Chapter 153: Stuffed Yourself When You Were Full (Looking For It)
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
"The secret manual is real, but the most important portion had been destroyed by someone else, leaving behind an incomplete version. That is the reason why you are in such a state!" After which, Zhang Xuan did not continue to linger on the topic: "Alright, I will be performing acupuncture on you to resolve the hidden problems in your body!"
"Yes!" Du Miaoxuan took a step forward hurriedly.
With a turn of Zhang Xuan's wrist, a silver needle appeared. Then, with a flick of his finger, the needle flew straight at Du Miaoxuan.
The Library of Heaven's Path only revealed basic information and the person's flaws; the way to solve their problems are not written in it. However, Du Miaoxuan's problem is similar that of Ling Tianyu's wife, and he had blockages in his meridians. This caused the blood of the Snow Wolf to fail in achieving its original purpose.
Zhang Xuan just had to clear the blockages to settle his problem.
To Zhang Xuan, such problems are a piece of cake. The zhenqi from the Heaven's Path Divine Art is as clear and pure as water. Any blockage would be washed away by it immediately.
Hu hu hu hu!
Dozens of needles pierced through Du Miaoxuan's skin.
Du Miaoxuan could only feel numb and itchy sensations on his skin. That bestial instinct which he had been suppressing before, that which caused him to enter into a berserk all the time, flowed through the opened meridians as though river water, and to the rest of his body.
Geji! Geji!
The moment the blood of the Snow Wolf assimilated into his body, his zhenqi soared instantaneously. With a series of pops that was reminiscent of a live firecracker, the acupoints in his body exploded open one by one.
Pah pah pah pah!
As though he were a magnet, the spiritual energy in the atmosphere gushed into his body frenziedly. In the blink of an eye, he had broken through Dingli realm pinnacle.
Pixue realm primary stage!
Pixue realm intermediate stage...
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...
In a short moment, he had reached Pixue realm pinnacle, but the momentum did not seem to be stopping here.
Boom!
Du Miaoxuan's body shook. Finally, the soar in his cultivation level had come to a stop, That bestial instinct which caused him so many worries had also disappeared without a trace.
Fighter 7-dan, Tongxuan realm primary stage!
His cultivation level had actually risen from a Dingli realm pinnacle to Tongxuan realm! That was more than one entire realm!
"I..."
After sensing the changes in his body, even though Du Miaoxuan is a man with mental resilience, his eyes reddened.
For an entire decade, he had been tortured by untold pain. Every day, he would turn into a beast and white fur would sprout over his entire body. He thought that this affliction would remain with him until his deathbed. Yet, in just a short moment, it was solved by the man standing before him. Furthermore... He even achieved a breakthrough in his cultivation!
Putong!
Du Miaoxuan knelt to the floor. He was extremely grateful to Yang shi, and with no hypocrisy behind his action whatsoever, he said, "Thank you for granting me a new life..."
Not only did Yang shi solve his affliction, he even helped to raise his cultivation realm to Tongxuan realm. Du Miaoxuan saw this favor as equivalent to the noble deed of birth and had already regarded him as his parent.
The new him, upon returning home, would definitely regain his status as one of the top elders in the clan. No one would dare to underestimate him anymore.
To achieve such results, he would have been willing to kneel for even a year.
"Hurry up and take the things out!"
Calming the agitation in his heart, Du Miaoxuan signaled to his son.
"Yes!" Du Yuan hurriedly took out a stack of gold bills and passed it forward.
Initially, Du Yuan thought that his father was mad for kneeling before the mansion and taking out so much cash at once. Only now did he realize that his father was not only rational, he also had foresight.
Tongxuan realm...
So what if he had lost ten years of his life? With the current strength of his father, he would be a front-runner for the position of clan head if he were to want to vie for it now. No one would be able to stop him.
Even if he isn't able to become the clan head, given his strength as a Tongxuan realm expert, earning a back that few million isn't a difficult task.
"This is the capability of a master teacher..."
This is a master teacher, the most respected occupation in the entire continent, capable of determining the fate of a person, either sending him to heaven or to hell.
They were still looking at Yang shi in admiration when Sun Qiang walked forward, took over the stack of money and gestured outward, "Elder Du, Du gongzi, let's go. The old master wants to rest!"
"Yes. I have intruded on Yang shi today. I will come by and pay my respects to you another day!"
Knowing that the other party was inviting them out, Du Miaoxuan walked out of the main hall along with Du Yuan.
