Chapter 231: Book of Heaven's Path (Second Half)
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
After searching for a long time, to his disappointment, there wasn't any new book in the library, much less a Soul Depth cultivation technique.
"Could I have wasted the golden page for nothing?"
Zhang Xuan felt awkward.
If that were truly the case, then Zhang Xuan would have made a huge loss.
Putting everything else aside, its ability of assimilating the contents of books into his knowledge was already an incredible one. Currently, he had all of the books in the kingdom's Book Collection Vault in the library. If he could convert all of it into his knowledge, he would gain significant understanding and knowledge on the various occupations in the world.
Yet… he wasted the golden page for nothing?
Did it have to be that awful?
Unwilling to give up at this, he continued searching around. However, he wasn't able to find the cultivation technique he was looking for. In the end, Zhang Xuan could only retract his consciousness from the library gloomily.
The moment his consciousness returned to his physical body, a commotion broke out around him.
"I don't think Zhang laoshi is cultivating!"
"But if he isn't cultivating, what can he be doing with his eyes tightly shut? Can it be that he's asleep?"
"If he's cultivating, spiritual energy should gather in the surroundings. However, there isn't any disturbance in the spiritual energy around us now!"
"If he isn't cultivating or sleeping, can it be that Zhang laoshi… Zhang laoshi, don't go…"
Before Zhang Xuan could even speak, a fatty hugged him. Then he felt his head spinning.
'Don't go? Go your head! My consciousness just went into the library and due to my focus in there, I didn't pay much attention to my surroundings. Why do you make it sound as though I have passed away?'
Irritated, Zhang Xuan nearly went on a rampage.
"Shut up!"
Bellowing loudly, Zhang Xuan opened his eyes.
"Ah, Zhang laoshi, you aren't dead? Great! I thought that you passed away in your sleep…."
Looking at Zhang laoshi, whose face was gradually turning dark by the moment, Yuan Tao's voice slowly grew softer.
When they entered the classroom, they saw Zhang laoshi sitting on a chair with his eyes tightly shut without the slightest bit of motion. Initially, they thought that he was resting, so they didn't pay it much heed. However, after a couple of minutes passed, they walked forward to wake Zhang Xuan up. They even shouted into his ear, but after seeing that Zhang Xuan didn't have any reaction, they panicked.
They quickly rushed forward to examine his condition, resulting in the previous events.
Just when he was about to teach the foul-mouthed Yuan Tao a lesson, Zheng Yang walked over. "Teacher, Wang Chao laoshi and Master Wang Chong have been waiting at the entrance of the classroom for a while now. Do you wish to meet them?"
"Wang Chao? Wang Chong? Allow them to enter!" Zhang Xuan gestured.
"Wang Chong has brought his unfilial son to greet Zhang laoshi…."
Upon entering, Wang Chong immediately greeted Zhang Xuan humbly.
Knowing that he was here to apologize for his son's deeds, Zhang Xuan didn't say anything.
Even though Wang Chao tried to humiliate him in public several times and his actions were detestable, he didn't overstep his moral boundaries and resort to unscrupulous means. Honestly speaking, he wasn't an evil person. The reason why he kept tripping Zhang Xuan up was in consideration for his friend.
Since Zhang Xuan was able to forgive Lu Xun, forgiving this fellow wasn't a big deal.
Initially, Wang Chao was still hostile toward Zhang Xuan, but after hearing the latter allow Wang Chong to impart the Heaven's Path Spear Art to him, his entire body trembled in agitation.
He had seen the strength of the Heaven's Path Spear Art for himself earlier. Ever since then, his heart has been itching for it. Upon hearing that he was given the permission to learn it, his resentment toward Zhang laoshi turned into gratitude and admiration.
After the duo left, Clan Head Wang Hong and Clan Head Bai Ming came to visit. Then, to Zhao Ya's and the others' dumbfounded faces, the principal, Elder Tian, Guild Leader Ouyang, Shen Bi Ru laoshi, Han Qiong laoshi…
Due to the remote location of the classroom, rarely anyone came to this cramped classroom. But at this moment, it seemed to have become the core of the academy. All of the prestigious and powerful figures in Tianxuan City all came to pay Zhang Xuan a visit.
Zhang Xuan hated dealing with these matters, but as all of them had personally come to pay him a visit, it would be disrespectful for him to shut them out. As a result, he could only continue welcoming them one by one.
To Zhang Xuan's delight, they seemed to realize that he wasn't too fond of welcoming guests, so they took their leaves after chatting for a moment.
"Zhang Xuan, are you leaving Hongtian Academy?"
His last guest, Shen Bi Ru, stayed for awhile before asking.
Initially, as the most beautiful woman of the academy and a talented teacher, it should have been impossible for her to be related to a horridly-reputed, low-level teacher. Yet, to everyone's astonishment, Zhang Xuan suddenly rose through the ranks and, in a short span of twenty days, made a name for himself, even becoming the senior of the three master teachers.
Given the great potential he wielded, a small place like the Hongtian Academy would be insufficient to house him. It was a matter of time before he left the country.
Even though she understood that it was unavoidable, she couldn't help but feel slightly dejected.
The duo were just colleagues, but this young man was the first one to pique her curiosity and attract her attention. She couldn't help but feel reluctant to part with him so soon.
"Yeah!"
Oblivious to the thoughts of the lady, Zhang Xuan nodded his head.
The reason why he continued staying in the academy was for his students. Now that they had grown up, he had received his qualifications as an assistant master teacher, and reached Tongxuan realm pinnacle, it was time for him to explore the world.
Furthermore, he needed to deal with the poison aura in his body.
Otherwise, it would be equivalent to carrying a ticking time bomb on him. He didn't want to die right before he could enjoy his new life in this world.
"Then… where are you headed? Beiwu Kingdom?" Shen Bi Ru asked, upon hearing the other party confirming her doubts.
Even though she felt reluctant to part, she knew that the gap between her and this young genius would only grow wider as time went by. Even if she pursued him, they would still have to part eventually.
In the end, they were worlds apart.
"No, I'm heading for Tianwu Kingdom!" Zhang Xuan said.
It was likely for there to be a Poison Hall in the Red Lotus Ridge. Since he was leaving Tianxuan to resolve the poison aura in his body, he should naturally first take a look there.
"Tier 1 Tianwu Kingdom? That far?" Shen Bi Ru was taken aback. "Even though the two countries are considered neighbors with one another on the map, they are actually tens of thousand of kilometers apart. How do you intend to head there?"
"I am still thinking over the issue…" Zhang Xuan hesitated.
Having looked through the atlases in the kingdom's Book Collection Vault, he knew that the continent he was in was vast and boundless.
