals in the House of Trust-through one’s blood, it created illusions that made one feel as though one was braving through a land of flames and ice. Those who succumbed to it would be permanently trapped within it. No one could save them.

The Eye of Insight had the ability to see through falsehood. Despite how realistic the illusion was, under Zhang Xuan’s sharp eyes, it still revealed its true nature. In truth, the exit from before was still at the same place, and his physical body was standing motionlessly at the center of the room. The interchanging heat and chill that he was experiencing at the moment wouldn’t hurt him at all.

That was to say, the pain and torture he had just felt was an assault on his consciousness.

“To possess such means without the use of a formation, the Glacier Plain Court is indeed impressive!”

After taking another look, he confirmed that this wasn’t a formation. But still, to be able to generate effects similar to a formation, the Room of Ice and Fire wasn’t as simple as it looked.

It was just like the traps from celestial designer that he had seen in the soul oracle tomb back then.

There were some non-formation master occupations that could create things that was in no way inferior to a formation.

Otherwise, it would have been impossible for them to create their own heritage and pass it on for innumerable years without declining.

“There must be something here that is affecting my consciousness, causing me to perceive the interchanging heat and chill!”

Even though it wasn’t a formation, a lifelike illusion of this level that made one unable to discern one’s soul from one’s body definitely had to be powered by some powerful artifact or unique energy.

“Flaws!”

After understanding the situation, Zhang Xuan brought his consciousness back into his physical body, and went around touching the wall and the ground in the Room of Ice and Fire.

Not too long later, a book surfaced in his mind.

“I see…”

After reading through the content, Zhang Xuan smiled in understanding.

“Origin Flame Ice Plain, a bizarre phenomenon created by the overlapping of an Origin Fire and an Ice Plain… Going by the directions, it should be somewhere here!”

After measuring the room, Zhang Xuan walked to a certain location and tapped on several parts.

Kacha!

As the mechanical trap whirred into action, a huge hole appeared before Zhang Xuan’s view.

It was like a pitch-black abyss, and its depth was inestimable.

“I should go down to take a look!”

Facing this hole of unknown depth, others might be hesitant to proceed downward. However, possessing the Red Dust Heaven Ascending Steps, Zhang Xuan had no such worries.

Leaping downward into the abyss, Zhang Xuan’s body fell swiftly. After a moment of freefall, Zhang Xuan activated the Heaven Ascending Steps momentarily to slow his falling speed. Repeating the process several times, Zhang Xuan fell several thousand meters before stepping on solid ground once more.

This underground cavern was extremely vast, and it was impossible to see its ends with just a single glance. A huge lake of a radius of two meters stood right before him. However, the lake had an extremely bizarre appearance; half of it was flowing with lava whereas the other half had ice floating on it.

He thought that the liveliness of the spiritual energy was already amazing in the hall above, but here, under the effects of the lake, the spiritual energy in the surrounding was several times that of the hall.

‘Could this be the Yin-Yang Lake?’ Zhang Xuan thought.

Chapter 552: Court Chief Wu Making a Move [2in1]

It couldn’t be that this was the Yin-Yang Lake, could it?

If that wasn’t the case, how could there be such a bizarre thing?

But if that was the case… Why was it that small?

With just a radius of two meters, it would already be extremely cramped for one to enter it.

After all, cultivating wasn’t bathing. There was no cultivator who would be willing to let their guards down before another at such proximity to cultivate.

If the Yin-Yang Lake was only this big, there was no reason why the Glacier Plain Court would be so famous.

Not to mention, it didn’t match with how they had so many powerful disciples who were cultivating yin and yang cultivation techniques.

“I should take a look to see what’s happening first…”

Walking forward, Zhang Xuan touched the surface of the lake lightly.

Hu!

A book appeared in his mand.

“Origin Flame Glacier Plain Seed Water. Created by members of Origin Flame Glaicer Plain by fusing the Origin Flames created by sealing the earth veins with unique material [Glacier Plain]. It is an extremely rare material. Flaws: 1, it requires specialists to sustain it or else it’ll be damaged very easily…”

There were many things written in the book.

Soon, Zhang Xuan finished reading through the book.

“Turns out it isn’t the Yin-Yang Lake… I thought that I’d found it.”

Zhang Xuan shook his head in disappointment.

From the looks of it, the Yin-Yang Lake probably couldn’t be found that easily. After all, it was the most important resource of the Frigid Plain Court so how could outsiders get access to it so easily? Not to mention, this underground chamber wasn’t guarded at all.

Based on the description from the Library of Heaven’s Path, this [Origin Flame Glacier Plain Seed Water] was made by the members of the Glacier Plain Court fusing Origin Flame with Ice Plain.

Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that Ice Plain referred to a land harnessing the power of ice. However, from the looks of it now, it seemed to be the name of a unique material, just like the Origin Flame.

“Pavilion Master Kang said that this land used to be a volcano before it became a land of ice… This should probably be the reason behind it.”

On the way here, Pavilion Master Kang had told them some details regarding the Origin Flame Glacier Field.

This place used to be a searing sea of flames, a place uninhabitable even to the most resilient of weeds.

The members of the Glacier Plain Court had changed the entire landscape into a land of snow.

And if Zhang Xuan wasn’t mistaken, it was most probably the doing of this small lake.

The small lake had sealed the heat energy in the earth vein through the Ice Plain, resulting in the inability for heat to disperse in the region. Given the height of the mountain, it was just a matter of time before snow filled its entire terrain.

It was just like if someone were to seal the heat of the burning lava through some means, as time passed, the temperature in the region would naturally fall.

A thought suddenly emerged in Zhang Xuan’s mind.

‘Given how this item is capable of creating illusions, it must have a certain degree of effect on one’s soul. What if… my soul were to enter the lake?’

Even though this wasn’t the Yin-Yang Lake, there was one thing he could confirm-this lake had an effect on a cultivator’s soul. Given the huge amount of energy harnessed within the pool… Was it possible for his soul to be tempered by the energy within?

“Let me give it a try!”

Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan immediately got down to business. In any case, this was part of the trial, so he wasn’t really causing any trouble anyway.

Sitting down on the ground, Zhang Xuan immediately drew his soul out, and his soul headed for the lake.

Tzzzzz!

As soon as he entered, the surge of cold and heat immediately assaulted him, making his soul feel as though it had been plunged into a pot of burning oil and a river of freezing water simultaneously, placing him under great agony.

But at the same time, his soul became stronger and more tangible.

“Not bad!”

Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

The soul cultivation technique he was using was the Heaven’s Path Soul Art. This made his soul exceptionally resilient, fearing neither yin or yang, thus allowing him to devour such overwhelming power. If it was any other soul oracle, their soul would have already dissipated from the heat in the water.

In fact… this didn’t just apply to soul oracles. Even bodies of Consonant Spirit realm expert would easily crumble before this simultaneous assault of heat and chill.

Unlike the body, the soul is intangible. It wouldn’t expand or contract when in contact with heat or chill, which would make a material very fragile.

As such, Zhang Xuan was the only one who could make use of this precious resource to train his soul. No one else in the world would be able to do the same.

“Absorb…”

Understanding this fact, Zhang Xuan chuckled as his soul swallowed both the yin and yang energy in the water.

Driving the Heaven’s Path Soul Art to the maximum, Zhang Xuan’s cultivation soared furiously.

Kacha!

The sound of a wall breaking down sounded. In just a few breaths, Zhang Xuan’s soul cultivation had increased from Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle to Transcendent Mortal 3-dan primary stage.

But still, his cultivation showed no sign of stopping. On the contrary, he seemed to be absorbing the energy even faster.

Transcendent Mortal 3-dan primary stage!

3-dan intermediate stage!

3-dan advanced stage!

…

Absorbing the yin and yang energy in the lake, Zhang Xuan’s cultivation surged swiftly, a fold faster than the pace his zhenqi cultivation usually progressed.

“This lake is the amalgamation of yin and yang, the collision of heat and chill. This is sligned with the Heaven’s Path Soul Art, thus hastening the rate of my cultivation…”

Zhang Xuan also understood the underlying principle behind this sight.

The single origin conceives two, two conceives three, and three conceives all.

The Heaven’s Path cultivation techniques were created by putting countless formulas together, and it contained the utmost truth of the world. On the other hand, the lake before him represented the amalgamation of yin and yang in the world…

It was due to the two factors in harmony with one another that his cultivation speed had been boosted significantly.

But in truth, this increase in rate of cultivation wasn’t too useful to him.

After all, the main problem he had at hand was the lack of spirit stone. Even if he were to absorb spiritual energy from a spirit stone instead, he could easily achieve a breakthrough within two hours. Cutting it down by half into one hour didn’t make much of a difference.

So, it wasn’t as effective as it sounded.

But still, this was due to his cultivation technique being too overpowered. If anyone else could raise their rate of cultivation by twofold, they would probably be smiling in their sleep.

Hong long!

After an unknown period of time, Zhang Xuan’s soul trembled before he stopped his cultivation.

Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle… reached!

In less than two hours, his soul cultivation had increased by Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle. That was two whole realms!

Upon making the breakthrough to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity realm, one’s strength would raise from 800,000 ding to 1,000,000 ding.

Every single tier would mean an increase of strength by 200,000 ding. In other words, having reached 4-dan pinnacle, the strength that Zhang Xuan could derive from his soul added up to more than 1,600,000 ding!

Factoring the 400,000 ding from his zhenqi, that would mean Zhang Xuan’s strength was currently standing at 2,000,000 ding! Even Pavilion Master Kang wouldn’t be a match for him!

That was how powerful he was at the moment!

Zhang Xuan never expected that his cultivation would increase by so much in less than two hours.

But still, given that the soul oracles had already disappeared from the face of the world, it was best for Zhang Xuan to avoid using this power.

Otherwise, all kinds of trouble might end up coming his way. This could prove to be extremely troublesome.

“Time to return!”

Now that Zhang Xuan’s soul cultivation had reached its cap, he stopped his cultivation and his soul dived back into the body. Then, he stood up.

Taking a look at the lake before him, the lake which showed a sight of the amalgamation of yin and yang before had disappeared altogether. At the current moment, it was no different from a normal lake. The yin and yang energy it harnessed before had been completely sapped dry by him.

Zhang Xuan’s soul was twofold larger than that of an ordinary Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle soul oracle. As a soul, his height was more than a single zhang (3.33m) tall, and even two ordinary humans stacked together would be unable to match up to his size.

“Two hours have already passed. I should leave the room now!”

Making a rough calculation, Zhang Xuan scratched his head in embarrassment.

For the Room of Ice and Fire trial, Zhang Xuan had to leave the room within two hours to gain an opportunity to enter the Yin-Yang Lake. Given that the time had passed, it wasn’t wrong to say that he had already failed the test.

Pavilion Master Kang had worked so hard for him, going to the extent of even giving up on his student just so that he could get this opportunity… He wondered if the other party would faint in anger at his failure.

“Forget it, I’ll just deal with it when it comes my way!”

In any case, Zhang Xuan was content with his gains here. Executing the Red Dust Heaven Ascending Steps, Zhang Xuan flew back to where he came from.