Right as they were stepping out, a faint voice echoed in their ears, "As for why there were missing pages in the Snow Wolf blood secret manual, you should investigate whether it was due to malicious intentions!"
"This..." Du Miaoxuan's body stiffened. He turned around and bowed once more, "Yang shi, thank you for your advice..."
After which, he turned around to leave.
Back then, Du Miaoxuan was a strong contender for the position of the clan head. It was too much of a coincidence that he would abruptly engage in such a dangerous cultivation technique in a vain attempt to break through to Tongxuan realm. It is hard to believe that there were no human hands behind that incident.
Thus, Zhang Xuan offered him one final piece of advice. Of course, whatever that happened afterward would not be a problem of his.
.........
"Ten years ago, Du Miaoxuan was afflicted with a major illness, causing his cultivation realm to plunge and resulting in him being eliminated from the race to become the clan head... The reason why he was kneeling before the door is probably to beg this master teacher to resolve this illness!"
Keeping vigil outside the mansion, Luo Chong recalled the various things that had happened to Du Miaoxuan and could not help but guess the situation.
"If Du Miaoxuan's issue can be settled, then mine shouldn't be a problem for him either..."
Du Miaoxuan's illness was one that even Master Yuanyu was helpless toward. Even though Luo Chong had no idea what his condition is, he knew that he had sought many different physicians over the years and they were all helpless.
If that master teacher could easily solve such a conundrum, then the issue he has, that is to have suddenly become unable to maintain a tranquil mind during forging, should be a piece of cake for him!
He was still immersed in his thoughts when the tightly shut gates began to open slowly. Following which, Du Miaoxuan and Du Yuan emerged.
"I wonder if his problem has been solved..."
Hurriedly taking a look, Luo Chong's eyes suddenly widened, his body stiffening immediately. "Tongxuan realm? This.... This... How is this possible?"
Just moments ago, when Du Miaoxuan entered, he saw clearly that he was Fighter 5-dan Dingli realm pinnacle. How did he... in less than ten minutes that he was inside, step into Tongxuan realm?
Most importantly, he is now in high spirits, appearing vastly different from the man that he was on the way in earlier.
What was going on?
It can't be that it is real!
Even if a master teacher can offer guidance on breaking through cultivation realms, there has to be a limit to that...
To rise from Dingli realm pinnacle to reach Tongxuan realm in around ten minutes...
Luo Chong rubbed his eyes gently, afraid that he might have seen wrongly.
Staring intently at him once more, he realized that... he wasn't wrong! The other party is truly Tongxuan realm, and furthermore, judging by how he is unable to control the inner breath within him, it is likely that Du Miaoxuan had just broken through. Otherwise, as long as an expert of this level hid his cultivation, it is impossible for anyone, even a person of Luo Chong's caliber, to discern.
"Brother Sun, farewell!"
Still in shock, he saw Du Miaoxuan bid Butler Sun farewell and leave.
"I should go over and ask..."
Unable to suppress his urge any longer, he chased after Du Miaoxuan hurriedly.
"Elder Du..."
"Oh, it's Master Luo!" Du Miaoxuan recognized the other person and hurriedly bowed.
"That mansion is..."
Diving straight into the topic, Luo Chong asked.
"That is where Yang shi lives!"
Aware of what the other party wanted to know, Du Miaoxuan nodded his head and verified the other party's doubts.
"Is he really a master teacher?"
Luo Chong's eyes narrowed.
"Yang shi is a man of incredible capabilities. If Master Luo Chong has any problems, you can beg for his guidance. However... Yang shi came to Tianxuan Kingdom with the intention to rest. He doesn't really wish to be disturbed..."
Du Miaoxuan said.
"Doesn't wish to be disturbed?" Luo Chong's complexion turned awful.
Even though he is of considerable social standing, he does not dare to interrupt a true master teacher's rest.
"Actually, there is no need to be frustrated. Yang shi said just now that anyone who wishes to obtain his aid has to pay three million beforehand. Regardless of whether the problem is solved or not, the sum will not be returned."
Also recalling what Butler Sun said, Du Miaoxuan continued, "Of course, as a master teacher, Yang shi cares not for material possession. The reason why he made such a request is so as to limit the number of visitors. Otherwise, if everyone were to rush to him to plead for guidance, he wouldn't even need to think of resting, he would probably work to death instead..."
As he said those words, he couldn't help but be envious. To think that just the entrance fee would be three million, a master teacher is indeed a master teacher. Even their means of earning money is that incredible.
