86 Pummeling Zhu Hong 3
Name:Library of Heaven's Path Author:Heng Sao Tian Ya
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"I knew you would react like this!"
Knowing that his three techniques would either be as it is or inverted, Zhu Hong was well-prepared in reacting to both scenarios instantaneously.
As the one who was the fourth in the academy's entrance examination, he had undergone all kinds of major and minor battles. He might have let his guard down toward such a superficial technique, which allowed the enemy to get the better of him. However, now that he was guarded, how could the same trick possibly work again?
Sneering coldly in his mind, he deflected Zheng Yang's finger stab with his right hand, thwarting the enemy's attempt to strike his mingmen. Just at the moment he was about to counterattack, he noticed that Zheng Yang's attack below was actually a feint, and another fist was already right before him, aiming straight at his face.
Peng!
Before he could even react, he was struck squarely by it.
"The heck, how can you be so despicable..."
Retreating two steps consecutively, Zhu Hong's tears flowed down his face.
Zheng Yang's fist was much more formidable than Yuan Tao's. With a single fist, Zhu Hong was already on the verge of fainting.
"Despicable? There is no such thing as despicable in the middle of a battle!"
Zheng Yang couldn't be bothered to continue speaking with him. After getting him with that single blow, he continued pushing ahead. As the finger on his left hand continued to jab at Zhu Hong's mingmen, his other fist kept smashing down on the other party's face.
The two different attacks came straight onto Zhu Hong consecutively. There was no hesitation behind the attacks, not even the slightest pang of conscience.
"You..."
Every time Zhu Hong decided to block, he realized that one of them was a feint. After a few went past his guard, his face had swelled up even further and his vision went blurry. He felt so frustrated and at the same time, stifled that he was on the verge of puking blood.
[Too shameless!
Even if you all know where my mingmen is, there should be no need for you all to constantly assault it, right? It is just like continuously checking a king in chess, is there a point to it? Where's your sportsmanship?
My face is already swollen to such an extent, and yet you still smash on it mercilessly...
Didn't you speak about playing fairly in the duel?
Where is the fairness?
Where is the justice?
You still dared to say not to go overboard... Not to wound the camaraderie among fellow students...
Where the hell is your boundary of going overboard…]
"Stop..."
Knowing that he might die if he continued on like this, Zhu Hong could only suppress the pain he felt in his heart and hurriedly withdrew from the fight, "I admit defeat..."
There was no other choice for him than to admit defeat. The other party knew where his mingmen was, and the crux of it all was that his opponent had no decency at all. Attacking his weak point over and over again, how could he possibly cope with it?
If he wasn't injured, he could have escaped his attacks by utilizing his movement techniques and seeking for another opportunity to counterattack. However, given how he could barely squint through the slits of his swollen eyes, if this were to go on, he might very well die here.
"It is good that you admitted defeat. Zhao Ya, it's your turn..." Zhang Xuan said.
"Please enlighten me!" Zhao Ya walked over. Without even giving the other party time to react, she immediately attacked him frenziedly.
Her attack routine was no different from Zheng Yang's, striking either at Zhu Hong's mingmen or his face.
"..."
"..."
Zhu Hong cried.
"Alright, Wang Ying, give it a try as well!"
After admitting defeat once more, even before he had the time to speak, Wang Ying walked over.
After which, Liu Yang...
Very quickly, each of Zhang laoshi's five students had pummeled him once. At this time, Zhu Hong's eyes were truly narrowed to only that of a slit, making him not much different from a blind person.
"Alright, hurry up and pay up. 1000 for each of us here, and taking into account the cost of the door as well, a total of 10000!"
Yuan Tao walked forward.
"10000? There are only five of you here, how can it possibly add up to 10000?" Zhu Hong was about to go insane.
"Our door costs 5000!" Yuan Tao declared.
"5000?" Zhu Hong's tears streamed freely down his face.
[A hundred gold coins can probably be exchanged for five of these broken doors, and yet you are claiming 5000 gold coins from me as reparation fee? Even scammers don't scam others like that!]
"It's fine if you don't want to pay. Zhang laoshi, the few of us would still like to spar with this expert who was placed fourth in the entrance examination, I hope that teacher can grant our request!" Zheng Yang said.
"Alright, but you mustn't go overboard when sparring among fellow students!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head seriously.
"Mustn't go overboard? Forget it... There's no need for it, I will pay for it, is that enough?"
Hearing Zhang laoshi replying with the words he said a moment ago, the edges of Zhu Hong's mouth twitched. How could he possibly dare to retort at a time like this? He quickly retrieved 10000 dollar notes over.
He could feel his heart bleeding as he watched the other party take the notes from his hands.
...
He might be from a wealthy family, but 10000 gold coins were around what he had saved throughout these years. For him to lose all of his fortunes here because of this war letter...
As though afraid that he might be pummeled to death, Zhu Hong swiftly escaped after paying the sum.
A moment ago, he charged in here arrogantly, acting as though he was superior to everyone else. Yet, never would he have expected that he would be beaten to such a state.
"Teacher..."
The moment Zhu Hong left, Zheng Yang, Yuan Yao and the others stared at their Zhang laoshi, who was sitting at the center of the room, with eyes filled with reverence!
The main reason why they were able to defeat Zhu Hong was thanks to the three movements that he had imparted them.
To allow them to defeat a stronger adversary with just a few casual pointers, it was as though he knew what kinds of battle techniques the other party would use. How did he manage to achieve such an incredible feat?
.....................
"Lu laoshi, do you think that Zhang Xuan will accept your challenge?"
Elder Hong Hao chuckled as he stroked his beard.
[Now that Lu Xun laoshi has made a move, Zhang Xuan is surely in for a ride of misfortune. It is just a matter of time before his students are taken over, leaving him without a student under his tutelage once more.]
"It doesn't matter whether he accepts it or not. If I don't show him the consequences of stealing my students, how can I, Lu Xun, uphold my dignity in Hongtian Academy?" Lu Xun laoshi harrumphed coldly.
"That's right!" Elder Hong Hao nodded his head. Just as he was about to continue speaking, he saw a fellow with a completely swollen face, similar to that of a pig, walking in.
"Lu laoshi, please redress my grievances..."
The moment the person walked in, he started to bawl.
"You are..."
Lu Xun was a little startled by the unfamiliar visitor.
"I am Zhu Hong..." The visitor took another 10000 points of damage.
"Zhu Hong? Didn't I just send you to deliver the war letter? How did you land yourself in such a state?"
Hearing the other party identifying himself, Lu Xun took a closer glance and found certain traces of Zhu Hong on the other party's face. Surprised, he couldn't help but ask.
[How did you get into such a state just by sending a war letter?]
"I was beaten up..."
Zhu Hong's tears gushed down from his eyes.
"Zhang Xuan actually paid no regards to his identity as a teacher and attacked you?" Lu Xun's face suddenly darkened. He abruptly stood up and a powerful aura burst forth within the classroom.
He had already opened dozens of acupoints and was a true-blue Pixue realm expert.
No wonder he was a star teacher, his strength was already befitting for the position of an elder within the academy.
Zhu Hong was the fourth strongest student among the freshmen, as assessed during the entrance examination. Even though this ranking system wasn't completely indicative his fighting prowess, it still reflected his exceptional ability among the freshmen.
There were no veteran students under Zhang Xuan's tutelage. The only one who could have possibly left him in such a state was Zhang laoshi himself!
"It's... the students under his tutelage... Zhang laoshi... didn't have a move!"
Zhu Hong's face blushed crimson in embarrassment.
"Student? You mean Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang and the rest?" Since Lu Xun had already challenged the other party, he sent some students out to look into the students under Zhang Xuan and realized that the students under him in this semester were, surprisingly, not that bad. "They ganged up together against you? That isn't right. Their placings in the entrance examinations weren't too bad, but I have already guided you in your training personally. Your cultivation is just a step from breaking through into the next realm. Even if they were to gang up on you, they shouldn't be a match for you!"
The strength of Zhao Ya and the others weren't too bad, but this Zhu Hong was significantly stronger than them. These two days, Lu Xun had spent quite a bit of effort on him as well. In terms of individual fighting ability, there shouldn't be anyone beneath Fighter 2-dan who should be a match for him. Even if the few of them were to gang up against him, Zhu Hong should still be more than a match for them!
How did he get beaten up to such a state in a short moment's time?
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Chapter 87: Is He Really The Worst Teacher?
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
"Initially, they weren't a match for me when they ganged up on me... However, at this moment, Zhang laoshi came in. He taught them three movements and somehow, every one of them seemed to have powered up suddenly. The first one to fight me was Yuan Tao..."
Zhu Hong explained everything that had just happened previously once. He even demonstrated the three movements which Zhang Xuan had imparted them.
Hearing his story and looking at the three movements Zhu Hong demonstrated to them, Lu Xun and Elder Hong Hao stared at one another in disbelief. They doubted if their ears were playing tricks on them, and their complexion looked as awful as one afflicted by constipation.
"You mean to say... the Yuan Tao who was the ranked the last in the entrance examination? Just these three moves and yet... You weren't a match for him?"
[You must be jesting with us!
The results of the investigation that just came in earlier contained Yuan Tao's information as well. His parents died when he was young, and he had never learned any battle techniques or cultivation techniques. The only strength he had was his thick skin, granting him powerful defensive abilities. Even so, he scored the last in the entrance examination, thus clearly indicating his level of ability as compared to his peers. How can someone like that defeat an expert like you who was ranked fourth?
Do you have to be so exaggerated?]
Furthermore, after taking a look at those three movements, they had confirmed that they were trash. Could those movements even be considered a battle technique?
Even if the other party were to use it inversely, swapping their left and right, it should mean nothing at all!
"He despicably..."
Zhu Hong recounted the happenings in the battle detailedly with a pained look.
"Looks like your mingmen was exposed, those three movements were only a distraction to attract your attention. Their main goal was your mingmen!" Lu Xun came to a realization after the other party recounted the entire incident.
This student of his was too careless.
Mingmen was the location where the strength of a cultivator gathers. It was the core of a cultivator's strength, and one had to guard it properly. For him to allow his mingmen to be seen through so easily, he was truly too negligent.