Possessing a zhenqi cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 2-dan advanced stage now, Zhang Xuan could now sustain his flight for at least more than a dozen seconds.

Covering a distance of several thousand meters in this time period wasn’t too hard of a task for him.

In just ten breaths, Zhang Xuan returned to the Room of Ice and Fire, and tapping on a few spots on the wall, the trapdoor closed.

After ensuring that everything was in place, Zhang Xuan tidied his clothes before walking out.

The moment he walked out, he saw Court Chief Wu, Pavilion Master Kang, and Ruohuan gongzi standing anxiously in front of the door. From the looks of it, if he didn’t appear soon, they would immediately barge into the room.

“Zhang shi, are you okay?” Pavilion Master Kang asked worriedly.

“I’m fine!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head.

“Then you…” Ruohuan gongzi was perplexed. Since the other party was fine, why didn’t he come out earlier? In the end, he exceeded the timing and lost the opportunity to enter the Yin-Yang Lake…

Court Chief Wu was also bewildered by the situation before her.

Even though Ruohuan gongzi and Zhao Ya had left the room within the allocated time, their states were rather unkempt when they walked out. On the other hand, not only was Zhang shi completely uninjured, his clothes were also completely intact as though they were new. He looked exactly the same as how he did when he first walked into the room…

What was going on?

This situation would normally only occur to geniuses who broke out of the illusion very quickly. Otherwise, under the effects of the illusion, one would suffer the assault of the power of yin and yang. Even if one’s physical body was still fine, one’s clothes would surely be tattered.

“Oh… I felt that the yin and yang energy in the room wasn’t too bad so I started cultivating. But due to my moment of excitement, I actually forgot about the time…” Zhang Xuan replied sheepishly.

He couldn’t reveal the matter about the soul oracle, so he replied with a half-truth instead. However, hearing those words, everyone staggered and nearly spurted blood.

To cultivate… in a treacherous place like the Room of Ice and Fire?

Anyone else who entered the area would be thinking of how they could hold on, and yet, this fellow actually thought it was a good place and lost track of the time while cultivating…

Are you serious?

Court Chief Wu frowned.

“The Room of Ice and Fire has a special mechanism that plunged one into illusions as soon as they entered… How did you cultivate under such a situation?”

“I just happened to do so by sheer luck…” Zhang Xuan shook his head. Feeling that it might be dangerous for him to continue speaking of this matter, he changed the topic. “If that’s the case, could I be considered to have passed the trial?”

“The conditions for passing the trial states that one must pass the Room of Ice and Fire within two hours… Even though you missed the timing due to being immersed in your cultivation, rules are still rules. I can’t make an exception and qualify you…”

Court Chief Wu shook her head.

Even though she would have loved to see the young man before her succeed… the rules of the Glacier Plain Court were absolute.

Regardless of the reason behind the young man’s delay, he had failed the trial, and thus, he failed to earn the qualification to enter the Yin-Yang Lake.

“Alright…”

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He had already known this would be the result when he looked at the timing. In any case, he didn’t bear much hope for the Yin-Yang Lake for the first place. Besides, his soul cultivation had increased tremendously within the last two hours. Thus, he wasn’t too disappointed.

“I’m willing to pass my slot on to my teacher…” Zhao Ya offered anxiously.

“There’s no need for that!”

Zhang Xuan was touched by Zhao Ya’s thoughtfulness, but he shook his hands. “The Yin-Yang Lake isn’t of much use to me. Instead, you, as a cultivator possessing the Pure Yin Body, should make full use of this chance to cultivate properly and metamorphose.”

“But…”

“Why? Are you disobeying my words now?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

“No, just that…”

“No ‘just that’! Follow Court Chief Wu to the Yin-Yang Lake and cultivate properly. Try to awaken your unique constitution further during this period of time!”

Then, turning to Court Chief Wu, Zhang Xuan said, “Court chief, since I’ve failed to earn the qualification to enter the Yin-Yang Lake, please bring Zhao Ya and Ruohuan gongzi over. I’ll wait here with Pavilion Master Kang…”

“Un!”

Seeing that Zhang shi didn’t insist on tagging along, Court Chief Wu heaved a sigh of relief. She beckoned to the duo and said, “The two of you, follow me.”

“Yes…”

Seeing the displeasure on her teacher’s face, Zhao Ya didn’t dare to say much. Thus, she followed Court Chief Wu to the Yin-Yang Lake. Ruohuan gongzi also followed closely behind. Before leaving, he turned around to look at Zhang shi with a look of awe.

Despite losing such a precious opportunity, Zhang shi didn’t cause a fuss or leverage on the other party’s weakness for the other party to make an exception for him. As expected of the person whom even his teacher was impressed with. He was indeed a true master teacher.

“Zhang shi, this opportunity is so hard to come by… It’s truly a pity!”

After the trio left, Pavilion Master Kang couldn’t help but lamented.

The nature of the Yin-Yang Lake made it extremely beneficial to the cultivation or Origin Energy realm and Yin-Yang realm cultivators. Otherwise, Pavilion Master Kang wouldn’t have paid such a heavy price to bring the master teachers who passed the selection over.

He thought that given Zhang shi’s ability, the latter would surely be able to pass the trial easily. Who could have expected that… he would actually fail!

If Zhang shi could have entered the Yin-Yang Lake, the chances of him getting into the top ten would be increased greatly.

And now… With the cultivation of a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage cultivator, it would be nearly impossible for him to succeed.

Before leaving the Myriad Kingdom City, Zhang Xuan had already made a breakthrough to Transcendent Mortal 2-dan advanced stage. However, this sudden leap in cultivation would raise doubts in the mind of others, Zhang Xuan chose to hide it. Thus, even Pavilion Master Kang was unaware that his cultivation had already increased by several tiers.

“Actually, it’s nothing much…”

Zhang Xuan shook his head, “The Glacier Plain Court has its own rules as well. A failure means a failure; there’s nothing much I can do about it. Speaking of which, I require middle-tier spirit stones for my cultivation. If Pavilion Master Kang has any of them… I am willing to exchange them with something of equivalent value.”

What Yin-Yang Lake or blessed land… As the one who grasped the Heaven’s Path Divine Art and Heaven’s Path Soul Art, nothing was more useful to him as middle-tier spirit stones.

As long as he had sufficient spirit stones, achieving breakthroughs was a walk in the park.

“Middle-tier spirit stones?” Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback by the request. “I do have a few of them. If you need them for your cultivation, I can give them to you straight…”

As the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he had gathered quite a few middle-tier spirit stones over the years. However, as he required them for his own cultivation as well, he didn’t have many of them left.

Still… if Zhang shi could get a better placing in the Master Teacher Tournament, he would have no regrets even if he were to go bankrupt because of this.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion was where he had devoted his effort to. As the pavilion master, naturally, he wished the best for it as well. If Zhang shi could actually reach top ten, even if he were to die on the spot, he could at least face his predecessors proudly.

“Give them to me?”

Zhang Xuan was taken aback. Knowing the other party’s thoughts, he actually felt impressed by the other party’s devotion. “Pavilion Master Kang, there’s no need to stand on ceremonies. I won’t take your spirit stones for free…”

Even though the other party had his own motives as well, he was an upright person. Zhang Xuan wasn’t willing to take the item from such a person without giving something equivalent in exchange.

Just as Zhang Xuan was considering whether he should help the latter achieve a breakthrough to Consonant Spirit realm when they return back to Myriad Kingdom City, a savage aura suddenly burst in the air, gushing into the heavens. It seemed as though the rage of an incredible expert had erupted.

Feeling the suddenly outburst of power, Pavilion Master Kang and Zhang Xuan narrowed their eyes simultaneously.

“It’s Court Chief Wu… Shit!”

This aura couldn’t be any more familiar to them-it belonged to Court Chief Wu.

What did this fellow intend to do by releasing such a powerful aura all of the sudden?

Could it be that… she means harm to Ruohuan gongzi and Zhao Ya?

She was a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert! If she were to really harbor such thoughts, even if the two of them were to work together, they would still be unable to withstand a single blow from her!

There was too huge of a difference between their cultivation!

“Let’s go over and take a look!”

With a darkened complexion, the duo rushed toward the place where the aura was released from.

Chapter 553: The Embarrassed Zhang Xuan

Stepping against the ground, Pavilion Master Kang charged forward as though a leopard. He shook his arms, and zhenqi gushed frenziedly from his body, causing his speed to hasten once again.

Spirit intermediate-tier battle technique–Proud Eagle Soaring the Skies!

This was a movement technique, and even if it wasn’t the strongest one in the Myriad Kingdom City, it wasn’t too far off from that. Executing it, Pavilion Master Kang’s speed surged. Even an expert of Alliance Head Zhao’s caliber would find it hard to keep up.

Worried over the safety of his student, he even went to the extent of executing his ultimate move. “Zhang shi, I’ll be going on ahead to take a look… Hmm? Where’s he? The heck!”

Continuing on forward, Pavilion Master Kang turned his head to speak to Zhang shi. However, halfway through his words, his body stiffened, and he nearly fell to the ground.

There was no one behind him at all. Instead, there was a figure, who was now only the size of a black dot, flitting swiftly in front of him, about to disappear at any moment.

Who else could it be… other than Zhang shi?

He had used his strongest technique to move as fast as possible, and they thought that it would be impossible for the Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage Zhang shi to catch up. Who could’ve known that… before he could finish his words, the other party had already disappeared!

The other party’s speed was more than twofold faster than his!

One had to know that he was a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert, and on top of that, he had executed his strongest movement technique… And yet, he still nearly failed to even catch the other party’s silhouette.

Even though he had seen the sight for himself, he couldn’t help but think that maybe his eyes were playing tricks on him.

Was that still a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan cultivator?

Even a 5-dan wouldn’t possess such speed…

‘Wait a moment, he isn’t 2-dan primary stage but… advanced stage?’

Pavilion Master Kang frowned.

Rushing at full speed, Zhang shi’s true cultivation was fully revealed… That wasn’t the level of a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage but an… advanced stage.

How was that possible?

He had seen the other party making a breakthrough to Origin Energy realm right before him clearly-it couldn’t possibly be faked… And yet, in just half a month, the other party actually advanced two small realms to reach 2-dan advanced stage?

No matter what, that was Transcendent Mortal 2-dan… To progress from primary stage to advanced stage in such a short period of time, not to mention, his cultivation had been reinforced and he seemed to be on the verge of making a breakthrough at any time…

How did he do it?

Wasn’t that way too formidable?

Besides, even if the other party was at Origin Energy realm advanced stage, the other party was two huge cultivation realms weaker than a Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle expert like him. How could the other party be even faster than him given such? Not to mention, despite traveling at such speed, the other party’s ability to make abrupt turns and leaps was absurd. At the very least, he knew that his Spirit intermediate-tier movement technique Proud Eagle Soaring the Skies was incapable of such a feat.

‘Could it be that… he had cultivated a Spirit high-tier movement technique… or even a Spirit pinnacle battle technique?’

Pavilion Master Kang was shocked by his own thoughts.