As an elder of the Du Clan, his entire fortune, both liquid and fixed assets, was only worth this amount after so many years.
"That makes sense..."
Hearing that it is a problem that can be solved with money, Luo Chong heaved a sigh of relief.
Three million may be a huge sum, but for a master blacksmith like him, it isn't a big deal.
"Thank you for telling me this. I happen to have a matter to consult Yang shi about so I will have to take my leave!" Upon finishing his words, Luo Chong walked toward the mansion.
The mansion's layout is in no way elegant. In fact, it even seems ordinary. If not for Du Miaoxuan ascertaining it personally, he wouldn't have believed that a true master teacher lives here.
After paying the fee of three million upfront, Luo Chong followed Sun Qiang into a room. In there, he noticed a middle-aged man seated quietly in the middle of the room. Somehow, the person's presence is so faint that if not for seeing him in the flesh, he would not have noticed the other party.
"Incredible!"
Luo Chong's eyes narrowed.
Luo Chong is a Fighter 7-dan Tongxuan realm expert. There are only two possibilities when he is unable to sense a person's cultivation realm. Firstly, the person's level of cultivation is higher than his. Or secondly, the other party's zhenqi is much purer than his.
Regardless of which of the two it is, it points to the fact that the person before him is a true master teacher.
Putting away his arrogance as a master blacksmith, he stepped forward and bowed, "Luo Chong pays respect to Yang shi!"
"Un, from what Xiao Qiang told me, you are a blacksmith?" Zhang Xuan asked doubtfully.
Like apothecaries, blacksmiths are also ranked highly in the Upper Nine Paths and possess exceptional social standing. He didn't expect that such a person would have something to request of him.
"Yes!" Luo Chong replied.
"What unresolvable problem have you encountered?" Zhang Xuan asked.
"Replying Yang shi, recently, all the attempts that I make to forge equipment all end in failure and until now, I am unable to find the reason for it. I hope that you can enlighten me!" Luo Chong did not hide anything and spoke directly.
"Let me see you forge an equipment!" Zhang Xuan said.
"Yes!" With a flick of Luo Chong's wrist, an entire set of equipment required for equipment forging appeared in the room.
As a 1-star blacksmith and the leader of the Blacksmith Guild, he carries such basic equipment with him everywhere he goes.
Starting the fire, forging the equipment, melding the metals together, refining the equipment...
His movements flowed elegantly, reminding one of drifting clouds and flowing streams.
An hour later, a longsword appeared in his hands. However, just as he was about to apply the final touches, a crisp note echoed from the sword and a crack appeared on it.
Failure!
Just like he had said, he is unable to successfully forge the weapon.
Looking at how he was unable to forge even the simplest sword, Luo Chong was depressed.
That was just an ordinary mortal-tier sword, and there are no profound techniques involved in the process whatsoever. It is truly an enigma why such a situation would occur.
Luo Chong turned to look at the master teacher before him and bowed, "Yang shi, please enlighten me!"
"You want me to enlighten you?"
Zhang Xuan stood up and approached the other party. He picked up the broken sword and lowered his gaze to take a glance. Then, he sighed, "If I'm not wrong..."
"You stuffed yourself when you were full!!"
"You stuffed yourself when you were full!!"
This is a Chinese phrase that meant to say that one deserved it. (Thus the title, Looking for it)
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Chapter 154: The Use of the Golden Book?
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
"What?"
Luo Chong's face darkened.
Even if you are a master teacher, you shouldn't insult me like that!
No matter what, I am the dignified leader of the Blacksmith Guild. I am of noble standing, and you say that I stuffed myself despite being already full (looking for it)...
I came here in earnest to consult you, yet you gave me such an answer. Aren't you are looking down on me...
Even though Sun Qiang already knew that the old master would say such shocking words, he was still unable to control his shock upon hearing those words and nearly knocked his head against the wall.
My great old master, it is really okay for you to speak to a true blacksmith like this?
Cough cough, even an ordinary person would turn all out against you if you say such words to them...
Most importantly... The reason why he came here is to seek enlightenment on why he is unable to successfully forge an equipment. Yet, the first few words you say to him is that he stuffed himself when he was full (looking for it)... Aren't you being too arrogant?
What does stuffing oneself have to do with forging equipment? The only relationship between the two is that one would feel weak if one doesn't eat. However, for a Tongxuan realm expert like Guild Leader Luo Chong, this shouldn't pose a problem at all!
"There's no need to get so agitated!"
