Chapter 9 - 146-155

Chapter 146: Spear Intent

Translator:StarveCleric

Editor:GaiaNova

Under the gazebo, Wang Chong and Ouyang Chong were seated across one another, drinking.

"You say that this Apothecary Zhang... passed the Pill Debate examination?"

Even until now, Wang Chong found it hard to believe.

Pill Debate is virtually a special privilege for master teachers, something that is meant for only the very best. Yet, a young man who wasn't even twenty managed to pass this examination. Even though he was hearing it firsthand from a reliable source, he nevertheless dares not to believe it to be possible.

"Indeed, Apothecary Zhang's knowledge on herbs and pills is superior even to that of mine. He is bound to reach great heights!" Ouyang Cheng couldn't help but be impressed whenever he recalled Zhang Xuan's deeds.

"Even though he is incredible in pills and herbs, his understanding of the spear is too shallow. Spearmanship isn't a game, one can't learn just by looking. If it were that easy, I wouldn't have had to immerse myself in it for my whole life thus far."

Wang Chong's face shone with pride and overwhelming confidence reflected in his eyes.

"Indeed, the spear is the most complicated among all weapons. How could it be easy to achieve mastery?"

Of the numerous weapons, the spear was the hardest weapon to master. Countless cultivators had taken on the challenge only to end up locked out of the gates of success.

Sighing, Ouyang Cheng suddenly remembered something and glanced at Wang Chong, "There aren't any exclusive spear art secret manuals in your study, are there?"

He brought Zhang Xuan here. If his old friend were to accidentally reveal some family heirloom secret manuals to him, he truly would have to feel apologetic.

"Of course not. The spear arts that I created, as well as my family's secret manuals, are all kept in my mind. They are only passed down by word, other people are unable to learn it even if they wanted to!"

Wang Chong chuckled, "Those that are in the study are all regarding the basics and fundamentals of spearmanship. It is useful for those who have just come into contact with the spear. It's not a big deal to allow Apothecary Zhang to browse through them. Besides, letting him read through them is a good idea, he should realize how difficult spearmanship is and drop his immature thoughts!"

To be thinking about teaching spearmanship when you know nothing at all, what a joke!

If spearmanship were that easy, he wouldn't have possessed the fame that he has now, such that even Emperor Shen Zhui complimented him personally.

The Spear Master wasn't a title that came out of nowhere.

For this matter, he had absolute confidence and pride!

"Indeed..." Ouyang Cheng nodded his head.

There isn't a single weapon or battle technique that can be mastered easily. They require continuous training to refine every single move to the very perfection. If it could be grasped that easily, experts would be worth nothing at all.

"Apothecary Zhang is still young and it is natural for him to be ambitious. After he's done browsing through those books, I will reveal a spear art to him so that he would realize the difficulty and give up on those ludicrous thoughts!"

Even though Wang Chong was unsatisfied with Zhang Xuan's actions, he dared not to underestimate him, especially after knowing his talent in pill forging.

"Alright, I guess he should probably give up after that and focus on pill forging. I am still looking forward to our first 2-star apothecary in our Apothecary Guild..."

Ouyang Cheng chuckled. Just as he was about to continue speaking, he saw Wang Chong's body stiffen abruptly before trembling uncontrollably.

Dang lang!

He was oblivious to the fact that the wine cup he held in his hand had dropped to the floor and shattered into pieces.

"Wang Chong..."

Looking at the spear master, whose strength was top-notch in the entire Tianxuan City, acting so strangely all of the sudden, Ouyang Cheng was horrified.

He had never heard that his old friend was sick!

Why did he start convulsing all of the sudden?

"It's Spear Intent, Spear Intent!"

Just when he was considering what pill he should pop into his friend's mouth to save him, the latter suddenly recovered. His eyes glowed as though a priceless treasure was right before him.

"Spear Intent? What is that?"

Seeing that he was fine, Ouyang Cheng heaved a sigh of relief and looked at him curiously.

What could it be, for it to be able to make his friend, who was as steady as a mountain, behave in such a manner?

"Those who reach a certain level of mastery in the sword can form the Sword Intent. Similarly, those who are able to exude Spear Intent are the true spear masters. These few years, the reason why I had confined myself to the residence was so that I can temper my mind to enter such a state. However, it is a pity that I had been unable to achieve a breakthrough... When did such an expert appear in the residence? Or did someone manage to achieve a breakthrough before I did? Let's go over to take a look!"

He stood up abruptly and proceeded toward the origin of the Spear Intent.

After developing Spear Intent, whatever one did with the spear would be a spear art.

He had always strived for this goal, but he had managed to find the way. He never imagined that someone who could form Spear Intent would suddenly appear in his residence. Who could it be?

The two of them rushed toward the source of Spear Intent. On the way, they happened to see Zhang Xuan strolling leisurely out of the study.

"Where is he?" Before Zhang Xuan could say anything, Wang Chong asked hurriedly.

"He? Who do you mean?" Zhang Xuan had no idea what the other party was talking about.

He had been immersed in reading and practicing the Heaven's Path Spear Art, so he hadn't paid much attention to the situation outside. What happened? Did an enemy invade?

"I felt an astonishing wave of Spear Intent here, why is there no one?"

Seeing that Zhang Xuan was clueless, Wang Chong looked around hastily. However, the surrounding was completely empty and there weren't any other people in sight.

"Could it be that you've been thinking of it so much that you began to imagine things?" Ouyang Cheng asked.

His old friend had been dreaming about Spear Intent day and night. Could it be that his longing had finally turned into delusions?

Otherwise, why was he unable to sense anything himself?

"At my level, I am just a step away from forming Spear Intent. Just a moment ago, I had clearly felt a Spear Intent surging into the skies. I am positive of that!"

Wang Chong was very confident.

He had been exploring the secrets of the spear everyday fanatically, and it would be truly embarrassing if he had mistaken Spear Intent as something else.

"Wait, wait. What is that Spear Intent you both are talking about?"

Looking at the heated discussion between the two, Zhang Xuan could not hold back his curiosity.

All the books that he had read were on the bare fundamentals. Spear Intent is an extremely advanced topic and it wasn't recorded in any of the books. As such, Zhang Xuan was ignorant.

"Spear Intent is a special state of mind which a practitioner can reach only if his understanding of the spear reaches the extreme..."

Wang Chong tried explaining before shaking his head, "You have never learned spearmanship. You won't understand it even if I explain it to you..."

Even though the other party did not go into details, Zhang Xuan got a brief grasp on the situation. "So, the reason why you are looking around here is because someone had released Spear Intent here just a moment ago?"

"I'm not very sure as well. I felt it vaguely just now and it should be in the vicinity..." Wang Chong nodded his head.

The appearance of the Spear Intent was only for the briefest moment, as though a flash of lightning. Even Wang Chong could only sense it vaguely, and as such, he was unable to ascertain the exact location. Otherwise, he would have rushed forward directly rather than to stay distressed over here.

"Right, you were here just now. You should be clear about where the person is!"

Suddenly recalling something, Wang Chong turned around to look at him with glowing eyes.

He was a distance away, so he was unable to sense the exact location. However, Apothecary Zhang had been here all along. With his help, he would surely be able to find the master!

At the very least, after they confirm the location, they would know whether the person is a member of the clan or an outsider.

As a clan specializing in spear, all members of the clan immersed themselves in the way of the spear. Even the guards were skilled in spearmanship. Even though Wang Chong could summon all of the guards here to question them one by one, if the person in question simply kept mum or was unaware of it himself, it would be much simpler to pinpoint the exact location.

"But... I don't know what Spear Intent is?" Zhang Xuan hesitated.

"That's simple. Even though I have yet to fully comprehend Spear Intent, I am able to imitate with it a 70% to 80% likeness. It should feel something like this!"

Wang Chong exerted and a sharp piercing aura gushed straight toward Zhang Xuan. It felt as though it was capable of piercing through anything.

"So this is Spear Intent?" A bizarre expression appeared on Zhang Xuan's face.

"Indeed, it should feel something like this. Do you know where it came from?" Dispelling the aura, sweat droplets streamed down Wang Chong's forehead. Still gasping for air, he inquired.

Even though he only imitated the aura for a brief moment, it took a toll on his body and weakened him.

"This..." Zhang Xuan felt slightly embarrassed. "Is the Spear Intent you spoke of... this?"

The next instant, Zhang Xuan's entire body seemed to have turned into a spear and exuded a frighteningly piercing aura, as though he would pierce through the heavens at any moment.

Contrasting the two, Wang Chong's Spear Intent was like a blade of grass before a towering ancient tree.

Incomparable.

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Chapter 147: Can I Learn From You?

Translator:StarveCleric

Editor:GaiaNova

"Ah? Spear... Spear Intent?"

Wang Chong's body swayed and he nearly fainted.

Are you for real?

How can you display Spear Intent? Furthermore, such a pure Spear Intent!

He was astonished. Noticing Zhang Xuan's embarrassed look, he nearly threw up blood.

Embarrassed? Embarrassed your head!

Brother, can you not fool others like that? Didn't you say that you never learned the way of the spear? Didn't you say that you didn't know what spear arts were?

I have started learning the way of the spear since eight and I had spent forty years since then dedicating my life to it. Even so, I am still a long way from achieving Spear Intent... Can you explain to me roughly, what is with that overwhelming Spear Intent of yours?

Didn't you say that you do not know what Spear Intent is? Then what in the world is this?

Tears streamed down Wang Cong's face.

You shouldn't play with someone like that!

It was laughable that he had reprimanded the other party so brazenly earlier on, saying that he wouldn't understand it even if he explained it...