The other party was right. Even though Tianwu and Tianxuan were said to be countries close to one another, they were tens of thousands of kilometers apart. Even the fastest steed would require several months.
In fact, if it wasn't for the distance separating Tianxuan from the other countries, it would have been annexed by some of the more powerful states already. It couldn't have remained an independent entity as it was now.
"What is there to think about? You should just take the [Beast Mount] of the Beast Hall!" Han Qiong stretched her back as she interjected with a smile.
"Beast Hall? Beast mount?"
"The Beast Hall, also known as the Beast Tamer Guild, is a place similar to the Apothecary Guild and the Blacksmith Guild. Founded by beast tamers, the aerial beasts they tamed, also known as beast mounts, serve as a means of transportation for humans. Possessing rapid speed, they are capable of traveling great distances swiftly. Even though Tianwu Kingdom is far from here, if you ride a beast mount, it would just be a few days away," Han Qiong said.
"Oh?" Zhang Xuan's eyes lit up.
Wasn't this similar to the airplane that existed in his previous life?
"Han Qiong, don't spout nonsense!" Shen Bi Ru rolled her eyes. "The beast mounts you spoke of are the fastest Lightning Mounts. Every single of those has strength in the Zongshi realm, and there is only one of those in the entire Beast Hall. Only the highly-esteemed master teachers or official beast tamers are qualified to ride them. Those that are available to normal people like us are, at best, capable of flying three thousand kilometers per day."
"Yeah, Shen laoshi is right. Those Lightning Mounts aren't something that anyone can just ride. Even assistant master teachers aren't qualified to ride them!" Han Qiong nodded, agreeing with Shen Bi Ru.
Zhang Xuan felt that that was logical as well. If anyone could ride the best beast mounts, it wouldn't be a privilege anymore. As a result, he didn't dawdle on this issue and continued asking questions.
"Does Tianxuan Kingdom have a Beast Hall?"
Even though Zhang Xuan had seen the Apothecary Guild, the Blacksmith Guild, and the Teacher Guild, he had never heard of the Beast Hall.
Even though Zhang Xuan had just transcended over, he had inherited the memories of his previous self. If there really was a Beast Hall here, there wasn't any reason why he wouldn't have heard of it.
"There is a Beast Hall, but it isn't in the capital. It's in the mountain ranges not too far away!"
Shen Bi Ru chuckled lightly, "You should be aware that savage beasts like to live carefree and unrestrained lives. As such, their natural habitat is the mountain forests. If the Beast Hall were to be built in the kingdom, with countless savage beasts running and flying about all day long, many people would be scared out of their wits!"
"That's true!" Zhang Xuan nodded his head with understanding.
Savage beasts were ferocious and wild in nature. If they were reared in small cages all day long, they wouldn't survive for long.
This was also the reason why wild hares and boars were difficult to be domesticated.
"What? Do you want to try the Beast Hall? Do you need me to bring you there? I've been there a few times and I know its location quite well. Also, I have quite a few acquaintances there, so there is a chance that I could get a good aerial savage beast for you."
Han Qiong laoshi chuckled.
"Hmph!" Hearing the clear flirtatious tone her good friend spoke with, Shen Bi Ru frowned. "Zhang laoshi, don't listen to her. If you wish to go to the Beast Hall, I can lead the way!"
"I'll be troubling Shen laoshi then!" Zhang Xuan also found the flirtatious Han laoshi hard to deal with, so he chose to take Shen laoshi up on her offer.
Compared to Han laoshi, he was much more comfortable with Shen laoshi.
Besides, they were well-acquainted with each other.
"Alright!" Shen Bi Ru nodded her head. "So, when do we head out? I need to prepare in advance."
"I have a public lesson tomorrow. After that, I'll leave straightaway!" Zhang Xuan said after contemplating for a moment.
It was best for him to deal with the poison aura lingering in his body as soon as possible. Since he had already decided to leave, there was no need to stall.
"Alright, I'll make some preparations then!"
Shen laoshi nodded her head and left with Han Qiong.
The moment she left the classroom, she turned to look at Han Qiong. "Han laoshi, it can't be that you're actually interested in Zhang laoshi?"
"Me?" Han Qiong gazed at her best friend with a suggestive grin. "I should be the one asking that question, right? I was just trying you out to see how you would react. To think that you would immediately offer to go with him…. Hehe, this isn't what the great Ice Queen Shen of our academy would do!"
"I…" Shen Bi Ru blushed.
"I know that you're interested in him, and honestly speaking, I can understand why you would like him. However…"
Han Qiong shook her head grimly, and the lighthearted attitude she had just a moment ago disappeared.
"Despite his strength and potential, he was able to turn away from material gains and losses, tolerating humiliation for so such a long period of time…. As long as no mishaps happen to him, it is just a matter of time before he makes a name for himself!"
"Such a person…"
"We aren't worthy of him!"
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Chapter 232: The Confused Liu Xun
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
Oblivious to Shen Bi Ru's and Han Qiong's thoughts, Zhang Xuan pinched his brows distressed. Whenever he thought about the things he had to take care of before his departure, deep circles would appear beneath his eyes.
"Zhang laoshi, don't abandon us…."
"You are going to Tianwu Kingdom? Bring us along as well!"
"We want to be with Teacher…."
The ones speaking were Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, and the other students.
They had heard Zhang Xuan's conversation with the other two teachers and anticipation gleamed in their eyes.
"You want to follow me?"
Zhang Xuan turned to look at them, "You guys should reconsider. I'm heading to a higher tier kingdom; there will be many experts there. Countless dangers lay in wait if you choose to make this journey, and the slightest mistake could potentially bring about your deaths!"
"We understand!" all five of them replied resolutely.
In the fortnight they had been with Zhang laoshi, they had seen for themselves how he treated them sincerely and gave his all to raise their cultivation, not expecting anything in return. Their relationship had already surpassed that of the typical teacher and student relationship.
"There's no need for you guys to rush your decisions. I will give you all a night to contemplate. You guys can tell me tomorrow!" Zhang Xuan waved his hands.
Honestly speaking, the affection his students had for him wasn't a one-way street. After teaching them for a fortnight, he had also slowly come to love them. He wanted them to think this over carefully before coming to a decision. He wanted them to make a decision out of their own will and not through peer pressure.
Furthermore, even if he decided to bring them along, they would have to learn to fend for themselves. After all, there were some places where it wouldn't be safe for Zhang Xuan to bring them, such as the Red Lotus Ridge where the Poison Hall was rumored to be. It was already difficult for Zhang Xuan to guarantee his own safety, much less the safety of these kids.
"Zhang laoshi, there's no need for me to consider any further. You gave me everything I have. I will follow you everywhere, no matter where you go!"
Yuan Tao shook his head and knelt on the floor. Determination gleamed in his eyes.
