Chapter 559

Chapter 559: Ding Hong’s Condition

Zhang Xuan felt deep regret.

To him, every single middle-tier spirit stone was an extraordinarily valuable commodity… However, to that Envoy Liu Xuan, given how powerful she was and that she came from the headquarters, it could very well be no different from spare change!

It was a pity that when Zhao Ya left, Zhang Xuan was a little overwhelmed by self-reproach. On top of that, his pride also didn’t allow him to lower his head-he didn’t want others to think that he was selling his student off for spirit stones… But still, he couldn’t help but feel that it was a great pity given his current plight.

Even if not for his student… he could request for spirit stones just by offering the other party pointers!

There was no flaw which was beyond the heavens. Through the Library of Heaven’s Path, Zhang Xuan was confident that he would be able to offer invaluable advice to the other party on her cultivation and receive some compensation in exchange.

With this compensation, his cultivation from there onward would be smooth-sailing. He wouldn’t have to worry about the lack in resources anymore. His students would also be entitled to the best training resources as well…

But to miss the opportunity by like that…

“Forget it, there’s no use crying over spilt milk…”

Knowing that it would be difficult for him to meet another expert of Envoy Liu Xuan’s caliber once more, Zhang Xuan decided to let the matter go. He then turned to Pavilion Master Kang and asked, “Pavilion master, may I know who possesses the most middle-tier spirit stones in Myriad Kingdom City?”

“Middle-tier spirit stones?”

Pavilion Master Kang was taken aback. “These items are cultivation necessities. Every prestigious clan would at least have one or two in their possession… But if you’re talking about who possesses the most middle-tier spirit stones, it could only be those powers who have traveled here to participate in the Master Teacher Tournament!”

“Powers?” Zhang Xuan was perplexed.

Pavilion Master Kang contemplated for a moment before saying, “Indeed. The Myriad Kingdom Alliance is considered weak even among its own tier. As such, the quantity of middle-tier spirit stones it can obtain from Huanyu Empire is severely limited. On the other hand, the Fleeting Cloud Sect, White Helios Sect, and Spiraling Cosmos Sect, due to their overwhelming strength and the backing of half 5-star master teachers, obtained the most middle-tier spirit stones each time. While it would be difficult for me to even take out three of them, their pavilion masters or sect leaders would be able to easily take out a dozen or even more!”

“So many?”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up.

If he could obtain a dozen or so, he would surely be able to reach Transcendent Mortal 3-dan Yin-Yang realm pinnacle easily. Complementing such strength with his soul cultivation, he would be a match for even Transcendent Mortal 5-dan experts.

Cupping his lower jaw, Zhang Xuan thought, ‘It seems like I must find an opportunity to plunder some from them…’

Looking at the other party’s expression, the edges of Pavilion Master Kang’s lips twitched.

Those are powerful sects and empires! It is already a huge blessing that they aren’t plundering from us, and yet, you still hope to steal spirit stones from them?

“Cough cough. Zhang shi, the minimum cultivation required for a half 5-star master teacher is the Consonant Spirit realm. Such experts possess astounding strength that we can’t hope to match up to. Furthermore… our Myriad Kingdom Alliance can’t be said to be in friendly relations with them…”

Afraid that this fellow might really do something insane, Pavilion Master Kang couldn’t help but advise him from the side.

In the Consonant Spirit realm, through the nurturing of one’s soul and its harmonization with the flesh, one’s fighting prowess would be multiplied.

It is one thing for them to not cause trouble in Myriad Kingdom City, and yet, you still dare to set your gaze on their spirit stones… Aren’t you just looking for trouble?

“Don’t worry, I won’t go overboard!”

Zhang Xuan nodded his head before falling into deep thought.

It would be clearly impossible for him to steal the spirit stones from them. While his cultivation did advance greatly recently, he was still a way off from being able to match a Consonant Spirit realm cultivator.

If he were to utilize all of his means, he might still be able to match a Consonant Spirit realm primary stage cultivator. However, against an intermediate stage or even higher, the only course of action he could take was to escape as far as he could.

From Pavilion Master Kang’s words, it seemed like these sects had plenty of Consonant Spirit realm intermediate stage and advanced stage cultivators.

But while Zhang Xuan couldn’t fight them squarely, hoodwinking them shouldn’t be a problem.

Back then, in Tianxuan Kingdom, when his pockets were completely empty, and his cultivation was low, didn’t he still manage to convince innumerable experts to bow down willingly to Yang shi?

“Seems like I have to find a way to get to them and offer them guidance or cure their illnesses so as to earn some middle-tier spirit stones…”

Zhao Ya’s departure had given him a drive like never before.

If he was sufficiently strong, he would be able to easily obtain the cultivation resources his students needed-there would be no need for his own students to follow behind others!

In the end, it all boiled down to him being weak.

Without sufficient strength, everything else was just empty talk.

Thus, his priority at hand was to gather as many middle-tier spirit stones as possible and raise his cultivation.

…

While Zhang Xuan was planning to sweep away the spirit stones of those sects and empires, Sect Leader Luo Huang and Luo Xuan arrived at the Sea Gazing Gazebo.

“Sect Leader Luo, why are you here too?”

Before they could walk into the tavern, they heard a surprised exclaim. Turning around, they saw a middle-aged man standing not too far away.

It was the leader of White Helios Sect, Bai Kaizhi.

A Consonant Spirit realm advanced stage expert, half 5-star master teacher.

“Sect Leader Bai, you’re here too!” Having guessed this much, Sect Leader Luo Huang wasn’t surprised in the least. On the contrary, he chuckled softly.

“You were the one who sent the letter to me?” Seeing the other party’s confident expression, Sect Leader Bai was perplexed.

“I am not so bored as to waste my time with this. If I really managed to obtain news of Kong shi’s relic, I would have surely claimed it for my own already. Do you think I would waste my words with you?” Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head. “Most probably, we aren’t the only ones that he contacted. I wonder who is the mastermind behind this matter. In any case, let’s head in first!”

“Un!” Sect Leader Bai was stunned for a moment before comprehending the situation. He nodded his head, and the duo walked into the tavern side-by-side.

As soon as they walked in, they immediately saw several familiar silhouettes. Of the twenty-seven powers that came to Myriad Kingdom City, fourteen were gathered here!

Furthermore, the mastermind clearly did his homework. These fourteen powers were ranked at the front among the twenty-eight powers in the region.

Asking around, they realized that everyone that had gathered here had received the same letter that spoke of Kong shi’s relic. To Sect Leader Luo Huang’s disappointment, no one seemed to know any more than that. The mastermind who sent the letters to the all of them and the relic mentioned within the card remained a mystery to everyone.

“Could this be a hoax?” Someone expressed their doubt.

“Unlikely. Even though we aren’t based in Myriad Kingdom City, given our combined influence, it would just be a matter of time before we catch onto the traces of that person!”

A sect leader harrumphed. “Thus, it’s impossible unless… he’s tired of living!”

Given how even the Lin Clan from the Tianwu Kingdom could easily bring out search tools such as the Seeking Mouse, it wouldn’t be too hard for powerful influences like them to trace down a person.

The only reason why they hadn’t done so was because they didn’t wish to take any risks-after all, Kong shi relic was at stake here.

“That’s true. Let’s continue waiting then!”

Finding those words logical, the crowd decided to wait a while longer.

Those that had gathered here were all master teachers, and even the weakest of them was at 4-star pinnacle. Patience was one thing that they didn’t lack.

“Greetings. I am the one who gathered all of you here today!”

Soon, a deep voice echoed, and a one-armed elder walked into the tavern.

Ding Hong didn’t try to conceal anything at all; an appearance of an elder in his sixties, a cultivation of Zhizun realm, and a face that looked incredibly ragged. With a look, one could easily tell that he had suffered grievous injuries and had yet to recover from them.

Everyone turned their eyes over.

They thought that a person who dared to gather all of them here would have to be at least a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert or even higher… To think that it would only be an insignificant Zhizun realm cultivator. Everyone couldn’t help but frown.

“Pardon me for inviting all of you here so abruptly. Just as what was written in the card, I’m here to offer you news on… Kong shi’s relic!”

Ding Hong surveyed the crowd as he said those words.

He knew that there was no disguise he could don nor lie he could spout that would fool a half 5-star master teacher. Since that was the case, he might as well come out clean. In any case, with the secret he held, he need not fear being silenced.

“Kong shi’s relic? Before you go on any further, I would you to take note of who you are standing before. If there’s any falsehood in your words, I believe little has to be said of your plight!”

Flinging his sleeves, Sect Leader Luo Huang harrumphed.

“I understand, and I can assure you that there are no lies in my words… The relic I am speaking of refers to Kong shi’s handwritten letter!” Ding Hong clasped his fist and reported.

“Kong shi’s handwritten letter?”

Everyone jolted in shock.

There were many incredible weapons among Kong shi’s relic, but to a master teacher, there was nothing that could be more valuable than his handwritten letter.

Such letters usually harnessed the essence, spirit, and soul of the writer. By studying the characters in it often, one’s Soul Depth could rise quickly. No treasure could possibly rival that.

“Indeed. Back then, the ancestor of a small clan once saved the life of Sage Min, and in gratitude to that small clan, Kong shi personally wrote a letter to them. Ever since then, the letter had been passed down from generation to generation as a family heirloom,” Ding Hong said.

“Sage Min?”

“You mean one of the 72 Sages of Kong shi’s disciples?”

“He’s one of the founder of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and very few know not of his name! If what you said is true, the value of that handwritten letter is indeed priceless!”

“Putting everything aside, if one were to seek Sage Min’s descendants with that letter in hand, the latter would surely honor one as an esteemed guest…”

“Indeed…’

Hearing those words, everyone’s breathing hastened.

Of Kong shi’s three thousand known disciples, the most formidable of them were known as the 72 Sages. As one of the 72 Sages, Sage Min had participated in the founding of the Master Teacher Pavilion, and he was honored by all master teachers for such.

To have saved such a person and obtained Kong shi’s handwritten letter…

Disregarding the value of the handwritten letter in itself, just the story behind it would make countless experts wrestle with one another over it.

Suppressing his hastened breathing, Sect Leader Luo Huang lifted his head and asked, “Alright, what are your conditions?”

Hearing those words, everyone in the room fell silent.

Indeed. Since the other party went through so much effort to gather all of them here, surely, he must have his own motives. In fact, they would feel unnerved if he didn’t.

“Sect Leader Luo is indeed a candid person!”

Ding Hong chuckled lightly. “My conditions are simple. Firstly, I wish to become the alliance head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Secondly, I want my cultivation to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle! Last but not least, I want you to kill a person for me. Don’t worry, the strength of this person isn’t too high-just a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage cultivator. Whoever promises me these three matters, I’ll tell you the whereabouts of Kong shi’s relic.”

“The alliance head of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance is supported by the Myriad Kingdom City Master Teacher Pavilion. Even though I can’t interfere in the matters of Myriad Kingdom Alliance directly, Pavilion Master Kang should still defer to me on this matter. After all, changing an alliance head wouldn’t harm the foundations of the empire. It shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve this,” Sect Leader Luo Huang said. “As for your cultivation, as long as you follow my guidance strictly, there’s an eighty percent chance that you can reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle… As for the assassination, I can agree to it too.”

“Sect Leader Luo, there’s no need to be so hasty. We possess the capability to do as much as well. I believe no one here intends to give up on Kong shi’s relic!”

“Indeed. This friend here, on top of becoming the alliance head of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, our Spiraling Cosmos Sect can make you an honorary elder. You’ll be entitled to equivalent privileges as them!”

“Our Frigid Gale Sect also agrees to your conditions. On top of that, we can offer you five middle-tier spirit stones and fifteen Transcendent Mortal 2-dan female disciples…”

…

An uproar immediately burst within the Sea Gazing Gazebo.

Chapter 560: Greed Drives a Human’s Heart

No one expected the other party’s conditions to be so simple.

The position of alliance head in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, raising the cultivation to Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, and killing a Transcendent Mortal 2-dan primary stage cultivator. There was no rational person who would turn down such terms.

Compared to Kong shi’s handwritten letter, those were nothing at all.

“Everyone, calm down!”

Just as everyone was speaking excitedly, vying with one another for the slot, Ding Hong surveyed the crowd and said, “Allow me to finish my words first before making your decisions!”