Finding an opponent's mingmen didn't mean that one can defeat him with hundred percent possibility. After all, battles weren't just simple math, it involved one's reaction speed and ability to adapt to sudden situations. However, when two people of similar cultivation level were to fight with one another, it was still a dangerous scenario if the opponent were to locate one's mingmen.
"It is impossible for those students of his to find your mingmen and exploit that flaw of yours. It seems that this Zhang Xuan laoshi isn't simple. Initially, I thought that it would be a simple and meaningless win. However, from the looks of it, things aren't as they seem on the surface. Interesting!"
As expected of the academy's star teacher, Lu Xun swiftly analyzed the crux of the issue.
[Mingmen is a weakness of all cultivators. Usually, one would guard it properly, making it difficult for others to locate it. Furthermore, even if one were to locate an opponent's mingmen, if one doesn't have the sufficient strength to stand up against one's opponent, it is still difficult for one to achieve a victory.
It is as though giving an ordinary human a dagger. Even though the human knows that the other party would die with a single stab through his heart, he is still unable to defeat a boxing expert.
If the few students of Zhang Xuan could see through his mingmen beforehand, they would have won against Zhu Yang from the very start. It is apparent that Zhang Xuan had told them of it in secret.]
"However, it matters not. I will find a way for you to break through to Fighter 2-dan now. Once you succeed, your mingmen will move and by then, you will be able to exact your vengeance!"
Waving his hand grandly, Lu Xun consoled him.
A cultivator's mingmen didn't stay at the same location. Depending on one's cultivation technique, cultivation realm and battle technique, their mingmen would be in different locations.
At this moment, Zhu Hong's mingmen was by his waist. Once he broke through Fighter 1-dan, his mingmen would move to another point. By then, he would be able to completely neglect those petty tricks of theirs.
It was rumored that those who cultivate an incredible cultivation technique, upon reaching a certain powerful realm, would not have any mingmen or weakness. It was impossible to find even if one were to jab every single spot of their body.
"Yes!"
Zhu Hong nodded his head.
"A while later, I will look for Elder Shang Chen to ascertain the nominal roll for the competition. Cultivate properly and don't disappoint me. When the time comes, I will allow you to exact vengeance with your own hands!"
"Thank you, Lu laoshi!" Motivated, Zhu Hong regained his confidence once more.
"Right, Elder Hong Hao, don't you have a good relationship with Elder Shang Chen? It should be much more efficient for you to deal with a trash teacher like Shang Chen by knocking on the Education Bureau than looking for me!"
Upon recalling Elder Shang Chen, Lu Xun couldn't help but look at him doubtfully.
Back then, Elder Hong Hao was a serious contender for the position of the academy's principal. He had amiable relations with many elders and Shang Chen was one of them.
Logically speaking, if he really had something against Zhang Xuan, wouldn't getting the Education Bureau to make a move be much more convenient than seeking for his assistance?
"Actually, it isn't convenient for the Education Bureau to make a move under such circumstances. After all, we can't forcefully pull a student away from his teacher! If we were to do so and he complains up to the Teacher Guild, saying that he has been oppressed, wouldn't the matter just blow big?" Elder Hong Hao replied.
If a student were to acknowledge a teacher by their own will, even the Education Bureau had no rights to interfere in their choices.
Most importantly, in his eyes, Zhang Xuan was nothing more than a trash who had scored zero for his Teacher Qualification Examination. If so, was there a need to look for the head of the Education Bureau?
He would be making a mountain out of a molehill! [1]
Of course, he couldn't say such words out loud. Otherwise, Lu Xun laoshi would find his actions disrespectful.
Actually, given Lu Xun's wits, it was likely that he had already guessed the truth.
If it wasn't for two of his students being poached from his side, he wouldn't be bothered to interfere in these matters, needless to say, propose a Teacher Evaluation against Zhang Xuan!
As the both of them was in the midst of chatting, they suddenly spotted a young man walked over with widened strides.
"Lu Xun..."
Before the young man reached the duo, he had already shouted out Lu Xun's name.
"Oh, it's Wang laoshi. What are you doing here?" Lu Xun smiled.
The one who came was the other star teacher of the academy, Wang Chao!
The spear expert whom Zheng Yang wanted to acknowledge as his teacher!
"Elder Hong Hao!" Upon reaching, Wang Chao noticed Hong Hao, who was sitting beside Lu Xun, and bowed. After which, he hurriedly turned to look at Lu Xun and asked, "Have you heard about the happenings with the Education Bureau?"
"Heard of what?" Lu Xun was puzzled.
"You don't know about it? Elder Shang Chen has been stripped of his position and is currently undergoing investigation!" Wang Chao exclaimed. "The Teacher Guild has just passed down the orders!"
"Elder Shang Chen has been stripped of his position and is undergoing investigation? What's going on?"
Not only was Lu Xun in a state of disbelief, even Elder Hong Hao was taken aback by this sudden news.
[How can the head of Hongtian Academy's Education Bureau be stripped of his position and undergo investigation all of a sudden without any forewarning?]
"It is rumored that he had oppressed a teacher and lacked impartiality in his actions. Some also say that he was unfair when conducting the Enlightenment Will Trial. Anyway, the Teacher Guild had been informed of these matters and he was immediately stripped of his position!"
Wang Chao said.
Cao Xiong had caused quite a ruckus when he applied for the Enlightenment Will Trial, so quite a few teachers knew about it.
"Oppress? Lack impartiality? Which teacher is so formidable to be able to prompt the Teacher Guild to make a move and drag Elder Shang Chen off his authoritative position?"
Lu Xun couldn't help but comment.
Elder Shang Chen might just be a head of Education Bureau, but he had a powerful backing. Several elders in the Teacher Guild were his friends, so overthrowing him, not to mention doing it so thoroughly, should be an extremely difficult task!
Elder Hong Hao could also infer that much, and he was curious to know which influential figure it is to be capable of wielding such power.
"According to the rumors, it is that trash of a teacher in our academy... Zhang Xuan!" Wang Chao pondered for a moment before replying their doubts.
"Zhang Xuan? How is that possible?"
In that instant, as though their tails have been stepped on, Elder Hong Hao and Lu Xun leapt up simultaneously. Their eyes were widened to complete circles and they felt as though the world was going mad.
Just by eating a few food, he was able to topple an established tavern with more than a decade of history behind it. Also, he was able to impel students to withdraw from the tutelage of the academy's number one teacher. Furthermore, just casually teaching his students, his students were able to beat the fourth-ranked freshman up into a pighead. Lastly, and the most shocking of all, he was able to topple the head of the Education Bureau, Shang Chen...
Zhang Xuan, was he really the worst teacher in the academy?
[1] This phrase is an idiomatic expression that means making a big deal out of a small issue.
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Chapter 88: Apothecary Guild
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
"Alright, let's stop lessons here today. When you go back, cultivate based on what I have taught you all today. I don't wish to lose in the Teacher Evaluation half a month later! I also wish that your thoughts are the same as me!"
After talking a little more about cultivation in the classroom, Zhang Xuan waved his hands to signal the end of the lesson.
After interacting with the others these two days, he was gradually getting used to his profession as a teacher, and the disposition of a teacher slowly built on him.
"Yes, Zhang laoshi!"
Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang and the others clenched their fists with reddened faces.
After the previous incident, they knew that Lu Xun laoshi had challenged Zhang laoshi and they were the stakes in this challenge.
If it was two days ago, they would have gone insomniac over the excitement of being able to come under Lu laoshi's tutelage. However, at this moment, they were absolutely unwilling to acknowledge anyone except for Zhang Xuan as their teacher, even if they were beaten to death!
He was able to see through the flaws on them with a single glance, treat the disabilities of Zhao Ya, Wang Ying and the others, whip out profound cultivation techniques on a whim and even helping them find Zhu Hong's mingmen, allowing them to easily achieve a victory over him. Zhang laoshi seemed to possess a unique charm, causing them to be astonished and impressed at the same time, making it difficult for them think of anything else.
"Goodbye, teacher!"
The few of them left the classroom.
"You said that Zhang laoshi was able to strike 55 ding with a single punch?"
"Even Bai Xun xiao wangye was trying to seek guidance from him?"
The moment they walked out of the classroom, the crowd couldn't help but to question Liu Yang about the happenings in the Enlightenment Will Trial today.
Liu Yang didn't hide anything and revealed everything that had happened.
When the crowd heard that Zhang laoshi actually possessed the strength of a Pixue realm expert, the astonishment in every single one of their eyes could not possibly be faked. In that instant, their eyes glowed in reverence.
When they heard about the shameless doings of the Education Bureau, every single one of them felt so indignant for Zhang Xuan that they were about to erupt from the rage welling in them.
"Everyone, Lu Xun laoshi's challenge is actually a good opportunity for us to cleanse Zhang laoshi's reputation!" After recounting the happenings in the Enlightenment Will Tower, Liu Yang scanned the faces of his fellow peers before continuing, "Thus, I hope that all of us would train properly this half a month so as to win glory and honor for our teacher, as well as to forge a reputation for ourselves!"
"Indeed, Zhang laoshi is noble and magnanimous, so he might not be bothered with the slander of these despicable people. However, as his students, we have the responsibility to right his reputation!"
Zhao Ya's beautiful eyes were twinkling, and a resolute gleam could be seen within it.
"I agree as well!" The dense Wang Ying also gritted her teeth in anger.
Zhang laoshi had healed her legs for her, even specially creating a cultivation technique for her. Even if she were to crush her bones into powder, it would be hard for her to repay this gratitude.
"Count us in!"
Yuan Tao and Zheng Yang stepped forward as well.
"It's a promise then. This half a month, we will give our all into our training. Then, during the Freshmen Tournament, we will make those who looked down on Zhang laoshi see..." Unwavering determination reflected in Liu Yang's eyes. With a slow but powerful voice, he said, "... that his students are the best!"
"The battle half a month later..."
Unaware of his students' blazing morale, at this moment, Zhang Xuan was seated in the staff room. A frown so deep that lumps formed could be seen on his face.