Where did this self-confidence come from?

Or rather, the one who didn't understand was he himself...

He hated the fact that there wasn't a hole here for him to dive into.

"This is Spear Intent?"

Ouyang Cheng was stunned.

Right after displaying a moment of Spear Intent, his old friend was already sweating profusely and panting for air, as though he had been constipated for a few days straight. Yet, this fellow was able to execute it easily as and when he liked, as though it were merely eating and drinking…

Are you the spear master, or Wang Chong is?

"You... Didn't you say that you have never learned about spears?"

Overwhelmed with shock, Ouyang Cheng asked. Wang Chong also hurriedly shifted his attention to hear how the other party would explain it.

"It is true that I haven't learned it before!" Zhang Xuan replied truthfully.

"If you have never learned it before, how can you have such a powerful Spear Intent?" Wang Chong was about to go mad.

If you were able to display such powerful Spear Intent without any prior experience, given my achievement despite how I have spent my life immersing myself in the art, I must have been spending my time on learning nonsense...

"Oh, I was just reading the books in the study and an epiphany struck me. I realized that executing spear art in this form felt the most comfortable, so I got into the form. I didn't know that this is Spear Intent!"

Zhang Xuan said after a short moment of contemplation.

Zhang Xuan wasn't trying to feign ignorance. Rather, the books in the study were truly only about the very basics of spearmanship, so there wasn't a single one that detailed Spear Intent. He only happened to grow such a disposition due to the Heaven's Path Spear Art formed through these books.

As for how Spear Intent could be used and how useful it was to a spear wielder, he had no idea at all.

Wang Chong's tears continued streaming down his face.

You described it as though it were as easy as eating and drinking, do you know how much effort I have put into the matter, only to fail time and time again?

For the past decade, I had been building my mental fortitude, entering desolate lands, overcoming the frost and withstanding the heat. Even so, I have yet to succeed. Yet, you simply came to the study, read some books and unintentionally... managed to reach such a level!

My heart! My liver! My youth!

If there were a huge pit before him, he would have definitely jumped in to bury himself alive.

Can you not destroy my confidence like that?

If you said that you had put in a lot of effort, trained daily and simply happened to achieve a breakthrough, I would feel a little better. But you have only spent two hours reading through books, and... and yet you have already achieved a breakthrough...

Furthermore, what you were reading weren't profound secret manuals. They were just elementary books on spearmanship...

If word were to spread out, all spear masters in the capital would definitely die from shame.

"Wang Chong, humans aren't born with equal talents. Perhaps, Apothecary Zhang... may truly be gifted in the way of the spear!" Seeing his despondent old friend who had been struck a heavy blow, Ouyang Cheng tried to console him.

"Alright, I can only take it as that!"

As expected of an expert spear practitioner, he had already forged his will to become as resilient as steel. Even though he was dispirited, he soon readjusted his mental state. Just as he was about to speak, he heard a young man's perplexed voice echo in the air.

"You say that I have comprehended Spear Intent, but what does Spear Intent do?"

Wang Chong's staggered once more. Enduring his crumbling heart, he explained, "Spear Intent refers to one's understanding of the spear; reaching Spear Intent means that the spear has already become an extension of the practitioner's arms. Under such a state, any movement he makes can be considered as a spear art. This is something that can only be achieved when one reaches the pinnacle of spearmanship!"

"Any movement made can be considered as spear art?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up. "Great! If my student can comprehend Spear Intent, he would be able to achieve victory in the Freshmen Tournament!"

Since Spear Intent is that formidable, Zhang Xuan decided to give Zheng Yang a good lesson when he returned. As long as he is able to achieve such a state, even if he didn't possess profound spear arts in his arsenal, it is unlikely for him to lose to his opponent.

"You want to help your student comprehend it as well?" Wang Chong trembled.

Spear Intent is a person's understanding toward the spear. Do you think that everyone is as overpowered as you so as to be able to achieve a breakthrough just by looking at some books?

He wanted to convince the other party to drop the idea, but he didn't know where he should start from.

"Right, I have learned a technique when I was looking through the books earlier back, but I have no idea how powerful it would be. Since Brother Wang is a spear master, can you offer me some pointers?"

Zhang Xuan had no concept of Spear Intent, so he wasn't as shocked as the other party. Recalling the move that the Heaven's Path Library created, he couldn't help but speak up.

The person before him was a renowned spear master in the entire kingdom. He would definitely be able to point out the strengths and weaknesses of the move.

"You even comprehended a technique? Fine, I am also interested to see what kind of move a genius like you is able to comprehend!"

Wang Chong nodded his head and sent a subordinate to fetch a spear over.

Soon, he returned carrying two spears.

"The best way to test the strength of a move is through sparring! Apothecary Zhang, show me the move you have just comprehended!" It was as though Wang Chong had transformed the moment a spear was grasped in his hands. His aura was ferocious, as though a savage ancient beast had awakened from his sleep.

In his view, even though the other party had comprehended Spear Intent, his absolute strength and ability to wield the spear should still be inferior to him. Even if the other party has any special moves, he should be able to handle it with ease.

"Alright!" It just happened that Zhang Xuan wanted to try out his move. Thus, he casually grabbed the other spear.

He had never once grabbed a spear in his life. However, after comprehending Spear Intent, the spear felt like a perfect fit in his hands.

"Let's begin!"

The moment Zhang Xuan felt so, his aura evolved immediately, as though the ordinary young man from before had become a domineering conqueror.

Hu!

Charging forward, his spear shot out explosively from his palms.

This technique was something he created after compiling the essence of thousands of manuals. All of the complexities had been simplified into this one single concise move. The zhenqi in his entire body churned and the spear flew out as though a massive rising from the ocean, soaring into the skies.

"What?"

Initially, he didn't pay much heed to Wang Chong, but upon witnessing the spear piercing straight at him, goosebumps were raised on his body immediately and he was almost scared witless.

The move may look simple, inelegant and even ugly, but it focused all of the cultivator's strength and spirit into a single point. This... This... This was supreme spear art!

Boom!

Without much time to think, Wang Chong's exerted all his strength in one stroke and met Zhang Xuan's blow with one of his own.

Unleashing his full strength, his cultivation realm was also revealed... Fighter 7-dan, Tongxuan realm!

Ding!

The two spears met in the air and a massive shock wave was generated, sending intense gusts to the surroundings.

Deng deng deng deng!

Zhang Xuan retreated seven to eight steps before stopping. On the other hand, Wang Chong was still rooted to his spot.

It was clear who the victor was in the simple face-off.

Zhang Xuan didn't use his full strength. He had limited it to 40 ding and naturally, wouldn't be able to withstand a full strength attack by a Tongxuan realm advanced stage expert.

However, due to the incredible resilience of his body and his pure zhenqi, even though he was forced back, he wasn't injured at all.

"As expected of a spear master, incredible!"

Seeing that the other party had managed to easily deal with a move derived by the Library of Heaven's Path, Zhang Xuan was impressed.

On the other hand, Wang Chong nearly fainted from fear.

The other party's seemingly simple spear art had forced him to execute his trump card. Furthermore... Even though he didn't retreat a single step and it looked as though he had the upper hand, there was a dull pain in his chest and his blood flow had become erratic. He had been wounded considerably in the face-off.

If not for him suppressing forcefully, he would have spurted a mouthful of blood.

No matter what, he was a Tongxuan realm advanced stage expert... For him to be unable to match up to a Pixue realm opponent... It was a difference of an entire cultivation realm between them.

Normally, it would be impossible for one to defeat an opponent who had a higher cultivation realm.

It was hard to tell what he would think if he were to know that the young man before him had only used half of his strength in this face-off.

"This move is truly incredible..."

After taking a long time to adjust his breathing, Wang Chong couldn't help but compliment.

The move was simply too amazing!

He had always thought that he was a genius, and he had also created quite a few spear techniques. However, compared to this move, they were all trash. The difference between the two was like comparing dirt to gem.

"That's great. I want to impart this move to my student. Can Brother Wang offer me some pointers so that I can improve it?"

Zhang Xuan asked.

"Pointers..." Wang Chong's face flushed.

Apothecary Zhang, are you here to slap my face?

Putting aside the fact that you have achieved Spear Intent and that every single move of yours is a spear art, this move... I can't even comprehend the move, how can I offer you pointers?

Even though he was a spear master, he wasn't able to tell how his opponent executed the move and how the attack came at him... He felt so embarrassed that he could commit suicide.

"This move... has no problems. You can impart it to your student like this!"

After saying those words, Wang Chong's face felt a burning sensation on his face.

An hour ago, he had thought that the young man didn't understand spearmanship, and that he was insulting the way of the spear. But now... He felt that he was the one insulting the way of the spear.

The other party had only read two hours of books, and not only did he comprehend Spear Intent, he had even created such an incredible technique. On the other hand, he had practiced spearmanship for more than forty years, but had only reached such a nonsensical level...

In an instant, he felt blood welling up in his chest, ready to spurt out at any moment.

After the embarrassment, a daring thought suddenly emerged in his mind.

The essence of the other party's technique was to concentrate one's entire strength to one single point. In this aspect, it resembled Spear Intent greatly. If he were to learn the move, he might be able to break through the final barrier obstructing him and achieve Spear Intent.

"Apothecary Zhang, can you... teach me this move?"

After a moment of hesitation, he asked red-faced.

"You wish to learn? Sure, I can teach you!"

After a moment of surprise, Zhang Xuan agreed to his request with a smile.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Ouyang Cheng staggered.

Wasn't Zhang Xuan the one who came here today to learn spearmanship from Wang Chong?

How did... their roles... get swapped?