In an instant, the room fell silent.

“Even though the person I want you to kill isn’t too strong, his identity is a little unique. He’s a master teacher, and… he’s representing the Myriad Kingdom Alliance for the Master Teacher Tournament as well!” Ding Hong said.

“A master teacher representing Myriad Kingdom Alliance? You mean… Master Teacher Zhang Xuan whose name has been going around recently?”

Everyone was taken aback.

While they didn’t pay much attention to the candidates of Myriad Kingdom Alliance, they did happen to hear of Zhang Xuan’s name.

Despite being under twenty, he triumphed in the selection round and became a 4-star master teacher on the spot. This had caused quite a commotion in Myriad Kingdom City.

To kill a public figure, not to mention, a 4-star master teacher at that?

Those who were still smiling a moment ago immediately turned grim.

Master teachers were forbidden from killing one another. If the headquarters were to learn of it, the consequences would be disastrous.

Not to mention, this fellow’s name had been on the rise recently. If any harm were to come to him at this moment, the most likely suspects would be them.

Frowning, Sect Leader Luo Huang asked, “What grudge do you have with Zhang shi?”

While master teachers were forbidden from killing one another, there were exceptions to the rule. It had to meet at least one of the following criteria:

1) The grudge between both sides had reached an irreconcilable stage.

2) The master teacher had committed a deed against the master teacher moral code.

3) The master teacher had shown severe disrespect toward a higher ranked master teacher through their words or actions.

…

These were also the fundamental rules of the Master Teacher Pavilion… Devoid of camaraderie-kill! Devoid of morals-kill! Devoid of respect-kill!

As role models, master teachers were expected to conduct themselves with the highest of values. It was also for this reason that the Master Teacher Pavilion was so respected throughout the continent.

Gritting his teeth, Ding Hong roared furiously, “He killed my kin and destroyed my country. Unless he dies… my hatred will never be quelled!”

For an esteemed elder of a country like him to end up wandering around as though a lost vagrant, not daring to return back to his homeland… It was all that fellow’s fault!

“Your hatred will never be quelled unless he dies? Good!”

Seeing the lack of falsehood in the old man’s expression, Sect Leader Luo Huang heaved a sigh of relief. “I can help you raise your cultivation to Transcendent Mortal 3-dan swiftly so that you could exact your vengeance personally. What do you think of it?”

Since the other party had an irreconcilable grudge against Zhang shi, under the first condition to killing a master teacher, he was allowed to raise the other party’s cultivation so that the other party could exact his vengeance.

After all, given the grudge between the two, as long as it was a fair duel, the Master Teacher Pavilion wouldn’t be able to object to it.

“Indeed!”

“Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Sect Leader Luo is indeed sharp…”

Hearing those words, everyone slapped their foreheads.

As long as they didn’t make a move themselves, they wouldn’t have to take responsibility for this matter. Even if the headquarters wished to punish someone for the matter, the blame wouldn’t fall on them.

“This is a good idea, however… there is something very bizarre about that fellow. I fear that I won’t be a match for him!”

Ding Hong shook his head.

The other party’s offer was extremely tempting, but having fought with the other party himself, he knew that the other party possessed incredible means.

Despite possessing the cultivation of a Transcendent Mortal 1-dan, he actually lost to a Half-Transcension lad. From that experience, he felt that he wouldn’t be a match for the other party even if he were to reach Yin-Yang realm.

And once that happened, he would be a goner.

“You fear that you won’t be a match? In other words, you want us to kill him in your stead?”

Luo Huang frowned.

“That’s right!” Ding Hong nodded in affirmation.

“This…” The crowd fell silent.

If the other party was just an insignificant figure, killing him wouldn’t result in any repercussions. However, the other party just had to be a participant of the Master Teacher Tournament, not to mention, a famous one.

If they were to make a move, the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion would surely retaliate. Once this matter reaches the headquarter, even the strongest Fleeting Cloud Sect would be unable to bear the consequences.

“I’ll be honest, Kong shi’s handwritten letter isn’t in my hands now. No matter who he is, as long as he promises me to accomplish these two matters for me after obtaining the handwritten letter, I’ll tell him where it is now.”

Seeing the hesitation in everyone’s eyes, Ding Hong pushed on.

“It isn’t difficult for us to make you the new alliance head and raise your cultivation. However, the matter regarding Zhang shi… has huge repercussions. Even our Fleeting Cloud Sect would have to give this matter some serious consideration!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang contemplated for a moment before replying, “Since that’s the case, why don’t you tell us where the handwritten letter is first? We will discuss our next course of action after that. If we deem it to be worth the risk, you can count on us for it. Even if it isn’t, we’ll still fulfill the other two conditions you asked for.”

Killing a 4-star master teacher was no joke. Such a matter couldn’t be decided on a whim. Thus, they decided to put the matter aside for now and focus on the location of the handwritten letter first.

“Indeed. Don’t worry, there are so many of us here. We won’t risk damaging our credibility over a small matter like this!” another sect leader said.

“Besides, the handwritten letter isn’t in your hands. That lowers the value of your information!” another added.

If Kong shi’s handwritten were really in the old man’s hands, then even if they had to face the wrath of the headquarters, it would still be worth the risk… But given that the letter was in the hands of another… Just a piece of information couldn’t guarantee that they would be able to obtain the handwritten letter. Since that was the case, they had to give the matter some more thoughts.

After all, it was one thing if they were the only ones to know of the information. However, given that so many people knew of the matter, if something were to happen to Zhang shi, there was a high chance that an information leak might occur. If so, not only would they be unable to keep Kong shi’s handwritten letter, it might even bring about a great disaster for their sect.

“I believe the honor of all of the master teachers here. To speak of the truth, Kong shi’s handwritten letter is with Zhang Xuan at this very moment. He stole it away from me, cutting my arm off in the process even… As long as you kill him, you’ll be able to obtain the handwritten letter!”

Ding Hong spoke of the words that he had prepared beforehand.

“Zhang shi stole the handwritten letter from you?”

“He was the one who cut off your arm?”

Everyone was stunned for a moment before frenzied joy gushed into them.

As master teachers, they could tell that Ding Hong wasn’t being completely honest here… But all of that didn’t matter to them at this moment.

The important matter at hand was him admitting that the handwritten letter was stolen by Zhang Xuan.

That, in itself, was a breach of the moral code of master teachers. This was sufficient to warrant his death.

“Tell us more about the matter. If it’s indeed true, Zhang shi would have breached the master teacher moral code. As master teachers, we have the responsibility to purge black sheep like him!” Sect Leader Luo Huang declared righteously.

“Indeed! If you have any grievances, feel free to speak. All of those here today are the noblest of master teachers. If the other party had truly exploited his own identity to oppress you, we will definitely redress your grievances!”

“Such a person mustn’t be allowed to remain in the Master Teacher Pavilion!”

Another two master teachers bellowed out.

Most of those seated knew that the matter wasn’t that simple. However, seeing the look of determination the eyes of the various sect leaders, they could only sigh and shake their heads.

Even they themselves found it hard to resist the allure of Kong shi’s handwritten letter.

“Since everyone is interested in the matter, allow me to speak of it then!”

With reddened eyes, Ding Hong began recounting the matter. “The relic belongs to Qu Clan, and our Ding Clan has been close friends with the Qu Clan for many generations now. In fact, we even once co-governed Xuanyuan Kingdom. Unfortunately, the Qu Clan couldn’t withstand the trial of time and slowly went into decline. Just three years ago, the final successor of the Qu Clan came and entrusted the relic to us before passing away.”

At which, Ding Hong’s eyes suddenly burned in fury. “But who could have known that Zhang Xuan would learn of it. He barged into my great grandson’s inauguration ceremony, killed him, and stole the handwritten letter. He even tried to silence me. If not for an escaping art that I practiced, I might have died then!”

Clenching his jaws tightly together, Ding Hong roared furiously in anger, “To conceal the vile deeds he committed for Kong shi’s handwritten letter, he created all kinds of excuses to justify his actions! It’s fortunate that the heavens took pity on me and I managed to survive the ordeal. Otherwise, the truth would have never seen the light of the day!”

Given that the target he was hoping to have killed was a master teacher, he knew that he had to come up with a sufficient reason for the others to justify their actions.

Thus, he crafted this story.

It was their Ding Clan who tried to snatch the handwritten letter from Lu Chong, but he twisted the story to blame Zhang Xuan for all that happened instead. Only this way would these master teachers be willing to kill Zhang Xuan in his stead.

“Atrocious! How could there be such a person among us?”

“How in the world did such an immoral person become a master teacher?”

“He must be taught a lesson! We must instill in him the dignity a teacher should have…”

“That explains why the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion had always ranked at the bottom. It’s time to do some reorganizing to clear up such degenerating culture!”

…

Hearing Ding Hong’s words, the master teachers were infuriated.

“Sect Leader Luo, I suggest that we confront Zhang Xuan at this instant to have him explain this matter!”

“That’s right! We should have him hand over the handwritten letter as well. It’s an insult to Kong shi to have such an immoral person to hold onto his relic!”

“Indeed! I share your thoughts as well!”

…

Everyone turned their eyes to Sect Leader Luo Huang.

“All of your words make sense. A master teacher must be upright to guide others. But of course, we can’t only listen to one side of the story. We should also hear Zhang shi’s defense. If it is true that he breached the master teacher moral code, we mustn’t let him off the hook even if the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion sides with him!”

Sect Leader Luo announced righteously as he flung his sleeves.

“Alright, let’s go over to confront him now!”

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement.

Seeing that he had everyone’s support, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head in satisfaction. He then turned to Ding Hong and asked, “This friend over here, why don’t you follow us there? Until the truth of this matter is revealed, you shall be the most esteemed guest of our Fleeting Cloud Sect. No one will dare to do you any harm!”

“Alright!”

A savage gleam flashed across Ding Hong’s eyes.

“Zhang shi lives in a residence in the vicinity of the Alliance Head Residence. I know where it is, allow me to lead the way!” one of the master teachers shouted before walking at the front.

Since they had already come to a decision, the crowd followed behind him and walked out of the Sea Gazing Gazebo, headed for Zhang Xuan’s residence.

Seeing the grand line-up here, Luo Xuan couldn’t help but shake his head.

Given that everyone knew that Kong shi’s handwritten letter was with Zhang shi, how could this ‘trial’ be fair?

Regardless of whether Zhang shi admits to it or not, one thing was for sure-he would surely be unable to keep the handwritten letter.

Chapter 561: Sun Qiang Evicts

A beautiful figure walked over to Zhang Xuan’s current residence-the princess of the alliance, Zhao Feiwu.

Upon seeing her, Sun Qiang hurried forward and said with a bitter smile, “Princess, the young master isn’t back yet…”

Ever since the young master’s departure, Princess Zhao had been visiting once every few days. This residence was on the verge of becoming her permanent dwelling already.

“I know. I’m just here to walk around…”

Hearing those words, disappointment clearly flickered across Zhao Feiwu’s face for a moment, but she quickly hid it with a smile.

Knowing that this princess harbored exceptional feelings for the young master, Sun Qiang hurriedly said, “Princess, there’s no need for you to worry. I’ll immediately send someone to inform you as soon as the young master is back…”

“Alright!” Zhao Feiwu nodded her head, and just as she was about to speak, she suddenly caught someone walking toward the residence from the distance out of the corner of her eye. It was the garden owner of the Southern Herb Garden, Xue Yiyao.

This garden owner was known for her eccentric personality and her headstrong personality, bending to none, even the Alliance Head Residence. Why would she suddenly come here?

Perplexed, Zhao Feiwu asked, “May I know the reason for Garden Owner Xue’s sudden visit?”

“Zhang shi has resuscitated my Earth Vein Spirit Vine, thus saving my entire field of medicinal herbs. I’m here to thank him for the favor,” Garden Owner Xue said.

In the past few days, the spirit of the new Earth Vein Spirit Vine had successfully fused with the original one, thus allowing it to recover. All of the withering medicinal herbs returned back to perfect health, and only then did Garden Owner Xue finally affirm that Zhang shi’s solution was truly effective. Thus, she decided to make this visit to thank him once more.

Even though she had given him many spirit herbs in compensation, but compared to the entire field of medicinal herbs, that was truly not worth mentioning at all.

