Chapter 942

Chapter 942: All Cleared

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

It took quite a bit of time before Zhang Qingshan returned in an unkempt state. His face was bruised, and his hand was swollen. He looked nothing like the awe-inspiring number one expert of the Grade-1 students from yesterday!

He had seen Zhu Jian’s prowess the day before, and while the latter’s combat techniques were incredible, his zhenqi and physical strength were severely lacking. Under normal circumstances, even if he were to only use half of his strength, he would still have been able to crush the other party easily.

Yet, despite using his full strength, he had still been sent flying with a punch. To make matters worse, it seemed like the other party hadn’t even used his full strength yet.

The more he thought about the matter, the more stifled he felt. He subconsciously turned his eyes to Principal Zhang, who was even younger than him, and admiration unknowingly seeped into his gaze.

There was no doubt that the huge transformation Zhu Jian had undergone was a result of the overnight lecture. To induce such huge growth within an individual in just a single night… Just what in the world was being lectured?

Zhang Qingshan wasn’t the only one who harbored such thoughts. The others also swiftly realized the same thing, and they couldn’t help but stare at the students of Hongyuan in envy.

They had taken pride in the fact that they had been able to enroll within Yunxu, Luoqing, and Qingzhu, which were far more powerful than the bottom placed Hongyuan. However, after all that had happened, they couldn’t help but feel like they had made the wrong call back then.

Under the leadership and guidance of such a formidable principal, the students of Hongyuan would surely reach incredible heights in the future.

Taking into sight the expressions of the crowd, Wo Tianqiong couldn’t help but remark with a bitter smile, “It’s fortunate that the Four Great Master Teacher Academies are located a significant distance away from one another. Otherwise, all of our students would probably be taken away by Hongyuan.”

“Indeed. In the past, I thought that the strength of an academy was determined not by an individual but the relentless diligence of the entire academy, be it the students, teachers, or the elders. However, after seeing Principal Zhang, I’ve realized that that is complete baloney. With just his capability as an individual, he is easily prop up an entire Master Teacher Academy.” Shen Pingchao sighed helplessly.

“Back then, when mankind was suffering under the tyranny of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe, Kong shi single-handedly reversed the plight of mankind and ushered in an era of prosperity. We were still in the mindset that quantity is the key, and the more teachers there are, the better it will be for our academies. Yet, the other party was able to achieve everything alone. This is probably the difference between a real genius and run-of-the-mill geniuses like us!” Wu Ran nodded.

Regardless of whether Principal Zhang’s lecturing ability was really that frightening or not, it was a fact that Zhu Jian and the others had undergone a transformational change after listening to his lecture. This in itself was more than sufficient to boost the other party’s reputation, granting him prestige far beyond them

Should Zhang Xuan give the word, it was very likely that their students might withdraw from their academies and join Hongyuan.

To think that their three Master Teacher Academies would end up in such an awkward position despite everything they had done, they couldn’t help but feel stifled within.

“The men from the Combat Master Hall has arrived…”

As the three principals were lamenting over their positions, hushed whisperings suddenly spread throughout the crowd. Turning their gazes over, they saw Zhuo Qingfeng and the others walking toward the dueling platform.

After a day of rest and recuperation, the combat masters had mostly recovered from the injuries they had sustained from Zheng Yang last night. Nevertheless, there were still visible bruises on their faces, which was unlike how they had been when they first appeared the day before.

Their disposition seemed very different as well. Originally, they had arrived with their heads held high, not willing to spare a single glance for the others around them. An air of superiority had lingered around them, as if there was no one who could top them in the world.

But today, their heads were hung in shame, embarrassed to meet anyone’s eyes at all.

But this was to be expected. Reputed to be the pinnacle of fighting prowess in the Master Teacher Continent, those who could join the Combat Master Hall were the strongest among the master teachers.

It was inevitable that they would think of themselves as superior to the students of the Four Great Master Teacher Academies, and they had thought that serving as the invigilators of this selection would be a walk in the park. They would just have to show off their prowess to instill deference for the Combat Master Hall in the hearts of the students and charm a couple of female juniors while they were at it.

Yet, instead of instilling deference, they were the ones who had been crushed instead. Just the sheer amount of blood they had spilled easily added to several jin, and placed side by side, it would surely be sufficient to circle around the academy.

(One jin = 0.5kg)

The Combat Master Selection had always been a platform for the combat masters to show off, but when it came to them, it became a platform for them to be pummeled instead, and it was the kind of pummeling where they weren’t able to find an opportunity to retaliate at all. How could they not feel embarrassed?

There was even a point in time when they had wondered if they might have gotten things wrong, and if they were in fact the students from the Four Great Master Teacher Academies whereas the other students were the real combat masters.

“There is no need to be depressed. True strength is something that is accumulated through diligence over a long period of time! The students from Hongyuan do possess formidable combat techniques, but without sufficient strength to back up their techniques, they will still find themselves overpowered easily by experts wielding vastly superior strength. As the saying goes, true strength tears through all techniques. That is not to say that technique is unimportant, but at the very least, the suffering you have undergone isn’t in vain.”

Noticing the downcast atmosphere shrouding the combat masters, Zhuo Qingfeng offered a few words of consolation. “The fact that you were unable to achieve victory only means that you haven’t been working hard enough in your cultivation and haven’t accumulated sufficient strength. We shall double your training when we return so that such a matter will never happen again!”

“Yes!” Hearing Zhuo Qingfeng’s consolation, the combat masters finally brightened up from their gloom.

Indeed, true strength was capable of tearing through all techniques. As long as one could accrue sufficient strength, all techniques would be worth squat!

Seeing that his consolation had managed to raise the morale of the combat masters, Zhuo Qingfeng heaved a sigh of relief. Following which, he turned his gaze to Zhang Xuan and said, “Principal Zhang, let’s begin the assessment.”

After which, he leaped onto the dueling platform and took out the Stone of True Breath with a flick of his wrist.

“Alright.” Zhang Xuan nodded before asking once more in confirmation, “As long as my students can achieve a score of two or above on the Stone of True Breath, they will have cleared the selection, right?”

“That’s right.” Zhuo Qingfeng nodded affirmatively.

The conventional prerequisite for one to qualify as a combat master was to achieve a score of four, but in special consideration of the overwhelming combat prowess that Hongyuan’s candidates had displayed, they would only require a score of two in order to clear the selection.

“Good. Alright, you should all head up!” Heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Xuan gestured for the candidates to head onto the dueling platform.

The candidates nodded before forming a queue to walk toward the Stone of True Breath.

The first in the line was Zhu Jian. He had been assessed by the Stone of True Breath the previous day, so the others had allowed him to head to the front of the queue so as to assess the changes he had undergone first.

Upon reaching the Stone of True Breath, Zhu Jian placed his palm on it and began exerting his physical and zhenqi strength.

Hu!

There was a blinding flash of light before several numbers came into appearance—6.5!

“T-this… how is this possible?”

“Wasn’t his score only 2.1 yesterday?”

“A nightlong lecture actually induced a threefold increase in his physical and zhenqi strength? Is that really a supplementary lesson they have gone through and not the blessing of the deities?”

The numbers that surfaced on the Stone of True Breath had left everyone dumbstruck.

A leap from the 2.1 yesterday to 6.5 today… The crowd couldn’t help but think that their eyes were playing tricks on them.

The ones who had suffered the greatest of blow were, naturally, the combat masters. Their bodies swayed weakly as they turned their gazes to Zhuo Qingfeng with tears glistening in their eyes.

Didn’t you just tell us that true strength is something that is accumulated through diligence over a long period of time?

Didn’t you just tell us that the suffering we went through wasn’t in vain?

An hour’s lecture granted Hongyuan’s candidates a comprehension of combat and battle techniques far surpassing what we have learned over many years of hard work, and a night of supplementary lesson has enhanced their zhenqi and physical strength exceeding what we have achieved from years of arduous and hellish training.

Haven’t been working hard enough… Before Principal Zhang, does hard work even mean a thing at all?

To think our years of effort can’t even compare to a lecture from Principal Zhang…

“It could be just that Zhu Jian is an exception. It is impossible for everyone to have become as formidable as him.” Noticing the looks from the combat masters, Zhuo Qingfeng hurriedly reassured them before turning his gaze back to the Stone of True Breath.

Right after Zhu Jian was done with his assessment, another candidate stepped forward and placed his palm on the Stone of True Breath, and a brilliant flash of light shone.

6.1!

Following which…

6.3!

6.2!

5.9!

6.7!

…

Under this relentless wave of shocking results, it didn’t take too long for the crowd to be completely numbed.

At this point, it couldn’t have been clearer to them that Zhu Jian wasn’t just an exception. The average prowess of Hongyuan’s candidates had indeed been raised.

The combat masters had already been no match for Hongyuan’s candidates on the grounds of combat techniques before, and at this very moment, the other party had even raised their physical and zhenqi strength to be beyond theirs. In other words, they were completely outmatched in all aspects!

The combat masters who had just barely plastered the shattered pieces of their confidence back together suffered yet another heavy blow.

Noticing the air of desolation shrouding the guests from the Combat Master Hall, School Head Mo stepped forward and consoled, “Don’t worry about it, such blows are daily occurrences around our principal. It will be fine once you get used to it.”

“Indeed. Once you get used to it, you will start to think that anything our principal does is natural.” Zhao Bingxu nodded in agreement.

“…” Zhuo Qingfeng.

“…” The combat masters.

“…” The three principals.

Get used to it….

Just how heavy a psychological pressure were the elders and teachers of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy put under for them to say such words!

…

After a moment of heavy breathing to regain his calm, Zhuo Qingfeng finally soothed the frustrations in his heart and announced loudly, “I hereby announce that the hundred candidates from the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy have cleared the assessment, and from this day forth, they are official members of the Combat Master Hall!”

“That’s wonderful!”

“All of our candidates have cleared the selection!”

“For all one hundred to clear it simultaneously, we have definitely made history today.”

Upon hearing the announcement, a huge commotion broke out beneath the dueling platform as the faces of innumerable students of Hongyuan reddened in agitation.

Their academy had always been in last place in every Combat Master Selection. Over the course of ten thousand years, only 327 candidates had successfully cleared the selection. Inevitably, this record had become the shame of the entire academy, be it the principal, elders, teachers, or students… But this time around, a hundred candidates of theirs had cleared the selection simultaneously, and that was three times the number of the other three academies combined!

They never could have imagined this to be possible in the past.

“Principal Zhang, we wish to become combat masters as well. Can you conduct a lecture for us too?”

“Indeed! I swear that I will surely work harder than the candidates to raise my fighting prowess so that I can go and play around in the Combat Master Hall.”

“Principal Zhang, please conduct a lecture for us.”

“Hahaha, the Combat Master Selection, is it? As long as Principal Zhang lectures us personally, it won’t be too long before our entire academy is filled with combat masters!”

…

Right after Zhuo Qingfeng made the announcement, loud cheers burst forth from the crowd. Countless students gazed at Zhang Xuan in agitation.

Many of the top twenty candidates were friends or acquaintances of them, so they had a clear grasp of their strength. After witnessing the strength of the combat masters, they knew that it would be impossible for most of them to clear the selection under normal circumstances. Yet, with just two lectures from their principal, all of their candidates had managed to clear the selection.

They might not be as talented as the top twenty, but if their principal were to lecture them more frequently, wouldn’t they have the opportunity to become combat masters as well?

Such a notion swiftly rippled through the minds of the student populace, and it grew from a spark to an unstoppable inferno.

The Combat Master Hall was just a branch of the Master Teacher Pavilion, but due to the overwhelming strength its members possessed, it was highly respected among all cultivators, and many sought to join its ranks.

Even if they were uninterested in becoming combat masters, there was no cultivator who would be willing to give up on such an ideal opportunity to raise their fighting prowess.

“This…”

Not expecting the student populace to react in such a manner, Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment before shaking his head.

“I do have the ability to raise your fighting prowess significantly, but not everyone will enjoy an improvement as great as the hundred candidates. However, if you are truly interested in listening to my teachings, I am more than willing to conduct a public lecture for everyone. However, whether or not you will be able to join the ranks of the Combat Master Hall will be dependent on Combat Master Zhuo’s call. If he is unwilling, there is nothing that can be done about it.”