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Chapter 148: Student Dueling Platform

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

Without the Heaven's Path Divine Art to complement the Heaven's Path Spear Art, even if the other party learned it, it would be significantly weaker than his.

Furthermore, it was a move he had devised through the other party's books, so teaching the other party wasn't a big deal.

Thus, Zhang Xuan agreed to Wang Chong's request without much hesitation.

Of course, it was impossible for him to impart him the full version. After all, the Heaven's Path Spear Art was too fearsome. It would be unparalleled even if he were to just impart a portion of it.

"I..."

Wang Chong had raised this request without harboring much hope. Upon hearing Zhang Xuan agree to it, his entire body trembled in agitation and his eyes reddened.

Experts usually only imparted the moves they created to their children and disciple, never allowing it to leak out. Putting others aside, he was one of them as well. Other than his son, he had never taught anyone else the moves that he had created.

Yet, Apothecary Zhang was willing to impart such a profound move to him so easily. This magnanimity and personality...

"This move is extremely profound, I can't learn it for free..." Hesitating for a moment, Wang Chong said.

Even though the other party was willing to impart him the move, it wasn't appropriate for him to take something without giving anything back in return.

It was just like how one had to send betrothal gifts when marrying other's daughter. How could there be free lunch in this world?

"Apothecary Zhang is lacking gold coins to purchase some pills. I think it would be best for you to pay him some money to serve as the tuition fee!" Ouyang Cheng interjected.

Zhang Xuan had yet to pay him for the pills he had bought in his stead. He knew the other party was definitely looking for a way to earn money to repay him, and since his old friend wished to repay the favor, it was best for him to simply give Zhang Xuan money.

Furthermore, after imparting the battle technique to Wang Chong, Zhang Xuan would be considered as half a teacher to Wang Cong. If Zhang Xuan turned out to be very demanding thereafter, he might be unable to repay this favor and this would put him in a very difficult position.

Putting others aside, what if Zhang Xuan wanted to learn the spear arts Wang Chong had created... Should he teach it to him?

"Alright!"

Understanding the intentions behind his old friend's words, Wang Chong hurriedly nodded his head. He turned around to delegate some tasks to the butler.

Not long later, the butler came in with a stack of bills and passed it over to Zhang Xuan.

"This is the tuition fee. I hope that Apothecary Zhang can accept it. It would be inappropriate for me to learn your spear art for free..."

"Hm?" Zhang Xuan's eyes widened.

Am I dreaming?

I came here to learn spear art, but... why did I become the one teaching... Furthermore, I am even earning money?

However, Zhang Xuan found it hard to reject his money, looking at that stack of bills which was worth at least two million.

Upon keeping the money, Zhang Xuan began to display the technique slowly and explained the concept and workings behind it in detail.

As expected of a spear master, although Wang Chong had not yet achieved Spear Intent, his knowledge of spears had already permeated deep into his bones. With a single demonstration, he had already almost fully grasped the concept. Even though his might was still far from Zhang Xuan's original version, there were no problem with his form and his movements.

"Apothecary Zhang, thank you for imparting me the move!"

Only after learning this move did Wang Chong truly understand how powerful it was. He was astounded by its might. He could already foresee that if he were to continue practicing the skill, in less than a year, he would be able to achieve Spear Intent and grow even stronger.

Regardless of whether he had paid the school fee or not, Zhang Xuan had already become half a teacher to him.

By 'half a teacher', it meant that one had learned a move or two from another person, or had been granted pointers from him.

Since he had already grasped the move, there was no need for Zhang Xuan to remain here. Along with Ouyang Cheng, he bided farewell and left.

"Guild Leader Ouyang, help me keep an eye on those pills. I will claim them from you when the time comes!"

Leaving Spear Master Wang Chong's residence, Zhang Xuan said.

"Rest easy!" Ouyang Cheng nodded his head.

Previously, he simply thought that as long as this young man studied diligently, he could become the first 2-star apothecary of Tianxuan Kingdom. However, such thoughts had vanished altogether from his mind.

From a complete beginner, just by reading two hours of books, he was able to easily create a move that even Wang Chong revered, furthermore achieving Spear Intent... Such a person would surely strike it big and his name would ring across the world.

"Return to the academy!"

The Body Nourishment Medicinal Solution and Meridian Rejuvenation Pill were already in his possession, so he thought that he should pass them over to his students so that they could cultivate even faster.

After bidding Ouyang Cheng farewell, he returned to his classroom swiftly. However, when he arrived, he only saw Wang Ying in the classroom; the rest were absent.

"Where are the others?"

Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had been finding all means to help them raise their strength swiftly, yet this bunch of fellows didn't even come for training.

"They... They..."

Not expecting Zhang laoshi to appear at such a moment, Wang Ying was terrified. Cowering backward in fear, she stuttered.

Zhang laoshi had said when he left class yesterday that he would be busy, and he might be unable to make it for lessons for the time being. Why is he back so soon?

"Speak!"

Zhang Xuan's complexion darkened.

In order to awaken their unique constitution and heal their wounds, he went through the trouble of undertaking the apothecary examination and disguised himself as a master teacher. Yet, they were skipping out on lessons. He was truly infuriated.

If he knew that this would happen, he would never have bothered expending such effort on them. Was he giving them dowry?

If students didn't working hard themselves, no matter how much assistance the teacher provides them, it would still be difficult for them to achieve great heights in the future. After all, rotten mud would just slide down no matter how high you carry them up.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. At the point, Zhang Xuan's face was completely cold.

"Teacher..." Wang Ying shivered.

She had a weak character, and upon seeing Zhang laoshi's rage, she was scared speechless.

Jiyaa!

At this point, the door opened. Before anyone could walk in, a voice echoed, "Wang Ying, hurry up and come. They have started fighting..."

Halfway through his words, the owner of the voice saw the icy-faced Zhang Xuan and the remaining words cluttered in his throats.

"Zhang laoshi..."

The owner of the voice shuddered.

Fatty Yuan Tao.

"Started fighting? Getting someone to help? Did I get you here to cultivate or to fight?" Zhang Xuan's voice was icy.

"I..." Yuan Tao's face paled.

"You have barely learnt a thing or two and you are already out fighting others. Is it that you don't need me as your teacher anymore?"

Truthfully, Zhang Xuan wasn't angry, his heart simple ached.

Even though he hadn't gotten along with these students of his for long, he had already treated them as his closest kin and had worked hard for their sake. Yet, they went out to engage in a group fight, running back to call for backup when they found themselves in a bad position...

He felt frustrated over how they simply had not matured.

"Zhang laoshi, that's not it..." Anxiety appeared on Yuan Tao's plump face.

"That's not it? Then tell me, what does fighting and you calling Wang Ying to help means? If I were to hear of any false words from your mouth today, I will expel you. Don't even dream of calling me teacher ever again!"

Zhang Xuan flung his robe backward furiously.

If these children were not worth grooming, he wouldn't want to waste his effort as well. The most that could happen was for him to lose and leave Tianxuan Kingdom and Hongtian Academy.

With the Library of Heaven's Path in his possession, where else could he not go in this vast world?

The reason why he stayed was because his previous self's longing for this place and his sense of responsibility toward his students.

"It's..." Yuan Tao shivered for a moment before gritting his teeth. "It's like this. Today, the academy is allocating cultivation resources and they said that you are... the worst teacher in the academy, so you don't have any rights to claim it! We felt furious with their words and went over to argue it out with them. As such, a conflict broke out..."

"Allocating cultivation resources?"

Zhang Xuan was stunned for a moment before he recalled.

Every month, the academy would allocate cultivation resources to each teacher. The amount of resources a teacher received depended on the amount of students the teacher had, the results of his Teacher Qualification Examination, as well as his overall evaluation.

The teachers could use these resources themselves or to reward the better students in order to encourage them to work harder. Usually, these cultivation resources were allocated by the [Student Bureau].

Student Bureau was the department that was responsible for managing and conducting examinations for students, as well as to distribute cultivation resources to the students and teachers.

Zhao Ya had scored within the top ten of the freshmen and did not have to share a dormitory with the others. It was the department which allocated her dormitory to her.

"Bring me over!" Knowing that they were standing up for him, Zhang Xuan felt a surge of warmth in his heart. His rage had also quelled significantly.

Those lads...

"Yes!"

Yuan Tao did not dare to say anything else. He immediately led the way, with Wang Ying also tagging along. The three of them started to walk toward the Student Bureau.

...............

Student Bureau.

"The Teacher Guild had already endorsed Zhang laoshi's innocence on the affair, Zhou laoshi, why do you still refuse to allocate the resources belonging to him?"

Zheng Yang glared at the young man before him furiously.

That was a previous student who had become a teacher in the school, Zhou Tian.

"Innocence? Are the documents here? Did they any notify us?" Zhou Tian lifted his eyebrows and a hint of mockery appeared on his face. "Since there's nothing at all, Zhang Xuan remains the worst teacher in the school who scored a zero for his Teacher Qualification Examination. It is a waste to grant him resources. Don't blame me for having not allocated resources to you, blame yourselves for acknowledging the wrong teacher!"

As the ancient saying goes, wealth, peers, teachings, and land. Of which, wealth came first, and from this, it was clear to see how important it was for one's cultivation.

TL: This is a Buddhism term that states the four things one need to achieve enlightenment. Without sufficient wealth, one is unable to immerse himself in his cultivation. Without peers, it is difficult for one to reach great heights. Without teachings, it is likely for one to stray from the correct path. Without a suitable land, it is likely for one to be affected by his surroundings.

This was precisely the reason why Wang Ying hesitated back then when Zhang Xuan said that she might face a shortage of cultivation resources.