“Zhang shi is out training for the Master Teacher Tournament, and he isn’t back yet…” Sun Qiang explained.

Instead of telling others that he was heading for the Yin-Yang Lake, Zhang Xuan told others that he was going to go out to train instead. This could ensure that the news wouldn’t leak out and thus prevent sabotage from other participants.

“Training?” Garden Owner Xue was taken aback. “Alright then. I’ll pay a visit once more when Zhang shi returns!”

Since Zhang shi wasn’t around, there was no point to her staying here. Thus, she prepared to turn around to leave.

But just then, she suddenly felt an overwhelmingly powerful aura behind her, exerting an immense pressure on her.

“Is Zhang shi in? Sect Leader Luo Huang of Fleeting Cloud Sect, Sect Leader Bai Kaizhi of White Helios Sect, Sect Leader Huang Qi of Cascading Sand Sect… A total of fourteen sect leaders and nation elders are here. Ask him to come out to pay his respects!”

A clear bellow reverberated in the area, tremoring even the clouds.

Very few people knew that Zhang Xuan had left Myriad Kingdom City.

On top of that, these powers didn’t think of that rising master teacher as a potential opponent, so they didn’t pay much attention to him. As such, they didn’t know that the other party wasn’t around.

“Fourteen sect leaders and nation elders were here to visit?”

“What are they up to?”

“Zhang shi is a master teacher of our Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Why are they finding him for?”

…

When that voice echoed in the air, many guards and soldiers who heard those words were stunned.

Zhang shi was going to represent the entire Myriad Kingdom Alliance in the Master Teacher Tournament. Why was this group of people looking for him?

Sun Qiang, Zhao Feiwu, and Garden Owner Xue traded glances, and they immediately noted that something was amiss.

Even if they wanted to pay Zhang shi a visit, it was impossible for fourteen heads of their respective powers to visit simultaneously. It was certain that they were up to something.

After a moment of hesitation, Sun Qiang stepped forward and greeted the group, “Guests, the young master is not around at the moment!”

An elder waved his hands majestically.

“Not around? Hah, more like you are hiding him! You’d better bring him out, or else don’t blame us for conducting a search on our own accord.”

Kong shi’s handwritten letter was simply too precious to them. What if that fellow were to escape after hearing of the news?

“Search?”

Sun Qiang frowned. “The young master is an esteemed 4-star master teacher who will be representing the Myriad Kingdom Alliance in the Master Teacher Tournament. For all of you to come knocking and even threaten to search the residence, may I ask if the young master has turned his back against the responsibilities of a master teacher or sullied the name of the Master Teacher Pavilion? Besides, even if a search must occur, it should be conducted by the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion instead. What rights do you have to do so? Do you have a search warrant with you?”

As a qualified butler, Sun Qiang had studied the various convention and laws governing master teachers so as to act with propriety.

Given the young master’s esteemed standing as a 4-star master teacher, no one had the rights to search with residence without a search warrant from the Master Teacher Pavilion.

“We might not have any search warrant, but given that so many senior master teachers are before him, don’t you think it is a huge breach of etiquette for him to not pay his respects?”

“Indeed, get him out to greet us! Does he intend to breach the master teacher moral code?”

Two middle-aged man of the group threatened.

They had made the journey here to ask about Kong shi’s handwritten letter. If that fellow were to remain hidden, they wouldn’t be able to do anything at all.

“Pay respects?”

Hearing the other party’s arrogant words, Sun Qiang’s face immediately flushed in anger. “Audacious!”

“What?”

Zhao Feiwu and Garden Owner Xue’s body suddenly swayed weakly.

The one who is acting audaciously… seems to be you instead!

The visiting group included sect leaders and nation elders of the fourteen strongest empires in the region. They were all either powerful experts or half 5-star master teachers… And yet, an insignificant Transcendent Mortal 1-dan cultivator like you actually dared to shout to them? Where did your guts come from?

“The young master is the esteemed direct disciple of great Master Teacher Yang Xuan! How dare you bunch of goons who haven’t even reached 5-star yet cause a ruckus here?”

Sun Qiang waved his hands arrogantly. “What are you all waiting for? Scram!”

Old Master Yang Xuan was a master teacher with a ranking of at least 6-star. As his butler, he had to carry himself with pride and disposition which wouldn’t bring shame to his name.

How dare this bunch of goons demand for the young master to pay respects to them? Who gave you such guts?

“…”

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others stared at one another, dumbstruck.

They thought that their identity would surely scare Zhang Xuan out of his wits, and the latter would immediately give up and rush out. But never in their dreams did they expect to be blocked at the door by his butler… Not to mention, the other party even said that they were being audacious and chased them away…

The heck! Am I hearing things?

“What did you say? I dare you to repeat yourself!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang’s eyebrows shot up as a powerful aura burst forth from him.

He was the sect leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm pinnacle expert. To be chased away by this insignificant fellow, how could he possibly take it lying?

“What did I say? Are you deaf? How can someone as dumb as you remain as a master teacher… I truly wonder how you became a sect leader like this!”

Sun Qiang waved his hands and said, “Fine, since you didn’t hear me clearly the first time, I’ll repeat myself for your sake… I am asking you to scram, don’t cause any trouble here!”

“You’re courting death!”

Seeing that his teacher had been humiliated, Luo Xuan couldn’t hold back his rage any longer and charged forward.

Hong long!

A gigantic palm carrying an indescribably violent aura came charging toward Sun Qiang, eradicating everything in its path.

Qiu!

But before the palm could strike Sun Qiang, a sharp call echoed from the skies. Following which, a gigantic shadow fell straight down to the ground.

Due to the incredible speed from its movements, a shrill sonic boom threatened to pierce everyone’s ears.

“The heck…”

Luo Xuan barely managed to release a shout of exclamation before he was seated upon.

His entire body was immediately bent in an unnatural anger, and a mouthful of fresh blood spewed from his mouth. He nearly breathed his last at that moment.

Demon Cinque Beast!

Back when Zhang Xuan left, he had entrusted the safety of everyone in the residence to him. Thus, upon seeing Luo Xuan make a move against Sun Qiang, it immediately swooped down to protect the latter.

As a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle expert who was on the verge of achieving a breakthrough at any moment, the Demon Cinque Beast was significantly stronger than Luo Xuan. Not to mention, it possessed astounding speed and nearly invincible defensive capability. The latter didn’t even have a chance to react before he was mortally wounded.

Luo Xuan felt as though he was on the verge of breaking down.

He was the genius who was the strongest contender for the champion seat for the Master Teacher Tournament, an expert who was just a step away from reaching Consonant Spirit realm, and yet, he nearly died from being squashed by a spirit beast… Just the thought of it left him incredibly frenzied.

“Beast, how dare you!”

A crimson glow extended across Sect Leader Luo Huang’s face all the way down to the neck as he bellowed furiously.

He was the sect leader of the Fleeting Cloud Sect, the strongest power among the 28 kingdoms in the region… And yet, his student actually ended up being squashed by a spirit beast right before him. Infuriated, he prepared to charge up to teach the other party a lesson.

“Why? Is a half 5-star master teacher like you going to lay his hands on an ordinary civilian? What wrong have I committed? What wrong has Zhang shi committed?”

Sun Qiang stepped forward.

In view of their standing, master teachers wouldn’t make a move on ordinary civilians as long as they didn’t sin. Sun Qiang was only preventing anyone from trespassing into their residence, so he couldn’t be said to have sinned. Rather, Luo Xuan, who lost his composure and charged at him, was clearly at fault here. If Luo Huang were to make a move instead, the only one who would be embarrassed would be him.

But even though Sun Qiang was confident that the other party wouldn’t stoop down to his level, he was still feeling a little worried.

“You…”

Having his intentions questioned, Sect Leader Luo Huang retracted his outstretched palm.

The other party was just a subordinate. To kill the other party over such a small matter would only make him seem petty.

“I’ll repeat it once more. The young master isn’t in the residence now. No matter what you’re here for, be it to acknowledge him as your teacher or to seek his guidance, I’ll have to ask of you to leave!”

Seeing that the other party didn’t make a move in the end, Sun Qiang harrumphed while heaving a sigh of relief on the inside.

“Acknowledging him as our teacher?”

Hearing those words, everyone felt faint-headed.

Acknowledge your head!

Have you seen anyone coming to acknowledge a teacher in such a manner?

Besides, that Zhang Xuan is only a 4-star primary master teacher. What right does he have to become the teacher of us half 5-star master teachers?

Seeing the awkward situation, an elder walked over and asked, “Sect Leader Luo, what do we do now?”

They were all esteemed experts. They couldn’t possibly just come over to overturn everything in the other party’s house, going to the extent of even laying their hands on the other party’s subordinate!

If they were to do so, even if the headquarters didn’t pursue this matter, they would probably die of shame.

But… If they didn’t do so, how could they ascertain whether Zhang shi was around or not?

“Let’s return for now!”

With a darkened face, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hands.

“Return?”

Everyone was taken aback.

Are we supposed to retreat just like that?

Chased away by the other party’s subordinate, aren’t we a little too useless?

“What else can we do?” Sect Leader Luo Huang harrumphed.

He was also getting a huge headache over this matter.

But from the looks of it, Zhang Xuan really didn’t seem to be around. Otherwise, given the huge commotion that had occurred, it was impossible for him to still remain hidden.

Quarreling with another person’s subordinate while the person isn’t around… He couldn’t afford to lose his reputation over this!

More importantly, this butler had way too much bravado. Anyone else would have surely trembled in fear before their presence, but this fellow… didn’t think much of them at all…

I wonder if this fellow really has some kind of backing or he’s simply that brave!

Sect Leader Luo Huang feared that if he were to continue fighting with the other party, he would die of anger first.

After a moment of hesitation, Sect Leader Luo Huang ordered, “We’ll send someone to keep a lookout at this residence. As soon as Zhang Xuan returns, they’ll report back to us, and it won’t be too late for us to capture him then!”

Instead of embarrassing himself here, he might as well leave for the moment first.

Chapter 562: Returning to Myriad Kingdom City

“Yes!”

Even though everyone was reluctant, there was no better solution at hand.

If they were to really blow things up and the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion got involved, the headquarters might be alarmed, and their envoy might arrive even before Zhang Xuan returned. If so, they would be put in a difficult position.

Huala!

Thus, as swiftly as they came, they retreated. And after seeing all of them leave, Sun Qiang’s legs caved in and he fell to the ground.

He was the butler of Master Teacher Yang Xuan, and he knew he couldn’t lose out to others in terms of disposition, but… his cultivation was simply too low at the moment. With a strength of only Transcendent Mortal 1-dan, it had taken all of his courage to stand before so many experts.

Recalling how close he came to danger just a moment ago, Zhao Feiwu stepped forward and asked, “Don’t you… fear death?”

To yell at so many Consonant Spirit realm experts to scram, even her father wouldn’t be able to muster such courage. Where did the confidence of this plump butler come from?

After a moment later, Sun Qiang finally recovered. Standing up, he shook his head in response.

“Of course I do!”

“But if you’re scared, why would you still…”

Even Garden Owner Xue was perplexed by the other party’s actions.

Since he felt fear, why did he still do it?

If Sect Leader Luo Huang were to really make a move then, he would have surely died on the spot.

If that were to happen, nothing could remedy it. It would mean nothing even if Zhang shi were to redress your grievances in the future!

A dead life couldn’t be brought back!

“I am indebted to the old master. From a humble Zhenqi realm cultivator, he had brought me to a position where I’m respected and trusted by so many… As long as he allows me to remain at his side as his butler, I have the obligation to ensure that the old master’s dignity isn’t being trampled on… even if it means my death!” Sun Qiang said with determination.

If not for the old master, he would probably spend his entire life in the small shop he had in Tianxuan Royal City. He would have never met so many master teachers, needless to say, step into a position where no one dares to belittle him.

The old master had given him a second life. If he, as a butler, was unable to uphold the old master’s dignity, he would have failed in his duties.

This was the faith he held, and he was determined to live his life by it.

This was precisely the reason why he mustered his courage and stood before those experts despite the danger.

His strength might be lacking, and his cultivation might be low, but… the dignity of a high-ranked master teacher mustn’t be thrown away!

“This…”

Zhao Feiwu was in awe.