Seeing that the other party was getting agitated, Zhang Xuan smiled, not paying the other party's anger any heed. "You don't need to deny my words so hurriedly. Let me ask you, have you been eating [Dragon-scaled Prawns] daily?"
"Indeed, is there a problem?" Luo Chong looked at Yang shi doubtfully.
The Dragon-scaled Prawn is an animal unique to Lake Hong and it made a delectable dish. It is one of the most favorite food in the upper echelons of Tianxuan Kingdom. He also used to eat it frequently, but such an anomaly had never occurred in the past. Could his failure to forge equipment really be related to this?
"If I'm not wrong, these Dragon-scaled Prawns that you ate came from one batch you bought at a single go!"
Zhang Xuan continued asking.
Luo Chong nodded his head. At the same time, a doubt arose in his mind.
How did the other party know this?
His Dragon-scaled Prawns came from the same batch he bought a few days ago. There were several thousands of it, filling two whole crates. In order to ensure its freshness, he even reared them specially in his courtyard's pond.
He would carefully pick the living and healthy ones to eat, so it is impossible for anything to be wrong with the prawns. Furthermore, after consuming it, there weren't any anomalies with his body, and he didn't suffer from diarrhea or any other symptoms either. How can this be related to him being unable to successfully forge weapons?
"That's right then!" Zhang Xuan chuckled. "Do you know when do Dragon-scaled Prawns reproduce?"
"When do they reproduce?" Luo Chong became increasingly confused. He was only interested in eating the prawns, how would he possibly know all these?
"I know..."
Just as he was about to ask Yang shi for the answer, Sun Qiang suddenly spoke.
"Speak!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
"Dragon-scaled Prawns usually bear their offspring near the end of summer, the start of autumn, which is around now!" Sun Qiang said.
He had worked in Tianyu Merchant Firm for numerous years. Even though he had never bought them, he often came into contact with these products and naturally, he possessed a little bit of knowledge on them.
"That's right. It's this season!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
The academy's semester had just started not long ago, and it is currently the start of autumn, which is also the mating season for the Dragon-scaled Prawns.
Hearing those words, Luo Chong felt his head going faint. He was about to go insane from the confusion.
Yang shi, I'm here to ask you why I am unable to forge equipment, not to look into when Dragon-scaled Prawns reproduce... What matter is it of mine that they bear offsprings? It is not like the children are mine...
"There's no need to be anxious. You being unable to forge equipment has something to do with this!" Seemingly sensing his bewilderment, Zhang Xuan continued to say. "The Dragon-scaled Prawn is considered an yin-type food. Eating too much will weaken a person's yang energy. Of course, this weakening effect is minimal and negligible, and doesn't affect a person's body at all!"
"However, the Dragon-scaled Prawns after mating are different!"
"The Dragon-scaled Prawn infuses all of its essence and vitality into its offsprings, causing its own body to weaken. Furthermore, its body generates a substance that will numb a person's nerves. With excessive consumption, one's mind will become dull..."
At this point, Zhang Xuan paused and looked at Zhou Chong with glowing eyes. "Have you been unable to enter the state of Will of Mind 2-dan, Heart of Tranquil Water? Not only so, you find yourself getting irritated easily, causing your forging abilities to take a huge blow, resulting in you being unable to successfully forge an equipment?"
Regardless of whether one was forging pills or equipment, one's state of mind is of absolute importance. Without a steady mind, it is impossible for one to succeed.
"Could it truly be that... I've eaten too many Dragon-scaled Prawns?"
Luo Chong's entire body shuddered and he staggered two steps backward.
It is true that recently, he had been unable to focus his attention on forging equipment, and that he was unable to enter the state of Heart of Tranquil Water to achieve total serenity. He had tried all kinds of methods and means to calm himself but to no avail. To think that the problem... lies with the prawns.
It was inconceivable to him that a Dragon-scaled Prawn which had undergone the reproduction process would produce a substance that would numb one's nerves... If not for the other party pointing it out, he would have never imagined that this would be possible. However, why haven't he heard of it before?
"All animals have their own means of self-protection. Dragon-scaled Prawns are the same as well. They are at their weakest right after their birth, and thus, they produce such a substance to protect themselves. However... They still ended up on the plate anyway!"
Zhang Xuan shook his head.
"I know my fault now. In future, I will never eat Dragon-scaled Prawns again. Yang shi, please guide me on how I can resolve this situation!"
With a pale face, Luo Chong hesitated for a slight moment before hurriedly clasping his fist.