Only the more powerful empires had the qualification to access such techniques. Even though he was the head of Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, he was still unqualified to learn or even to access them.

Yet, Zhang shi, who had come from an Unranked Kingdom… actually had learned a battle technique of such level. His background must have been incredible…

‘Su Fan and Ling Yuheng probably didn’t tell me the complete truth… Zhang shi’s background isn’t simple at all! I’ll have to ask them about it when I return!’ Pavilion Master Kang thought.

Strength wasn’t something that came from nowhere. Given how formidable Zhang shi was, his teacher and background must be anything but ordinary!

Given how Su shi and Ling shi vouched for him with all their might, they must know something about him.

“Zhang shi… Wait for me!”

Suppressing his shock, Pavilion Master Kang raised his gaze once more, only to see that Zhang shi’s figure had disappeared altogether. Thus, he quickly chased the other party’s back.

The Glacier Plain Court wasn’t too big. The place where the savage aura was released was only several hundred meters away from them. After making a few turns, Zhang Xuan arrived at a vast hall.

Court Chief Wu, Ruohuan gongzi, Zhao Ya, as well as several red-robed and white-robed female disciples were present in the room. Every single one of them was shaking in fear before the immense might Court Chief Wu was releasing.

Before the group was an immense lake of around twenty meters wide. The lake was divided into two portions. It seemed like innumerable spirit stones had been embedded to it, creating a lake of pure spiritual energy.

“Could this be the… Yin-Yang Lake?”

Even though Zhang Xuan had heard of the name of Yin-Yang Lake, this was his first time seeing it.

“Something’s wrong… I’ve heard that the water of the Yin-Yang Lake is divided by their attribute; one end should be searing hot while the other end should be icy cold. Even though the lake in front is filled with spiritual energy, it doesn’t seem to carry such attributes…”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

The Yin-Yang Lake was famous across the world due to the yin and yang energy flowing within it. One end was bone-piercing cold while the other end was unendurable heat. The both of them met at the center, forming a mystical sight.

Cultivating within the lake, one’s zhenqi would be tempered by the power of hot and cold, yin and yang, thus making one’s zhenqi even more dense. This would increase the speed of one’s cultivation as well.

Even though the lake before him was divided into two, all Zhang Xuan could sense from it was the flow of spiritual energy. There was no heat or coldness from it… Could this not be the Yin-Yang Lake?”

During that period of time, Pavilion Master Kang also arrived on the scene. Upon seeing that his student wasn’t injured, he turned to Court Chief Wu and asked with a doubtful expression, “Court Chief Wu, what happened?”

What in the world could have happened to send Court Chief Wu, a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan, into such rage?

“Something has cropped up with the Yin-Yang Lake…” Court Chief Wu said. Then, turning to the female disciples by the side, she bellowed, “Repeat what you said just now!”

“Yes!”

A female disciple stepped forward and said with a trembling voice, “Just as always, we came over here to clear up the… seed water, but we realized that… the power of yin and yang within the seed water had disappeared completely, just like… the Yin-Yang Lake…”

“The seed water is buried deep within the ground, and the power of yin and yang within it originates from the earth vein and Ice Plain. How could it possibly disappear all of the sudden?” Court Chief Wu couldn’t believe this matter.

“Reporting to court chief… this is a sample that we brought up from below. Look…”

The female disciple flicked her wrist and a pail appeared in her hands. It was a pail of clear water. Spiritual energy was dancing vigorously in it but… the water didn’t carry the slightest chill or heat at all.

“The yin and yang attribute has really disappeared from the seed water? What’s going on?”

Court Chief Wu’s eyes reddened.

The Yin-Yang Lake was the very basis of the Glacier Plain Court. If it was ruined, this branch would be as good as destroyed.

While she was lashing out furiously, Zhang Xuan’s mouth was twitching vigorously.

Initially, he wasn’t too sure what the ‘seed water’ the other party spoke of referred to, but after seeing the water in the pail the female disciple brought over, he immediately shuddered.

Wasn’t that what he absorbed just a moment ago?

Could it be related to the Yin-Yang Lake?

“Court Chief Wu, can you tell me what the seed water is? If there is any trouble, you could tell me about it. Perhaps we might find a solution to the problem by discussing it…”

Seeing the state of the court chief, Pavilion Master Kang suddenly got a bad premonition.

“This concerns the deepest secret of the Glacier Plain Court, so I didn’t want to reveal it to you. However, given the current situation, it seems like I can’t hide it any longer!”

Court Chief Wu hesitated for a moment before nodding her head.

Even though the group before her were all outsiders, they were also master teachers. This was a huge crisis and she had no choice but to pin her hopes on them.

“This is the Yin-Yang Lake!”

Court Chief Wu gestured to the giant lake before them. “Are you all curious why there is no collision between searing heat and frigid coldness in the lake, as is said in the rumors?”

Everyone nodded their heads.

This was especially so for Pavilion Master Kang. He had noticed all of this as soon as he arrived, and this had left him perplexed.

“The spiritual energy from the Yin-Yang Lake originates from spirit stones, I believe you all should be able to tell as much. However, the yin and yang energy within originates from the seed water!

“The seed water is created by the Glacier Plain Court by fusing the searing heat of the earth vein and the frigid coldness of the Ice Plain through a unique method. It is usually buried deep in the mountain vein, and only when it is required will we take a pail of water from it and pour it in this lake…” Court Chief Wu explained.

Even though it was just a brief introduction, it concerned the deepest secret and most fundamental secret behind the existence of the Glacier Plain Court.

The supposed Yin-Yang Lake wasn’t naturally-formed but man-made. Its very foundation was the seed water. Only by pouring a pail of seed water in the Yin-Yang Lake would yin and yang energy be granted to the water, turning it into a blessed land for cultivators.

It was just like a bottle of syrup and the cordial made of it. The most important part of it wasn’t the cordial but the bottle of syrup!

And at this moment… the yin and yang attribute of the seed water… had actually disappeared altogether!

Without the seed water, the Yin-Yang Lake would be reduced to nothing more than a lake concentrated in spiritual energy. Even though it was still useful to one’s cultivation, its effectiveness was significantly lower than before…

“This…”

Pavilion Master Kang’s mouth twitched.

He thought that it might be a simple problem, but from the looks of it, it was something way beyond his ability.

The seed water was the most fundamental secret of the Glacier Plain Court. How could he possibly know how to fix something like that?

Even Court Chief Wu, who had spent her entire life alongside it, was unable to solve it. What kind of solution could he possibly offer?

Honestly speaking, he felt that his luck was truly bad. He’d gone through so much effort to get the slots in hope that the cultivation of their participants of the Master Teacher Tournament could increase significantly through this. Never in his dreams did he expect to stumble by such a problem…

“Right, Zhang shi…”

Shaking his head, Pavilion Master Kang was just about to tell the other party that he was helpless before this issue when he remembered the miracle-making Zhang Xuan. Thus, he turned his gaze to the latter, but the sight he saw made him frown.

At this moment, Zhang shi had a bizarre look on his face. He looked as though he had done something wrong, and his face was red in guilt.

“Zhang shi, what’s wrong?”

It was bizarre for the active Zhang Xuan to behave in such a manner instead of offering a solution. Court Chief Wu, also sensing that something was amiss, turned her gaze to the latter.

Everyone else also followed suit, and soon, all eyes were gathered on him.

“I…”

Hearing the question, Zhang Xuan’s face reddened further. Scratching his head, he said, “That… Court Chief Wu, previously, at the Room of Ice and Fire, didn’t I tell you that… I cultivated for a while?”

Court Chief Wu and Pavilion Master Kang was surprised to hear Zhang Xuan raise up this issue all of the sudden, but they still nodded their heads.

The other party did indeed say such words. It was due to this matter that he failed to pass the trial.

Scratching his head in embarrassment, Zhang Xuan continued, “Cough cough… while I was cultivating, I accidentally exerted too much force and… sapped the yin and yang energy in your seed water dry…”

Chapter 554: Compensation

“Ah?”

“Exerted too much force?”

Court Chief Wu, Pavilion Master Kang, and the others were stunned.

Ruohuan gongzi’s mouth twitched, and he nearly fainted on the spot.

He had been wondering why Zhang shi would fail the trial despite the fact that even he could clear it. So, this was the main reason behind it… The latter had already gone ahead and absorbed the seed water dry, rendering the Yin-Yang Lake obsolete… Under such circumstances, was there still a need for him to clear the trial?

To think that he was even awed by the other party’s openness in admitting his defeat… Looking at it now, the other party was truly shameless!

What do we do now given that you have gone ahead to sap the seed water dry?

Ruohuan gongzi truly felt like crying now.

Ever since he met this fellow, regardless of what he did, be it the selection round or the current trial, there was nothing that went his way. He seemed to be either getting slapped on the face or was on the way to be getting slapped on the face.

If not for his strong mental resilience, he would have long gone mad from this.

“Y-you… actually sapped the power of yin and yang within the seed water dry?”

Court Chief Wu finally recovered from her shock and stared at the young man before her with a frenzied look.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan replied sheepishly.

Even though he knew the name of that small lake below through the Library of Heaven’s Path, he had no idea that it would be so important to the Yin-Yang Lake… He had only wanted to temper his soul for a bit, he didn’t think that something so important would turn out to be so fragile, breaking down when it had only boosted his soul cultivation from Transcendent Mortal 2-dan to 4-dan.

But thinking deeper into it, that was to be expected. After all, the seed water was only responsible for the production of yin and yang energy. The spiritual energy contained within it for Zhang Xuan’s cultivation was lacking. The bulk of the spiritual energy for the Yin-Yang Lake mainly came from the innumerable spirit stones embedded in the surroundings.

As such, the yin and yang energy within the seed water was quickly sapped dry by him.

Upon understanding all of this, Zhang Xuan felt extremely stifled.

If only he’d known how easily that thing broke down, as well as its importance, he would have never touched it!

Just like his zhenqi cultivation, his soul cultivation could be raised as long as he had sufficient middle-tier spirit stones.

He had no way to compensating for the seed water and Yin-Yang Lake!

But still… the seed water wasn’t completely useless. After all, its effects were different from that of the spirit stones. A soul that had absorbed the yin and yang energy would be similar to have undergone a lightning tribulation, making it even more tangible and purer. This was something that a spirit stone could never hope to achieve.

“The seed water is hidden deep underground, and the Room of Ice and Fire is only connected to it so that one would be exposed to the power of yin and yang… There’s a distance of several thousand meters between both ends. Even at such a distance, you were still able to absorb it?”

Court Chief Wu found the matter too difficult to believe.

Given the distance between the Room of Ice and Fire and the seed water, how did he manage to sap everything dry?

“Cough cough… When I entered the Room of Ice and Fire, I found a mechanism that exposed a trapdoor…” Zhang Xuan said.

Court Chief Wu trembled.

That was a mechanism designed by a 5-star celestial designer! Even she could only open it with the token given to her as the court chief. Yet, this fellow was actually able to activate it… How in the world did he do it?