Chapter 943: The Stifled Combat Masters

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Zhang Xuan was well aware that his lectures had the ability to raise a person’s strength swiftly.

However, this was also dependent on the aptitude that each cultivator possessed. There were some who possessed mediocre talent in combat, and any effect that Zhang Xuan’s lecture would have on them would be minimal at best.

Furthermore, in order to raise the zhenqi and physical strength of the hundred candidates swiftly, he had put in five hundred high-tier spirit stones to fuel their cultivation. On the other hand, there were a hundred thousand students in the entire Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy. There was no way he could fork out 500,000 high-tier spirit stones, and he couldn’t afford to set up a Spirit Gathering Formation large enough for all of them as well.

Thus, it was clearly an infeasible notion to have the entire academy become combat masters.

Besides, the Combat Master Hall also had limited slots. Whether one could join their ranks or not didn’t hinge on him but the call of a certain middle-aged man seated not too far away.

At this point, Zhang Xuan turned to Zhuo Qingfeng to seek his opinion on the matter, only to see the latter’s face twitching uncontrollably with exasperation reflected in his eyes.

Honestly, at this point, Zhuo Qingfeng felt as if he was on the verge of losing his mind.

If Principal Zhang really did so, it probably wouldn’t take long before the entire Combat Master Hall became a branch of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy.

“Cough cough.” Suppressing his frenzy, Zhuo Qingfeng replied with forced composure, “Principal Zhang, it would indeed be great for our Combat Master Hall to take in as many talents as possible. However, the responsibilities of a master teacher are far greater and nobler. It will be a great loss to mankind should most of the students of Hongyuan become combat masters.”

Naturally, the Combat Master Hall sought to take in as many talents as possible to bolster their forces. However, too many people and the resources would be spread thin, and that wasn’t a good thing.

This was just like how every nation needed an army to safeguard the interests of their people, and naturally, a larger army would be preferred over a smaller one. However, if the nation were to recruit too many soldiers, that would put a stain on their finances, which could have been devoted to other purposes, causing the nation to lose out in the other aspects.

Thus, balance was necessary.

This was also the reason there were limited slots to the Combat Master Selection each time round.

If all master teachers were to become combat masters, who else would impart knowledge to the cultivators to encourage growth among the populace?

If all were to devote their time to learning the art of combat, wouldn’t the whole world fall into chaos?

“Indeed.” Zhang Xuan nodded in agreement.

If he were to lose all of his students to the Combat Master Hall right after taking over the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy… that was indeed not really good.

After a moment of hesitation, Zhang Xuan spoke up. “Alright, I will hold a lecture among the official members of the Xuanxuan Faction later on, but no one is allowed to take the combat master assessment after that!”

With his current capability, it would be difficult for him to induce significant growth among the entire student populace through a public lecture. However, if it was just the Xuanxuan Faction, that would still be possible.

Furthermore, these men had been following him for a long time, and they were extremely loyal to him. They could be considered the foundation of his influence.

Naturally, he would preferentially offer this opportunity to the members of the Xuanxuan Faction. This would serve as a reward to them, as well as an impetus to encourage loyalty among the students toward Hongyuan and him so as to further unite the academy.

“Alright!” Hearing that the principal would be conducting a lecture for them, the members of the Xuanxuan Faction nodded their heads in excitement.

Even if they were forbidden from taking the combat master assessment, it would still be great if their fighting prowess could rise considerably.

Zhuo Qingfeng raised his hands and declared, “Alright, I hereby announce that the Combat Master Selection has come to an end!

“In three days, there will be several non-master teacher candidates taking the combat master assessment here. Anyone who is interested is more than welcome to spectate!”

“Non-master teacher candidates will be taking the combat master assessment?”

“Who?”

“I have no idea as well…”

The crowd was bewildered by the abrupt announcement.

Zhang Xuan was also intrigued as well. He couldn’t help but turn to Zhuo Qingfeng and ask, “May I know which geniuses will be taking the combat master assessment despite not being master teachers themselves?”

“Cough cough!” Hearing Principal Zhang’s question, Zhuo Qingfeng choked. “They are… your direct disciples, Principal Zhang!”

“My direct disciples? You mean Wang Ying and the others? How do you know them?” Zhang Xuan was baffled.

He had been in the middle of lecturing the candidates when Zheng Yang challenged the combat masters the previous night, so he was still unaware of the matter.

“That… Last night, a direct disciple of yours named Zheng Yang came to challenge us, and none of us were a match for him in a battle of equal cultivation. Even I fell in defeat against him,” Zhuo Qingfeng explained awkwardly.

“That fellow… Preposterous!” Zhang Xuan shook his head.

It was no wonder the members of the Combat Master Hall seemed a little deflated and subdued earlier on. Having suffered such a heavy blow, it couldn’t be helped that they were unable to accept it all of a sudden.

Zheng Yang had indeed gone overboard this time around.

Sighing deeply, Zhang Xuan attempted to console them. “There is no need for you to feel so dispirited over this matter. Zheng Yang is my direct disciple, and I have already taught him for around a year. I have been teaching him ever since he was at Juxi realm 1 , and he has gone through a lot since then. It is only normal that you weren’t able to defeat him!”

It was still fine when Zhang Xuan hadn’t spoken, but after hearing his words, the combat masters suddenly felt like keeling over.

Are you saying that he has grown from Juxi realm to become a Chrysalis realm expert within just a single year, jumping over a dozen realms? And more importantly, despite his rapid growth, he is still able to harness power capable of matching cultivators beyond his cultivation realm?

Why do we feel even more stifled after hearing your consolation?

Furthermore, what do you mean by ‘it is only normal that you weren’t be able to defeat him’?

We are combat masters, the occupation boasting fighting prowess far beyond ordinary master teachers!

Knowing that he and his subordinates’ morale would only continue to decline if they were to continue hearing the fellow’s words, Zhuo Qingfeng hurriedly stood up and bade his farewell. “Alright, that will be all for today. I have to bring my subordinates away for their training now!”

There was a kind of talent in the world that allowed one to pierce a person’s heart deep with unintentional words. This was probably it.

The other party’s gaze and tone couldn’t have been any more earnest, but why did it feel like their faces had been viciously slapped by his words?

We are also geniuses, you know…

As Zhuo Qingfeng left, the other combat masters hurriedly followed behind him, and it didn’t take long for them to disappear into the distance.

The other three principals also felt extremely stifled within, and they felt that they would only be embarrassed further were they to remain there. Thus, they quickly found an excuse and left hurriedly. Were it not to spectate the assessment that would occur three days later, they probably would have marched up to the Cloudcliff Flying Ship and left that very instant.

Seeing that the others had left, Zhang Xuan shook his head before getting up and heading toward the headquarters of the Xuanxuan Faction.

By the time he arrived at the headquarters, the entire area was already fully packed.

Zhang Xuan swiftly headed to the front and began his lecture. The content that he spoke of was identical to what he had imparted the other candidates, but this time, he didn’t use the Impartation of Heaven’s Will, so the effects were significantly poorer. As such, most students weren’t able to achieve breakthroughs on the spot.

Nevertheless, the students still benefited greatly from his teachings. Their comprehension of battle techniques and combat techniques grew significantly, and the new physical body cultivation technique and method to condense zhenqi they were imparted with had left them incredibly excited as well.

The lecture lasted ten whole hours, until the sky had darkened once more. After resting for a brief moment, Zhang Xuan left the headquarters of the Xuanxuan Faction to seek School Head Mo.

“Help me prepare. I intend to visit the Mausoleum of Principals,” Zhang Xuan said.

He could tell that Zhuo Qingfeng and the three principals were avoiding him like the plague, so there was no need for him to remain around to host them.

In any case, it was a good time for him to pay the Mausoleum of Principals a visit so that he could procure the Lightning Resonance Rock required for his breakthrough from Half-Saint to Nascent Saint.

His cultivation had already reached Half-Saint pinnacle, so it was about time for him to seek out the object to attempt a breakthrough.

“I knew that you will want to pay the Mausoleum of Principals a visit very soon, so I applied for the artifact to help sever your soul from the headquarters as soon as I received news that you have cleared the 6-star master teacher examination, and it arrived a few days ago,” School Head Mo replied with a smile.

A while ago, when he had spoken to School Head Mo about wanting to enter the Mausoleum of Principals, the other party had told him that he would have to sever his soul and leave it on the Mausoleum Tablet. However, doing so forcefully would inflict significant harm on his soul and possibly reveal his identity as a soul oracle, so he had to borrow an artifact from the headquarters in order to do so, but the requirement to doing so was that he had to be a 6-star master teacher at minimum.

At this moment, he had cleared the 6-star master teacher examination and successfully procured the artifact as well, so it was about time for him to head over to take a look.

“Great!” Zhang Xuan nodded.

The duo headed toward the Mausoleum of Principals, and just as they arrived at the entrance, they met up with Zhao Bingxu, who passed the soul-severing artifact from the headquarters over to Zhang Xuan.

“This is the Copper Bell. As long as you hold this artifact in your hand, it will automatically nourish your soul and sever a small portion of it safely,” Zhao Bingxu explained.

Examining the artifact in his hand, Zhang Xuan noted that it was a spherical bell around the size of his fist. Holding it in his palm, he immediately felt a warm surge of energy flowing into his soul, nourishing it.

“This is indeed a good artifact.” Zhang Xuan’s eyes lit up.

While it wasn’t too difficult for a soul oracle to severe their soul, it was a daunting task for an ordinary cultivator and potentially extremely damaging as well. Zhang Xuan had been wondering before how the preceding principals had managed to leave their will behind without fail, and now, it seemed like this artifact was the real reason for that.

After the soul was nourished, it would be severed and stored in the Copper Bell before being deposited into the Mausoleum Tablet. The Copper Bell served to minimize the effects of the Five Declines on the severed souls deposited in it, allowing it to exist for over ten thousand years without dissipating.

“Principal Zhang, you should be able to open the entrance and enter the mausoleum with your Principal’s Seal. We aren’t qualified to accompany you in, so we will be seeing you off here,” School Head Zhao said with a smile.

“Un.” Nodding, Zhang Xuan took a look at the Mausoleum of Principals.

It was located near the Elder Hall, built against a mountain. There was a massive Concealment Formation built around the Mausoleum of Principals, such that even the entire mountain had disappeared from view. Had the two school heads not brought him over personally, he never would have been able to find it.

It seemed like the place of rest for the generations of principals were viewed to be more important than even the Cultivation Compendium to the Master Teacher Academy.

Flicking his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out his Principal’s Seal and flashed it in front of him. In an instant, a small passageway appeared in the formation, and Zhang Xuan made his way to it.

Hu!

The next moment, the world around him suddenly warped, and he found himself standing amid a lush mountain forest.

The mountain wasn’t too high that it was probably more accurate to call it a hill. The scenery within the formation was completely different to what he had seen on the outside. There was a road paved with bluestone tiles, and walking along it, Zhang Xuan soon found his passageway blocked by a massive stone tablet.

It was roughly eighty meters in height and twenty meters in length. It was hard to tell what kind of material it was made from, but it carried a lofty and ancient air around it, as if one had walked into history.

Is this the Mausoleum Tablet? Zhang Xuan wondered.

Previously, School Head Mo had told him that to enter the Mausoleum of Principals, he would have to infuse a sliver of his soul into Mausoleum Tablet. Considering the sheer size and unique air shrouding the stone tablet, this was probably it.

Circling around the stone tablet, Zhang Xuan could feel powerful soul energy being harnessed within the stone tablet, as if many souls were infused into it, giving it a formidable presence reminiscent of a heavy mountain weighing down on one.

There is no doubt about it, this must be the Mausoleum Tablet… Zhang Xuan nodded. I should find Founder Mu Kai’s tombstone first and obtain the Lightning Resonance Stone before infusing my soul into the Mausoleum Tablet!

Zhang Xuan had just obtained the Copper Bell, and it hadn’t been long since his soul had started being nourished by it, so he was still incapable of severing his soul.

Even though he had been told that he had to leave a sliver of will on the Mausoleum Tablet, he realized that he could proceed forward without doing so. Most likely, it would suffice as long as he were to do so before leaving. Thus, he circled around the Mausoleum Tablet and proceeded in.

The Mausoleum of Principals was tranquil but solemn, leaving one feeling slightly pressured walking through it.