As an orphan, he had no access to cultivation resources whatsoever. Despite being the worst student in his batch, Zhang laoshi nurtured him step by step, giving him the best cultivation technique, the best pills, and the best education….
Only in this way did he achieve the strength he had now.
As a result, there was no need for him to consider any longer. Wherever Zhang laoshi went, he would follow him.
"Zhang laoshi, my thoughts are the same. I beg you not to chase us away. We are willing to serve as your students… and we will remain your students our entire lifetime!" The second one to kneel down was the usually gentle and weak Wang Ying.
"Zhang laoshi, I beg you to bring us along!"
Then Zhao Ya, Zheng Yang, and Liu Yang knelt down as well. Immovable faith could be seen in their eyes.
His five students might have been young, but they had shown determination beyond their years. Even though Zhang Xuan had lived two lives, he felt excited within.
"I can bring all of you with me, but you won't be following me. I will have Liu shi and the others bring you guys straight to Tianwu Royal City. After I'm done with my business, I will head over to look for you all!" Zhang Xuan said after hesitating for a moment.
After he took care of the poison aura in his body, he would have to head to Tianwu City to try his hand at the master teacher examination.
With Liu shi and the others looking after them, it should be much safer.
"Thank you, Teacher!"
Upon hearing that Zhang Xuan was willing to take them with him, their eyes immediately reddened in excitement.
They didn't what kinds of repercussions their decision today would bring to the entire continent. Neither could they have imagined what kinds of levels and skills they would reach because of this.
"Alright, you guys should go back and make preparations. It's hard to tell how long we'll be away from Tianxuan Kingdom, so remember to say your farewells properly!" Zhang Xuan gestured.
"Right!"
The five of them nodded their heads before retreating from the classroom.
After taking care of his students, Zhang Xuan returned to his residence and met with Liu Ling and the others, back in his disguise as Yang shi. When he spoke of his intention to leave, a dejected and disappointed expression appeared on their faces.
After that, he had them take out their cultivation techniques and offered them some guidance on their cultivation. Eventually, Liu Ling managed to surpass his bottleneck and reach Zongshi realm.
Zheng Fei had just reached Half-Zongshi not too long ago, so it was difficult for him to make the leap within a short period of time. On the other hand, Zhuang Xian had managed to improve significantly as well. As long as he continued building up his foundation, he should be able to try for Zongshi realm within half a month.
After entrusting that "direct disciple" of his to the care of the three master teachers, Yang shi went to look for Sun Qiang.
"Old master, don't abandon me. I want to follow you…."
The moment Zhang Xuan walked in, Sun Qiang immediately knelt on the floor.
Just like Yuan Tao, he didn't have any powerful backers. Before meeting with Zhang Xuan, he was just an unimpressive merchant in Tianyu Commercial City.
The one who had brought him respect and prestige was the man before him, and he felt gratitude and reluctance to part from him.
"If you wish to follow me, look for Zhang Xuan laoshi at Hongtian Academy tomorrow and serve him well. I will drop by from time to time when I'm free," Zhang Xuan said.
Even though Sun Qiang had weak cultivation, he got things done. After becoming a master teacher, Zhang Xuan would have to deal with significantly more problems. It would be convenient for him to have someone like Sun Qiang resolve those miscellaneous issues. Furthermore, Sun Qiang had been following Yang shi and he had proven his trustworthiness, thus making him suitable for the job.
"Yes!" Upon hearing that the old master didn't intend to abandon him, Sun Qiang immediately nodded his head with excitement.
"Your cultivation is still a little too weak, so I created a cultivation technique for you. Cultivate properly. I hope that the next time we meet, you'll possess strength befitting your dignity!" After handing him a secret manual, Zhang Xuan said firmly, "Do not let me down!"
"Old master, I will give it my all!" Sun Qiang replied seriously.
The old master's words rang true. His greatest flaw was his cultivation. It was shameful for him to only be at Fighter 4-dan Pigu realm despite being the butler of a master teacher.
He was done with his previous life. If he wanted to continue serving the old master, he had to build up his strength.
"Dismissed!"
By the time Zhang Xuan was finished with the necessary instructions, the sky had already turned dark. As there would be a public lecture tomorrow morning, Zhang Xuan chose to rest.
As he slowly drifted off to sleep, the issue regarding the Book of Heaven's Path popped into his mind. The mysterious disappearance of the golden page bewildered him, but there wasn't anything he could do about it at this point.
...
Liu Xun was the most outstanding member of the younger generation of the Liu Clan, one of the Four Great Clans. At twenty-three years old, he had already achieved a cultivation realm of Pixue realm primary stage. More importantly, his teacher was a 1-star master teacher of Jinyang Kingdom and he had an in-depth comprehension of cultivation.
After studying abroad for three years, he rushed home, eager to see his family. Before the sun had even risen, he had arrived at the entrance to his clan's home. He was about to enter when he suddenly saw clan members sprinting out.
"Hurry up, otherwise we'll be late!"
"Indeed, we should make haste!"
"This is a good opportunity. If we miss it, we'll definitely regret it for our entire lives!"
Most of those who emerged from the gate were of the younger generation, but there were also a few who were in their thirties. They had a brush and book in their hands, and anxiety could be seen on their faces.
"What is everyone up to? Is someone causing trouble with our Liu Clan?"
Upon seeing their expressions, Liu Xun frowned. Driving his zhenqi, he immediately surveyed his surroundings wearily. However, he soon abandoned that thought.
If someone was causing trouble with the Liu Clan, the upper echelons would definitely appear as well. More importantly… if they were going to pick a fight with someone, why would they bring their books and brushes along?
Unless they were planning to fling ink into the faces of their enemies!
"Cousin Liu Xun, you're back!" During his bewilderment, a young lady suddenly walked next to him.
"Yu'er, this is…"
As cousins, he had grown up alongside Yu'er. In the years that he was away, she was admitted into Hongtian Academy and came under Lu Xun laoshi's tutelage. A bright future stood before her.
"Oh, Zhang Xuan laoshi is about to conduct a public lecture. We're here to attend his lesson. Since you've returned, you might as well come along with us!"
Yu'er chuckled.
"Zhang Xuan laoshi?" Liu Xun frowned. "The garbage teacher you mentioned in your letters? What's so good about his lecture?"
Even though he had left Tianxuan Kingdom for several years, the clan had been keeping him abreast of the matters occurring here.
Zhang Xuan's horrid reputation had spread far and wide, and even students several thousand kilometers away had heard of his name.
"He isn't garbage. He is a true star teacher!" Yu'er tugged on his hand. "Hurry up! Otherwise we won't be able to get any good seats."
"Unable to get any good seats? He's conducting a lesson so early in the morning?" Liu Xun asked baffled.