More importantly… that was only a small ventilation pipe. It only had two purposes-the Room of Ice and Fire trial, and to connect the seed water to the environment so as to nourish it. As such, the ventilation pipe was just a straight vertical opening with a height of several thousand meters… There was nothing there to break one’s fall… Jumping down just like that would surely result in death!

Besides, if he had really gone down, how in the world did he get back up?

“It’s my fault for absorbing the yin and yang energy of your seed water dry. How about this… I won’t take advantage of you. I’ve taken a good look at your battle technique just now, and the Glacier Plain Court’s Yin Formula and Yang Formula possess a fatal flaw. If I’m not mistaken, all who cultivate those two formulae will die early!”

Zhang Xuan felt guilty at destroying the centerpiece of the other party’s court. It just so happened that he had taken a good look at the yin and yang attribute disciple just now, and he realized that there were some problems with their cultivation techniques. He hoped to make it up to the other party through this way.

“You…”

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

The yin and yang formula disciples were usually groomed to take care of the seed water. As such, facing frequent immense pressure from the earth vein and the Ice Plain, their lifespans were severely limited. Even if they managed to make the breakthrough into Transcendent Mortal realm, sixty was still a huge hurdle for them.

However, this was a secret of their Glacier Plain Court… This Zhang shi actually managed to see through this as well?

“I can modify your cultivation technique so as to get rid of this trauma in compensation for your loss!” Zhang Xuan said.

“Modify… the cultivation technique?” Court Chief Wu shuddered.

This flaw had been existent in the heritage for the Glacier Plain Court for innumerable years. If it could really be resolved, that person would really be a benefactor to all of the members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. Putting aside destroying a branch, even if he were to destroy ten of them, the headquarters wouldn’t even frown in the least.

However… even if it could be modified, it was hard to believe that it could come from the hands of a young man who wasn’t even twenty yet.

“The greatest flaw with those two cultivation techniques is that yang and yin energy will accumulate, causing one’s meridians to be blocked. Even though yang and yin energy are the most original energy of the world, very few cultivators have a constitution compatible with it. If it were to accumulate for an extended period of time, it was very easy for one’s foundation to be destroyed. This is similar to ginseng; even though it brings many benefits to the human body, there are still some who are incompatible with it. As long as one’s constitution is in conflict with it, even the best tonic could turn into lethal poison…”

Knowing the other party’s concerns, Zhang Xuan continued, “If it can be solved at its very root, the compatibility between one’s constitution and the yin and yang energy will increase. It won’t be difficult for them to regain their lost lifespan!”

Court Chief Wu didn’t cultivate the Yin Formula or Yang Formula, but the other disciples did. Furthermore, due to their lower cultivation, Zhang Xuan’s Eye of Insight was able to work perfectly on them.

Through his observations, he realized that most of them were suffering from the same trauma, and if they weren’t treated soon, their lifespan could be severely limited.

A Transcendent Mortal realm cultivator’s lifespan can usually reach two hundred to three hundred years. To live until only sixty was truly tragic in comparison.

Court Chief Wu was hesitant, but soon, gritting her teeth; she took out two manuals and passed them over. “Zhang shi, I’ll be troubling you for the cultivation techniques…”

Initially, she was still harboring some doubts, thinking that the other party was trying to make use of this opportunity to peek into their cultivation technique. Only after hearing the explanation did she realize that she was wrongly doubting the other party.

The other party was even able to see through the essence and main flaws of their cultivation technique-this meant that the Yin Formula and Yang Formula probably didn’t mean much to the other party at all. So how could he possibly resort to such underhanded tricks to attain their cultivation technique?

“Un!” Taking the cultivation technique manual, a corresponding book immediately appeared in the Library of Heaven’s Path.

Lowering his head to browse through the manual, it was exactly as what he perceived using his Eye of Insight previously-those who cultivated these two manuals would suffer a serious trauma that would shorten their lifespans.

But fortunately, the flaws of the cultivation techniques were clearly shown through the Library of Heaven’s Path. Thus, modifying the cultivation technique wasn’t too difficult.

Soon, Zhang Xuan picked up his brush and started changing the incorrect portions of the cultivation techniques that resulted in the shortening of lifespan before passing it back.

“This…”

Grabbing hold of the cultivation technique, Court Chief Wu took a look and started trembling.

As a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan expert who had governed over the Glacier Plain Court for many years, she could easily tell whether the modifications were effective or not.

And based on her evaluation, she could foresee everyone in the Glacier Plain Court recovering from their trauma if they were to cultivate by this modified manual.

To change a cultivation technique right after taking a look… How formidable was this young man?

Even Pavilion Master Kang was incompatible of such a feat!

“Thank you Zhang shi for saving countless members of our Glacier Plain Court!”

She knew that this cultivation technique would surely cause a huge uproar if she were to report it back the headquarters. Who knows how many current and future members would be saved by cultivating this modified technique? Unable to hold back her agitation any longer, Court Chief Wu kneeled to the floor and kowtowed.

“Ah… Court Chief Wu, what are you doing…”

Not expecting the other party to kowtow to him, Zhang Xuan was alarmed. He hurried forward to pull the other party up.

Court Chief Wu shook her hands and replied gravely, “I am thanking you in the stead of our entire Glacier Plain Court. Please don’t turn down our gratitude!”

Due to the limitations of their cultivation technique, there were more than a hundred thousand disciples who were unable to live past sixty. Once this cultivation technique got out, they would be saved from the tragic fate of an early death… In other words, Zhang shi, with this action, had saved the lives of more than several hundred thousand people. Her bow represented the gratitude of all of these people.

“Alright then…”

Since the other party was adamant, Zhang Xuan could only concede.

On the other hand, Pavilion Master Kang and Ruohuan gongzi’s vision turned dark, and they nearly spurted blood.

When they learned that Zhang shi had devoured the yin and yang energy in the seed water clean, they thought that Court Chief Wu would surely kill him. Who knew that in a blink of an eye, the latter would actually be kneeling to him…

Zhang shi, what other incredible feats are you capable of?

To modify a cultivation technique and solve a problem that had plagued the members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plains for so long…

That was no longer a feat that a master teacher was capable of. In fact, Pavilion Master Kang even thought that a 5-star master teacher couldn’t possibly fare any better than him.

After kowtowing grandly three times, Court Leader Wu finally stood up.

Even though the other party had ruined the seed water, in exchange, he had saved countless lives of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. His contributions had far exceeded his misdoings.

“The reason why we traveled here is to cultivate at the Yin-Yang Lake in preparation of the Master Teacher Tournament. Since I inadvertently ruined the Yin-Yang Lake, resulting in you being unable to advance your cultivation… How about this, I’ll offer you some pointer so that you can reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month as compensation!”

After dealing with Court Chief Wu’s matter, Zhang Xuan turned his attention to Ruohuan gongzi.

Initially, this fellow came excitedly in hopes of using the Yin-Yang Lake to boost his cultivation. Who could have known that the yin and yang energy contained within the lake would be sapped dry by him, resulting in his plans being messed up. Naturally, Zhang Xuan should also compensate him as well.

“Reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month?”

Ruohuan gongzi was taken aback.

He was a master teacher himself, and his teacher was even the head of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Throughout his life, he had come into contact with all kinds of ingenious solutions to boost one’s rate of cultivation. But even so, he knew that it was impossible for him to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle without at least a decade of hard work. To do so in a month…

You must be dreaming!

“When you cultivate, do you feel your spirit sea is being blocked, as though you are trying to force through a narrow tunnel?” Zhang Xuan asked.

“Ah… Yes!”

Ruohuan gongzi nodded his head.

The main reason why the progress in his cultivation had been slow wasn’t due to the lack of resources or his lack of knowledge on how to progress further. Rather, the zhenqi in his body seemed to have met with some kind of impetus, making it difficult for him to drive it around his body.

“The solution is simple. Eat this pill, I guarantee you that you will be able to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month!”

Zhang Xuan nonchalantly took out a fist-sized red pill.

Ruohuan gongzi’s body swayed and his face distorted.

“This is… the grade-2 Libido Pill that is fed to savage beasts?”

Chapter 555: The Glacier Plain

As a 4-star master teacher, Ruohuan gongzi possessed outstanding eye of discernment. The pill in the other party’s hand looked upright, but in truth, it was the Libido Pill that was fed to savage beasts.

The more formidable a savage beast was, the lower the probability of survival of its offspring. Thus, in order to encourage reproduction, beast tamers would feed this pill to the other party.

After consuming it, the savage beast would immediately become lively. It would go without rest for several days and nights, thus guaranteeing an offspring.

This pill which was even larger than a fist should have been meant for just savage beasts. Yet, the other party was asking him to consume it?

Ruohuan gongzi swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and at this moment, he even felt like dying.

“That’s right. This is indeed a medicine for the consumption of savage beasts. However, it happens to be effective for your condition, so hurry up and consume it… Oh, you have to swallow it whole. You mustn’t chew it…” Zhang Xuan instructed.

“Swallow it whole?”

Ruohuan gongzi staggered.

How in the world am I supposed to swallow a fist-sized pill whole? Even if I can stuff it into my mouth, it surely won’t go down my throat!

Big brother, what kind of grudge do I have with you? You aren’t trying to raise my cultivation but kill me, right?

“You have to swallow it whole. Otherwise, its effects will be reduced!”

Throwing the pill to Pavilion Master Kang, Zhang Xuan instructed, “Since you are his teacher, you should help him swallow it whole!”

“Me?”

Seeing the Libido Pill meant for savage beasts in his hand, Pavilion Master Kang’s mouth twitched. Raising his head, he asked, ‘Can this… really help Ruohuan’s cultivation?”

“Of course!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Alright then…”

Gritting his teeth, Pavilion Master Kang walked up to Ruohuan gongzi. “Ruohuan, come here and eat your medicine. Ah, don’t run…”

He rushed forward to grab Jun Ruohuan and pushed him down to the floor. Then, he forced this giant pill into the other party’s mouth before using his zhenqi to force it down the other party’s throat.

“Cough cough…”

Ruohuan gongzi kept coughing non-stop, and his saliva flew around the place.

At this moment, he no longer bore the slightest resemblance to a gentleman. A beggar would be a more apt description for him.

What dashing and refined disposition? It had all disappeared along with the wind at this current moment.

Seeing that the latter still had the effort to allow his snot to run, Zhang Xuan bellowed, “Don’t get distracted! Guard your vitals and drive your cultivation technique!”

“Yes!”

Even though he was dismayed, he knew that if he didn’t follow the other party’s instructions, chances were that he might be forced to swallow yet another one. If he had to undergo that experience once more, he might really die. Thus, he hurriedly sat cross-legged and started cultivating.

As soon as he sat down properly, he immediately felt an indescribable heat burning his body, causing his pores to widen.

Hong long!

Under the stimulation of medicine, his narrow meridians which had impeded his flow of zhenqi widened, and in an instant, his turbid zhenqi seemed have turned clear, allowing it to smoothly circulate around his body.

Kacha! Kacha!

With a crisp sound, he broke through his Transcendent Mortal 4-dan primary stage bottleneck and advanced to intermediate stage.