Not too long later, Zhang Xuan finally caught sight of the first tombstone. Inscribed on it were the following words—Tombstone of the 103rd Principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy.

103rd principal? Doesn’t that mean that this is the grave of the old principal? But didn’t he go missing before he could enter the Mausoleum of Principals? Why is his grave here?

Zhang Xuan was stunned.

Chapter 944: News on the Innate Fetal Poison

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Zhang Xuan was the 104th principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, so naturally, the 103rd was the previous principal, as well as the first master of the Byzantium Helios Beast.

In other words, the old principal who he had heard so much about!

According to what he knew, the old principal had never been to the Mausoleum of Principals before he went missing, so how could his tombstone be here?

Perplexed, Zhang Xuan headed forward to take a closer look.

His tomb was constructed out of ordinary bluestone, typical of the normal tombs erected for cultivators, showing no hint of the prestigious standing that a principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy should have.

Taking a look around it, Zhang Xuan soon found something amiss about it. He placed his hands lightly on a certain portion of the tomb and a mechanism whirred into action. Following which, an old voice sounded.

It was a mechanical recording, similar to what Wu Yangzi had left in the underground chamber.

“I am the 103rd principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, Zhang Yinqiu. I knew that it would be difficult for me to return alive back to the Master Teacher Academy from my expedition, so I selfishly entered the Mausoleum of Principals without telling anyone and built my own tomb, storing my personal clothes within so that at least I would have a resting place after my death.”

(The Zhang is of a different character as Zhang Xuan.)

The voice contained in the mechanical recording sounded nonchalant, but Zhang Xuan could hear a deep helplessness in it.

It was easy to charge to one’s death in a moment of hot-bloodedness but difficult to march to a despairing situation nonchalantly.

How wretched was it for a man to prepare for his own death in advance despite knowing that the path he was headed on to lead to certain doom?

During his time in the Master Teacher Academy, Zhang Xuan had learned a lot about the old principal from the mouths of others. All along, Zhang Xuan had thought that the old principal had fallen into a desolate situation due to his failure to accurately assess the risk of the ancient domain, but from the looks of it now, it seemed like he’d been mistaken.

To enter the Mausoleum of Principals in advance and erect a tomb for himself, the old principal must have known that there was a good chance he would lose his life in the expedition and prepared for his passing.

The voice continued. “Being unable to leave behind my will to guard the academy is truly the greatest regret of my life! It is not that I am unwilling to do so, but the mission I have to undertake is far more important than that. I can’t allow my soul to suffer the slightest defect for that will compromise the success of my mission.”

The artifact to sever souls allowed a cultivator to sever his soul safely, but that would require a very long duration of nourishment.

Otherwise, one would suffer considerable damage to one’s soul.

Only someone like Zhang Xuan, who cultivated the Heaven’s Path Soul Art and possessed a soul far larger than the ordinary, could do so easily. Otherwise, not even a 7-star master teacher could do so.

Sighing deeply, the voice carried on. “The fact that you are here means that you have become the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy. Perhaps, we might even be old acquaintances. I hope that you can treat Byzantium Helios Beast kindly. Tell him that I have died honorably for the welfare of mankind, and I have no regrets in doing so, so do not grieve for me. Also, be wary of the saint beasts of the Cloudmist Ridge.”

From the old principal’s point of view, there were only that few candidates in the Master Teacher Academy who were eligible to take over his position after his passing, and this message served to pass on his will to his successor.

The old principal probably couldn’t have imagined that his successor would have already resolved the two worries that he harbored in advance.

Despite knowing that it was impossible for the mechanical voice to respond, Zhang Xuan still asked in a whisper, “What were you intending to do?”

It was clear that the old principal knew that his undertaking would cost him his life, going to the extent of even erecting a tomb for himself in advance. To march on despite knowing that the path ahead led to the edge of a cliff… Just what was he intending to achieve?

Was there something more to the expedition to the ancient domain?

“What you probably know about me is that I have gone on a normal expedition to explore an ancient domain, but the truth isn’t just so. I have found that the ancient domain harnesses secrets regarding Kong shi when he was younger, and it seems like even the poison masters were involved in the matter as well. The information I have at hand is too limited, and the only way I can uncover more is to head there myself. Furthermore, anything concerning the World’s Teacher is not to be spoken of lightly, and there were certain compelling reasons as well, so I could only keep the news to myself.”

Zhang Xuan was taken aback as his body stiffened in astonishment. Secrets regarding Kong shi when he was younger? Poison masters were related in the matter as well? Could it be… the Innate Fetal Poison?

Based on what he knew, Kong shi had also suffered from the Innate Fetal Poison when he was younger, just like him, and only by successfully becoming a 9-star master teacher before thirty would one stand a chance of avoiding certain death.

This was also the reason Kong shi had cultivated desperately when he was younger, not daring to stop in the least.

A matter that concerned the secrets regarding Kong shi’s youth and the poison masters. After hearing such information in the old principal’s message, how could Zhang Xuan possibly remain calm?

“If you truly wish to learn more about this matter, pay a visit to the Hongyuan Empire Poison Hall. A word of warning, the location of the Hongyuan Empire Poison Hall is well-guarded, especially against master teachers. Even after devoting years to looking for it, I was still unable to accurately pinpoint its location. However, based on my deductions, it seems to be in the vicinity of Jingyuan City. You should find a detailed map of the ancient domain that I seek to explore there. It is truly a pity that time is not on my side, not allowing me to prepare thoroughly before heading there.”

Detailed map? Zhang Xuan was bewildered for a moment before coming to a realization.

It was apparent that the ancient domain that the old principal hoped to explore was an extremely dangerous place.

If he had been able to obtain the detailed map of the location, his chances of survival would have been significantly higher. However, it seemed like something major had cropped up in the midst of his preparation, prompting him to swiftly organize an expedition to the ancient domain despite the risks.

It seemed like the old principal wished that his successor would be able to make ample preparations before deciding on whether to undertake the mission or not, so that his successor wouldn’t have to follow in his footsteps.

“Alright, I can only tell this much to you. As for what to do, that will be up to you.” The voice gradually faded into the tranquility of the forest, as if it had never appeared in the first place.

“Thank you.” Even though the voice had only been a mechanical recording, Zhang Xuan still bowed deeply to the tombstone of the old principal.

It was not out of gratitude toward the other party for giving him a hint regarding the Innate Fetal Poison, but out of respect for the other party’s willingness to charge forward bravely for mankind despite knowing that it would lead to his demise.

Knowing that the mission he was going to undertake was important, he even passed on the opportunity to leave behind his will in the academy so as to not compromise his mission!

Such an attitude was reminiscent of the master teachers who had charged forth valiantly to fend off the spirit beasts of the Cloudmist Ridge back then. For their justice and faith, they had willingly put down even their own lives.

Perhaps it was due to the sacrifice of these noble men that master teachers had been able to become the most prestigious and respected occupation in the Master Teacher Continent.

In face of the survival of the entire mankind, how could one back down in fear of harm?

Shaking his head with a deep sigh, Zhang Xuan activated his Eye of Insight and scanned the tomb once more. After confirming that there was no other mechanism or the sort, Zhang Xuan proceeded forward.

Along both sides of the road were the tombs of the generations of principals, and inscribed on their tombstones were their deeds and experiences they had gone through. Taking a glance at each of them, Zhang Xuan couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

As noble and powerful as these men were, most of them didn’t live to the end of their lifespan. Instead, most of them had died in battle against the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

Take the man who was renowned to possess the greatest talent of all principals of Hongyuan, Mo Liuzhen, for example, he had entered the Subterranean Gallery at one point of his life, only to never return.

Aren’t the Otherworldly Demons very rare in the world? Why would so many generations of principals die in their hands? Zhang Xuan contemplated silently.

It had been a year since he had started journeying from Tianxuan Kingdom, and so far, he had only met a single living hybrid Otherworldly Demon, twenty Otherworldly Demon puppets, and the fragmented Vicious.

Hadn’t the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe been completely driven out of the Master Teacher Continent many years ago?

But if that was the case, why would so many principals die at their hand?

After glancing at another ten tombstones and receiving no explanation to his question, Zhang Xuan knew that it would be impossible for him to make sense out of this matter for the time being, so he decided to pay no heed to it. Forget it, I should obtain the Lightning Resonance Stone first. If I really have to face the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe in the future as well, I should first raise my cultivation so that I can stand my ground against them.

Founder Mu Kai was the first principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, so his tomb was located at the deepest region of the Mausoleum of Principals. After around ten minutes of walking, Zhang Xuan finally arrived before it.

Compared to the others, Founder Mu Kai’s tomb seemed rather plain. After kowtowing respectfully several times, he took out the special token he had obtained from Mu shi’s puppet and flicked it toward the other party’s tomb.

Kacha!

As the token flew above the tomb, a loud buzz sounded as a certain formation was triggered, and a storage ring abruptly leaped out from the ground.

Zhang Xuan beckoned with his finger, and the storage ring flew into his hand. He swiftly immersed his consciousness inside to take a look.

There are so many treasures in here! There were many valuable ores and artifacts within the storage ring, and the Lightning Resonance Stone was within as well.

These were probably the items that Founder Mu Kai had accumulated over his life.

He had buried them in his tomb as a heritage to the later generations in the hope that it could help them in times of need. This reflected the care and concern he had for the Master Teacher Academy and mankind at large, unable to put down his worries even after his death.

“Thank you,” Zhang Xuan whispered as he bowed respectfully to the tomb once more.

Pocketing the token and the storage ring, Zhang Xuan turned around and began making his way out.

Having obtained the Lightning Resonance Stone, it was about time for him to cultivate to Nascent Saint.

It didn’t take long for him to arrive at the entrance of the Mausoleum of Principals, where the Mausoleum Tablet was located.

After a moment of silence, Zhang Xuan took out the Copper Bell.

At this moment, the Copper Bell was still nourishing his soul. Its effects weren’t significant at the moment, but with sufficient time, he would be able to sever a portion of his soul safely.

Forget it, I should just use the Soul Severing Method instead… Knowing that it would take a considerable amount of time in this manner before he was able to successfully sever his soul, Zhang Xuan shook his head and sat on the floor.

With a thought, he drew his soul out from his glabella.

His soul was massive, around ten meters in height. Executing the Soul Severing Method, which he had learned from Mo Hunsheng, it didn’t take long before an identical soul appeared beside him.

“The Soul Severing Method indeed does inflict considerable harm to one’s soul…”

After severing his soul, Zhang Xuan’s main soul had diminished slightly in size, and he couldn’t help but feel extreme fatigue plaguing his existence. Sighing deeply, he shook his head.

Even though he had only severed a portion less than a tenth the size of his original soul, the aftereffects were still difficult for him to bear.

Flicking his wrist, Zhang Xuan took out of the fragmented soul of the Bluehorn Dragon Beast, which he had obtained from Vicious on the Cloudmist Ridge, and began absorbing it to nourish his soul.

The reason Zhang Xuan had chosen to us the Soul Severing Method instead of waiting was because he knew that he could heal the damage sustained by his soul through such a method.

The consciousness of the fragmented soul of the Bluehorn Dragon Beast had been wiped away by Vicious, so he could absorb it without fearing a backlash.

While Zhang Xuan was absorbing the fragmented soul to heal his damaged soul, his severed soul dived into the Copper Bell on its own accord.

If there was no medium to house its severed soul, it would gradually be depleted under the effects of the Five Declines and eventually dissipate entirely.

The Copper Bell served as such a medium, and the same had been done by the preceding principals as well.

Once I fuse entirely with the Copper Bell, I will just have to enter into the Mausoleum Tablet, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul thought.

…

Soon, as Zhang Xuan’s severed soul fused entirely with the Copper Bell, he heaved a sigh of relief and gradually flew up before entering the Mausoleum Tablet.

Weng!

As soon as the Copper Bell came into contact with the Mausoleum Tablet, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul immediately felt a powerful suction force drawing him in, causing him to disappear on the spot. The next moment, he was already floating within a sealed room.

Rather than calling it a room, perhaps a cavern would be more exact. Zhang Xuan’s severed soul suddenly felt a familiar aura in his surroundings that left him with an overwhelming feeling of goosebumps.

This… Isn’t this the killing intent of the Otherworldly Demons?

The severed soul narrowed his eyes in astonishment as he froze on the spot.