He didn't worry much about Zhao Ya and Wang Ying. Given their strong foundations, accompanied with the cultivation techniques that he has imparted them, their strength would definitely make a big leap half a month later. As for Zheng Yang and Liu Yang, they possessed acceptable talent and they were ambitious as well. As long they were properly guided, it wasn't a problem for their strength to soar. However, Yuan Tao remained a factor of anxiety for him.
[This fellow is a wandering cultivator. He has no backing or connections whatsoever. In fact, he never really came into contact with cultivation techniques before, so it would be difficult for him to improve swiftly within half a month.]
"Unless his Ancient Emperor Bloodline awakens!"
A thought flashed through his mind.
He had checked Yuan Tao's condition with the Library of Heaven's Path a few days ago. He had confirmed that he possesses the Ancient Emperor Bloodline. As long as it was awakened, regardless of whether it was Yuan Tao's level of cultivation, his defense or speed, they would all rise exponentially.
This seemed to be the only plausible method for his strength to rise swiftly.
"But how can the Emperor Bloodline be awakened?"
The answer of his problem brought about another problem.
The Emperor Bloodline was a type of bloodline passed down from the ancient times and it was incomparably valuable. There were sporadic records of it and most of those who know of it only knew of its name. Most probably, there wasn't a single person in Tianxuan Kingdom who knew how to awaken it.
"There are normally three methods to awaken a person's unique constitution. Firstly, continue training the conventional method. Once one reaches a certain level, it is possible for their unique constitution to be awakened! This is the most reliable but lengthiest method. In fact, most people died even before they got a chance to awaken their potential! Secondly, one can also check the nature of the unique constitution and consume a pill corresponding to the attribute of the body. With powerful medicinal effects, there is a certain level of possibility for one to successfully awaken their unique constitution!"
"Thirdly, forcefully awakening one's potential through special experiences, such as death or poison. There was an expert whose unique constitution awoke after his body was slashed over seventy times consecutively. There was also another one who, after being poisoned, bled from the seven apertures of his body. After losing his breath for three days, his unique constitution awoke and he successfully resurrected."
With a jolt in his mind, a book regarding unique constitutions floated into his mind and a few methods of awakening them were written on it.
After taking a look at it, dark lines appeared on Zhang Xuan's face.
[The first and the second method is still acceptable, but what the heck is the third method?
Either death or poison? What if one fails to awaken their unique constitution after being consecutively stabbed seventy times or consuming lethal poison and bleeding from their seven apertures? If so, wouldn't they really die for sure?]
"Looks like only the second method is viable!"
He rubbed his glabella.
The third method was definitely out of question. On the other hand, with only half a month, the first method could not be relied on either. After thinking about it, it seemed that only the second method was the feasible one.
"Since that's the case, I should head over to the Apothecary Guild to take a look. Perhaps, I might find some suitable pills to awaken Yuan Tao's Emperor Bloodline and Zhao Ya's Pure Yin Body!"
Standing up, he walked out of the staff room.
If Zhao Ya and Yuan Tao were to awaken their unique constitutions, it was definite that their cultivation realm would soar.
Almost all of the occupations of the Upper Nine Paths have their own alliance organization, such as the Teacher Guild, Blacksmith and Appraiser Guild, Formation Master Guild, Beast Tamer Guild and such.
The apothecaries were no different as well.
As one of the unique occupations in the continent, even though apothecaries paled slightly in comparison to master teachers, they were still of esteemed standing and it was an occupation many looked forward to. After all, there wasn't a single cultivator who didn't want to break through his current realm, and didn't get injured. Most of the time, a cultivator would require the help of an apothecary to solve these problems of theirs.
The pills that they forged boost the medicinal properties of the herbs, thus creating a greater effect on the cultivators.
That's precisely the reason why the Apothecary Guild was extremely crowded. Every day, crowds of people would gather in there for inquiries and procurement of medicine.
Zhang Xuan's previous self had never been there before. However, as one of the greatest power within the kingdom, he still knew the rough position of it.
After walking along the streets for an hour, he arrived at his destination.
A magnificent building, as though a massive church. A board hung on top of the entrance, and two majestic words were carved on it, Apothecary Guild!
Without much hesitation, Zhang Xuan walked in.
A vast lounge appeared before him the moment he entered. The interiors of the Apothecary Guild was bustling with people walking to and fro.
"I should either inquire with an apothecary or look up books on pills if I want to know what kinds of pills can awaken the Emperor Bloodline and Pure Yin Body!"
Zhang Xuan's main goal for coming here was to look into this matter rather than to purchase pills. There were only two methods for him to fulfill his objective here.
However, he didn't know a single person in the Apothecary Guild, and it wasn't suitable for him to ask about it from others. In fact, even if he were to have an acquaintance here, it was unlikely for the other party to have heard of it! After all, Emperor Bloodline and Pure Yin Body were extremely rare constitutions.
On the other hand, looking for a specific information among countless books might be like searching for a needle in the middle of a deep ocean for the others, but for Zhang Xuan, who possesses the cheat known as the Library of Heaven's Path, the situation was vastly different.
Thus, making up his mind, he walked forward to the reception of the Apothecary Guild.
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Chapter 89: Wen Xue's Rage
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
Wen Xue was a receptionist at the front desk of the Apothecary Guild. Her greatest wish was to become an apothecary. However, it was a pity that she was lacking in talent and even after numerous tries, she still had yet to pass the examination to become an apprentice.
Helpless, she could only work at the front desk while trying her best to study.
Working as a receptionist at the front desk of the Apothecary Guild might seem like nothing, but the income was truly not bad. She would get a commission on every pill sold and while the commission isn't a large sum, the more pills were sold, the more she would earn. Thus, her salary in a single year tend to be six or seven times of those working in the same job.
However, despite the generous pay, she didn't want to stay in this job for a single day longer. It wasn't because of the difficulty of the job but rather... her outer appearance.
She was in her early twenties, the pinnacle of her youth and beauty. Furthermore, her parents had gifted her with a spectacular face. While it might not be top-notch, it could be considered as one in a hundred.
Being beautiful should have been a blessing. As long as one was a woman, one would be proud of it. However, it would be a totally different matter if the woman were to work here. Often having to stand in the frontlines in receiving customers, countless young masters of distinguished families would intentionally run over here to chat her up, coming up with all kinds of ridiculous demands.
There were even a few who were incredibly persistent, visiting her every single day and using every single trick in the book, leaving her incredibly annoyed.
However, as a salesperson, she wasn't allowed to chase them away. If she were to do so and her pursuers claimed that they were only here to purchase pills, she would be in for a lot of trouble!
"Let's hope that I will not meet those shameless flies today!"
Muttering under her breath, she tidied up her uniform and stood at the reception with a smile. Soon afterward, a young man walked over.
This young man didn't seem too old, probably below twenty. His complexion was well-maintained, smooth and radiant even when compared to hers.
"Mister, is there anything that you need?"
Wen Xue flashed a business-like smile at him.
"Do you all... sell books here? Those kind about the effects of pills that awaken unique constitutions!" the young man said.
The young man was Zhang Xuan.
As his previous self had never been here, he didn't know how the Apothecary Guild worked, so he could only inquire at the front reception.
"Please head to the bookstore if you wish to purchase books, this is the Apothecary Guild!"
Upon hearing the other party's words, the smile Wen Xue was hanging on her face collapsed and her complexion turned awful.
[Even if you want to hit on me, you should be more professional about it!
Asking about books at the Apothecary Guild... Why don't you buy shoes at a restaurant?]
"No, that's not it. I am here to look for books on the effects of pills, such books surely cannot be found in the bookstore!" Not noticing the sudden changes that have occurred with the attitude of the female receptionist, Zhang Xuan contemplated for a moment before asking again.
[Since you want to put on a show, I will quietly watch your monologue!]
With her arms akimbo, Wen Xue's eyes emanated cold intent.
Seeing the other party remaining silent to his words, Zhang Xuan thought that she did not understand his words. Thus, he continued explaining, "Actually, I want to look for pills that can awaken unique constitutions. However, I am unsure of the herbs that are compatible with them so I would like to browse through some books. Do you have any of them here? I am willing to buy them off you, or else... just borrowing them to take a look is fine as well!"
"I have already said, there isn't any!"
[Now that I'm ignoring you, you become even more aggressive?
Buying books and borrowing books... Do you think that you can fool a girl with such old lines?]
Wen Xue has already decided that this fellow is here to cause trouble to attract her attention.
Otherwise, who would run to the Apothecary Guild to buy books? Wasn't he looking for a beating like this?
At this moment, Zhang Xuan noticed the snappish attitude of the other party. He couldn't help but be bewildered by her queer actions.
He didn't offend her, so why would she behave like this?
"It might be menopause!" Shaking his head, he didn't allow the issue to linger in his mind. As a civilized and wise transcender, he couldn't be bothered to squabble with a woman over such a minor affair.
If Wen Xue were to know of his thoughts, she would surely be driven mad.
[I am just 20, okay! You are the one who is having menopause…]
"How about this, the Apothecary Guild should have a book collection vault right? Can you bring me over to take a look?"
Know that it was impossible to explain his way through the matter, Zhang Xuan mused for a moment and arrived at a solution.
Regardless of whether it was the Teacher Guild or Apothecary Guild, they were established for the convenience for of the respective occupations. Thus, it was natural for them to have a book collection vault in the buildings so that those treading on the path of these unique occupations and continue to study and improve.
Even if the other party was unwilling to sell these books to him, as long as he was able to take a look around the book collection vault, he should be able to achieve his goals.
"Book collection vault? You still wish to enter the book collection vault?"
Seeing how the request of the fellow before her was getting more and more ludicrous, Wen Xue spoke in a sharp tone, "If you aren't here to buy pills, please leave!"
"Why, you are banning people from entering the book collection vault? How much money does it take to enter it? It is not like I am unwilling to pay for the entry!" Zhang Xuan was displeased.
Was there something wrong with this woman?
He was just here to inquire about some matter, and yet the other party reacted as though she had eaten gunpowder or something.