Every month, Hongtian Academy would allocate some cultivation resources to its students and teachers. Most of them were low-level pills. Even though it wasn't of much use to the teachers, it was excellent tonic for students who had just started cultivating.

This was the reason why many people were able to improve rapidly.

Today was the day of the allocation, but they were not informed. Naturally, they took the initiative to inquire about the matter.

"Even if the documents from the Teacher Guild had yet to be passed down, I recall that all teachers of Hongtian Academy, regardless of how terrible their results are, as long as they had students, they would qualify to claim the Breath Forging Powder! What rights do you have to not even give that to us?"

Zhao Ya stepped forward.

Breath Forging Powder was the most common cultivation resources used by the lower grade students. It allowed the students in Juxi realm to better sense the spiritual energy in the air.

The Breath Forging Powder couldn't be considered as a pill and even Wen Xue, who hadn't qualified as an apprentice apothecary could make it, thus making it inexpensive. According to the school rules, any teacher with students was entitled to it.

You may be able to find excuses to avoid allocating the expensive cultivation resource to us, but if you refuse to give this to us as well, it would be clear that you are trying to make things difficult for us!

"There's such a rule, but there's also a clause stating that if the students weren't worth grooming, the Student Bureau could choose not to allocate any to the students. You all refused to follow by the Student Bureau's arrangement and made a fuss here. Hence, it is logical that I would reject your request!"

Zhou Tian said arrogantly.

"You..."

Seeing that the other party was determined not to give it to them, Zhao Ya's breathing hastened and her face flushed.

"Why? Are you unsatisfied with my arrangements?"

The corners of Zhou Tian's lips crept up. "If you are not satisfied, that is a [Student Dueling Platform] over there. You can challenge my students and if you are able to defeat all of them, not only will I give you the Breath Forging Powder, I can even give you the Breath Forging Bead! Remember, this is a Breath Forging Bead. Weren't you all causing a ruckus demanding for me to give Zhang Xuan his resources? Even though this isn't a true pill, it isn't far from that. It is effective even for Pixue realm experts. An ordinary teacher could only claim one every month. If you dare to take on the challenge and succeed, I will give you all three of it!"

The Student Dueling Platform was one of the means to settle a conflict between students and teachers. Of all methods, it was only second to the [Teacher Dueling Platform]. The way it operated was simple. As long as the one challenging the teacher was able to defeat all of the students under him, that teacher would have to apologize to the student.

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Chapter 149: Zhang Xuan's Decision

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"Breath Forging Bead?"

"Three of it?"

Hearing those words, Zhao Ya and the others' breaths started to hasten.

Breath Forging Bead was something unique to the Hongtian Academy. It was something that couldn't be bought even at the Apothecary Guild. It increased the pace at which fighters absorb spiritual energy, allowing them to improve quickly.

"Zhang laoshi had done so much for us without expecting any returns. As his students, it's time for us to repay the favor!" Zheng Yang's gaze was resolute.

Since young, he had been training diligently alone, trying to fumble his way through his cultivation. He thought that even in school, his teacher would only clarify his doubts and solve some problems... However, the warmth that Zhang laoshi had given him was much more than that.

He created a cultivation technique just for him and pointed out his flaws. Just so for their sake, he even took the risk to partake in a Pill Debate...

As he thought about everything that had occurred, he couldn't help but feel moved. Motivation welled up in him.

"Zhang laoshi may care not for these resources, but... every teacher is allocated some of them. If he becomes the only teacher who doesn't get any, his prestige and reputation will be sullied. As his students, we have to fight for his sake, no matter what it takes!" Zhao Ya gritted her teeth.

Zhang laoshi casually gave her the Frigid Sun Mother Grass which was worth a hundred thousand gold coins. Even though the Breath Forging Bead wasn't bad as well, it was unlikely that he would care much for it. However... This is no longer a problem over the resource allocation, but dignity.

Of so many teachers in the academy, he was the only one who wasn't given the resources. If word were to spread out, people would look down on him.

Since he isn't at the academy, then... Teacher, we will protect your dignity in your stead!

We shall guard your prestige!

Determination filled Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang and Liu Yang's eyes. Not a hint of hesitation could be seen.

"Fine, we'll challenge the Student Dueling Platform!"

Nodding their heads in agreement, Zheng Yang retrieved the spear at his back and started fitting it together. Then, with a flick of his wrist, the air moaned under the pressure of the spear.

"This is what you have chosen for yourself, don't regret it!"

Zhou Tian sneered coldly. He raised his hand and beckoned, "Everyone come out, someone is challenging you. It's time to teach them a lesson. As long as you defeat them, I will give every one of you some Breath Forging Powder!"

Hualala!

Accompanied by a roar, a group of people came out. They were all freshmen and there were around forty to fifty of them.

"I have a total of 47 students. No matter how many of you go at them, as long as you can defeat all 47, I will consider it your victory!" The corners of Zhou Tian's lips crept upward.

"47..."

Zhao Ya and the others' mouths twitched.

They didn't think that a new teacher who just joined this year would be able to recruit so many students.

"Let's fight. We mustn't embarrass ourselves and Zhang laoshi!"

There were rules for the Student Dueling Platform. One could choose to fight their opponents one by one or to take on all of them at once. As long as they were able to defeat all of the students under the teacher, it would be their victory.

Since they had already made up their minds, there was nothing for them to hesitate about.

With a leap, Zheng Yang first stepped into the ring.

Hu! One of Zhou Tian's students leaped up as well.

The duel began immediately.

...

...

"Zhou Tian?"

On their way over to the Student Bureau, Yuan Tao explained the situation to Zhang Xuan. Hearing so, Zhang Xuan frowned.

He had never offended this teacher, be it his previous self or after he reincarnated over. Why is he picking on him?

Even though the academy appeared to be calm on the outside, it was filled with internal strife. Many rivalries and schemes went on in the shadows. However, he didn't recall any conflict with that teacher from the Student Bureau. Teachers of the Student Bureau rarely did such things as it would incur the ire of the other teachers.

Furthermore, Zhang Xuan had just toppled the head of the Education Bureau. Even though the students were unaware of it, as a teacher, he should have heard the news. To pit himself against him despite knowing it, was he asking for a beating?

"I've heard some rumors that... he was once Elder Shang Chen's disciple. The reason why he was able to remain at the school as a teacher was because of the elder's arrangements..." Yuan Tao said.

"So that's the case!"

If so, the situation made sense.

He had caused Elder Shang Chen to be stripped of his position as the head of the Education Bureau, and even now, he was at risk of being punished by the Teacher Guild. As his student, he had to stand up for his own teacher.

"However, my face... isn't that easy to be slapped!"

Knowing the reason, Zhang Xuan shook his head.

It's not impossible to slap my face, but... your hand has to be strong enough so as to not hurt yourself!

...

…

Peng! Peng! Peng!

After a few fists landed on his back consecutively, Zheng Yang felt a tinge of sweetness in his mouth and he seemed to be unable to bend the hand which wielded the spear anymore.

In the past few days, his cultivation had improved tremendously. Zhou Tian laoshi's students were not a match for him, but they were too numerous!

That was already the fifth opponent, and he was on the verge of collapsing.

If it were an ordinary dueling match, Zheng Yang wouldn't have been so tired. However, the other party seemed to have planned it out beforehand and was hopping around the battlefield intentionally, refusing to face him head on, with the goal of draining his stamina.

"Persevere! You have to persevere on!"

Zheng Yang bit the bullet. With the last sliver of energy he had remaining, his spear shook and he defeated his fifth opponent.

"Haha, can't withstand it anymore?"

With a loud chuckle, the sixth student leaped onto the stage and kicked Zheng Yang's chest. The latter staggered seven to eight steps backward. If not for his dogged tenacity, he would have fallen off the ring.

"If you can't take it, stop putting on a show here. To dare to challenge Zhou laoshi's prestige, scram!"

The sixth student sneered and sent his stave straight at him.

Given the speed of the stave, if Zheng Yang were to be hit, he would definitely be injured severely.

"I have to block it..."

With a ferocious expression on his face, Zheng Yang tried to raise his spear for a block. However, he realized that he was one move too slow, he wouldn't be able to make it in time.

Knowing that the stave would surely hit him, Zheng Yang closed his eyes and braced for the impact.

He thought that he would fall off the Student Dueling Platform immediately spurting fresh blood, but for a long time, nothing happened. He opened his eyes hurriedly and saw a figure before him. That person wasn't of a tall stature, but his back view looked extremely reliable.

The stave that the sixth opponent brandished was grasped between the person's fingers. No matter how much strength the former exerted, he was unable to shake his weapon out of the latter's hand.

"Zhang laoshi..."

With a single glance, he recognized the person.

That figure before him is his teacher, Zhang Xuan laoshi.

He... isn't he out? Why is he here...

The one who stopped the stave was indeed Zhang Xuan. Arriving with Yuan Tao, upon witnessing the situation, he immediately dashed forward and jumped onto the ring.

It was just ten days before the battle with Lu Xun laoshi. If these students of his were to get injured at such a time, Zhang Xuan would have to surrender for the Teacher Evaluation duel.

As Shang Chen was overthrown by Zhang Xuan, Zhou Tian harbored resentment for him. Knowing that he wasn't a match for Zhang Xuan, he intentionally provoked his students, Zheng Yang and the others, for this purpose.

As long as Zheng Yang and the rest were injured, he calculated that they would not stand a chance in the Teacher Evaluation.

Seeing that it was too late to stop the duel through any other means, Zhang Xuan leaped onto the stage himself.