Chapter 945: Circumstances Shrouding the Mausoleum Tablet

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Currently stored within Zhang Xuan’s storage ring were twenty Otherworldly Demon puppets and Vicious, so he was extremely familiar with this distinctive aura.

As soon as he came into contact with it, he had no doubt that it belonged to the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

But wasn’t this the most sacred land in the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, the resting place of generations of principals?

How could there be such overwhelming killing intent existent in here?

The Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was callous and brutal, feeding on humans. As such, they were the mortal enemies of the master teachers, such that it was impossible for both to coexist simultaneously. So, how could the aura of the Otherworldly Demons appear there?

Astonished, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul quickly took a look around his surroundings.

Judging from the cavern-like surroundings, it seemed like he was within the Mausoleum Tablet. The area was extremely spacious but completely dark. There was no light or air in the area.

It was impossible for any living beings to exist in this space.

It seems like there isn’t just killing intent in here. There is also a grand and righteous aura. Soon, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul noticed yet another aura lingering in the area.

A grand and righteous aura, an aura distinctive of a master teacher.

Looking around the spacious room, it didn’t take long for Zhang Xuan’s severed soul to notice a massive abyss. It seemed like the killing intent had come out of this abyss.

Surrounding the abyss were around a hundred different artifacts, which, similar to the Copper Bell, were used for severing and storing souls, and they were scattered in the area to form a formation. Counting them, there were exactly 102 of them.

These are probably the wills left behind by the preceding principals, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul internally.

The other principals had probably used these artifacts to sever and store a fragment of their souls before depositing them into the Mausoleum Tablet.

However, these soul fragments were unlike Zhang Xuan’s, which had been severed through the means of the soul oracles. Their movements were limited to the artifact, and they were unable to leave it under normal circumstances, similar to a non-living being.

Realizing something, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul was stunned. Could it be that… these soul fragments were left behind not only to assess the future generations of principals, but to… suppress?

The feeling he received was that the grand and righteous auras of the preceding principals, along with the entire Mausoleum Tablet, were suppressing the killing intent contained within the abyss.

Without a doubt, the primary purpose of the wills wasn’t to assess the newer generations of principal but to stand guard here.

It can’t be that… this is the passageway leading to the otherworldly battlefield of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe?

Hongyuan Empire couldn’t be considered powerful in comparison to the Tier-1 Empires around it, but it had still been chosen as the location to construct the Master Teacher Academy. Rumor had it that the reason for this was because a passageway leading to the otherworldly battlefield of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was located on this very land.

As such, the Master Teacher Academy had been built to protect mankind.

Could it be that… this was it?

Was this the passageway leading to the otherworldly battlefield? Was that the reason there was such concentrated killing intent within the abyss?

Was the reason behind the existence of the Mausoleum Tablet and the deposition of the wills of the generations of principals in order to guard this land?

If that were true, that would explain the reason behind the extreme security surrounding the Mausoleum of Principals, forbidding anyone but the current principal from entering. This was probably in order to conceal the existence of the passageway so as to prevent a pandemonium from occurring.

If that’s really the case, the preceding principals are indeed figures worthy of respect.

As the principals of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, they had protected the academy with their life when they were still alive, and even upon death, they still continued to guard it with their will. The contribution that master teachers had made to mankind was indeed immeasurable.

Perhaps it was because of this spirit that master teacher possessed that the other occupations viewed them with the utmost respect.

Looking around, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul was soon able to confirm his suspicions.

The killing intent emanated from the abyss was powerful, preventing any man from coming close to it. Were it not for the formation set up using the artifacts and wills left behind by preceding principals, it could have built up and destroyed the Mausoleum Tablet, bringing a great calamity upon Hongyuan City.

A grade-7 formation, and one that is set up skillfully at that… Zhang Xuan’s severed soul nodded in approval.

The formation wasn’t fixed in terms of power. It could be supported by any number of souls, and as the number of souls in the formation increased, the stronger the prowess of the formation.

Principal’s Seals are embedded into the formation as well…

The Principal’s Seal was an artifact forged out of the wills of students and teachers of the Master Teacher Academy, and it harnessed immense power within it. It was the most suitable artifact to be used to guard this passageway.

After the principal of each generation died, the Principal’s Seal belonging to them would be used to augment the formation. It was due to this that Hongyuan Empire had been able to enjoy significant peace over the past ten thousand years, not threatened by the menace of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

Sighing in awe, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul was just about to calculate where he should be positioned to maximize the force of the formation when he suddenly heard a deafening roar from the depths of the abyss before him.

Hong long long! Hong long long!

As if struck by a massive torrent, an incredible might jolted the entire Mausoleum Tablet, leaving it shaking uncontrollably, as if it would collapse at any moment.

Tzzzzz!

Following which, Zhang Xuan felt an overwhelming surge of killing intent blasting forth like a tsunami, attempting to charge through the formation blocking its path.

Weng!

The formation immediately lit up and suppressed the killing intent, but the latter seemed to only grow stronger with time. Like a weak net trying to hold in a furiously thrashing fish, the formation seemed as if it would tear apart at any moment soon.

At this rate, the formation won’t be able to last much longer. Seeing the sight, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul frowned deeply as his complexion darkened.

He could easily assess the limit of the formation and the might of the killing intent with his eye of discernment, and while the formation was still holding back the killing intent for the time being, it was swiftly approaching its limit.

This won’t do! With a grim look, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul rushed up to the formation and swiftly assessed it with a glint in his eyes. Following which, he raised his leg and kicked a certain spot on the formation.

Weng!

Under his surge of soul energy, the formation emanated a brilliant glow as overwhelming energy suddenly burst forth from it. In an instant, the formation, which seemed as if it would collapse at any time, suddenly stabilized.

Hu hu!

Ten minutes later, the killing intent finally receded, returning calm to the Mausoleum Tablet.

Hu!

Zhang Xuan’s severed soul retracted his leg before heaving a huge sigh of relief.

His kick had only served to heighten the prowess of the formation temporarily. It was fortunate that the onslaught of the killing intent hadn’t continued for too long, or else the formation would still have eventually collapsed despite his efforts.

While, as a severed soul, he wasn’t able to utilize the prowess of the Library of Heaven’s Path or the Eye of Insight, his sheer knowledge in the field of formations still allowed him to find the center of the formation and reinforce it.

Why would there be such powerful killing intent in the abyss? Zhang Xuan’s severed soul frowned, not comprehending the situation.

Thus, he took a look around the many artifacts used to store the wills of the preceding principals, and soon, he stopped right before a certain artifact and placed his hand on it.

Weng!

The artifact was activated, and a soul appeared before his eyes. It was Founder Mu Kai.

Founder Mu Kai looked at Zhang Xuan and thanked him gratefully. “Principal Zhang, thank you for your assistance. Were it not for your help, our many years of effort might have been for naught then!”

Even though Founder Mu Kai’s will had been sealed within the artifact, he was still able to perceive the happenings around him. Had the new principal not made a move and salvaged the situation, it would have been impossible for them to fend off the burst of killing intent from the abyss, nullifying their years of effort.

Zhang Xuan’s severed soul waved his hand to show that it was fine before asking, “That thing earlier… what is going on?”

If the formation had been placed under such pressure all this while, there was no way it could have lasted so long.

“Just as you have seen, our wills are here in order to guard the passageway between our Master Teacher Continent and the otherworldly battlefield. All along, it has been rather peaceful except for some slight emanations of killing intent that occur now and then. With the strength of the formation, it doesn’t pose a threat at all… But for some reason, two years ago, killing intent suddenly started bursting out of the abyss like a deluge, similar to what you have just witnessed, once every day!”

As he looked at the abyss with a grim expression, Mu shi said, “Initially, the deluge wasn’t that powerful, and we could still handle it with our strength. However, over the past month, the deluge has been growing stronger and stronger, and even with each of us exerting our full might, we still found ourselves barely being able to cope. The one that happened today was even worse… Had you not arrived, even if the formation hadn’t been completely destroyed, it still would have sustained significant damage!”

“Two years ago?” Zhang Xuan’s severed soul asked with a frown.

“Un.” Mu shi’s will nodded.

“Have you found the reason behind it?” Zhang Xuan asked.

Mu shi’s will hesitated for a moment before replying. “Our wills have been fused into the formation, so we aren’t able to move easily. As such, we aren’t able to investigate what has happened. However, if I am not mistaken, something must have happened to the seal between the Master Teacher Continent and the otherworldly battlefield!”

“Seal?”

“The seal is not located here but in the depths of the Subterranean Gallery. It serves as the final barrier impeding the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe from entering the Master Teacher Continent. Once it is breached, what we might be facing is full-blown war!” Mu shi’s will said grimly.

There were several seals set up in the Subterranean Gallery connecting the otherworldly battlefield and the Master Teacher Continent, and the strongest of which was the one that had been set up by countless preceding master teachers in the depths of the passageway.

That seal served as the final fortress of mankind to fend off the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

“Principal Zhang, since you have sent your will in here, your main body must be around the area as well. Can you have your main body enter the Subterranean Gallery to take a look so that we can report the matter to the headquarters and have them prepare in advance? Otherwise, I fear that under the relentless deluges of killing intent, the formation might soon fall apart, and a calamity will befall mankind!” Mu shi’s will pleaded.

Their wills had been fending off the killing intent for many years, resulting in their strength being gradually worn down over time. On top of that, having fused entirely with the formation, they were unable to move as well.

Even if they wished to investigate the situation, they were unable to do so!

Besides, if they were to leave, there would be nothing to stop the rampage of the killing intent should it strike once more, and that could potentially result in a calamity.

“Enter the Subterranean Gallery?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

“Un. You just have to go in to take a look at the situation so that we can prepare in advance. Otherwise, should something worse come at us, the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy could suffer a devastating blow!” Mu shi’s will said worriedly.

Understanding the other party’s worries, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul hesitated for a moment before asking, “How do I enter the Subterranean Gallery?”

“Due to the overwhelming killing intent contained within the Subterranean Gallery, your soul won’t be able to enter its depths. You will have to enter with your physical body!” Mu shi’s will said.

“With the Principal’s Seal, you should be able to bring your physical body into this space. After which, I will open a temporary hole in the formation so that you can enter the Subterranean Gallery. This entrance is closest to the seal in the depths of the Subterranean Gallery, so it shouldn’t take too long.”

Hearing those words, Zhang Xuan’s severed soul frowned.

He had long heard about the dangers lurking within the Subterranean Gallery, and if he were to enter it, there was a good chance that he would never come out again.

However, if he were to refuse to enter, he would be unable to determine the source of the deluge of killing intent. Furthermore, if something had really happened to the seal in the Subterranean Gallery and it collapsed abruptly, the entire Hongyuan Empire would be devastated by the powerful forces of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe.

“I know that I am putting you on the spot, but… there is nothing else I can do!”

Naturally, Mu shi also understood how dangerous the Subterranean Gallery was. To ask the other party to enter the Subterranean Gallery and check on the seal was almost no different from urging the other party to leap off a cliff. However, the fate of mankind and the future of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy were at stake. He had no other choice.

With the protection of the Principal’s Seal, as long as Principal Zhang were to proceed carefully, he should be able to return safely.

“Alright. Give me a moment, I will communicate with my main body to have him enter!” Zhang Xuan’s severed soul nodded.

Chapter 946: Entering the Subterranean Gallery

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

Knowing the severity of this matter, Zhang Xuan, as a 6-star master teacher and the principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, knew that he couldn’t back down at this point. Thus, he quickly accepted it.

Back then, Kong shi had also ventured into the Subterranean Gallery thrice when he was younger. Zhang Xuan was curious to see what the passageway linking the Master Teacher Continent and the otherworldly battlefield was like as well.

“I will be troubling Principal Zhang then.” Mu shi’s will clasped his fist and bowed respectfully.

“It is only right that I do so!” Zhang Xuan’s severed soul nodded before quickly establishing communication with his main body, which was currently cultivating outside. Not too long later, a silhouette emerged in the room.

It was Zhang Xuan’s main body.

Just as Mu shi had said, he was indeed able to enter the space by utilizing the Principal’s Seal.

After communicating with his severed soul, he was able to swiftly understand what had happened, and he quickly turned his eyes to Mu shi.

“Open the formation for me, I will head down to take a look!”