Upon hearing the other party acting haughtily the way young masters of distinguished families do, viewing money as though dirt, Wen Xue was even more repulsed. "So what if you have money! Do you think that money makes the world go round? Let me tell you the truth, the Apothecary Guild does have a book collection vault and it is split into basic and advanced tiers. Even the basic tier book collection vault requires one to be an apprentice apothecary before he is able to enter. Are you an apothecary? Or are you an apprentice apothecary?"
"Apprentice apothecary?"
Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment before coming to a realization.
He didn't know much about the Apothecary Guild, but at the very least, he knew about the situation in the academy. The students have a Compendium Pavilion of their own and the teachers another one of their own, and the latter required a teaching license to enter.
Otherwise, if everyone was allowed to browse through as they please, then those secret manuals could no longer be referred to as such.
Furthermore, browsing through them was one thing, but if a student were to fancy a cultivation technique written in one of the books and cultivate it on a whim, who could they push the responsibility to if his cultivation were to go berserk?
The Apothecary Guild should be the same as well. The rationale behind splitting the book collection vault into the basic and advanced tier and limiting the access to it to only those who have reached a certain standard was to prevent people from getting greedy and only pick out bits and pieces of it to form incomplete knowledge, which could prove to be dangerous. At the same time, they could also prevent the secret manuals from leaking out.
"Apprentice apothecary... I am not it, but can anyone take the examinations?"
He was just an ordinary teacher who had never learned pill forging before. As such, it was impossible for him to be an apprentice apothecary. However, these were all just titles which one could take a test for, and to become a master teacher, he needed to accumulate even more knowledge.
"Examination? You wish to take the test to become an apprentice apothecary?" At this moment, Wen Xue, who was absolutely certain that the other fellow is here to hit on her, seethed in anger. Seeing how the other party was continuing on with his facade and even declaring his intention to take the examination to become an apprentice apothecary, she could no longer suppress her rage any further. "Fine! The test is over there, I will take you over right now!"
[Aren't you good at acting?
I will bring you over right now, let's see whether you can continue acting like this!]
Even though it was just an examination for an apprentice apothecary, it was similar to an assistant master teacher selection in the sense that it required one go through numerous trials, assessed on all kinds of basic knowledge an apothecary had to know. She had already taken the test for numerous years now, only to fail dismally. [Yet, you, a playboy who has never gone for any lessons for the apprentice examinations or read any books on medicinal herbs or pill forging, hope to take the test as well?
What kind of joke is this?
Hmph, if I don't expose your fraud and humiliate you in public, you might just take me as an easy target!]
Wen Xue's lips pouted as she harrumphed coldly.
"The test is over there?"
"Why? Chickening out?"
Wen Xue sneered coldly.
"Great!" Seeing the other party behave as though she had eaten gunpowder, Zhang Xuan shook his head. Just as he was about to follow behind her, he suddenly looked over with an awkward expression. "Examination... What contents are tested in the apprentice apothecary examination? Do I have to read any books?"
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Chapter 90: Examination Hall
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
"You..."
It was one thing if she didn't hear those words. Now, upon hearing these words, Wen Xue felt as though someone was beating on her chest and she was on the verge of erupting.
[Hitting on me? I will tolerate it! Your intentional rambling? I will tolerate it as well... However, to win my favor, you should at least feign to be knowledgeable!
You claim to want to be an apprentice apothecary, yet you are unaware of the basic contents that are being tested, not even knowing what books to read... Do you dare to shout those words out any louder?]
"Why? You also don't know? Fine, I will ask someone else then!"
Seeing the intense movements at her chest as though it was a ventilation fan, Zhang Xuan felt a little indignant and depressed.
[What is wrong with this lady? If you know about it, just explain it to me. Why do you have to make a big fuss over everything as though you just had a seizure?]
Seeing how the other party was behaving as though saying 'if you don't know anything, don't confuse me', Wen Xue almost turned insane.
[Fine, continue putting on your facade then! We will see in a while how you embarrass yourself!]
"In the examination to become an apprentice apothecary, one has to remember the medicinal properties of over a hundred thousands of medicinal herbs, as well as the history and founding of apothecaries..." Forcefully suppressing the rage from erupting, Wen Xue started to explain.
Apothecary was a job that involves medicinal herb. If one was incapable of even identifying and differentiating the herbs, how could one forge pills?
The continent was vast and boundless. There were countless medicinal herbs in it, and even though hundred thousand might seem like a huge quantity, it could only be considered as the basics. Despite accompanying medicinal herbs their entire life, some apothecaries were still unable to recognize quite a few of them, needless to say, the apprentices.
"Just these? That's simple! Where can I find books on medicinal herbs? I will take a look on them right now!" Upon hearing the explanation, Zhang Xuan was taken aback by the simplicity of the examination.
As long as there were books on it, the Library of Heaven's Path was able to compile books inside his head and be stored in his brain as his knowledge.
As long as only these contents were tested, the examination could be considered as easy to him.
After all, this was an ability much more incredible than photographic memory.
"Simple?"
The corner of Wen Xue's mouth twitched. If not in consideration of the fact that the other party was a customer and she was only a receptionist, she would have long assaulted him.
Just remembering hundred thousand medicinal herbs was an extremely daunting task! Furthermore, every single medicinal herb had different traits and different reactions would arise when different medicinal herbs were mixed with a specific medicinal herb. Even though Wen Xue self-acknowledged that she had a good memory, she was still unable to remember them all even after several years and she would easily get confused between the different herbs during the examination.
[He, a playboy who only knows how to flirt with girls, actually said that the test is easy?
Act, continue acting! I'll see how you intend on wrapping up the situation later!]
"There are books on sale at where the apprentice apothecary examination is held. Come with me!"
Upon coming to a conclusion that the other party was intentionally bragging to capture her attention, Wen Xue's rage calmed down slightly. Sneering coldly, she led Zhang Xuan over.
Soon, they arrived at a spacious room. At the top, two words 'Examination Hall' was written. A middle-aged man was sitting by the entrance while reading a book.
The examination hall was a place where apprentice apothecaries were being tested. As such, outsiders were usually forbidden from entering the premises.
This middle-aged man was also one of those who wished to become an apprentice apothecary. Even after persisting for over twenty years, he had still yet to succeed. Similar to Wen Xue, he was studying alongside his work.
For someone to be unable to pass the examination even after twenty years, the difficulty of the examination was clear to see.
"Uncle Li!" Wen Xue stopped before the middle-aged man and greeted him.
"You're here. Are you here to buy books or for the examination?"
The middle-aged man named Uncle Li raised his head and smiled.
"Not me, it is this mister over here. He says that he wishes to take the apprentice apothecary examination!" Sneering coldly in her mind, Wen Xue pointed to Zhang Xuan.
[Didn't you say that you want to take the examination? Fine, I will register you right now. Let's see how you intend to resolve the situation given how ignorant you are!]
...
[The questions for the examination are brainstormed by the apothecaries themselves. Yet, you dare to charge in here despite not knowing anything at all? This is equivalent to challenging their dignity. Let's see how you cry after you incur their wrath…]
"You wish to take the examination?"
The middle-aged man looked at Zhang Xuan and frowned.
He had studied for twenty years and yet, he had yet to pass the examination. This fellow looked barely eighteen to nineteen and he intended to take the examination?
"Yes!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
Only when he became an apprentice apothecary could he enter the Apothecary Guild's basic tier library to browse their books. Without a choice, he could only give it a try.
If the other two were to know of his thoughts, they would definitely spurt blood and die from excessive blood loss.
[All of us study every day to memorize those contents, spending several decades of efforts only to end in vain. Yet, despite not reading a single book, you intend to go for the examination, not to mention just to give it a try... Are you sure it is okay to be acting cool like this?]
"The registration fee is 2000 gold coins. If you pass the examination, the money will be refunded to you. However, if you fail, the money will be the Apothecary Guild's! This is to prevent others from wasting resources here despite not knowing anything at all!"
Upon seeing him confirm his intention, the middle-aged Uncle Li mentioned the rules for the registration of the examination.
"Alright!" Zhang Xuan casually whipped out two-thousand dollar notes and passed it over.
After the treasure speculation and the incident with the scammer Yang Mo, he had earned quite a wealth. 2000 gold coins meant nothing much to him.
"As expected, he is a rich playboy!"
Seeing him hand over the money so casually without a shred of hesitation, Wen Xue was even more ascertain of her judgement.
2000 gold coins. If it was them, they would have to work for quite a period of time before they could whip out such a sum. This fellow was obviously doing this to catch her attention. To hand over this sum of money so easily, what could he be if not a playboy?
However, it was a pity that he used the money incorrectly. Not only would it not generate the effects he had intended, he would also become a laughingstock!
"Un!" Taking the money over, Uncle Li nodded his head and passed a personal particulars form to Zhang Xuan. After which, he said, "It just happens that there is an examination that will be held today. However, there is still four hours before its start, so you just have to return within four hours!"
"Four hours?"
A trip from the academy toward here took an entire two hours, so naturally, he couldn't head back now. Looking at the middle-aged man, he asked, "Is there any books for those taking the apprentice apothecary examination? Can I take a look at them here?"
"You wish to do a last moment sharpening of your knowledge? Sure! That room is full of books so you can feel free to pick any book of your choice! However, studying four hours from the examination seems a little too late!"
As he spoke, Uncle Li pointed towards Zhang Xuan's back.
Turning around to take a look, he saw a huge collection of books filling up dozens of bookshelves behind him. From the looks of it, there were at least ten thousand books over there.
"So many?"
It was no wonder that the apprentice apothecary examination wasn't easy. Just finishing these books were enough to tire a person to death, needless to say, remember them!
"I will just take a casual look. I won't be buying any of it..." At which, Zhang Xuan walked into the room.
To him, there was no point in purchasing books. Just by flipping through it, he was able to imprint the knowledge into the library to become his own, so there's no use in buying them.
"Seems like you are quite tolerant. Today, I will go all out with you, let's see how long you can keep up your facade for!"
Seeing how the other party walking in and saying that he would take a look even after seeing so many books stacked on the bookshelves, Wen Xue didn't leave and instead, sneered coldly at his back.