"Zhang Xuan, what do you mean by this? Your students are competing in the Student Dueling Platform. Why? Do you intend to make a move on my students despite being a teacher?"

Seeing him rush over, Zhou Tian wasn't too surprised. A menacing gleam flashed through his eyes.

"Make a move on your students? You sure are thinking too much!"

With a flick of his finger, the other party's stave broke into many pieces. Patting his hands, he glanced over.

"Then what do your actions mean? Do you wish to take back your words? However, it seems like it is too late. Your students have already agreed to challenge the Student Dueling Platform, and they have already injured five of my students. No matter what, the challenge must go on! This matter isn't up to you! Unless..."

At this point, Zhou Tian's lips curled up into a cold smile, "Unless... you concede defeat and admit that your students are inferior to mine!"

"We mustn't admit defeat!"

"Even if we have to give it our all, we will definitely win..."

Hearing the plain mockery in the other party's voice, Zheng Yang and the others clenched their fists and their faces flushed red.

If they were to really admit defeat like that, they wouldn't be able to uphold their pride in the academy in future.

"Admit that my students are inferior to yours?" Zhang Xuan shook his head. "You must still be dreaming!"

"Hmph! Since that's the case, let's continue. I request that you get down from the ring!" Zhou Tian flung his robe. "For a teacher like you to interfere in a battle among students, aren't you bullying the weak?"

"Don't be in such a hurry!' Zhang Xuan smiled. "I am not admitting defeat, but I didn't say that I will allow our students to continue competing!"

"You wish to stop the duel? The Student Dueling Platform has already begun, and you don't have the right to stop it. It is too late to regret." Zhou Tian harrumphed.

"My students' decision is my decision. Since they decided to challenge the Student Dueling Platform, there's nothing for me to regret!" Zhang Xuan looked over. "However... I think that a mere Student Dueling Platform is too uninteresting. Why don't we conduct a [Teacher Dueling Platform]? Just that... do you dare to accept the challenge?"

"What? Challenge the Teacher Dueling Platform? Is that fellow insane?"

"Is there something wrong with his head?"

"Teacher Dueling Platform means that the students challenge the teacher. It is already difficult for those students of his to achieve victory in the Student Dueling Platform, yet he wants to challenge the Teacher Dueling Platform? Isn't he daydreaming?"

...

...

Upon hearing Zhang Xuan's words, the teachers and students present in the Student Bureau were dumbfounded.

When a student is dissatisfied with a teacher, he can challenge all of the students under him via a Student Dueling Platform to force him to admit his mistakes. On the other hand, Teacher Dueling Platform meant that a student would be challenging the teacher directly. If he were to lose, admitting defeat would be one thing, but the dignity of the teacher would be sullied.

Of course, given that the cultivation realms of the students are far beneath that of teachers, it is impossible for students to win in a normal duel. For the sake of fairness, the teacher has to lower his cultivation realm down to that of the student in a Teacher Dueling Platform.

Even so, the fight could not be considered to be totally fair.

Being able to become teachers, their experience and grasp over the flow of battle are obviously far superior to that of mere students. Even if they were to duel at the same power realm, it was impossible for a student to emerge victorious over a teacher.

Zhao Ya and the others all staggered and nearly fainted on the spot.

They thought that they had been audacious to challenge the Student Dueling Platform. Yet, Zhang laoshi managed to top them and requested for the Teacher Dueling Platform instead...

You... must be joking!

Even though this Zhou Tian laoshi wasn't exceptionally powerful among the teachers, barely reaching Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm primary stage, he was still a true teacher of the academy. He wasn't someone a bunch of Juxi realms could defeat.

"Teacher Dueling Platform? You want your students to challenge me?" Zhou Tian looked as though he had heard the most hilarious joke in the world.

"Why? Don't dare to?" Zhang Xuan looked at him.

"Haha, you are truly courting death!" Zhou Tian burst into laughter. "Fine, I'll agree then. If you win, I will give you ten Breath Forging Beads. However, if you were to lose... Hehe, I won't demand any items, you just have to kneel down before me!"

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Chapter 150: Imparting Spear Art

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"Alright. Anything will do as long as you don't go back on your words." Zhang Xuan chuckled and agreed.

"Zhang laoshi..."

Hearing him make such a decision, Zhao Ya and the others panicked.

Are you pulling our legs?

They had improved significantly in the last few days, but defeating a teacher in a duel is... impossible!

Agreeing so readily, isn't it akin to admitting defeat?

"Since you're so confident, let's do it then. Are they going to take on me all at once or go one by one?"

Zhou Tian said with a grin.

Zhang Xuan only had five students in total. Even if he were to suppress his cultivation, they would still not be a match for him.

"Taking turns? You're thinking too much. Given your strength, any one of my students would be able to easily defeat you!" Zhang Xuan shook his head.

"You..."

Seeing that the other party was looking down on him like that, Zhou Tian's face darkened.

Lazy to bother with the fellow, Zhang Xuan turned his attention to Zhao Ya and the others.

Meeting his gaze, his students felt extremely anxious.

They weren't even able to win in the Student Dueling Platform, and now they had to challenge the teacher...

"The few of you hadn't fought previously. If I let you challenge Zhou laoshi, it truly is... bullying the weak. Zheng Yang, you will face him!" Zhang Xuan looked around and then casually pointed at Zheng Yang.

Hearing those words, the surrounding crowd almost fainted.

Brother, is it alright for you to be putting on such a big show?

Even if you really wanted to boast, it should be realistic, right?

Putting aside Zheng Yang's abilities, he had just fought several opponents and is running low on stamina. Didn't you witness that he could not even move his spear anymore? He might not be able to kill even a chicken now, yet you want to pit him against Zhou Tian?

Furthermore... Bullying the other party?

Bullying the heck!

Looking at the fellow's condition, even if Zhou Tian didn't make a move, he probably would fall by himself in no time...

Not only did the others put on confused expressions, even Zheng Yang's mouth was twitching.

"Teacher, I..."

He was about to go insane.

Zhang laoshi, can you stop pulling such pranks?

He knows how much he is worth, and he wouldn't even be able to fight any student who comes his way this moment, needless to say, Zhou Tian laoshi... Even if he were to suppress his cultivation to that of a Fighter 1-dan... It is still impossible for him to emerge victoriously!

Just as he was about to inform Zhang laoshi of his physical condition, before he could speak, the other person's calm voice sounded once more, "Don't feel happy yet, it isn't too late to celebrate after defeating this Zhou laoshi!"

Happy?

Happy my foot!

I am on the verge of tears, can't you tell?

Zheng Yang's body staggered and he looked as though he would faint at any moment now.

"Courting death..."

Catching sight of this scene, Zhou Tian thought that Zhang Xuan was doing this intentionally to shame him. His mouth twitched in rage and anger gleamed in his eyes.

"Before the fight, I will teach him a new spear art. Surely Zhou laoshi will be fine with it?"

Ignoring the strange looks the others shot him, Zhang Xuan asked Zhou Tian.

"It's a little too late for that!" Zhou Tian harrumphed.

"It doesn't matter whether it is late or not. It would suffice as long as it is enough to defeat you!" Zhang Xuan smiled. He walked to Zheng Yang and said, "Here, teacher will teach you a spear art. Look carefully and learn!"

After which, he took the spear from the other party's hands, and with a slight tremble of his palm, stabbed forward in a crooked trajectory.

The move appeared to have no depth to it, looking like a random movement. It didn't bear the slightest resemblance to a spear art. It seemed like a casual, playful stab.

"This fellow... Is he joking?"

"You call that spear art? The spear art of "an aroused boar meeting a sow" would even be better than that!"

"I've seen people who swindle their own parents, but this is my first time seeing a teacher swindle his own student. Zheng Yang is probably done for!"

"To have met such a teacher, he is doomed matter how talented he is..."

Zhang Xuan taught Zheng Yang before everyone's eyes, and everyone saw the move clearly. For a moment, their minds were unable to keep up with the situation.

Do you call that spear art?

Even the technique a cleaner use to sweep the floor is several times more profound than that move of yours...

"Have you grasped it yet?"

Ignoring the discussions in the crowd, Zhang Xuan looked at Zheng Yang.

"Yes..."

Zheng Yang wanted to cry.

Does such a move even need to be learned?

He first came into contact with the spear when he was six... Any random move in the books is far superior to the one his teacher just taught...

"Alright, since you have grasped it already, go and defeat Zhou laoshi!"

Zhang Xuan nodded his head, gently dusting Zheng Yang's body.

Hearing his teacher's instructions, Zheng Yang was about to cry when he felt Zhang laoshi's palm on his shoulder. A surge of zhenqi flowed through his meridians.

The zhenqi was extremely dense and pure. All clots in its path fell apart immediately and he felt the shackles on his body being removed. As though having eaten a nutritious tonic, all fatigue vanished and he felt refreshed.

Fatigue is just like an illness, and it is often caused by the blockages in one's meridians. Under Zhang Xuan's pure zhenqi, it wasn't difficult to clear those blockages.

"Don't resist me. Follow the movement of my zhenqi and adjust your breathing along with it!"

He was still feeling surprised at Zhang laoshi's actions when he heard his voice sound beside his ears.

Knowing that his teacher would never do him in, Zheng Yang focused his attention hurriedly and adjusted his breathing.

Kacha! Kacha! Kacha!

The zhenqi that gushed into his body flowed through his meridians in a unique path. In an instant, Zheng Yang felt as though he had become a spear that could pierce through the heavens.

"This is... the inner breathing method of the spear art?"

No matter how foolish Zheng Yang was, he immediately understood what was going on.