"It's not a morning lecture, it's an afternoon one!"
"Afternoon?" Liu Xun nearly fainted from shock.
'If it's an afternoon lecture, why are you all rushing there so eagerly when the day has barely started? What in the world are you doing?'
"Just listen to me. We should hurry. I'll tell you about it when we're there!" Yu'er ushered him toward Hongtian Academy agitated.
Seeing how flustered Yu'er and the other clan members were, Liu Xun couldn't stifle his curiosity and followed along.
"These are... the clan members of the Bai Clan?"
A short distance away, they saw a group of people rushing to the academy as well.
The group was significantly larger than theirs and even some elders with white beards were among them. Their eyes glowed with anticipation, as though a huge treasure were awaiting them.
With a single glance, Liu Xun recognized them as the members of the Bai Clan, one of the Four Great Clans as well.
"That is… Clan Head Bai Ming? He… came as well?"
Taking a quick look around, Liu Xun caught sight of a figure at the front of the crowd and he shuddered.
It was Clan Head Bai Ming!
To think that he was leading the group personally! And they were heading in the same direction too!
"That is… Clan Head Wang Hong?"
Before he could recover from his shock, another group appeared from around the corner. They were also heading to Hongtian Academy. He recognized the leader of the pack, Clan Head Wang Hong of the Four Great Clans, Wang Clan!
Clan Head Wang Hong was known for his haughty personality and his powerful cultivation. In fact, he could be considered as the de facto leader of the Four Great Clans, but… why was he also here?
Furthermore, he had a brush and book in his hands….
"Du Miaoxuan of the Du Clan? Du Yuan… and all of the younger generation of the Du Clan?"
A moment later, he saw clan members of the Du Clan as well. Similar to everyone else, they were carrying a brush and book each as well, and they were charging toward Hongtian Academy excitedly as well.
All of the Four Great Clans were actually gathered at the same spot. Liu Xun felt the world spinning around him, and he nearly slipped and fell.
"Yu'er, what's going on?"
Unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, he turned to look at his cousin.
"They're all here for Zhang laoshi's lecture!" Yu'er replied.
"They're all here for the lecture? Could that Zhang laoshi… be a master teacher?" Liu Xun was stumped by her answer.
Other than master teachers, there didn't seem to be anyone else who could possibly rally the clan heads of the Four Great Clans to attend a lecture personally.
"He isn't a master teacher!" Yu'er shook her head.
"He isn't? Then…"
Bewildered, Liu Xun was just about to ask why an ordinary teacher was able to rally so many people to attend his lecture when the girl's voice chimed once more.
"Even though he isn't a master teacher, he is a master teacher's…
"Senior!"
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Chapter 233: Teacher Zhang, You're Here
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
"The senior of the master teachers?"
Not only did Liu Xun not understand what his cousin was saying, he even felt more bewildered now. He convulsed intensely, as though suffering from a stroke.
As a student of a master teacher, he understood how prestigious a master teacher's standing was.
Even the emperor of Tianxuan Kingdom wouldn't dare to act arrogantly around a master teacher.
With a single word, they could easily eradicate a country off the map.
This was the might of a master teacher!
And Zhang Xuan was such a person's… senior?
Are you mistaken?
When did such an impressive figure appear in Tianxuan Kingdom?
In an instant, he subconsciously assumed that the Zhang Xuan everyone was talking about wasn't the same Zhang Xuan he knew.
One was a useless teacher whereas the other one was the senior of the master teachers. Their standings were worlds apart so how could they be the same person?
While Liu Xun's thoughts wandered, he soon reached Hongtian Academy.
The first thing that came into his sight was a massive crowd. Each of them had a brush and a notebook in their hands, and they were rushing to the sparring field excitedly.
"This is… the famous lone adventurer, Cangsong Swordsman, Bai Song? Is that Swordsman Zhu Hongyi who dared to mock the entire world? Old Master Zhao who was able to shake even the Heavens with his saber? The single-armed Ye Tianxiong who instills fright in all? Are you sure… they are all here to listen to the lecture?"
Recognizing the famous figures in the crowd, Liu Xun's lips twitched and he nearly passed out from the shock.
These were incredible figures whose names had spread throughout the whole of the Tianxuan Kingdom for numerous years. His father, despite being the clan head of the Liu Clan, would have to treat them with respect. In fact, even the emperor would find it hard to invite them to the royal palace. Yet, at this moment, they were all holding a brush and book in their hands, and it seemed as though they were waiting excitedly for something….
What kind of public lecture was this?
"Indeed!" Yu'er nodded her head enthusiastically. "Yesterday, Zhang laoshi said that he was going to talk about the fundamental knowledge of cultivation. As the news spread, figures like them appeared!"
"Wait a moment, you're saying that… it's just a lecture on fundamental knowledge?"
Liu Xun staggered and nearly faceplanted.
Lessons on fundamental knowledge revolved around how one could cultivate, how one gathered spiritual energy, how one utilized the spiritual energy absorbed to temper their body... this knowledge was only useful to those who were Fighter 2-dan and below, yet these elders, clan heads, and Tongxuan realm experts had sprinted here.... Why?
Are you completely certain they are here to listen to a lecture on fundamental knowledge of cultivation, not to start a coup d'état?
"Yes! I was close to the dueling ring when he spoke of it previously, so I heard his words loud and clear!" Yu'er nodded her head. Upon recalling the mighty image of Zhang laoshi yesterday, she couldn't help but feel thrilled for the lecture afterward.
A bunch of Tongxuan experts listening to a lecture on fundamental knowledge of cultivation?
Why did Liu Xun find the sight incredulous?
"Ah, I knew it. We came too late…."
Just when he was overwhelmed with shock and disbelief, he heard an exclamation from his cousin. Lifting his head to take a look, his eyes narrowed once more.
The massive stands of Hongtian Academy, which could house up to ten thousand people, were already crowded with people. There were even a few who had mats laid out over the seats, and from the looks of it, they had been camping here since yesterday.
"Those who are at the very front are… teachers of the academy?"
Seated at the very front were the teachers of Hongtian Academy. Even though they didn't set out mats on the ground to rest, judging from the dew on their body, they had definitely waited here overnight.
To think that he thought his cousin and the other clan members were making too much of a fuss by rushing to an afternoon lecture at daybreak. Never in his dreams did he expect the teachers of the academy to camp overnight at the stadium just for the lecture.
"There are no seats anymore. Looks like we'll have to stand…." Yu'er was on the verge of tears.
A sea of people blocked their way. Other than the teachers and students of Hongtian Academy, all kinds of powers from Tianxuan Royal City were also at the venue. If not for the fact that he knew that someone was going to conduct a lecture, he would have thought that someone was planning an uprising.