To tell the truth, she had seen many shameless people, but she had never seen such a shameless person!
...
[Despite not knowing anything at all, he brazenly registers himself for the apprentice apothecary examination. Not only so, he still publicly declares that he is going to study...
If it wasn't to put on an act, anyone who sees the amount of book on the bookshelf would feel a little conscience-stricken upon seeing that number of books and think that it is an impossible mission!
Nearly ten thousand books... It takes nearly half a day just to move them all, needless to say, to read them.
Since you are so shameless, I will quietly watch by the side at how you will continue to act cool.
Even if my wage today is deducted, I must see you make a fool out of yourself!
Let's see how you will deal with the embarrassment four hours from now!]
Wen Xue's wrath had been incurred quite a fair bit, and she intended to go until the end with that fellow.
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Chapter 91: Three Rounds of Examination
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
In his previous life, Zhang Xuan was a bachelor and had never dated anyone. Thus, he was incapable of guessing the thoughts of a woman, needless to say, fathom that he had infuriated the receptionist Wen Xue to the verge of exploding in a mere ten minutes.
However, even if he were to know, it didn't make a difference.
[After all, beauty cannot be eaten anyway. Besides, you are thousands of miles off in comparison with Shen laoshi and Huang Yu, so where does your self-confidence come from?]
At this moment, he didn't have any spare effort to be thinking about these though. After walking into the room, he headed to the first row of the bookshelves, casually grabbed a dozen of books and lightly flipped through them. After which, he hurriedly placed them back in position before doing the same with another dozen of books.
Hualala! Hualala!
Along with the ceaseless sound of book flipping, books were swiftly being compiled in the Library of Heaven's Path.
Zhang Xuan read the book as he imprinted them in his head. He could tell that it was just as the receptionist said, these were all the most basic knowledge that an apothecary needed to know. It contained the methods to differentiating different medicinal herbs, their detailed explanation, properties, types, effects when put together with others herbs and whether the effects would be in conflict with one another...
If he had to memorize them manually, he would surely find it difficult to accomplish even when he tired himself to death.
It was no wonder that the position of apothecaries was so well-respected. Just to become an apprentice, they had to put in a lot more effort than the other occupations in order to remember this vast amount of knowledge.
"What is he doing?"
Wen Xue had been wanting to see Zhang Xuan make an embarrassment out of himself. However, at this moment, looking at him flip through the books, seemingly without the intention to study them, her beautiful eyes blinked in incomprehension.
"Perhaps he is just trying to look for a specific book to read. Ignore him!"
The middle-aged man Uncle Li glanced at him before picking up a book and passed it over to her, "Take a look at it as well. Time is precious. One additional sentence memorized may just happen to be the determining factor in the results of the exam!"
"Un!" Wen Xue nodded her head. Grabbing the book, she started to absorb herself in it.
All occupations required one to have unwavering determination to study. It was impossible for one to soar to the heavens in one go, and apothecaries were the same as well.
When forging pills, a single formula tended to require more than a hundred of medicinal herbs. If one were to fail in recognizing even a single herb, it would cause all of the herbs, which they spent countless gold coins to buy, become useless trash. Thus, it was especially unbecoming for an apothecary to be ignorant or negligent.
Soon, four hours passed.
At the same time, Zhang Xuan happened to be flipping through the last few books on the bookshelves as well and he heaved a sigh of relief.
"It is no wonder that master teachers are so rare. Not speaking of any other occupations, just apothecary itself is such a profound occupation!" An epiphany struck Zhang Xuan.
Teachers, the imparter of knowledge and heritage, were required in every single occupation. Formidable master teachers were well-versed in all occupations. That was to say, not only could a master teacher guide a person in his cultivation, he was also able to offer pointers in pill forging, smithing, formation and such.
This was precisely the reason why the occupation was so well-respected and was regarded as the top of the Upper Nine Paths.
Initially, Zhang Xuan thought that pill forging would be an easy task. As long as one possessed the pill formula, followed it step by step and added in the herbs systematically, the pill should be formed. However, from the looks of it now, that wasn't the case at all.
The maturity of a medicinal herb affected the herb's properties as well. As such, when it is added along with other herbs, it would result in all kinds of different reaction. If one only knew the sequence to adding the herbs, it was impossible for them to successfully forge the pill they are aiming to create.
Just pill forging itself was such a complicated process. It was truly amazing how the more formidable master teachers were able to wield the knowledge of numerous occupations at the tip of their mind.
Upon walking out of the room, Zhang Xuan saw Wen Xue standing not too far away with a cold and supercilious expression. "You must have thought that I wouldn't be here!"
"What matter of mine is it whether you are here or not?"
Zhang Xuan looked over speechlessly.
[I only want to take the apprentice apothecary examination, your presence shouldn't make a difference at all!]
"Continue acting then. I'll see how you will cry in a moment's time!" Wen Xue gritted her teeth.
"The examinations are about to begin, let's go in!"
The middle-aged man ushered him in.
"Un!" Ignoring the self-assuming woman, Zhang Xuan walked into the room.
The room wasn't large, just a few dozen meters square large. There were a few people who were already seated inside and what was common of them all was that a nervous expression painted their faces.
Soon, an elderly walked in.
"That is the only 1-star intermediate-stage apothecary of Tianxuan Kingdom's Apothecary Guild, Senior Ouyang Cheng, as well as the head of Tianxuan Kingdom's branch!"
"That's right! I thought that it would be Apothecary Du Man, I didn't expect that it would be him!"
"Crap, I heard that he is reputed to be strict. Now, all possibility of passing the exam by luck is gone…"
Upon catching sight of the elderly, despondent expressions appeared on the faces of the few seated in the room.
Just like master teachers, apothecaries were classified based on stars as well and 1-star was the lowest rank.
Even so, given how Tianxuan Kingdom didn't even have a 1-star master teacher, possessing a 1-star apothecary was already not bad.
Ignoring the mutterings of the crowd, Ouyang Cheng walked into the room, swept through the room with his gaze and said, "I'm sure you all are confident in your abilities to join in this examination!"
"Er..."
Everyone felt a little awkward.
No one dared to say that they were hundred percent certain that they would pass the examination.
"Since all of you are here for the examination, I will make things clear. If I were to catch any of you cheating, you will be banned from the examination for life!" Ouyang Cheng gestured grandly, creating an intimidating aura.
"Yes!" The crowd nodded their head hurriedly.
Seeing them agree to it, Ouyang Cheng nodded his head in approval. "Now that I am done with the rules, I will talk about the contents of the examination. There are three rounds to the examinations! Firstly, Written Paper! Questions on medicinal herbs will be randomly tested in it and one can only be considered to have passed if he were to be right for at least 90% of the questions!"
"Secondly, Medicinal Herb Discernment Time Trial! You will be given a few herbs and within a fixed period of time, you have to determine what herb it is and what kind of properties and effects it possesses! The requirements for this test is higher and one has to be 100% correct!"
"The third test is much more easy, Cultivation Realm Inspection! One must be at least Fighter 3-dan Zhenqi realm pinnacle! Why is there such a requirement? Simple, as an apprentice apothecary, one would be sent to do odd jobs for an apothecary. If your cultivation realm is too lacking, how can you have the strength to move cauldrons or to swiftly differentiate herbs?"
Those who were for the examination had been studying for numerous years, so they were well-aware of the flow of the examination.
Only Zhang Xuan was foreign to it. However, after hearing the explanation, he came to a comprehension.
[It's actually quite simple. As long as I were to get everything right, I will be able to pass the examination. It isn't as difficult as I thought it would be…]
"Since everyone has understood the rules and the contents of the examination, let's start with the first round, written paper. The duration is two hours!"
After which, Ouyang Cheng passed the examination paper down.
After taking a look at it, the corners of Zhang Xuan's mouth twitched.
The test paper was a thick stack consisting of at least several dozens of paper.
Several dozens of test paper within two hours?
Why did this scene seem weirdly reminiscent to that of his previous life?
He didn't expect that after becoming a teacher upon transcending to a foreign world, he would still have to undergo examinations...
He found the situation a little peculiar.
"You may begin answering the question!"
After giving out the papers, Ouyang Cheng ignored the rest of them and stood coldly at one corner with his hands behind his back.
Even though he wasn't looking at the examinees, if someone were to cheat, the perpetrator would surely be discovered and expelled from the examination hall.
However, it didn't really matter to Zhang Xuan since he didn't have any intentions to cheat anyway. Lowering his head, his attention focused onto the test paper.
"Flaws!"
Upon picking up the paper, he shouted out loud in his mind. Then, his mind jolted and a book appeared.
After taking a look, Zhang Xuan was at a loss of whether he should be laughing or crying.
Written in the book was: Tianxuan Kingdom Apothecary Guild's Apprentice Apothecary Test Papers. Made from a 1-mo craftsman in Baiyi Mill using straws. Flaws: No. 1, the quality of the paper is too inferior, making it unsuitable for storage. Also, it attracts bugs easily. No. 2, it doesn't hold onto ink very well, making it easy for it to smudge...
[The heck, what I want are answers, not the flaws of the material of this paper!]
Suppressing the urge to vomit blood, Zhang Xuan ignored the book and focused on the questions on it instead.
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Chapter 92: Just Give Up!
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
"Describe the different classification of Green Leafed Grass and the unique traits of Gray Earth Flower..."
"How many medicinal herbs can the Swineheart Leaf be complemented with..."
...
Questions filled the examination papers densely. Just like the receptionist Wen Xue said, they were all related to medicinal herbs.
"Search!"
Upon seeing these questions, Zhang Xuan's mind jolted. Different books came flying over from the shelves and stopped right before him before flipping open.
"The Green Leafed Grasses have different stems and can be classified as purple stems, yellow stems and black stems. The unique traits of the Gray Earth Flower are..."
As he looked at the contents of the books in his mind, Zhang Xuan's hands moved quickly as he swiftly answered those questions.
He was used to using mechanical pens in his previous life and as such, brush was a difficult tool for him to use. However, as his previous self had specially learned how to use it before, his handwriting was still legible.
Hualala!
As he was filling in the blanks and reading through the questions too quickly, the sound of pages flipping echoed through the air.