Regardless of whether it was a spear art or other battle techniques, on top of the moves, one had to know the corresponding inner breathing method.

Only when one's inner breathing is aligned with the technique can one unleash the greatest might possible. Otherwise, it would look flashy at best when in fact there is little might behind the attack.

Even though Zheng Yang had never come across any exceptionally powerful spear art, he had been living with the spear by his side since young. The spear had already become a part of him and the moment he felt the inner breathing within his body, he understood that the technique is much more profound than any other spear arts he had learned before.

The move looked so simple that even a fool would be able to learn it. However, when paired up with this inner breathing method, it was clear that it was a drastically simplified move that was packed with profound spear theories, a truly fine piece of art!

"To think that there would be such a powerful move in the world..."

In that instant, he appeared to be in a daze. He could hardly believe what was happening.

Profound is no longer sufficient to describe the move, it is completely inconceivable that such a move could exist.

Zheng Yang was still bathing in agitation when Zhang laoshi's voice echoed in his ear once more.

"Don't let your thoughts wander now. Try to get accustomed to this inner breathing method and align it properly with that spear art!"

"Yes!"

Knowing that Zhang laoshi was imparting him an incredibly profound move, Zheng Yang focused his attention and tried to comprehend the inner breathing within him.

Every single battle technique has an inner breathing method unique it. To learn a battle technique, one has to slowly open up all of the clogged meridians required for it. It is an incredibly tiring and long process, requiring long hours of effort.

Using Zheng Yang as an example, he is only at Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm and there is only inner breath in his body. He hadn't even formed zhenqi yet. It would have taken a minimum of two years' effort for him to open up the path required for the move.

However, Zhang Xuan's presence made all the difference.

Zhang laoshi's zhenqi was extremely pure and wherever it flowed through, the clots would immediately be undone, thus opening up the meridians. In less than two breaths, he had already opened up a smooth passageway for Zheng Yang's inner breathing of the technique.

"Just like that, I have... mastered it?"

Upon sensing the smooth passageway through the inner breathing, Zheng Yang instantly understood this fact. In this short moment, he had completely mastered the move, as though he had been practicing it for multiple years.

"Alright, keep this surge of zhenqi in your body. Continue feigning weak and powerless, and when the duel with Zhou Tian begins, you must strike him in full one blow!"

Zhang Xuan voice continued to sound.

Comprehending the meaning behind his words, Zheng Yang nodded his head secretly. At the same time, he was perplexed... Why is Zhang laoshi's zhenqi able to remain in his body without creating conflicts in his body?

The attributes of one's zhenqi would change according to the cultivation technique a fighter pursued. As such, when one's zhenqi flows into another person's body, putting aside the question of whether the former is able to help the latter to achieve a breakthrough, it is likely that a conflict would occur, and this would cause the receiver's cultivation to go berserk.

Yet, Zheng Yang did not feel any discord or discomfort within when Zhang laoshi's zhenqi entered his body. He found it inconceivable.

However, he also knew that this wasn't the time to be thinking about such things. After 'struggling' to clasp his hand, he exclaimed, "Zhou laoshi, come!"

After which, he staggered up the ring.

Zheng Yang appeared as though he would fall if a strong gust were to blow at this moment. Witnessing his condition, the crowd stared at one another, flabbergasted.

The heck, are you serious?

To fight a teacher using a spear art that even pigs can execute and a body that will cave in at any moment, how do you intend to win...

Zhou Tian's face twitched as well. A thought suddenly popped into his mind.

I fell for his trap.

This fellow had probably intended to sacrifice this student from the very start to make a fool out of him.

Imparting a move that can't even kill a chicken to deal with him... Isn't he implying that he couldn't even match up to a chicken?

"Zhang Xuan, you sure are despicable!"

Thinking that the other party was intentionally humiliating him, Zhou Tian gritted his teeth and stepped into the ring as well.

"Zhou laoshi, please go easy on me..."

Portraying an extremely weak image, Zheng Yang struggled to lift his spear.

Seeing how even such a simple movement could send sweat trickling down his forehead from fatigue, everyone was speechless.

It had been long since someone challenged the Teacher Dueling Platform. One wouldn't have imagined that the first one in years would be so eccentric.

If word were to spread out, it would surely cause an uproar.

"Teacher... Why don't I substitute Zheng Yang!"

Zhao Ya spoke, unable to endure it anymore.

"Just watch!" Zhang Xuan didn't explain the situation to her.

Seeing how confident her teacher was, even though Zhao Ya was perplexed, she did not dare to question any further. Instead, she turned her attention to the stage.

"Go easy on you? Blame your beloved Zhang laoshi for your plight!"

Deducing Zhang Xuan's intentions, Zhou Tian was infuriated.

"Then... I will apologize for my discourtesy beforehand!"

Knowing that the other party would not make the first move in consideration of the disparity between their identities, he didn't dawdle further and shot his spear straight at the other party.

The tip of the spear was shaky, as though there wasn't any strength behind it.

It was the trash move that Zhang Xuan had just taught him.

"Hmph!"

Seeing that the other fellow had actually dared to use such a move against him, Zhou Tian felt even more furious. He suppressed his cultivation to the level of a Fighter 1-dan Juxi realm, and without using any weapon, faced Zheng Yang's attack bare-handed.

Facing a spear bare-handed!

Even so, no one thought well of Zheng Yang. They all thought that the fellow would be in for a beating.

"Now..."

Noticing that the other party was underestimating him, facing him with bare hands, Zheng Yang's eyes lit up. He immediately triggered the surge of zhenqi which Zhang Xuan left in his body earlier on and in an instant, his disposition changed. If he were a tame lamb a moment ago, he would be a ferocious tiger at this moment.

Boom!

The spear shot straight toward Zhou Tian's chest.

"What?"

Zhou Tian's eyes narrowed. He felt an overwhelming sense of danger from that attack.

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Chapter 151: I Am Here to Slap Your Face

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

As firstly, a teacher and, secondly, a Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm expert, although Zhou Tian had never learned spearmanship, he could tell how powerful the move was.

The force behind the spear was so powerful that it compressed the air before it to the extent that a strong gust of wind was sent into the surroundings. Even if Zhou Tian had not suppressed his cultivation, he would have found it difficult to deal with such a move!

How could a Juxi-realm lad possess such incredible strength?

He felt like he was going insane.

"Zhang Xuan, you tricked me..."

At this moment, he realized that he had fallen for the other party's deception.

No wonder that fellow was so confident. When did this Zheng Yang become so powerful?

Without much time to think, he dared not to keep his strength suppressed any longer. Zhenqi immediately gushed forth from his hands as he attempted to seal the spear's might.

However, even Wang Chong, a Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan realm spear master was unable to stand against this Heaven's Path Spear Art, needless to say, him.

Peng!

The pole of the spear struck Zhou Tian's chest forcefully. He tasted a metallic tang in his mouth, and blood spurted forth from it. He flew off the Teacher Dueling Platform immediately and fell to the ground, battered.

Silence.

Complete silence.

"What?"

"Zhou Tian laoshi was defeated with a single pierce?"

"What the heck is going on?"

...

...

After a moment of astonishment, a commotion broke out.

Initially, seeing that Zhou laoshi was dealing with a student who looked as though he would fall at any moment, they thought that he would easily crush him with a single finger. But... What is going on?

With just one pierce from the student, Zhou laoshi went against the rules and released his full strength. Even so, he was sent flying.

Am I seeing things?

Can anyone tell me what the heck is going on?

Zhao Ya, Liu Yang, and the rest widened their eyes in disbelief.

This fellow had been with them every day, so they knew his strength very well. How did he suddenly become... so powerful?

Furthermore... Even if others were to train intensively, there would just be small improvements... This seems to be going way overboard!

Sending a Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm expert flying with a single strike...

Are we dreaming?

No, it's not that we're dreaming. It's that spear technique!

The few of them turned at the same time to look at Zhang Xuan.

They had also realized that the reason why Zheng Yang was able to become so powerful so suddenly was because of the spear art Zhang laoshi had just imparted him.

Just that... How could that nonsense of a spear art which probably couldn't even kill a chicken be so powerful?

Zhou Tian's students had raised their arms to cheer their teacher on, but before they could say anything, such an outcome appeared before them. Astonishment covered every single one of their faces and they were at a loss.

"Teacher..."

Coming to their senses, the whole lot rushed forward to help Zhou Tian up.

"You..."

Standing up, Zhou Tian regulated his breathing and felt slightly better. He glared coldly at Zhang Xuan and just as he was about to speak, he saw Zheng Yang approach with his spear in hand. The latter clasped his hands together and bowed, "Zhou laoshi, thank you for going easy on me!"

Puu!

Hearing those words, Zhou Tian's face flushed and he spurted out another mouthful of blood.

Going easy your head!

If I could, I would have beaten you to death. Who knew that you would have such a bizarre spear technique...

For a teacher to lose to a student...

He felt a stinging sensation on his face, as though he had been slapped by someone else.

"Zhou laoshi, you said earlier that if I were to win, you will give us ten Breath Forging Beads. I will have to ask you to hand it over!" Zheng Yang stepped forward excitedly.

Even though he was infuriated, he knew that he had truly embarrassed himself this time. If he were to renege on his words after losing the Teacher Dueling Platform, he would truly lose all dignity he possessed.

Gritting his teeth, he retrieved a jade bottle from his pocket and passed it over.

Accepting it hurriedly, Zheng Yang opened the cap and saw a row of Breath Forging Beads inside. Its fragrance diffused into the air and one could feel an overwhelming spiritual energy.

"Teacher..."

Zheng Yang brought the Breath Forging Beads to Zhang Xuan quickly, his face full of joy.