This plump man may look like an unreliable figure, but yet, he had things which he was unwilling to compromise on as well.

It seemed that even though the people that gathered around Zhang shi were all eccentric, they seemed to be oddly and unreservedly united. Conflict and politics didn’t seem to exist among them.

Perhaps… this might be due to his charisma.

A moment later, Zhao Feiwu suddenly thought of something and asked, “The old master that you spoke of refers to Yang shi? Where is Yang shi at the moment?”

She had heard of Yang shi-Zhang shi’s teacher-but she had never met him before.

“The old master likes to spend his time roaming freely across the lands. I’ve no idea where he is either!”

As soon as he spoke of Yang Xuan, Sun Qiang’s face immediately lit up in admiration.

“You don’t know where he is?” Zhao Feiwu was perplexed. “Then… Is he not going to spectate the Master Teacher Tournament?”

His student was participating in such an important tournament for the first time, was Yang shi, despite being the other party’s teacher, not going to support Zhang shi at such a crucial moment?

Sun Qiang contemplated for a moment before replying, “This… I’m not too sure as well. However… I think he should be coming soon!”

It was clear that those who had come together harbored malicious intentions toward Zhang shi. If the old master didn’t appear soon, something bad might really happen.

But… Old Master, where are you?

…

Ah choo!

Zhang Xuan rubbed his nose.

Naturally, he wasn’t aware that Ding Hong was already at Myriad Kingdom City and had already convinced the fourteen strongest powers currently in the city to move against him. He was still on the back of the aerial spirit beast, glancing down at the winding mountain range below as his eyes slowly lit up in excitement.

After half a month’s journey, he was finally returning to Myriad Kingdom City!

“I’m finally back. Judging by the timing, the Soulrouse Grass should have matured already. I should be able to craft the Soulrouse Incense and wake Lu Chong now!”

As the Soulrouse Grass could not be kept in his storage ring, Zhang Xuan chose not to bring it with him. It had been fifty days since his departure, and it should have already matured under Wang Ying’s care and be ready to be crafted into the Soulrouse Incense.

With this, Lu Chong would be able to come back to life, and he would have resolved a boulder weighing down on his heart.

Honglong!

A distance away, a disturbance in the surrounding spiritual energy could be felt, and a powerful aura suddenly burst out.

“I’ve achieved a breakthrough?”

Ruohuan gongzi slowly opened his eyes.

At this moment, his eyes were clear, and his body was seemingly filled with endlessly vitality and might.

Transcendent Mortal 4-dan Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle!

Under Zhang Xuan’s pointers and the nourishment of a middle-tier spirit stone, he had really managed to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle within half a month.

“Zhang shi, thank you for your guidance!”

Sensing overwhelming energy far superior to before flowing through his body, Ruohuan gongzi clasped his fist in gratitude.

If not for the other party, who knew how long it would have taken him to reach Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle.

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony!”

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

The surge of Heaven’s Path zhenqi he infused into the other party previously had made the other party’s originally turbid zhenqi purer. Building on such a foundation, it wasn’t too hard for the other party to advance several small realms consecutively within a short period of time.

If the other party couldn’t do as much under such conditions, the other party would truly be unworthy of his title as a ‘genius’.

“Zhang shi, your cultivation…” Pavilion Master Kang raised his doubts.

Seeing Ruohuan gongzi’s swift improvement in the past few days had delighted him, but at the same time, doubts started sprouting in his mind.

If Zhang shi could induce such massive improvements in others, why couldn’t he do the same for himself?

Given that the other party hadn’t even reached Transcendent Mortal 3-dan yet, he would surely in a huge disadvantage competing in the Master Teacher Tournament.

“Don’t worry. I’ll try my best to advance to the Yin-Yang realm pinnacle before the tournament, and if possible, perhaps even Clarifying Turbidity realm!”

Knowing what the other party was worried about, Zhang Xuan waved his hands nonchalantly.

To advance his cultivation, he needed middle-tier spirit stones-to do so through absorbing spiritual energy in the air was simply too inefficient. However, this just happened to be the resource he was sorely lacking at the moment.

Since any advancement otherwise would be insignificant in comparison, he decided to find some way to procure more middle-tier spirit stones in the capital first before raising his cultivation.

“Un!”

Hearing Zhang shi’s guarantee, Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head. “We’re about to arrive at your residence…”

Walking up to the entrance of the room on top of the spirit beast, Zhang Xuan suddenly turned around and said, “Un. I’ll be bidding you farewell here then. I’ll be busy during this period of time so don’t look for me. Rest assured, I’ll surely appear at the Master Teacher Tournament when the time comes!”

To procure more middle-tier spirit stones, it was likely that he would have to appear in public as Yang shi. If Pavilion Master Kang were to visit during this period of time, given the abrupt disappearance of Zhang shi and the latter’s familiarity with him, there was a chance that the latter might tie the two together and realize that Yang shi was actually Zhang shi. Thus, Zhang Xuan decided to take precautions against that.

“Alright!”

Thinking that Zhang Xuan might be intending on going into seclusion, Pavilion Master Kang nodded his head.

After saying all that had to be said, Zhang Xuan leaped off the back of the spirit beast, and not too long later, Pavilion Master Kang departed along with the spirit beast.

As soon as Zhang Xuan returned to the residence, Sun Qiang suddenly rushed up to him.

“Young master!”

Noticing that something was amiss from Sun Qiang’s anxious expression, Zhang Xuan asked, “Did something happen while I was away?”

“The Fleeting Cloud Sect and thirteen other powers came to find you while you were away…”

Sun Qiang swiftly recounted the entire matter.

“Why are they looking for me?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had never seen those people before. Why would they suddenly pay him a visit?

“Inform me the next time they come over…”

Zhang Xuan had been in a dilemma as to who he should procure spirit stones from when these people came knocking at his door. This worked out fine as well. At the very least, he didn’t have to go out there to search for customers.

“Yes!” Seeing the composure on the young master’s face, Sun Qiang suddenly felt the burden on his shoulder being lifted, and he heaved a sigh of relief. “Young master, may I know where the old master is at the moment, and will he be coming over?”

“Teacher?”

Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment. However, he quickly recovered and replied, “Teacher told me that he will be coming over in the next few days… Alright, I have to speak with Wang Ying. Where is she?”

Zhang Xuan waved his hands.

Since he was going to appear as Yang shi, it was best for him to let the news out in advance so that it wouldn’t be too abrupt and unnatural.

“She’s currently in the midst of caring for the Soulrouse Grass. Young master… are you intending to cure Young Master Lu Chong now?” Upon recalling something, Sun Qiang’s eyes suddenly lit up.

As the butler of the residence, how could he be unaware of what Wang Ying was up? For the young master to look for her so anxiously as soon as he returned, most likely, this was something that had to do with Lu Chong.

“Un!” Zhang Xuan nodded his head. “Lu Chong’s issue is intricately tied with the topic of souls, and I would require absolute silence for the treatment. Make sure that no one interrupts me!”

Sun Qiang nodded. However, a moment later, he finally realized the reason behind the incongruity he had been feeling since the young master’s arrival and asked, “Young master, didn’t Zhao Ya xiaojie leave with you? Why isn’t she here?”

Since Zhao Ya left along with Zhang Xuan, it didn’t make sense for the latter to return alone.

“She has gone somewhere else; she won’t be returning for the time being…”

Zhang Xuan shook his hands before walking over to the room where the Soulrouse Grass was being cultivated.

“Teacher!”

As soon as Zhang Xuan entered the room, he immediately saw Wang Ying.

Nodding his head to acknowledge the other party’s greeting, he turned his gaze to the Soulrouse Grass placed in the middle of the room.

By now, it was already around half the height of a human, and it emitted a unique scent that left with one feeling confusion. It seemed as though one’s soul would be trapped in it the moment one put one’s guard down.

Harnessing soul energy, the Soulrouse Grass possessed the ability to interfere with one’s psyche.

“You’ve worked hard over the past few days. You should take a rest!”

Seeing how well the Soulrouse Grass grown, not to mention, the complete lack of scratches on it, one could easily imagine how much effort Wang Ying had put into its cultivation.

“Un!”

Having been complimented, Wang Ying’s face reddened, and she hurriedly walked out.

“Time to start!”

Drawing his soul out from his body, Zhang Xuan grabbed the Soulrouse Grass lightly in his palm and began to infuse his zhenqi in to forge it.

He would have required a lot of preparation beforehand to forge the Soulrouse Grass successfully before, but after his soul had been tempered by both yin and yang energy, thus becoming even stronger and compact, forging it wasn’t a problem for him anymore.

Under the inflow of zhenqi from Zhang Xuan, the medicinal herb melted, turning into a puddle of flowing green liquid.

And with a flick of his fingers, the liquid began gathering together, forming an incense stick.

Soulrouse Incense!

It possessed the ability to awaken a dormant soul after being lit.

“Based on what Mo Hunsheng said, to increase the chances of waking Lu Chong, it’ll be best for me to infuse a portion of my soul into it!”

By infusing a portion of his soul into the Soulrouse Grass before lighting it, its effectiveness could be enhanced.

“Soul split!”

Zhang Xuan carefully split a portion of his soul, and in the process, his face gradually paled.

Even though his soul had reached the cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, dividing his soul would still cause significant damage to him.

But as long as Lu Chong could be safe, there was no sacrifice too great.

Fusing the divided portion of his soul with the incense, he was finally ready to awaken Lu Chong.

“Great! I should begin now…”

Having completed all preparations, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Retracting his soul back into his body, he walked forward toward Lu Chong.

Chapter 563: Attack [2in1]

Zhang Xuan placed the Soulrouse Incense on the Soul Aperture on Lu Chong’s glabella and lit it.

Smoke slowly rose from the Soulrouse Incense, and along with it came a distant and vague song reminiscent of the melody of gods and demons, leaving one intoxicated. If one were to stare intently at the smoke, one would be able to see a faint silhouette dressed in loose robe dancing a unique dance which seemed to hold a certain allure for a soul.

“Return, soul! Why roam in distant lands when your belonging lies here? Abandoning for paradise for sufferings in a foreign land. Return, soul! There is nowhere else you can rest! Giants of astounding stature seek to reap you. In the lands they bring you ten suns sear, metal flows in rivers and stones exist in mere dust…”

The voice slowly seeped into Lu Chong’s glabella, resonating with his sleeping soul.

“Whether he will awake or not will count on this!”

As the distant voice grew louder and louder, Zhang Xuan took in a deep breath and drew his soul out as well. After which, his soul dashed straight into Lu Chong’s consciousness.

And the next moment, an ocean stretching to the horizons appeared before his eyes.

“How can his inner world be so large?”

Standing in the midst of the other party’s consciousness, Zhang Xuan was stunned.

Even with his soul cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, Zhang Xuan found himself unable to perceive the ends to the other party’s inner world.

The inner world of an ordinary cultivator was usually only the size of a pond-Lu Chong’s case was indeed extraordinary.

“Where is Lu Chong’s soul?”

Quickly recovering from his astonishment, Zhang Xuan remembered his purpose here and hurriedly scanned the surroundings.

A dormant soul would usually be lying asleep in a corner of one’s inner world. With the assistance from the Soulrouse Incense, it shouldn’t be difficult to wake the soul up.

Flying around the vast inner world, Zhang Xuan soon found a gigantic figure lying amidst dense mist.

Despite lying horizontally in the ocean, it was still as tall as a mountain. The eyes of the figure were tightly shut.

“This… Isn’t this a little… way too big?”

Zhang Xuan widened his eyes in disbelief.

Not only was Lu Chong’s inner world huge, even his soul was humongous as well. In fact, it seemed to wield even greater strength than Zhang Xuan’s Transcendent Mortal 4-dan soul… But how could that be possible?

One must know that Lu Chong was only at Zongshi realm when he went into a coma. How could a Zongshi realm cultivator possess such a powerful soul?

“Could this be… Acquired Soul Physique?”

Suddenly, a thought flashed across Zhang Xuan’s mind.

There were physical constitutions in the world which, when awoken, could induce a rapid rise in one’s cultivation. Similarly, there were also physical constitutions that could enhance one’s soul as well… and one of them was the Acquired Soul Physique.

Just as stated in the name, this constitution didn’t come with one at birth. Thus, even master teachers would be unable to perceiving one’s plausible aptitude in this aspect before its appearance. Usually, such unique constitutions usually appeared after the host underwent a major event in his life.