"Yu'er, what kind of person is Elder Zhang Xuan?" Liu Xun asked his cousin, forcefully suppressing his shock.
At this point, his confused gaze had been replaced with a fiery one.
"Elder?"
"Indeed!" Liu Xun nodded his head.
Even his teacher, as a 1-star master teacher, would be unable to gather such a crowd for a lecture on fundamental knowledge of cultivation.
Since this Zhang laoshi was the senior of the master teachers, even if he wasn't a master teacher, he had to be advanced in age. There shouldn't be a mistake in addressing him with "elder."
"Cough, Zhang Xuan laoshi isn't even in his twenties yet. He is younger than you…." Upon seeing Liu Xun's serious gaze, Yu'er's face turned red.
"Not in his twenties?"
Liu Xun froze.
Under twenty… Yet, he was the senior of the master teachers… Not to mention, making so many people willing wait an entire night, just to listen to his public lecture?
"This…"
Liu Xun felt his horizons expand. Unable to hold it in any longer, he asked, "Can… can you tell me the details of this Zhang laoshi?"
"Speaking of Zhang laoshi, I have to begin from the Teacher Evaluation. Oh, no, it should be the cultivation of a student of his going berserk…."
Before she could finish her words, a commotion stirred in front of them. Lifting their heads to take a look, they saw three elders walking over. Wherever they walked by, the crowd would immediately shuffle aside to give way to them.
"It's… Beiwu Kingdom's Liu shi and Zhuang shi? Also... Hanwu Kingdom's Zheng shi?"
Liu Xun immediately recognized the trio.
As the student of a master teacher, he had the honor of meeting the three of them once. Back then, his teacher had treated them respectfully, claiming that he wasn't able to match up to them.
To think that the three of them were at Tianxuan Kingdom, and furthermore…
"Could it be that… they're here to listen to the lecture as well?"
The waves of shock had pounded him ever since his arrival at the Liu Clan's gate and dumbfounded him.
"Indeed, Zhang laoshi is the senior of the three master teachers!" Yu'er nodded her head.
"He is their…" Liu Xun was on the verge of tears. Initially, he thought that he could brag about being the student of a master teacher after returning, but from the looks of it…
His feats meant nothing at all.
Despite not being in his twenties, that person was a star teacher, as well as the senior of the three master teachers….
Exactly what kind of person was this Zhang laoshi?
...
By the time Zhang Xuan woke up, it was already afternoon. Sun Qiang had ordered the servants to prepare some food for him, so after eating well, Zhang Xuan headed for the academy.
Initially, he thought that there wouldn't be anyone since it wasn't time yet, but upon seeing the horde gathered there, he was stunned.
As too many people had pleaded for Zhang Xuan to admit them under his tutelage, Zhang Xuan could only compromise and offhandedly agreed to hold a public lecture.
He thought that only a few people would come; after all, it was just a lecture on the fundamental knowledge of cultivation, and it was only useful for those beneath Zhenqi realm…. Yet, what the hell was with this crowd?
"Excuse me, can you allow me to pass?"
After circling around the dueling ring, he wasn't able to find any openings for him to enter. As a result, he could only pat on the shoulder of a young man.
"Pass? You wish to cut in line? I arrived early in the morning to listen to Zhang laoshi's lesson. Get to the end of the line!"
The young man waved him away impatiently.
The young man was Liu Xun!
Wasn't this fellow too brazen!
He and his sister had been lining up since early morning, and even then, they were only able to squeeze into the outer perimeter. Yet, that fellow was telling him to allow him to pass…. He must be kidding!
Of all the people here, you just had to choose me to give way to you. Are you trying to bully me just because I've just returned?
Furthermore, even if I allow you to pass, how far do you think you can get?
"Get to the back of the line?"
A bizarre expression appeared on Zhang Xuan's face. Where did this fellow pop out from?
"Indeed, if you wanted to get good seats, you should have come earlier. Wanting to cut the line of others after coming at such a time… Brother, let me give you a warning. If you continue to try to squeeze your way in, you'll just be pummeled by the others!" Liu Xun said seriously.
After hearing about the details of Zhang Xuan laoshi from his cousin, Liu Xun's admiration for the former had soared to the high heavens. He finally understood why everyone had rushed here to listen to his lecture.
Putting aside the fact he was the direct disciple of a master teacher whose rank was beyond that of 2-star, the 1-dan Juxi realm students he had groomed from the start of the semester were able to fight squarely against a Pixue realm pinnacle expert just after half a month of lessons…. This was an unimaginable feat! His lecture was indeed worthy of the arrival of all of these experts!
Even if they weren't here to learn, it was a good opportunity for them to get close to him!
If Yang shi were to arrive on the spot personally, everything would be even more perfect.
Honestly speaking, most of these Tongxuan realm experts weren't interested in the lecture. They wanted to use this opportunity to get closer ties with Zhang Xuan and, if possible, strike up a relationship with Yang shi through Zhang Xuan.
After all, the words of a direct disciple were much more authoritative than a mere butler.
"Cough, rest assured. They won't beat me up!" Upon realizing that the fellow didn't recognize him, Zhang Xuan could only shake his head helplessly.
"They won't?" Seeing that the other party didn't believe his words, Liu Xun was displeased. "I don't know where your confidence comes from, but since you said so, I'll allow you to pass then. But if someone does beat you up later on, don't blame me for not warning you!"
"Thank you…"
Upon seeing the young man before him opening up a space for him, he stepped forward. Just when he was about to proceed further ahead, a lady in front seemed to have noticed the commotion behind and turned around.
"Ah, Zhang laoshi. You're here..."
The lady's face flushed in excitement.
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Cangsong Swordsman -> Literally translated to Green Pines. There is an idiom on how pines were green all year long, and it refers to an upright person.
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Chapter 234: Soul Depth Exceeding 3?
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
Zhang Xuan nodded his head and continued proceeding forward.
The voice of the lady was sonorous and attracted the attention of many. The crowd immediately opened up a path for him.
"He, he… is Zhang laoshi?"
Seeing the young man he had just "reprimanded" walking toward the dueling ring, Liu Xun's mouth twitched.
'Didn't you say that Zhang laoshi was nearing his twenties?
'Then why does he look so young…'
More importantly, given how massive the affair was, he should at least wear something more official. To be dressed in everyday attire which probably wasn't even worth a single gold coin….
'Aren't you too laidback!'
When Liu Xun recalled how he lectured the other party for cutting in line, tears threatened to stream down his cheek.
If he wasn't allowed to enter… then what kind of lecture could they hear? The lecture of the wind?
In any case, his embarrassment didn't last for long. Because... Zhang laoshi's lecture had begun.