Other people depended solely on their memories to answer questions and as such, they had to struggle hard to jot the respective knowledge in their minds. On the other hand, with the Library of Heaven's Path in his hands, he was able to obtain the answer to the questions instantaneously without even thinking. It was no different from copying from the answer key. The speed he was going through his paper at left others with gaping mouths.
"Un?"
Upon scanning the surroundings to see how the examinees were faring in the examination, Ouyang Cheng caught sight of Zhang Xuan and frowned. His face darkened.
"Looks like it is another scion trying his luck!"
In every apprentice apothecary examination, there were quite a few people who joined the examination to try their luck despite knowing that it was impossible for them to pass. These people tended to be from wealthy families and cared not for the two thousand gold coins entrance fee. They just hoped to analyze the type of questions so that they could memorize contents specifically against those questions.
Ouyang Cheng despised such people.
[These people hope to make it big without putting in effort.
How can one possibly become an apprentice apothecary without memorizing the hundred thousand types of medicinal herbs, relying on sheer luck instead?]
"Hmph, the type of questions and the question itself changes in every single examination, there hasn't ever been a reused question before, so it doesn't matter how many times you come. Looks like it is about time to clamp down on those who are coming for the examination with this kind of mindset. Otherwise, if they were to come for the examinations every time just because they have the money to do so, we will become the laughingstock of the other occupations!"
Flinging his sleeve, he harrumphed in his mind.
Although it was impossible to test the unique properties and traits of the hundred thousand medicinal herbs in the test paper, the questions in the paper were varied and the scope was wide. If one didn't have a deep understanding of medicinal herbs and their properties, it was impossible to score 90% and above.
Given Zhang Xuan's young age and his random flipping and answering of the question without contemplating deeply into them, he was immediately labeled as an opportunistic and indolent scion.
The greatest taboo of an apothecary was to pretend to be knowledgeable despite being ignorant. If one were to be negligent and make an error, even if it was just a seemingly slight one, it could cause person's death!
That was precisely the reason why the examinee's personality, attitude and meticulousness were being assessed on top of the three rounds of tests of the apprentice apothecary examination. A fellow like the one before him who flipped through the papers and filled them in casually without reading the question properly was surely one who has an attitude problem.
Without even marking the papers, he had already given Zhang Xuan a failing grade in the depths of his heart.
This wasn't because he was being too assuming.
[Have you ever seen a person who answers a question without even reading through it properly? Have you ever seen a person whose brush goes flying about the paper without even requiring to muse over the problem?
An answer without contemplation is surely nonsense!
No one else would have the confidence to have answered all the questions accurately.]
In less than an hour, Zhang Xuan had finished filling in the several dozens of paper.
Hu!
Sighing a breath of relief, Zhang Xuan looked through the paper once more and upon confirming that there was no problem in it, he submitted it.
"Submitting the paper? So quickly?"
"Perhaps, he knows that it is impossible to pass, so he decided to simply give up!"
"Sigh, to tell the truth, the examination is too difficult. It is normal to give up..."
"Giving up the examination is nothing much, but the problem is that the examiner is Senior Ouyang. I think this lad is in for a ride of misfortune..."
...
Upon seeing Zhang Xuan handing the papers over, a commotion broke out among the examinees.
For a two-hour paper to be submitted in less than an hour, this was something unprecedented in the apprentice apothecary examination.
Everyone thought that it wasn't that he was finished with the paper, but rather, he was incapable of answering it and did not have the confidence to continue on with it.
"When will be next round of examinations begin?"
Ignoring the commotion of the crowd behind him, Zhang Xuan passed the papers over to Ouyang Cheng and asked.
Time would be required in the marking of the papers after the papers were collected. If he knew what time the next examination would be held, he could wait at the predetermined location beforehand.
It was one thing if he didn't ask, but upon hearing these words, Ouyang Cheng felt rage flurrying within him, threatening to burst from his body.
[Given how ignorant you are, filling in everything so arbitrarily, even if there is a next round of examinations, it should have nothing to do with you!
Only those who pass the first round of the apprentice apothecary examination can carry on into the second round. Given your standards, you still dare to inquire about the next round of examinations...
Are you daydreaming?]
However, no matter what, he was a formal apothecary. Even though he was angry, he wouldn't stoop down to the level of venting his anger on a small figure who had yet to even reach the level of an apprentice. Gesturing outwards, he said, "Wait outside. If you were notified, it would mean that you have passed the examination. If not, you can return home!"
"Oh!"
Zhang Xuan nodded his head and walked out of the room.
"Arrogant!"
After his departure, Ouyang Cheng crushed his paper into a ball and threw it into the corner.
There was no need to read the papers of such people, it would just add to his wrath.
...
Zhang Xuan walked out of the room.
Possessing the Library of Heaven's Path, those questions in the exam that tested one's knowledge could not be any easier for him.
"You have submitted your papers? Isn't the test a two-hour one? Why are you out in a single hour?"
Upon seeing him walk out of the examination hall, the middle-aged man Uncle Li was astonished.
The number of questions in the apprentice apothecary examination was massive. He could only barely finish the papers every time within the allocated time for two hours. In fact, he didn't even manage to read a few questions, resulting in inaccurate answers and his failure in the examinations. Wasn't it too fast for him to walk out in just a single hour?
"Do you even have to ask about it? He must have found the paper too difficult and gave up on it!"
Wen Xue scoffed.
[Aren't you good at acting?
Despite not knowing anything at all, you insisted on wanting to take the apprentice apothecary examination. You should know how tough the exam is now!]
"Hehe!"
Despite hearing her contemptuous words, Zhang Xuan couldn't be bothered to explain.
Besides, even if he were to explain, the other party wouldn't believe it. Rather than wasting his effort to explain it to them, he might as well wait for the results. By then, everything would be clear.
"Why? Conscience-stricken? If you don't have the capabilities, you shouldn't be feigning so. See, now you can't continue on with the act any longer!"
In Wen Xue eyes, that expression on Zhang Xuan's face was one who is embarrassed.
"If there is something wrong with your head, you should hurry and get it checked out instead of nagging here." Zhang Xuan was a little speechless. From the moment they met, this woman seemed to be all out against him, as though he had done something unbecoming to her.
[She must really be sick!]
No matter how hard Zhang Xuan tried to jog his memory, his previous self didn't seem to be acquainted with her either?
Since they were unacquainted, why was she looking for trouble with him?
Zhang Xuan was stumped.
"You..."
Initially, she thought that this fellow would find the nearest hole to hide out of shame upon being exposed. Yet, this fellow still brazenly dared to say that there was something wrong with her head!
[You are the one who is sick! Your entire body is full of sickness!]
Wen Xue's breathing quickened due to her anger. Her proud chests undulated up and down and she looked as though she was on the verge of erupting.
"Oh, I know!"
A thought flashed through Zhang Xuan's mind. He finally understood why the other party kept provoking him. With a bemoaning look in his eyes, he shook his head and with a sincere voice, he said.
"Your provocations won't attract my attention and win my fancy! Such thinking is childish. Let me tell you straight on, this will only incur my ire!"
At this point, he sighed. "I only like gentle and elegant ladies. It is impossible for me to like you, so just give up!"
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Chapter 93: Marking the Examination Papers
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
In his previous life, when he was a middle schooler, he once had a crush on a girl and intentionally tried to perform before her even if it meant going against her. This was all just to capture her attention!
From the very beginning, this woman had been going against him no matter what he did. It was highly probable that she might be up to the same thing as well.
Otherwise, was there a need for her to treat him with such ill attitude?
[Sigh, you aren't ugly yourself, there must be many males pursuing you, so why must you get so obsessed over me?]
Zhang Xuan felt incomparably complexed.
Looks like being pursued by others wasn't anything good either.
The pressure on a transcender was as heavy as a mountain!
"Give up?"
Wen Xue staggered. She felt a mouthful of fresh blood regurgitating in her mouth, threatening to spit out at any moment.
[You were the one who was trying to attract my attention to get on my good books, alright?
When did I become the one who intentionally caused you trouble?
The heck!
Explain yourself! What does that look of pity mean? What the heck do you mean by that I should give up on you?
No matter what, I am a beauty who is pursued by many. How did it turn out as though I am unable to be wedded and had to latch onto you?]
Grinding her teeth, Wen Xue's face twitched and the wrath raging within her was on the verge of erupting.
Just when she was about to lose control over her emotions and attack this self-assuming man, the young man shook his head, walked towards a bench by the side and sat on it.
His footsteps were light and inconspicuous.
"Wen Xue, this is the entrance of the examination hall. If an apothecary were to see it, it would be difficult for you to take the exam in the future!"
Uncle Li spoke up.
"Yes!" Upon hearing his words, Wen Xue could only forcefully suppress the rage within her and sit down quietly.
This was the entrance of the examination hall and apothecaries often appeared here. If they were to see her fighting out of rage with another person, she would definitely leave a bad impression with them. If so, it would be difficult for her to pass the apprentice apothecary examination in the future.
"Fine, I'll let you off for now. When the results come out later on, look at how I'll teach you a lesson!"
Glaring coldly at the self-assuming fellow, Wen Xue clenched her jaws furiously.
Couldn't be bothered with this woman who had a 'crush' on him, Zhang Xuan sat on the bench and began to organize the knowledge within his head.
Most of the information on the medicinal herbs were the crystallization of the knowledge of numerous predecessors, so there weren't many mistakes in them. Zhang Xuan isolated the remaining few mistakes and studied them carefully.
When his consciousness was still absorbed in the Library of Heaven's Path, the examination came to an end. It was finally time for everyone to submit the papers.
"Wait at the entrance. Those who passed the examination will be notified to attend the next round!"
Ouyang Cheng shook his hand and chased out the crowd. Picking up a brush, he started to mark the papers one by one.
As he marks, his eyebrows slowly knitted together and his complexion darkened.
"Brother Ouyang, how is it? Is there anyone who passed the examinations this time? I happen to need an apprentice!"
Just when he was done marking all of the papers, a middle-aged man walked in.
The other 1-star apothecary of the Apothecary Guild, Du Man.