“He… really succeeded?”

Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback. Even Court Chief Wu widened her eyes in shock.

They thought that Zhang Xuan’s method was inconceivable and ridiculous. Thus, they were shocked to see that Ruohuan gongzi actually made a breakthrough. Only then did they understand that the other party possessed true capability and saw through the root of the problem…

“There are two ways to solve the slow flow of zhenqi in his body. Firstly, expand his meridians, and secondly, purify his zhenqi…”

Seeing the shocked gazes of the duo, Zhang Xuan chuckled. “The Libido Pill has the effect of boosting a savage beast’s blood circulation and widening their meridians. Naturally, it’s useful for humans as well!”

When he was competing with Ruohuan gongzi in the selection rounds, the latter had once used the ability of a master teacher, and thus, he had the flaws of the latter recorded in the Library of Heaven’s Path. Even though it had been half a month since then, the other party’s cultivation hadn’t undergone much change, and thus, the flaw still remained the same.

That was why Zhang Xuan was able to easily find a solution to the other party’s problem.

Other than that, more importantly… Zhang Xuan had secretly infused a surge of Heaven’s Path zhenqi into the pill. After the other party consumed it, not only did his meridians expand, his zhenqi also became purer. As such, it was much easier for him to achieve a breakthrough.

Just that, the Heaven’s Path zhenqi was too important to allow others to learn of it. If Ruohuan gongzi were to chew on the pill slowly, there was a possibility that he might realize that something was amiss. That was why he had Pavilion Master Kang force it into the other party’s mouth.

This way, the medicine could dissolve in his stomach, and the Heaven’s Path zhenqi would immediately fuse with the other party’s own zhenqi, making it undetectable and untraceable.

“This…”

Pavilion Master Kang was stunned.

He could sense that there was something deeper to it, but… other than the explanation Zhang Xuan offered, there didn’t seem to be any other plausible reason to it.

“Then… what about after this? Will he be afflicted by libido due to the pill?” Pavilion Master Kang asked.

This method did allow his student to achieve a breakthrough, but what about after this?

Given the size of the pill, the medicinal property must be exceptionally strong. How were they supposed to deal with it?

“Oh, this… I didn’t think that far!” Zhang Xuan shook his head nonchalantly.

“You didn’t think that far?” Pavilion Master Kang staggered. On the other hand, Ruohuan gongzi felt a stifling sensation at his chest, and his cultivation nearly went berserk.

What do you mean by you never thought about it?

You made me consume such a huge Libido Pill, then… you want me to deal with it myself?

“Don’t worry, this is a Libido Pill aimed at savage beast. Given the inferior intelligence of savage beasts, it is natural for them to cave in to them. Surely Ruohuan gongzi isn’t worse than a beast, right?”

Zhang Xuan continued, “In fact, this is a precious opportunity to assess his self-control… If a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan expert can’t even do that much, he would truly be too weak-minded!”

“Un!” Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head in agreement.

Transcendent Mortals have an extremely powerful control over their own body, and they could already control their own lust.

Compared to achieving a breakthrough, this little bit of libido was indeed insignificant in contrast.

“…” Tears streamed down Ruohuan gongzi’s eyes.

He thought that there was a solution to ease his urge, but it turned out that… he indeed had to cope with it himself… For a moment he felt incomparably depressed. It was hard to tell whether it was due to the stifled sensation in his heart or his body’s reaction.

A moment later, after reinforcing his cultivation and suppressing the urge, Ruohuan gongzi walked up to Zhang Xuan and bowed.

“Thank you, Zhang shi!”

Even though the process was lengthy and cruel, he was still awed by the other party’s capability.

His resentment toward the other party for devouring the yin and yang energy of the seed water dry had also vanished completely.

Honestly speaking, even if the Yin-Yang Lake was perfectly fine, in a months’ time, he could only progress from Clarifying Turbidity realm primary stage to intermediate stage. But now, in the blink of an eye, he had already made the breakthrough. This was already much better than his estimates.

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony. Given your swift zhenqi flow, as long as you have sufficient middle-tier spirit stones, reaching Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within a month shouldn’t be a problem at all.

Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction.

The Heaven’s Path zhenqi had been infused into the other party’s body, turning the originally viscous zhenqi thinner. This should boost the other party’s future speed of cultivation significantly. In a sense, it wasn’t wrong to say that it was a blessing in disguise for the other party.

“Zhang shi, I am grateful for you for helping my student. Please accept these five middle-tier spirit stones as compensation…”

Checking his student’s physical condition, Pavilion Master Kang noticed the immense change in the other party. He knew that there was probably more than the Libido Pill, and grateful to Zhang Xuan, he took out a jade box and passed it over to Zhang Xuan respectfully.

Conventions dictated that guidance from a master teacher warranted payment. The other party’s means were profound even in his standards. In his view, it was already comparable to the ability of a 5-star master teacher. Five middle-tier spirit stones weren’t cheap, but it was probably insufficient to fully repay the Zhang shi for his help.

But this was already the full extent of his wealth. He couldn’t take out any more money than that even if he wanted to.

“Pavilion Master Kang, you’re being too courteous. Being unable to use the Yin-Yang Lake is a huge mistake on my part…”

After trading some pleasantries, Zhang Xuan took the jade box, took out a middle-tier spirit stone, and passed it to Jun Ruohuan. “Cultivate diligently during this period of time with this middle-tier spirit stone. It should be sufficient for you to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle!”

After which, he passed one to Zhao Ya, and turning to Court Chief Wu, he asked, “Court chief, since the seed water is already ruined, may I borrow the Glacier Plain of the Glacier Plain Court to use?”

Even though Zhang Xuan had absorbed the yin and yang energy from it dry, the earth vein and Glacier Plain were still intact.

“What do you intend to do?”

Court Chief Wu was alarmed.

The Glacier Plain was one of the most important asset of their Origin Flame Glacier Plain. Outsiders were strictly forbidden from coming into contact with it.

Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before saying, “Given Zhao Ya’s Pure Yin Body, if she were to absorb the Glacier Plain, her cultivation should improve swiftly. Most likely, she should gain sufficient strength to solve your affliction within half a month. Otherwise, if she were to cultivate as per normal, it would be hard to reach the same level without half a year of effort.”

Initially, he intended to make use of the Yin-Yang Lake to boost Zhao Ya’s cultivation. Since the plan was out of question now, he could only think of an alternative.

It was fortunate that the Glacier Plain was still intact. If they were to make use of this, the effects should be much greater than the supposed Yin-Yang Lake.

“This…”

Court Chief Wu was stunned.

She didn’t expect the other party to still be thinking of her affliction.

Suppressing her hastened breathing, Court Chief Wu replied, “Given that she possesses the Pure Yin Body, she is of utmost importance to us members of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain. Putting aside one Glacier Plain, even if we had to give her our all, it wouldn’t mean much at all. I’ll bring the Glacier Plain over…”

Saying so, she turned around and left.

Not too long later, she returned with a jade box in hand.

Opening it slowly, an object similar to a spirit stone but exuding a dense aura of coldness diffused in the room. For an instant, it felt as though one would be turned into a block of ice.

Others might only feel bone-piercing chill from it, but as soon as Zhao Ya saw the item, her eyes immediately glowed, and she could feel the blood in her body flowing quicker.

Passing the jade box to her, Zhang Xuan instructed, “Zhao Ya, follow the cultivation technique I imparted to you a few days ago. If there’s anything you are unsure of, feel free to ask me!”

“Yes!” Zhao Ya nodded.

After making all the arrangements, Zhang Xuan said, “Alright, I need to go into seclusion to cultivate now too!”

Of the five middle-tier spirit stones that Pavilion Master Kang gave him, he’d given one to Ruohuan and one to Zhao Ya, leaving him with three. It should be more than sufficient for him to reach Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle already.

Court Chief Wu had already sent a few people to tidy up the rooms for their lodging.

Thus, in the next few days, Zhang Xuan, Ruohuan, and Zhao Ya devoted themselves to their cultivation.

Time passed swiftly, and in the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

With the help of the three middle-tier spirit stones, Zhang Xuan managed to reach Transcendent Mortal 2-dan pinnacle on the very first day, and he spent the next few days reinforcing his cultivation.

On the other hand, just two days ago, Ruohuan gongzi had managed to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan advanced stage.

But the one who improved the swiftest during this period of time wasn’t him but Zhao Ya.

In half a months’ time, through the help of the Glacier Plain, Zhao Ya managed to awaken her unique constitution to thirty percent. At the same time, her cultivation leaped from Half-Transcension all the way to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan! At the current moment, her cultivation was even stronger than her own teacher’s!

The further awakening of the Pure Yin Body had also made her disposition much more refined. From afar, she looked like a sacred goddess from the heavens, unsullied by the dirt of the mortal world.

Ruohuan gongzi found feeling of admiration for the latter sprouting in his heart, but… recalling Zhang shi’s immense strength, he could only obediently retract such thoughts.

He was already reduced to such a terrible state despite doing nothing out of hand. If he were to really set his sights on the other party’s students, he probably wouldn’t survive to participate in the Master Teacher Tournament.

Chapter 556: Zhao Ya’s Departure (1)

After the huge improvement, there was no longer as big of a gap in the cultivation between Zhao Ya and Court Chief Wu. Within a day, Zhang Xuan successfully utilized the blood of the former to resolve the affliction that had plagued the latter for many years, thus winning him the latter’s gratitude.

“Zhang shi, the envoy from the headquarters hopes to meet you!”

By this time, it wouldn’t be too much longer before the start of the Master Teacher Tournament. Just as Pavilion Master Kang and the others intended to leave, Court Chief Wu walked over.

She had reported the improvements in the Yin Formula and Yang Formula to the headquarters, and due to this matter, the envoy rushed all the way here.

“Alright!”

Nodding his head, Zhang Xuan followed Court Chief Wu to the hall of the Glacier Plain Court.

This was where Court Chief Wu had hosted them when they first arrived in the Glacier Plain Court. As soon as they arrived, they saw a middle-aged lady sitting at the very center. Noticing their arrival, she turned her head to look at them.

“Envoy, this is Zhang shi!” Court Chief Wu stepped forward and introduced.

“Zhang shi, I am Liu Xuan from the Origin Flame Glacier Plain headquarters!”

The envoy clasped her fist respectfully. Her eyes were filled with commendation for the young man before her.

She was still doubtful when she first received the news, but after looking at the modifications made to the cultivation technique, she was immediately stunned.

She thought that a person capable of modifying their cultivation technique would surely be an old elder, but contrary to her expectations, it turned out to be a young man who had yet to reach his twenties.

“Zhang Xuan, master teacher!”

Zhang Xuan clasped his fist and returned the greetings. At the same time, he began to assess the lady before him, and with just a single look, his eyes couldn’t help but narrow in shock.

The cultivation of the lady before him felt like the vast ocean-unfathomable. Even with his current eye of discernment, he realized he couldn’t gauge the full extent of the other party’s strength!

In fact, the power she harnessed felt even more fearsome than what Zhang Xuan felt when facing Mo Hunsheng back in the soul oracle tomb!