“Principal Zhang, be careful. It will suffice as long as you find out what is happening beneath. Even if you fail to do so, it’s no problem at all. We can slowly discuss the matter thoroughly to come up with a solution to this problem. No matter what happens, do not act recklessly. Great danger lurks within,” Mu shi’s will advised.

Investigating the seal was important, but Mu shi’s will knew that the man before him was a Celestial Master Teacher, a man who could very well shoulder the fate of humanity one day. Mankind couldn’t afford to lose him.

“Rest assured. I am a cowardly person, so I will make sure to steer clear of danger,” Zhang Xuan replied with a chuckle.

With his means, even if he couldn’t defeat an opponent, he would still be able to escape easily.

“That’s good.” Receiving his promise, Mu shi’s will heaved a sigh of relief before returning back to his position. Clasping the area in front of him, he was able to create a hole in the formation large enough for Zhang Xuan to pass through.

Having studied the formation for more than ten thousand years, it was nothing but a walk in the park for him to create a hole temporarily while fending off the killing intent emanated from the abyss.

“Farewell.”

Without any hesitation, Zhang Xuan stepped forward and leaped into the abyss through the hole in the formation.

Hu! His body disappeared in an instant.

“Will he be in danger?” Right after Zhang Xuan disappeared, the silhouette of the will of another principal emerged before Mu shi.

“Don’t worry. Back then, Kong shi also entered the Subterranean Gallery when he was only at Half-Saint and returned safely. As a Celestial Master Teacher as well, Zhang shi will surely be able to resolve this crisis!” Mu shi reassured.

“Let’s hope that is the case.” The other principal nodded, but a worried frown lingered on his face.

There were many Saint realm 1-dan pinnacle experts who had entered the Subterranean Gallery, only to never return. Given that the other party was only a Half-Saint, would he really be able to return safely?

He couldn’t help but feel a little concerned.

Noticing the other party principal’s expression, Mu shi shook his head helplessly. “There is no use worrying over this matter. You also know that we are swiftly approaching our limits. Over the past two years, we have depleted ourselves significantly, and our wills are already on the verge of dissipating. If we don’t resolve this issue as soon as possible, I fear that… we might just bring an irreversible disaster on ourselves!”

If he had a choice, he wouldn’t have wanted to put Principal Zhang in danger either. However, extreme situations called for extreme measures, and there was nothing he could do.

In the first place, the severed souls they had left behind weren’t particularly strong, and fending off the many deluges of killing intent that had come over the past two years had worn them thin. Were it not for their unwavering wills tying them down, they might have already dissipated into nothingness.

How else could they have lasted this long?

“This is the responsibility he has to shoulder as a master teacher and the principal of the Master Teacher Academy; Principal Zhang knows this very well himself. Besides, for him to grow, his path can’t be all smooth-sailing,” Mu shi said.

“You’re right.” The other principal nodded in agreement before falling silent.

Mu shi was right. Being a master teacher wasn’t just about prestige, it was a responsibility.

If he were to escape from even his own responsibility, how could he possibly grow to become a true master teacher?

Principal Zhang might be young, but it seemed like he had a deep understanding of the mission he had to bear as a result of his position.

…

This is the… Subterranean Gallery?

Zhang Xuan felt his entire body tensing up for a moment before his body came to a halt. Straightening his body once more, he immediately scanned his surroundings and realized that he was standing amid a vast underground world.

The entire area was completely dark, devoid of any light. Unable to see the end of the underground world from where he stood, there was no way he could tell how vast and deep it was. Overwhelming killing intent permeated the area, creating a frigid and eerie atmosphere all around, rendering one unable to breathe normally. Had he not known in advance, he might have thought that he had fallen into an endless hell.

It’s no wonder no one is unwilling to come here.

There was no master teacher who wouldn’t show a hint of apprehension in his eyes when speaking of the Subterranean Gallery, and from the looks of it now, there was indeed a very good reason for it. This environment was indeed inhospitable.

Just the killing intent drifting in the area could easily erode the minds of those with weaker cultivation realms over time.

This was similar to when Hong shi had taken out an Otherworldly Demon during the Master Teacher Tournament. The examinees had found themselves pressured by the killing intent it exerted to the point that they dared not approach it.

The killing intent felt even more intense and vivid than the one emanated by the Otherworldly Demon back then. It felt as if countless ferocious beasts were hidden amid the darkness, ready to pounce at one the moment one let one’s guard down.

If a 5-star master teacher who had never undergone special training to cope with such killing intent were to enter this area, they would surely start trembling uncontrollably from fright, unable to take a single step forward.

If such killing intent were to reach Hongyuan City, it could easily cause a pandemonium that would lead to the deaths of at least 99% of its populace, Zhang Xuan thought grimly.

He hadn’t thought much about the significance of the presence of the Subterranean Gallery in Hongyuan City previously, but after coming here, he couldn’t help but think about the plausible dire consequences that could be realized should something go wrong.

Such a concentration of killing intent had the ability of causing weaker cultivators to lose their sense of self and turn into killing machines.

Were it to escape and permeate through the entire Hongyuan City, it could very well reduce the majestic city of a hundred million people into rubble within a very short period of time.

Driving his Heaven’s Path zhenqi, Zhang Xuan dispelled the pressure from the killing intent entirely before taking a closer look at his surroundings.

The scenery around him was monotonous, just patches of darkness everywhere. Even when using the Eye of Insight, he could only see several hundred meters away.

It was difficult for him to determine his direction in this manner.

Forget it. If I trace the gradient of the killing intent and head toward area with higher concentration, I should be able to reach the depths of the Subterranean Gallery.

Considering that the other end of the Subterranean Gallery was the otherworldly battlefield, Zhang Xuan felt that he should be able to reach the depths of the Subterranean Gallery if he advanced toward areas with a higher concentration of killing intent.

On top of the killing intent, there was also a bizarre demonic tune drifting in the area, beguiling souls within its reach. Those who possessed weaker minds could easily find themselves falling into a trance under its effects, and the affected could very well end up marching to their doom without even realizing it.

It is no wonder Soul Depth is so important to master teachers. Had it been another cultivator possessing the same cultivation as me, it would still have been difficult for them to last too long in here! Zhang Xuan assessed the surroundings warily as he began journeying ahead slowly.

With the omnipresent killing intent and demonic tune in the Subterranean Gallery wearing one down, those who had weaker minds could find themselves succumbing swiftly.

Putting all else aside, even if another Half-Saint expert were to be here, he might find himself losing his mind if he were to stay here for an extended period of time.

However, that was all ineffective against Zhang Xuan. With the Heaven’s Path zhenqi guarding his mind, he was impervious to all of it.

After proceeding forward for a moment longer, Zhang Xuan suddenly stopped in his footsteps and frowned deeply. “Hmm? These are footsteps of Otherworldly Demons!”

On the ground just ahead of him was a congregation of innumerable footsteps. Each of them was around a chi 1 in length.

Zhang Xuan had seen Otherworldly Demons before, and their physique was significantly larger than an ordinary human. Considering how deeply-imprinted and large these footprints were, there was good chance that it was left by them.

But… wasn’t there a seal in the depths of the Subterranean Gallery to prevent Otherworldly Demons from entering here?

How could there be Otherworldly Demons on this side?

Wait… there are human footprints too!

Walking along the trail of footsteps, Zhang Xuan suddenly noticed the footsteps of several humans scattered sporadically around the area. On top of that, there were several signs that indicated that a battle had occurred in the area.

From the looks of it, it seemed like human cultivators had encountered the Otherworldly Demons, and a fight had occurred as a result of that.

Zhang Xuan knew that there were human cultivators in the Subterranean Gallery. From time to time, master teachers who found themselves stuck in a bottleneck for an extended period of time or were swiftly approaching the limit of their lifespan would choose to venture into the Subterranean Gallery, hoping that they might be able to find the impetus to push for a breakthrough or to make one final contribution to mankind before their passing.

Activating his Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan studied the marks in the area and frowned. It doesn’t seem like it has been too long since these marks were left behind. There is a significantly greater number of Otherworldly Demons as compared to master teachers. If I move quickly, I might still be able to save the master teachers!

From the marks, he could tell that the human cultivators had been in a disadvantageous position in the battle. Overpowered, they had attempted to flee, but the Otherworldly Demons continued to pursue them.

No matter what, I should head over to take a look first.

As a master teacher, he couldn’t sit idle while his fellow humans were being harmed by the Otherworldly Demons.

Activating the Red Dust Heaven Ascending Steps, Zhang Xuan stepped onto the air and advanced swiftly, following the footsteps.

Having cultivated the Saint Ascension Decipher, the amount of zhenqi he had in his body had grown tremendously. In comparison to that, the depletion in maintaining his flight was insignificant.

Concealing his aura and his presence, Zhang Xuan’s flew quickly with a sharp glint in his eyes.

In such a dark area, any 6-star master teacher would be forced to proceed warily, especially given the presence of Otherworldly Demons in the area. However, Zhang Xuan’s Eye of Insight allowed him to easily see a significant distance ahead of him despite the darkness. Even if there were Otherworldly Demons ahead, he was confident that he would be able to spot the other party first.

After flying for around an hour, there was still no one within Zhang Xuan’s sight. However, the marks on the ground were growing more concentrated, indicating that the battle between the escaping human cultivators and Otherworldly Demons was growing more and more intense. Most of the marks were fresh, meaning that he was already very close to them.

Proceeding forward for a moment longer, Zhang Xuan soon felt a violent disturbance in the air. It seemed like a battle was ongoing just ahead.

As Zhang Xuan approached the source of the disturbance, he sealed all of the acupoints throughout his body to conceal his presence completely while gradually slowing down warily. After circling around a hill, he saw a group of Otherworldly Demons standing in front of him.

This… Upon taking a look, Zhang Xuan’s eyelids began twitching uncontrollably.

Rather than calling it a group, perhaps an army would be more appropriate.

To his astonishment, there were more than two hundred Otherworldly Demons, and each of them possessed cultivation of at least Saint realm 1-dan. There were even a couple of Saint realm 2-dan experts among them.

It was fortunate that Zhang Xuan had decided to conceal his aura so as to avoid notice. Otherwise, even with the nine kings of the Cloudmist Ridge, Byzantium Helios Beast, Golden Origin Cauldron, and Myriad Anthive Queen, he would still be tragically defeated.

A race designed for war, the Otherworldly Demons were granted superior strength at birth, and they were capable of even overpowering a saint beast of equal cultivation realm easily. Two hundred Saint realm Otherworldly Demons gathered together… Putting aside him, even a Saint realm 4-dan expert would struggle to cope with such a fearsome force!

How could there be so many of them here? Zhang Xuan’s expression was grave.

Two hundred Saint realm 1-dan and several Saint 2-dan Otherworldly Demons, while this force was insufficient to defeat the entire Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, there was no doubt that they would bring catastrophic damage upon Hongyuan City if they were to successfully charge through the formation!

Where in the world did they come from?

The deluges of killing intent striking the Mausoleum Tablet must have been a coordinated assault from this group. It would be impossible to produce a formidable force that could overpower the wills of the hundred preceding principals and their Principal’s Seals otherwise! Zhang Xuan realized.

The might of the wills of more than a hundred preceding principals unified and enhanced by a grade-7 formation, further augmented by their Principal’s Seals, which harnessed the wills of several dozen million students and teachers throughout the history of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy… yet, the formation had still shaken to the point of near collapse!

Without a doubt, this couldn’t have been a natural occurrence. The army of Otherworldly Demons before him had to be behind it.

But who are they fighting with?

Frowning, Zhang Xuan turned his sight toward the human cultivators clashing with them.

It was a group of elders donned in master teacher robes. They were clustered together with their backs against one another, and their bodies and robes were completely dyed crimson with blood. In their eyes, one could see the stolidity of a man who had accepted his death.

They are 6-star pinnacle master teachers, Zhang Xuan noted.

There were around forty of them.

Suddenly, Zhang Xuan noticed a familiar figure.

Hmm? Lu Feng?

Chapter 947: Don’t Have to Say Anything More!

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

As You Xu’s good friend, Lu Feng had caused Zhang Xuan a fair bit of trouble back in the Master Teacher Academy.

However, with the revelation of Zhang Xuan’s ‘identity’, the grand appearance of ‘Yang shi’ in the Elder Hall, and his confirmation as the next principal of the Master Teacher Academy, Lu Feng had been punished, and he had disappeared from the academy.