Even though he loves eating Dragon-scaled Prawns, forging equipment is far more important than the former.
"Er..."
Upon hearing the other party's words, Zhang Xuan was stumped.
Actually, he didn't know how he should resolve the problem as well.
The Library of Heaven's Path only detailed the reasons behind why he was facing such a condition. Luo Chong's main problem is that he had eaten too many Dragon-scaled Prawns, causing the nerve-numbing venom to accumulate in his body, thus resulting in his unstable mental state and him failing in his forging attempts.
As for how he can dispel this venom, Zhang Xuan is truly clueless.
However, even if he didn't know, he wouldn't let anyone else find out. There was barely a brief moment of hesitation before he placed his hands behind his back to portray the image of a supreme expert.
"First release those Dragon-scaled Prawns that you have caught. As for the solution to your problem, it will depend on your future actions. However... I can tell you this. As long as you stay away from it for a long period of time, you will recover slowly, but surely!"
He wasn't deceiving the other party. The detoxification ability of a human body is extremely powerful, especially so for a Tongxuan realm expert. As long as he stays away from the prawns for a period of time, the venom that had accumulated in his body will be passed out quickly.
"Yang shi, thank you for your guidance!"
Knowing the cause and solution to his problem, Luo Chong heaved a sigh of relief. He hurriedly bowed to him.
At this moment, he was already completely impressed by this Yang shi.
Just by seeing him forge an equipment, he is able to tell that he likes to eat Dragon-scaled Prawns and even found the root of the problem as to why he was unable to successfully forge an equipment——He stuffed himself when he was full (Looking for it)!
As expected of a master teacher, his ability of discernment is indeed incredible.
The three million, worth it!
"Yang shi, can you offer me some pointers for equipment forging?"
Finally uncovering the reason behind his problem and knowing that time can resolve it, Luo Chong's mind started to wander.
He had been stuck at the 1-star blacksmith intermediate stage for a very long time, being unable to break through this limit. Now that there is a master teacher before him, he was tempted to make full use of this opportunity to obtain a pointer or two so that he can break through this impasse.
"Equipment forging?"
Zhang Xuan did not expect that the other party would not leave right after his problem was solved and instead, request to learn equipment forging from him. For a moment, he was taken aback.
Honestly, he didn't even know what one had to do for equipment forging, so how could he offer him pointers?
"Looks like I am being too impetuous..."
Upon receiving no reply from the other party, Luo Chong felt awkward.
A master teacher only teaches his own students. He is in no way related to him, so it is indeed a little inappropriate for him to have made such a request.
Zhang Xuan waved his hands, "Xiao Qiang, escort our guest out!"
"Master Luo, the old master needs to rest. This way please!"
Sun Qiang stepped forward.
"Yes!" Luo Chong nodded his head and bid farewell.
"It is indeed difficult to pass off as a master teacher..."
Seeing Luo Chong leave, Zhang Xuan rubbed between his eyebrows.
Master teachers grasped the knowledge of innumerable occupations in their minds and they possess discernment abilities unimaginable to others. At present, the reason why he had been able to achieve this much was due to the help of the Library of Heaven's Path. The moment he stops using it, he will be exposed in an instant.
"I really do wonder how those master teachers gather and store so much knowledge in their mind..."
A person's energy is limited. After undergoing the apothecary examination, he understood that the knowledge required in just the field is as vast and as deep as the ocean. Without the library, not only would be unable to pass the examination, he might not have been able to score even a single point.
A true master teacher can't possibly possess such a cheating machine. It is truly a mystery to him how they are able to learn so much and pass all those examinations, given a human's limited lifespan.
"Regardless, I have to read more books from now on. After all, the library is still an external object!"
The thought appeared in his mind.
To him, even though the library is incredible, it remains as an external tool. If he were to rely on it for everything he does while not putting in any effort to improve himself, even if he were able to pass off his disguise successfully in a remote and backward kingdom like Tianxuan Kingdom, he will definitely be exposed if he were to go somewhere more prosperous.
Thus, no matter what, his own vault of knowledge is important as well.
The thought appeared in his mind and grew so powerful that he is no longer able to flush it out. With a jolt of his mind, he looked at the Library of Heaven's Path once more.
Reading books and learning from them in the real world is a slow process, but he is able to speed up the process multiple folds by reading the books inside the library. He had already experienced such wonders for himself previously.