"Pass? Look at these, these answers are all gibberish! If they were to be accepted as apprentices, the Apothecary Guild will be shamed!"
Putting the brush by one side, Ouyang Cheng picked up the stack of the marked examination paper and lashed out furiously.
"Let me take a look!"
Du Man walked to the table and flipped through the marked examination paper. In a short moment, he frowned a well.
In their perspective, the questions in the examinations weren't too difficult. However, the answers the examinees wrote in were all around the place, they even answered the properties of common medicinal herbs wrongly!
If these kind of people were to accepted by apprentices, it would definitely stain the reputation of the Apothecary Guild.
"Un? What's wrong with this paper? Brother Ouyang, you didn't mark this one."
He was unable to find a single satisfactory one even after flipping through seven to eight papers. Suddenly, Apothecary Du Man caught sight of the crumpled examination paper by the desk.
The answers on the paper weren't marked at all.
"It is the paper of a playboy, so the results must be even worse than the others. It is clear that he wouldn't pass even if I don't look through it. Rather than get angry while marking it, I might as well just leave it there..."
Remembering the fellow who sped through the paper, Ouyang Cheng's mood took a dive.
[A fellow who submitted his papers after answering the questions for an hour, it is obvious that he won't pass the examinations. There's no need to mark the papers at all!
What is going on? The previous two examinations, there were at least three to four people who were able to pass the first round. Yet, this time, after spending so much time marking the paper, only two people were qualified for the next round. The scripts of the other examinees were all a mess!]
"Playboy? Let me see what kind of script would cause you to determine his failure without even looking at it..."
Du Man shook his head with a smile on his face as he casually flipped open the papers.
"Un?"
A moment after his gaze falls on the paper, he exclaimed in shock.
Huala! Huala!
As the sound of the flipping of papers echoed in the room, the shock on Du Man's face deepened. His nonchalant expression gradually turned grim.
"What's wrong? Are the answers provided by this fellow too ridiculous?" Taking the expression of his colleague in sight, Ouyang Cheng harrumphed. "Just an ignorant playboy who makes use of his money to join the examination, he truly has no respect for the Apothecary Guild..."
"That's not it... Brother Ouyang, take a look at it..."
Hearing the furious complaints of the other party, Du Man hurriedly interrupted him and passed the paper over to him.
"What's there to see? No matter what, it is a fail..."
Muttering for a bit, Ouyang Cheng lowered his head to look at the papers. With a single glance, his eyes widened into complete circles just like how Du Man's did a moment ago. He couldn't help but exclaim in shock, "Oh?"
Flipping over to the second page, "Hm?"
Flipping over to the third page, "Ah?"
Flipping over to the fourth page, "The heck!"
...
...
Many different expressions flashed through his face, but even so, he continued flipping through the paper quickly.
Very soon, he finished looking through the dozens of paper thick script. Ouyang Cheng's eyes almost fell to the floor. He stared at it with a look of disbelief, "How can this be? Not... Not a single error?"
"Indeed! For there to not be a single error! We intentionally left a few difficult questions at some parts and even if I were to answer it myself, I would have most probably fallen into those traps and commit a mistake..."
Du Man's face was also filled with incredulity.
The reason why he was so confident with the paper was because the questions on this paper were rather abstract, such that even official apothecaries like them would be unable to derive the correct answer without jogging their memory, logically rationalizing from it and even flipping through the books to double check their contents.
However, not only was there not a single mistake in the answers, they were actually... phrased out extremely succinctly!
This... How was this possible?
"There isn't a single mistake in this paper... Brother Ouyang, why were you so certain that he would be unable to pass the examination?"
After getting through the shock, Du Man couldn't help but ask him.
There was never a candidate in the Tianxuan Kingdom Apothecary Guild who answered the examination paper so well before. For Brother Ouyang to fail such a genius without even looking at his script, he was too rash!
"I..." Ouyang's face flushed. He felt so embarrassed that not a single word came out from him for a very long time.
He was known for being strict and meticulous, earning the respect of many through such. Yet, today...
The slap on his face stung as though it was on fire.
He clearly saw the fellow finishing the paper in less than an hour without putting much effort into it, how did he... get it all right?
Even he was unable to accomplish such a feat with that speed!
Could it be that the fellow's knowledge had already exceeded that of his?
To label a person whose knowledge of medicinal herbs exceeded his as a playboy and a failure?
[The heck, can reality not be so damned?]
Ouyang Cheng felt his entire body go stiff, as though constipated.
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Chapter 94: Discernment Time Trial
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
Hu!
Exhaling deeply, Zhang Xuan opened his eyes.
After a moment of studying, his knowledge of medicinal herbs had deepened significantly.
The knowledge in the books he flipped through in the room back then had finally assimilated into his mind and became his.
Not only could the Library of Heaven's Path replicate secret manuals and compile the Heaven's Path Divine Art, it could also hasten the rate which one learnt new knowledge.
Deng deng deng deng!
A series of footsteps could be heard.
"It is Apprentice Zhu Hua Hua, he passed the examination half a year ago!"
"Didn't he become Apothecary Du Man's apprentice?"
"Indeed, he must be here to announce the results!"
"I hope that I am able to pass the examination..."
...
...
Upon seeing the owner of the footsteps, the people outside the examination hall quickly stood up.
"The results are out now. Finally, your facade will be exposed, let's see whether you can continue on with the act then!"
Wen Xue sneered as she glanced coldly at the young man beside her.
To tell truth, if she didn't know that this fellow was a playboy scion in advance, she would have thought that he might actually possess true capabilities.
That was because... His acting was way too realistic!
In the two hours after the examination, he sat on the bench without moving in the least. He truly went all out just to attract her attention.
However... It was useless!
He had already offended her thoroughly a moment ago. It was impossible to change her perception of him now!
"There are three people who passed the first round of examinations!" The apprentice named Zhu Hua Hua walked out of the examination hall with a sheet of paper in his hand. He began to read out the names written on it. "Firstly, Sun Tao from Luyuan City. 91 out of 100!"
"Ah, me? I passed..."
The moment the voice sounded, a young man leapt in joy.
His response attracted countless looks of envy from the other examinees.
Even though he had only passed one of the three rounds, he was at least a step closer to becoming an apprentice apothecary.
Even Wen Xue's eyes were twinkling in respect toward him.
"Second, Qian Wen Man from Ziyun City. 90 out of 100!"
"It's me..." Upon hearing the words, another person stood up with a flushed face.
"Finally, Zhang Xuan from Tianxuan City..."
Suddenly, Zhu Hua Hua's face warped in disbelief. He rubbed his eyes and stared at the paper once more. Only now did he confirm that his sight wasn't playing tricks on him, and with a trembling voice, he said, "100 out of 100!"
"What?"
"100 out of 100?"
"That means... He answered every single question correctly?"
"How is that possible?"
"To be able to achieve a perfect score for such a difficult paper, who is this expert Zhang Xuan?"
"Right, who is it?"
...
...
Upon hearing that the third person who passed the examination achieved a perfect score, the entire area exploded into commotion. Everyone looked around to find the person named Zhang Xuan.
"Alright, the three people who passed the first round, enter the examination hall for the second round!"
Zhu Hua Hua interrupted the commotion and walked into the room.
The two person whose names were called previously also hurriedly followed behind him.
Zhang Xuan stood up as well.
"The names of the three people who passed the examination has already been announced. Why, are you still not going to admit your incapability..." Seeing him stand up, Wen Xue sneered coldly. However, a thought suddenly flashed through her mind and she stopped halfway through her words. Her eyes widened into complete circles and with a quivering voice, she asked, "Wh... What... is your name?"
"Zhang Xuan!"
Couldn't be bothered with this shallow woman, Zhang Xuan turned around and walked into the examination hall.
"Zhang Xuan? He... is Zhang Xuan?"
"The one who scored hundred out of hundred?"
Wen Xue shuddered and her face paled ghastly white. In this instant, she felt as though a clown, making a fool out of herself.
She kept saying that the other party was putting up a facade and had no abilities whatsoever. In the end... he proved her wrong with an unprecedented perfect score!
[Are you for real?
Didn't you know nothing at all before the examination?
Weren't you ignorant of what was being tested?
You liar...
You big liar!
Acting as though an ignorant fool, only to score a full mark... Brother, you must be joking with me!]
Wen Xue felt a burning sensation on her face and she felt herself going insane.
"The fellow who simply flipped through all of the books just now... got a perfect score?"
At the side, Uncle Li's eyes were about to fall to the ground at any moment now.
The heck!
Just a moment ago, he was thinking that perhaps the other party was here to play. He didn't expect the other party to be such a formidable character.
He had never passed the examination despite taking the test frequently ever since he was a teenager. Yet, this fellow received a perfect score in his first attempt...
Truly, comparisons between fellow humans were what that turned out to be the most infuriating...
"It's that fellow who handed up the papers after an hour into the examination!"
"I thought he had given up, to think that he had obtained a perfect score..."
"Too incredible! Getting all of the questions correct in just an hour, how did he study to reach such an incredible level?"
The other examinees also recognized him and a dizzy spell assaulted them.
...
...
Oblivious to the shock and disbelief of the others outside, Zhang Xuan sat down before the desk once more.
On the table before him, several rarely-seen herbs that could not be seen in the market were laid out before him.
"There is a total of ten medicinal herbs on the table. Before this incense burns out, you have to write out its name, properties, and its uses out! For this round, you have to achieve a perfect score to pass!"
~15 minutes
Standing at the front, Ouyang Cheng gestured, "The time starts now!"
In the second round, Medicinal Herb Discernment, one had to achieve a perfect score to pass. That is to say, if one recognized even a single of the ten medicinal herbs inaccurately, one would be disqualified.
Zhang Xuan looked at the first stalk of herb.
It had a green flower, a green stem, and green leaves.
"Green Mane Grass!"
Upon recalling such a plant being recorded in the books, a name floated into his mind.
Following closely behind, the description of Green Mane Grass appeared before him in the Library of Heaven's Path. He casually jotted it down.
After he was done with the first one, he proceeded onto the second one.