The reason why they spent the entire afternoon causing a ruckus at the Student Bureau was to obtain these training resources for Zhang laoshi. Even though it was tiring... they had managed to succeed in the end!

"Damn it!"

Zhou Tian's heart was bleeding.

A teacher could only obtain a single Breath Forging Pill a month. Ten Breath Forging Pills was a huge fortune to him.

Even if he were to hand it over, he wouldn't allow Zhang Xuan to use them.

"Hmph, Zhang Xuan, your students were the ones who won those Breath Forging Beads. You weren't entitled to them in the first place. I don't think that you will be so shameless as to consume something that belongs to your students!"

So what if you got those beads?

Your students went through so much trouble to obtain the pills, do you have the cheek to consume them yourself?

If you aren't able to consume it, it is equivalent to not obtaining it!

"Consume it?" Zhang Xuan took the jade bottle and shook his head. "Who would use such trash?"

After which, he flicked his wrist.

Putong!

The jade bottle was discarded into a nearby pond.

"Ah?"

"This..."

Witnessing this scene, everyone was taken aback. Even Zhou Tian was dumbfounded.

What are you doing?

Those ten Breath Forging Beads are worth several thousands! You threw it away just like that?

Even Zheng Yang, Zhao Ya and the rest were stunned.

"There's no need to be so shocked. Even though Breath Forging Beads can help a cultivator gather spiritual energy faster, consuming too much would make one reliant on it. It isn't good for one's future cultivation!" Looking at their confused expressions, Zhang Xuan whipped out another jade bottle and threw it to his students. "These are some stuff that I have prepared for you. After you have finished it, I will get more of it!"

Doubtfully, Zhao Ya and the others caught the bottle and opened it. Upon seeing what was inside, they leaped in shock.

"Breath Forging Pills?"

The pills inside were round and radiant. They exuded a fragrance that permeated right into one's body.

To think that it would be... Breath Forging Pills!

That is a true pill that is extremely useful for cultivators. Comparing it to Breath Forging Beads is like comparing gem to dirt, the two items on totally different levels.

"Breath Forging Pills cost tens of thousands per pill in the market, and he took out two bottles at once? How many dozens of pills are inside those two bottles?"

"He gave true pills forged by official apothecaries to his students?"

The bodies of the crowd swayed. They felt as though the world had gone insane.

Given how many Breath Forging Pills there are inside, it should be worth at least hundreds of thousands of gold coins in total. Yet, he threw them so casually to his students...

Darn, do you have to be so extravagant?

No wonder the Breath Forging Beads did not catch his eyes. What a joke! Anyone who possessed so many Breath Forging Pills would not even cast a second glance at that trash.

Puu!

Zhou Tian staggered and he nearly passed out.

He only felt his cheeks growing warmer and warmer. He was nearly losing his sanity from all of the slaps on his face.

Just by teaching his student a trash move, his student was able to beat him up so easily. The Breath Forging Beads which he values so highly was discarded by the other party like trash...

Brother, aren't you the teacher who is paid the worst in the entire school? When did you become such an incredible figure?

"Teacher... are these really for us?"

Not only did the crowd feel as though they were going mad, Zhao Ya and the others were also in a state of disbelief.

"Of course they are for you! It's not that I want to nag, but as my students, is there really a need to vie over those little things from the academy?" Zhang Xuan shook his head in disappointment. Then, with a flick of his wrist, a gourd appeared in his hand. "Wang Ying, the meridians in your legs are injured. This is the Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution that I have found specially for you. Pour it into a pail of water and soak your legs in it for three days. Your legs should recover entirely by then!"

"Liu Yang, you practiced the wrong battle technique and injured your hands. I got this Meridian Rejuvenation Pill for you from the Apothecary Guild. As long as you train properly after consuming it, your wounds should be able to recover quickly!"

"Yes!"

Wang Ying and Liu Yang stepped forward and received two items from Zhang Xuan.

"Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution? Could it be that Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution from the Apothecary Guild?"

"Have you heard of it?"

"Of course I have. Back then, I heard that the item could heal a person's wounded meridians swiftly, so I had someone to look into it for me. According to him, a gourd like that costs three hundred thousand gold coins!"

"Three hundred thousand? Are you serious?"

"The Meridian Rejuvenation Pill is a true pill forged by apothecaries. It is even more expensive than the Breath Forging Pills. It is said that a single pill costs two hundred thousand gold coins. It might be cheaper to have an apothecary or apprentice apothecary buy it in your stead, but the price wouldn't be far from that."

"Two hundred thousand? That is to say, he spent five hundred thousand just like that?"

"Don't forget those Breath Forging Pills as well. In total, it costs more than a million? And he gave it to the students just like that?"

"Is Zhang laoshi still accepting students? I want to come under his tutelage..."

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...

There were quite a few knowledgeable persons in the crowd. The Body Nourishing Medicinal Solution and Meridian Rejuvenation Pill weren't considered secret medicine and many people have heard of it. Upon hearing the prices, everyone went into a frenzy once again.

A low-level teacher in the academy is only paid a maximum of three hundred to four hundred gold coins in wages every month. In fact, even high-level teachers do not earn more than thousand a month. Yet, he just casually took out a million for his students' cultivation...

Putting aside other teachers... Even Zhou Tian's reward for defeating Zhang Xuan's students was only Breath Forging Powder. Look at the other party, he casually whipped out real pills and top-quality medicinal solutions...

The heck, why is there such a huge disparity between them even though they are both teachers?

In a split second, gazes of admiration were focused on Zhao Ya and the other students while looks of disdain fell upon Zhou Tian.

Taking all of these into sight, Zhou Tian nearly vomited blood again.

Zhang Xuan, damn you!

You must have done it intentionally.

You took all of those out before me to slap my face...

I am, after all, the teacher who is in charge of resource allocation, the one who holds the most lucrative position in the academy, and yet, I became a petty person who fought with another teacher over a measly amount of resources that the other person saw as worthless...

"Let's go!"

Being done passing the items to his students, Zhang Xuan waved his hand and led his students away. He left quietly, leaving amazement in his wake.

Isn't it clear? Of course I did it intentionally!

Didn't you want to slap my face? I shall return you the favor then.

To tell the truth, I came here to slap your face!

"Yes!"

Watching their teacher leave, Zheng Yang and the others quickly recovered from their shock and followed behind him in a daze. At the same time, their faces flushed in embarrassment.

Initially, they came here to vie for resources and to uphold their teacher's prestige. Who knew that... in the end, they would realize Zhang laoshi never did care for those resources.

Of course, for someone who could whip out so many pills and medicine so easily, how would those Breath Forging Powder and Breath Forging Beads catch his attention?

"Teacher, these pills are really... too valuable..."

Upon returning to the classroom, Zhao Ya stepped forward.

She was already given a stalk of Frigid Sun Mother Grass previously. Her conscience did not allow her to receive these pills...

"Cultivate properly, it would suffice as long as you win for me in the Teacher Evaluation!" Zhang Xuan beckoned.

"Teacher, rest easy. We will definitely give it our all..."

Upon hearing those words, Zhao Ya and the others nodded their heads in unison.

Their teacher had given so much to them. If they were to lose in the Teacher Evaluation, they would be truly ashamed to meet him.

"Un!" Seeing how motivated they were, Zhang Xuan nodded his head in satisfaction. "Zheng Yang, come over!"

After which, he walked into the small room.

Zheng Yang knew that it would definitely be the matter with the spear art today. He had been perplexed over the issue as well. Not daring to keep Zhang laoshi waiting, he quickly followed behind him.

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Chapter 152: Treating Du Miaoxuan

Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove

"Teacher, this spear technique..."

Upon walking in, Zheng Yang could no longer suppress his curiosity.

"That technique is something that I have just created. I will tell you the cultivation method now!"

Zhang Xuan recited the cultivation method to him once.

"This... This..."

Upon hearing the entire cultivation method, Zheng Yang was stunned.

The spear technique is simply too profound. All the other spear arts which he had learned previously are trash compared to it.

Previously, he thought that the skill is shaky, crooked and does not have a good form, but that isn't true.

The emphasis on this technique isn't its form. One can execute it either inelegantly or gracefully. Even though there is only one move to it, it still surpasses countless other spear techniques. Not only is the move flexible, containing countless variations, it holds peerless might behind it.

"Alright, I am done imparting the full technique to you. Without my permission, you are not to teach anyone else the skill!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Yes!" Zheng Yang dropped to the floor and kowtowed to Zhang Xuan.

After having immersed himself in spearmanship for countless years, he understood how precious this skill was. He also understood that if he skill were to be leaked, a bloody storm would ensue.

"Even though this spear art is simple, it is the basis of all spearmanship. There are still ten days until the Freshmen Tournament, and I hope that you can achieve a breakthrough in your spearmanship. Do not let down my efforts!"

Zhang Xuan instructed.

"Teacher, rest easy!" Zheng Yang nodded his head with resolution. Then, he lifted his head abruptly and asked, "Teacher, may I know what this spear technique is called?"

"The name of the technique? I haven't named it. If you come up with a good name, feel free to name it so!" Zhang Xuan waved his hand casually.

Even though he had named it Heaven's Path Spear Art, it was a collective name for the set of techniques. There should be a separate name for the move and Zhang Xuan could not be bothered to come up with it. Thus, he decided to leave the task to his student.

"Yes!" Knowing his teacher's personality, Zheng Yang suppressed the astonishment in his mind and left the room.

After he left, Zhang Xuan rubbed between his eyebrows.