Transmitting his voice via zhenqi, despite the huge crowd that had gathered here, everyone could hear every single word of his clearly as though it were spoken right next to their ears.
Initially, Liu Xun didn't pay the lecture much heed. After all, he had been listening to a lecture of a master teacher for three years straight. However, as time went by, his face slowly flushed red and a bright gleam twinkled in his eyes. He felt as though every word was a tonic to his body.
Even though Zhang laoshi was only lecturing on the fundamentals of Juxi realm and Dantian realm, his every word was both profound and simple, and his words pointed straight to the essence of cultivating itself. Hearing his words, the zhenqi in one's body would be automatically triggered, and one couldn't help but cultivate along with his words.
After a moment of driving one's zhenqi around one's body, one would feel a comfortable sensation slowly spreading across oneself. Then, the person's cultivation that had been stuck at the same level for an extremely long time would increase slightly.
Even though it was only a slight increase, it was equivalent to several days of hard work.
To think that a lecture on fundamentals could raise one's cultivation….
If not for personally witnessing the sight, no one would think it possible. No other teacher of Hongtian Academy was capable of such a feat.
Astonished, Liu Xun glanced at the others and realized that everyone was immersed in his lecture. Especially for those who were still at Juxi realm like Yu'er, cultivating through the concepts that Zhang Xuan spoke of seemed to have triggered the spiritual energy in the surroundings to gush into them. Every single one of them improved significantly.
There were even a few who were already at the peak of their current realm breaking into the next one.
"This... could this be the Imparting of Heaven's Will spoken of in legends?"
Liu Xun's eyes narrowed and he subconsciously clenched his fists tightly together.
Legend told that when a high-tier master teacher lectured on content which aligned with the essence of cultivation, a special force field would be triggered. Within this force field, the listeners would subconsciously drive the zhenqi in their body according to the method spoken and unknowingly raise their cultivation.
He had heard his teacher speak of this once, but even he was unable to achieve such a feat.
In fact, it was said that even 4-star master teachers would find it hard to achieve such a feat. Yet, a star teacher who wasn't even in his twenties succeeded in doing so?
This…
'Are my eyes playing tricks on me!'
"There's no mistake. Even though this is the most simple form of it, this is Imparting of Heaven's Will."
In a state of disbelief, Liu Ling and the others abruptly stood up. Their eyes narrowed and their white as snow beards trembled.
"Imparting of Heaven's Will isn't a skill accessible to all master teachers. In order to trigger it, one has to fulfill two criteria. First, the content of one's lecture has to dive straight into the essence of cultivation, meaning there mustn't be the slightest error in one's words! Second, the lecturer must possess the State of Insight of Heart of Tranquil Water, and his Soul Depth must be at least 3!"
Zhuang shi's mouth was agape.
Imparting of Heaven's Will was different from bewitching techniques. Rather than bewitching a person to cultivate, it was a result of the lecturer's words being aligned with the very essence of cultivation, thus triggering an intangible force in the world.
The reason why master teachers were so esteemed was because of this ability of theirs.
The heavens seemed to bend to their words, forming order around them.
To trigger Imparting of Heaven's Will, the lecturer needed more than an in-depth knowledge of cultivation. He needed to possess the State of Insight, and his Soul Depth had to reach 3. Otherwise, it was impossible for him to enchant so many people with just his words.
"Could it be that… he has already reached Heart of Tranquil Water, and his Soul Depth… has reached 3?"
The wide-eyed Zheng Fei felt lightheaded.
It was just yesterday that he spoke about Soul Depth to the other party, and it was clear that the other party was completely ignorant of the matter. In the blink of an eye… he achieved a breakthrough, and his Soul Depth even reached 3….
Even though the basic requirement for taking the master teacher examination was 3, not everyone was able to reach such a level upon achieving the State of Insight.
Even when they first reached Heart of Tranquil Water, they were only around 1.5. They had to follow a master teacher and cultivate for several years before they slowly raised it to become qualified to take the master teacher examination.
Yet this fellow only learned about it yesterday, and broke through within the span of a day….
'Do you have to be that fast?
'The breakthroughs of the others were fraught with difficulty, as though ascending a towering mountain, yet yours was as simple as eating and drinking….'
"His Soul Depth has reached 3, and he possesses the skills of a grandmaster painter, and the title of 1-star apothecary. It seems like this senior of ours is already qualified to take the master teacher examination!" Liu Ling said agitated.
Yesterday, he was still thinking that it would take awhile before Zhang Xuan would be qualified to take the master teacher examination. After all, the State of Mind was a difficult hurdle to overcome. It required one accumulate countless experiences before being able to mature to that level. Never in his dreams did he expect that within a single night, not only did Zhang Xuan achieve Heart of Tranquil Water, his Soul Depth was even an astonishing 3.
'What is a genius? This is a genius!'
All of the incredible figures gathered here seemed to pale in comparison.
It was no wonder he became the direct disciple of Yang shi. His talent was truly nothing short of the word phenomenal.
While they were shocked, the crowd in the stands was immersed in the lecture. Unknowingly, time passed swiftly and Zhang Xuan stopped.
"Thank you Zhang laoshi for your guidance!"
Recovering from the unique state, everyone knew that they had benefited greatly from the lecture, and one after another, they knelt to him in gratitude.
From today onward, this Zhang laoshi was half a teacher to them. This relationship was something that would remain in their memory for the rest of their lives.
Otherwise, they would only be spat on by everyone for being ungrateful.
Zhang Xuan didn't expect that the effects of his lecture would be so extensive. This was completely different to how he had lectured Zhao Ya and the others in the past. Nodding his head in satisfaction, he stepped down from the dueling ring. In the next instant, Liu Ling and the others immediately surrounded him.
"Senior, can you allow me… to check your Soul Depth?"
Liu Ling trembled with excitement.
"Soul Depth?"
Not expecting the other party to speak about this matter, embarrassment appeared on Zhang Xuan face. He wanted to disappear into thin air from the shame.
"Forget it, my Soul Depth… is too low. I'd rather not embarrass myself in front of you all…"
If they knew his Soul Depth was 0.1, they would definitely laugh their heads off.
It was better for him to not humiliate himself.
"Too low?"
The three master teachers swayed. A Soul Depth beyond 3 was low?
'Furthermore, what's with your embarrassed expression?
'Do you think that your Soul Depth of 3 isn't worth mentioning?'
'The heck, any other master teacher apprentice would leap for joy if their Soul Depth turned out to be above 3. They would think they were a genius who only appeared once in a century and brag about it everywhere they went such that the entire world would know. Yet you are embarrassed….
'Senior, aren't you being too ambitious!'
"To be able to induce Imparting of Heaven's Will, your State of Insight Soul Depth must be at least 3. If possible, I would like to see… the value of Senior's Soul Depth!" Liu Ling commented, stifling the urge to spew blood.