Even though the books in the library are accessible to him with a single thought and he is able to freely look through it, the knowledge nevertheless can't be said to truly belong to him.
It is just like in Baidu and Google in his previous life. Although such technology allows one to look up for solutions to their problems, the knowledge is external to its users. One is unable to utilize them easily and freely.
Only by memorizing everything in his own mind can he be truly considered as knowledgeable.
"Un? What is that?"
Upon entering the library, he noticed something that is out of place.
Unknowingly, a golden book had appeared in the depths of the densely packed bookshelves.
He is extremely certain that he had never seen this manual before.
"Come here!"
With a swipe of his hand, the golden book gently quivered and fell right into his palm.
The book is extremely thin and there doesn't seem to be much content in it. Flipping it open casually, Zhang Xuan was dumbfounded.
There was only a single page to it and there were no content whatsoever in it. It was a blank book.
"What is the use of this book?"
Zhang Xuan was bewildered.
He doesn't know when such a book had appeared in the Library of Heaven's Path, nor does he know why it is completely blank.
"I should just put that aside for now and focus on gaining knowledge from the other books..."
After examining the golden book for a very long time, he remained unable to uncover its purpose. Thus, Zhang Xuan shook his head and chose to put it aside. He looked at the Library of Heaven's Path once more. Many books had been formed in it, and he intended to look through them properly so as to assimilate the knowledge into his mind.
The moment the thought flashed through his mind, before he could even make a move, the golden book in his hand quivered and transformed into a brilliant ray of light. Under the blinding radiance, all of the contents of all the books in the library came surging into Zhang Xuan's mind.
Before Zhang Xuan could react, everything went dark. He had fainted.
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Chapter 155: 5-star Incident
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: GaiaNove
The Chen Clan, due to having an official apothecary within its ranks, is an extremely prominent and distinguished clan in Tianxuan Kingdom.
Usually, in such a clan, there would be no shortage of pills, everyone would have great accomplishments and they would walk with their heads held high. Yet, at this moment, every member of the clan had put on a bitter expression. A depressing atmosphere loomed over the entire Chen Residence.
"Alright, let's go by this rule. No one is to object or he will face being expelled from the clan!"
In the hall, Apothecary Chen Xiao surveyed the surroundings before speaking sentimentally and desperately.
He was invited as an examiner for the Pill Debate with a fellow named Zhang Xuan, but the other party declared that he would be unable to live for much longer. Feeling that his body functions are indeed starting to fail, he felt extremely dismal. Thus, he started to make preparations upon returning to the clan.
He is an apothecary and his presence brought the entire Chen Clan to prosperity. The moment he dies, those who are envious of his fortune would definitely employ every possible mean to wrestle for a share. If so, it would just be a matter of time before the clan falls.
Thus, in order to prevent such a scenario from occurring, he ordered for all clansmen to sell their assets and disappear from the capital, never to return.
"Clan head..."
After those words were spoken, wails echoed in the air.
They had been living a life of luxury, and many could not accept the fact that they have to move to a far away place so suddenly.
"Enough! What is this clan becoming, for you to be crying and wailing? Chen Cong, make the necessary preparations!" Apothecary Chen Xiao said.
Chen Cong is his son. Knowing that he doesn't have many days left, he had already appointed him as the new clan head.
"Yes!" Chen Cong nodded his head. Just as he was about to leave, a young man walked forward and whispered something into his ears. Then, Chen Cong's eyes lit up and he hurriedly raised his head, "Father..."
"What is it?" Apothecary Chen Xiao lifted his teacup and frowned angrily.
He always believed that his son comprehends the importance of prioritizing, so why is he so disobedient now?
Does he not know that the Clan's prosperity is due solely to his identity as an official apothecary? Without his prestige suppressing the ambitions other clans possess, they wouldn't be able to guard the wealth they had accumulated through pill forging throughout these years.
"Father, a master teacher has appeared in the capital. Perhaps... He can solve your problem..." Noticing the displeasure on his father's face, Chen Cong spoke quickly, not daring to hesitate in the least.
"Master teacher? Could it be fake news?" Apothecary Chen Xiao shook his head.
If it were indeed a master teacher, how could he, a dignified 1-star apothecary, possibly have not received any news?
"I don't know for sure, but I sent Chen Tao to investigate upon hearing the rumors yesterday. This master teacher is known as Yang Xuan and not only did he solve Ling Tianyu's wife's illness, even Du Miaoxuan from the Du Clan knelt before his gates. Furthermore..."
"Furthermore what?"