It was similar to how some people gained the ability to see ghosts after falling off the stairs, or how some recalled their past lives after suffering an injury to the head and began to chant ancient Sanskrit sutras.

If Zhang Xuan wasn’t mistaken, Lu Chong belonged to this category as well.

He was originally just an ordinary person, but the massacre of his clan had diverted the course of his life. After which, he met Zhang Xuan, and to save the latter, he sacrificed himself and fell into a coma…

These experiences had caused a qualitative evolvement of his soul.

“If my conjecture is true, given the size of his soul, when he finally wakes up, his cultivation will probably be stronger than mine…”

Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up.

He thought that it would take a long time before Lu Chong fully recovered from the impact of that incident, but to his delight, this incident actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

But still, if Zhang Xuan didn’t possess an in-depth knowledge of souls, this unique constitution would probably have gone to waste… But now, as long as the latter wakes up and is imparted the Heaven’s Path Soul Art, his cultivation would surely soar.

Taking a deep breath, Zhang Xuan walked up to the gigantic body and shouted, “Lu Chong, I am Zhang shi. Wake up!”

…

While Zhang Xuan was attempting to wake Lu Chong, Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others received news of Zhang Xuan’s return.

“Since he’s back, it’s about time for us to pay him a visit and ask of the matter!”

“Indeed. Given how he is barely qualified as a 4-star master teacher, how can he be qualified to hold onto Kong shi’s handwritten letter?”

“If he hands it over obediently, we can still choose to let the matter go. But if he decides to make things difficult for himself… we’ll conduct a trial on the spot to investigate the origin of the letter! If it is proven that he has breached the master teacher moral code by stealing the possession of an innocent party, he shall be punished!”

…

Voices rang up in agreement.

Kong shi’s handwritten letter was an unparalleled treasure for all master teachers. As leaders of their respective powers, no matter how kind-hearted they could have been before, for the welfare of the masses behind them who were relying on them for support, they had no choice but to harden their hearts.

If sacrificing one Zhang Xuan could lead to the rise of their power, then this was a gamble that was worth taking on.

Sect Leader Luo Huang interjected the commotion and asked, “Everyone, calm down for a moment. Don’t you think it is weird how the butler was able to stand before us without the slightest fear, treating us disdainfully even?”

“This…” Everyone suddenly stopped to think about the matter.

Despite their huge line-up, they still ended up being chased away by an insignificant butler. Just by recalling the incident left their hearts boiling in anger. But still, there was indeed something doubtful about the matter. Was that butler truly fearless of death, or did he have some kind of backing to fall back on?

“If I’m not mistaken, that fellow’s backing must be the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion!”

“He probably still doesn’t know that the matter regarding Kong shi’s handwritten letter has been leaked. Otherwise, he definitely wouldn’t dare to do so!”

“I think that it might be the Demon Cinque Beast. That spirit beast is indeed powerful. Even a Consonant Spirit realm primary stage expert might have a tough time fighting with it!”

“With such a powerful tamed beast and his young master’s standing in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, he would be unworthy as a master teacher’s butler if he didn’t have that much pride in himself.”

The group in the room discussed.

Even though the Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion wasn’t as powerful as them, they still didn’t dare to go overboard. After all, the Master Teacher Pavilion was strict in enforcing its rules, and they could get into trouble if the headquarter were to learn of the matter.

That butler was probably able to keep his bravado having guessed as much.

Hearing the responses from the crowd, Sect Leader Luo Huang shook his head.

“Seems like everyone doesn’t know much about that Zhang Xuan. To tell you all the truth, I’ve had my subordinates look into his affairs for the past few days!”

As the most powerful individuals in the region, they honestly didn’t think much of Zhang Xuan. Rather, they were more guarded toward those of their own group, such as the Fleeting Cloud Sect, Cascading Sand Sect, and Frigid Gale Sect, fearing that they might backstab them. Thus, the information they had on Zhang Xuan was severely limited.

After all, who would have the effort to worry about a mere ant when there were other threats looming in the area?

They had never entertained the possibility that this rising star of Myriad Kingdom Alliance might not be as simple as he looked on the surface.

“Oh?”

Seeing Sect Leader Luo Huang’s grim expression, everyone turned their gazes toward him.

“It’s said that this Zhang Xuan isn’t even twenty this year, and it was only two months ago that he had passed his 2-star master teacher examination. His improvement is, in the truest sense, frightening…”

Sect Leader Luo Huang spoke slowly. “But of course, we can’t exclude the possibility that he had been hiding his true strength from the start to create such fanfare…”

There were also quite a few master teachers who trained to a certain level before breezing through multiple examinations at once.

As such, a 2-star master teacher rising straight to the level of a 4-star wasn’t too shocking.

“However, what is worrying is that… despite his young age, he has already attained the strength of a 4-star master teacher. In fact, in the selection round, he even triumphed over Pavilion Master Kang’s direct disciple, Jun Ruohuan… Aren’t you all curious about his teacher?”

Sect Leader Luo Huang finally revealed his worry.

“This…”

Everyone fell into deep thought.

They didn’t think much of Zhang Xuan before-after all, how could a mere 4-star primary master teacher stand against them all?

A 4-star primary master teacher might be a prestigious figure in Myriad Kingdom City, but to huge sects and influential powers like them, it meant nothing at all.

However, after hearing Sect Leader Luo Huang’s words, they realized that they had been negligent.

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance had been lagging behind in terms of resources as compared to the other kingdoms. It had no half 5-star master teacher or Consonant Spirit realm experts… and thus, it had no long-range Tutelage Jade Tokens as well. As such, cultivating a single 4-star master teacher was difficult on its own.

Under such conditions, raising a 4-star master teacher who wasn’t even in his twenties yet was indeed an extraordinary feat.

“Based on the news I received, Zhang Xuan’s teacher is a half 5-star master teacher known as Yang Xuan.”

Sect Leader Luo Huang revealed the intelligence that he had gathered.

According to the intelligence, Yang Xuan rarely appeared in public, and on the occasions he did, it was in lower tiered kingdoms. However, due to the weak eye of discernment of those living in those regions, they were unable to perceive the other party’s cultivation clearly, thus resulting in a lack of concrete evaluation of Yang Xuan’s strength.

But based on the other party’s feats, Sect Leader Luo Huang determined the latter to be a 3-star to 4-star master teacher. However, it was clear that a 4-star master teacher couldn’t possibly raise a student as talented as Zhang Xuan…

What that allowed him to make his final evaluation was… Su shi and Ling shi visiting him and leaving respectfully.

To be worthy of being treated with such respect by a 4-star master teacher, it was highly likely that the other party was a half 5-star master teacher like them.

After all, if the other party was any stronger, he would have surely gone to higher tiered empires already instead of staying in an insignificant place like the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. Besides, if a master teacher of that caliber were to visit a lower tiered kingdom, the regional Master Teacher Pavilion would surely be informed to make preparations to welcome him. It was impossible for there to be no news on the matter at all.

More importantly… Those who had come into contact with Yang Xuan didn’t seem to note that the latter was capable of ‘Spirit Gathering Diction’!

This was a fundamental ability to a 5-star master teacher. Those who hadn’t grasped this ability couldn’t qualify as a 5-star master teacher.

“Half 5-star master teacher? Since the other party is of equal standing as us, what do we have to fear?”

“Indeed! So what if he’s a half 5-star master teacher? Kong shi’s handwritten letter is of vital importance to all master teachers… Even if he’s a full-fledged 5-star master teacher, I say that we should still confront him for it!”

“Despite being a master teacher, he kept Kong shi’s handwritten letter for himself instead of submitting it up to the headquarters. Even if he’s a 5-star master teacher, he will surely be severely punished for his misdeed!”

…

After hearing that the Zhang Xuan’s teacher possessed strength of their tier, the crowd heaved a sigh of relief.

An elder asked, “Sect Leader Luo Huang, what’s your view on this matter?”

“Based on my intelligence, that Yang Xuan doesn’t seem to be in Myriad Kingdom City at the moment. However… to avoid unnecessary trouble, I think that we should unite as one for the moment, obtain the handwritten letter as soon as possible, and decide on its allocation later on. Otherwise… it is likely that none of us will obtain the relic,” Sect Leader Luo Huang said grimly.

Whether it would be boiled or fried, they would have to take down their prey first.

It was too early to be talking about the allocation when their prey hasn’t been caught yet.

To date, it was still unconfirmed whether Kong shi’s handwritten letter was truly with Zhang Xuan, and, if it was, whether it was authentic or not.

If they were to delay the matter and Yang Xuan were to arrive in the city, even though they had no fear for the other party, it would still be unwise for them to go overboard-after all, the other party was a fellow half 5-star master teacher as well.

“Sect Leader Luo, rest assured. We are all mature adults, we know what we should do!”

“A treasure such as Kong shi’s handwritten letter can’t possibly belong to a single power. At the very least, we know this much!”

“Let’s talk about it after obtaining it from Zhang shi’s hands!”

The crowd nodded their heads, indicating their approval toward this course of action.

“Since everyone is agreeable to it, I’ll start delegating the roles then!” Seeing that he had everyone onboard, Sect Leader Luo Huang nodded his head in satisfaction. “When we’re there, I hope that Sect Leader Hu and Sect Leader Bai can curb that Demon Cinque Beast!”

“The rest shall move with me to capture that Zhang Xuan and secure Kong shi’s handwritten letter. We’ll have to move fast, or else it’ll be troublesome if he hides the object!”

“Alright!”

Everyone nodded in consent.

Since they have decided to make a move, naturally, they should do it as soon as possible. Who knew what kinds of hiccups could occur if they were to delay the matter?

“Let’s set off then!”

After confirming the details of the plan, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hand, and the group marched off toward Zhang Xuan’s residence.

…

Sun Qiang stood in an empty residence with a deep frown etched on his forehead.

The young master didn’t think much of the group that came knocking a few days ago, but Sun Qiang still couldn’t help but worry about it.

It was clear that the other party bore malicious intentions. He was able to chase them away by insisting that the young master wasn’t around the previous time, but now that the young master had returned, it wouldn’t be easy for him to stop them the next time.

Garden Owner Xue walked up to Sun Qiang and asked, “Where’s Zhang shi?”

Zhang shi had saved her herb garden from a huge calamity the previous time. Knowing that the group of people who came the other day would surely come knocking again to cause trouble, she volunteered to stay behind.

“The young master is in the midst of treating Young Master Lu Chong, so you’ll have to wait for a while longer!” Sun Qiang replied.

“Alright!” Garden Owner Xue replied. Then, with a slightly worried expression, she remarked, “Now that Zhang shi is back, I fear that the group of men would return once more to look for him!”

“Indeed…” Sun Qiang sighed. “If only the old master were around… There would be no need to fear those creeps!”

“Yang shi… If it isn’t a sensitive question, may I ask what rank is he as a master teacher?”

Seeing the immense confidence Sun Qiang had in his old master, Garden Owner Xue couldn’t help but ask about it.

“I’ve no idea as well, but… it seems as though there’s no problem he can’t solve. Based on Su shi and Ling shi’s previous evaluation… it seems like he is at least a 6-star master teacher!” Sun Qiang replied.

“At least a 6-star master teacher?”

Garden Owner Xue narrowed her eyes.

One had to possess a minimum cultivation of Transcendent Mortal 9-dan to become a 6-star master teacher.

To be at least a 6-star master teacher, doesn’t that mean that the other party had already reached such a level?

“That’s right. I’ve been with the old master for some time now, but I haven’t met a single problem that could stumble him yet. If the old master is willing to help you, the issue with your soul can surely be easily solved!” Sun Qiang said confidently.

He had witnessed the old master’s prowess, and there was no problem too great for him.

In the past few days that Garden Owner Xue had been here, he had learned of her damaged soul, so he couldn’t help but say that.

“He can heal my soul?”

Garden Owner Xue’s face reddened, and her breathing hastened.

Her soul had been injured for some time now, and to cure it, she even went to the extent of consuming the spirit contained within medicinal herbs to make up for her deficiency… But it ended up being futile in the end. If Yang shi was truly able to solve her problem, she would be willing to do anything in exchange.

Anything.