After solving Wang Ying and Liu Yang's hidden physical traumas, their fighting prowess would definitely soar greatly. As for Yuan Tao and Zhao Ya, after their unique constitutions are awakened, their improvement would surely be greater than the rest. Of them all, only Zheng Yang was lagging behind. However, with this spear art, it was hard to tell which of his students would be the strongest in ten days.

After calling the other students in and offering each of them some pointers, Zhang Xuan left the academy.

...............

"You say that... Du Miaoxuan has already been kneeling at the entrance of the mansion for an entire day?"

"Even though Du Miaoxuan had lost the fight for the position of the clan head due to his illness, he is still an influential figure. For him to be kneeling at another's door for an entire day... Could the owner of the mansion really be a master teacher?"

"If that's true, then all of us have truly guessed wrongly before..."

...

...

In the time that Zhang Xuan left the residence, learned spear art and imparted it to Zheng Yang, the entire Tianxuan Royal City had fallen into an uproar.

Although many people continued to doubt the identity of the mansion's owner after Ling Tianyu's incident, Du Miaoxuan kneeling at the entrance for an entire day had caused them to waver.

As a dignified elder of one of the Four Great Clans, Du Clan, and as an ex-contender for the position of the clan head, only a master teacher held the prestige to have a person like that kneel at his doorstep.

"Let's go over and take a look!"

"We have to see what is going on. If the other party is truly a master teacher, we must quickly make acquaintance with him!"

...

...

When word spread out, countless powers and influential clans could no longer remain uninvolved. They quickly sent their men to look into the matter. In fact, some of the powerful leaders and clan heads even came to take a look at the situation personally.

Luo Chong was one of them.

He is the guild leader of the Blacksmith Guild in Tianxuan Royal City, a true 1-star intermediate stage blacksmith.

The best blacksmith in Tianxuan Kingdom.

Even Emperor Shen Zhui has to spend massive amounts of money to buy his weapons. Countless nobles lined up to purchase his weapons, only to leave in vain. Every single weapon he crafts is sought by many and as such, prices skyrocket.

Initially, given his position and standing, even if a master teacher were to come over, there was no need for him to please him and make acquaintance with him.

After all, even though blacksmiths are not as prestigious as master teachers, they are still one of the top classes which ranks at the forefront of the Upper Nine Paths, and they have their own pride and standing.

Even so... He came.

Other people may not know, but he was aware of his own problems. Recently, he began to be unable to achieve the state of Heart of Tranquil Water in his smithing. The items that he crafted often fell apart at the very last step to become a failed good.

He had crafted the same way as he always used to, so the situation did not make much sense to him. Initially, he thought that it may be a problem with his stamina, so he specially rested for a few days before beginning to craft again. However... It made no difference at all.

For the number one blacksmith of Tianxuan Kingdom to be unable to craft weapons... If news were to spread out, not only will his standing be affected, his rivals and enemies would probably come knocking to ensure that he falls from the high pedestal he stood on previously.

Thus, upon hearing that a master teacher had appeared in the city, he couldn't hold himself back and secretly came to see if it was true.

If it was true, no matter the price, he had to find out the problem and have it solved.

"Indeed, it is Du Miaoxuan!"

Luo Chong recognized the middle-aged man who was kneeling by the corner of the street.

He is the most famous elder in Du Clan. There is few among the upper echelons of Tianxuan City who doesn't know him. Back then, the other party even implored him to craft a sword for him. Thus, even though there was a distance between the two, Luo Chong was still able to recognize him immediately.

"This fellow is an extremely prudent person. For him to kneel down willingly like that, the person in the mansion must be capable of solving his problems. Furthermore... It seems like he is truly impressed by the person!"

With one look, Luo Chong made a judgement on the situation.

If the person in the mansion isn't of high standing and is unable to solve his problem, Du Miaoxuan's actions would be equivalent to embarrassing himself. Given Luo Chong's understanding of him, he wouldn't do such a thing unless he was extremely certain.

Jiyaa!

Just when he was making wild guesses at the situation, the doors to the mansion opened and a plump butler emerged.

"The old master invites you in!"

Sun Qiang beckoned him over.

"Thank you Butler Sun for speaking on my behalf..." Du Miaoxuan was overjoyed. He hurriedly stood up and walked over.

"Let's go!"

Sun Qiang didn't bother with pleasantries and led the way. Then, the doors to the mansion shut tight once again.

"He went in!"

"Du Miaoxuan went in. In a moment's time, we would be able to know the truth after he leaves through observing his behavior!"

"Indeed, let's continue waiting here..."

...

...

Upon seeing Du Miaoxuan enter the mansion, the various powers of the capital were not in a hurry to leave. Rather, their eyes continued to focus on the situation with great intensity, as though a hawk.

Luo Chong was in no hurry to leave either. He sat quietly and waited with patience.

..................

...

"I apologize for doubting Zhang shi's incredible abilities before, please forgive me!"

The moment he entered the room, Du Miaoxuan immediately kneeled to the floor, void of the suspicions and arrogance that he held before.

"Get up!"

Zhang Xuan gestured.

After leaving the academy, he went to a remote alley and disguised himself as 'Yang Xuan' once again before returning to the residence.

Noticing that this fellow's anger and resentment had subsided in the half day that he was gone, he got Sun Qiang to bring him in.

"I beg of Yang shi to forgive me for the discourtesy that I showed you before and save me!" Du Miaoxuan continued kneeling on the floor.

"Since I have invited you in, naturally, I would help you. Get up!" Zhang Xuan said impassively.

Hearing those words, delight appeared on Du Miaoxuan's face. He hurriedly stood up.

Du Yuan, who was standing behind his father, was perplexed.

Isn't father's illness a thing of the past? Could it be that this master teacher can treat the trauma which was left behind in father's body previously by the illness?

"You know why I called you a beast, right?"

Zhang Xuan looked at him.

"I understand!" Du Miaoxuan replied.

Sun Qiang and Du Yuan were still confused.

Previously, just after taking a look, Yang shi said that Elder Du is a beast. Initially, they thought that he was insulting him, but from the looks of it, things aren't as simple as it seems.

Just that, they were truly unable to understand what was it with Du Miaoxuan that made him not angry despite being called a beast. On the contrary, he even seemed excited about it.

However, their confusion did not last for long. At this moment, Zhang Xuan's voice sounded in the air.

"It is a known fact that ten years ago, you fell ill and your cultivation fell tremendously. However, if I am not wrong, you... infused the blood of the Snow Wolf into your body, hoping to alter your bloodline!"

"This caused you to be poisoned by the Snow Wolf. Everyday at noon, white fur grows all over your body, and you turn into a being that can neither be considered human nor animal, just like a beast. Am I right?"

"Yes, Yang shi's words are absolutely right!"

Du Miaoxuan nodded his head hurriedly.

Even though he knew that Yang shi had seen through his illness the moment he said that he was a beast, when Yang shi pointed it all out spot-on, he was still astonished.

As expected of a master teacher. His ability of discernment is superb. This is something that even Master Yuanyu failed to see through.

"This..."

"Blood of the Snow Wolf? A body full of white fur?"

Hearing Zhang Xuan's words, Sun Qiang and Du Yuan came to a realization.

Especially for the latter, his body shuddered uncontrollably.

He finally understood why his father would head to the remote courtyard to drink cooling tea at noon and turn away all visitors. He thought that it was a habit of his father through the years, but to think that this would be the actual reason.

For him to grow white fur every noon... He was afraid of being seen, that's why he went to hide in the courtyard!

For a person to grow fur all over his body... If he isn't a beast, what else could he be?

No wonder when Yang shi said these words, not only did father not refute his words, he even kneeled outside the entrance... So this was the reason why.

"Snow Wolf, a tier-7 white fur savage beast. It possesses strength equivalent to a Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan realm expert and it is known for its speed. Its blood is one of the main ingredients in [Tongxuan Pill], which helps to open up one's meridians and raise one's cultivation. You probably read some secret manual which caused you to mistakenly believe that if you were to successfully fuse your blood with that of the Snow Wolf, your cultivation would be raised significantly!"

Ignoring the shock on everyone's faces, Zhang Xuan continued.

"Yes!" A bitter smile appeared on Du Miaoxuan's face as he nodded his head to confirm Yang shi's words.

It is just like what this Yang shi said. Back then, he read a secret manual which detailed that as long as he managed to successfully swap blood with that of a Snow Wolf, he would be able to reach Tongxuan realm immediately to become a Fighter 7-dan expert.

Who knew that not only did his dream not come true, it was actually the start of a nightmare.

White fur would sprout from his body daily, making him look neither human nor animal. Even though it was just for an hour every day, the anguish he went through was unimaginable.

One had to have incredible mental fortitude to survive ten years in such a manner. Otherwise, one would have long committed suicide in despair.

"I was immature back then, and I failed to discern truth from the false, believing a manual so easily... Yang shi, I beg of you to save me!" Du Miaoxuan clasped his hands.

Thinking about it now, he must have had a screw loose back then.

Just because he coincidentally found an ancient manual, he thought that it was a precious treasure and explored desolate lands and utilized many means to kill a Snow Wolf so as to obtain its blood. He thought that his cultivation would soar rapidly and he would become the next clan head. Never did he expect to land himself in such a state.

If this isn't a screw loose, what else could it be?

"Failed to discern the truth? That secret manual that you obtained... is real!" Zhang Xuan said.

"Is that true?" Hearing those words, Du Miaoxuan's body jolted. "How is that possible? If it is real, how did I land myself in such a state..."

If what that was detailed in the manual was true, why would he fall into such an unsightly state for so many years?

Furthermore, why would his cultivation fall from Pixue realm to Dingli realm, and thereafter be stuck at that level?

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