Mo Hunsheng had already achieved the cultivation of Transcendent Mortal realm 9-dan. To be even stronger than him, how powerful was she?

It was no wonder why she could rush here from the headquarter within half a month… Truly fearsome!

“Not bad!”

On the other hand, the middle-aged lady, upon seeing the young man’s nonchalance despite noticing her fearsome cultivation, nodded her head in commendation. Then, with a chuckle, she said, “There are two reasons why I made the journey here from the headquarters!”

“Oh?” Zhang Xuan turned to look at her.

“Firstly, the modifications Zhang shi made to the cultivation technique had saved innumerable members of our Origin Flame Glacier Plain. On behalf of the entire Glacier Plain Court, thank you. At the same time, we would like to extend our invitation to you to visit the headquarters as a guest. Our Glacier Plan Court is willing to honor you with the privileges equivalent to an elder!”

“Elder?”

Listening into the conversation by the side, Court Chief Wu’s body trembled.

The Glacier Plain Court headquarters was one of the most famous and strongest powers across the entire Master Teacher Continent. As the court chief of a branch, she had a rough idea of the extent of its influence and strength. Even if she were to devote her entire life into it, it would still be impossible for her to become an elder of the headquarter.

That was a position only granted to the strongest and most talented of their members.

“What are the conditions?” Zhang Xuan asked.

Since the other party had pushed such an attractive offer in front of him, naturally, she had to have her own demands as well. After all, there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world.

“Zhang shi is indeed candid!”

Seeing how the young man before her didn’t get blinded with joy by the offer, Liu Xuan nodded her head in commendation. “Simple. We hope that Zhang shi can help us solve the problems regarding our cultivation technique and… become a permanent resident of our Glacier Plain Court!”

“A permanent resident? In other words, I’m not allowed to leave the premises?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

The fundamental heritage to an occupation lay in its unique techniques. As such, they would never show it to an outsider easily. Since the other party had requested him to solve the other problems regarding their cultivation technique and become a permanent resident of the Glacier Plain Court, her intentions couldn’t be any clearer… In order to prevent the cultivation technique from leaking out, Zhang Xuan’s movements would be tightly restricted. Without permission, he wouldn’t be able to leave the premises!

If that was the case, what difference was he from a prisoner?

“Zhang shi, please don’t misunderstand. Leaving isn’t a problem, but you’ll have to pass the loyalty test of the Glacier Plain Court first so as to ensure that you won’t betray us. After all, you should know how important the heritage of an occupation is. We also have to make precautions against having our cultivation techniques leaked out…”

Having her intentions pointed out directly, Envoy Liu Xuan felt slightly awkward.

“I understand that you have your own considerations. However, I can’t agree to your invitation!” Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

Becoming a prisoner?

You must be joking! I don’t have such masochistic tendencies!

Despite being rejected outright, Envoy Liu Xuan had no intentions of giving up yet. “Actually, our Glacier Plain Court isn’t a bad place to be. All of our members are ladies, and as long as Zhang shi desires for it, you can marry as many of them as you wish!”

The Glacier Plain Court was filled with incomparably beautiful ladies, and there were quite a few powerful male guests who decided to reside there permanently out of lust.

“Let’s talk about the second matter instead!” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

Restricted by his physical condition, he had no choice but to become a 9-star master teacher before thirty to ensure his survival. Compared to that, prestige and lust seemed negligible in comparison.

This was also the reason why even though he knew that Princess Mo Yu, Shen Bi Ru, and a few other ladies were interested in him, he still remained unmoved.

Given that his life was hanging by a thread, how could he possibly have the time and effort to be thinking about romance?

Seeing the other party rejecting her offer, a hint of disappointment appeared on Envoy Liu Xuan’s face. However, she soon adjusted her mental state, turned to look at the young man before her, and spoke seriously.

“The second matter is regarding your student… Zhao Ya!”

Zhang Xuan frowned.

“The Pure Yin Body is extremely important to our Origin Flame Glacier Plain. I believe that Court Chief Wu should have told you that before,” Envoy Liu Xuan said.

“Court Chief Wu did say something along that line, but she didn’t elaborate on the reason behind it!”

Previously, Court Chief Wu had only said that the fate of the Glacier Plain Court was reliant on the existence of a Pure Yin Body cultivator.

“The heritage of the Origin Flame Glacier Plain originated from an old ancestor possessing the Pure Yin Body. As such, there is a rule stating that the highest court chief of the Glacier Plain Court must possess the Pure Yin Body… It has been a thousand years since the death of the previous court chief, but we have been unable to find a single person who possesses the Pure Yin Body! Left without a leader, many other powers began to exploit the weakness of the Glacier Plain Court, and to date, it’s already on the verge of collapsing.”

Envoy Liu Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. “If we could find a successor possessing the Pure Yin Body to take on the mantle, our Glacier Plain Court might be able to avert the dissolution and rise again once more.”

“Highest court chief?”

Zhang Xuan was taken aback.

He didn’t expect this to be the reason why they wanted Zhao Ya.

“Indeed!” Envoy Liu Xuan nodded. “Thus, I hope to bring Zhao Ya back to the headquarter and find a way to quickly awaken her unique constitution so that she could inherit the position of the court chief as soon as possible.”

“I can also awaken her unique constitution myself!”

Zhang Xuan shook his hands.

Even though both his strength and the resources he possessed were lacking, he was still able to induce swift growth in Zhao Ya… He had the confidence in awakening the latter’s unique constitution eventually.

“I’ve heard of Zhang shi’s affairs and I know that you’re a capable person. It’s indeed likely that Zhao Ya’s Pure Yin Body will be fully awakened one day if she were to stay by you. However… Zhang shi, have you ever considered how long it would take for that to happen? Ten years? Twenty years? Fifty years? Or perhaps, even a century?”

Envoy Liu Xuan stared deeply at Zhang Xuan. “The awakening of a unique constitution only becomes harder the further one progresses. The resources required for it will grow exponentially. Even if Zhang shi is willing to give in without any expectation for returns, do you think that Zhao Ya… is willing to quietly accept so much from you?”

“This…”

Zhang Xuan found himself unable to refute the other party’s words.

Indeed. Similar to the cultivating, the awakening of a unique constitution would only grow harder and harder the further one progressed.

Even if he was capable of obtaining the required resources to help Zhao Ya, could she really bear accepting this much from him?

Given Zhao Ya’s nature, this was something she wouldn’t be able to accept.

Furthermore, she couldn’t spend her entire life living under Zhang Xuan’s protection.

The purpose of a teacher was to guide one down the right path, not to give them everything that they required.

Envoy Liu Xuan continued, “If she were to come to our Glacier Plain Court, we can offer her the most perfect inheritance and the most generous cultivation resources. She would be able awaken her unique constitution in the shortest time possible, thus becoming a figure able to shake the entire continent. Given how deeply you care for your student, you should also hope that she would become independent and accomplish something of her own as soon as possible.”

Zhang Xuan fell silent.

As a teacher, he had to think of the long-term benefit of his students.

He had come to the same thoughts. While he could guarantee that he would be able to awaken Zhao Ya’s unique constitution and groom her to become one of the strongest experts in the future, admittedly, he would be unable to do it as quickly as the Glacier Plain Court could.

After all, just the resources in itself had created an irreconcilable gap.

Besides, given that the previous court chiefs all possessed Pure Yin Body, they probably possessed a complete inheritance on the method to awakening the unique constitution. In a way, this was much more efficient and effective than him fumbling around for a solution.

“My opinions are of little importance. The ultimate decision is on her. Regardless of what her choice is, I’ll support her!”

Zhang Xuan shook his head.

He was just a teacher. While he had the responsibility to guide his students down the right path, he didn’t have the right to dictate their future. If Zhao Ya intends to follow the envoy of the Glacier Court Plain, he would support her decision.

And if she refuses… He wouldn’t allow anyone to force her into the decision, not even the mighty Glacier Plain Court!

“Teacher, I’m willing to leave with her!”

After a moment of silence, Zhao Ya walked over with a determined expression.

“You’re willing to leave with her?”

“That’s right. I’ve seen everything that teacher has done for us, and I hope that one day, I’ll be able to do something for you too…”

Walking forward, Zhao Ya clenched her trembling fists tightly. “And this… is an opportunity for that.”

She had clearly seen everything her teacher had done for her throughout this difficult journey, and it distressed her that she was unable to do anything in return.

But now, as long as she agreed to follow the envoy, she would gain control over the immense power known as the Glacier Plain Court. With such backing, she would gain the strength to support her teacher, standing side by side with him instead of just dragging him down.

More importantly… she had some private interest in this matter as well. Perhaps… with the rise in her position, she might be able to fulfill this wish of hers.

Zhang Xuan sighed.

“You need not rush to a decision. I’ll give you three days to consider it properly. No matter what you decide, you’ll have my support!”

“There’s no need for that, I’ve already thought it through and this is my decision!”

With reddened eyes, Zhao Ya kneeled onto the floor and kowtowed. “Teacher, thank you for your grooming and your support. Regardless of where I go in the future, I’ll forever remain as your student!”

“Get up!”

Knowing that his student had already made up her mind, Zhang Xuan nodded his head as he pulled her up.

Eagles had to undergo tribulations before they could soar freely in the skies.

Students were the same as well.

No matter how reluctant he was, he still had to allow the harsh storms to temper her, so that she could mature and become a true expert.

“Yes!”

Zhao Ya stood up.

Since the decision was clear, there was nothing much for Zhang Xuan to hesitate over. Thus, he turned over to the envoy with menacing threat gleaming in his eyes.

“Envoy Liu Xuan, I hope that all you said is true. If I find there’s any falsehood in your words and you mean my student harm, not only will I kill you, I’ll eradicate the entire Glacier Plain Court as well!”

He might be weak now, but if the other party meant his student harm, he didn’t mind barging into the Glacier Plain Court and wiping this power off the face of the world.

Chapter 557: Zhao Ya’s Departure (2)

“Eradicate the Glacier Plain Court?”

Envoy Liu Xuan was stunned by those words.

“That’s right. I mean what I say!” Zhang Xuan’s gaze was indifferent, but there seemed to be some compelling authority behind it.

“This…”

If anyone else were to say such words, Envoy Liu Xuan would have surely thought that the other party had a screw loose.

After all, the overwhelming might of the Glacier Plain Court was known even throughout the entire continent. Even 9-star master teachers would dare not utter such words, let alone some 4-star master teacher.

For an insignificant figure which she could kill with a single pinch to actually utter such arrogant words…

If it was under any other circumstances, she would surely mock the other party for his arrogance. But for some reason… looking into the determined gaze of this young man, her heart couldn’t help but beat with slight apprehension.

It seemed as though a subconscious part of her was saying that the young man before her… might just really do as he said!

“Don’t worry, our Glacier Plain Court values its words. Reneging on promises is something we despise…”

She instinctively gave her guarantee without much thought.