"What is Imparting of Heaven's Will?" Zhang Xuan blinked several times confused.
Staggering, Liu Ling and the others were on the verge of tears.
Truly, one man shouldn't be compared to another.
Despite an entire lifetime of hard work, they were unable to induce Imparting of Heaven's Will a single time. Yet this fellow had induced it unknowingly….
Stifling the sensation in his chest, Zhuang Xian started explaining about it to Zhang Xuan. The eyes of the young man before them slowly widened in disbelief.
"You're saying that… my Soul Depth is at least 3?"
Zhang Xuan was dumbfounded.
When he tested his Soul Depth yesterday, it was only 0.1. Why would he suddenly possess a Soul Depth above 3?
"Indeed, Senior. Have you not tested your Soul Depth after achieving Heart of Tranquil Water?"
Seeing the bewildered expression on their senior's face, Liu Ling and the others were speechless.
Other people would be giving their all to brag about their successful breakthrough, yet this fellow was completely oblivious to it.
'Aren't you keeping too low a profile!'
'Could it be… the golden page?'
Ignoring their looks of admiration, a thought suddenly popped into Zhang Xuan's mind.
Yesterday, the golden page has disappeared mysteriously. Could it be that… it had raised his Soul Depth without him knowing?
This possibility was extremely high.
After all, it was the Book of Heaven's Path. Since it could even assimilate the vast knowledge contained in the library into Zhang Xuan's mind, raising Zhang Xuan's Soul Depth shouldn't be an issue.
As he thought this, he saw the looks of anticipation on the faces of the master teachers. So, with a flick of his wrist, he took out a Stone of Insight.
Entering the Heart of Tranquil Water.
Weng!
Numbers appeared on the jade.
Before he could even see it, Liu Ling and the others stared at him stupefied, as though they were staring at a monster.
"Senior, your… your Soul Depth…"
The three master teachers convulsed as though they were experiencing strokes.
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Chapter 235: Xuanluo Mountain Range
Translator: StarveCleric Editor: - -
"Why?"
Upon seeing their stupefied expressions, Zhang Xuan immediately lowered his head to take a look. With a single glance, he froze as well.
Vivid numbers appeared on the jade: 5.1.
"5.1?"
Zhang Xuan finally understood the trauma the three master teachers were going through. Even he was feeling lightheaded with shock at this moment.
He had tested it many times yesterday, and the highest he had ever reached was 0.1. Why did it suddenly soar to 5.1?
Could it be…
"That golden page has raised my Soul Depth by… 5.0?"
Zhang Xuan's mouth twitched.
His eyeballs were about to pop out onto the ground.
He knew that the Book of Heaven's Path was incredible, but he couldn't have dreamt that it would be this amazing!
What Soul Depth cultivation technique or Enlightenment Jade? They were all useless before it.
Raising a person's Soul Depth by 5.0 in an instant….
Anyone who heard of it would die from shock.
"Having a Soul Depth of 3 qualifies you to take the 1-star master teacher examination. When it reaches 6, you can take the 2-star master teacher examination…. To possess a Soul Depth of 5.1 the moment you reach Heart of Tranquil Water, with a good Soul Depth cultivation technique, you will be eligible to take the 2-star master teacher examination in just a few years!"
Recovering from their shock, the faces of Liu Ling and the others flushed in agitation.
When they had just reached Heart of Tranquil Water, their Soul Depth was only 1.5. Yet this fellow before their eyes had a staggering 5.1 Soul Depth. With his talent, as long as he cultivated diligently, he would surpass them in just a few years' time. In fact, it was highly likely he would be able to become a 2-star master teacher before them.
Indeed, one shouldn't compare geniuses with ordinary cultivators.
"Teacher!"
All of the sudden, Lu Xun walked through the crowd and up to them.
He didn't attend Zhang Xuan's lecture previously because he was on the verge of achieving a breakthrough and had to focus all of his attention into the matter.
"How are things?"
Upon seeing his appearance, Liu Ling and the others immediately turned their attention to him.
"Teacher told me yesterday that my competitive nature and excessive concern over climbing out of my father's shadow has impeded me from reaching Heart of Tranquil Water. After contemplation, I came to a realization and made up with my father. After that, my State of Mind started to rise slowly, and eventually… I managed to achieve a breakthrough!"
Lu Xun seemed to have recovered his confidence.
All along, his State of Mind had been stuck in a bottleneck, and for some reason unknown to him, he wasn't able to reach Heart of Tranquil Water no matter how hard he tried. Initially, he attributed it to his lack of experience, but after Liu shi's guidance, he realized that it was due to his obstinacy.
He couldn't have imagined that it was his stiff relationship with his father that had stopped him from reaching higher heights.
Reaching Heart of Tranquil Water in his twenties… He probably broke the record of Tianxuan Kingdom!
All along the way, he was firmly restrained by Zhang Xuan on all aspects, be it his cultivation, Way of Tea, or painting. Now that he had beat him in achieving Heart of Tranquil Water first, he finally felt his confidence returning to him!
Standing ramrod straight, Lu Xun wore a gentle smile.
"Have you checked it yet? What's your Soul Depth?" Hearing that he had achieved a breakthrough, Liu Ling was delighted and hurriedly asked him on that matter.
"I've already checked it!" Lu Xun chuckled softly. The exhilaration in his eyes was hard to conceal. "Teacher said that if one achieves a Soul Depth exceeding that of 1.0 upon reaching Heart of Tranquil Water, there is a 50% chance of him becoming a master teacher in the future. If it reaches 1.5, there is a 70% chance of him becoming a master teacher. My Soul Depth is…"
After pausing for a moment, he scanned their faces before revealing, "1.8!"
Placing his hands behind his back, Lu Xun excitedly waited for the astonished looks on the three master teachers' faces. After all, his Soul Depth was higher than the three master teachers when they were younger.
Yet, contrary to their expectations, they only replied with an "oh!" and turned their attention back to Zhang Xuan. Excitement could clearly be seen on their faces as they gazed at him intently.
Upon seeing him being sidelined despite his outstanding results, Lu Xun felt dismayed.
Logically speaking, shouldn't they rush up excitedly to gather around him upon hearing of his achievement and compliment him profusely?
Why were they gathering around Zhang laoshi instead?
Perplexed, he turned to look at Zhang Xuan and saw the Stone of Insight in his hand. With a single glance, he froze.
"5.1?"
Upon seeing the number, Lu Xun convulsed violently and tears spilled forth from his eyes.
The heck, aren't I embarrassing myself by coming to brag in front of you….
To think that I was gleeful for so long over this matter….
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Xuanluo Mountain Range was a vast mountainous region. Countless trees towered and savage beasts roamed freely amid them. Without sufficient strength, it was hard to travel through the mountain range.