Even though these medicinal herbs were not commonly seen, to him who had an archive in his mind, the examination wasn't difficult at all. Soon, he finished writing down the information of nine of the plants, with only a single one remaining.
This was a bizarre plant with a yellow flower, a gray stem, and white leaves.
Just as he was struggling to figure out what plant it was, a thought flashed through his mind and he froze. Smiling bitterly, he patted his forehead.
Why didn't he think of it earlier!
With the cheating machine called the Library of Heaven's Path, he didn't have to go through so much trouble to discern the medicinal herbs!
He stretched out his hands and gently picked up the medicinal herb.
Hu!
A book appeared before him and a detailed explanation of the medicinal herb was compiled within the book, with all of its strengths and flaws recorded within.
He casually copied it onto the paper.
Then, he touched the other nine of the herbs to double confirm his answer.
The results were exactly as how he discerned it, except for a particular stalk.
Zhang Xuan knew that it is impossible for the Library of Heaven's Path to make a mistake and thus, he edited his answer.
The incense had barely burnt halfway through by the time he was finished.
He passed the answer sheet.
Previously, Ouyang Cheng thought that Zhang Xuan was here to fool about, so he didn't have a good opinion of him. However, upon seeing him achieve a perfect score in the first round of examinations, he dared not underestimate him any further and hurriedly picked up his paper to take a look.
Apothecary Du Man walked over by the corner to look at the paper as well.
The answers on the paper were all correct.
They nod their head in satisfaction as they browsed through his paper.
Not just the name, even the properties, unique traits and uses of the medicinal herb written in the script of the young man were flawless.
Just as they were certain that he would pass the examination and were about to offer him compliments, they suddenly paused simultaneously and stared intently at his paper once more.
"Alright, there is only one person who passed the second round of examinations. I will announce his name now..."
Soon, after the remaining two candidates handed in their papers, Ouyang Cheng swiftly marked their papers. Then, his gaze swept through the surrounding as he announced the result, "Sun Tao from Luyuan City!"
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Chapter 95: Dragon Scale Grass
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: Frappe
"Me?"
Sun Tao clenched his fists delightfully. Turning around, he looked at Zhang Xuan and the other candidate. His neck was tilted upwards as he emanated an aura of superiority.
After getting through the first two examinations, his identity as an apprentice was already confirmed.
Ignoring the incomparably narcissistic Sun Tao, upon hearing his name wasn't announced, Zhang Xuan frowned.
That shouldn't be.
He had double checked all of his answers with the Library of Heaven's Path, so it was impossible for him to have committed an error. Why did he fail?
"Master Apothecaries, may I know where did I go wrong?"
Unable to contain his doubts, Zhang Xuan stepped forward.
"Why? Are you going to challenge the two masters' evaluation? A mistake is a mistake. You must have identified a certain medicinal herb inaccurately or made a mistake while writing your answer down!"
Sun Tao stepped before him, flung his sleeve and lectured him as though an earnest teacher, "Study hard after you return. Theoretical knowledge are different from the practical knowledge after all. Your theoretical answers are not bad, but if you are unable to recognize the medicinal herbs, you are still unable to become an apprentice apothecary!"
His voice was deep and his actions were refined.
[Lad, weren't you gleeful just now?
It is shocking that you are able to achieve a perfect score in the written examination, but it is useless!]
"You have identified the Fish Scale Grass erroneously, stating it as Dragon Scale Grass instead!" Seeing his doubtful expression, Ouyang Cheng explained. "However, don't be disheartened. Just the very fact that you were able to achieve perfect accuracy in your written examination shows that you have reached an acceptable level of understanding towards medicinal herbs. As long as you observe and study medicinal herbs properly from now on and integrate your knowledge together, you will surely pass the examination the next time around!"
"Indeed, you are still young. There is no need to hurry. As long as you continue to learn humbly and integrate your theoretical knowledge with your technical skills, you should be able to become a true apprentice apothecary very soon!" Apothecary Du Man also chipped in.
If it was anyone else, the two would be less than bothered to explain. However, the person before them had just achieved a perfect score, even the two of them felt that it was a pity for him to fail this round.
"You mean this?"
Zhang Xuan finally understood why he failed the second round of examination. He headed to the table and picked up the stalk of medicinal herb. Studying it carefully once more, he asked, "Are you sure that this is Fish Scale Grass?"
"Of course, its stem is similar to that of fish scale and its leaves are gray color. What else could it be if not Fish Scale Grass?"
Before Ouyang Cheng and Du Man could answer, Sun Tao quickly spoke out proudly.
Fish Scale Grass was an extremely rare herb and its traits were as what Sun Tao said, fish scale-like stem and gray leaves.
Even though it was rare, information on the herb was recorded in the books.
The one that Zhang Xuan identified inaccurately previously was also this herb.
"Could it be that it isn't?"
Ouyang Cheng clearly agreed with Sun Tao's judgement, and he stared at Zhang Xuan with a doubtful expression.
"Of course not!" Zhang Xuan shook his head. "Aren't the two apothecaries a little too rash to use a herb which you both aren't sure of in an examination and conclude that I have failed the test?"
"Audacious!" Thinking that the young man before him was trying to win praises by starting a commotion, he quickly interjected. "How could the questions come up by the master apothecaries be wrong? Stop spouting nonsense here..."
After passing the examination, it was highly likely that he would become the apprentice of one of the two apothecaries here, so he had to fawn on them in advance.
"It is easy to tell whether it is nonsense or not! There are books in the room outside the examination hall. May I busy someone to fetch a book on the bottommost of the seventh shelf here!" Couldn't be bothered to argue with this fellow, Zhang Xuan calmly said so.
"Hua Hua, fetch the book here!"
Ouyang Cheng and Du Man traded gazes for a moment before the latter ordered his apprentice to fetch the book.
The apprentice apothecary who brought the candidates into the room nodded his head before walking out. In a moment's time, he returned with a book on unique medicinal herbs, the one that Zhang Xuan had described previously.
"Flip to the 17th page, there is a detailed description on Fish Scale Grass there!"
Zhang Xuan said.
The apprentice Zhu Hua Hua couldn't resist the urge to flip the book and in the next instant, information on Fish Scale Grass appeared before him.
"He can even remember this?"
The two apothecaries, Ouyang Cheng and Du Man, glanced over and their bodies shuddered, revealing their incredulity.
Fish Scale Grass was an ingredient that they took randomly, and no one knew about it beforehand. As such, it was impossible for anyone to cheat!
[To be able to remember which book holds the description of the medicinal herb, which page the description is on and where the book was placed... His memory is nothing short of incredible.]
"May I trouble you to recite the introduction on Fish Scale Grass!" Ignoring their shock, Zhang Xuan carried on.
"Fish Scale Grass usually grows in marshlands. It is named as such due to its unique fish scale-like stem. Its entire body is gray and there are slight white spots on top of the leaves. The scales on mature Fish Scale Grasses are around the size of a soybean..."
The voice of the apprentice apothecary, Hua Hua, gradually faded away as he recited the introduction. Because, even him, had realized that there were many differences between the 'Fish Scale Grass' on the table and what was described in the book.
"There are faint white spots on the top of the leaves of Fish Scale Grass, but this herb doesn't have any of it! The scales of a mature Fish Scale Grass should be around the size of a soybean, but the scales on this herb are around the size of a fingernail. It is clear that it is significantly larger than what is being described!" Zhang Xuan carried the herb up and explained the traits one by one.
"This..."
Ouyang Cheng and Du Man hurriedly grabbed the book from Zhu Hua Hua's hands and browsed through it. They discovered many differences between what was being described in the book and the herb in Zhang Xuan's hands.
"Since it isn't Fish Scale Grass, it should be something that is similar to it. Of the numerous medicinal herbs, the only thing that resembles it is the Dragon Scale Grass that I had written down in my script! If you all doubt the existence of this medicinal herb, you all can send someone to the room again and on the right upper corner of the fourth shelf, there should be a famous work by Senior Liu Da Xian. The herb is described in detail on the 54th page!"
Liu Da Xian was an extremely famous apothecary thirty years ago. He had entered many barren and treacherous lands to discover new herbs and he had contributed much to the apothecary society.
"Of course, if you still doubt that the herb is Dragon Scale Grass, I have a way to discern it for sure!" Zhang Xuan smiled. "Fish Scale Grass is a warm medicinal herb. A milky-white liquid will flow out if its stem is broken. On the other hand, this herb is a cold medicinal herb. If it is cut apart, a pale yellow liquid that emanates cold moist air will flow out! The two apothecaries are expert at using herbs, so you should be able to discern it easily!"
"This..."
Du Man shot a gaze at Zhu Hua Hua to get him to look for the book once more. At the same time, he exerted a force on his hands and lightly tore the plant apart.
Padah!
The stem of the 'Fish Scale Grass' in his hands was torn apart and a pale yellow liquid flowed out slowly, emitting frigidity into its surroundings.
"It is as he says!"
The duo staggered.
[It is exactly as what the other party said!
To think that this medicinal herb isn't Fish Scale Grass!]
At this moment, Zhu Hua Hua returned with a book in his hand. At the 54th page, records on the Dragon Scale Grass could be found and the traits stated in the book tallied perfectly with this medicinal herb.
Despite being an examiner, to think that a candidate would end up correcting their mistake...
Ouyang Cheng and Du Man felt a fiery sensation on their face.
The room went deathly silent.
Everyone stared at the young man before them as though they were staring at a monster.
[The heck, remembering the difference between Dragon Scale Grass and Fish Scale Grass can still be considered minor, but to remember the exact book and page, as well as where it is placed on the shelves...
You are about to break through the heavens!
Are you sure you are still human?]
Sun Tao, who had just mocked Zhang Xuan in an attempt to perform before the apothecaries, stood rooted to the spot in a daze and his body trembled uncontrollably. An urge to cry overwhelmed him.
[Damn it, if only I knew that the other party had such outstanding memorization ability, I wouldn't have tried to look knowledgeable even if I was beaten to death!]
This time, not only did he fail to look knowledgeable, he looked like a fool!
If there was a burrow in the ground at this moment, he surely would have dived in at this very instant...