"Furthermore, when Du Miaoxuan emerged from his mansion less than ten minutes after entering, he had already evolved from a Dingli realm pinnacle to a Tongxuan realm expert." Chen Cong hurriedly said. "On top of that... the guild leader of the Blacksmith Guild, Luo Chong, also entered his mansion, and when he left, he was full of praises for the person, claiming that he is a true master teacher..."
Dang lang! Before he could finish his words, the teacup in his father's hands had fallen onto the ground and shattered into pieces. Following which, his lifeless and pitiful expression vanished and in its place was a face so flushed, it was as though his cheeks were on fire. "Where does this master teacher live? Bring me to meet him now..."
"Right now? I have to first sell the family fortune..."
Chen Cong muttered, but before he could finish his words, his father, who seemed as though he might breathe his last any moment now, had already reached the doorstep and he bellowed, "Selling your head! Hurry up..."
"..." Chen Cong.
"..." The crowd in the Chen Clan.
The wailing in the room silenced in an instant and everyone's mouth was so wide that a chicken egg could be stuffed into it. Looking at the clan head whose attitude did an 180-degree turn all of a sudden, they became completely speechless.
.........
Pavilion Elder Qian does not wield actual authority in Tianxuan Kingdom, but he holds a very important position. Every fortnight, Emperor Shen Zhui would summon him to the royal palace and query him.
He is the emperor's eyes. He gathers all news within the country and sorts them into books for the emperor to peruse.
It is only with these news that Emperor Shen Zhui is able to keep abreast of current affairs and continue making wise decisions for the country, allowing the kingdom to grow stronger steadily and not be threatened by powerful enemies.
Thus, in the kingdom, even personnel who hold true authority do not dare to offend him. They fear that he might pass on incorrect news which could cause the emperor to doubt them.
Today is yet another day to sort and compile the gathered news for reporting. Thus, he had arrived at his personal office early in the morning.
At this moment, the room is squeezed full of people, all of them embroiled in a squabble.
"Causing a ruckus like this, how inappropriate!"
Seeing that his subordinates were arguing among themselves instead of working, Pavilion Elder Qian's face darkened.
"Yes!" Everyone immediately ran back to their positions fearfully.
"Pavilion Elder..."
A middle-aged man walked over.
"Un, are there any important incidents that happened these few days?" Pavilion Elder Qian sat in his chair and looked over.
This is his job scope. He would ask his subordinate about the incidents that had occurred in the capital and compile them before considering whether he should highlight any individual incident to the emperor.
"In these ten days, there is a total of 17 1-star incidents, 12 2-star incident, and 3 3-star incidents..." The middle-aged man hesitated before passing over a stack of paper.
Countless incidents were detailed on top and they were divided in terms of their importance so as to make it convenient for others to read through it. They were graded stars based on their respective importance.
1-star is the lowest level and it means that the incident isn't important at all. As the number of stars increase, the more important the incident become. 5-star is the highest number of stars an incident can be given, and the severity of the matter would be equivalent to that of an enemy invasion and the downfall of the country is in sight.
Listening to the report, Pavilion Elder Qian lowered his head to take a look.
"Bai Xun xiao wangye challenged son of Prime Minister Liu Cheng and injured him, causing a huge conflict between the two great clans... Evaluation, 1-star!"
"Royal Secretary Lu Zhong brought a new concubine to his family and she is a citizen of Tianyu Kingdom. Her exact identity is unknown... Evaluation, 1-star!"
"17 people of Tianxuan Merchant Firm assaulted by bandit at Plum Snow Ridge and they were completely annihilated. Bandits likely to be the same ones who escaped from the capital several months ago... Evaluation, 1-star!"
...
...
Even though 1-star incidents are of the lowest severity within the classification, they had far-reaching impacts. Taking the first example of Bai Xun challenging the son of the Prime Minister, for example, if the matter isn't resolved properly, it is easy for the conflict to escalate. If discord were to be sowed among two authorities of the royal court, the internal stability of the country would be affected.
However, it is clear that these people are used to dealing with such matters. They aren't too agitated upon seeing these earth-shaking incidents.
"Un, you did well evaluating them!" Looking through the 17 1-star incidents, Pavilion Elder Qian nodded his head. Then, he flipped to the second page and what was written on it was mainly 2-star incidents.
"A calamity occurred in the Southwest Hundred Ridges and thousands of people lost their homes. Currently, they have been settled... Evaluation, 2-star!"