According to School Head Mo, Lu Feng had voluntarily applied to head to the Subterranean Gallery in order to redeem himself, and it was very likely that he would never return.

Back then, it had left Zhang Xuan’s in deep thought for a long while.

Given how large the Subterranean Gallery was, Zhang Xuan had thought that it was extremely unlikely for him to meet Lu Feng. Who would have thought that he would encounter the other party shortly after entering the Subterranean Gallery and find them cornered?

At this moment, Lu Feng’s complexion looked extremely pale and worn out, and the grandeur and authoritative air that had shrouded him back when he was the head of the Apothecary School had faded completely. His left sleeve, where his left arm should have been, was fluttering in the air, and there were many wounds on his body as well. Even though most of them had already closed up, the wounds were still rather glaring and appalling to look at.

Despite the heavy injuries Lu Feng had sustained, his eyes were sharp and calm, as if the battles with the Otherworldly Demons had brought peace to his mind.

As a result of that, his Half-Spiritual Perception realm cultivation had been further reinforced, putting him on the verge of achieving a breakthrough.

Despite the dangers of the Subterranean Gallery, it had allowed him to see past the trivialities of authority and power, thus broadening his mind.

Putting aside Lu Feng, the other 6-star pinnacle master teachers also harnessed incredibly sharp auras that were on par with the vice school heads of the Master Teacher Academy.

However, their ages were already beyond a thousand, and their bodies emanated an aura of deterioration, indicating that they were nearing the limit of their lifespan.

Occasionally, there would be several master teachers who were nearing the end of their life applying to enter the Subterranean Gallery. Their purpose was simple—they hoped to use whatever they had left in them to slay a few more Otherworldly Demons in hopes that it could prolong the peace that mankind enjoyed.

I must find a way to save them, Zhang Xuan thought grimly.

Had it been before, in face of such overwhelming odds, he would never have put his life on the line to save a group of strangers. However, after all he had been through, he realized how much these master teachers had contributed to mankind. It was due to them putting their lives on the line that the Master Teacher Continent was able to enjoy many millenniums of relative peace.

The master teachers before him were figures worthy of his respect, and he couldn’t bring himself to leave them in the lurch.

Doing it forcefully won’t work. Zhang Xuan frowned.

Against more than two hundred Otherworldly Demons, even if he were to utilize all of the means he had on hand, it would still be impossible for him to save the master teachers. On the contrary, it might even anger the Otherworldly Demons and cause them to fight even more desperately. If that were to happen, he could very well only be hastening their deaths.

As urgent as the situation was, he couldn’t charge in recklessly. He needed to come up with a plan first, a plan that would allow him to eradicate the Otherworldly Demons and save the master teachers.

After a moment of thought, Zhang Xuan flicked his wrist and took out a book. “Vicious, do you have any way to disguise me as an Otherworldly Demon?”

Bypassing the encirclement of more than two hundred Otherworldly Demons discreetly to save the master teachers, such a feat was nigh impossible… unless he was an Otherworldly Demon!

“You want to disguise as one of my tribesmen?”

The heart in the book beat several times before replying. “That’s simple! Master, given that you have cultivated the Quintuple Incandescence Golden Body, you should be able to alter your height and weight at will. As for the killing intent, I can release it in your place. It might be difficult for this disguise to fool the Otherworldly Demon Emperors, but it should be more than sufficient for this group of peons!”

The most difficult aspect when disguising as an Otherworldly Demon was imitating their killing intent. As long as this problem was resolved, the other aspects regarding the outer appearance weren’t a problem at all.

Zhang Xuan had already reached the Fourth Incandescence for the Quintuple Incandescence Golden body, allowing him to alter his muscles and bone structure at will.

“Alright, I will give it a try.”

Hearing that it was feasible, Zhang Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Using one of the puppets in his storage ring as a model, he began to warp his muscles and bones amid a series of cracks. In just two breaths, his appearance had already changed altogether.

After which, he took off the clothes of his puppet and wore them. At this moment, he looked completely identical to an Otherworldly Demon in terms of appearance, such that even most master teachers would be unable to tell the difference.

“Master, hide my finger in your hand, and I will exert my killing intent from within your body so that others won’t notice it,” Vicious said after seeing that Zhang Xuan was done with his transformation.

“Un.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

Hu!

A finger emerged from the Book of Heaven’s Path and fell on his hand. It fused into his skin and disappeared within.

Following which, Zhang Xuan felt a unique energy flowing through his body, one that was completely different from a cultivator’s zhenqi.

This energy felt exceedingly violent, as if it would rip apart the world if it could. If one were to come into contact with this energy often, it would induce aggressive tendencies within one, making one crave war and battle.

“This is the source of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe’s killing intent?” Zhang Xuan asked with a frown.

It was no wonder the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe was so belligerent. There was probably no one in the world who would be able to remain themselves after cultivating such zhenqi.

“Un. We call this Zhenqi of Slaughter!” Vicious replied before asking with a doubtful tone, “Master, do you feel any discomfort driving the Zhenqi of Slaughter?”

“Discomfort?” Zhang Xuan tried circulating the Zhenqi of Slaughter through his body, and eventually, he shook his head with an excited glint in his eyes. “None at all. If any, I feel energized!”

“Energized?” Vicious was stunned.

Ordinary cultivators, even one who had reached Saint realm, were unable to withstand the Zhenqi of Slaughter. Yet, his master was actually able to drive it as he wished without feeling the slightest discomfort… and even feel energized at that.

Wasn’t his body’s ability to adapt a little too powerful?

“It’s good that you don’t feel any discomfort!” Vicious heaved a sigh of relief.

Having pledged his loyalty to Zhang Xuan, he had to ensure the latter’s safety. He was planning to withdraw his zhenqi if the other party felt any discomfort, but since there was no such thing, it should be fine.

Knowing that Vicious was thinking about, Zhang Xuan replied with a nod. “Un.”

Given that his body was even to harness the might of the Heaven’s Path zhenqi, what could the Zhenqi of Slaughter do?

A thought suddenly emerged in Zhang Xuan’s mind. Wait… since the Heaven’s Path zhenqi has the ability to imitate the attributes of other zhenqi, could it possibly imitate the Zhenqi of Slaughter too?

He had always thought of the killing intent as an aura emanated by the Otherworldly Demons, but if its true form was a type of zhenqi as well, was it possible for him to imitate it?

The Heaven’s Path zhenqi was an omnipotent zhenqi. Possessing no attribute, it was capable of fusing with the zhenqi of any other attribute and emulating its properties.

With such thoughts in mind, he began to warp the properties of the Heaven’s Path zhenqi in his body. His body jolted for an instant as the Heaven’s Path zhenqi began to seethe. A moment later, a powerful killing intent abruptly gushed into the air. It wasn’t as powerful as the one originating from Vicious’ finger, but it was far purer and cleaner.

Just as Zhang Xuan was delighted with his success, he suddenly heard Vicious’ voice in his ear. “Grand Emperor… How is this possible? Master… are you an Otherworldly Demon in disguise?”

“Grand Emperor?” Zhang Xuan was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter. “An Otherworldly Demon in disguise? How is that possible?”

It was not like the other party didn’t know that he was a Celestial Master Teacher. How could he possibly be an Otherworldly Demon?

“Otherworldly Demons are ranked in various strata according to their bloodline. The Emperor Stratum has the purest bloodline, followed by the King Stratum, the Marquess Stratum, Noble Stratum, and finally, the Mortal Stratum. Each stratum is further divided into several classes, and the strongest one within the Emperor Stratum is the Grand Emperor Class,” Vicious said. “The zhenqi that Master has just exerted is extremely pure, a trait distinctive of the Grand Emperor Class.”

“Grand Emperor Class?” Zhang Xuan blinked in astonishment.

He had just casually emulated the Zhenqi of Slaughter with his Heaven’s Path zhenqi, but to think that… it would actually be so formidable.

“Yes!” Vicious replied respectfully. At the same time, he couldn’t help but harbor some doubts regarding his master’s identity.

The other party was clearly a Celestial Master Teacher, and yet, putting aside how he didn’t feel the slightest discomfort driving the Zhenqi of Slaughter, his body actually harnessed zhenqi exclusive to the Grand Emperor Class.

Just how many more secrets was his master hiding?

“If I am at the Grand Emperor Class, what about you?” Zhang Xuan asked.

Given the extreme purity of the Heaven’s Path zhenqi, it went without saying that his emulation of the Zhenqi of Slaughter would also be of the highest class. However, judging from Vicious’ astonished tone, could this mean that he wasn’t from the Grand Emperor Class?

Wasn’t he one of the strongest experts from the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe?

Otherwise, how could he have stood his ground against Kong shi?

“I…” With a bitter smile, Vicious was just about to explain himself when he suddenly realized something and hurriedly warned Zhang Xuan telepathically, “Master, we have been discovered!”

“We have been discovered?” Taken aback, Zhang Xuan turned his gaze upwards. What he saw left his eyelids twitching uncontrollably, and he nearly fainted on the spot.

Unbeknownst to him, fifty Otherworldly Demons were floating in the air above him, each of them exerting an extremely powerful aura. They had sealed the surroundings tightly with their Zhenqi of Slaughter, leaving him no opportunity to escape at all.

Hadn’t he concealed his presence well?

How had he been discovered just like that?

To have been encircled before he could initiate his plan to save the master teachers… this sure was a huge failure!

I must have failed to control my strength properly in the moment that I turned my Heaven’s Path zhenqi into Zhenqi of Slaughter, Zhang Xuan thought as his face twitched.

As he had wished, his Heaven’s Path zhenqi had turned into the Zhenqi of Slaughter unique to Otherworldly Demons perfectly. However, he had failed to control his power for a brief moment, resulting in his killing intent bursting into the air.

It was probably that brief moment that had betrayed his presence to the Otherworldly Demons.

Hualala!

Just as Zhang Xuan was at a loss as to what he should do, the Otherworldly Demons in the sky finally got a clear look at Zhang Xuan’s face, and the tense atmosphere in the surroundings alleviated slightly. After which, a Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon descended from the sky and went up to Zhang Xuan.

“Who are you?” the Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon asked questioningly.

“Me?” It was only at this moment that Zhang Xuan suddenly recalled that he had already changed his appearance and was wearing the clothes of the Otherworldly Demons.

An overpowering killing intent was emanating from his body, making it clear to anyone that he was an Otherworldly Demon.

The other party must have thought that he was their tribesmen, but owing to his unfamiliar face, the other party still had to confirm his identity.

“I am…” Heaving a sigh of relief, Zhang Xuan prepared himself to make up a name so as to get over this matter. In any case, there were so many Otherworldly Demons about, so it was unlikely for the other party to recognize everyone.

However, at that moment, a thought suddenly came to him.

The next moment, he narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath. Following which, the Zhenqi of Slaughter from Vicious’ finger burst forth.

Hong long!

While the killing intent emanated from his disguised Heaven’s Path zhenqi was pure, it was only at the level of a Half-Saint. On the other hand, the killing intent from Vicious’ finger was overwhelming and relentless, leaving one unable to determine how powerful he was, as if looking at a seemingly endless ocean.

“Th-this…” Feeling that immense strength, the Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon’s face paled, and his body stiffened.

“I don’t have to say anything more about my identity, right?” Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan glanced down at the other party impassively.

Zhang Xuan currently held no intelligence on the current state of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe at all. Vicious might know a thing or two, but his intelligence was already outdated by several dozen years. On top of that, his memories were fragmented, so it might not be safe to rely on it.

While he could simply make up a name on the spot, there was a chance that things could go wrong too. For example, what if the name he came up with wasn’t typical or was avoided by the Otherworldly Demons? If so, he would be placed in an extremely difficult position.

Besides, even if he were to successfully come up with a name and join the other party’s group, it was unlikely that the other party would trust him enough to allow him to approach the master teachers. It would still be extremely difficult for him to save them.

Thus, the best way was for him to assume an identity that the other party feared.

Since the Otherworldly Demons were ranked according to the purity of their Zhenqi of Slaughter, he could very well make use of it to instill fear in them.

He was already proficient in it anyway. He had done it so many times that it came naturally to him.

Don’t have to say anything more about your identity?

On the other hand, the Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon was taken aback.

I have never seen you before, so how am I supposed to know who the hell you are?