"I've been on this road once and it's well hidden. If you miss the turn and get lost, it will be difficult for you to find your way out of the forest!" Shen Bi Ru said with a smile as she led the way.
Zhang Xuan followed closely behind her.
After Zhang Xuan was done with the public lecture, he entrusted Zhao Ya and the others to the three master teachers and requested that they help him take them to Tianwu Royal City. Then, without much hesitation, he entered the Xuanluo Mountain Range along with Shen Bi Ru to look for the Beast Hall.
Savage beasts ran wild here; flora and fauna covered the paths. If not for Shen Bi Ru, Zhang Xuan thought that he would probably have lost his way and ended up wandering around the mountains.
After three days of traveling, the two of them felt slightly drained.
"Isn't the Beast Hall hidden too deep in the mountain range? How do they survive like that?" Zhang Xuan asked curiously.
Humans have many needs, such as socializing, food, medicine, and many other kinds of resources. Given how deep into the wilderness the Beast Hall was, it was inconvenient for them to purchase anything!
"There are aerial savage beasts in the Beast Hall. They could easily travel the distance we covered in three days in just an hour on their beast mounts." Shen Bi Ru shook her head.
When she first followed someone else to the Beast Hall, the same question appeared in her head as well. Only after her arrival did she realize how ridiculous her concerns were.
"Besides, when you reach the Beast Hall, you will realize that it isn't too far from Beiwu Kingdom and Hanwu Kingdom. There are many people who travel to and from the Beast Hall every day, so they never suffer a shortage of resources," Shen Bi Ru continued.
In the past few days, Zhang Xuan had studied the maps of Tianxuan Kingdom and the other surrounding kingdoms in the atlas from the Kingdom's Book Collection Vault, and he realized that they weren't too far from one another. If not for the presence of the Xuanluo Mountain Range serving as a natural blockade, Tianxuan Kingdom would have long descended into chaos.
"Given the numerous savage beasts in Xuanluo Mountain, why don't the cultivators just tame one or two of them? Why do they have to go to the Beast Hall?"
There were numerous savage beasts in the mountain range and the two of them had already met with several waves in the past three days. It was fortunate that Zhang Xuan was a Tongxuan realm pinnacle expert, allowing him to defeat them easily.
Since there were so many savage beasts in the mountains, the cultivators could just tame one or two for their own usage. Why did they have to go through the trouble of heading to the Beast Hall?
"I thought the same as well. Putting aside how the wild nature of the savage beasts make it hard to tame them, we haven't met a single aerial savage beast that could transport a human throughout our journey!" Shen Bi Ru chuckled lightly.
Zhang Xuan hesitated for a moment before nodding his head.
For an aerial savage beast to transport a human, it had to be significantly larger than a human. Although they had met with numerous savage beasts in the past three days of their journey, they were mostly land-bound. As for the aerial savage beasts they chanced by, all of them were small in stature.
"Putting aside how rare these aerial savage beasts are, they are capable of escaping into the air if they find themselves at a disadvantage. As such, it isn't easy to catch hold of them! Of course, this isn't the most important factor. If you use strength to force it to submit, it is possible for it to feign obedience and sabotage you while you are riding it in the air. If so, aren't you putting yourself at risk?" Shen Bi Ru explained.
"This…"
Zhang Xuan cowered.
If an aerial savage beast pretended to submit to a human and allow the person to ride it, it could simply flip in midair and the person would be a goner.
"The reason why beast tamers are respected and why the occupation ranks among the top of the Upper Nine Paths is because they can ensure guaranteed obedience from a savage beast, preventing such a situation from occurring. Otherwise, if a savage beast reneged on its words, it could prove dangerous."
Even a Zongshi realm expert would be doomed if it fell from a high altitude.
As a result, if one didn't possess the handling of a beast tamer, it was best for one to avoid taming an aerial savage beast. Even if one were to successfully tame one, if it intended to harm said person, that person would be doomed.
"Just like master teachers, there are different tiers to a beast tamer. The higher the rank of a beast tamer, the stronger the savage beasts they can tame. Also, before becoming an official beast tamer, one has to be an apprentice beast tamer first." Shen Bi Ru explained, seeing Zhang Xuan's lack of knowledge in the field.
"Actually, Han Qiong is an apprentice beast tamer, that's why she has some connections with the Beast Hall. The last time I came here was actually with her."
"Mhm!" Zhang Xuan replied.
There wasn't much information on the Beast Hall in the kingdom's Book Collection Vault, but general knowledge was still in there.
Actually, an apprentice beast tamer was similar to an apprentice apothecary in the sense that the latter had to study the medicinal properties of various herbs whereas the former had to study the various types of savage beasts that existed in the world, their offensive abilities, habits….
Only after obtaining an in-depth knowledge about the savage beasts would one have an opportunity to tame one.
Otherwise, one might just die from underestimating the strength of a savage beast, let alone taming it.
Most of the aggressive savage beasts tended to view humans with hostility.
"Let's hurry. We're just a day's journey away from the Beast Hall!"
After exchanging a few lines, Shen Bi Ru giggled and the two proceeded onward. Before they could walk far, they heard the rustling of bushes in front of them.
Taking a closer look, it was a group of humans.
There were roughly seven or eight people squatted in a circle, seemingly discussing something. Most of them were Pixue realm, and only a twenty-seven-year-old or so young man was at Dingli realm pinnacle.
Despite being the weakest of the group, he seemed to be their leader. Every single movement of his felt grand.
"Who's there?"
Since Zhang Xuan and Shen Bi Ru didn't try to hide their presence at all, the other party also noticed them as well. Bellowing, they immediately drew their weapons.
Now that they were close to the Beast Hall, it wasn't surprising for them to meet other travelers. As a result, Shen Bi Ru didn't panic. Stepping forward, she said, "We came from Tianxuan Kingdom and we're on our way to the Beast Hall. We just happened to pass by this area."
"You two are going to the Beast Hall?"
Upon seeing the beautiful Shen Bi Ru, the young man's eyes immediately lit up.
Given Shen Bi Ru's reputation as the number one beauty of Hongtian Academy, her looks were nothing to complain about. Even though spending the past three days in the wild had made her look slightly unkempt, her beauty still shone through.
"We are also going to return to the Beast Hall soon after dealing with a problem. As long as you don't bother us, we can bring you two along with us!"
The young man extended his invitation.
"There's no need for that. We can head there by ourselves!"
Shen Bi Ru shook her head and proceeded forward along with Zhang Xuan.
"Hold it right there! You two can't walk through here!"
They had barely walked two steps forward when the others bellowed in unison at them. Hualala, the clanging of weapons being drawn resounded in the air.