“Un. However, I would advise you not to bear too much hope for it. Given the old master’s standing, he wouldn’t help anyone easily!” Sun Qiang shook his head.

With a bitter smile, Garden Owner Xue shook her head.

“You’re right…”

If Yang shi was truly a 6-star master, it would surely be an exorbitant price to pay to engage his help.

And she knew that she had no treasures that could possibly hold any allure to an expert of that caliber.

“There’s no need to think so much into it for now. After all, we don’t know where the old master is currently. If he’s in the city, I can plead for you on his behalf. Despite the old master’s incredible capability, he’s an amiable person,” Sun Qiang remarked. But halfway through his words, a powerful aura suddenly surged straight at him, shrouding the entire residence.

“Zhang shi, Fleeting Cloud Sect’s Luo Huang, White Helios Sect’s Bai Kaizhi, Cascading Sand Sect’s Huang Qi… fourteen sect leaders and nation elders have come to visit you. Come out and pay your respects!”

Hong long!

And in the middle of those words, more than a dozen figure suddenly appeared in the courtyard. Every single one of them possessed immense might, and their presence felt like an unmovable mountain.

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others… had arrived!

Hualala!

Hearing the voice, Zheng Yang, Wang Ying, and the others immediately rushed out of their rooms and stared at the group warily.

Gritting his teeth, Sun Qiang stepped forward and replied, “The young master is currently in seclusion, so it isn’t convenient for him to meet you. You should come back another day!”

A middle-aged man stepped forward and harrumphed coldly.

“In seclusion? Hahaha, more like he is too guilty to meet us after breaching the master teacher moral code!”

The overwhelming pressure in the air instantaneously heightened. Sun Qiang felt as though a mountain was slowly making its way toward him. Given his strength, no matter how much effort he put in, it was impossible for him to stop its path.

Consonant Spirit realm expert!

At this level of cultivation, one could exert pressure directly on an opponent’s soul. Even Pavilion Master Kang wouldn’t stand a chance against the middle-aged man.

Seeing the other party attempting to pin blame on Zhang Xuan, Garden Owner Xue frowned and stepped forward.

“Zhang shi is an upright and compassionate man. How could he possibly breach the master teacher moral code? I’ll have to ask you to not utter falsehood!”

Frowning, the middle-aged man thrust his palm forward.

“Who do you think you are? Do you think that you are qualified to be speaking here?”

“This is bad!”

Not expecting the other party to be much more forceful than before, resorting to violence without any hesitation, Garden Owner Xue narrowed her eyes and threw out a fist to meet the other party’s attack.

Hong!

The palm collided with the fist, but in the next instant, an immense force traveled through Garden Owner Xue’s fist and struck her chest.

Pu!

Spewing a mouthful of blood, she was sent a dozen meters back.

She could already be considered as one of the strongest experts in Myriad Kingdom City, but despite that, she was still unable to withstand a single blow from the other party.

A Clarifying Turbidity realm cultivator couldn’t possibly hope to match up to a Consonant Spirit realm expert.

Roar!

The Demon Cinque Beast responsible for protecting the courtyard yelled and leaped down.

“You beast, who do you think you are baring your fangs at?”

Sect Leader Bai harrumphed coldly, and along with the middle-aged man from before, he stepped forward and placed his palm on the ground.

Huala!

A zhenqi net fell from the sky, locking the Demon Cinque Beast in place.

Roar!

Trapped in the net, the Demon Cinque Beast struggled vigorously, only to find its efforts futile.

It was as if this zhenqi net was made of the hardest material in the world. Despite its violent thrashing, the net didn’t even budge the slightest bit.

The Demon Cinque beast was an invincible existence in the Myriad Kingdom Alliance, but its strength was still lacking compared to these sect leaders, not to mention, both of them had moved in unison to subdue it.

“What are you doing?”

Seeing the group injuring Garden Owner Xue and sealing the Demon Cinque Beast in place in just a few seconds, Sun Qiang’s face warped in astonishment. In that instant, he felt as though his heart was falling through an abyss. His worst premonition had come to be.

Chapter 564: Descending From the Heavens

The other party was at least slightly fearful of him the previous time, retreating at his bellowing. But from the looks of it, the other party seemed intent to accomplish whatever they intended to do this time around.

What in the world had happened for this group to even disregard the young master’s identity as a 4-star master teacher?

“What are we doing? Stop playing the fool!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang sneered coldly. “Where’s Zhang shi? Get him to come out at this very instant, or else don’t blame us for getting nasty!”

Sect Leader Bai’s eyebrows shot up in disdain.

“The Master Teacher Pavilion does indeed have its rules. We might be unable to lay our hands on a person of Zhang shi’s standing, but if it was just a mere butler and a few other students… Do you think that the headquarters would punish us for crippling insignificant ants?”

Master teachers were governed by strict rules, but this didn’t mean that they were saints. Just the bloodshed in the wars against the soul oracles and the Otherworldly Demons could easily fill an ocean.

It was true that the Master Teacher Pavilion frowned on senseless murder, but as long as one didn’t go overboard in one’s actions, the headquarters would usually just overlook such actions.

If these people refused to cooperate, they were willing to cripple or even kill them. The worst that could happen to them from this was just a dip in their reputation.

“The young master is in the midst of his seclusion, and he mustn’t be interrupted at the moment. If you wish to meet him… please return tomorrow!”

Despite knowing that what the other party said was the truth, Sun Qiang knew that he couldn’t back down at this point.

The young master had entrusted him to keep anyone from interrupting him. Unless he dies, he would never allow anyone to barge in at this point!

“Since you’re seeking death, don’t blame us for getting nasty!”

Not expecting this fellow to continue standing his ground, Sect Leader Bai flicked his finger.

Peng!

A sword qi flew through the air, and before Sun Qiang could react, he was already struck in his chest, and fresh blood spurted from his mouth.

How could he possibly stand against an opponent whom even the Demon Cinque Beast and Garden Owner Xue were no match for? If not for the other party’s reluctant to sacrifice his reputation by killing a mere underling, he would have already been killed by now.

“Damn it!”

Upon seeing the sight, the eyes of Zheng Yang and the others reddened in anger. Roaring furiously, they charged forward.

But given that there haven’t even reached Half-Transcension yet, how could they possibly be a match for a group of Consonant Spirit realm experts? With just a few flicks of Sect Leader Bai’s finger, they were all already lying on the ground, injured.

They had devoted all of their strength, and yet, they couldn’t inflict the slightest injury to their enemies. They couldn’t help but feel frustrated at their helplessness.

All along, under the protection of their teacher, they had been able to cultivate peacefully without any worries. But at this moment, they finally realized that they were nothing without their teacher.

In the face of danger, other than dragging him down, they were unable to do anything at all.

With his hands behind his back, Sect Leader Luo Huang spoke impassively, “There is a limit to my tolerance. If he were to come out now, I might still consider sparing your lives!”

“I’ve already said that the young master is in seclusion. No one is to interrupt him now…”

Sun Qiang struggled to his feet and stood before Sect Leader Luo Huang. Zheng Yang and the others also followed suit.

They knew that they weren’t a match, but even the slightest time they could stall now would be invaluable for Zhang Xuan. No matter how weak they were, they couldn’t back down now.

Zhang Xuan was an important person to them. If the other party wished to cause him any trouble, they would have to step over their corpses to do so!

“Since you are so intent on dying, I’ll fulfill your wish! Let’s see whether he can continue hiding after his butler and students are dead!”

Seeing how even a group of ants dared to disregard his authority, Sect Leader Luo Huang’s face darkened, and killing intent appeared on his face.

You wish to hide behind your butler and students?

Fine, continue doing so then! Let’s see how long you can hold out for!

Placing his middle finger on his thumb, just as Sect Leader Luo was about to flick a surge of sword qi toward the group who dared to defy him, he suddenly saw two figures rushing over.

The one in front was an elder who exuded a powerful aura. A hint of worry was etched on his glabella.

“Sect Leader Luo, what are you doing?”

Even before arriving at the residence, the elder roared, and his voice reverberated across the entire residence.

“Zhang shi is a master teacher of our Myriad Kingdom Alliance. For you all to charge into his residence and injure his butler and students, is this a declaration of war against the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?”

His voice was seething with fury.

Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion’s Pavilion Master Kang Gan!

Following behind was a middle-aged man who bore a mark of authority between his brows. With a glance, it was clear that he was a person of great standing… Myriad Kingdom Alliance’s Alliance Head Zhao, Zhao Feiwu’s father.

Given how huge of a ruckus this matter had caused, it was impossible for them to be unaware of it.

Just that, they never expected for Sect Leader Luo and so many experts to actually seek trouble with a master teacher who had just passed the 4-star master teacher examination.

Even though Zhang Xuan had shown outstanding results in the selection round, this was only in terms of the Myriad Kingdom Alliance’s standard. It didn’t make any sense for so many experts to confront him together.

“Declaration of war?”

Seeing that Pavilion Master Kang had arrived on the scene, Sect Leader Luo Huang chuckled lightly and dissipated the sword qi he had gathered on his fingertip. Placing his hands behind his back, he said, “Pavilion Master Kang, you’re exaggerating the matter. The only reason why we’re here is because we’ve received a complaint regarding Zhang shi, and we would like to weed out a black sheep sullying the reputation of all master teachers. This has nothing to do with your Myriad Kingdom Alliance Master Teacher Pavilion!”

Narrowing his eyes, Pavilion Master Kang questioned, “Weed out a black sheep? What do you mean by that?”

Sun Qiang and the others were perplexed as well.

These fellows had barged in here, demanding to meet Zhang shi without any reason at all. Yet, all of the sudden, they started talking about weeding out a black sheep…

“Simple. Someone told us that Zhang shi has killed his kin, stole his family heirloom, and eradicated his kingdom!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang raised his eyebrows. “As a master teacher, without the permission of the Master Teacher Pavilion, he wreaked havoc in a kingdom and toppled its order… As half 5-star master teachers, are we unqualified to question him on this matter?”

“This…”

Pavilion Master Kang was stumped.

He had been busy preparing for the Master Teacher Pavilion for the past few months, so he wasn’t too sure about the events that transpired in Xuanyuan Kingdom. On top of that, Zhao Feiwu had pushed down the matter so very few people knew about it. Luo Qianhong, out of shame, also didn’t report this matter to them as well.

As such, Pavilion Master Kang was unaware of this matter.

“Stole a family heirloom? The matter probably isn’t as simple as that!”

Alliance Head Zhao had heard the story from his daughter, but thinking nothing much of it, he didn’t enquire about the details.

“Isn’t as simple as that? We have an eye-witness here!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hand, and a single-armed elder walked out from the crowd.

Ding Hong!

Knowing that Zhang Xuan was living in this courtyard, his eyes were burning with fury.

“My grandson, Ding Mu, was killed by Zhang Xuan, and he had one of his acquaintances take control of Xuanyuan Kingdom. In fact, even my arm was severed by him. It is due to him that I was forced to wander around aimlessly with nowhere to return to…”

At which, Ding Hong roared furiously, “And the only reason for his deranged actions is due to a single relic… Kong shi’s handwritten letter!”

“Kong shi’s handwritten letter?”

Hearing those words, Pavilion Master Kang’s eyebrows twitched.

Even though he wasn’t too sure what it was, nothing that was related to Kong shi could be ordinary.

“Indeed! Because of this relic, he destroyed my entire clan! Is this an action befitting of a master teacher?” Ding Hong howled.

His words were phrased in an extremely misleading manner. Knowing that master teachers had the ability to discern truth from falsehood, he chose to warp the truth in a manner that sounded as if Zhang Xuan had done all of this just for Kong shi’s handwritten letter.

There was nothing wrong with the details-everything that had occurred did originate from Kong shi’s handwritten letter, just that the story was presented in a manner biased against Zhang Xuan.

“You’re lying! It’s your grandson who tried to…”

Seeing the other party twisting the facts around, Zheng Yang was so furious that if he could, he would have rushed forward to tear Ding Hong apart at this instant.

“Audacious! Your seniors are talking, a junior like you have no place to be interrupting in our conversation!”

Before Zheng Yang could finish his words, Sect Leader Luo Huang waved his hands.

Hu!

A surge of energy gushed toward Zheng Yang, Sun Qiang, and the others, sealing their mouths. No matter how much they struggled, they were unable to get a single word out.