"Tianxuan Money Vault recently released new bills, the highest denomination is a million... Evaluation, 2-star!"
"Zhunnan Marquis reached Tongxuan realm advanced stage, becoming one of the top ten experts in the kingdom... Evaluation, 2-star!"
...
...
These matters are closely related to the politics and situation of the kingdom. The impacts these matters could possibly bring are much greater than that of 1-star incidents.
After looking through the twelve 2-star incidents, Pavilion Head Qian nodded his head once more. There is nothing wrong with the evaluations here as well.
Flipping over to the third page, 3-star incidents were detailed on it.
"The Teacher Guild stripped Elder Shang Chen of Hongtian Academy of his position as the head of Education Bureau for being not partial in his evaluation of Zhang Xuan laoshi's Teacher Qualification Examinations... Evaluation, 3-star!"
"Zhang Xuan laoshi and Lu Xun laoshi would be competing in a Teacher Evaluation 12 days later... Evaluation, 3-star!"
...
...
"Incidents regarding the Teacher Guild and academies would automatically be promoted by a single star. Lu Xun laoshi is the individual who is most likely to become a master teacher of Tianxuan Kingdom, and as such, incidents involving him are given an additional star. These two events are indeed worth 3-star, not bad!"
After which, Pavilion Elder Qian nodded his head.
"There are no problems with these... The problem is... is..."
Hesitation shrouded the middle-aged man's face.
"What's wrong?" Pavilion Elder Qian's eyebrows shot up.
"Something has happened these few days and we are unable to determine a star rating for it. That is the matter that we were discussing earlier..." The middle-aged man said.
"Oh? Tell me!" Pavilion Elder Qian glanced at him in curiosity.
"Three days ago, a person named Yang Xuan appeared in the capital. He claimed that he is a master teacher and he settled Ling Tianyu's wife's illness..." The middle-aged man said.
"Oh, I've heard of the matter. I even specially headed to the Teacher Guild to investigate the matter, but there isn't such a name in the records of that kingdom. It is probably a gimmick of Ling Tianyu, so there's no need to pay it much heed. Alright, classify it under 1-star incidents!" Pavilion Elder Qian said.
Master teachers are just like stars in the sky, an existence that others can only look up to. As long as a kingdom has a 1-star master teacher supporting it, its overall might would be bolstered significantly. If the other party is truly a master teacher, how could he come into the capital without anyone knowing of it?
"1-star incident?" The middle-aged man smiled bitterly. "I'm afraid that the matter isn't as simple as that. If he only treated Ling Tianyu's wife, 1-star would suffice. However... Yesterday, Elder Du Miaoxuan from the Four Great Clans knelt at his entrance for an entire day, and in the ten minutes that he was in the mansion, he broke through from Dingli realm pinnacle to Tongxuan realm!"
"What? Such an incredible increase in his strength?"
Pavilion Elder Qian was taken aback. A grim expression appeared on his face as he said, "If that's the case, the matter can be classified as a 2-star incident..."
"Yesterday afternoon, the guild leader of the Blacksmith Guild, Lord Luo Chong, entered the residence and his face was glowing when he emerged. He was full of praises for the master of the mansion and claimed that he is a true master teacher..."
Ignoring the evaluation Pavilion Elder Qian made, the middle-aged man continued speaking.
"Luo Chong..."
Pavilion Head Qian abruptly stood up with completely widened eyes.
Who is Luo Chong?
The guild leader of the Blacksmith Guild, one of the top figures of the Tianxuan Kingdom!
If he thought so as well, could it be that... This Yang Xuan is truly a master teacher?
"Then... then... This incident can be classified as a 3-star incident..."
Pavilion Elder Qian was astonished.
Before he could finish his words, the middle-aged man's voice sounded once more.
"This morning, Guild Leader Ouyang of the Apothecary Guild and Apothecary Chen Xiao visited his mansion, but they were blocked at the door by the other party's butler. Even so, not only did they not leave, they waited patiently without a single word of complaint..."
"This... This..." Pavilion Elder Qian's face turned completely white and he staggered backward in disbelief. "This is a... 4-star. No, it's a 5-star incident. Hurry up and write all of these down. I have to report this to the emperor, do it as fast as you can!"
"5-star?"
"Is there no need to double confirm it?"
5-star incident... It has not appeared in Tianxuan Kingdom for several decades now.
The crowd, who were unable to determine a star rating for the incident, upon hearing Pavilion Elder Qian's words, were flabbergasted. Then a brief moment later, chaos broke loose.