Chapter 948: Master, I Am Tough!

Translator: StarveCleric | Editor: Millman97

However, the Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon wasn’t bewildered for too long. The zhenqi exerted by the other party was incredibly condensed and powerful, reminiscent of a towering mountain. Without a doubt, the other party had to be a King at the very least.

Even if he didn’t know who the other party was, one thing was for certain—the other party’s standing was far above his.

Seeing the other party stuttering in uncertainty, unsure of what was going on, Zhang Xuan frowned in displeasure and bellowed furiously, “You don’t even know me? Men, drag this moron down and execute him!”

“This…”

This time, it wasn’t just the Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon who was stunned. The Otherworldly Demons in the area were completely dumbstruck as well.

To speak of beheading our leader like that, who the hell do you think you are?

Which asylum did you run out from?

“Could it be…”

The Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demons was extremely frustrated, and he had no idea what he was supposed to do. However, at that very moment, a thought flickered across his head and a certain name surfaced in his mind, and his face warped in astonishment. “Could you be… the Goldenleaf King?”

Rumor had it that the Goldenleaf King was a combative and vicious person, often assaulting others over the slightest verbal disagreement.

He had never seen the Goldenleaf King before, having only heard of the other party’s name. However, considering the pure energy the person before him was emanating, as well as his arrogant disposition, threatening to kill him despite having only met moments ago, he couldn’t help but wonder if the other party was indeed him.

“Humph, seeing how fast you reacted, I will let you off this time!” Harrumphing coldly, Zhang Xuan tilted his head up haughtily.

“The leader of the 214th Squadron of Greenleaf King, Tong Yue, pays respect to Your Highness!”

Upon seeing that he had identified the other party correctly, the Saint realm 2-dan Otherworldly Demon, Tong Yue, heaved a sigh of relief before hurriedly kneeling onto the ground to greet the other party. After which, he couldn’t help but ask doubtfully, “Our King has said that he will be coming over soon, and he asked us to make preparations. That is why we captured these master teachers in order to prepare the tributes to gather the required energy to break the seal for his arrival. But… how did you come over without any tribute?”

It would be a lie if he said that he wasn’t perplexed by the abrupt arrival of the esteemed figure before him.

The areas of jurisdiction of their direct superior, Greenleaf King, and Goldenleaf King were extremely far from one another, so the both of them didn’t have much contact with one another.

Furthermore, the Greenleaf King had paid a heavy price using a special ritual in order to send them over one by one. It was only recently that the Greenleaf King had issued an order for them to hunt down master teachers and have them serve as tributes so as to allow him to bypass the seal and come over. They weren’t even done preparing for their own King to come over, but the Goldenleaf King was already here?

What was going on?

“What? Are you actually asking me to report my activities to you?” Zhang Xuan’s eyebrows shot up as his eyes narrowed menacingly. Emanating a wintry killing intent, Zhang Xuan berated condescendingly, “You disrespectful lowlife, are you asking to be killed right here, right now? Do you think that I dare not touch you just because you are the Greenleaf King’s subordinate?”

“I…” Tong Yue’s body stiffened as cold sweat began trickling from his forehead.

The other party possessed the bloodline of a King whereas he was just an ordinary soldier. Even if the other party were to kill him, he had no doubt that the Greenleaf King wouldn’t speak up for him.

This was the difference in their identity and standing!

“I dare not!” Tong Yue swiftly kneeled to the ground fearfully, not daring to even breathe loudly.

He had long heard that rules were mere words in the eyes of the Goldenleaf King, and there was nothing that the other party dared not do. He had always thought that it was just an exaggeration, but seeing it with his own eyes… the other party was indeed a madman.

“That had better be the truth!” Zhang Xuan harrumphed coldly before turning his eyes away from Tong Yue. He took a step forward before pointing at Lu Feng and the others and asking, “What’s with them?”

“We were intending to capture this bunch and have them serve as tributes to break the seal for our King’s arrival,” Tong Yue hurriedly explained.

“Tributes? For the Greenleaf King’s arrival?” Zhang Xuan frowned.

He wasn’t too sure how it worked, but he was still able to get a rough idea as to what was going on from the other party’s words.

It seemed like he had arrived at a timely moment. Considering how fearsome the ordinary soldiers were, if an Otherworldly Demon King were to breach the seal and come over, wouldn’t Hongyuan City be reduced to hell in an instant?

Noticing the displeasure on the Goldenleaf King’s face, Tong Yue’s lips twitched as he quickly realized what was going on. Thus, he anxiously said, “We were intending to usher in our king, but since Your Highness is here, there is no longer any need for that. I will have these fellows killed this very instant.”

It took more than strength to become a Squadron Leader. Tong Yue wasn’t a foolish person, and he was very sharp at reading the mood as well.

While he had not heard about any grudge between the Greenleaf King and the Goldenleaf King, considering that the Goldenleaf King was already here, bringing the Greenleaf King here could be viewed as an attempt to undermine his authority, and that was no different from seeking death.

Thus, he turned around to the Otherworldly Demons behind him and waved his hand. “Men, kill all of those fellows here!”

“Yes, leader!” Upon hearing the order, the Otherworldly Demons began marching toward the encircled Lu Feng and the others with overwhelming killing intent.

“Comrades, it seems like we might be meeting our end here.”

“From the moment I walked in here, I have never thought about leaving alive. So what if I meet my end here? Take one down, and I will have recouped my loss; take two down, and I will have profited!”

“Haha, come! Let me give you a taste of your grandfather’s strength!”

“Even if I die, I will make sure to pull a couple of them down with me…”

Seeing that the Otherworldly Demons were going to kill them, the master teachers trapped in the center roared in laughter, seemingly devoid of any fear for their impending doom.

Just as Zhang Xuan had guessed, these 6-star pinnacle master teachers were either those whose cultivation had stagnated at a certain point or those whose lifespan had reached its limit.

From the moment they stepped into the Subterranean Gallery, they had already prepared themselves mentally to meet their end.

Having served as a master teacher for a lifetime, dying in the midst of battling the Otherworldly Demon could be considered a fine conclusion to the end of their journey.

As such, they didn’t feel fear when they heard that the other party was going to kill them. On the contrary, their fighting will flared instead.

What is there to rejoice about birth, what is there to fear about death?1

Another Otherworldly Demon killed meant another step toward mankind’s peace. Even if death was their end, they had no regrets.

“You wretched things, the only reason you are still alive is because you were going to serve as tributes for our honored King. Now that our King is here, your existence serves no purpose anymore!” Tong Yue harrumphed coldly as he raised his hand.

Huala!

Many Otherworldly Demons raised their hands simultaneously as a devastating energy gathered among them.

The energy gathered was so immense and destructive that if it were to be released, the already severely injured master teachers would die without fail.

With a deep frown, Zhang Xuan bellowed loudly, “Hold it for a moment!”

Hearing his bellow, the Otherworldly Demons, who were prepared to launch an attack, swiftly halted their movements. Tong Yue also turned a doubtful gaze to Zhang Xuan.

The Goldenleaf King was known to be callous and vicious, never hesitating to claim the life of another. This was precisely why Tong Yue was so fearful of him. So, why would the other party suddenly ask him to stop?

“Spare them, I still have questions for them,” Zhang Xuan commanded coldly.

From his experience disguising as Yang shi, he had learned the art of feigning as an expert. On top of that, through Vicious’ powerful and devastating aura, he had already created a powerful first impression, which granted him more room to maneuver.

“Yes!” Hearing that the Goldenleaf King had some questions for the master teachers, Tong Yue immediately waved his hands to gesture for the Otherworldly Demons to step down.

Even so, the Otherworldly Demons didn’t let their guard down. They continued to maintain their encirclement around the master teachers, ready to strike should any of them attempt to flee.

“May I know what Your Highness intends to ask? I will immediately have my men interrogate them.” Tong Yue turned to Zhang Xuan and clasped his fist respectfully. A moment later, fearing that the latter would misunderstand, he quickly added, “These master teachers are obstinate fools. Without using some special means, it won’t be possible to obtain accurate intelligence from them!”

It hadn’t been long since he had arrived at the Subterranean Gallery, but he had already come into contact with many master teachers. Those fellows had an unyielding faith in their mission, making it nigh impossible to get any useful information out of them through a normal interrogation.

How could a person who didn’t even fear death succumb to an average interrogation?

Placing his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan replied haughtily as he gazed into the distance, as if contemplating about the greater matters of the world. “There is no need for that. This matter involves confidential secrets that the likes of you aren’t qualified to know. You just have to find me a quiet place for me to interrogate them privately!”

In that moment, he exuded an unfathomable aura.

“Yes!” Hearing that the other party wanted to interrogate the master teachers personally, Tong Yue hesitated for a moment before clasping his fist. “Your Highness, our temporary camp is not too far from here. Why don’t we head there to interrogate these wretched master teachers? This way, we will be able to prevent them from escaping as well!”

“Un.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

He could tell that Tong Yue still harbored some reservations toward him, which was only natural given that he had appeared out of nowhere. At this point, it would be too unnatural if he tried to take them away willfully.

He would have to bide his time and wait for an ideal opportunity to strike.

Furthermore, his purpose there was to investigate the situation with the Otherworldly Demons and rid the threats that were lurking in the darkness. This was a good chance for him to scout the situation.

“This way, please!” Nodding, Tong Yue hurriedly stepped forward and led the way.

Without saying a word, Zhang Xuan stepped into the air and began following behind Tong Yue closely while asking Vicious discreetly, “The Goldenleaf King that he spoke of, have you heard of him before?”

“How can I possibly know these juniors? Most likely, Tong Yue has never met that Goldenleaf King before and simply thought that you are him due to your pure and powerful zhenqi.”

At which, Vicious paused to ponder for a moment before continuing his explanation. “There is a very strict hierarchy among the Otherworldly Demons. The purer an Otherworldly Demon’s Zhenqi of Slaughter is, the higher their standing will be. My finger has just barely recovered and is still far from exerting the immense force it wielded back when I was at my peak. Nevertheless, the zhenqi it exerts is still far beyond the reach of mortals like them!”

“Un.” Zhang Xuan nodded quietly.

This was also what he thought as well.

Vicious had been one of the strongest emperors of the Otherworldly Demon back when he was at his peak. Even if his finger was far weaker than it was back then, the purity of the energy it exerted was still far beyond the likes of those fellows.

Furthermore, his disguise was also nigh perfect, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the other party would think of him as the Goldenleaf King or something.

“With your current prowess, are you able to deal with those fellows?” Zhang Xuan asked.

It wouldn’t be safe to leave such a large group of Otherworldly Demons lurking in the Subterranean Gallery. If Vicious could destroy these fellows easily, he wouldn’t have to go through too much trouble getting rid of them later on.

“The most powerful attack I have at the moment is my killing intent. It is extremely effective against those of differing races, but against fellow Otherworldly Demons, I fear that its effectiveness will be negligible,” Vicious said awkwardly.

He had always boasted about how powerful he was, but in real times of need, he turned out to be useless.

Having taken aback his finger, his fighting prowess had been enhanced considerably, allowing him to engage in physical fights. However, it would still be extremely difficult for him to stand his ground against so many opponents simultaneously.

Furthermore, his strongest attack was his killing intent. It was indeed formidable against master teachers and saint beasts; those who were afflicted by it would find their bodies stiffening on the spot, rendering them powerless.

However, against his fellow Otherworldly Demons, who cultivated the Zhenqi of Slaughter as well, his killing intent was nearly ineffective.

“I see.”

Seeing Vicious denying the matter so quickly, Zhang Xuan shook his head helplessly as he muttered beneath his breath, “I was just thinking how formidable you are, but to think that you are nothing more than a solder spear2, useless in times to need…”

Hearing those words, Vicious staggered and nearly burst into tears.

Master, I am not a solder spear. I am tough, very, very tough…

Chapter 949: Who Called for Me?

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Millman97

In the time that the duo spent talking, the other Otherworldly Demons subdued Lu Feng and the others and forced them to move along with them.

From the very start, they were already depleted from the extended battle they had against so many Otherworldly Demons simultaneously, so they weren’t able to put up much of a fight. In fact, were it not for the fact that they were needed to serve as tribute to bypass the seal, they would have already been killed long ago.

While they were attacked by the Otherworldly Demons, Zhang Xuan didn’t bother saying anything or even spare a glance at them.