“What are you trying to do?” Pavilion Master Kang’s face darkened.

“Nothing much. I just don’t want others to be interrupting our conversation!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang gazed at Pavilion Master Kang impassively and asked, “You’ve heard what the other party had said. As a 4-star pinnacle master teacher, you should be able to easily discern whether this Emperor Ding Hong has lied or not!”

As long as one’s cultivation didn’t exceed that of a master teacher by too much, it would be impossible for one to get away with lying blatantly to a master teacher. Given the huge disparity between Pavilion Master Kang and Ding Hong cultivation, it was impossible for Pavilion Master Kang to be unable to discern it if the latter was lying.

It was precisely for this reason that the others believed Ding Hong’s words regarding Kong shi’s handwritten letter and were willing to go to such extent for it.

“This…”

Pavilion Master Kang was stumped.

While this single-armed Emperor Ding Hong’s words were emotionally-charged, he could sense that the other party’s resentment toward Zhang shi was true.

Zhang shi had killed his grandson and eradicated his kingdom?

All because… he wanted to obtain Kong shi’s handwritten letter?

If it was anything else, Pavilion Master Kang would surely defend Zhang shi. After all, in the time that he had been with the latter, he had gained some understanding of the latter’s personality.

If he was a greedy person, he wouldn’t have given a middle-tier spirit stone to Ruohuan gongzi.

But… Kong shi’s handwritten letter possessed an allure that no master teacher could resist.

Could Zhang shi truly be guilty of this?

Seeing the hesitation in Pavilion Master Kang’s eyes, Sect Leader Luo Huang immediately stepped forward and announced, “Zhang Xuan has disregarded the master teacher moral code and willfully stole, killed, and usurped the authority from a kingdom. On top of that, as half 5-star master teachers, he failed to observe decorum to greet us, and instead, even allowed his subordinate to insult us. Just by this charge of insubordination in itself, we can report to the headquarters to have him stripped of his license and indicted by the Hall of Commandment!”

His words were infused with a quality that befuddled one’s soul-a unique ability of Consonant Spirit realm experts-that made one inclined to believe his words.

“This matter surely isn’t as simple as it sounds. We should first investigate the matter thoroughly before coming to a conclusion…”

Even so, Pavilion Master Kang still felt that it was unlikely for Zhang shi to commit such atrocities.

“Investigate the matter? Do we even need to investigate it? The truth will become clear once we verify whether Kong shi’s handwritten letter is on him or not!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang flung his sleeves.

“This…”

Pavilion Master Kang was stumped.

If Kong shi’s handwritten letter was truly with Zhang Xuan, then no amount of explanation could cleanse him of this charge.

“Alright, hurry up and get Zhang shi out. Are we going to wait all day for him?”

Frowning, Sect Leader Luo Huang was in the middle of his words when he suddenly felt an indescribably powerful aura from the heaven. After which, an extremely cold voice that was devoid of the slightest emotion boomed in the area.

“To justify your plundering so brazenly with blatant lies, the master teachers of Huanyu Empire sure are shameless!”

At which, a figure suddenly appeared in mid-air. His robes fluttered like an immortal descending from the heavens.

“Flight? S-S-S-S-Saint?”

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others narrowed their eyes in astonishment.

Chapter 565: I Pronounce All of You Guilty! [2in1]

Only upon reaching Transcendent Mortal 8-dan Ethereal Treading realm would one be able to step on thin air and ascend. But even so, this ‘flight’ would be limited to vertical displacement and was temporary. As such, it couldn’t be considered as flight.

True flight would require one’s cultivation to be at Half-Saint at minimum!

Beyond the nine dans of a Fighter was Transcendent Mortal.

And beyond the nine dans of a Transcendent Mortal was Saint.

But even a Half-Saint would only be capable of basic flight. The maneuvers would still be severely restricted.

Yet, the person before them was able to walk on air as though there were transparent steps beneath his feet. As though a haughty deity, he stood in the air, inducing immense fear in those that set their eyes on him.

More importantly, that person’s aura was so powerful that they couldn’t even begin to gauge the limits to his strength. A powerful pressure pressed down on their soul, forcing them to lower their heads in submission.

The pressure the other party exerted wasn’t just limited to their physical body. It penetrated all the way down into their souls, and as though a mountain crushing down on them, it robbed them of all intent to retaliate.

Only one who had surpassed a Half-Saint, a Nascent Saint or even a true Saint, would possess such strength!

Even in Huanyu Empire was one unable to find a single expert of this caliber… Why would one suddenly appear here?

Not to mention… from the looks of it… the other party was speaking up for Zhang Xuan?

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others felt as though their hearts had been plunged into a lake of frigid water, and their faces turned ghastly pale in fright. Their arrogance from before had faded completely without a trace.

They thought that Zhang Xuan was an insignificant figure with humble origins. And yet, in the blink of an eye, he had turned into a primordial beast who could rip them apart at any moment.

While everyone’s knees trembled in fear, Sun Qiang’s eyes reddened as he uttered, “Old Master…”

Who else could the powerful person stepping in midair be other than his old master, Yang Xuan?

He had thought that he would truly die in this crisis, but in this crucial moment, the old master had come to their rescue!

“This is… Yang shi?”

The heavily injured Xue Yiyao glanced at the middle-aged man standing in midair and her heart jolted, and her face reddened in agitation.

It was no wonder why Sun Qiang was so confident. Yang shi was indeed worthy of his confidence!

With a strength exceeding that of even 6-star master teachers, the other party might truly be able to heal her soul and make it complete once more!

“Su Fan and Ling Yuheng pays respect to Yang shi!”

At the moment that the entire courtyard was completely silent, two figures suddenly appeared-Su shi and Ling shi.

Even though they had received the news at the same moment as Pavilion Master Kang, due to their weaker cultivation, they had arrived late.

As soon as they arrived, they immediately saw the majestic sight of Yang shi appearing from the heavens, and their hearts immediately jolted. They hurriedly clasped their fists and paid their greetings.

They had already realized that the other party was at least a 6-star master teacher when they first saw the other party’s Eye of Insight, but even so, it was the first time they were seeing the might of a 6-star master teacher and it was indeed frightening.

It was impossible to even gather the will to resist the other party.

“Elder, you’re mistaken. That is not what I meant…”

Calming himself down, Sect Leader Luo Huang clasped his fist. However, halfway through his words, he suddenly felt a surge of soul energy gushing straight toward him, threatening to tear him apart.

Pu!

Spewing a mouthful of blood, he was knocked eight steps backward.

While he didn’t suffer significant physical injuries, his soul was already grievously wounded.

The soul was different from the body. A wound on the body could be healed by consuming pills and nourishing with one’s zhenqi. However, a soul could only recuperate slowly with time. This injury would require him at least a century to recover completely!

And… he knew that he didn’t have a century ahead of him.

With just his soul, the other party was already able to inflict such severe injuries on him, terminating any chance of future progress in his cultivation. Was this… the might of a Saint?

With a pale face, Sect Leader Luo Huang trembled in fear.

After wounding Sect Leader Luo Huang, the middle-aged man in the sky scanned the area with his cold gaze.

“I, Yang Xuan, prefer to lead a carefree life, so I rarely involve myself in the matters of the world. I have no interest in the affairs of my juniors, and I can’t be bothered with what you do either… But you seem to be taking my nonchalance as a sign of weakness and seek to climb over my head. To attempt to challenge me… Who gave you the guts to do so?”

The voice was devoid of any emotions, but it carried irrefutable authority that threatened to crush one if one were to show the slightest defiance.

“We dare not to…”

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others immediately clasped their trembling fists and bowed their heads. Their eyebrows twitched vigorously, and tears were threatening to spill from their eyes.

Was this… Zhang Xuan’s teacher?

Who was the one said that he was only a half 5-star master teacher?

Even a 6-star master teacher wouldn’t be as powerful as he was…

“Dare not to? Then why am I seeing a different picture here…”

Yang Xuan flung his sleeves. “You have already barged into my residence. If I were to remain hidden, were you going to have my butler and my grandstudents killed?”

“This…”

Everyone shuddered.

Truthfully, they did harbor such thoughts.

But… if they had known that Zhang Xuan’s teacher was such a fearsome figure, they would have never made the trip here.

“We… didn’t know that they are related to elder. We beg of you to pardon us for our blindness…” Sect Leader Luo Huang said through gritted teeth.

“Didn’t know? After all you have said and done, you wish to justify your actions with ignorance?” Yang Xuan’s eyebrows shot up.

Panicking, Sect Leader Luo Huang quickly explained, “It’s… it’s this Ding Hong who looked for us! He said that his family heirloom was stolen by Zhang shi…”

At this instant, he was cursing Ding Hong countless times in his heart.

If not for this fellow for talking about Kong shi’s handwritten letter and provoking their greed, they would have never been here.

If they had never attempted to seek trouble with Zhang shi, they would have never met with the other party.

“You are speaking of Kong shi’s handwritten letter? You’re right, it’s with me. Do you want it?” Yang Xuan glanced at Sect Leader Luo Huang coldly.

“I dare not to…” Sect Leader Luo Huang replied with a quivering voice.

He did want Kong shi’s handwritten letter, but to take it from this fellow? You must be joking!

“Kong shi’s handwritten letter is a family heirloom of my grandstudent, Qu Chong. This Ding Hong’s grandson, Ding Mu, injured him, leaving him in a coma. Out of anger, my student, Zhang Xuan, killed him and eradicated the entire Xuanyuan Kingdom Royal Family… To comply with the rules, he conducted a Pavilion Crashing of the local Master Teacher Pavilion and cleared all of the required tests.”

At which, Yang Xuan narrowed his eyes, “How… did it become a willful breach of the master teacher moral code from your mouth?”

Under normal circumstances, a master teacher was to uphold a high level of morality at all times, and destroying a kingdom was a definite taboo. But Zhang Xuan did have a compelling reason for his actions, and on top of that, he had obeyed the procedures demanded by the Master Teacher Pavilion. Even if the headquarters were to investigate it, there would be nothing they could hold against him for it.

“I…”

Sect Leader Luo Huang went silent.

Given that even Pavilion Master Kang was unaware of the incident, how could he, as a foreigner, possibly know about the ins and outs of it?

But still, given that the other party was a Saint and a high-rank master teacher, it was unlikely that he would lie, even on behalf of his student.

“As a master teacher, not only did you fail to distinguish right from wrong, you were even willing to shamelessly slander and attack your fellow peer just to fulfill your own greed…”

With his hands before his back, Yang Xuan glanced coldly at Sect Leader Luo Huang and uttered, “I pronounce you guilty!”

Sect Leader Luo Huang’s body immediately stiffened.

“As for Sect Leader Bai, for laying your hands on my butler and spirit beast and disregarding the honor of a higher ranked master teacher, I pronounce you guilty!” Yang Xuan continued.

Sect Leader Bai’s body swayed weakly as well.

He was the one who wounded Sun Qiang and the others. At this point, there was nothing he could say in his defense.

As the saying goes, ‘assess the owner before beating up his dog’. No matter how weak Sun Qiang was or how infuriating his words were, he was still the subordinate of a Saint. Beating him up was equivalent to humiliating the Saint, disregarding a high-rank master teacher’s honor!

Scanning through the crowd, Yang Xuan declared once again, “And all of you, for allowing yourselves to be blinded by falsehood and abusing your authority to fulfill your own greed… I pronounce all of you guilty!”

“We…”

Everyone’s lips went pale.

To be pronounced guilty by a Saint meant that there was no way they could make a comeback anymore.

After pronouncing everyone guilty, Yang Xuan turned around to look at Garden Owner Xue, who was lying on the ground.

“Not bad. At such a crucial moment, you were still willing to stand up for your benefactor… I noticed that your soul is injured, and it is capping your cultivation. If you acknowledge me as your teacher, I will solve your problem!”

“I can… acknowledge you as my teacher?”

Garden Owner Xue’s face flushed in agitation. This was a hard-to-come-by opportunity, how could she possibly hesitate at such a moment? She immediately fell to the ground and kowtowed. “I, Xue Yiyao, am willing to come under Yang shi’s tutelage and command. I vow to never go against your words…”

“Un!”

Yang Xuan nodded his head, and raising his finger, he lightly pointed it toward Xue Yiyao.

Hu!