“Un!” Hearing the words of the other party, Zhang Xuan felt a heavy burden weighing on his heart being released. Then, turning to Zhao Ya, he said, “If you find yourself unable to cope there, you can come to look for me at any Master Teacher Pavilion. Don’t worry, even when following behind me, you’ll still become one of the strongest experts in the world!”

“Yes!”

Zhao Ya nodded her head.

“Alright, I’ll be leaving then!”

Since everything was settled, there was no longer any reason for Zhang Xuan to remain here. Thus, he began walking toward the entrance.

“Teacher…”

Seeing the back of her teacher slowly disappearing in the distance, Zhao Ya kneeled down and kowtowed eight times. Her determined gaze was free of any hesitation. “Teacher, I won’t let you down. I’ll surely become one of the strongest experts in the world!”

“You’re a good student!”

Helping Zhao Ya up, Envoy Liu Xuan gazed at the silhouette in the distance and sighed. “He’s a good teacher as well.”

“He’s the good teacher, but I’m not a good student.”

Zhao Ya shook her head.

For her, he was willing to go through so much hardship. Yet, she had chosen to leave his side.

“Don’t worry. Once you awaken your Pure Yin Body fully and become the court chief, it won’t be difficult for you to repay your debt to him. Rather, if you were to follow behind him, you would just impede his progress. There’s no banquet in this world that doesn’t end. All students have to leave their teacher’s side eventually; this is the way of the world. After all, one can’t possibly stay behind the protection of one’s teacher forever.”

Envoy Liu Xuan continued, “If he had tried to forcefully keep you with him, he wouldn’t have been a good teacher.”

Everyone had to grow up at some point. Even the strongest expert in the world couldn’t possibly keep his student with him at all time, and even more so, the student shouldn’t become completely reliant of the teacher. Only after undergoing storms could one truly become independent.

“I know that! Just that… I am reluctant to part with him!”

Zhao Ya’s eyes turned red. Turning around, she walked away.

Envoy Liu Xuan knew that she would be in low spirits for a short period of time, but as long as she could turn the pain of parting into her drive, she would grow swiftly in the time to come.

Only through such experiences could she temper her mental resilience.

…

While Zhao Ya’s departure wasn’t planned, it wasn’t beyond expectations.

In truth, Zhang Xuan had already been harboring some thoughts of having his own students train independently to temper themselves. Just that, he wasn’t able to bring himself to do it.

Since such an opportunity came by, it would be a waste if he were to restrain his student instead.

Seated cross-legged in the room on top of the aerial spirit beast, Zhang Xuan was motionless as if a statue.

Ruohuan gongzi couldn’t help but ask, “Teacher, it has been five days since Zhang shi has been in this state… Is he alright?”

Ever since the trio left the Glacier Plain Court, Zhang shi had been seated on the same spot, not moving in the slightest. He couldn’t help but feel perplexed as to what the other party was doing.

“I’ve no idea either…”

Pavilion Master Kang shook his head in worry.

Knowing how much Zhang shi cared for his students, could it be that he was in such a state due to his depression from Zhao Ya’s departure?

“Wait, could this be…”

He glanced at Zhang Xuan doubtfully once more when his eyebrows suddenly shot up in disbelief.

“What’s wrong, teacher?”

Noticing the peculiarity in his teacher, Ruohuan gongzi hurriedly turned his gaze over.

“This isn’t due to excessive sadness but… Soul Enlightenment!” Pavilion Master Kang exclaimed.

“Soul Enlightenment?” Ruohuan gongzi was baffled.

He had never heard of such a phrase before.

“Un. Even though Zhang shi is meditating, there isn’t the slightest disturbance in the spiritual energy around him. In other words, he isn’t cultivating his zhenqi. But to remain seated for five days despite not cultivating, it could only mean that he managed to dive into a state of enlightenment!” Pavilion Master Kang explained.

Even though cultivation was an extremely mundane task, it wasn’t easy for one to remain completely motionless for five days straight doing nothing at all. The more plausible reason was that the other party’s mind had managed to reach a unique state that propelled the maturing of his state of mind.

And this was known as Soul Enlightenment.

“Soul Enlightenment is a mental state that only comes by chance. If a master teacher succeeds in reaching such a state, his Soul Depth will increase significantly…” Pavilion Master Kang said in awe.

Given how the young man before him was able to beguile him with his Impartation of Heaven’s Will, it could only mean that the other party’s Soul Depth of at least the same level as his. It was difficult to imagine how powerful he would be once he broke out of this Soul Enlightenment.

“The more powerful he is, the better it’ll be. It’s about time for the rise of Myriad Kingdom Alliance…”

Pavilion Master Kang’s eyes glowed in anticipation.

The stronger Zhang shi became, the more likely Myriad Kingdom Alliance would achieve outstanding results in the Master Teacher Tournament. As the head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion, having a master teacher under him achieve such astounding results could be considered as a huge honor.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance had been suppressed for too long. It was about time… for them to cleanse away their previous shame and rise up above the other powers!

Excited, Pavilion Master Kang turned to Ruohuan gongzi and instructed, “Don’t disturb Zhang shi, you should focus on your cultivation as well. Before returning to Myriad Kingdom City, you must reach Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle. Otherwise, don’t bother calling me your teacher!”

“What?”

Ruohuan gongzi was dumbstruck.

What did the other party undergoing Soul Enlightenment have to do with him? Why was his teacher suddenly urging him to cultivate?

But knowing that his teacher was saying this for his own good, Ruohuan gongzi obediently sat down, took out the middle-tier spirit stone that Zhang shi gave him, and continued to cultivate.

Unlike Zhang Xuan, the significance of a middle-tier spirit stone was great to his cultivation. Just one was sufficient to raise his cultivation from Clarifying Turbidity realm primary stage to pinnacle.

As such, the spirit stone was still concentrated with spiritual energy.

…

Pavilion Master Kang’s guess was spot-on, Zhang Xuan was indeed in the midst of a Soul Enlightenment.

While the separation with Zhao Ya had left him slightly down, this experience had also given him a greater insight into the true essence the responsibilities of a teacher.

Memories of his past ever since his transmigration flashed through his head as though a movie screen. Slowly, as though a jade that was being tempered, excessive thoughts flowed out from his mind, bringing him tranquility.

Only after a heavy storm would a rainbow emerge.

While Zhao Ya’s departure was a trial for her, the same could be said for Zhang Xuan as well.

As his mind broadened, his Soul Depth began rising slowly from 14.1.

Unlike the Book of Heaven’s Path and Soul Tempering of a Mentor’s Calligraphy which induced an instantaneous surge in his Soul Depth, Soul Enlightenment was a gradual process.

14.1!

14.2!

14.3!

…

In just five days, Zhang Xuan’s Soul Depth had increased by 2.0, reaching a total of 16.1!

Hu!

He finally opened his eyes.

His gaze was composed and deep. It seemed to compel others to trust him.

A Soul Depth of 16.1 was already comparable to that of a 5-star master teacher. Previously, to beguile Pavilion Master Kang, he had to utilize words to shake the mental resilience of the other party before he could succeed. But now… as long as he executed the Impartation of Heaven’s Will, the other party would be coaxed into doing anything instantaneously.

On top of that, his Eye of Insight had also become more potent than before, allowing him to peer even deeper into all that his gaze fell upon.

At the same time, he also managed to reinforce his cultivation in the past five days. As long as he willed it, he would be able to reach Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm immediately.

“I should focus on my cultivation now…”

The rise in Soul Depth had given him a deeper insight into cultivation as a whole, thus boosting his rate of cultivation. Even though he didn’t have any more middle-tier spirit stones at hand, his cultivation still rose quickly.

The Master Teacher Tournament was about to begin-he had no time to waste.

…

While Zhang Xuan and the others were busy cultivating on top of an aerial savage beast, an elder wearing a bamboo hat approached the city gates of Myriad Kingdom City.

Looking at the grand city walls, he clenched his fists tightly together.

‘Myriad Kingdom City… I’m finally here! I must grasp onto this opportunity to get back what I lost and… exact my vengeance!’

A look of savagery appeared on the face of the elder as a malevolent aura shrouded him. Staring deep into his eyes, one could nearly see the frenzy and hatred that clouded his mind.

A gust of wind blew, and the left sleeve of the black robe he was wearing fluttered freely in the wind, revealing his missing arm.

If Zhang Xuan were here, he would surely have recognized the other party.

That elder was the old ancestor of Xuanyuan Kingdom, Ding Hong!

Back then, he had burned his essence blood to escape, and after three months of journey, he finally arrived at Myriad Kingdom City, the very core of the alliance!

He desired for vengeance!

The other party had actually killed his descendent and destroyed his kingdom, turning him into nothing more than a roaming vagrant now. How could he possibly simply let this grudge go?

‘I mustn’t go to the Alliance Head Residence. Given how even the envoy was sided toward him, it would be suicidal if I were to head there!’

Even though hatred had filled his mind, he didn’t allow it to cloud his judgement. He knew very clearly what his current plight was, and to exact vengeance, recklessness was something he couldn’t risk.

The envoy back then turned a blind eye to the downfall of the royal family, even going to the extent of supporting a female emperor. If he were to head to the Alliance Head Residence in an attempt to redress his grievances, the odds were that he would only be silenced.

‘Given that Zhang Xuan is a master teacher, heading to the Master Teacher Pavilion is out of question too!’

Within the past month, news about the young genius becoming a 4-star master teacher and becoming a representative of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance for the Master Teacher Tournament had been spreading like wildfire. Naturally, Ding Hong had also caught wind of such news.

As a 4-star master teacher who was going to represent the Master Teacher Pavilion in the Master Teacher Tournament… wasn’t it clearly a futile attempt to report the other party to the Master Teacher Pavilion?

‘There isn’t anyone in Myriad Kingdom City that I can rely on… Seems like I can only depend on other powers!’

Viciousness flashed across his eyes.

Even though the Alliance Head Residence and the Master Teacher Pavilion wouldn’t stand up for him… Wasn’t the Master Teacher Tournament just around the corner?

Since no one in the alliance would redress his grievances, he could seek the Master Teacher Pavilions from other powers!

Given the monstrous capability of that Zhang Xuan, the other powers would surely be delighted to find a reason to lay their hands on him.

Ding Hong didn’t just want Zhang Xuan to die, he wanted to rip the other party’s reputation to shreds as well.

‘There is a total of twenty-eight powers involved in the tournament. Mingxia Empire and Henghai Empire are of equal strength to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, so it might be difficult to render their assistance. Thus, I should approach the stronger Cascading Sand Sect and Frigid Gale Sect, or perhaps, even the strongest Fleeting Cloud Sect!’ Ding Hong thought.

As the previous emperor of a Conferred Kingdom, he had a clear picture on the various powers located in the vicinity of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Chapter 558: Ding Hong’s Scheme

Even though this Fleeting Cloud Sect was only a sect, it had a total of five half 5-star master teachers. Of the seventy-seven Master Teacher Tournaments held, it had been the champion thirty-six times.

On the other hand, the best result the Myriad Kingdom Alliance had achieved so far was only twenty-third place, fifth from the bottom.

It was due to this that Ding Mu had wanted to be initiated into the Fleeting Cloud Sect back then.