Since Tong Yue thought that he was the Goldenleaf King, the other party wouldn’t dare kill any of the master teachers, and as long as they were still alive, he would have a chance to save them.

Proceeding ahead, it didn’t take long before Zhang Xuan saw a vast area filled with massive buildings on the horizon.

Innumerable buildings that extended for over several li were built against a mountain, concealed discreetly amid the darkness. A cold and sinister atmosphere drifted around those buildings, leaving one with a disturbing feeling within.

It’s so big? Zhang Xuan’s eyebrows shot up.

The Subterranean Gallery was the passageway connecting the Master Teacher Continent to the otherworldly battlefield. Under normal circumstances, there shouldn’t have been too many Otherworldly Demons lurking in the area. Yet, the buildings were extended over such an unbelievably huge area that it could even house several hundred thousand individuals simultaneously. Was it possible that a huge army of Otherworldly Demons had already breached the seal and was currently stationed in the area?

If that was the case, Hongyuan Empire was truly deep in danger.

It would already be difficult for Tier-1 Empire to hold its ground against two hundred Otherworldly Demons. If several hundred thousand were to pop out at once, probably even Qingyuan Conferred Empire would be shaken at its core.

Following behind Tong Yue, Zhang Xuan discreetly activated his Eye of Insight to look into the interior of the buildings.

To his relief, there weren’t any traces of life within.

“Your Highness, this is the base we have built over the past two months, and it is large enough to house tens of thousands of people within it comfortably without any problem! There won’t be any problem with the lodging once our great army arrives!” Tong Yue explained with a fawning smile.

“Un.” Deactivating his Eye of Insight, Zhang Xuan directed a nod toward Tong Yue while heaving a sigh of relief inwardly.

So, the buildings were just prepared by them in advance. For a moment, he had thought that they were already filled with Otherworldly Demons.

From the looks of it, it seemed like something had happened to the seal. However, it hadn’t reached the level where they could enter or leave freely.

Based on Tong Yue’s words, he was able to deduce two things.

Firstly, master teachers had to be offered as tributes for the Greenleaf King guy to come over. From the looks of it, the requirement for his crossing was significantly harsher than others.

Secondly, the group he was with was likely the scouting party. Their main mission seemed to be to prepare for the arrival of the main army, such as building a base and finding ways to undermine the seal. Once they succeed, it wouldn’t be long before the great army of the Otherworldly Demons arrived.

If that was the case, Hongyuan Empire would be in deep trouble.

With such thoughts in mind, Zhang Xuan followed behind Tong Yue and descended among the buildings.

There were significant differences between the Otherworldly Demons’ buildings and those constructed by humans, and it felt like they were carefully designed to enhance the concentration of killing intent in the area. If one were to cultivate the Zhenqi of Slaughter here, one’s rate of cultivation would surely be much faster than normal.

From the looks of it, the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe wasn’t lacking in talent either. At the very least, they possessed means that were on par with the human’s formation masters.

But that was only to be expected. If they hadn’t possessed such immense strength, they wouldn’t have been able to dominate the other races for so many years until Kong shi’s emergence.

Tong Yue turned to Zhang Xuan and said, “I have long heard that Your Highness possesses a deep understanding of architecture and formations. Please do enlighten us if anything is inappropriate, I will have my men alter it immediately.”

“It’s…” Zhang Xuan was just about to say that it was fine and that no changes had to be made when a sudden realization struck him, and he abruptly stopped halfway through his words.

It seemed like Tong Yue was trying to sound him out to verify his identity.

He had no way of telling whether the Goldenleaf King was truly skilled in the field of architecture and formations at all, so he had to be careful with how he answered this question. If he were to come up with a correct alteration but the Goldenleaf King turned out to be unskilled in the field, that would be as good as giving himself away. The same applied if he were to come up with an inaccurate alteration and the Goldenleaf King turned out to be unskilled… This was truly a huge trouble.

That fellow sure was a sharp person, laying out a subtle trap for him so easily.

If he were to give the wrong response, he could very well end up turning the two hundred Otherworldly Demons against him in an instant.

On the other hand, if he were to refuse to respond, putting aside how the other party’s suspicions of him would deepen, such attempts would also come time and time again at him, and it would only be a matter of time before he gave himself away.

“Is that how you speak to your King as well?” Zhang Xuan’s complexion darkened in fury.

Since it was impossible for him to come up with a correct answer to the question with any certainty, the only way for him was to change the subject.

“I…” Noting Zhang Xuan’s fury, Tong Yue’s body immediately stiffened. He suddenly realized that the words he had spoken were slightly disrespectful, and his face paled in fright.

As a lofty King, the other party would speak on his own accord if he wished to offer any words of enlightenment. Otherwise, it wasn’t his place as a subordinate to ask about it either.

“Enough! I don’t have time to waste my breath with you. Take those master teachers to a secret chamber and have your men stay away from the area. I don’t want anyone within thirty meters of the chamber while I am interrogating them!” Zhang Xuan roared furiously, turning the other party’s attention away from the previous subject completely.

“Yes!” On the other hand, Tong Yue heaved a sigh of relief when he saw that the Goldenleaf King had no intentions of pursuing the matter. He swiftly left the area to make arrangements, and sometime later, he returned to the room. “Your Highness, I had my men imprison them in the hall just in front.”

“Good.” Zhang Xuan nodded.

“Your Highness, you must be wary. The humans are known to be cunning and scheming, and I fear that they might mean you harm,” Tong Yue advised.

“They are nothing but a bunch of puny insects! They won’t be able to harm me even if I stand on the spot and let them attack!” With his hands behind his back, Zhang Xuan sneered coldly as a powerful aura burst forth from him.

“Yes!” Feeling the incredible power emanated by the other party, Tong Yue’s eyebrows shot up in alarm.

With the strength the other party had displayed, it would take nothing more than a finger for the other party to crush him.

“Tell your men to steer clear. I will be right back!” Harrumphing coldly, Zhang Xuan walked out of the room.

“Yes!” Tong Yue nodded with a lowered head. It was only after the figure before him finally disappeared from sight that he finally turned around with a frown and bellowed, “Men!”

A moment later, an Otherworldly Demon rushed in hurriedly and bowed. “Leader!”

“You, head to the seal right now and check with the personnel stationed there if anyone had arrived today,” Tong Yue commanded.

“Yes!” The Otherworldly Demon quickly nodded before rushing out.

The killing intent and prowess demonstrated by the other party was indeed on par with the Kings, but Tong Yue still felt that there was a need to verify this matter. Too much was at stake, and no mistake could be tolerated.

…

In the hall, Lu Feng and the others were lying feebly on the ground, their bodies bound with heavy shackles. Their cultivation had also been sealed through special means.

“It seems like we won’t be getting out of this alive,” one of the master teachers said with a bitter smile.

“Indeed. The only regret I have is that I did not slay more Otherworldly Demons.” Another old man shook his head and sighed.

“Don’t you think that it is a little bizarre that they are keeping us alive to interrogate us? But regardless of what their intentions are, they sure won’t be getting a single word out of me!” a master teacher spat through gritted teeth.

The Otherworldly Demons and master teachers viewed one another as nemeses. It was perplexing that the Otherworldly Demons would keep them alive even though they served no value at this point.

But even if they were to die, they would never allow themselves to become a traitor of mankind.

One of the elders couldn’t help but ask in curiosity, “Speaking of which… The reason we are here is because our lives are already approaching their limits, but Lu Feng, you still have many years ahead of you. Furthermore, you are the esteemed head of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy’s Apothecary School. Why would a person like you come to the Subterranean Gallery?”

Hearing the question, the others also turned their gazes over.

Under the furious pursuit of the Otherworldly Demons over the past few days, they hadn’t had the luxury of time to chat with one another. At this moment, however, since their fate was already sealed, they wished to at least unravel this mystery before their deaths.

Those who would descend to the Subterranean Gallery were those who had found themselves nearing the end of their paths. However, Lu Feng was not only the head of the number one school in the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy, he was also at Half-Spiritual Perception realm, which meant that it was highly likely he could advance further to Saint realm 2-dan. Why would a person like him with such a bright future ahead descend into the Subterranean Gallery like them?

“This is truly a long story! I can only say that I have erred…” Lu Feng shook his head.

Had he not provoked Zhang Xuan, he wouldn’t have landed himself in such a state.

“What happened? Did someone frame you?” Another master teacher couldn’t help but ask.

“I offended someone that I shouldn’t have, so I voluntarily applied to come down here!” Lu Feng said.

He had encountered many life-threatening situations since arriving here, but he didn’t regret his decision at all.

He was contributing to mankind back when he was an esteemed head of the Apothecary School, and he was also doing the same down here as well. The only difference was that he would die a silent and unsung death.

“You offended someone?” The others were even more perplexed.

Who in the world did the stand-in principal of the Master Teacher Academy, a powerful Half-Spiritual Perception realm expert, offend to have to be forced to come to these desolate grounds?

“Indeed, I offended a student.” Lu Feng nodded.

“A student?” The others were stunned.

You are a member of the Ten Great Master Teachers and the stand-in principal of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy! To be reduced to this state from offending a student… Just what kind of student wields such frightening power?

An elder suddenly thought of something and asked, “Was it… an offspring from one of the Sage Clans?”

“No, he is just an ordinary student from Huanyu Empire,” Lu Feng replied.

“From Huanyu Empire?” The group stared at one another in bewilderment.

A student from a Tier-2 Empire was actually able to force the stand-in principal to enter the Subterranean Gallery? What was going on?

“I knew that you all won’t believe me. To tell you the truth, I have been musing over this matter for the past few days, and I still feel as if I was dreaming!”

Taking everyone’s expression into sight, a bitter smile surfaced on Lu Feng’s lips. “Why don’t I tell you about his deeds after entering the academy? You should be able to understand it after that.”

Shaking his head, Lu Feng began to recount the many things that had happened ever since Zhang Xuan enrolled into the Master Teacher Academy. As the matter regarding Yang shi concerned the privacy of a higher ranked master teacher, he neglected to mention him.

“A twenty-year-old lad challenged Vice School Head You Xu to a Life-and-Death Physician Duel, and the latter actually lost?”

“His lecture actually caused all of the teachers and students to leave the Apothecary School?

“He successfully tamed a Saint realm 2-dan beast at his young age?

“The Master Teacher Academy’s Golden Origin Cauldron acknowledged him as its master after he touched it?”

…

Hearing about the various matters concerning Zhang Xuan had left everyone dumbstruck.

Who could have imagined that a student could actually cause such a huge ruckus within several months of enrolling into the academy?

Was this for real?

“How did you end up offending a genius of such caliber?” one of the master teachers asked.

Such a talent would eventually become the pride and honor of the Hongyuan Master Teacher Academy. Given so, Lu Feng should have been intent on getting on good terms with the other party. Why would he have a conflict with him instead?

“It is because his talents are too formidable that I suspected that he is… a King of the Otherworldly Demonic Tribe. Otherwise, how could a person that young gain such a deep understanding of so many supporting occupations and wield such extraordinary strength?”

At this point, Lu Feng shook his head bitterly and said, “Only a little later did I realize how ridiculous my suspicions were!”

From the moment he met Yang shi, he immediately realized how ludicrous his suspicions that Zhang Xuan was an Otherworldly Demon King were.

How could the student of a Celestial Master Teacher possibly be an Otherworldly Demon? This notion in itself was a huge joke!

“Ridiculous? Why would it be ridiculous? If I was in your place, I would have thought the same as well. After all, no matter how talented a person is, there is a limit to how much he can achieve within a limited period of time. Considering the vast knowledge he has displayed despite only being twenty, it is only natural for one to doubt his origins!”

“I share the same thoughts as well.”

“You were sent here just because you doubted him?”

The other master teachers frowned in indignation for Lu Feng.

Wasn’t it making a big fuss out of nothing to issue such a harsh punish to an esteemed head of the Apothecary School for something as minor as that?

“You don’t understand. Zhang shi is…” Seeing that the others had misunderstood what he was saying, Lu Feng shook his head and began to explain, but at that moment, the doors to the hall abruptly opened, ‘jiya’, and a head popped in through the crack of the door.

A pair of large eyes stared intently at the master teachers.

“Who called for me?”

The bright smile on the large face looked extraordinarily unnerving.