Garden Owner Xue suddenly felt a will diving straight into her head. It was a cultivation technique to heal one’s soul.

Throughout the years, she had been studying the topic of souls so as to fix her own problem. Even though she wasn’t a match for soul oracles, her understanding of souls far surpassed the typical Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle experts by a significant amount. As such, despite having only glanced at the cultivation technique once, she was able to gauge that not only would this technique heal her soul perfectly, it would even help to forge her path forward and allow her to successfully advance to Consonant Spirit realm.

“Thank you, Yang shi!”

Agitated, she fell to the ground and kowtowed.

“Could this be… Soul Impartation?”

Seeing how Yang Xuan imparted a cultivation technique to Garden Owner Xue from midair, Sect Leader Luo Huang trembled even more vigorously.

Soul Impartation was a technique that required profound control over one’s soul to achieve. Other than the soul oracles of the legends, only 7-star master teachers were capable of such a feat.

The person before them was capable of flight, and his aura felt overwhelming powerful… Given that soul oracles had already gone extinct, that would mean that… it was likely that he was a 7-star master teacher!

A master teacher of that level could be considered as an expert even among fellow Saints!

If the other party was just a 6-star master teacher, they could still try to talk their way out of it. But 7-star… this was already a level far surpassing their expectations.

Zhang Xuan’s teacher… was actually that powerful?

“Demon Cinque Beast, for protecting your owner loyally in the face of danger, you have my commendation!”

Ignoring the shock in everyone’s eyes, Yang Xuan turned to the Demon Cinque Beast, raised his hand, and flicked his finger lightly, sending a surge of zhenqi into the latter’s body.

Honglong!

In the next instant, the Demon Cinque Beast, as if having consumed a divine pill, released a piercing howl, and its strength surged. At the same time, its soul underwent an evolution as well.

A moment later, its growth in its cultivation slowly came to a halt, and an incredibly powerful aura exuded from it. It didn’t pale in comparison to Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others.

Transcendent Mortal 5-dan… Consonant Spirit realm!

After obtaining a surge of zhenqi from Yang shi, the Demon Cinque Beast, who had been trapped at Clarifying Turbidity realm pinnacle for many years, immediately achieved a breakthrough and successfully reached Consonant Spirit realm.

Possessing the Dragon Bloodline, the Demon Cinque Beast wielded incredible strength and outstanding defensive capability far above its cultivation realm. Even with the strength of a Transcendent Mortal 4-dan pinnacle, it was able to match a Consonant Spirit realm primary realm cultivator. At its current strength, even a Consonant Spirit realm advanced stage cultivator would find it hard to subdue it.

“To achieve a breakthrough just by receiving a surge of zhenqi, how pure must that zhenqi be? Could he actually be… an 8-star master teacher?”

Sect Leader Luo Huang’s vision went dark, and his despair intensified.

Legend has it that 8-star master teachers would be summoned to the headquarters for an opportunity to further purify their own zhenqi. As such, master teachers of that tier tended to possess extraordinarily pure zhenqi, reaching the level of superior zhenqi.

A zhenqi of that tier, when infused into the body of a spirit beast, could easily induce a Bloodline Evolution, thus allowing it to achieve a breakthrough.

With just a surge of zhenqi, this Yang shi was able to allow the Demon Cinque Beast to achieve a breakthrough, not to mention, Consonant Spirit realm was an extraordinary difficult hurdle to overcome… Indubitably, no 7-star master teacher was capable of such a feat!

Most probably, the other party was a bona fide 8-star master teacher!

A master teacher of that tier was a behemoth-like existence that could cause the entire Huanyu Empire to collapse with just a stomp of his feet…

Realizing this, the faces of all that had come here for Kong shi’s handwritten letter here today twitched, and tears streamed down their face.

What the heck was this?

They thought that Zhang Xuan was just a rookie whom they could bully easily. Never in their wildest dreams did they expect his teacher to be an 8-star master teacher!

Before such an expert, even a 6-star master teacher would kneel in deference, needless to say, them!

…

While everyone was about to faint from shock, a distance away from the residence, an elder’s footsteps came to an abrupt halt, and his lips trembled ceaselessly.

It was Hong shi, Hong Qian, the 5-star master teacher from Hongfeng Empire who was invited to conduct the Master Teacher Tournament this time around.

He was resting in his residence when he heard of this matter. Thus, he immediately rushed over, hoping to mediate this matter when he saw this sight.

An 8-star master teacher… The number of them could be counted on one’s hands, even across the entire Master Teacher Continent, and every single one of them was an incredible existence that no one could utter their name without deference. Why would such a figure come to such a remote location?

“I must report this matter to the headquarters…”

Harboring this thought, Hong shi took out a palm-sized jade token and wrote the news down. A radiance shone from the jade token, and the words disappeared.

Lower tiered kingdoms depend on the massive Communication Wall whereas 5-star master teachers were already granted access to the Communication Jade Token. Through this, they could send messages to the headquarters instantaneously even from the other side of the world.

It wasn’t that he was tattling on Yang shi, but that… the appearance of an 8-star master teacher was simply too startling. He didn’t dare to hide such news from the headquarter.

…

At that moment, in Hongyuan Tier 1 Empire’s Master Teacher Pavilion, Pavilion Master Mo Gaoyuan, a 6-star pinnacle master teacher, was in the midst of conducting his lesson. Along with his words, spiritual energy seemed to naturally gather in the surroundings-Spirit Gathering Dictum. Suddenly, he frowned and flicked his wrist. A jade token appeared in his palm.

“A master teacher whose ranking seemed to exceed 6-star… Yang Xuan?”

Pavilion Master Mo frowned.

While Hong Qian felt that it was likely for Yang Xuan to be a 7-star or even 8-star master teacher, he couldn’t verify the matter due to his lacking eye of discernment, and he didn’t dare to make claims about things he was unsure of.

Thus, he chose to write what he had observed instead.

“Flight, Soul Impartation, and inducing a breakthrough in a spirit beast with just a surge of zhenqi?”

After reading the information, Pavilion Master Mo’s face turned grim.

Based the news that the other party had sent to him, there was a good chance that the other party was an 8-star master teacher. But… why would such a high-rank master teacher appear in an Unranked Empire such as the Myriad Kingdom Alliance?

“Mo Chen, bring the Master Teacher Registry here!”

Pavilion Master Mo turned to look at a middle-aged man behind him.

His student, 5-star pinnacle master teacher, Mo Chen.

“Yes!” Mo Chen turned around and left. Not too long later, he brought back a book with a texture that greatly resembled jade.

Detailed in the Master Teacher Registry was countless names of master teachers all over the continent, and it could be considered as one of the most confidential documents of the Master Teacher Pavilion. Only pavilion masters of higher branches had the qualifications to browse through it. Furthermore, the book had been enchanted with a unique formation that disallowed anyone from remembering its contents. Even if one had a photographic memory, he would find himself forgetting everything within the book moments after browsing through it.

This was a mechanism created to prevent master teachers from falling into a vulnerable state.

Casually opening the book, Pavilion Master Mo began browsing through the pages one line at a time, and it didn’t take him too long to finish the book.

“All master teachers above 6-star have been recorded in the book, but there’s no one who goes by the name of Yang Xuan…”

Pavilion Master Mo frowned.

If it was just as the other party said, this Yang Xuan was definitely a higher ranked master teacher than him. Even at the minimum, he had to be a 7-star master teacher… But if that was the case, how could his name not be recorded in the Master Teacher Registry?

“Unless… Yang Xuan is a pseudo identity, or else… he has never taken any higher rank examinations in the Master Teacher Pavilion!”

Recorded in the Master Teacher Registry were the names of those who had taken the master teacher examinations. If the other party had used a false identity, naturally, Pavilion Master Mo wouldn’t be able to identify the other party. Otherwise… it would mean that the other party had never taken higher rank examinations!

There were also plenty of master teachers preferred to wander around freely and chose not to bother themselves with examinations. Even though they had managed to reach an astounding level of accomplishment as a master teacher, they didn’t bother taking the corresponding examinations. Thus, it was possible for some who carried 5-star emblems to actually possess the strength of a 7-star or 8-star master teacher.

Perhaps Yang Xuan belonged under this category as well.

“But regardless of which case it is, there is a need for me to check it out!”

Thinking so, Pavilion Master Mo stood up.

Given the might the other party had shown up, he had to pay respects to the other party and check out the matter himself.

“Mo Chen, bring the Langya Saint Beast here. I’m going to head out!”

Flinging his sleeves, Pavilion Master Mo kept the Master Teacher Registry properly before turning around to instruct.

Langya Saint Beast was his tamed beast, and its speed was as swift as lightning. In just a single day, it could travel more than a million kilometers!

The Myriad Kingdom Alliance was simply too far away. Even though Pavilion Master Mo was capable of flight, his speed wasn’t any faster than a saint beast.

After bringing the saint beast as well, Master Teacher Mo Chen asked, “Where is teacher going? Do you need me to accompany you as well?”

After a moment of hesitation, Pavilion Master Mo replied, “I’m heading to the Myriad Kingdom Alliance. You should follow me too!”

His student was just a step off from reaching 6-star. Since the other party had asked this question, it might be good to bring him along. This way, he could offer some pointers to the other party so that he could reach 6-star faster.

The duo both had spatial rings, so there wasn’t much for them to pack. Leaping on the back of the saint beast, they confirmed the direction of Myriad Kingdom City and set forth.

…

While a 6-star pinnacle master teacher from Hongyuan Empire was making his way to Myriad Kingdom City, on the other hand, Sect Leader Luo Huang was trembling in fear. Knowing that it was unlikely for him to be spared, he gritted his teeth and turned to look at Yang shi.

“Senior, I acknowledge my sins, and I’m willing to accept any punishment…”

Since the other party had already pronounced him guilty, there was nothing else he could do other than seek the other party’s verdict.

“It’s good that you’ve acknowledged your sins. Everyone here can leave after forking out twenty middle-tier spirit stones. As for Sect Leader Luo and Sect Leader Bai, for audaciously insulting my butler and harming my juniors… I don’t wish to dirty my hands so… just kill yourselves!” Yang Xuan spoke nonchalantly.

“Kill ourselves?”

Sect Leader Luo Huang and Sect Leader Bai Kaizhi’s eyebrows twitched violently.

They thought that the punishment would just be being stripped out their position or suffering grievous torture… They would have accepted as they did deserve it for daring to offend such a high-rank master teacher.

But… death would mean the very end. Once they died, there would be nothing left of them.

“You want me to commit suicide? Dream on! Even though I, Bai Kaizhi, might be weak, I will never do something as foolish as killing myself. Since you are unwilling to do it yourself in consideration of your standing, I’ll just pardon myself and… farewell!”

Howling furiously, Sect Leader Bai Kaizhi stood up and charged out of the residence.

In truth, his thought was simple.

As a high-rank master teacher, it was unlikely for the other party to do something beneath him such as killing him… Since that was the case, there should be no qualms about leaving.

As long as I manage to leave this area successfully, given how large the world is, there would be nothing for me to worry about.

Sneering coldly in his heart, Bai Kaizhi swiftly rushed out.

Using the most formidable movement technique in White Helios Sect in accompaniment with his cultivation as a Transcendent Mortal 5-dan Consonant Spirit realm, he immediately turned into a flash of shadow, and in the blink of an eye, he was already out of the residence.

“This…”

Sect Leader Luo Huang and the others clearly didn’t expect Sect Leader Bai to refuse to admit his sins and even ran away. In an instant, they were all dumbfounded.

To dare to escape beneath the eyelids of an 8-star master teacher… He sure was audacious!

But this was indeed a wise decision. If he didn’t do so, he would have definitely died here. Since he was already doomed, he might as well grasp onto the final straw of hope and make a gamble!

After all, it was indeed unlikely for an 8-star master teacher to actually make a move on his junior personally!

Just as the crowd was feeling impressed by Sect Leader Bai’s decisiveness, the space before them suddenly blurred.

Hong long!

An incomparably powerful might suddenly came crashing down from the sky. Before the escaping Sect Leader Bai could come to a realization, he was already crushed into a lump of meat. A huge depression of ten meters radius appeared in his place.

And soon, a nonchalant voice sounded.

“I’ve only said that I don’t wish to dirty my hands… When did I say that I wouldn’t do it myself in consideration of my standing?”