‘As long as I can render their assistance, it wouldn’t be a problem for me to become the new alliance head, needless to say, exact vengeance!’

A menacing gleam flickered across Ding Hong’s eyes.

Given the strength of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, there would be no one who would dare to oppose him in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

‘However, to them, I am no better than an ant. Without paying a suitable price, it’ll be impossible to goad them into action.’

Naturally, it was impossible to render the help of those behemoths so easily. Without sufficient benefits on the table, it would be impossible to drive them into action.

Not to mention, dealing with Zhang Xuan meant making an enemy out of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Ding Hong knew that he held insufficient weight to get them to go that far.

If he was still a Transcendent Mortal 1-dan cultivator, they might still have spared him a glance. However, the burning of his blood essence had caused his cultivation to drop to the Zhizun realm. With his current level of cultivation, he was no better than an ant before those immense behemoths. He was an existence that they could easily crush to death.

‘Unless… I use that news as leverage to strike a deal with them!’

Ding Hong’s eyes turned cold as he recalled what Ding Mu had said to him previously.

His grandson had once talked to him about the matter after he got into trouble. The reason why he got into a fight with that Zhang Xuan was due to a treasure the latter had in his possession-a treasure that would send any master teacher into a frenzy.

‘Kong shi’s handwritten letter! There’s no master teacher who wouldn’t be moved by this artifact. If I were to reveal this news to the Fleeting Cloud Sect, even if I don’t say much about the matter, they would surely be driven into action!’

Ding Hong gritted his teeth tightly.

Kong shi’s handwritten letter one of the greatest treasures a master teacher could obtain. Ding Hong didn’t think that anyone could resist its allure, not even those half 5-star master teachers of Fleeting Cloud Sect.

Zhang Xuan would surely become a target for all of these powers if he were to leak the news.

Just as Ding Hong was in the midst of looking for the Fleeting Cloud Sect’s dwelling place, a thought suddenly struck him.

‘No, this won’t do. Given the strength of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, once they learn of the news, they would surely try to silence me so as to prevent any news from getting out…’

If the Fleeting Cloud Sect decided to kill him so as to seal off the news, he wouldn’t be able to retaliate at all.

After all, given the importance of Kong shi’s handwritten letter, it would be best if fewer people knew of it.

Not to mention, a 4-star master teacher was involved in the matter as well.

“Actually, why don’t I send a message each to Fleeting Cloud Sect, Mingxia Empire, Henghai Empire, Cascading Sand Sect, Frigid Gale Sect? If I were to send them letters simultaneously and invite all of their heads out at once, they could curb one another. If so, it would become difficult for them to kill me!”

Regardless, Ding Hong used to be the emperor of a Conferred Kingdom. Politics was like a second nature to him, and it didn’t take him long to find a solution to the problem. “After all, it doesn’t matter to me who receives Kong shi’s handwritten letter eventually!”

His main goal was to kill Zhang Xuan and take back his country. Even if he were to obtain Kong shi’s handwritten letter, it would be completely useless to him. Since that was the case, he might as well use it as a trading term.

“Alright, I’ll do just that then…”

After analyzing the matter carefully and confirming that there was no problem-he would be able to ensure his safety while getting his vengeance-Ding Hong nodded his head in satisfaction. Walking into the streets, he soon vanished amidst the huge crowd.

…

It was an ordinary-looking mansion sitting in the middle of Myriad Kingdom City, but all of the participating powers in the Master Teacher Tournament knew that it was currently resided by the most popular contender for the champion placing, Fleeting Cloud Sect.

The Fleeting Cloud Sect was created by a half 5-star master teacher, Mo Liuyun. While it was considered to be a branch of the Master Teacher Pavilion, it was also an independent entity that was no different from the other empires.

Within the sect, only master teachers had the qualification to become the sect leader or take on high-standing roles. However, it was still densely populated by members of the other occupations as well. In fact, there were quite a handful of Transcendent Mortal 5-dan experts within their members.

This was the reason why the Fleeting Cloud Sect was considered to be the number one power among the twenty-eight in the region.

Luo Xuan, as the greatest genius of Fleeting Cloud Sect, was the most popular contender for champion of this Master Teacher Tournament. He was only twenty-nine this year, but his cultivation had already reached Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle.

At the current moment, the person in question had just completed his cultivation. Stretching his back lazily, he walked out of the room.

“Senior!”

But before he could get far, a young man suddenly rushed up to him.

“What’s wrong?”

Luo Xuan frowned.

“Reporting to senior, someone has just delivered a letter, saying to deliver it to the sect leader!” The young man said.

“Is my teacher a person whom anyone could just send a letter to?” Luo Xuan flung his sleeves.

The leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, Luo Huang, happened to be his teacher.

As a half 5-star master teacher possessing a cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm pinnacle… It was beneath him to allow just anyone to send him a letter.

“Where’s the letter?”

After harrumphing, Luo Xuan stretched out his hand.

“Here it is…”

The young man passed it over.

Luo Xuan was just about to tear it open when the young man hurriedly said, “The person who delivered the letter said that there’s a special seal on the letter! If it isn’t the sect leader who opens it, it will be destroyed immediately…”

“You actually believe this kind of nonsense? If there’s truly a seal, do you think that I, as a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, wouldn’t notice it?”

Luo Xuan harrumphed.

As a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, he possessed exceptionally sharp eyes. If the other party had truly left something of that sort on the letter, there was no reason why he wouldn’t notice it. But it was clear that there was nothing at all-the other party was just trying to hoodwink the ignorant.

Ssssla!

Tearing the letter open, Luo Xuan saw a card in it.

Lowering his head to take a glance, a frown crept onto Luo Xuan’s forehead.

There was only a line of word written on the card: In three days’ time at Sea Gazing Gazebo. News regarding Kong shi’s relic.

There was no signing off, and there was no name either.

Even the handwriting looked messy. Clearly, the other party had found someone to write in his place.

Keeping the card, Luo Xuan asked with a frown, “Who is the one who delivered the letter?”

“It’s a man dressed in black robe. I didn’t catch a good look at his appearance,” the young man quickly replied.

“Where is he?”

“He has already left…” the young man answered.

“Alright. Don’t speak of this matter to anyone else. I’ll go look for teacher right now!” Luo Xuan instructed before heading to the centermost residence in the residence. It didn’t take too long for him to arrive at his destination.

In the courtyard, a middle-aged man was currently in the midst of executing a fist art. His movements were slow, but the powerful wind generated with every single punch of his created a huge pressure on those looking at it.

The leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, Luo Huang!

The strongest expert of the twenty-seven powers neighboring the Myriad Kingdom Alliance.

Upon seeing the other party’s arrival, Sect Leader Luo Huang retracted his fist and smiled, “You’re here!”

“Teacher!”

Luo Xuan clasped his fist and said, “Someone has just delivered a letter…”

“A letter?” Wiping his sweat with a towel, Luo Huang turned to look at Luo Xuan.

He knew this disciple of his very well; if it wasn’t for something important, it was impossible for the latter to pay him such an abrupt visit.

To interrupt his cultivation for a single letter, the letter had to be of the utmost importance.

“Yes…” Luo Xuan passed the card over.

“Kong shi’s relic?” Taking a look, Sect Leader Luo Huang frowned. “What’s your view on it?”

“Given that this matter concerns Kong shi, I think that it is unlikely to be a lie. Besides… it’s better to be safe than sorry for such matters!” Luo Xuan replied.

“Empyrean Kong shi didn’t leave behind too many personal possessions when he departed. If what that is written on the note is true, then regardless of what the relic is, its value will be, in the truest sense, priceless! Becoming a 5-star master teacher wouldn’t be a problem at all if I can obtain it!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head.

Kong shi was the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, the very first master teacher in the world. No matter how insignificant the relic he left behind was, just the essence that it harnessed could bring unimaginable benefits to those in possession of it.

Regardless of whether the content of the note was true or not, this was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“This means that…”

Luo Xuan gazed at his teacher to confirm his intention.

“Of course, we have to take a look!” Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head. “Right, where is this Sea Gazing Gazebo?”

“It’s the most famous and bustling tavern in Myriad Kingdom City. Most probably, the other party is hoping to make use of the crowd to protect himself,” Luo Xuan replied.

As a 4-star master teacher, how could he possibly be unable to discern the little schemes the other party had in mind?

“That probably isn’t just it!” Sect Leader Luo Huang contemplated for a moment before shaking his head.

“Not just it? What does teacher mean?” Luo Xuan was in bewildered.

“Simple. Since the other party delivered the letter to us, the chances are that they delivered it to others as well. Most probably, he intends to gather all of us at the Sea Gazing Gazebo in hopes of jacking up the price for his information!” Sect Leader Luo Huang said.

“Jacking up the prices? Damn it, I’ll send someone to capture that fellow immediately…”

Narrowing his eyes, Luo Xuan came to a realization and immediately prepared to rush out of the room.

As one of the strongest powers in the region, wealth was not something the Fleeting Cloud Sect was lacking.

The only fear they had was that… this news wasn’t exclusive.

If the other powers were to learn of the existence of Kong shi’s relic and vied with them over it, they would be forced into a very troublesome position.

In fact, out of bitterness of failing to obtain the relic, some might even leak the news to the headquarters. If so, all of the efforts spent on vying for the relic would have ended in vain.

“There’s no need for that. It’s already too late!” Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head. “Putting aside how the one who delivered the letter is unlikely to be the one spearheading the entire matter, even if he is, you can’t guarantee that we’re the first one that he visited… Perhaps, the other powers might have already learnt of the matter!”

“Then… What do we do?” Luo Xuan asked in a panic.

Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hands.

“Suppress the news, don’t let anyone learn of it. In three days, you will accompany me to the Sea Gazing Gazebo. I would like to see who that person is personally, and which of Kong shi’s relics he possesses information of! If it turns out to be a farce, even if we remain idle, I believe the other powers would be more than willing to make the other party understand what living hell is like!”

“Yes!” Luo Xuan nodded.

The same sight was also occurring in the dwelling of the other powers.

Mingxia Empire, Henghai Empire, Cascading Sand Sect, Frigid Gale Sect, White Helios Sect, Spiraling Cosmos Sect…

The top few powers who had come to attend the Master Teacher Tournament had received the same letter, and the leaders of the respective groups had seen the content on the card.

All of the powers immediately became restless. The experts of the various powers were waiting expectantly for what that was to come in three days. They wanted to see what kind of incredible person had delivered them the letter, and what news of Kong shi’s relic he had with him.

While all of this was happening, Zhang Xuan was sitting by the side of the window in the room on top of the aerial spirit beast. He was looking at the fleeting white clouds and mountains with a depressed look.

“Since they have taken away my student, I should have asked them for some spirit stones as compensation… Even if not that, if I had offered that Envoy Liu Xuan some pointers, I could have probably earned a hefty sum as well! How could I have been so dumb?”

“Offer Envoy Liu Xuan some pointers?”

Looking at the regretful expression on the other party’s face and the mutterings that came out from his mouth, Pavilion Master Kang’s body stiffened.